Book Review: River Secrets by Shannon Hale

Series: The Books of Bayern #3

Format: AudioBook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Library (I own a paperback)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publisher: Full Cast Audio/Bloomsbury

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Bayern has triumphed in its war with Tira. But though the war is over, simmering anger remains among the Tirans and new hostilities could erupt at any moment. In a desperate attempt to maintain the peace, King Geric sends an ambassador to the Tiran capitol. Of course, an ambassador needs a military guard. Razo—short, impish, and not at all skilled at combat—longs to be among those selected to go, but thinks he has no chance. So he is astounded when Captain Talone taps him to join the group. He's even more astounded when he discovers the secret reason for Talone's decision. All too soon Razo is up to his eyeballs in a simmering mix of danger and intrigue—not to mention an unexpected romance. But as the gruesome deaths mount, everyone is a suspect...even the girl who has stolen Razo's heart.

Review

I'm obsessed with the full-cast audiobooks for this series. I didn't remember a lot of the content from this story, but I remembered not liking it as much as the first two. 

Now, I freaking love it. 

Razo is so adorable and I love him. He is incredibly sweet and a great protagonist. I don't know if I've read another lead-especially male-like this. He's awkward, but not too awkward to be hard to read or unrealistic. I suffer from sympathetic anxiety when characters are too awkward and it can be real distracting. Razo also had a growth and compelling journal to read.

There was a mystery element that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really just wanted to lay on my bed and listen to the audiobook. The narrator and other voice actors did a great job bringing these characters to life.

Ms. Hale creates a magical world and it comes across effortless. With each book she adds more to the world and characters to make them feel even more real. She is spectacular author and I'm just in awe.

I'm excited to read/listen to the last book. I remember it being my least favorite, but who knows with the audiobooks.

Thanks for reading!

Holly