Worth the Insomnia
I am officially counting this as my final June read, having turned the last page at exactly 11:59 PM! From what I’ve seen, Emily Varga’s books always feature stunning covers, and the story inside this one was just as beautiful.
The River She Became is a beautifully layered fantasy that explores the lasting effects of colonization on both humans and the fae, expertly weaving personal journeys into a massive struggle for freedom. I was immediately drawn into the world and found myself deeply invested in the characters and their futures.
Character & Romance
Yaseema was undoubtedly the standout for me. Her character arc is one of the strongest parts of the novel; she beautifully transforms from a girl singularly focused on finding her mother and saving her own people into someone capable of deep love, immense sacrifice, and seeing the bigger picture. Watching her realize that true freedom required fighting for both humans and fae—not just her own—made her journey incredibly rewarding. Both main characters are highly compelling, and their slow-burn romance develops so naturally that the ultimate payoff feels entirely earned and satisfying.
Worldbuilding & Magic
The magic system is unique and intriguing, though there were a few moments where its rules felt a bit vague or conveniently flexible. Even so, it never significantly detracted from my enjoyment; the high emotional stakes and rich character development remain the true heart of the novel.
The Verdict
The final twists genuinely surprised me, and I loved how the ending sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the River & Salt series. Packed with yearning and action, this book is beautiful from start to finish. I’ve also heard the author is absolutely wonderful on social media—it almost makes me want to create yet another account just to see her interact with her readers!
