THE RIVER SHE BECAME, by Emily Varga, Wednesday Books, June 30, 2026, Hardcover, $22 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A relic-hunter searches for an ancient fae object to restore the magic to her world in The River She Became, a YA fantasy novel by Emily Varga.
Yaseema is a brilliant scholar and loyal servant of the Empire―or so they think. By day, she catalogs the fae relics of her conquered kingdom. But by night, she reclaims the artefacts in secret to restore magic to her dying land.
Until she finds the long lost key to cross the River into the fae world and save her people. But a ruthless realm awaits her there, ruled by monsters wearing beautiful skin―especially the cold-eyed captain who sees through her lies. But even he isn’t what he seems―under the guise of upholding a cruel regime, he works to overthrow it from the inside. To succeed, he needs the same lost relic Yaseema seeks: the crown of an ancient Fae Queen.
With magic that is a mystery even to her, Yaseema can help him find the crown and save his family from a fate worse than death. Unless she steals it first to help her own.
To survive, they must work together to outwit ancient curses, battle creatures born of nightmares, and find a power that could resurrect their worlds. But as secrets unravel and loyalties blur, they face the greatest danger of all: losing their heart to each other. —Synopsis provided by Wednesday Books
The River She Became is the first book in a fantasy duology
Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Mummy, this thrilling start to a new romantic fantasy duology by Emily Varga.
The story unfolds through the alternating viewpoints of Yaseema and Kiyan. Yaseema has secrets, but she’s also warm and open and curious and determined. Kiyan is mysterious and cruel, or at least he appears to be. Kiyan is hard and dangerous. He’s someone you avoid at all costs. Yet, Yaseema can’t help but be drawn to him.
In The River She Became, Emily Varga introduces readers to two seemingly disparate worlds that face similar issues. Varga sets them both up well, with strong world-building and a sense of adventure and danger from the start. Her magical system makes sense within the world she’s created and, though complex, is approachable.
The River She Became is a fantasy laced with mystery, adventure and romance. Though some elements are predictable, there are enough surprises along the way to hold interest. I look forward to where Varga takes readers with its sequel.
*Sensitivity note: There are a number of instances of death and battle, as well as torture. There is one sex scene where actions are alluded to, but there is no graphic imagery.
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