Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Release Day Review: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield

Title: Once Upon a River
Author: Diane Setterfield
Series: Stand Alone
Genre: Fantasy/Folklore
Published By: Atria (December 4, 2018)
Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4 Stars



Book Description:
A dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames. The regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open on an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a little child.

Hours later the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life.

Is it a miracle?

Is it magic?

Or can it be explained by science?


Replete with folklore, suspense and romance, as well as with the urgent scientific curiosity of the Darwinian age, Once Upon a River is as richly atmospheric as Setterfield’s bestseller The Thirteenth Tale. 










Beautifully written and executed, Once Upon a River feels like an old timey classic told through an imaginative narrative that immediately grabs your attention and refuses to let go. 

Filled with magic and wonder, romance and adventure, all beautifully rich in detail and lore, this is very much the Setterfield from The Thirteenth Tale that we all know and fell in love with. 

Filled with intricate twists and turns and mystery that will keep you guessing, this will keep you eagerly turning the pages as you are caught up in the magic and beauty of it all as it slowly unfolds page after page. 






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*



36 comments:

  1. This one is new to me. I like the cover and you have me intrested with the mystery part. Great review!

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    1. She is a great writer, very detailed and rich in setting and character development.

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  2. This sounds good. I do have the Thirteenth Tale marked as wanting to read, so you've sparked my curiosity once again.

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    1. You must read the Thirteenth, it is fabulous. This one is really good as well of course. ;)

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  3. Oh I loved her Thirteenth Tale Kindlemom. This will for sure be on my list! Thank you

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  4. I read another positive review of this one. It sounds like it's written really well! Glad you enjoyed it.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  5. I have the thirteenth tale on my TBR so glad the follow up was great and filled with mystery

    Tori @ In Tori Lex

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    1. This wasn't a follow up, totally separate but it was really good. ;)

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  6. I am curious about this one but steered away because I did not like the Thirteenth Tale. I think I will see if can get the audio from the library after reading your review. It sounds like something I might like.

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    1. This is way more, fairy tale feeling than the Thirteenth Tale. Definitely not at all the same other than her attention to details.

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  7. Sounds like a beautiful and magical read! I love that cover, too! :)

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  8. Not familiar with this author or her books but then I don't read a whole lot of fantasy. Occasionally. I'm glad you enjoyed this one Ali!

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    1. I think this is her first fantasy type read, her other was more historical mystery. She did a good job with it though.

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  9. I've always been a massive of Diane Setterfield. She knows how to draw me in and hold my attention to the very end. Thanks for reminding me that I have to check this one out!

    Simply Angela

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  10. That sounds really good, glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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  11. Interesting cover and it does sound good. I don't think I have read any of her work.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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  12. I recently got The Thirteenth Tale from a thrift store and I plan to read it, I have high hopes for it!

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  13. Mystery, twists and turns, you have piqued my interest.

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  14. I thought it was going to be a horror there for a minute when it mention the girl waking up. lol. I've had The Thirteenth Tale on my "list" for awhile. I definitely need to read one of these soon!

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  15. I'm reading this one right now! It's been really great so far, and I'm happy to see you enjoyed it as well. I see you're currently reading A Curse So Dark and Lonely! It's one I've been looking forward to! :)

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. So glad you are liking it! It really is unique. I loved A Curse So Dark and Lonely, it was fabulous!!

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  16. This book sounds so wonderful! I have to check this one out!

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