I am glad this month to have some to read books from my own backlogged TBR! One book that I have been meaning to get to is River Magic, because I try hard to support local authors!
The book is a new adult coming of age/romance, and takes place in the area my mom’s side of the family is from. The tippy top corner of Northern NY, St Lawrence / Alexandria Bay / Watertown region. It was so cool to read a book featuring places I’ve been, a hospital I’ve worked at, etc! I’m just picturing the highway scenery as the characters drive along!
Quick Facts:
- Title: River Magic
- Series: Rituals of Rock Bay, #1
- Author: M.A. Philips
- Publisher & Release: Shadow Spark Publishing, October 2020
- Length: 366 pg
- Rate & Recommend: ⭐⭐⭐⚡ yes but be aware of mature romantic content
Here is the synopsis from GoodReads:
Budding clairvoyant Lacey Moran seeks to understand her dreams and find her life’s purpose along the St. Lawrence River. If only her visions of silver arms and Cian O’Connor’s blue eyes were easier to understand! The pieces begin coming together when she encounters a mermaid in the river, joins a group of Druids, and opens herself to romance with an old friend.
Can Lacey overcome her doubts, or is she in over her head?
I was so thrilled to see a book set in the Alexandria Bay and Watertown area! A story of finding oneself as an adult, embracing life choices, finding one’s faith, and reconciling adult friendships. I loved how everyone worked together and supported one another.
This is a romance (low steam level but it’s there), and coming of age story. I wasn’t expecting bedroom content so it threw me a bit, but it’s easily skimmable without missing storyline.
The main character, Lacey, is a sort of pagan who discovers Druidism and feels like she found a new home. It was interesting to learn about the rituals as Lacey did, and some of the Irish Mythology attached. Her eventual boyfriend, Cian, is trying to find his own way as well. His family is traditionally Catholic but it doesn’t seem like the right road for him. Man the struggle was real for his parents too, I felt for them. The relationships were level headed and real, with the characters talking through things instead of losing their minds. Very refreshing to not have conflict without undue drama. The other characters were supportive and interesting as well.
One other theme I appreciated was how hard it can be to change and accept new viewpoints and changing culture, especially from a religious standpoint. The Catholicism vs Pagan interactions were handled realistically, I think, and a lot of the novel is about embracing instinct and one’s own path in life. Trust me that Catholics know it’s 2020, they don’t need to be reminded in argument. Changing times are a little bit much sometimes but I think Cian’s parents handled things well for how much was thrown at them at once.
It was interesting to learn a little about Druidism and rituals too, and all the other mystic elements in the book. I thought the mermaid was going to be one of the lost island residents but that storyline surprised me! A twist of mystery and danger was fun to read as someone is threatening a local endangered species.
All in all, a great new adult aged novel about finding your own paths, adult friendships and relationships, community and conservation. All set along the gorgeous St Lawrence River!
Will be reading book two!
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