[Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]

The man wakes up at sea, remembering nothing of his life before the boat. He knows his name only by the word tattooed on his arm: HUXLEY.

It is this air of mystery that pervades Red River Seven so wholly that readers find themselves doing just what Huxley is doing, trying to put the truth together, trying to put this boat (and the six other strangers on it) in the context of the broader world that they all seem to remember in a strictly impersonal way.

Ryan’s writing style is jarring. Incredibly evocative, grotesque, yet clinical. The choice to not differentiate Huxley’s inner dialogue with italics is at first startling, but by the end of the book I found the decision amplified the accuracy of a stream of consciousness from someone who does not know themselves.

This level of psychological and physical horror and gore isn’t something I’d normally go out of my way to read, but something about the unknowing had me hooked. There’s also an attitude of practicality here—not only from Huxley, but from his forced companions—that can both diminish or amplify the impact of the terrible world they encounter, sometimes simultaneously. Ryan writes Huxley’s narration in a way that’s just detached enough to mitigate the horrors enough to keep going, but not so much that you feel nothing for these people, amnesiacs with nothing but pistols and rations to their false names.

I’ll admit the detachment was sometimes a bit too flat for me—I tend to gravitate toward books propelled primarily by character rather than plot, and it’s quite difficult to characterize someone when they have no memory of who they are. Oftentimes the way the characters spoke felt more encyclopedic than conversational, but this, as everything else, is intentional. These people are here because they are hardwired for survival, not emotions, not abstract truths. Ryan does, though, manage to create distinct personas in a very concentrated amount of time.

My only other critique is the pace at which information is revealed, which is a difficult thing to master. For a while it feels like grasping at straws, and then brief periods of inundation. Huxley has his detective moments of realizing things for himself, but I almost wish Ryan had left a bit more space for the reader to puzzle it out in real time, to have more opportunity to piece the clues together before the conclusions were spoken aloud. Still, the novel is a mastery of suspense, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it until it was over.

Just like Huxley, the reader knows only this: There is a woman in his dreams. He is not allowed to remember. And there are weapons in the hold, identical scars on their bodies, and screaming from the banks of the river. A trial, maybe; a game, a puzzle, a mission.

Red River Seven is very reminiscent of The Maze Runner series, both in its beginning and its in-world context—if that series was written as near-future horror for adults, and had a much darker destination at its end. This type of commentary about the trajectory of humanity is not new, but the way Ryan chooses to illustrate it just might be.

This book had a solid premise – a group of strangers waking up on a mysterious boat with no memories? I was all in for that! The opening hooked me, and there was definitely an eerie, unsettling vibe that kept me curious.

But as the story progressed, things started to feel a little…dumb. The characters were frustratingly one-dimensional, and their decisions didn’t always make sense. The suspense was there, but the payoff wasn’t as satisfying as I hoped. It felt like the story leaned too heavily on tropes without bringing anything fresh to the table.

That said, it wasn’t a bad read – the pacing was quick, and the mystery kept me turning pages, even if it got a bit ridiculous by the end. If you’re looking for a fast, creepy ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this might scratch the itch. Just don’t expect too much depth or logic along the way.

Loved Ryan’s other works but not sure about this new direction. While I felt it was a good book it lacked in that wow factor that made me love his fantasy stuff

Honestly, this book was pretty good. it reads more like an action movie than anything else. I knocked a star off for some genre-typical cringe dialogue.

This book seems very intriguing and is instantly captivating! Unfortunately, I am not a fan of lots of foul language so I had to put this book down.

love love love love love loved this book. i have no more words for it honestly. i would read this book again and recommend to multiple ppl.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC! I am very grateful and happy to explore everything this author will write in the future as well!

What a strange book…this one is going to be really hard to describe. The story contained quite a few genres, including action, dystopia, horror, science fiction and suspense. Unfortunately, to me the book felt like it didn’t know what it wanted to be. I guess it’s up to the reader to decide what to glean from this book, but I would call it a fantasy/dystopian horror/science fiction story. I think…

A gunshot rings out, and a man wakes up on a boat with six other people. None of them know why they’re there, or why they all look like they recently went through brain surgery. They don’t even know their own names, but they soon realize that they all seem to have special skills, as they were all given weapons and know how to use them. It’s not until a call on the boat’s satellite phone that they realize they are all on a mission. What’s the mission? Why aren’t they being told what’s happening? Why can’t they remember anything…and why are they being told to kill each other if their memories start to return?

This laid the groundwork for a fascinating story, but unfortunately, it was missing something. Upon reflection, I think it was the lack of character development for me. Of course, the characters don’t know who they are, but I wanted to know! I think if the reader knew more about each person involved and their reasons for being there, then the book would have been more compelling. As it was, I felt nothing for the characters, because in essence, they were everybody and nobody.

I thought this would have more of a horror bend, but it’s closer to the world of science fiction and I’m very picky about my sci-fi. This was an interesting premise that fell flat for me, but I think if you like fantasy and science fiction more than horror, your views may be completely different than mine. I will say, the ending was done very well, but I have a lot of questions after this one, which is leaving me unfulfilled. I’m giving this book three stars, and I think it may have been better as a novella.

(Thank you to Orbit, A.J. Ryan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This was a bit out of my realm since I’m not a big science fiction reader but I enjoyed it.
A creepy atmosphere and well written thriller.
Definitely worth the read. Great job by the author.

I was interested in this book because all seven characters wake up with amnesia and are on some kind of mission on boat in the middle of a river. But to what purpose? I am a sucker for secret missions and boats. I enjoyed the set-up and enjoyed the prospective of the main character, "Conrad."

The potential of this was better than the execution, I feel like every bit of excitement for the story I got started and ended with the plot summary.

Full Disclosure:
I was given an ARC ebook by NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I ALSO won a contest for a free paperback through Anthony Ryan's fan newsletter.
I am doubly blessed, and am a fan of Mr Ryan's stories.

This book is written in a different genre than the Raven's Shadow, Raven's Blade, The Covenant of Steel, Draconis Memoria, and the Seven Swords, which is in the (low) Fantasy category. Writing as A.J. Ryan, he delves into Fiction/Horror/Mystery. I would probably classify it as a "The Last of Us" meets "The Girl With All The Gifts" meets "And Then There Were None" meets "Bourne Identity". Much like The Walking Dead/The Last of Us, we do not get any rational for WHY things are as they are. A Virus/Cordyceps is out there and we do not know how it starts. In addition to that, the MC awakens on a boat and has no memory of who he is. Neither do the other passengers on the boat. While the passengers try to figure out what is going on, in the meantime, they come across strange humanoid creatures, a red mist, and wide destruction and death everywhere. Then the onboard computer comes to life. In Mission Impossible style, they get instructions. Follow or die. The rest of the story proceeds from mission to mission all while trying to understand what the hell is going on. Because of Covid19, I think we can all appreciate the rapidity of infectious transmission and RR7 may just feed further into that fear.

This is a short novel so events proceed rather quickly. Anthony Ryan's writing is stellar, flowing with the same flare for words as he does in Blood Song. In my opinion, Ryan has a knack for imagery, getting a picture across in ones mind with as little 'fluff' as possible while still giving the reader a clear picture of events. I'm not one to understand battle tactics or jargon, but Ryan manages to make me understand. This novel was no different. I could clearly 'see' what was happening in my minds eye.

Some things were pretty predictable in this story. But I don't think that is any surprise. The 'Mystery' is more in the overarching story than the events to uncover it. And much like The Walking Dead/The Last of Us, there are losses and discoveries along the way. And the ending.....again predictable but heartfelt and satisfying.

I did enjoy this novel. I'd give it a 4/5 stars. A 5/5 would be a guaranteed reread for me, so, while RR7 isn't necessarily a reread at this time, it was a solid enjoyable adventure worth reading.

Special thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

I liked this book, I think it was strange but a fun idea. Seven people wake up on a boat and their memory of who they are and why they are is erased. But the original part was they each had a specific skill set. Then a computer voice starts speaking to them over the radio. It was a great idea, and I enjoyed it. Just not a favorite. 3 stars.

I was pleasantly surprised when I began this book yesterday to find that I could not put it down. Finishing it around noon today.

This story reminded me a bit of The Girl With All the Gifts however I was glad that the perspective focused more on survivors than the afflicted.

Ahoy there mateys! The was a pleasant, okay read.  If I had realized that the author is Anthony Ryan, the fantasy author, I likely wouldn't have picked this up as I generally do not like his writing style.  I supposed he used a slightly different name because this was a sci-fi book.  This was also a standalone.

I was interested in this book because all seven characters wake up with amnesia and are on some kind of mission on boat in the middle of a river.  But to what purpose?  I am a sucker for secret missions and boats.  I enjoyed the set-up and enjoyed the prospective of the main character, "Conrad."

It was once the mystery starts to be explained that I was less excited.  The sci-fi aspects of this book are frankly unoriginal and don't completely make sense when the mission is finally explained.  However, it was not unenjoyable.  I though the atmosphere on the river was fun and it was a quick read.  Readers who don't read a lot of sci-fi would likely enjoy it more.  For me it was a fun popcorn book but ultimately rather forgettable.  Arrr!

*** TRANSCRIPT FROM BOOKSTAGRAM ***

If you were a fan of those cheesy video game adaptation movies from the early 2000s, kind of think the Resident Evils or the Dooms, and you went, hmm, what if we put a little bit of Heart of Darkness in there? Well, boy oh boy do I have a book for you. Red River Seven is a new science fiction thriller by A.J. Ryan, which funny enough is just a pen name for well-established fantasy author Anthony Ryan. I see you. And it follows a group of survivors that wake aboard a vessel, and they have no recollection of why they're there, what their names are. All they know is they are armed to the teeth and have a mission that they must set out to accomplish. Throughout it, they form uneasy alliances and truths become uncovered about the mystery of the world that they're in and what their objective is. And as simple as that sounds, I think that's what it works for. It feels very formulaic, it feels very progressive, almost kind of like a video game where as we're traversing through this world with the characters, we're also, we the audience, are uncovering more about the story and learning more things, getting to see more of the fallout of what has happened in this world. And it's just really exciting. It kept me pulled in. I thought it was action-packed, I thought it was very well done, the pacing is excellent, and even if the characters aren't super well written, it didn't matter to me. Overall, it's a four-star read for me. I think my only gripes that brought it down were, I wish I would have gotten more of the world beyond what was happening, and I think it ends a bit abruptly. But thank you, Orbit, for the advanced reader copy. Go check it out.

This was a very fast-paced book that at times made me a little sick to my stomach! The truth of the situation is revealed along the way, so there's not a ton to be said about the plot that isn't a spoiler. However, this book does include body horror and violence, so be aware.
I thought this was entertaining, but I did get a little confused by some of the explanations and I didn't feel that attached to the characters. If you like fast and mysterious horror/scifi thrillers, this is a quick read and a good option for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a quick, adventurous and compelling read. I don’t want to say too much because the synopsis sets you up perfectly for this one. The story is told in third person and follows Huxley and six others that wake up on a boat. I really enjoyed the character of Huxley and his observations of the others from their mental states to their skills and abilities.

I’ve had some issues lately with ambiguity in books, but the lack of information really works here. The characters are all amnesiacs, finding clues to their identities as the story progresses with perfect timing to maintain my interest. The characters are diverse with different levels of skill such as medicine, science, military, history, law enforcement, etc.

They travel into the unknown with an unknown purpose with small tasks and new toys introduced along the way that give more information to them and the reader as their journey continues. Don’t let the Sci-Fi label deter you if that’s not your thing. It’s more of a dystopian aspect.

Recommended to those that enjoy a blind thrill and characters with no memory putting together the puzzle pieces.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a copy provided for an honest review.

"Red River Seven" by AJ Ryan takes readers on a suspenseful and enigmatic journey as seven strangers with no memory of their past find themselves on a boat, each armed with a gun. The premise is intriguing, and the suspense keeps you turning the pages. However, the narrative loses some of its momentum due to the enigmatic nature of the story.

The author excels in creating an atmosphere of tension and intrigue as the group strives to survive and uncover the truth behind their predicament. The premise is engaging, with questions about who is directing them and to what purpose. The eerie mist-shrouded waters provide a chilling backdrop to the story.

However, the book's strength in suspense is offset by its vagueness, which leaves readers with many unanswered questions. The lack of character names and backstory can make it challenging to connect with the protagonists, making it harder to invest emotionally in their journey.

In conclusion, "Red River Seven" is a thrilling ride with an air of mystery, but its opacity and lack of character development may leave some readers craving more depth. For those who enjoy suspense and don't mind a dose of enigma, this book could be a satisfying read.

Excellent pacing to the story. Loved the beginning but had to work on keeping up with the rest. Very different from other books. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book