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River of Bones
When seventeen-year-old Dharma Moore moves to Bayou country so her scam artist mother can work as a Paranormal Investigator, she discovers that more than ghosts haunt the abandoned plantation they now call home. Centuries ago, a voodoo curse was placed on the swamp waters surrounding the old plantation by a murdered slave. This terrible curse ensnares Dharma with its deadly effects. To save herself, she must face the terror of the haunted waters, find the dead woman's skull, and convince the slave's soul to release her from its torments. When Dharma discovers an ancient secret that links her to the property-a secret kept from her by her own family-she realizes that the curse is more personal to her than she ever imagined. To survive, Dharma must accept the help of the locals, and put her trust in the handsome gardener, Wolf Bodine-who is the only one crazy enough to come near the plantation. With his help, Dharma must learn to embrace the truth and accept that magic is not only real... but that it can be very, very deadly!
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2013
12 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It was an audio book and I liked the narrator and the characters and the story line. Everybody being sick and possessed was kind of scary because you didn't know if Dharma Moore was going to live of die. Being hexed is no fun! Curses, ghosts and a baby brother this book has it all. I loved it!
February 24, 2014
Rating: 3.5/5
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
River of Bones is the first book by Angela J. Townsend I've read but it won't be the last. That woman has a unique way to describe a story's setting. From the swamp to the little details of the house, she set the perfect creepy mood for the story.
In River of Bones, Dharma, her mother and her baby brother move to a new 'haunted' house as part of Dharma's mother job of performing fake exorcisms. Dharma thinks it'll be just another quick stop, a few weeks pretending to clear the house of malevolent spirits, before they pack up again and leave. But once they arrive, Dharma's mum goes missing and Dharma and her brother get chased to the swamp where Dharma gets cursed by the evil spirit residing in the water. Now, Dharma has to fight the evil spirit before it's too late for her.
The best thing about this book, as I already said, is the setting. It is so creepy and gothic. The old plantation and the swamp, the rooms inside the mansion. It all helps bring the story into live. And also creeps the hell out of the reader. Another thing I did enjoy a lot was the history of the place. The old family and the slaves and the curse. It all wrapped up pretty well.
What I did not enjoy that much was firstly the romance. I think the book would be so much better if Wolf, the love interest, was a girl and he was just a new friend for Dharma. I didn't care much for their growing love. And it was also kind of an instant love, which I am not a big fan of. Also I didn't really connect with Dharma, and since she is the main character that was a problem while reading the story. The one character I did enjoy was Sassy, the old lady that knew all about the house and the curse.
All in all, this was a creepy read. The story will definitely pull you in. It's fast paced and never really dull.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
River of Bones is the first book by Angela J. Townsend I've read but it won't be the last. That woman has a unique way to describe a story's setting. From the swamp to the little details of the house, she set the perfect creepy mood for the story.
In River of Bones, Dharma, her mother and her baby brother move to a new 'haunted' house as part of Dharma's mother job of performing fake exorcisms. Dharma thinks it'll be just another quick stop, a few weeks pretending to clear the house of malevolent spirits, before they pack up again and leave. But once they arrive, Dharma's mum goes missing and Dharma and her brother get chased to the swamp where Dharma gets cursed by the evil spirit residing in the water. Now, Dharma has to fight the evil spirit before it's too late for her.
The best thing about this book, as I already said, is the setting. It is so creepy and gothic. The old plantation and the swamp, the rooms inside the mansion. It all helps bring the story into live. And also creeps the hell out of the reader. Another thing I did enjoy a lot was the history of the place. The old family and the slaves and the curse. It all wrapped up pretty well.
What I did not enjoy that much was firstly the romance. I think the book would be so much better if Wolf, the love interest, was a girl and he was just a new friend for Dharma. I didn't care much for their growing love. And it was also kind of an instant love, which I am not a big fan of. Also I didn't really connect with Dharma, and since she is the main character that was a problem while reading the story. The one character I did enjoy was Sassy, the old lady that knew all about the house and the curse.
All in all, this was a creepy read. The story will definitely pull you in. It's fast paced and never really dull.
April 8, 2018
I was overdue for a good, creepy read and Angela Townsend’s River of Bones fit the bill perfectly. I found myself caught up in the characters and their well-being; . It seemed there was some dilemma around every corner. My favorite parts of the story happened to be the glimpses of history weaved in, illuminating how the curse came to be and the history between the land, the Cobbs, and Sabine. The only thing that niggled me a bit was the ending feeling slightly rushed, but overall the story was one I enjoyed.
October 12, 2017
What a perfect October read! I loved the atmosphere and voice. After visiting New Orleans and going on a swamp tour, I can tell Townsend did her research. This reminded me of Crimson Peak but more innocent. This is exactly the type of story that I've been craving for my spooky-hungry palette. I was curled up sick from a cold today, and this was the perfect nostrum.
January 20, 2021
Another Winner
No one gives you the creeps like this author can. From beginning to end you feel the cold breathe on the back of your neck as the author takes you through the many twists and turns of this bone chilling story. Read this book with the lights on and your mirrors covered!
No one gives you the creeps like this author can. From beginning to end you feel the cold breathe on the back of your neck as the author takes you through the many twists and turns of this bone chilling story. Read this book with the lights on and your mirrors covered!
October 9, 2014
This review was originally posted on Gin's Book Notes
4.5 Stars
River of Bones Book Trailer
My Review
Five words : Spooky Creepy Gothic Page Turner
Favorite Character : Sassy Smit - The story opens with a prologue featuring a seven year old Sassy in the summer of 1937. The summer she found Leroy Jebber dead. Chapter one takes us to Terrebone Parish, Louisiana, 2013 where Ms. Sassy believes her ancient ears are playin' tricks on her as she hears a scream come from across the swamp. Sassy is a great character. I loved her wisdom and felt sympathy for her aging body and haunted memories.
Favorite Scene : "The rain faded and fog swirled around the bog in the distance, creeping through rows of cypress trees, disguising the landscape in a blinding haze of white. Through the choking fog, a dark figure crawled crablike from the water. I strained to see in the mist. Could a gator rise above the weeds like that? As I watched, it pushed itself upright--no, definitely not a gator. " - Dharma's thoughts in River of Bones
I enjoyed the above scene because it was the first of many to give me the heebie jeebies. I could easily envision the fog creeping through the cypress tress and the dark figure crawling crablike from the water.
Favorite Line : "You've been touched, child. Touched by the Devil himself. If we don't do something about it soon, it'll take you over." - Ms. Sassy to Dharma - River of Bones
Don't miss ...watching The book trailer. It's awesome!
Summing it up : I really enjoyed River of Bones. It is a fast paced ghost story that deals with curses and an evil spirit that has been awakened in a bayou in Louisiana. The main character, Dharma, was very likable and wise beyond her years. She is someone that I was proud of as a character. She has strength and determination and doesn't hesitate to do the right thing. Wolf was another character that I really enjoyed.
If you are looking for a page turning ghost story that is ripe with spooky settings and descriptive writing then you should definitely grab a copy of Angela Townsend's River of Bones.
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon . Thank you!
My Book Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited, Purchased
4.5 Stars
River of Bones Book Trailer
My Review
Five words : Spooky Creepy Gothic Page Turner
Favorite Character : Sassy Smit - The story opens with a prologue featuring a seven year old Sassy in the summer of 1937. The summer she found Leroy Jebber dead. Chapter one takes us to Terrebone Parish, Louisiana, 2013 where Ms. Sassy believes her ancient ears are playin' tricks on her as she hears a scream come from across the swamp. Sassy is a great character. I loved her wisdom and felt sympathy for her aging body and haunted memories.
Favorite Scene : "The rain faded and fog swirled around the bog in the distance, creeping through rows of cypress trees, disguising the landscape in a blinding haze of white. Through the choking fog, a dark figure crawled crablike from the water. I strained to see in the mist. Could a gator rise above the weeds like that? As I watched, it pushed itself upright--no, definitely not a gator. " - Dharma's thoughts in River of Bones
I enjoyed the above scene because it was the first of many to give me the heebie jeebies. I could easily envision the fog creeping through the cypress tress and the dark figure crawling crablike from the water.
Favorite Line : "You've been touched, child. Touched by the Devil himself. If we don't do something about it soon, it'll take you over." - Ms. Sassy to Dharma - River of Bones
Don't miss ...watching The book trailer. It's awesome!
Summing it up : I really enjoyed River of Bones. It is a fast paced ghost story that deals with curses and an evil spirit that has been awakened in a bayou in Louisiana. The main character, Dharma, was very likable and wise beyond her years. She is someone that I was proud of as a character. She has strength and determination and doesn't hesitate to do the right thing. Wolf was another character that I really enjoyed.
If you are looking for a page turning ghost story that is ripe with spooky settings and descriptive writing then you should definitely grab a copy of Angela Townsend's River of Bones.
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider voting for it on Amazon . Thank you!
My Book Source: Amazon Kindle Unlimited, Purchased
March 25, 2018
Unbelievable must read.
Wow just wow. I have not read books by this author before, I was not sure what to expect. I still am not sure what to say but this author blew me away. This book was amazing. I could not stop reading it. I kept looking around worried I would see some black slimy thing coming from under my door. Yes it scared me, but it was so worth it. Dharma her mom who is a little off lol and her baby brother go to a plantation to supposibly get rid of the ghost who haunt it. Well right off the bat her mom leaves to go back for the keys and Dharma and her little brother are left alone their mom doesn't return. I am not going to give anything away so I will say. A hot boys enters the picture. This book has an amazing storyline, it's so well written and great characters. There were vodoo curses and superstition and that curse latched on to Dharma. Can she get ride of the curse before it kills her? Is her mother dead? How will the story end? I will say the ending threw me I would of never come up with that. Such an amazing book written by an awesome author. I highly recommend this book!!!!!
Wow just wow. I have not read books by this author before, I was not sure what to expect. I still am not sure what to say but this author blew me away. This book was amazing. I could not stop reading it. I kept looking around worried I would see some black slimy thing coming from under my door. Yes it scared me, but it was so worth it. Dharma her mom who is a little off lol and her baby brother go to a plantation to supposibly get rid of the ghost who haunt it. Well right off the bat her mom leaves to go back for the keys and Dharma and her little brother are left alone their mom doesn't return. I am not going to give anything away so I will say. A hot boys enters the picture. This book has an amazing storyline, it's so well written and great characters. There were vodoo curses and superstition and that curse latched on to Dharma. Can she get ride of the curse before it kills her? Is her mother dead? How will the story end? I will say the ending threw me I would of never come up with that. Such an amazing book written by an awesome author. I highly recommend this book!!!!!
April 16, 2015
Wow
You know the creepy, spine-tingling feeling you get watching an incredibly realistic horror movie. The way you sit on the edge of your seat and jump at every little sound. This book was better than that! It was beyond terrifying and horrific in a way that rattled me to the core. This is a definite must-read!!
You know the creepy, spine-tingling feeling you get watching an incredibly realistic horror movie. The way you sit on the edge of your seat and jump at every little sound. This book was better than that! It was beyond terrifying and horrific in a way that rattled me to the core. This is a definite must-read!!
October 29, 2013
Scary good! Wowza. I haven't read something that had me thoroughly creeped out yet too intrigued to put the book in my freezer. (Like on Friends!) What I really liked about this book is that it had a romantic element to it. Loved it! <3
November 1, 2013
Spooky, and a total page-turner, River of Bones kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The juxtaposition of horror with almost lyrical prose in the descriptions of the old house makes this a unique and powerful read.
January 1, 2015
Not as chilling as expected. Didn't feel the connection between Dharma and Wolf. Dharma said the feelings instead of the author painting them with words.
I can list many middle graders who will want to read this when I book talk it though! They care little about romance.... for now.
I can list many middle graders who will want to read this when I book talk it though! They care little about romance.... for now.
March 6, 2014
This book was suspenseful and haunting that kept me engaged from page one!
April 4, 2018
Summer 1937: When 7 year old Sissy Smit finds the body of Leroy Jebber floating in the pond near her house, she is reprimanded by her mother who makes her swear never to venture near the swamp again, not unless she wants to die too. For 70 years, Sissy never did.
Present Day: Seventeen year old Dharma, along with her baby brother Benny and her scam artist mother, move into the supposedly haunted decrepit Whiskey Rose Plantation so her mother can work as a ‘paranormal’ investigator. Little does she realise the sinister malevolent force that is waiting there to greet them.
While her mother goes to retrieve the keys from the estate agent, Dharma hears a deep throated growl in a dense wall of weeds. As she prepares to run into the house, she trips and loses sight of her baby brother. Fearing he’s fallen into the pond, she dives in trying to find him. To her horror she finds an assortment of rotting bones at the bottom and so begins a nightmare for Dharma as she learns that the swamp and the plantation have been cursed by the slave, Sabine, who was murdered centuries ago.
When her mother fails to return with the keys, Dharma’s apprehension grows. Strange things going bump in the night as well as objects moving by themselves, add to her anxiety. Ensnared by the curse, Dharma’s health goes downhill fast, from her toe nails turning black to her skin changing colour.
Seventy years to the day since she saw Leroy’s body, Sissy finally plucks up the courage to break her silence and tries to help Dharma break the curse. Trouble is, Dharma has only three nights to do so before the curse takes hold and she dies.
With the help of the local handyman, Wolf Bodine, can Dharma save herself in time? What has happened to her mother?
I was excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. The book gripped me from the start, so much so that I finished it within a day. Dharma is a relatable protagonist and one can’t help rooting for her throughout. Sissy was a fascinating character and I enjoyed her scenes with Dharma.
The sheer oppressive and eerie atmosphere created by the author and the imagery and language she used, made me believe that I was right there standing next to Dharma, experiencing everything that was happening to her.
There are some genuinely frightening moments throughout the book. One chilling scene in particular when Dharma saw the spectre of Sabine for the first time, as she crawled “crab like” from the swamp before pushing herself upright and raising “a boney finger at Dharma. The imagery the author used sent shivers down my spine.
My one gripe about the book was the rather rushed and abrupt ending. This may be due to the fact that the author intends to write a sequel. I hope so as I’d love to read more about these characters.
I must say this was an impressive introduction to the author and her unique writing style. I wholeheartedly look forward to reading her future works. Highly recommended for those who like a good creepy spine tingling ghost story.
Present Day: Seventeen year old Dharma, along with her baby brother Benny and her scam artist mother, move into the supposedly haunted decrepit Whiskey Rose Plantation so her mother can work as a ‘paranormal’ investigator. Little does she realise the sinister malevolent force that is waiting there to greet them.
While her mother goes to retrieve the keys from the estate agent, Dharma hears a deep throated growl in a dense wall of weeds. As she prepares to run into the house, she trips and loses sight of her baby brother. Fearing he’s fallen into the pond, she dives in trying to find him. To her horror she finds an assortment of rotting bones at the bottom and so begins a nightmare for Dharma as she learns that the swamp and the plantation have been cursed by the slave, Sabine, who was murdered centuries ago.
When her mother fails to return with the keys, Dharma’s apprehension grows. Strange things going bump in the night as well as objects moving by themselves, add to her anxiety. Ensnared by the curse, Dharma’s health goes downhill fast, from her toe nails turning black to her skin changing colour.
Seventy years to the day since she saw Leroy’s body, Sissy finally plucks up the courage to break her silence and tries to help Dharma break the curse. Trouble is, Dharma has only three nights to do so before the curse takes hold and she dies.
With the help of the local handyman, Wolf Bodine, can Dharma save herself in time? What has happened to her mother?
I was excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed. The book gripped me from the start, so much so that I finished it within a day. Dharma is a relatable protagonist and one can’t help rooting for her throughout. Sissy was a fascinating character and I enjoyed her scenes with Dharma.
The sheer oppressive and eerie atmosphere created by the author and the imagery and language she used, made me believe that I was right there standing next to Dharma, experiencing everything that was happening to her.
There are some genuinely frightening moments throughout the book. One chilling scene in particular when Dharma saw the spectre of Sabine for the first time, as she crawled “crab like” from the swamp before pushing herself upright and raising “a boney finger at Dharma. The imagery the author used sent shivers down my spine.
My one gripe about the book was the rather rushed and abrupt ending. This may be due to the fact that the author intends to write a sequel. I hope so as I’d love to read more about these characters.
I must say this was an impressive introduction to the author and her unique writing style. I wholeheartedly look forward to reading her future works. Highly recommended for those who like a good creepy spine tingling ghost story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2019
A SERIES OF CONVENIENT EVENTS - with some actual effort, and continuity, this could be great.
This book was okay, just okay and full of clichés for a while. It was okay enough that I was curious enough to hang in there, so that isn’t a bad thing...it just wasn’t spectacular and didn’t seem original. It did manage to be mysterious, just a little bit, if that makes sense, that I hung on.
Around 50% or so, it finally got more interesting. At this point I was annoyed with how full of been-done-to-death clichés, begging this author to hire a professional editor, but still curious to see where it was going. It ended up going in an unoriginal direction that was very full of convenient events, making me feel the author could have used more effort. Excitement didn’t happen for me, but it did wrap up pretty neatly. It’s an okay read if you can get past all the convenience and poor continuity. It could be an outstanding read if the author used a content editor.
Formatting:
Bland but clean.
Editing/proofing:
Mostly clean, spelling & grammar wise but could use some content editing help.
Character development:
I liked the characters and they had their own consistent voices, however they weren’t original. These are characters I’ve also read and watched in countless other productions so there was some disappointment too.
Overall:
I give it 3 stars and recommend re-releasing with the help of a strong content editor.
This book was okay, just okay and full of clichés for a while. It was okay enough that I was curious enough to hang in there, so that isn’t a bad thing...it just wasn’t spectacular and didn’t seem original. It did manage to be mysterious, just a little bit, if that makes sense, that I hung on.
Around 50% or so, it finally got more interesting. At this point I was annoyed with how full of been-done-to-death clichés, begging this author to hire a professional editor, but still curious to see where it was going. It ended up going in an unoriginal direction that was very full of convenient events, making me feel the author could have used more effort. Excitement didn’t happen for me, but it did wrap up pretty neatly. It’s an okay read if you can get past all the convenience and poor continuity. It could be an outstanding read if the author used a content editor.
Formatting:
Bland but clean.
Editing/proofing:
Mostly clean, spelling & grammar wise but could use some content editing help.
Character development:
I liked the characters and they had their own consistent voices, however they weren’t original. These are characters I’ve also read and watched in countless other productions so there was some disappointment too.
Overall:
I give it 3 stars and recommend re-releasing with the help of a strong content editor.
November 11, 2017
This book was amazing! Everything by this author just makes me go "wow"
Totally creepy! It kept making me wonder about the secret of the haunting! This is a book that I just kept flipping the pages too! I didn't want to put this book down until it was finished!
Ms. Townsend is amazing! She writes beautifully. Everyone of her books are sweet and creepy! I can't wait to read all of this authors stories!
If you're into Horror anything by this author is a must read!
Totally creepy! It kept making me wonder about the secret of the haunting! This is a book that I just kept flipping the pages too! I didn't want to put this book down until it was finished!
Ms. Townsend is amazing! She writes beautifully. Everyone of her books are sweet and creepy! I can't wait to read all of this authors stories!
If you're into Horror anything by this author is a must read!
September 15, 2017
What do you do when you are part of a cursed family? That's what Dharma has to figure out in this creepy, chilling book. The imagery was wonderful and it was easy to be transported to the place in the woods. The pond was someplace I would like to avoid and maybe there will be a book with Dharma going against Sabine again.
March 22, 2018
I couldn’t stop
This book was awesome. I love a great mystery and this had me sunk in. I felt there with dharma and wolf. The struggles she felt are ones many of us have done through. This book made you go through them with her, and feel the joy of her reality. This has everything and more in a book you want to read.
This book was awesome. I love a great mystery and this had me sunk in. I felt there with dharma and wolf. The struggles she felt are ones many of us have done through. This book made you go through them with her, and feel the joy of her reality. This has everything and more in a book you want to read.
May 18, 2018
I never like to give away spoilers because I love to find out firsthand what is happening and when. I cannot wait to see the movie of this book just to see if they will do it justice. Thank you so much Angela Townsend! I absolutely loved this book and I can't wait to read another book by you as well. I have found a new author and I suggest this book for everyone you won't be sorry.
January 25, 2019
A bit predictable - Unbelievable with the "here's how you fix this" "that didn't work? try this." "That didn't work either? Try this." And drive there - don't use the phone. SMH
November 14, 2013
Rarely does a book ever scare me but this one... *shivers* this one did. It’s so good. I felt like I was personally going through the events that the main character, Dharma, went through. If I was ever in her position, I would have left that house way before she did. Heck, I probably would have never have gone back to the house again! But that's what's so good about this book. The reader gets to go on a wonderful, yet, haunting adventure with the characters.
This story starts with us getting introduced to the main character, Dharma Moore. Dharma is a normal seventeen year old girl who lives with her mother and baby brother, Benny. Dharma’s mother is a scam artist, always pretending to be a Paranormal Investigator who can get rid of any ghost and unfortunately, Dharma is always caught in the middle of her mother’s lying and has to help her. Dharma longs for a permanent home. Somewhere where she and her little brother Benny can live happily but Dharma knows that’s never going to happen because her mother never puts them first. But things change when Dharma moves into a new house in the Bayou country so her mother can work a job there. When an ancient curse, placed by a now deceased slave, falls upon Dharma, it’s up to her and a kind local boy named Wolf to break the curse. Little does Dharma know that breaking this curse is going to be harder than she thought. Along the way, she finds herself falling for the handsome, yet haunting, Wolf. He seems to be honest and trustworthy, but will secrets from his past come to ruin the first good relationship she has ever had? Will Dharma be able to break the curse? Or is she destined for failure?
I really enjoyed this book. I have read a ton of books that were supposed to be creepy or scary and have never gotten scared before. But this book changed that. It’s one of the only books that made a chill run down my spine and for that, I applaud the author. The writing was well written and the editing, of course, was spot on. I really enjoyed getting to know all the different characters in the story, especially Wolf and Dharma. They were relatable characters and I felt like I connected with their characters immensely. Overall, I really enjoyed this story! The setting was perfect for the plot of the story and the scenery and physical descriptions were a key element to creating the creepy and eerie atmosphere of the book. Well done!! I recommend this book to everyone!
My favorite quotes from the book:
“Groovy!” Mom said, eyeing the dilapidated mansion.
“Creepy, you mean.”
“No, it’s perfect.”
“Right. Perfectly creepy.”
Wolf listened for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t hear it now. Maybe it’s a gang of rats plotting an uprising.”
“….With you, it wasn’t about looks or being popular. I’ve dated tons of chicks but none of them were very nice or fun to hang with. They were all into themselves, their hair and makeup. But you’re different. I can just be me for a change. I don’t have to be perfect, or the star of the show. And neither do you.”
This story starts with us getting introduced to the main character, Dharma Moore. Dharma is a normal seventeen year old girl who lives with her mother and baby brother, Benny. Dharma’s mother is a scam artist, always pretending to be a Paranormal Investigator who can get rid of any ghost and unfortunately, Dharma is always caught in the middle of her mother’s lying and has to help her. Dharma longs for a permanent home. Somewhere where she and her little brother Benny can live happily but Dharma knows that’s never going to happen because her mother never puts them first. But things change when Dharma moves into a new house in the Bayou country so her mother can work a job there. When an ancient curse, placed by a now deceased slave, falls upon Dharma, it’s up to her and a kind local boy named Wolf to break the curse. Little does Dharma know that breaking this curse is going to be harder than she thought. Along the way, she finds herself falling for the handsome, yet haunting, Wolf. He seems to be honest and trustworthy, but will secrets from his past come to ruin the first good relationship she has ever had? Will Dharma be able to break the curse? Or is she destined for failure?
I really enjoyed this book. I have read a ton of books that were supposed to be creepy or scary and have never gotten scared before. But this book changed that. It’s one of the only books that made a chill run down my spine and for that, I applaud the author. The writing was well written and the editing, of course, was spot on. I really enjoyed getting to know all the different characters in the story, especially Wolf and Dharma. They were relatable characters and I felt like I connected with their characters immensely. Overall, I really enjoyed this story! The setting was perfect for the plot of the story and the scenery and physical descriptions were a key element to creating the creepy and eerie atmosphere of the book. Well done!! I recommend this book to everyone!
My favorite quotes from the book:
“Groovy!” Mom said, eyeing the dilapidated mansion.
“Creepy, you mean.”
“No, it’s perfect.”
“Right. Perfectly creepy.”
Wolf listened for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t hear it now. Maybe it’s a gang of rats plotting an uprising.”
“….With you, it wasn’t about looks or being popular. I’ve dated tons of chicks but none of them were very nice or fun to hang with. They were all into themselves, their hair and makeup. But you’re different. I can just be me for a change. I don’t have to be perfect, or the star of the show. And neither do you.”
June 13, 2018
This book was so intriguing and had me captured from the minute Dharma stepped out of the vehicle. It was such a creepy story, made even creepier because at the time that I read the story we had a pool in our backyard at the time. The swamp scenes were super frightening.
Every description was so clear I could SEE the world Angela painted for us!
Every description was so clear I could SEE the world Angela painted for us!
February 27, 2014
*I was given a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The book follows Dharma as she moves to yet another place for her mums 'work'. This place isn't like the others though. It is surrounded by myths, curses and ghost stories that you only hear whispered around camp fires. It doesn't take long for the characters to get stuck, head first into the stories, which are all seemingly true :)What risks will they need to take to get out of the mess they have landed in though?
I don't usually like ghost stories (I still decided to give it a try, CTP books are always unique, and this one didn't disappoint) they all seem the same to me but I really enjoyed river of bones. I loved reading about Dharma's relationship with her younger brother and her mother. I expected myself to feel sorry for her but I didn't, I liked reading about a character who stayed strong and had good morals. She may be shy to other people but the way she thinks and acts, especially towards those she cares about suggests otherwise.
At times I did get a bit annoyed that she depended on Wolf to protect her when searching or looking around and then there were moments where she fully took control and did what needed to be done, not for herself but for her brother and mum. I was just sat there like, Hell Yeah!!
Altogether an enticing, quick ghost story that is action-packed right up until the very end. :) Happy reading everyone
The book follows Dharma as she moves to yet another place for her mums 'work'. This place isn't like the others though. It is surrounded by myths, curses and ghost stories that you only hear whispered around camp fires. It doesn't take long for the characters to get stuck, head first into the stories, which are all seemingly true :)What risks will they need to take to get out of the mess they have landed in though?
I don't usually like ghost stories (I still decided to give it a try, CTP books are always unique, and this one didn't disappoint) they all seem the same to me but I really enjoyed river of bones. I loved reading about Dharma's relationship with her younger brother and her mother. I expected myself to feel sorry for her but I didn't, I liked reading about a character who stayed strong and had good morals. She may be shy to other people but the way she thinks and acts, especially towards those she cares about suggests otherwise.
At times I did get a bit annoyed that she depended on Wolf to protect her when searching or looking around and then there were moments where she fully took control and did what needed to be done, not for herself but for her brother and mum. I was just sat there like, Hell Yeah!!
Altogether an enticing, quick ghost story that is action-packed right up until the very end. :) Happy reading everyone
November 16, 2013
I found this to be a very enjoyable read. It vibrated with a spooky southern gothic sense of trepidation all the way through the book, and was frightening in the way in which Dharma and her family were caught up in an old curse that threatened to overcome them all. Ms. Sassy has good reason to fear the old swamp and stay far away from those the curse has claimed, but in spite of her age and frailty she steps up to the grim task she feels she cannot ignore – unable to stand aside this time as the curse manifests, growing stronger and more potent. As the mystery unfolds, Dharma will do anything to keep her little family intact. As her health deteriorates she learns the surprising history of the old mansion. Though her personal risk escalates with every new attempt, she continues her fight against a foe whose dark, evil stranglehold seems to be invincible. This captivating tale left me satisfied (for the moment) and in breathless anticipation for its continuation in the next book.
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
February 23, 2016
3.5 stars!
En su mayoría el libro simplemente me encantó, me gustaron los giros inesperados de la historia, las complicaciones, todo lo referente a Sabine y la maldición. Amé esos momentos creepy que me sacaron alguno que otro susto, me gustaron mucho los personajes y todo el universo y misterio creado por la autora, pero el final simplemente no, se me hizo completamente apresurado y muy abierto.
La autora definitivamente queda debiendo mucho con ese final, muchas interrogantes se quedan sin respuesta y sólo espero *y cruzo los dedos* que tenga planeado sacar una continuación o algo, por favor....
En su mayoría el libro simplemente me encantó, me gustaron los giros inesperados de la historia, las complicaciones, todo lo referente a Sabine y la maldición. Amé esos momentos creepy que me sacaron alguno que otro susto, me gustaron mucho los personajes y todo el universo y misterio creado por la autora, pero el final simplemente no, se me hizo completamente apresurado y muy abierto.
La autora definitivamente queda debiendo mucho con ese final, muchas interrogantes se quedan sin respuesta y sólo espero *y cruzo los dedos* que tenga planeado sacar una continuación o algo, por favor....
February 22, 2014
Angela weaves a haunting story. The pacing was excellent, the amount of suspense perfect. I love how Dharma's story is interchanged with Sassy's, each distinct in narration. As the story unfolds, clues from the past are revealed. I found myself drawn deeper and deeper into this world of swamps, mansions, and disintegrating cabins where all is not as it seems. The imagery is beautiful and scary all at once. Old pictures, piles of bones, spiderwebs and spirits better left undisturbed. Be prepared for an exciting ride!
January 19, 2015
River of Bones is a curse with a mystery mixed in. This book could be called intense in some parts to some. I would say I am glad I do not live in the swamp that has a lazy stream like river on a old plantation property.
On a serious note this book was good with a good story line and areas that I got the spooks.
I am giving this book a 5/5 rating. Also it is one I am going to be rereading!
given a free copy for a review by CTP
On a serious note this book was good with a good story line and areas that I got the spooks.
I am giving this book a 5/5 rating. Also it is one I am going to be rereading!
given a free copy for a review by CTP
February 21, 2014
I have to hand it to Angela Townsend. She did a wonderful job making this story come alive. Not many authors can make a mix of first and third point of view work, but she's managed to make it flow beautifully. The characters are incredibly believable and I immediately liked Dharma. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. River of Bones is definitely a page turner. Kudos to Townsend!
April 17, 2019
I was drawn into this story quickly! I loved the way the author weaved her tale of a haunted house and a voodoo curse. The descriptions of the area involved reminded me of when I drove through Louisiana, spooky in itself! The characters were easy to relate to and the situation was almost believable.
Great story!
Great story!
August 23, 2014
What an amazing book! Very creepy and original and and must read for "ghost story" fans. The writing sucks you in and demands that you keep reading to find out if there is ever going to be a way to escape the supernatural problems going on. Brilliant!!! V""V
December 28, 2014
hope there is a book two really want to know what happens next and when I read what the book was about it said read the book before you see the movie. hope the movie comes out soon. the book is a keeper in my library
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