Thirst by Darren Simpson – Review

What a great, spooky, and fast-paced read! The story centres on the small, close-knit village of Maimsbury, where locals follow old traditions and, most of all, worship their river. It never floods, it heals minor ailments, it nourishes the fields and forests. Life seems idyllic — until young Gorse discovers that the river demands more than just a symbolic annual cattle sacrifice. If it doesn’t get what it wants, it takes it.

Out this September — and honestly, the perfect read for Halloween!

Thirst is a completely unique and totally captivating YA folk horror tale for those who love to imagine what might happen if nature has too much power. Deliciously magical, it follows the stories of Gorse and Faye – two teens who strive to do what’s best for their families while trying to make sense of tradition and ancient belief.

Gorse lives in the village of Maimsbury. Each spring, villagers come together to celebrate the River Yeelde, giving thanks for all it’s given to them over the past year. In order to strengthen the river – and their crops going forward – they believe they must offer a sacrifice to the river. A ram is led into the waters by the Yeldthanc Queen – chosen from the young women of the village. Gorse enjoys the Yeldthanc celebrations, not realising the darker side of the ritual. The greater the sacrifice, the greater the strength of the Yeelde – and the more benefits to the land and village. Some years, a ram isn’t enough and the river reaches out for a sacrifice of its own choosing.

Faye has lived a very different life. Growing up some distance from Maimsbury, she isn’t aware of the people’s traditions. Since her father died on Dauntley’s Farm, her mother has struggled to make ends meet. Faye and her little brother have been hungry and their harvest has suffered. Faye decides to disguise herself as a boy and set off to find a job to help her family. When she meets people from Maimsbury on the road, her fortunes change forever.

Thirst is an emotional story of love, loss and sacrifice. The malevolant magic of the river and the people’s drive to protect their own raise intensely thought-provoking questions about the value of life, the treatment of strangers and the power of relationships. This is not a story for the faint hearted. Teens who are looking for a slightly grusome story that does not shy away from the terror supernatural forces in nature can incite will adore getting lost in this incredible world.

This was an amazing story! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

The writing grabbed me right from the start. It is a fast paced novel that will inspire readers to think about a lot of issues that are relevant to today's world. The protagonist is highly relatable. Will be a hit among teenagers.