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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond - book sitting on wooden flooring. Book cover of Black Out the Stars by Christopher Bond, cover illustrated by Todd Kiesling. The design showcases a dark, atmospheric pond and sky filled with swirling fog and scattered stars. The title is prominently displayed in bold, white, pink and purple lettering, contrasting against the deep purple and black hues of the background.

Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event

A tablet lies on dry grass and surrounded by dandelions in a natural outdoor setting. The screen displays the cover of the book Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon. The cover features a colorful, fantastical illustration of a female figure with glowing eyes and curved horns, holding something mysterious in her hands. Stars and swirling cosmic elements fill the background, giving the cover a magical and otherworldly feel. The title text is in bold, colorful letters across the top and middle, with the author's name at the bottom.

Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

The Old Man and His River by Matt Wildasin | Book Review

March 26, 2025      Erica Robyn      Leave a Comment

The Old Man and His River by Matt Wildasin is a tale about a man searching for one last big catch, but who finds so much more out there on the river.

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on The Old Man and His River by Matt Wildasin –

Okay, first things first, in the introduction, Matt lays a lovely foundation for the man that the tale is centered on. For anyone who has had the heartbreaking chance to see their grandparents age and pass, this will hit you right in the heart and prepare you for what’s to come next.

Then we dive into the story…

Feeling the weight of time catching up with him, this old man is determined to have one last big fishing adventure before he leaves the riverside. As he embarks on his quest for a once-in-a-lifetime catch that has haunted local legends for years, the river becomes both a physical and psychological journey.

My gosh, the adventures through the rapids on the way out had me holding my breath. I was so ready for disaster to strike at any moment! As soon as he made it through, I didn’t relax; I was already anxious for the return trip.

I read this story in one sitting. I just needed to know what would happen next and how this journey would end. I absolutely loved that as he ventures deeper into the river, he realizes that the river, and life, aren’t just about the destination, but about the people and the moments you share along the way.

My Favorite Passages from The Old Man and His River –

The dancing fireflies whipped about aimlessly through the darkness like his mental search for that very moment, but it was lost. Sadness gripped his throat, but he swallowed it away so that the boy would not realize he could not remember.

My Final Thoughts on The Old Man and His River –

Though not strictly a horror novel, The Old Man and His River is a book that I would highly recommend to horror fans as well as other readers. The theme of chasing one final, grand adventure while knowing time is running out is incredibly powerful.


Purchase your copy of The Old Man and His River

					Cover art from "The Old Man and His River" by Matt Wildasin
Bookshop.org
Amazon
Kindle

Thanks for reading!
And a shout-out to Matt for sending me a signed copy! <3 I’m so excited to have another of your works on my bookshelf!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • Black Out The Stars by Christopher Bond | Book Review
  • Indie Bookstore Day 2025 | Book Event
  • Everybody Is in the Place by Emma J. Gibbon | Book Review

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Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

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