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Table of Contents
About The Book
A mystical new YA series that blends fantasy, sci-fi and romance.
All seventeen-year-old Dusty wants is to escape into books and the wilderness that surrounds her mountain home. What she doesn’t know is that there’s something waiting for her in the shadows of the forest.
One morning, Dusty wakes up with dirt on her feet. Then she realises that her body and senses are changing. And after a chance encounter with quiet and mysterious Will, she feels an attraction unlike anything she’s experienced before. It isn’t just an emotional connection making her heart beat faster—it’s a thirst.
But Dusty isn’t the only person experiencing strange events in Black River. Darker forces are at play, and Dusty must uncover the mystery—or risk losing everything and everyone she loves…
All seventeen-year-old Dusty wants is to escape into books and the wilderness that surrounds her mountain home. What she doesn’t know is that there’s something waiting for her in the shadows of the forest.
One morning, Dusty wakes up with dirt on her feet. Then she realises that her body and senses are changing. And after a chance encounter with quiet and mysterious Will, she feels an attraction unlike anything she’s experienced before. It isn’t just an emotional connection making her heart beat faster—it’s a thirst.
But Dusty isn’t the only person experiencing strange events in Black River. Darker forces are at play, and Dusty must uncover the mystery—or risk losing everything and everyone she loves…
About The Author
Photograph © Gary Heery
Ruby Jean Cottle is a writer from Sydney, Australia. Growing up, Ruby spent childhood summers in upstate New York, where her passion for writing blossomed as her imagination ran wild in the mountains and forests far from her home. After studying art history at university, Ruby found herself on a winding career path in fashion, digital media and creative direction. After becoming a mother, she decided to return to her first love: writing stories.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia (August 26, 2025)
- Length: 432 pages
- ISBN13: 9781761631559
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Raves and Reviews
‘There’s something haunting about Black River – the kind of story with chilling twists, a slow-burn romance, and just the right amount of bite. It pulls you into its eerie depths and doesn't let you go – Black River is dark, intoxicating, and impossible to put down. More please!’
– Courtney Peppernell, author of Pillow Thoughts
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Black River eBook 9781761631559
- Author Photo (jpg): Ruby Jean Cottle Photograph © Gary Heery(0.1 MB)
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