The Underwild Series Book 1: River of Spirits

 

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm a bit behind in reading my chapter books, but I have finished this one so I have to share it with you. It came out at the end of March. It is a middle grade fantasy novel with Greek mythology references. It takes place in the Underworld. The book is the first in what is called The Underwild Series. The book is River of Spirits by Shana Targosz. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

From the Publisher:

For the first printing only! This hardcover features sprayed edges while the special edition supply lasts.

An instant New York Times bestseller!

A “dazzling debut” (Booklist, starred review) middle grade fantasy about a girl caught between the realms of the living and the dead who gets lost in the Underworld—perfect for fans of Greenwild and Rick Riordan.

Senka lives between the realm of the Living and the realm of the Dead. As ward to Charon, the Ferryer of the Underworld, Senka assists in ferrying recently departed souls across the river and into their afterlife. Although Charon has taught her many Rules about life in the Underworld, there is much he avoids telling her. Though she doesn’t understand why the Rules are so important, she listens—she must heed them in order to become an official Ferryer, just like Charon.

Then a Living girl, Poppy, enters the Underworld to plead for help in finding the ghost of her brother. Poppy’s grief tugs at Senka’s heart—but helping Poppy goes against the very Rules Senka is so desperate to follow. When Poppy is yanked away by the river’s current, Senka leaps to save her, and she and Poppy are swept downriver, far from everything Senka has ever known.

Lost in the Underwild, Senka and Poppy encounter malevolent spirits of lore and eccentric ghosts—and not all are willing to let souls slip through their grasp. Senka knows the Living can’t stay in the realm of the Dead for long, and if Poppy isn’t returned home soon, she will risk becoming lost to the Underworld forever. But as Senka travels deeper into the Underwild, she discovers there are secrets her guardian has kept from her, including the mystery surrounding her own existence. As Poppy and Senka dodge angry demigods, hungry wraiths, and terrifying dragon chimera, Senka gets closer to learning the truth of her own past. Soon, Senka won’t just need to save Poppy’s life—she’ll also need to save her own.

From Me:

Senka was created to be Charon's assistant or at least that is what she was told. She doesn't understand why she was created as a twelve-year-old girl to be his assistant, but she wants to finally be an official ferryer. When the ghost of a young child jumps into the river and carried away by the currents, Charon sends his trusty messenger raven friend and Senka's teacher, Mortimer to help the boy. When Mortimer does not return in a few days, Charon leaves to look for him. This is Senka's chance to prove that she can be a ferryer. She takes the boat out and brings a soul across the river to his under-after. When she returns, she sees someone else and rushes over to transport this soul but discovers a living girl who is desperate to find her dead brother. Senka tries to send her away, but the living girl, Poppy, jumps into the river. Senka tries to save her but ends up in the river as well. The currents carry them away to the Underwild. The Underwild is part of the Underworld Senka has not been and was told to never go. It is filled with all sorts of trouble and Senka and Poppy find much of it. On their journey Senka realizes that Charon and Mortimer have been keeping things from her and she realizes that she needs to complete this journey to save both Poppy and discover her own truths. 

This book has so many powerful messages. There is the storyline of family and duty. There is the storyline of friendship. Poppy is Senka's first friend her age. There is adventure as well as messages about what is right. Senka chooses to break the rules to save Poppy. As she gets to know Poppy, she keeps breaking the rules so that Poppy can find her brother. There is the special bond between Poppy and her brother as well as the bond between Senka and Charon. Plus, there are lessons about memories and their importance as well. Add in the references of the Greek mythology. It is taking place in the Underworld which is in itself Greek mythology. Charon is the Greek Ferryer. Other characters are sprinkled throughout the book and some of the Greek gods are mentioned like Zeus and Hades. 

The book is an interesting read. It is full of action once Poppy comes on the scene. Action and mystery. You never know what is going to happen to them next. Through the book Senka gets to see much of the Underworld rather than the island and the river it is in where she and Charon live. As a result, the reader learns about the Underworld and its myths. The reader watches the budding friendship between Senka and Poppy as well as learns about the relationships each of them have with the others in their life. Poppy's stories of her life make Senka begin to realize she is not truly living. She has never thought about being in a school with other kids her age until she meets Poppy. Senka begins to ponder about her life and its purpose. Then she learns there are definitely things Charon and Mortimer have not told her, and she questions why. It is interesting to see the thoughts and discovery that Senka is having. There are moments of danger and lots of action which young readers will love. Overall, I have to say this book is interesting and will be enjoyed by the middle grade readers. It will also work to go along with a mythology unit.