Riverkeep

Praise

– A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year 2016
– A Publishers Weekly Fall 2016 Flying Start
- A BCCB 2016 Blue Ribbons pick

“[Stewart’s] descriptions of Wull’s world gripped in winter are brutal and beautiful, his monsters are terrifyingly plausible, and there are striking moments.” —The New York Times Book Review

★ ”Stewart shows a dab hand at crafting memorable characters and thoroughly frightening opponents for them to face . . . A rich debut: Huck Finn meets Moby-Dick.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ ”Filled with wild adventure and hilarious dialogue . . . this vivid, engrossing fantasy will delight readers.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ ”There isn’t a single forgettable person, monster, or creature in the whole adventure; it’s impossible to not be deeply invested in all of their successes. This is a rare work that feels like a sophisticated, gritty folktale, full of impossibilities and dramatic tension, and it is both hilarious and tragic in equal measure.” —BCCB, starred review

“A unique and distinctive fantasy world, ably conveyed through very readable dialect and buoyed by near-constant action . . . [a] riveting read.” —Booklist

“With a humorous, light touch and an excellent feel for dialogue, Stewart has created a first-rate fantasy. . . Excellently written.” —School Library Journal

“Woven of threads and snippets of fantasy and myth, Riverkeep presents something entirely unique and innovative. The constant interjection of humor forms an odd juxtaposition with the seriousness of Wull’s quest. Add to that black humor, weird characters and graphic violence, and it is compelling in the same quirky way that Monty Python is. The narrative is both harsh and beautiful.” —VOYA

“The fast-paced action is compelling. Students who appreciate well written horror fiction will thoroughly enjoy this novel. This gripping supernatural tale includes adventure, monsters, love and loss, and thought-provoking issues.” —School Library Connection

“Martin Stewart’s atmospheric debut blends fantasy and horror into a rollicking Scottish adventure about fathers and sons, monsters and magic, and the choices that make us human . . . A dark delight, Stewart’s riverboat ride should impress teen horror fans and anyone seeking a YA novel with no romance but plenty of heart.” —Shelf Awareness