Books On Board

The River Books in Order

  • 16 Books
  • 2013 – 2021 Published

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Reading order
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How to Read The River Universe

Michael Richan’s supernatural horror series, The River, is set in a chilling world where the Pacific Northwest’s misty forests hide malevolent forces. The series follows Roy, a father with the unique psychic "gift" to see and step into "The River"—a metaphysical dimension of energy carrying ghosts and dark entities—and his initially skeptical son, Steven. Together, they investigate hauntings, solve mysteries, and fight otherworldly entities.

As Richan's writing expanded, he created several companion series that share the same universe, characters, and overarching plotlines: The Downwinders, The Dark River, and a set of novels detailing the backstory of the key character Eliza. While many of the books can function as standalones, the author strongly recommends reading the books in his official, consolidated universe order. Later books in The River heavily rely on events and concepts introduced in the spin-offs.

The Official Consolidated Reading Order

To experience the full character arcs and the unfolding mythology of the River universe, follow this combined master reading order recommended by the author:

  1. The Bank of the River (The River, Book 1) - 2013
  2. Residual (The River, Book 1a - Free Novella) - 2013
  3. A Haunting in Oregon (The River, Book 2) - 2013
  4. Ghosts of Our Fathers (The River, Book 3) - 2013
  5. Eximere (The River, Book 4) - 2014
  6. The Suicide Forest (The River, Book 5) - 2014
  7. Devil's Throat (The River, Book 6) - 2014
  8. Blood Oath, Blood River (The Downwinders, Book 1) - 2014
  9. The Diablo Horror (The River, Book 7) - 2014
  10. The Impossible Coin (The Downwinders, Book 2) - 2014
  11. The Haunting at Grays Harbor (The River, Book 8) - 2015
  12. The Graves of Plague Canyon (The Downwinders, Book 3) - 2015
  13. It Walks At Night (The River, Book 9) - 2015
  14. The Dark River (The Dark River, Book 1) - 2016
  15. The Blackham Mansion Haunting (The Downwinders, Book 4) - 2016
  16. The Cycle of the Shen (The River, Book 10) - 2015
  17. The Blood Gardener (The Dark River, Book 2) - 2016
  18. A Christmas Haunting at Point No Point (The River, Book 11) - 2015
  19. The Massacre Mechanism (The Downwinders, Book 5) - 2017
  20. The Port of Missing Souls (The River, Book 12) - 2017
  21. The Nightmares of Quiet Grove (The Downwinders, Book 6) - 2018
  22. Capricorn (The Dark River, Book 3) - 2018
  23. The Haunting of Johansen House (The River, Book 13) - 2017
  24. Evocation (The River, Book 14) - 2018
  25. Descent Into Hell Street (The Downwinders, Book 7) - 2019
  26. The Remains (The Downwinders, Book 8) - 2019
  27. Node (The River, Book 15) - 2019
  28. Inheritance (The Downwinders, Book 9) - 2020
  29. The Dead Kingdom (The Downwinders, Book 10) - 2021
  30. Spirit Lake (The River, Book 16) - 2021
  31. Divertimento (The Dark River, Book 4) - 2022
  32. House On Fire (The Downwinders, Book 11) - 2023
  33. The Cultus Contracts (The River, Book 17) - 2023

Understanding the Core Series and Spin-offs

The River Series

This is the primary storyline tracking Steven and Roy. Beginning with The Bank of the River, Steven moves into a haunted house and discovers his father’s hidden abilities. Over seventeen novels, their relationship grows as they confront increasingly dangerous threats. The series concludes its major arcs with The Cultus Contracts in 2023.

The Downwinders Series

Focusing on other individuals who possess the "gift" or are affected by the fallout of River activities, this series introduces new perspectives on the supernatural rules of the world. It starts with Blood Oath, Blood River and weaves closely into the main storyline from book 8 of the master reading order onward.

The Dark River Series

Starting with The Dark River, this spin-off delves into a highly dangerous, addictive, and corrupting region within the River itself. The characters learn that this area is a location-specific channel of raw evil, typically avoided by sensible gift-possessors, which presents existential threats to the physical world.

Eliza’s Backstory Novels

Eliza is a powerful ally to Steven and Roy throughout the series. While not numbered in the master reading order, Michael Richan wrote a prequel quartet mapping how she discovered her gift to save her brother. Read these books in this order to understand her origins:

  • The Haunting of Pitmon House
  • The Haunting of Waverly Hall
  • A Haunting in Wisconsin
  • The Haunting of Briarwood Manor

What to Know Before You Start

The River is not a physical river, but a metaphysical flow of energy that runs parallel to our reality. Those with "the gift" can consciously project themselves or step into it to track spirits, but they risk attracting the attention of predatory entities. The setting plays a massive role in the mood; the damp forests, historic inns, and coastal towns of Washington and Oregon make the atmosphere feel claustrophobic and ancient. If you want to get the most out of the experience, grab the novella Residual. It is a free story available by signing up for the author's newsletter and bridges the gap between the first two main books.

Frequently Asked

What is the recommended starting point for the River universe?

You should start with The Bank of the River, which is the first novel in the main series and introduces Steven, Roy, and the concept of the River.

Where does the novella Residual fit in?

The novella Residual is Book 1a and takes place directly between the events of The Bank of the River (Book 1) and A Haunting in Oregon (Book 2).

Do I have to read the companion series like The Downwinders?

While the books are designed to work as standalone mysteries, the author recommends following the consolidated reading order. The spin-off series like The Downwinders and The Dark River share major characters and plot arcs that feed directly back into the main storyline.

What is "The River" in Michael Richan's books?

It is a supernatural dimension or energetic conduit that exists alongside our physical world, carrying ghosts, spirits, and malevolent entities. Gift-possessors can enter it to interact with or combat these forces.

What is the reading order for Eliza's backstory books?

To read Eliza's backstory, follow this sequence: The Haunting of Pitmon House, followed by The Haunting of Waverly Hall, A Haunting in Wisconsin, and finally The Haunting of Briarwood Manor.