I would like to thank LibraryThing for send me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will say this was defiantly a cover read for however the description did draw me in. I did find the beginning of the story a little slow but the wait was worth it because of that ending! I hear there is going to be a sequel I can't wait to pick it up and see where it leads. ( )

Heart Wrenching....................

River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis & Lucas Astor is a psychological thriller set in a small town. The story revolves around a few characters. For first few pages, the plot is only about high school drama. But, after that it takes a sharp turn and we are introduced to a heart pounding ride. The last 100 pages are so interesting that I could not get my eyes off it. It definitely leaves you wanting for more. The plot focuses on teenage issues faced in High school and I would not reveal much. The plot is like we know who the culprit is, but, we do not know what will be his next move. I was really moved by the climax which was a little bit depressing.

Definitely 5 stars for the book. Thanks to the author for providing me with an opportunity to read and review such a fantastic book. ( )

"Self-control in all things. Never let anyone see who you really are."
"To him, love meant possession, rage, power—not some fuzzy, warm fairy tale."

Trigger Warnings: Rape, violence, and a psychopath point of view. Alexandrea Weis has a note at the end which discusses some important elements to these topics that I think everyone should read even if they don't read the book.

In St. Benedict the high school students like to spend their Friday nights hanging out by the river at the abandoned Abbey. Beau Devereaux, son of the wealthiest family in town, owns the area. Or so he thinks. Beau uses the river and the Abbey to commit unspeakable acts of violence against those he feels have wronged him. How does he keep them silent? Through threats and intimidation. Beau has his sites set on Leslie the sister of his current girlfriend Dawn. As Beau's infatuation grows his victim toll mounts. Beau must be stopped. A number of people will die.

I heard a lot about this book before I was given the opportunity to review it myself. And let me just say it lived up to the hype and then some. I don't think I expected just how dark and intense this one was going to be. The authors tell the story through the point of view of Leslie, Dawn, and the very entitled Beau. The whole novel is focused around Beau's unnatural obsession with Leslie, the only person in town it seems isn't scared of him. It doesn't take long before Beau's obsession takes a lethal turn that will leave intense devastation.
The book covers some very intense topics, mostly from the perspective of the one committing the crimes. I think it was this viewpoint which made the situations so difficult. This book is not for the faint hearted and is not a light read at all. You should go into this one expecting some emotional reactions. I really don't know how to do the book justice. It was amazingly well written and the characters were intense.
I struggled at times with the fact that these were high school students simply because of how intense it was. This book delves into the dark mind of a psychopath with an intensity I have never seen before. The book is a slow build with the action, but once it takes off it does not relent. And the ending... I think I'll be processing this one for a long time to come. ( )

This book was a little too reminiscent of horror for me. I was on the edge of my seat a lot of the story and felt like I was always nervous for what would happen next. Horror buffs will enjoy the pacing and details.

River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor takes place in Lousiana, with gothic undertones. It is a story about teenagers that attend St. Benedict High School. Nothing unusual about most of the teenagers in the story. They love their football and partying on the shores of Bogue Falaya River.

Leslie and Dawn are identical twins but looks are all that they share. They are opposite in every way possible. Beau Devereaux is dating Dawn but really wants Leslie, he is obsessed with her. He will do anything that he can to get her. including murder. On the surface, Beau seems like the perfect teenage boy. Star of the football team, well-liked by his teammates. He has a string of possible dates that all want to be with him but he still wants what he can't have, Leslie. He comes from a prominent family with a 200-year-old history including a ghost.

There is an abanded abbey, a former seminary on the banks of the river, where the teens love to go and party. Believe it or not, Beau is not a drinker but he is the procurer of alcohol for his friends. Dawn loves to party with Beau, she is jealous of her sister, probably because Leslie is smarter and knows what she wants out of life. She has a steady boyfriend and is happy with that. She hates Beau, she can see him for what he is, a narcissistic and just plain evil. He uses the girls for what he wants and then moves on. For more, you will have to read it! I highly recommend it!

I usually don't read YA books but I have been a fan of Alexandrea Weis for a long time. This book is fast paced, creepy, and the characters are believable. You can feel the gothic vibes of this Louisiana town. The ending surprised me of course and note that there are triggers in this story, mainly rape, and alcohol use. That said, this first book in the series is well worth a read. I look forward to reading the next in the series,
River of Wrath (St. Benedict Book 2).

I give this book 5 stars because it is so creepy!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only. ( )