RIVER OF ASHES – St. Benedict, Book 1 – by Alexandria Weis & Lucas Astor

An Excerpt Taken From Alexandrea Weis’ Author Note:

‘Since writing about a psychotic young man and the depraved acts he commits on young women, I’m often asked how I could help pen such a violent and abusive storyline. It’s a good question, but in a culture saturated with the #MeToo movement and pro-women agendas, we must realize that no matter how much we think we’re progressing, we haven’t accomplished a whole hell of a lot where violence against women is concerned.’

‘ALONG THE BANKS OF THE BOGUE FALAYA RIVER, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
‘And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux . . .’
Having read Book Two before Book One, going into the latter—the weight of the depravity within lingers large—no doubt—knowing the bittersweet conclusion is a touch more palatable, that is until you reach the mysterious specter in the macabre cliffhanger—the lead up to Book Three, RIVER OF GHOSTS.

Highly Recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Vesuvian Books, for providing me with an eBook of RIVER OF ASHES at the request of an honest review.

If a book is set anywhere in Louisiana, I want to read it. Having grown up in Louisiana, I love reading books set there, especially those where authors explore other small towns and do not just focus New Orleans. Louisiana has so much culture and folklore that can be explored and these authors were not afraid to use that rich history to spin a creepy, unforgettable story.

I wasn't expecting this to be a YA story, and perhaps the author's did not intend for it to be, but that's how the story feels. I loved the Gothic setting and the way it added to the suspense.

Fun, fast, spooky read and I hope there's another to follow what happens with these characters.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>River of Ashes</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

**Trigger Warning: contains rape, violence, and psychopath POV**

<h4 style="margin-top: 84px;">The Gist</h4>

<i>River of Ashes</i> by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a dark and gripping thriller that delves into the sinister undercurrents of a small Louisiana town. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and chilling narrative, this novel offers a haunting exploration of evil and obsession.

<h4>The Details</h4>

<i>River of Ashes</i> centers on the mysterious and macabre happenings surrounding the roguishly charming and deeply troubled Beau Devereaux. The story kicks off with the disappearance of a local girl, leading to a series of horrifying events that peel back the layers of the town's seemingly serene facade.

Weis and Astor skillfully craft Beau as a complex character. His charisma and manipulative nature make him a compelling character, evoking both fascination and revulsion. The authors delve into his psyche, exploring the origins of his disturbing behavior and the impact of his actions on those around him. Beau’s character is a chilling reminder of how darkness can lurk behind the most beguiling facades.

The protagonist emerges as a strong and determined character who contrasts sharply with Beau. Leslie is intelligent, resourceful, and unyielding in her quest for truth and justice. Her character arc is one of growth and resilience as she navigates the treacherous waters of deceit and danger. Leslie’s determination to uncover the truth about the disappearances and the sinister happenings in St. Benedict propels the narrative forward.

Each supporting character contributes to the overarching sense of community and the unraveling mystery, providing different perspectives and adding to the tension.

One of the standout features of <i>River of Ashes</i> is its atmospheric setting. The authors vividly describe the eerie and haunting landscape of St. Benedict, Louisiana, using the town’s swampy, Southern Gothic environment to enhance the story's mood. The oppressive heat, the murky waters, and the dense, foreboding forests create a palpable sense of dread that permeates the novel.

The plot of <i>River of Ashes</i> is tightly woven, with a balance of suspense, horror, and psychological intrigue. Weis and Astor maintain a steady pace, gradually revealing secrets and building tension until the chilling climax. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

<h4>The Verdict</h4>

Overall, <i>River of Ashes</i> by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a compelling and eerie thriller that captivates with its intricate characters, atmospheric setting, and suspenseful plot. Fans of dark, psychological thrillers and Southern Gothic fiction will find this novel particularly engaging. Weis and Astor have crafted a haunting tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

I only gave this a rating because I had to. I feel like this is a book that shouldn't be rated. I liked the sisters in this and the friendships that were made. I liked how the girls stuck together and protected each other. TW for sexual assault, murder, fire, etc.

This book was such an interesting trip into the mind of a very disturbed teenager and his uncontrollable urges towards sexual violence and the joy he derives from it.

At some points, it was even a bit much to read the descriptions of his thoughts and actions, but it was an informative tour of the mind of a sociopath!

River of Ashes was ok. It’s not really the kind of book I usually read but I have it a chance nonetheless. It had interesting characters and a decent plot. It just didn’t have its hooks in me like most books I finish.

Holy wow, was this book good! Absolutely amazing! I tore through it so fast! I found that I just could not put it down, because every time I thought I'd be able to stop another twist happened, and I had to keep going. This was a fantastically suspenseful thriller. The story of twin girls in high school who are both wrapped up with the same boy but in very different ways. I loved how this book gave multiple perspectives, It gave an interesting perspective to how each twin saw the events of the story. Telling it this way just added to the many layers already in the story. I loved the unpredictability of this story, it kept me guessing until the very end, I'm not normally a thriller reader, I'm usually more a fantasy or romance reader, but I absolutely loved this book. I immediately checked to see if there were more books, and I will be devouring them as well!

A dark twisted tale of high school status and the intoxication of power.
I absolutely adored this book. It was suitable creepy and horrifying and i was surprised by how dark it got. Beau was a captivating and cruel villain and his lack of empathy really resonated throughout the book. I wish we could have discovered more about the potentially supernatural elements of the priory but regardless i enjoyed my time with this series and I will absolutely be ordering its sequel.

I’m not sure I can form the best words for this review.. it was an odd yet intriguing book. Reading this book in the view of a very twisted mind was… odd. Almost turns you away from the book. It changes view from multiple people so you get a break from the psychopath’s point of view when he starts to get too dark. I did like the small foreshadowing details. How he would constantly see a white cloak running away from him which was just thought of as the silly legend around the Abby. And the dogs symbolism of death was pure icing on the cake.

The ending though.. I seen part of it coming. The other part though revealed right at the end.. I never expected that in a million years!! I am not sure where the next books are going to lead but I can’t wait.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠?
The book cover! I took one look at the cover, and wanted to read the book, assuming it would be a fantasy book. I read the blurb, and still wanted to read the book...

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠...

The trigger warnings were necessary to prep myself before I started reading the book, so they were really appreciated. The authors' note at the end also explains the need for this book... the important message it delivers...

The book was a dark dark dark rollercoaster, and can be very triggering... And yet, is so well written, that I could not stop reading in morbid fascination...

The book left me feeling disturbed, and emotional... it's mostly written from the POV of a very dysfunctional Beau Devereaux... The ending shocked me!!!

"I don't need help. What I want is revenge."

Be mindful of the trigger warnings because this book was a rough ride and deals with very heavy topics.

While this is a YA geared towards that age range, it still resonates with me as an adult. There's an author's note at the back that I would recommend reading first as it explains the overall topics of the book and the reasoning for writing it. It does a good job of preparing you for what is to come. There is a powerful message behind the book and one that is important to me.

River of Ashes was a shocking look into the mind of the villains we carry in our books and in our real life through one of the POVs. Thrown back into the high school world, we're brought face to face with Beau and see his twisted and demented thoughts during his POV. The world building and atmosphere of the authors storytelling added to the gut twisting feeling and thoughts throughout the story and amplified the intense fear that Beau radiates. The contrast between his POVs vs Leslie's was refreshing and I definitely looked forward to her chapters just to get a break from his mind.

But the ultimate piece that made Beau so realistic is that I've known men that give the same feel as Beau, and I feel like many women I know have as well. It's almost unsettling how much he reminded me of different moments and people I have known.

River of Ashes carries an important message and warnings. Thrillers, murder mysteries, and horror were my first loves when it came to literature, but I was still unprepared for different twists and turns the book took.

This is such a fantastic fall read!! There was twist and turns that keep me reading long into the early morning hours!! This book is hands down a page turner and one you want to keep reading!! The writing, the world building. Everything is fantastic!!

I thought this book was freaking awesome. The terrifying twists and turns keep me reading long after bedtime. I kept all the lights on. I thought the book was scary.

This was a perfect book to read this fall as it kept me on the edge of my seat and bitting my nails from the very start. I kept waiting for eerie music to start and read this book in only a few sessions. Weis & Astor excellently set the gothic scene, placing the book in a small southern town and describing the buildings, Abbeys, and more with great detail.

And our main character, Beau Devereaux, is both creepy and deeply disturbing. I have never read a book from a psychopaths/villains POV and found this entirely unlike anything else I had ever read. I was glad to see and read the authors note at the back of the book detailing why this topic was chosen. I would recommend reading that first!

This book, its characters and plot twists, is one that will stick with you and keep you guessing. A perfect read for October!

A hair-raising accurate portrayal of a psychopath's descent into madness and murder as well as the lives of his victims. If you want to get a look inside of the mind and the making of a killer, here's your chance. And from his POV! You also get POVs from the twin sisters in the story.

I read the bios in back and one of the authors is a nurse who has worked with sexual assault victims and mental illness. She also includes a note you shouldn't skip.

River of Ashes is a chilling reminder of what can be hiding behind the smiling mask of strangers--or the person next door..

There is a creepy atmospheric sense to this Southern Gothic thriller that has an immersive feel as you follow the characters through the town of St. Benedict, LA., which is a character all its own. The writing is flawless and the story is addictive..

Unsettling and unforgettable.


--There is a rape scene included. late in the book.

Unsettling and unforgettable, River of Ashes is a very well developed, well written crossover between Adult and mature YA.. A psychological thriller with southern gothic vibes and a ghost (it wouldn't be Louisiana if there wasn't a supernatural thread). You can feel the atmosphere from the Louisiana heat and the Spanish moss oaks, to the eeriness of the haunted abbey and the river. Then there is a deceptively charming psychopath. The characters are very well drawn and I love that you get the POV of Beau Devereaux. He is a character you love to hate, but I couldn't help but like to read about him. The twins, Leslie and Dawn, couldn't be more different, but they both evolve from beginning to end--especially Dawn. Speaking of the end, it has one of the greatest, most satisfying twists I've ever read. I cannot wait for River of Wrath to see where this epic series is going next.

The authors handle the subject matter very well. Based on the author note at the end, the reason for writing the book shows within the pages with eloquence but harbors a gritty, all too real reality. Highly recommended.

Note: This is an adult series and the authors pull no punches with some of the content. The rape scene isn't gratuitous and is near the end of the book.

⭐ -- Pretty cover.

Maybe I wasn't the target audience for this book, but nothing about this book worked for me. The writing was juvenile, simplistic, and repetitive. The characters were flat, boring, and Beau came across like a caricature. There is no subtlety to the plot (or the characters) you are just hit over the head with graphic violence and rape. The paranormal aspect was underdeveloped and seemed out of place. Yeah, disappointed...

**ARC Via NetGalley**

This book is not for the weak of heart or those with significant triggers. But, for me, it was FABULOUS. I have not been so drawn into a book since the first time I read Throne of Glass. Very reminiscent of small towns and the way the hierarchies work within them. The characters were likable (and unlikable) to such a degree that I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Wonderful, I cannot wait to read more.

This one is so good, I’m not even sure where to start. I was expecting dark romance but this is something else entirely: obsession, sick and twisted that will never be anything else, can never be reciprocated. Beau Devereaux is a sick, sick boy. He puts up a great front as the star quarterback, excellent student and most popular guy in town but he’s hiding an evil so deep and depraved that nobody would ever suspect. Except for Leslie. She sees right through his façade and knows exactly what he is, even if nobody else believes it.

He's biding his time until he can have Leslie and will do whatever it takes to get close to her. He’s been dating her twin for months, hoping to quell some of his urges with her lookalike, but Dawn isn’t what he wants, not at all. His twisted plan has worked well, driving a wedge between the sisters that both keeps them apart while giving him access to stalk Leslie’s life from nearby.

She knows he’s no good and Leslie’s determined to unmask him for all to see, but even she underestimates the monster inside of him. As Dawn becomes disillusioned with her boyfriend’s wandering eye and gaslighting to hide his cheating, the girls grow closer once again but only Dawn realizes how Beau orchestrated their estrangement. But why does he want to keep her from her own twin?

This story is amazing in every way. The twists at the end (yes, twists plural) made my week. There was one I expected but two I never saw coming and the last few chapters had my mind reeling. This is book one of a duet and for once, I have absolutely no idea what to expect from the next book. The story could have ended right here so I don’t know where we go from this point but I can’t wait to find out. The heartfelt note at the end from one of the authors gives it an additional dimension that’s both painful and hopeful. We need more writers like Weis and Astor.

First, I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book. I am leaving this honest review of my own will.

Loved it!