The Riveners: Beginnings

By V.E. Rayner

Five out of Five Stars

In terms of pure reading enjoyment, The Riveners: Beginnings by V.E. Rayner is one of those novels that reminded me why I love reading so much. A fantasy novel, which isn’t normally my go-to genre, The Riveners: Beginnings immersed me in a world that not only held my attention, but that I also fell in love with.

Now, before I go any further, I must give full disclosure, I’ve traded emails with V.E. Rayner, as a mutual associate of ours asked me to read the book for editing purposes. That’s how I came about reading a fantasy novel. What I discovered was a well-written, entertaining manuscript that needed very little work.

The book itself centers on the various denizens of Overview, a quaint little town where local physic Nicholas Beech, through necessity, is introduced to its darker nature – a fact that will have a lasting effect on him and his family. Along with the Beech family, V.E. introduces us to a wealth of colourful characters, some who are equally as engaging as the Beech family, and some who are abhorrent in nature. As for the Riveners themselves, creatures V.E. wrote me originated in a dream, they’re quite fascinating. V.E. takes these deadly creatures and gives them a personality of their own – at times you’ll be rooting for them, and at others, fearing them.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot of the novel, as it is wide in scope, but never too wide that the author loses the reader. What is created is a fascinating world, populated by equally fascinating characters. What struck me about the novel – and why I’m writing this review – was that in reading it, I was surprised to find myself thinking about Overview and its residents, even when I put it down. The story and characters stuck with me in a way that is rare – yet thrilling.

I enjoyed the world I explored, and knowing that The Riveners: Beginnings is merely the first in a series of novels; I’m looking forward to revisiting it, and, luckily, have been asked to go over the manuscript for the second novel. All in all, The Riveners: Beginnings is a great read – a novel and new author worth taking a chance on, if you enjoy well developed stories, great characters, and a little bit of the fantastical.