Jessica (HDB)

So I decided to go ahead and use this book for the In the Dark, Dark Woods square, because it actually does take place pretty squarely in the woods and it helps me keep the mystery secure of what actually lies beyond the river! Trust me, to spoil that would be to spoil the enjoyment of this whole book. So you're welcome. Hahaha.

Truth be told, this book read a little slow at the beginning. A lot of attention was paid to Frank's backstory and, although I felt like it was important, it started to feel a little drawn out after a while. Frank is a veteran, and Buehlman shows how much that still haunts him through the use of dream sequences. Which is actually a good idea! However there are a lot, and after a while they're repetitive. I felt like I could easily understand Frank's head space without the monotonous use of these dreams. Plus, and I'm not being a prude here at all trust me, there are also a LOT of references to sex is this book. If you're not comfortable with some steamy scenes, you might want to skim read. Let's just say that Frank and his beau have a very, very healthy sex life.

Now, to the part that made me whiz through this book! Buehlman puts a character into the mix that is fascinating, mainly because he's so secretive. As the book progresses, and he becomes more essential to the plot, you begin to realize what really lurks beyond the river. I do think he could have been used a little more heavily, but I was happy with his interactions with our main characters. He pushed the book forward, keeping things mysterious, and really upping the tension.

The other great part about this book is that once the action gets going, it is like a freight train! There are definitely some gory scenes in this book, just to warn you, but it all fits perfectly where it should. "Those Across the River" is an apt title, and all I kept wondering is why everyone didn't just run away and never look back. Yes, I know there wouldn't be a story then. That's what I'd do though. I want to live. LOL.

Overall, a solid book! Buehlman intrigues me, so I'll be searching out more of his work.