Jane Alvey Harris

Fantasy and magical realism are both genres that I enjoy so this clever mix of both was absolutely captivating.

Emily feels as if she’s losing her mind. When markings start to appear in her skin, she doesn’t know what to think or do. She tries to go about life as normal but as more things appear, she realizes she can’t ignore it. As she’s slowly plunged into a fantasy world, she realizes she has power. And she’s determined to learn how to use it to protect those closest to her.

Once I started listening to this book, it was very hard to stop. I tried to listen to the entire thing in one sitting because it was just that good. The characters were immersive and so was the worldbuilding. Beautiful blend of suspense of drama.

It’s always interesting to listen to audiobooks narrated by the author themselves. Jane did a fantastic job of bringing her characters to life, giving them a depth not possible by reading alone.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
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Riven by Jane Alvey Harris⁠
5⭐⁠
This book is disastrously beautiful and magical. A dark fantasy YA read that gave me strong Labyrinth vibes, and the main character Emily also reminded me a little of Clary in The Mortal Instruments. This book is going to take you on a trip!⁠
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Seventeen year old Emily is on the brink of adulthood. In most ways she has already left her childhood behind her, as she cares for her siblings alone- her father is jailed for fraud and her mother is bedridden with an assortment of causes. However Emily hangs on her childlike hope to keep her siblings together forever, safe and happy, unchanging. ⁠
Change is imminent, and it coming whether Emily wants it to or not. Strange things are happening, starting with runes carved in her arm. Suddenly the faerytales she invented long past as stories to her siblings are coming to life, and they need her more than ever. Emily needs to help the Fae in the battle to return to their realm- but Emilys own world is falling apart as her mother declines and her fathers release from prison sends her into a downward spiral. She is exhausted and self medicating, how can she fights battles in two worlds, one with thousands of lives at stake, but fantasy- and her reality, which could cost her family?⁠
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This is a dark but beautiful YA fantasy. I was able to picture this story so vividly in my mind, the author did an astounding job of world building in a very complex story where the lines were often blurred. I felt I was with the main character every step of the way and it was truly magical. I am overjoyed to say this is part of a trilogy and the second book is out now!⁠

Content warnings as mentioned in the synopsis, if that's not for you then I wouldn't recommend this story as its very involved, however I am one who enjoys real and hard topics especially when the are wrapped in a beautiful fantasy as this was.
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A big thank you to @film.14 for hosting a giveaway where I won this signed copy!… (más)