The Rise of Riverstone by Mandy Schimelpfenig: A Book Review
Genre: Fantasy
Schimelphenig delivers an epic story in her debut novel, The Rise of Riverstone. Centered around the eldest daughter of noble family, Schimelphenig rips our heroine, Laria, out of her home to watch her world go up in flames. Forced to serve for the family responsible, Laria pretends to be mute and deaf in order to survive. When one of her enemies asks for her help, Laria learns that one of the only people that can make change happen is her. Through it all, though, Laria must face certain cruelty, the truth about ignorance and other’s motives, and the idea of belonging itself. (I’m sorry Rhysand, Risteard has my heart now.) Reminding me of Merida from the Disney movie Brave, Laria fights for what she believes in the only way she can – by calling others to stand with her. While knowing Risteard will fight for her, Laria also acknowledges her own faults, needs, and abilities – meaning she doesn’t need saving (at least all the time).
My only wish would be that Schimelpfenig had drawn out the ending a little more. All this work for a revolution and there is not even a whole scale battle. What we, as the readers, have waited for since the beginning of the story is over in one (maybe two) chapters. Afterwards, Schimelphenig rushes through fixing the kingdom as it seems like all problems are solved in a few days. I also wish Schimelpfenig would have shown Risteard and Laria more openly at the end – just to give us more sight into the relationship evolving.
Who would most enjoy the work and who should stay clear (if necessary):
While I do think most fantasy lovers would enjoy this book, please be aware that there are references and scenes of sexual abuse, graphic details of deaths and bodies, as well as pure brutal abuse. This work is not for those that are quesy as the talk of blood or graphic imaging.
I will say though that most instances where sexual activity is heavily implied to be happening is clean.
Other books like the one reviewed:
A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
| Plot: | 10 / 10 |
| Characters: | 10 / 10 |
| Writing: | 10 / 10 |
| Editor: | 10 / 10 |
| Total | 40 / 40 |
Title: The Rise of Riverstone
Author: Mandy Schimelpfenig
Edition: Paperback
Published: November 21, 2021
Publisher: Independent
ISBN: 9781737669609
If you want to get it: Amazon; Barnes&Noble
Rosey Reviews 