In the RIVER DARKNESS, by German writer Marlene Röder, is a young adult drama that does not live up to the intrigue that gripes the reader in the opening paragraphs. The cover and the opening chapter lead the reader to expect that the book will be a mystery or thriller. But the reader is let down by the predictable plot and so-so ending. It almost seems as if In the River of Darkness was written to lead into future sequels. This quick read (222 pages, easy to read) can be read in just a couple of hours.

The plot centers around three teens: a new girl to town, Mia, and two brothers, Alexander and Jay, who live next door. The story is told from these three teens’ points of view. There is a bit of romance, a bit of mystery, but overall, there is no thrill in this story.