Review of Mother of the River
Posted: 07 Aug 2023, 02:04
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mother of the River" by Emily McPherson.]
Ianthe's father, Evander, was not always forthcoming about what happened to her mother. When Ianthe asked about her, Evander often became evasive or even offended. The separation between Evander and his wife resulted from an altercation they had. Screch Sidhe had stepped in to protect Ianthe’s mother from Evander. The intervention, however, separated Ianthe from her mother at a tender age.
Fintan lives with his father, Sean. Fintan's mother is a merrow, a creature that can live both on land and in the water. Sean sent his wife away to the ocean to ensure her survival. In the ocean, she would live for generations, free from the dangers of the land. Fintan is lucky he can meet his mother when he wants.
These two families, sharing the same fate, work together in Sean's weaponry shop. When Ianthe finally discovers what happened to her mother and other families, she broaches her plan to Fintan and her father. Though incredulous about the idea to find her mother, the duo finally decides to join the mission. Fintan’s death and coming back to life revealed something else. But will the nightmare stop Ianthe from pursuing her mission? What is Sean’s reaction to his son’s involvement in the mission, less his consent?
In Mother of the River, Emily McPherson creates a world where fathers can positively exercise their parenting skills. The relationship between Ianthe and Evander is expected to be convoluted, but it is an example of what fatherhood is all about. Sean and Evander allow their children to pursue their friendship without impediments, even though they are not yet adults. This gives Fintan and Ianthe the confidence to follow their dreams. For example, Ianthe is determined to find her mother and right the wrongs that Screch Sidhe committed.
I found myself in a quandary when Evander did the inconceivable, 'protecting' her daughter from the 'Giant’s Men' instead of pursuing justice. It kept me thinking about the extent laws are bent to serve desired justice. McPherson does an incredible job of painstakingly describing events. The battle in the river leading to Fintan’s drowning was so moving. We witness firsthand pain and fear in the characters. The love between Fintan and Ianthe is also well-projected. I could feel their connection and how much they cared for each other.
This is an immense novel for young adults interested in adventure, romance, and the world of faeries. This novel is also teeming with light moments. Sean and Evander, for instance, are so cagey when in their children’s company. Based on the novel’s desired audience, I didn’t find anything to dislike; therefore, I rate Mother of the River 5 out of 5. It explores the idea that our 'good deeds' can make us outliers in society. This is because our well-intentioned actions may have unintended outcomes.
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Mother of the River
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Ianthe's father, Evander, was not always forthcoming about what happened to her mother. When Ianthe asked about her, Evander often became evasive or even offended. The separation between Evander and his wife resulted from an altercation they had. Screch Sidhe had stepped in to protect Ianthe’s mother from Evander. The intervention, however, separated Ianthe from her mother at a tender age.
Fintan lives with his father, Sean. Fintan's mother is a merrow, a creature that can live both on land and in the water. Sean sent his wife away to the ocean to ensure her survival. In the ocean, she would live for generations, free from the dangers of the land. Fintan is lucky he can meet his mother when he wants.
These two families, sharing the same fate, work together in Sean's weaponry shop. When Ianthe finally discovers what happened to her mother and other families, she broaches her plan to Fintan and her father. Though incredulous about the idea to find her mother, the duo finally decides to join the mission. Fintan’s death and coming back to life revealed something else. But will the nightmare stop Ianthe from pursuing her mission? What is Sean’s reaction to his son’s involvement in the mission, less his consent?
In Mother of the River, Emily McPherson creates a world where fathers can positively exercise their parenting skills. The relationship between Ianthe and Evander is expected to be convoluted, but it is an example of what fatherhood is all about. Sean and Evander allow their children to pursue their friendship without impediments, even though they are not yet adults. This gives Fintan and Ianthe the confidence to follow their dreams. For example, Ianthe is determined to find her mother and right the wrongs that Screch Sidhe committed.
I found myself in a quandary when Evander did the inconceivable, 'protecting' her daughter from the 'Giant’s Men' instead of pursuing justice. It kept me thinking about the extent laws are bent to serve desired justice. McPherson does an incredible job of painstakingly describing events. The battle in the river leading to Fintan’s drowning was so moving. We witness firsthand pain and fear in the characters. The love between Fintan and Ianthe is also well-projected. I could feel their connection and how much they cared for each other.
This is an immense novel for young adults interested in adventure, romance, and the world of faeries. This novel is also teeming with light moments. Sean and Evander, for instance, are so cagey when in their children’s company. Based on the novel’s desired audience, I didn’t find anything to dislike; therefore, I rate Mother of the River 5 out of 5. It explores the idea that our 'good deeds' can make us outliers in society. This is because our well-intentioned actions may have unintended outcomes.
******
Mother of the River
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon