Fabulous reads – Deadly novel will have you hooked
Book review - Riverkeep by Martin Stewart.
Riverkeep, Martin Stewart, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9780141362038
In his debut novel, Stewart has written what I can best describe as a bittersweet coming-of-age adventure.
The protagonist, Wull, is about to take over his birthright.
Soon, too soon in fact. His 16th birthday is in a week and then he will become the Riverkeep, a title and position his father is only too proud to pass to his son.
When he takes up the post he will be tasked with cleaning the river of ice and trees – and the occasional corpse – to ensure boats can pass freely.
Wull is hesitant about taking up his family’s legacy as he wants more from life.
Then his pappa is pulled into the river and comes out possessed by a demon, commonly known as a bohdan.
Wull is frantic to save him and on the whisper of a rumour, he sets off down the darkest depths of the unexplored river to find a cure for his beloved father.
Along the way he encounters people, monsters of all shapes and sizes, magic, mystery and adventure.
The novel is set in a creative world of magic and alchemy and Wull is tested over and over again as he tackles the deadly mission to bring his dad back to the land of the living.
He finds bravery and courage in the darkest of times and learns the lessons of life and loss.
It is such a sweet story of growing up and acceptance.
A solid young adult read.
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