Rating: 3 5

This story kept getting better and better. The only issue I had was with the pacing. Some things were happening way too quickly and it was hard to follow along and picture everything happening. I loved the ending.

3.75 A solid young adult horror story! I really enjoyed the uniqueness of the concept. I would certainly read from this author if they publish again.

3.5⭐ for me.

The premise is good. I love the bromance between Danny and Roran, their dynamic, the perfect older brother and jealous little brother—yet they will burn the world to save each other because they can't deny the love they feel for one another.

The whole paranormal phenomenon is quite similar to where I'm from. The plot is promising but a little confusing, I feel like jumping from one event to another too fast. The twists wasn't smooth enough (or maybe I'm too slow to realize) but it's not bad.

Nevertheless, I enjoy the story, the chemistry between the characters, it made me care enough about them.

This was such a cool concept. I had never heard of Cain and Abel, so I Googled it immediately and was intrigued.

The entire story was honestly very intriguing, but I wasn’t a fan of a few characters.

But let’s not forget the amazing cover!!!

Very good. Not my usual go to book, but definitely drew me in. Didn't fully finish it so I won't post a review to goodreads yet, but that's because I want to purchase it for myself so I don't want to spoil the rest of the story (the final twenty percent).

A new setting for me and that was everything for me. The setting took it to another level. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I just finished reading this book (hate that it ended so quickly), and I have to say, the author did an excellent job with story building. The world they created around Roran's village of Sapo is rich with culture, mystery, and an eerie sense of danger that pulls you right in. The story itself was captivating from start to finish, blending the supernatural with real human emotion in such a seamless way. Roran’s journey of discovering his own power, and the choices he faces to save his brother, made for an exciting and hopeful read. I also loved how the themes of jealousy, sacrifice, and family played out throughout the plot.
It’s a quick, satisfying read that doesn’t take long to get lost in, yet it leaves you reflecting on its deeper meanings long after you’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for a story with heart, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural, this is definitely worth picking up!

Thanks to Netgalley and Augustine Books for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

This story for me, I’m sad to say, was just there. I can recognise that there was a base story and the clear cultural presence of Trinidad and Tobago was definitely there which is always nice to see, that is partly why I read – to experience other countries and cultures. But this book wasn’t for me.

This review was posted on my Goodreads account on Sunday 2nd of February.

Khalia Moreau’s He Burns by the River is a haunting and poetic tale of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a small, atmospheric riverside town, the novel follows a protagonist wrestling with secrets and a past that won’t stay buried. Moreau’s lyrical prose paints vivid, emotional landscapes, capturing both the beauty and brutality of human connection. This poignant and deeply resonant story lingers long after the final page, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

I really enjoyed the unique storytelling of this book. I felt fully immersed into the culture of Trinidad, and found myself connecting with the characters. My disclaimer is that the writing style is very unique, and takes some getting used to, but once you get into the flow this story takes you on quite a ride. The connection between competing brothers, and what they go through together when one falls “cursed” is truly wild to behold. There are an odd jumps that can be tricky to follow at times, but things pick back up quickly to ground you.

Wow. I really love books centered around brothers. Their dynamic was definitely a complex one - I mean, it IS a Cain and Abel retelling - with difficult emotions brimming from both boys. But overall, the story really was centered around the love and care they have for each other, which I adore.

I also loved that this was set in Trinidad and full of it's culture. It absolutely immersed me in the setting and I was living for it.

One area that I struggled with was the pacing. It felt very stop and go in a way that we'd have an incredible and intense scene, then the brakes would be pumped by backstory. But overall, I had a really good time with this story and these brothers.

He Burns by the River by Khalia Moreau is such a good book. I couldn't put this book down for a bit. So so good. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.