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River of Shadows

Underworld Gods Series, Book 1

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River of Shadows

By: Karina Halle
Narrated by: Jo Raylan
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Summary

In order to save my father, I have to marry the God of Death.

When twenty-four-year old Hanna Heikkinen's estranged father dies, she reluctantly makes the trip to Northern Finland for his funeral. Being in the enchanting land of ice and snow feels miles away from Hanna's busy life back in Los Angeles, especially under the complicated circumstances.

But when Hanna discovers that her father's body is missing, that's when things really get weird. A mysterious man, Rasmus, tells Hanna the truth: her father was a powerful shaman who went into Tuonela, the Realm of the Dead, in order to barter for more life, and has been held captive by Tuoni, the God of Death. The only way her father can be freed is if she travels with Rasmus into the mythical underworld to rescue him.

Willing to do anything to have a second chance with her father, Hanna accompanies Rasmus into the dark and bloody realm, traveling via the River of Shadows, stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come into the haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family.

Only for her to be captured and held prisoner by the God of Death himself.

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Karina Halle (P)2022 Tantor Dark Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Romance Romantasy
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Really enjoyed this book. Will read next one. Very enjoyable. Fantastic story. Loved characters

Really great story

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I like the way the story unfolded and how you could visualise the characters and settings. I enjoy the other books and the series also.

An immersive read

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This was a lovely story, a true slow burn. There were moments I found myself laughing out loud, and others where I was genuinely confused by an unnecessary plot twist or scene. Still, I truly enjoyed it. On to Book 2!

Good story and narration.

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Hanna is traveling to Finland to attend her fathers funeral. But once there she discovers not everything is as it seems, that her father’s body is missing and his apprentice Rasmus tells her he is still alive but trapped in Tuonela the realm of the dead by Tuoni the God of Death himself so they set out to save him. In order to free her father, Hanna has to cross the River of Shadows to reach Tuonela. Once there they are stalked by dangerous creatures, monsters, and the living dead, until they finally come to a haunted kingdom ruled by Death and his family where Hanna must strike a bargain with Tuoni to set her father free.

This is book 1 in the Underworld Gods series and is a fast-paced combination of Fantasy, Finnish Mythology, Beauty and the Beast retelling, Mystery and Romance. The world building is done so well, it is descriptive without being too dense or info dumpy as you are discovering this new world alongside Hanna and her running inner monologue of WTF makes it feel all the more believable. The overall plot was solid and moved forward at good pace, the characters and world were intriguing, layered and multifaceted and the tension between Tuoni & Hanna delicious, it does take a while for them to be on page together but I didn't mind that at all. The spice when it happens is good, I lobe a dirty talking MMC and Tuoni ticked that box.
This was my first ever read by Karina Halle and I had a really great time with it, Jo Raylans narration was great and she does a wonderful job with differentiating the characters. FYI this book does end on a cliffhanger but I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing where this story goes because as it stands I'm left not know what to think or who to trust and I LOVE it when a book does that. 🌶🌶🌶

Fab Listen

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I really enjoyed this! The story is intriguing, unique and thrilling - giving the perfect gothic romantasy vibes. Very excited for book 2

Perfect gothic romance

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