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The Silver Mountain #1
Bridge of the Gods
Twelve-year-old Chloe Ashton is an only child living in the remote wilderness of Oregon. She spends her days happily exploring the forests around her home, and is astonished to find the animals seem to know her, to follow her, and even try to speak to her. When a family tragedy results in Chloe's abduction and sale to the vagabonds, she is taken deeper into the woods, and finds out just how much the animals know. Set at a time when technology is first touching the west, there is an evil rising in the land. The country is under attack, and all creatures, man and beast, must hide. The old legends speak of an ancient, natural magic deep within the mountains and rivers, and as Chloe struggles to survive, she finds that it still exists deep within the forests. Friendship can be found even in the darkest of places, and it doesn't always come in human form. Bridge of the Gods is a novel for all ages about the magical power of nature, and of finding friendship in the darkest of places.
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2017
About the author
Diane Rios
2 books46 followers2017 Moonbeam Children's Book Award-winning author Diane Rios lives and writes in Portland, Oregon. Her passion for the state's forests and coastline stem from her own childhood spent living in the woods and on the road with her artisan parents.
Real-life Oregon places mix with fantasy in her debut novel "Bridge of the Gods", Book One in the Silver Mountain Series, which was named a Finalist in the 2017 Best Book Awards for Children's Fiction, and was a finalist for an OREGON BOOK AWARD in Children's Literature. And it was just announced that "Bridge of the Gods" has been shortlisted for the 2019 Chanticleer Gertrude Warner International Book Award for Middle Readers.
Diane has been published as illustrator for Gayle Forman’s 2006 travel diary "You Can’t Get There from Here" on Rodale Press, and wrote and illustrated the whimsical picture book about a dog who wants to be a photographer in "Dizzy’s Dream", available on Blurb.com. A long-time writer and blogger, Rios worked for three years at Powell’s Books in downtown Portland, where she “greatly increased her personal collection of middle readers” and was inspired to write this series.
Book 2 of the series - "Return of the Evening Star" is available for pre-order now on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats, and will be published June 4th, 2019.
"Bridge of the Gods" has gotten stellar reviews from Kirkus, the School Library Journal, and has been featured in PopSugar's roundup of "Top Middle Grade and YA Novels of the Summer", BuzzFeed's "Five Reads To Send You Back To School", and Working Mother's "17 End-of-Summer Books To Read While You Still Can".
Real-life Oregon places mix with fantasy in her debut novel "Bridge of the Gods", Book One in the Silver Mountain Series, which was named a Finalist in the 2017 Best Book Awards for Children's Fiction, and was a finalist for an OREGON BOOK AWARD in Children's Literature. And it was just announced that "Bridge of the Gods" has been shortlisted for the 2019 Chanticleer Gertrude Warner International Book Award for Middle Readers.
Diane has been published as illustrator for Gayle Forman’s 2006 travel diary "You Can’t Get There from Here" on Rodale Press, and wrote and illustrated the whimsical picture book about a dog who wants to be a photographer in "Dizzy’s Dream", available on Blurb.com. A long-time writer and blogger, Rios worked for three years at Powell’s Books in downtown Portland, where she “greatly increased her personal collection of middle readers” and was inspired to write this series.
Book 2 of the series - "Return of the Evening Star" is available for pre-order now on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats, and will be published June 4th, 2019.
"Bridge of the Gods" has gotten stellar reviews from Kirkus, the School Library Journal, and has been featured in PopSugar's roundup of "Top Middle Grade and YA Novels of the Summer", BuzzFeed's "Five Reads To Send You Back To School", and Working Mother's "17 End-of-Summer Books To Read While You Still Can".
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 15, 2017
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (very age appropriate, but sometimes the story is a little heavy at times).
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Chloe Ashton is an only child living in the remote wilderness of Oregon. She spends her days happily exploring the forests around her home, and is astonished to find the animals seem to know her, to follow her, and even try to speak to her. When a family tragedy results in Chloe's abduction and sale to the vagabonds, she is taken deeper into the woods, and finds out just how much the animals know.
Set at a time when technology is first touching the west, there is an evil rising in the land. The country is under attack, and all creatures, man and beast, must hide. The old legends speak of an ancient, natural magic deep within the mountains and rivers, and as Chloe struggles to survive, she finds that it still exists deep within the forests. Friendship can be found even in the darkest of places, and it doesn't always come in human form.
Bridge of the Gods is a novel for all ages about the magical power of nature, and of finding friendship in the darkest of places. - Amazon.com
When did we stop putting illustrations in books? When did we stop believing in things that live beyond the tree line of our yards? And when did we stop wishing for a big adventure into the unknown? These are some of the thoughts I had while reading this wonderful book! The first in its series, this book focuses on a young girl named Chloe who, in the wake of a tragedy and a kidnapping, finds things that she only thought existed in books. The book is absolutely extraordinary. The characters and creatures in this book come alive not only through the illustrations but through the vivid story telling the author excels at. The plot development is amazingly well done as well and the pacing is on-point. The book is basically an English teacher’s ideal book for teaching students how different devices can come together to make a beautiful story.
My only sole complaints of the book is that it ended on a cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the next book. I also felt that the way that humans were described in this book might make some people upset because the book is very focused on nature and the beauty of it. Humans in this book are the villains and because it’s a children’s book the adult characters are a bit unrealistic.
Verdict: A definite must read for any middle grader, anyone who wants to study English writing devices, or anyone who wants to enjoy a simply pure and beautiful tale about what lies in the woods. The book is also inspirational in how Chloe handles the issues that come into her life and is able to make friends wherever she is. Definitely a must read for any child and a recommended for any adult fantasy lover.
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (very age appropriate, but sometimes the story is a little heavy at times).
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
Twelve-year-old Chloe Ashton is an only child living in the remote wilderness of Oregon. She spends her days happily exploring the forests around her home, and is astonished to find the animals seem to know her, to follow her, and even try to speak to her. When a family tragedy results in Chloe's abduction and sale to the vagabonds, she is taken deeper into the woods, and finds out just how much the animals know.
Set at a time when technology is first touching the west, there is an evil rising in the land. The country is under attack, and all creatures, man and beast, must hide. The old legends speak of an ancient, natural magic deep within the mountains and rivers, and as Chloe struggles to survive, she finds that it still exists deep within the forests. Friendship can be found even in the darkest of places, and it doesn't always come in human form.
Bridge of the Gods is a novel for all ages about the magical power of nature, and of finding friendship in the darkest of places. - Amazon.com
When did we stop putting illustrations in books? When did we stop believing in things that live beyond the tree line of our yards? And when did we stop wishing for a big adventure into the unknown? These are some of the thoughts I had while reading this wonderful book! The first in its series, this book focuses on a young girl named Chloe who, in the wake of a tragedy and a kidnapping, finds things that she only thought existed in books. The book is absolutely extraordinary. The characters and creatures in this book come alive not only through the illustrations but through the vivid story telling the author excels at. The plot development is amazingly well done as well and the pacing is on-point. The book is basically an English teacher’s ideal book for teaching students how different devices can come together to make a beautiful story.
My only sole complaints of the book is that it ended on a cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the next book. I also felt that the way that humans were described in this book might make some people upset because the book is very focused on nature and the beauty of it. Humans in this book are the villains and because it’s a children’s book the adult characters are a bit unrealistic.
Verdict: A definite must read for any middle grader, anyone who wants to study English writing devices, or anyone who wants to enjoy a simply pure and beautiful tale about what lies in the woods. The book is also inspirational in how Chloe handles the issues that come into her life and is able to make friends wherever she is. Definitely a must read for any child and a recommended for any adult fantasy lover.
August 31, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Chloe Ashton is 12 years old, and lives in Oregon. She loves to play in the forests near her home. The animals seem to know her. Then 1 day she is kidnapped and taken deeper in the woods then she had ever been. Chloe needs the help of the animals to save herself.
Chloe Ashton is 12 years old, and lives in Oregon. She loves to play in the forests near her home. The animals seem to know her. Then 1 day she is kidnapped and taken deeper in the woods then she had ever been. Chloe needs the help of the animals to save herself.
July 13, 2017
I really hate Ms. Rios right now because I got sucked into her book with its mysterious plot line and OF COURSE it’s only the first book and ends without any answers so you’ll read the sequel which I really want to now and patience is NOT one of my virtues!
Rios knows how to write beautiful and vivid imagery that creates these moving paintings before your mind’s eye. She gives human personification to normally inanimate objects using lyrical descriptions all the while providing a wonderful lesson on anger and its consequences when left unchecked. That is just in the prologue. Throughout the book are really cute illustrations that seem to mimic the innocence of her protagonist Chloe.
This novel is very centered on nature, symbiotic relationships with animals, friendship, family, and finding courage in the face of fear, uncertainty, and injustice.
I loved the forest settings as they felt so real I wanted to journey through them myself to experience what Chloe did. The animal friends she made which could talk just like something out of a C.S. Lewis novel were wonderful characters and added a charming depth to her story.
Her plot devices often reminded me of stories from Native American histories and mythologies. Particularly the idea of new types of people moving into an area only to displace the original inhabitants and making their culture appear strange and frightening instead of rich and educational.
Her character work will definitely make you either love or hate people. Chloe in particular is such a wonderful little girl, she’s the type of kid I would encourage my daughters to be friends with and to explore the world alongside.
Laced through all of this is an intriguing puzzle about a hospital, mysterious ambulance, ethically challenged medical workers, inept law enforcement and unconscious patients.
Rios knows how to write beautiful and vivid imagery that creates these moving paintings before your mind’s eye. She gives human personification to normally inanimate objects using lyrical descriptions all the while providing a wonderful lesson on anger and its consequences when left unchecked. That is just in the prologue. Throughout the book are really cute illustrations that seem to mimic the innocence of her protagonist Chloe.
This novel is very centered on nature, symbiotic relationships with animals, friendship, family, and finding courage in the face of fear, uncertainty, and injustice.
I loved the forest settings as they felt so real I wanted to journey through them myself to experience what Chloe did. The animal friends she made which could talk just like something out of a C.S. Lewis novel were wonderful characters and added a charming depth to her story.
Her plot devices often reminded me of stories from Native American histories and mythologies. Particularly the idea of new types of people moving into an area only to displace the original inhabitants and making their culture appear strange and frightening instead of rich and educational.
Her character work will definitely make you either love or hate people. Chloe in particular is such a wonderful little girl, she’s the type of kid I would encourage my daughters to be friends with and to explore the world alongside.
Laced through all of this is an intriguing puzzle about a hospital, mysterious ambulance, ethically challenged medical workers, inept law enforcement and unconscious patients.
November 24, 2017
This book was absolutely fantastic.
In a Middle Reader/YA landscape dominated by dystopian post-apocalyptic futures, sullen paranormal romances, and teenagers that read like 30-year-olds, Bridge of the Gods is a welcome breath of fresh air -- both figuratively and literally, given the amount of time the book spends outside in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. It's a historical novel, set in Oregon in the early 1900s; but it's also a wonderful fantasy tale, with a main character discovering a hidden magic that resides throughout the natural world around her. At its heart, this novel is a return to the children's adventure stories of the late-19th and early-20th centuries, but with some touches of JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling tossed in for a little something extra.
And the best part of this book is the main character: Chloe Ashton is a smart, determined young girl who continually tries to find her way out of whatever undesirable circumstance she may get placed in to. Rios allows Chloe to be innocent, but she is never naïve; Chloe does her best to remain positive throughout, but she is never pollyannaish.
If you're looking for a charming children's adventure story with a great female protagonist, I really can't recommend this book highly enough. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.
In a Middle Reader/YA landscape dominated by dystopian post-apocalyptic futures, sullen paranormal romances, and teenagers that read like 30-year-olds, Bridge of the Gods is a welcome breath of fresh air -- both figuratively and literally, given the amount of time the book spends outside in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. It's a historical novel, set in Oregon in the early 1900s; but it's also a wonderful fantasy tale, with a main character discovering a hidden magic that resides throughout the natural world around her. At its heart, this novel is a return to the children's adventure stories of the late-19th and early-20th centuries, but with some touches of JRR Tolkien and JK Rowling tossed in for a little something extra.
And the best part of this book is the main character: Chloe Ashton is a smart, determined young girl who continually tries to find her way out of whatever undesirable circumstance she may get placed in to. Rios allows Chloe to be innocent, but she is never naïve; Chloe does her best to remain positive throughout, but she is never pollyannaish.
If you're looking for a charming children's adventure story with a great female protagonist, I really can't recommend this book highly enough. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.
August 1, 2017
Good story
November 5, 2017
I can't gush too much because Diane is a former roommate of mine and someone for whom I wish fantastic success. That said, and in all honesty, I really enjoyed her first book. My only complaint is that I wanted to see more of her drawings throughout.
Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, and knowing the author, I couldn't help but play the game of trying to work out where, and who, inspired and informed different elements of the book. I am not remotely surprised that the authors deep love of animals threads it's way throughout this entire book, and her love of the literature of her youth shines through every page. I will say, without much fear of correction, that I am absolutely certain from whence in memory the Cobbly Fair (and its troupe of jugglers) come, having visited the place, and seen those jugglers, myself many times ;)
Great work, Diane! I look forward to the next book!
Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, and knowing the author, I couldn't help but play the game of trying to work out where, and who, inspired and informed different elements of the book. I am not remotely surprised that the authors deep love of animals threads it's way throughout this entire book, and her love of the literature of her youth shines through every page. I will say, without much fear of correction, that I am absolutely certain from whence in memory the Cobbly Fair (and its troupe of jugglers) come, having visited the place, and seen those jugglers, myself many times ;)
Great work, Diane! I look forward to the next book!
June 14, 2019
It’s been a while since I have read such a wholesome, magical book that just gives you that certain peace inside of you. Diane Rios is the new C.S. Lewis in my eyes. As i was reading about this sweet natured child Chloe and her ability to communicate with nature and animals I got that feeling the first time I read The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe, or when I first watched A Little Princess. I don’t want to give much away but the adventure she was on from the death of a beloved parent to the arrival of a menacing relative, I was hooked. Maybe it’s because the books I’ve been reading for a while were so serious in nature or maybe it was the nostalgia of my childhood that I didn’t know I sought - this book satisfied the child within me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2021
I have Diane for most of her life and yet didn't know until recently that she was an amazing writer and now author. The Bridge of the Gods is so imaginative and yet anchored in how a young girl might experience the good and the bad in the world. I can't imagine a middle-grade reader not devouring this book and Book Two - so captivating and charming. A must read - for anyone!
October 14, 2017
A must read for fun, fantasy and beautiful descriptions of the land and the animals Chloe comes to love. A journey of mystery, fear, frolic and enchantment. Can't wait for book 2.
June 19, 2019
Originally reviewed on Cyn's Workshop
What an extraordinary tale fit for readers of all ages. Following the adventures of young Chloe Ashton, a young girl who loves to explore with a loving family and household, her world is turned upside down with the death of her father. Things get even worse for her when her uncle comes around, greedy for her inheritance, and sells her off, sending her far away from home.
It is a journey for Chloe who is seeing the dark side of the world, and yet, she does not falter, she finds hope in the small things around her, in her little mouse friend, and in the goodness of the few people she meets who are eager to help her. That makes for a great story because Chloe’s strength and charisma make her a protagonist worth following. Moreover, she is not the only one. The novel goes beyond the scope of her POV to follow minor characters all around, from wild animals to people she stumbled upon, everyone is eager to help her, but they also have their own little stories going on. The narrative does not feel cluttered because of this, nor does the focus of the story feel inconsistent. Rios finds a way to meld everything together in a way to make the story as vivid as possible without losing focus of the underlining plot.
Another bit of wonder with the story is how it opens. The folklore, in the beginning, brings to life the mysticism and mythology of the story to give life to the magic that later follows in the novel. There is wonder there that makes the novel an incredible read. That magic lives in nature, and the wildlife gives the reader great respect for both, and it also sends an important message to young readers. A novel such as this is essential in today’s age where technology seems to govern over everyone, especially the young. Nature is getting forgotten, and so is wildlife, but this novel highlights the beauty of both. It challenges the danger of industrialization for the sake of it, and the harm it can incur to the innocent.
The novel has such a broad scope to it, yet it does not come off that way. The story flows and grows wonderfully as it tells the story and follows Chloe and her friends around on their adventures that will, no doubt, bring them all together again. It is a story fit for all ages and a great one for parents to share with their children. (★★★★☆)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
What an extraordinary tale fit for readers of all ages. Following the adventures of young Chloe Ashton, a young girl who loves to explore with a loving family and household, her world is turned upside down with the death of her father. Things get even worse for her when her uncle comes around, greedy for her inheritance, and sells her off, sending her far away from home.
It is a journey for Chloe who is seeing the dark side of the world, and yet, she does not falter, she finds hope in the small things around her, in her little mouse friend, and in the goodness of the few people she meets who are eager to help her. That makes for a great story because Chloe’s strength and charisma make her a protagonist worth following. Moreover, she is not the only one. The novel goes beyond the scope of her POV to follow minor characters all around, from wild animals to people she stumbled upon, everyone is eager to help her, but they also have their own little stories going on. The narrative does not feel cluttered because of this, nor does the focus of the story feel inconsistent. Rios finds a way to meld everything together in a way to make the story as vivid as possible without losing focus of the underlining plot.
Another bit of wonder with the story is how it opens. The folklore, in the beginning, brings to life the mysticism and mythology of the story to give life to the magic that later follows in the novel. There is wonder there that makes the novel an incredible read. That magic lives in nature, and the wildlife gives the reader great respect for both, and it also sends an important message to young readers. A novel such as this is essential in today’s age where technology seems to govern over everyone, especially the young. Nature is getting forgotten, and so is wildlife, but this novel highlights the beauty of both. It challenges the danger of industrialization for the sake of it, and the harm it can incur to the innocent.
The novel has such a broad scope to it, yet it does not come off that way. The story flows and grows wonderfully as it tells the story and follows Chloe and her friends around on their adventures that will, no doubt, bring them all together again. It is a story fit for all ages and a great one for parents to share with their children. (★★★★☆)
See more reviews at Cyn's Workshop and follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | | Goodreads+ | LinkedIn
December 4, 2017
I received this book from #kidlitexchange to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟Bridge of the Gods (The Silver Mountain Series Book One) by Diane Rios takes 12 year old Chole on an adventure with talking creatures on a journey she was forced to take from her almost perfect life. After her father's death and disappearance of her mother Chloe is taken to vagabonds by her scheming Uncle in hopes for money. She struggles to survive in the wilderness among creatures and thieves on her way back to Fairfax. But to Chloe's surprise there are secrets to be discovered as strong friendship bonds are created even on her path back home. Rios describes in the most elegant detail the scenes in the mountains and forest as Chloe travels from place to place. Beautiful mountain scenes are drawn page after page in this book. Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing, Amazon, Go Read, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews