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Ewa Anderson
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Sabanto: The Crimson River Kindle Edition

by Ewa Anderson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 14 ratings
The war is over, but the fight continues.

A desperate class struggle rages on between Covedale and Riverlea—sister cities far from the front lines and the newly-established global government, World United—that threatens to tear them apart from the inside. Organized crime has infiltrated key positions locally and is using its control to pit the cities against each other, manipulating citizens and businesses alike to achieve their mysterious ends. On one side of the river, residents enjoy modest creature comforts and never want for food. On the other side, however, it’s a fight to survive. Basic rights like food, shelter, and safety are mere wishes in Riverlea.

Upholding the status quo is in Covedale’s favor, but Riverlea won’t continue living in abject poverty. An underground movement has firmly established itself as enemy to the unknown puppet masters who have thus far acted without repercussions and kept Covedale in power.

The last thing either side is expecting is the impact Oliver Conway’s seemingly-innocent arrival will have on events. Oliver may be ignorant to how deep the machinations go that brought him to Riverlea, but his instinct for self-preservation may just see him through . . . if he can avoid falling victim to his own ambition and resist being used as a pawn. Can one haunted soldier inspire a revolution or will he instigate a massacre?

"The plot of Sabanto starts off strong, with intriguing worldbuilding. Anderson's vision for her world is brimming with interesting tidbits and threads that help it stand out."
-- The BookLife Prize
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Sabanto
  2. Print length
    332 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 17, 2022
  6. File size
    4.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09VYBZ2RC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Catalie Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 17, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1778018602
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Sabanto
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 14 ratings

About the author

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Ewa Anderson

Ewa Anderson

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Ewa Anderson was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland. When she was eighteen, and with very limited English, she immigrated to Canada. She took the challenges of living on a new continent and learning a new language as an opportunity for growth. Living in Canada as an immigrant increased her awareness of the importance of belonging, acceptance and diversity in society which she tries to relate in her work.

She is an alumnus of York University in Toronto and McMaster University in Hamilton where she received a Masters of Computer Science. She is also a long-standing member and volunteer at Mississauga Festival Choir, and the local arts scene.

​

She lives with her husband in Oakville Ontario.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
14 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging, with one mentioning its intriguing opening chapters and multiple subplots. They appreciate the character development.

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4 customers mention "Plot"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, with one mentioning its intriguing opening chapters and multiple subplots, while another describes it as a philosophical novel.

"...Through murder, romance and the many subplots of the story, I enjoyed accompanying Oliver through this tale...." Read more

"...Good character development and interwoven plot lines. And an ending you won’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next." Read more

"The premise of this story spoke to me, and the opening chapters had me quickly intrigued...." Read more

"An Engaging, Philosophical Novel..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...does this through the careful development of intricate, realistic characters as they navigate a dystopian post-war world...." Read more

"...Anderson does a wonderful job of weaving the characters together in The Crimson River...." Read more

"...Good character development and interwoven plot lines. And an ending you won’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • N/A
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Engaging, Philosophical Novel
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    War-torn societies are among the most interesting and challenging backdrops in which to set a novel because it is in these environments that we often encounter the complexities of human motivations in extremis. In The Crimson River, the first book in the Sabanto trilogy, Ewa Anderson does this through the careful development of intricate, realistic characters as they navigate a dystopian post-war world.

    Through the narrative, the reader gradually acquires an understanding of the ideas and motivations that drive the actions of the characters. The shallowness of those who desire wealth and status above all else is a recurring feature of the book, encouraging readers to critically examine the motivations around which they center their own lives. This philosophical undertone of the book grows ever more pressing as the protagonist, Oliver, is forced to grapple with the dangers of his own ambitions and self-centeredness.

    The Crimson River can be a jolting read for those of us in the Western world living in relative security and ease. After you’ve entered into the world constructed by Ewa Anderson, the massive disparity between the ‘haves’ and those living in gang-ridden destitution is separated not by oceans or national borders, but by nothing more than the Crimson River, which divides Covedale from Riverlea. The material differences between the two couldn’t be more pronounced, but it’s not clear which side suffers from the more pernicious forms of evil.
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  • Greg S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great debut novel
    Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    In The Crimson River, we see the dystopian world created by Anderson through the eyes of the protagonist Oliver.
    Oliver is recently returned from the world war. When he arrives at the Crimson River, he becomes entangled in the politics and lives of the residents of the two cities there.

    Riverlea is full of downtrodden people, ruled by a Gang and struggling to survive on a daily basis. Most residents dream of saving enough money to flee to the other side of the river -- Covedale.

    The elite live in Covedale, businessmen and politicians. They struggle only to find new fashion to one-up each other.

    Anderson does a wonderful job of weaving the characters together in The Crimson River.
    Through murder, romance and the many subplots of the story, I enjoyed accompanying Oliver through this tale.
    I definitely look forward to the next installment of Sabanto
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  • R. Cote
    5.0 out of 5 stars A view into the future?
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A prolonged world ware has left most of the survivors exhausted and impoverished. Some people just want to survive, others are trying to rebuild. Some just want to get money and power at any cost A fascinating book about what people will do to survive and take care of others after a manmade catastrophe. Good character development and interwoven plot lines. And an ending you won’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.
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  • LCJ
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excited to see where the author takes us next
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023
    This is not your desolate entire world population wiped-out and you are on a solo journey dystopia, this is a time where after a 50 year war, the government is run by private profiteering men (but more obviously than it is now), communities are run by thugs, gunfire is common, and poverty is the norm. Here hanging men from the trees are common occurrences, borders are locked tight, daughters of powerful men have little say in their lives, and their poor counterparts are often raped or forced into prostitution to provide for themselves and their families.

    The author is building a world and characters here, setting everything in place for the growth of the series, so at times it can feel slow, but the end payoff is great and I saw a lot of potential for where the series might be going.

    The main characters are complex and conflicted. No one is perfect in this world. I did struggle to keep track of the women characters at first, but as the story evolves, they evolve, and it becomes easier to know them.

    There was the occasional overuse of a word too close together, and the time jumps often lessoned the tension, but the writing overall is strong and the dialogue is superb.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • LazyReader
    5.0 out of 5 stars A masterful blend of mystery and self-discovery
    Reviewed in Canada on November 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    "Sabanto: The Crimson River," the debut novel by Ewa Anderson, is a welcome entry into the world of literary fiction. Anderson's narrative is a compelling blend of mystery, drama, and a hint of supernatural elements, all woven together in a rich tapestry that engages the reader from the first page to the last.

    At its core, the novel is a journey of self-discovery and redemption, set against the backdrop of a small, picturesque town with a hidden past. Anderson masterfully constructs a world that is both familiar and intriguingly unique, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting to life. Her prose is fluid and evocative, painting each scene with a meticulous attention to detail that immerses the reader in the story's world.

    The protagonist, whose layered personality and complex emotions are skillfully portrayed, embarks on a transformative journey. Anderson excels in character development, allowing readers to grow and learn alongside the protagonist as they navigate challenges and uncover truths about themselves and their surroundings. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each contributing to the story's depth and the protagonist's evolution.

    What sets "Sabanto: The Crimson River" apart is author's ability to balance a compelling plot with deep, introspective character studies. The story unfolds at a pace that is neither rushed nor sluggish, maintaining a perfect equilibrium that keeps the reader engaged. The plot twists are well-timed and effective, adding layers of intrigue without feeling contrived.

    The supernatural elements of the story are subtly interwoven, enhancing the narrative without overpowering it. Anderson employs these elements to deepen the mystery and add a layer of complexity to the protagonist's journey, which is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

    In terms of areas for improvement, some readers might find certain descriptive passages a bit lengthy, though these contribute to the overall atmospheric quality of the book. Future works could benefit from a tighter narrative in places, but this is a minor observation in an otherwise stellar debut.

    The book's conclusion is satisfying, bringing closure to the protagonist's journey while leaving enough open-ended questions to pique the reader's curiosity. It's a fitting end to a story that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

    In summary, "Sabanto: The Crimson River" is an impressive debut from Ewa Anderson. It is a novel that showcases her potential as a writer and storyteller. Her ability to create a vivid world, populate it with complex characters, and weave a tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking is commendable.

    This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a well-crafted story with depth, and it leaves the reader eagerly anticipating future works from this promising author.
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  • John Ridley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A sci-fi novel reminisent of a previous age
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Sabanto is a cerebral science fiction novel that reminded me of a different age of science fiction. An age where science fiction books were used to more obviously deconstruct philosophical and political ideas more than their modern counterpoints. So, if you are a fan of books of this ilk (think Olaf Stapleton, Aldus Huxley and George Orwell) then Sabanto could be a good pick up.

    Similar to those style of novels, Sabanto by Ewa Anderson, is driven more by idea and character than plot.

    Set in a dystopian nightmare of a world struggling with the end of a brutal war, Sabanto focuses on two cities; Covedale and Riverlea. While the former is thriving the other is starving, leading to tension, crime and general discontent. Enter Oliver Conway: an outsider thrust into this shadowy world. Oliver is an interesting character, haunted by his own past and just trying to survive, whose journey we largely follow in this novel.

    Through Oliver’s actions, and the machinations of the various gangs, businessmen and government figures, the authors discuss ideas of inequality and revolution pertinent to the modern age.

    It’s also hard to read Sabanto and not see a possible future scenario for our world (War, catastrophe, inequality and poverty), which lends it an air of horror alongside the elements of philosophy, mystery and even romance already present in the novel.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars THE STRUGGLE TO TURN THE TIDE FROM CHAOS TO A NEW WORLD
    Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    SABANTO: The Crimson River by Ewa Anderson

    "We have failed...Countries failed to maintain order. Politicians failed to maintain peace...devastated our cities..multitudes died...global unrest led to...conflict. That's how the fifty-year war started...Now, two years after we signed the peace treaty, the world is still in ruins." (Prologue p1).

    So begins the story of Sabanto: The Crimson River by Ewa Anderson. The Prologue describes the world lies in ruin after fifty years of war. A group called "World United" seeks to gather the pieces and connect with those who will start to rebuild a new world. But the more we see of the devastation, the more the reader has to wonder if this project can in any way succeed.

    Protagonist Oliver Conway arrives on a military ship from Europe that returns to one of the ravaged towns somewhere near what was once the state of Maine. Oliver is not one of the impoverished former soldiers who have no idea of which way to turn. He arrives with purpose, looking for a man named Mark Rodden. Rodden is or once was an accountant. Working with the local power structure, a group called the Gutters who search for money to launder because the Gutters, for all their brutal behaviour, try to help the utterly destitute dwellers in Riverlea. Oliver's talent is that he can work with people whether he likes them or not--even the ferocious Riverlea gang that takes him down into the sewers to meet the boss.

    Once Oliver gets his first part of money from Mark, he moves across the river to Covedale. Thanks to his cagey autocracy, Steven White has created a town financially more stable than Riverlea. Covedale resembles a middle-class suburb of the world of the readers today with electricity, indoor toilets, a local factory that employs many citizens, and a market that functions. Despite the law that trespassers in Covedale will be hung on the local hanging tree, Oliver manages to make a deal with Steven so that he can continue to live there. He gathers carpenters and other skilled workers to renovate a derelict house on land with a view he very much enjoys. Oliver buys the local factory; Mark helps use the profits to help launder the money Oliver managed to steal during his military service in the war. With his competence and political sophistication, he secures his position in Covedale and becomes one of its favoured personalities. His goal is financial security, although he occasionally weakens when he sees suffering people he wants to make life better for.

    Of course, Oliver and everyone else encounter obstacles. Oliver has to keep Steven, Mark and the Gutters happy while he tries to secure his position. Steven White has to get along with the elites of Covedale and the surrounding area. He also has to face the troubling issue of his adult daughter's attraction to Oliver. Mark has to keep the money coming while satisfying the demands of the Gutters.

    Women fare worse. In Riverlea, if they don't end up in Peter Milner's brothel where violence is common, they either die or exist in tenuous relationships with whatever man they can attract. In Covedale, the elite women have status, but the female factory workers who go home at night to Riverlea are only marginally better off than their nonworking peers.

    SABANTO: The Crimson River is a complex dystopian novel portraying characters who fight to survive. Ewa Anderson creates believable settings and characters. This strong narrative suggests a future that economic and diplomatic failures could well bring about.

    I felt very engaged with the characters and their situation. I did wonder about a future fifty years from now—climate change may be a factor in Anderson's tale, but all the deadlines for climate disaster would have passed by the time this story comes into being. Yet people still breathe, and it's hot but not burning up. However, I'm not an authority on dystopian stories. And maybe the other books in the trilogy deal more with the impact of climate change.

    Anderson has written this story well and made it entertaining. This narrative gives readers much fodder to ponder as we contemplate the future.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Sabanto is an intelligent but entertaining read set in a dystopian world that involves a story that has all the elements of a great crime thriller novel: steamy romance, deception, deceit and murder.

    The novel revolves around two cities. In Riverlea, the people are broken, hungry and downbeat and live under the iron fist of the Gutters gang. In Covedale, they eat well and live comfortably, but if they step out of line they are hanged.

    But the city of Riverlea now won’t accept being down in the dirt. They have a plan to conquer Covedale.

    In steps Oliver who returns to Riverlea following a world war and he is one of the few who has enough money to quit Riverlea for Covedale. Oliver has his eye on a big goal there and will let nothing or nobody get in his way.

    The author paints a fascinating, dystopian world that is worryingly close to where the real world seems to be going: the author’s fictional world has just pulled itself out of a world war (it brings the current Russia-Ukraine war to mind, which could plunge us into WW3) and suffers from hyperinflation (look at the prices in your local supermarket today compared to a year ago).

    Let’s hope the real world doesn’t end up like the one in the author's fictional world. For now, let’s enjoy the gritty ride that is Sabanto.
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  • Deborah Smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars An exciting read by a new and talented author!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was an exciting read set in a near dystopian future that has frightening elements of our present. Characters are strong and believable as they try to survive in a world controlled by gangs, military forces, and self-serving governments. The pace picks up steadily as characters are developed and subplots are cleverly intertwined. I am looking forward to the next instalment in the series.
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