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And The Creek Don't Rise
On her twentieth birthday, Lynnie Russell—just a little ol’ thing from down in Havana, Arkansas—falls in love under a full silver moon.
When she wakes up the next morning naked and caked in blood, Lynnie is faced with a horrifying truth. She’s death incarnate.
In a race to unearth what she’s become, Lynnie must hide her beastly thing from those she loves most. If only to keep them alive.
When an unexpected ally offers help, how can she refuse?
When she wakes up the next morning naked and caked in blood, Lynnie is faced with a horrifying truth. She’s death incarnate.
In a race to unearth what she’s become, Lynnie must hide her beastly thing from those she loves most. If only to keep them alive.
When an unexpected ally offers help, how can she refuse?
- GenresFantasyParanormalFiction
363 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2020
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Gilmore
21 books326 followersR.M. Gilmore is a paranormal and mystery/suspense writer and creator of the occult bestselling Dylan Hart series. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her teenage minion, bearded man-child, and toys still in the box. With an awkward and incessant sense of humor, it is likely she will die laughing.
"Star-crossed lovers and dead things. It's what I do." - R.M. Gilmore
"Star-crossed lovers and dead things. It's what I do." - R.M. Gilmore
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 14, 2020
R.M. Gilmore is the master of unexpected plot twists.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 1, 2021
3.5 stars
And The Creek Don’t Rise is a paranormal fantasy set mainly in Arkansas.
Filled with Southern American charm, the story opens with the celebration of Lynnie Russell’s twentieth birthday. However, when Lynnie awakes the next morning, she is covered in blood and her life has changed forever.
Mixing Southern legend and Irish Myth with glimpses of otherworldly beings, this is the story of a warrior; her struggle to understand what she is, why she was chosen and how she lived with it while protecting the ones she loved.
I thought the opening chapters were spot on. I loved the mannerisms and style of the dialogue. The small town of Havana (Arkansas not Cuba!) came alive in front of my eyes, with the thick humidity, dust and backwoods. In fact, the parts set in Havana were my favourite each time the story returned to them.
The fantasy element was intriguing and raised lots of questions in my mind, but the answers always felt just out of reach, most likely because the book will become a series. This is a fast-paced tale, but I yearned for more detail about the creature which Lynnie became as well as the other fae characters. One of them popped right out of Shakespeare and although he was charming, I had a hard time accepting him in the Arkansas setting. A later episode in Ireland left me with even more questions, and the two distinct settings needed a little more magical glue to make me believe in the impossible.
Overall, I thought the strongest parts were in Arkansas (which made me want more), while the Irish part was too stereotypical for my liking. I would definitely read more if the series stayed mainly in the Southern States as clearly this author knows it so well.
And The Creek Don’t Rise is a paranormal fantasy set mainly in Arkansas.
Filled with Southern American charm, the story opens with the celebration of Lynnie Russell’s twentieth birthday. However, when Lynnie awakes the next morning, she is covered in blood and her life has changed forever.
Mixing Southern legend and Irish Myth with glimpses of otherworldly beings, this is the story of a warrior; her struggle to understand what she is, why she was chosen and how she lived with it while protecting the ones she loved.
I thought the opening chapters were spot on. I loved the mannerisms and style of the dialogue. The small town of Havana (Arkansas not Cuba!) came alive in front of my eyes, with the thick humidity, dust and backwoods. In fact, the parts set in Havana were my favourite each time the story returned to them.
The fantasy element was intriguing and raised lots of questions in my mind, but the answers always felt just out of reach, most likely because the book will become a series. This is a fast-paced tale, but I yearned for more detail about the creature which Lynnie became as well as the other fae characters. One of them popped right out of Shakespeare and although he was charming, I had a hard time accepting him in the Arkansas setting. A later episode in Ireland left me with even more questions, and the two distinct settings needed a little more magical glue to make me believe in the impossible.
Overall, I thought the strongest parts were in Arkansas (which made me want more), while the Irish part was too stereotypical for my liking. I would definitely read more if the series stayed mainly in the Southern States as clearly this author knows it so well.
February 7, 2022
My name is Sharlene Carolynn Diamond Russell.
On her 20th birthday, Lynnie Russell goes down to the lake with a boy. The next morning, she wakes up, naked and covered in blood, next to the body of the boy she loves. Over the next few days, her body goes through terrifying changes and she learns that she is Death Incarnate, the latest in a long line of beasts who wreak vengeance on humankind. Lynnie must hide from those she loves most to protect them from the beastly thing she has become.
This was a unique story and just what I needed after dealing with a bit of a reading slump lately. The Southern small-town setting was perfect. The story mixes elements from both Irish and Southern folklore, which makes for rich world-building. Lynnie, her family, and friends are all recognizable characters for anyone who grew up in the rural South. Lynnie's turn of phrase is consistently entertaining and I found myself laughing out loud several times through the story.
My only complaint is that I found the ending to be a bit abrupt and I have a lot of questions that were unanswered. I am hoping that we get a sequel down the road, but I guess it is not terrible as a stand-alone.
If you are looking for a unique paranormal fantasy story than I highly recommend this one. The characters are great, the world-building is great, and it is highly entertaining.
CW: animal cruelty/death, death of a prominent character, gore, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, murder, pedophilia (mentions of), sexual content (detailed nudity, fade to black scenes), swearing (strong language throughout), violence
On her 20th birthday, Lynnie Russell goes down to the lake with a boy. The next morning, she wakes up, naked and covered in blood, next to the body of the boy she loves. Over the next few days, her body goes through terrifying changes and she learns that she is Death Incarnate, the latest in a long line of beasts who wreak vengeance on humankind. Lynnie must hide from those she loves most to protect them from the beastly thing she has become.
This was a unique story and just what I needed after dealing with a bit of a reading slump lately. The Southern small-town setting was perfect. The story mixes elements from both Irish and Southern folklore, which makes for rich world-building. Lynnie, her family, and friends are all recognizable characters for anyone who grew up in the rural South. Lynnie's turn of phrase is consistently entertaining and I found myself laughing out loud several times through the story.
My only complaint is that I found the ending to be a bit abrupt and I have a lot of questions that were unanswered. I am hoping that we get a sequel down the road, but I guess it is not terrible as a stand-alone.
If you are looking for a unique paranormal fantasy story than I highly recommend this one. The characters are great, the world-building is great, and it is highly entertaining.
CW: animal cruelty/death, death of a prominent character, gore, kidnapping/abduction, medical procedures, murder, pedophilia (mentions of), sexual content (detailed nudity, fade to black scenes), swearing (strong language throughout), violence
October 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was a pretty easy read and had some good twists that I was not expecting! It was a little repetitive at times, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It kept my interest and I really liked the concept. I went in pretty blind, not knowing much about what was going to unfold and I definitely think that it made it so much more enjoyable! A southern, horror, fantasy that was really fun to read!
October 26, 2020
“I am death and death is me!”
Wow! I truly enjoyed this creeper of a tale. Fast paced, great world building, and supernatural characters with both quirks & charm—what’s not to love! If this was just Lynnie’s becoming we are in for a whirl of a ride! Two words...MORE PLEASE!
Wow! I truly enjoyed this creeper of a tale. Fast paced, great world building, and supernatural characters with both quirks & charm—what’s not to love! If this was just Lynnie’s becoming we are in for a whirl of a ride! Two words...MORE PLEASE!
October 15, 2020
I went into this not quite knowing what to expect, and came out of it pondering my life for days afterward. It really struck me, the idea of accepting destiny and just really embracing what you had NOT planned. I spent a while during the book thinking what a shitty hand Lynnie was dealt, and by the end end I was thinking what a badass!! There was a bit of romance, a bit of horror (I’m chicken - it was fine), and a lot of Gilmore’s signature humor mixed into this southern fantasy. I really enjoyed it!
I very much appreciate receiving an ARC from the author.
I very much appreciate receiving an ARC from the author.
June 26, 2021
Such a great story! Lynn ie is funny and sad,. I love her! This is a really fun story with some sad parts. The beast is a different take on a shifter . #beastlything
February 6, 2021
Intricately researched, finally crafted, dynamic and completely brilliant, AND THE CREEK DON'T RISE will claw your heart out. I would expect nothing less from RM Gilmore.
November 24, 2020
The thing with fate or destiny is you can’t change it. What is meant to be will be. Lynnie Reynolds had to learn the hard way. There’s a lot she must endure but in the end, she is a warrior.
The story has a peculiar and interesting take on fae and shifter. The author has added her own twist on fae/shifter folklore and created a world where magic does exist. Secretly but it does exist. I appreciated the little details she added such as the language of magic spoken and names of the other world. The characters were quite entertaining! Mama Lee was one of my favorites. I like the fact that Lynnie had to figure stuff out on her own. Learn as you go. Her choices had consequences. Some of the sayings had me laughing! There were some I hadn’t heard before. I even shed some tears at some heartfelt and crushing moments. Ah good times.
This is a pretty good read. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. If you’re wanting a different take on fae, magic and shifters, check this book out. I give this 4 stars.
The story has a peculiar and interesting take on fae and shifter. The author has added her own twist on fae/shifter folklore and created a world where magic does exist. Secretly but it does exist. I appreciated the little details she added such as the language of magic spoken and names of the other world. The characters were quite entertaining! Mama Lee was one of my favorites. I like the fact that Lynnie had to figure stuff out on her own. Learn as you go. Her choices had consequences. Some of the sayings had me laughing! There were some I hadn’t heard before. I even shed some tears at some heartfelt and crushing moments. Ah good times.
This is a pretty good read. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. If you’re wanting a different take on fae, magic and shifters, check this book out. I give this 4 stars.
November 28, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
And The Creek Don’t Rise started out as a budding romance between Lynnie and Rusty who knew each other all of their lives. On her 20th birthday, she just learned that he loved her, and she realized that she may love him as well…then BAM! Lynnie’s life changed forever.
I could feel her heartache and confusion as Lynnie struggled to deal with who or what she had become. I felt so bad for Lynnie until she eventually accepted her fate and became a badass warrior!
The characters are unique, and I enjoyed getting to know them. My favorite characters were Lynnie’s grandma and Mama Lee. They were both amazing “older” women.
R.M. Gilmore has a distinctive sense of humor which is clear even in this crazy fantasy. All of the books I’ve read by her are original, and And The Creek Don’t Rise isn’t any different. I’m looking forward to reading more!
And The Creek Don’t Rise started out as a budding romance between Lynnie and Rusty who knew each other all of their lives. On her 20th birthday, she just learned that he loved her, and she realized that she may love him as well…then BAM! Lynnie’s life changed forever.
I could feel her heartache and confusion as Lynnie struggled to deal with who or what she had become. I felt so bad for Lynnie until she eventually accepted her fate and became a badass warrior!
The characters are unique, and I enjoyed getting to know them. My favorite characters were Lynnie’s grandma and Mama Lee. They were both amazing “older” women.
R.M. Gilmore has a distinctive sense of humor which is clear even in this crazy fantasy. All of the books I’ve read by her are original, and And The Creek Don’t Rise isn’t any different. I’m looking forward to reading more!
March 23, 2022
A Good Fae Tale that Deserves That You Stick with it beyond the 1st Two Background Chapters
I promise, the whole Arkansas hickdom background in the 1st two stories is just laying framework for an adventure like no other. In reading it, the reader had no clue this was a story about Fae legends. it was more like Arkansas legends to scare kids but soon took up the mantle of jaw dropping monsters of the Sidhe.
There was one point during a battle late in the book where I was kicking myself as I discovered it had become 3:30 AM. Doggone it R.M. Gilmore! I need sleep to, you know!
Truly an intriguing tale that was easy reading for the most part. The end became complicated only because it was the legend repeating itself from it's stunning beginnings.
I promise, the whole Arkansas hickdom background in the 1st two stories is just laying framework for an adventure like no other. In reading it, the reader had no clue this was a story about Fae legends. it was more like Arkansas legends to scare kids but soon took up the mantle of jaw dropping monsters of the Sidhe.
There was one point during a battle late in the book where I was kicking myself as I discovered it had become 3:30 AM. Doggone it R.M. Gilmore! I need sleep to, you know!
Truly an intriguing tale that was easy reading for the most part. The end became complicated only because it was the legend repeating itself from it's stunning beginnings.
November 24, 2020
Tonya’s Review
5 Stars
This is a complete stand alone.
What would you do if you’re whole life changed on your 20th birthday? And not all for the better. You learn your life isn’t yours to live how you want. All your hopes and dreams…
GONE!
Your life isn’t yours anymore.
You have a purpose and no control over it.
Welcome to the life of Lynnie Russell.
There is so much more that happens, but I would hate to give anything away.
If you’re looking for a different type of paranormal read, this is the book for you.
5 Stars
This is a complete stand alone.
What would you do if you’re whole life changed on your 20th birthday? And not all for the better. You learn your life isn’t yours to live how you want. All your hopes and dreams…
GONE!
Your life isn’t yours anymore.
You have a purpose and no control over it.
Welcome to the life of Lynnie Russell.
There is so much more that happens, but I would hate to give anything away.
If you’re looking for a different type of paranormal read, this is the book for you.
February 6, 2021
I love the way RM writes! The story is enthralling and the characters are my new bffs.
Read
March 19, 2021Great read! Loved it
March 12, 2022
And the Creek Don’t Rise
Stay through the beginning. I promise this is not chic lit. The monster does come calling. I enjoyed this story.
Stay through the beginning. I promise this is not chic lit. The monster does come calling. I enjoyed this story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews