Rivka by Scoota D. Kendesh is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that blends historical depth with emotional intensity. The story follows Rivka, a woman navigating a world filled with hardship, resilience, and the fight for survival. Kendesh crafts a rich and immersive narrative, drawing readers into Rivka’s journey with vivid prose and deeply felt emotion.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its character work—Rivka is a fully realized, complex protagonist whose struggles and triumphs feel authentic and gripping. The supporting cast adds further depth, each contributing to the novel’s layered themes of identity, strength, and perseverance. The historical backdrop is well-researched and atmospheric, though at times, the pacing slows due to detailed exposition.

Despite some sections that feel a bit drawn out, Rivka remains a powerful and engaging read. Kendesh balances moments of darkness with hope, making the story both heartbreaking and uplifting. A strong 4-star novel—rich in storytelling, emotion, and historical insight, it’s a book that lingers long after the final page.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Dark and disturbing. I am unsure what I think of this book. I got it a little late and I had trouble getting into it because it started out so brutally. Definitely left an impression. Thank fully it was also short. Every page was tense and violent and sad. The abrupt ending left me curious. I would like to think what happened next was good for Bobby. Finally.

This is such a powerful and gut wrenching story that goes beyond the darkest, evil sides of humanity. A story that brings to light bullying and grooming from haunted memories, as a serial killer is creating fear in a small town. It is an emotional, dark and disturbing read. I had to take breaks in between reading this one. Not only is this shocking but captivating where I had to finish the story. The author does a phenomenal job keeping the reader emotionally invested to need to know the ending. Would recommend!

This book was a dnf for me. I almost stopped reading immediately, that first paragraph made me say nope! But I kept reading to see if it got any better and it didn't. There was like no emotional involvement, things kept happening but the writing made it so you didn't really feel anything about it. And was not good. I was expecting a very emotional, tough read and instead I got meh at best.

I just finished this book and all I can say is wow! Scooter D. Kendesh gifted us with something special. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. If I could rate it 10 stars, I would!

This book is a very intense and emotionally charged read. There are several trigger warnings such as child abuse, rape, self-harm, bullying, and violence. There were several times I found myself needing a break because of how intense things got in this book. The things Bobby went through as a child, no child should ever go through. It gets deep.

The book jumps back and forth to two timelines - back when Bobby was in school and to his adult years. Bobby had never had it easy. As a Croatian living in Briabane, Bobby knew he was different. He knew he would never fit in. Going to school every day was torture for him. He would get brutally bullied and abused every day, not only by the students but by adults as well. He had it rough, to say the least.

After some time, Bobby finally makes friends with another outsider, a Greek boy named Spiro. Bobby had no idea that after meeting Spiro and his sister, Rivka, his life would never be the same.

Fast forward to his young adult years, Bobby is suffering. He suffers from depression, anxiety, and unhealed childhood trauma, and as a result, he turns to drugs, alcohol, sex, and self-mutilation as a means of coping. He is, and has always been, just barely surviving. All because of Rivka. He finally decides to face his past, and it's not at all what he expected.

This book is deep. It's a very heavy, unsettling, yet heart-wrenching read, and you will feel something with almost every sentence. The author touches on several topics, many of which are very common in today's society. Bobby's story is a story of childhood trauma and how it can greatly impact someone, even way into their adult years. A 5+ stars read!

Thank you NetGalley, BuzzBooks, and Scoota D. Kendesh for such a captivating ARC!

RIVKA BY SCOTTA D. KENDESH.
This book is the author's debut novel.
It's a dark, disturbing and captivating book based around childhood trauma that shows the impact in his adult life.
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a ARC reader for this book.
5 STARS

Rivka is an intense, unsettling, and completely gripping novel that digs deep into the long-lasting impact of manipulation and trauma. Set in Brisbane, it follows Bobby and Spiro, whose youthful friendship is shattered by the presence of Spiro’s mysterious older sister—an event that spirals into devastating consequences. A decade later, Bobby returns home only to find his past isn't ready to let him go. The suspense builds like a slow-burning fuse, leading to shocking revelations that had me flipping pages late into the night. This book had me thinking about how childhood experiences shape us, long after I turned the last page.

Listen, Rivka is NOT for the faint of heart. This book grabbed me by the collar, whispered unsettling truths in my ear, and refused to let go. It’s got childhood trauma, a serial killer lurking in the shadows, and the kind of psychological twists that make you question everyone and everything. Brisbane in the ’80s? Creepy nostalgia! The slow-burn tension? Pure gold! And Bobby? Poor guy never stood a chance. If you love dark, gritty, and disturbingly good reads, this one’s for you. Just maybe don’t read it alone at night. 😱🔪