The Forbidden River

By Lili Cyr-Robillard (Kenos Publishing, November 2025)

Genre: YA/Fiction – Fantasy

Pages (print): 304

Via: Author request

Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book for honest review.

What happens after we die? What’s on the other side?

Up to his shackled ankles in corpses, at the lip of the Pit of the Forgotten, twelve-year-old Glaguel wants to know the answers to these questions. And more. You will too in Lili Cyr-Robillard ambitious and absorbing new fantasy, The Forbidden River.

It’s one of the finest fantasies we’ve read in years. Here’s the 4-1-1:

Besides worrying about imminent death, young Glaguel is having dreams. Visions. About some pretty dark stuff. Cuz two years ago his father was imprisoned by the evil Tarpulok. Since that day, Glaguel’s home has fallen into silence as his mother sinks deeper into grief.

But hope still burns somewhere in Glaguel’s stubborn heart.

Determined to save his father, Glaguel sets out on a dangerous journey that will test his courage, loyalty, and faith. Along the way, he encounters unlikely allies, shadowy enemies, and mysteries that hint at deeper spiritual truths woven into the fabric of his world.

And what’s up with the mysterious red waters of the River of Aima? Why are people who venture too close to its waters imprisoned for life? wonders Glaguel. He also wrestles with truth, justice, fear and freedom.

As Glaguel struggles to understand this and more, he must learn that true strength does not come from power or skill alone, but from the courage to stand for what is right—even when the path ahead is swallowed by darkness.

Rich and Robust

Robust writing buoys a well-formed story undergirded by impressive world-building skills and delicious descriptions. Like this one of the evil Tarpulok: “His face resembled a serpent’s, crowned by a man of green fur tinged with orange highlights. His paws bore long, razor-sharp black claws. He stormed across the room, roaring with fur.”

Kimber: Remind me not to invite that dude over for lunch.

Also, lines describing zomerks, Tarpulok’s spies who are “serpent-like creature”: “string-thin, with ruby red-scales. They slithered into every corner, spreading the stench of rot and filth like a creeping fog.”

Kimber: Yuck! Belay that last on lunch, Buttercup.

Alert

Alert readers will recognize parts of the Old, Old Story in this gently faith-flavored fantasy. Even if you’ve heard the Story before, there’s something in Cyr-Robillard’s creative re-telling that’s as fresh and bright as spring sunshine.

“That’s a sad story,” Glaguel had said. “Why would this King come here just to get himself killed?”

“Because he loved us…”

Compelling

A compelling blend of fiction, fantasy, and allegory, The Forbidden River is an epic read. There’s plenty of magic, high-voltage action, mystical beasts, fantastic creatures, and adventure fraught with peril and danger. There’s also fog. Singing. The Icequill Frostwarden. An elixir than can fill the soul. A lost love. Sky-dust. A crown. Scene stealers: Bondo the snail and little bro Nalgus. Just sayin’.

“He knew… and He answered me.”

Kimber: That ‘Affagu wool’ stuff? That changes color with its surroundings like a chameleon? Where do I get some? And how ‘bout a BlinkBox? (C’mon, Mom. It’ll be fun!)

Minor Caveat

While we enjoyed this book overall, it could benefit from additional attention in the Editing and Continuity Departments. Example: An entire chunk of Chapter 10, starting with “He was fed up,” is repeated verbatim in Chapter 11, starting on page 104. Chapter 16 is identical to Chapter 15.

Kimber: Clean up on Aisle 10!

Like, TOTALLY

Even so, we like, Totally Love-ified this book! Indeed, this an imminently engaging and enchanting read will surely appeal to its target audience of Young Adult readers. Ditto anyone who enjoys a well told allegorical fantasy.

The words hit him like grace. Undeserved, yet desperately needed.

Finest

The Forbidden River will resonate with readers who enjoy Pilgrim’s Progress, The Shack, This Present Darkness The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. It’s the finest fantasy we’ve read in years.

The Forbidden River is Book One in the Glaguel Saga.

Kimber: Is there more? Is there more? Huh? Huh? Huh? When? When? When?

Our Rating: 4.5

Psssst! It’s a lock for a rare 5.0 once those “caveats” get ironed out.