TW: SA, Violence

River of Ashes is the first book in the St. Benedict series. It’s a psychological thriller that is set in St. Benedict, Louisiana. The main characters are all in high school, but I wouldn’t say this is a YA novel exactly. The story is told from multiple points of view. The MC is Beau Devereaux who is rich, popular, and the football team’s star quarterback. However, Beau has a dark side. He’s a psychopath with some serious anger management issues. Beau is dating a fellow St. Benedict High classmate named Dawn but is obsessed with her twin sister, Leslie. Leslie had previously turned down Beau’s advances and he has been threatening her since. Of course, Dawn is oblivious to this and to Beau’s true nature despite Leslie’s repeated attempts to warn her. The story follows Beau’s descent into darkness and the ripple effects felt by everyone in his life.

I’ve had to think about this review for a while. On one hand, it was a short read and fast-paced. It kept my attention throughout, and the twist was one I didn’t see coming. On the other hand, having to read the sickening point of view of Beau and the detailed description of SA left me triggered. I should have paid more attention to the warnings, but I’ve read books with SA before, and I didn’t think it would be an issue. Also, the ending left me with questions. These questions might get answered in the next book, but the issue for me was that certain events happen solely to tee up the twist. These events aren’t explained in detail because they would give too much away ahead of time. However, they aren’t explained after the fact either, so you are left wondering. The other drawback for me was that Beau was written to be a study in psychopathy. The reader is supposedly getting this insight into the inner workings of his mind by being privy to his vile thoughts. In my opinion, it doesn’t deliver. Beau is a lot of “I’ll show her!” kind of attitude minus details of what made him who he is. There are references to things he has done in the past to his mother, but it’s glossed over. So ultimately, his character was a bit one-dimensional to me. If you like your YA on the dark side, definitely give this book a shot.

Let me start by saying that I'm excited this is part of a trilogy as I was wrapped up in the goings-on of this small Louisiana community. It read to me like a more mature Christopher Pike story with real-world issues colliding with subtle hints of the supernatural. I feel like on that latter point, we still never got a definitive answer, and I'm okay with that as it will probably only expand further in the St. Benedict series. This is a high school story led by four POVs: Beau Devereaux, twin sisters Leslie and Dawn Moore, and Derek Foster. Though, our main characters are clearly Beau and Leslie.

Beau is the popular high school quarterback and son to the town's patriarch Gage Devereaux. Under his good guy facade is a psychopath with twisted sexual urges and a desire to inflict pain. His main object of desire is his girlfriend Dawn's sister Leslie, who sees Beau as a horrible person. She just doesn't know how horrible he really is.

In the backdrop of the town is the Bogue Falaya River and an old abandoned seminary with a tragic history. This is where Beau likes to explore his dark fantasies, but there is also talk about a ghost that haunts the grounds and wild dogs stalk about looking for a meal.

The book reads very fast thanks to quick chapters, and the multiple POVs help with keeping the story gripping. You can feel the tension building throughout up until the book's final few chapters. Also, there's an intriguing epilogue that leaves you wanting more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"

Thanks to Net Galley for the advance copy!

Thank you to Vesuvian Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor is a horrifying adult thriller that will shake you to your core. The story revolves around Beau Devereaux, a high school golden boy and star of the football team. He comes from a powerful family in town, and everyone thinks he's perfect. What most people don't know is that he has an insatiable hunger for rough sex, sexual assault, and terrifying girls. Now, he's after his girlfriend's twin sister, Leslie. Will someone stop him or will another girl end up his victim?

Here is a disturbing excerpt from Chapter 1:

"“Leslie.” Beau cornered her in the hall. “How’s it going?”
Her blue eyes blazed—just what he expected.
“What do you want, Beau?”
He almost laughed. His attention settled on the notch at the base of her neck. It fluttered like a scared little butterfly.
“Can’t a guy say hi to a friend?” Beau put his arm on the wall behind her, trapping her between the lockers. “We never talk. Why is that?”
He loved watching her eyes dart about, searching for rescue, but no one would challenge him. No one ever did.
“I’m not your friend.” She shoved him back. “Go talk to Dawn.”"

Overall, River of Ashes is one of the most disturbing books that I've ever read. Content warning: many detailed instances of sexual assault. One highlight of this book, which I didn't realize until I read the author's Afterword, is that the book sheds light on an important social issue: the sexual assault of high school girls. I did take off 2 stars, because this book was just too much for me. It was not an enjoyable reading experience, which I guess is the point. But after enjoying the author's previous book Have You Seen Me? I was expecting to read a different type of thriller, a more "typical" kind. I wasn't expecting this. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of disturbing thrillers, you can check out this book when it comes out in August!

This is the first book I have read that was about a young serial killer. Especially how he felt throughout the book. I really felt terrible for all the girls he chose to be his victims. Leslie had it hardest of all without even knowing the extent of Beau’s obsession. He spiraled quickly, maybe because he did not have the control over his emotions he thought he had. The ending was a tragedy. I really enjoyed this book and I think others that enjoy this type of book will too.

Beau Devereaux. That name just oozes privilege, and privilege he did have. Town golden boy, football captain, and being groomed to takeover the family business. Yea, Beau seemed to have it all. Oh, but underneath that facade Beau is starting to loose control. His obsession with the one person that sees right through him is slowing pulling the tie loose around what control he does have. Then the most horrific things began to occur.
I have to say, this book just grabs you. Once your in it's pages you're trapped by a story so real, so heartbreaking, yet you can't let up until you read every last page. Stories like this happen so often, though. That is what Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor want to bring to light. They want to give these young girls a voice, because sexual violence and sexual assault happens too often. If you are from a small town, the likelihood of someone like Beau Devereaux getting away with things is remarkably high. This has to stop. I have much respect for these two authors who have brought this issue out. I hope young girls read this, and it gives them some sort of strength or empowerment. This was book one of a series set in this town along the Bogue Falaya River in Louisiana. I'm looking forward to reading more.

As a book scout, I read a lot, and this was the most unusual novel I've ever read. I love anything Southern Gothic; couple it with a thriller and I'm all in. That said, I had no idea what "all in" would entail until I read River of Ashes. There are no words for what you're going to encounter in this novel. Reading other reviews, someone said nothing can prepare you for what's between these pages. They were right, and now I'm addicted and need the next book in this twisted soap opera that feels like you're peeking into the forbidden world of people you would be better served by looking away from.

This is remarkably well-written. It's hard to believe it's by two authors. And they definitely know how to portray real life characters and teenagers at that. Most adult authors can't write teenagers well. They feel silly or wooden. Not the case here. Beau is TOO real..

Looking forward to River of Wrath. Highly recommend.

I honestly have nothing positive to say about this book at all. It felt like a bad attempt at YA thriller/horror writing but nothing about it was thrilling or horror. The characters are so poorly developed and cliche. I actually laughed at parts because it was so bad. The whole first half of the book is just about a young incel type who keeps saying "I'm gonna show her!" over and over. No depth and although serious subject matter is discussed, it is done so poorly that it is hard to take it seriously. I wish I would have stopped reading like I wanted to.

This was a good and interesting read! The setting is perfect for a horror book; it has a goth feel to it which adds to the creepy factor. It did take a little for me to get into the story but once it all got going I had no problem finishing it. It was a fast and easy read and it was really interesting to be able to hear what each character thought and how each one had their own story to tell. Especially Beau, he is one sick and twisted individual! It's a dark read that won't be for everyone. The story had some great twists and turns, all the way to the end. It will be interesting to see where the author will take the story in the next book! Thank Xpresso Book Tours and Alexandrea Weis for sharing this book with me!

This book was very interesting to say the least. It wasn't what I thought it was at first. But honestly it got better as I went. This book was dark in all the right ways. The writing was stunning!

Did I request this book based on the cover? Yes! Did I love the dedication: To the unheard victims who trusted the “boy next door”. Yes! And the opening line “The Scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls. Edgar Allen Poe” was all it took for the hook to sink in.

This was really good. I loved that the kids were all high school students which at times felt a bit YA but with more darkness and violence. Beau was a well written character that felt way to real, as well as other scenarios in the book. I think that’s what really made this thriller/horror so much more than it seems. If you’re looking for some good skin crawling, gut queasy and rage inducing vibes, grab this book. Overall great read and happy to see that there will be a sequel. And lastly, loved the authors note at the end addressing mental health, bullying, sexual assault, violence against women and some pretty sad statistics. 4.25⭐️

The first book in the St. Benedict series is an absolute gripping read! I don't even know where to start, there's nothing that compares to this book and how it makes you feel. I needed 24 hours to form any coherent thoughts and I'm still struggling to put together what this book is about, how it made me feel and why you have to read it. This book deals with a heavy topic, so be sure to check the trigger warnings.

This book is creepy and disturbing, but in such a way that you want to keep reading. You want to know what happens and what causes the characters to act a certain way. Twin sisters, Leslie and Dawn, are opposites and their relationship is somewhat strained at the moment. They fight a lot and one of the main reasons is boyfriends. Leslie doesn't approve of Beau Devereaux and with good reason. Now here is where the eerie music starts playing. Beau bullies Leslie while dating Dawn, constantly creating a wedge between the sisters and manipulating everyone around him; he gets high on power and pain.

The author includes a note at the back of the book explaining the topic of the book and the reason for choosing it. After reading this book, I was left speechless. Speechless because of the characters, the events, and the disturbing scenes but also because of the important message it carries. I've never read something like this before, and I've read a few thrillers, but NOTHING comes close to River of Ashes. This book evokes different emotions in the reader, I literally clapped my hand over my mouth near the end because I was in utter shock and disbelief. This story is a web of deception that is cleverly planned and well written. These characters will stay with the reader long after putting the book down.

Thank you to Netgalley and Vesuvian Books for the gifted electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

(St. Benedict, #1)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: August 2nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller

This book engages you from the start and it will run you through the gamut of emotions as the story unfolds. That is what makes this book so great you will want to scream, yell, and wish you could run Beau over in a car. You will not be able to just be passive and read it as it sparks raw emotion. You will stay on the edge of your seat wondering how this ends.

Dawn is dating Beau and she thinks he is the man of her dreams. Her sister Leslie realizes that Beau is not what he appears to be. Then there are others Sara, Andrea, Taylor, Kelly who have seen the real Beau and what is behind the facade.

Beau likes to believe he has everyone fooled with his good looks, caring nature but reality is he is a psychopath you don't want to mess with. His parents know and try and cover up for him but soon others will know his true nature.

This book was just so good

Disturbing, in a good way. A twisted little tale of obsession, This book involves violence, rape and bullying. Reading Beau's POV was difficult but also interesting. I could see what the men like him have in mind. He truly deserved what happened at the end of the story.
There are so many victims of violence and rape. I loved how girls in this book found their strength and took revenge. Can't wait to read more about them in the second book!

I love how so many things happened in the book. I could not keep myself from the book because it was so good

This story! OMG!

On the river's edge, kids from the local high school gather every Friday. There is where Beau feels the most comfortable. He is an only child of a very powerful family. In the eyes of the town, he is charming and can do no wrong. No one sees through him, except for Leslie. He starts to date her twin sister, who is smitten with him, but Leslie absolutely hates him.

There is something about Beau that she dislikes, something lurks behind the facade. And she is right. Beau is a monster.

Some of the chapters are told from his perspective. To see how he thinks and operates, was equally interesting and very unsettling.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It's intense, it's mind-bending, it's ... just excellent!

Highly recommend it (read the trigger warnings before!)

received from Xpresso Book Tours, all thoughts and opinions are my own

What the holy heck did I just read?!?
This book was good! I did not except to like it as much as I did. It’s set in high school but this book is trippy!
Ending I did not except it took my completely by surprise. The writing is amazing. I’ll definitely be looking for more by these authors

I am so sorry but this book definitely not for me.
Please search for the trigger Warning first, well this book listed as thriller but this one is too much Disturbing for me

River of Ashes is a disturbing but compelling and quick read. Beau Devereux is a truly repulsive character, and it's interesting how much of the book is spent inside his head, showing how calculated he is. All of the main characters (Dawn, Leslie, and Beau) were well fleshed out and established a high school dynamic that I think will be familiar to many readers.

This book is not for the faint of heart, however - there's many trigger warnings, and there were two moments that genuinely surprised me, as I didn't expect it to get quite that dark. I think there needed to be a bit more history detailed. There are hints of past issues with Beau, especially in regards to his mother, that I wish we knew more about. I also felt that some of the minor characters felt slightly off - a little more development would have been helpful, especially for the character of Andrea.

My biggest issue is that supernatural elements are hinted at throughout, but left pretty vague, until they're not. I still truly don't understand the epilogue. Knowing that this book has a sequel, I'm assuming some of these gripes and questions would be answered. I did enjoy the strange and troubled world enough that I would check out the sequel.

Just so you know/Trigger warning: This book deals with themes involving sexual assault and the violence surrounding it. If that's a topic you don't want to read about, this isn't the book for you.

Wow. What an interesting way to write a thriller: not from the POV of the innocent or of a sympathetic character, but mostly from the point-of0view of someone who will make your blood curdle. A true psychopath if there ever was one. As if high school wasn't bad enough already. Add in a terrifically atmospheric setting and you really have a suspenseful book that creeps into your psyche and pulls you in, not unlike a good soap opera. It made for a quick read that really sets up a nice coming series. Except the thing is, you'll be mad that only book one is here for now, lol!

But the characters were really well developed and they all had interesting backstories and I'm excited to see where the authors go next with these characters. Each unique character added a new layer to the story that built a picture of the society of the school and gave a glimpse into the frame that allowed this situation to go on for so long. I don't want to say too much.

Anyway, just pick up this book. It's got gorgeous writing and will draw you into a high school world where nothing is as it seems and the ending is worth the wait!

Please read the trigger warnings for this book - some of the subject matter may be difficult for some readers!
To start, this book was a solid read.
The story is told from a few different POV, but is mostly told from Beau's perspective. Beau is a psychopath in waiting who takes bullying & sexual harassment to the next level. His POV was interesting, but also quite disturbing to read.
Counteracting Beau is the POV of Leslie, the twin sister of his girlfriend. She's the only one who can see the monster lurking below Beau's golden boy surface.
Every main character in this story pulled the weight, but most especially was Beau.
This felt like a YA book with the high school setting, but had some heavy adult themes.
I wish the ending had more detail. It felt slightly anti-climatic & rushed after the intense build up to Halloween night. But perhaps the events after Halloween will be more fleshed out in the next book.
I look forward to reading more about this town, the Abbey, and these characters in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Vesuvian Media for allowing me to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted to my IG @rolandreviews on July 22 as part of a book tour I'm participating in.