raven168's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
This was SUCH a good book. I enjoyed almost everything about it. I laughed, I swooned (a lot), and kept wanting to find out what happened next. It was a great world created here with an interesting combination of dark realms, shifters, normals, and Nordic myths. What I really liked, that we definitely do not get enough of, was just how realistic and believable Raven was. She knew her limits and had no illusions of her being a one woman army. She had spunk, but knew when to bite her tongue. Her internal battle of wills between her head and her body were too funny. She didn't constantly run off doing stupid shit just to prove that she could. Needless to say, I liked her.
Raven was just a normal girl, working two jobs and living in a shitty apartment thanks to her ex who left her with $50k in debt. Just because she's part Other and can shift into a bunch of ravens doesn't make her that special. Or does it? She's had a rough couple years now, but she has a family she loves and who will always be there for her. Unfortunately, her twin has disappeared. And there are a lot of dangerous people looking for him.
Cole is one such person. Patron fae of assassins, Lord of Shadows...he can kidnap me any day. Raven called it to a T when she said he was 'Tall, Dark, and Dangerous'. He's not a man to mess with with his violent personality that was just so damn hot. Add to that his quick wit, superior attitude, and volatile treatment of Raven and I'm a goner. Cole knows it was Raven's brother (Bear) that stole something from him, something very powerful, and he'll use any means to get it back before anyone else.
So the two of them sort of work together in order figure out where Bear disappeared to. During which time, Raven is constantly attacked by another Dark Fae Lord and Cole is always trying to save or protect her. Who cares if a few people have to die in order for him to do so. Something Raven thinks she should feel bad about, but in Cole's presence it only turns her on. I hear ya sister. During this time Raven is also constantly fighting her body's reaction to Cole because her body wants him bad. Man, did it take long enough for them to finally get together!
The more they find out, the more questions Raven ends up having. Her search for her brother leads her to, arguably, the most powerful person around...and her learning of her real father. Something she has a lot of trouble wrapping her head around. After Raven gets kidnapped (for the third time) we learn who was behind everything and why. It was a good end with some interesting fighting and lots of bloodshed. The only thing that could be considered urk-some is her brother's declaration because it was sooooo predictable.
The very end annoyed me, but only because I would have done the opposite of Raven. And I have a feeling what she did is going to have a Riddick kind of affect. If my theory is correct, this is going to be awesome going forward and would give her and Cole no reason to be apart. I really hope I remember to keep my eye out for the next one.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
This was SUCH a good book. I enjoyed almost everything about it. I laughed, I swooned (a lot), and kept wanting to find out what happened next. It was a great world created here with an interesting combination of dark realms, shifters, normals, and Nordic myths. What I really liked, that we definitely do not get enough of, was just how realistic and believable Raven was. She knew her limits and had no illusions of her being a one woman army. She had spunk, but knew when to bite her tongue. Her internal battle of wills between her head and her body were too funny. She didn't constantly run off doing stupid shit just to prove that she could. Needless to say, I liked her.
Raven was just a normal girl, working two jobs and living in a shitty apartment thanks to her ex who left her with $50k in debt. Just because she's part Other and can shift into a bunch of ravens doesn't make her that special. Or does it?
Spoiler
I was so certain about Odin being her father from the moment he was mentioned that I was already patting myself on the back when she goes to see him. But then that twist! Did not see that coming.Cole is one such person. Patron fae of assassins, Lord of Shadows...he can kidnap me any day. Raven called it to a T when she said he was 'Tall, Dark, and Dangerous'. He's not a man to mess with with his violent personality that was just so damn hot. Add to that his quick wit, superior attitude, and volatile treatment of Raven and I'm a goner. Cole knows it was Raven's brother (Bear) that stole something from him, something very powerful, and he'll use any means to get it back before anyone else.
So the two of them sort of work together in order figure out where Bear disappeared to. During which time, Raven is constantly attacked by another Dark Fae Lord and Cole is always trying to save or protect her. Who cares if a few people have to die in order for him to do so. Something Raven thinks she should feel bad about, but in Cole's presence it only turns her on. I hear ya sister. During this time Raven is also constantly fighting her body's reaction to Cole because her body wants him bad. Man, did it take long enough for them to finally get together!
The more they find out, the more questions Raven ends up having. Her search for her brother leads her to, arguably, the most powerful person around...and her learning of her real father. Something she has a lot of trouble wrapping her head around. After Raven gets kidnapped (for the third time) we learn who was behind everything and why. It was a good end with some interesting fighting and lots of bloodshed. The only thing that could be considered urk-some is her brother's declaration because it was sooooo predictable.
The very end annoyed me, but only because I would have done the opposite of Raven. And I have a feeling what she did is going to have a Riddick kind of affect
Spoiler
In the "You keep what you kill" way. With Cole leaving that sythe in her room and her having killed the queen of the shadow realm, it would make sense that she's gonna be the new queen. Also would explain why Bane didn't want to do it himselfARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
saydesadie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
Raven is my kind of people. Half hot-mess, half bad-ass, all awesome.
Not only did I enjoy Raven, but I enjoyed her family. They have a great relationship and I loved getting to know them.
I loved the chemistry between Raven and Cole. I enjoyed the way they interacted and the way they worked together. There was a lot of fighting feelings on Raven's side. I loved the way Cole handled it and the overall progression.
I can't really get into the plot as it would give away spoilers. I will say that the story was had plenty of humor, action and mystery rolled up in a nice paced story.
I enjoyed the storyline and I enjoyed the characters. I will definitely be reading more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Not only did I enjoy Raven, but I enjoyed her family. They have a great relationship and I loved getting to know them.
I loved the chemistry between Raven and Cole. I enjoyed the way they interacted and the way they worked together. There was a lot of fighting feelings on Raven's side. I loved the way Cole handled it and the overall progression.
I can't really get into the plot as it would give away spoilers. I will say that the story was had plenty of humor, action and mystery rolled up in a nice paced story.
I enjoyed the storyline and I enjoyed the characters. I will definitely be reading more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
book_lover_97's review against another edition
4.0
Fast paced, steamy, and funny paranormal romance. I really enjoyed this read that is filled with action, adventure and so many unseen twist and turns. I really liked this introduction to this series.
I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased, honest review.
thewoollygeek's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this, snarky and sassy Raven, ultra broody Cole, such a great story, orifomal and new twists for the paranormal genre. Great pace, lots of tension and drama, mixed with great humour. Loved it can’t wait for more.
i_hype_romance's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this book, and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Raven Crawford is saddled with her ex-boyfriend's debit, works in a dead-end diner poring coffee for abysmal tippers, and finds lost things. She's just trying to keep her head down, put her weary feet up every night and focus on moving on with her life once this nightmare of drudgery she's stuck in comes to an end.
She senses the Underworld coiling around the dark fae that walks into her diner. Honestly, he's very difficult to ignore and she calls him TDD. She's disappointed when he orders a cup of coffee and nothing else. Of course he would be a Camper. Even if his voice tingles up and down her spine and he makes her wish for things she shouldn't, she cannot forgive him for hacking her delusions to bits.
But he's not there to make small-talk, or really to even drink the cup of coffee he just ordered. He wants to question her about the whereabouts of her elusive brother. She refuses to divulge any details and orders him to leave. Amazingly, he does so. She's relieved to have escaped that close encounter. And then he kidnaps her from the alley after her shift is over.
Soon, Raven is the prime piece of real estate in an elaborate tug-of-war, a pawn caught between powerful fae. She knows her brother is in trouble, and she is determined to save him from his bad decisions. But the Lord of Shadows and the Lord of War are also determined to coerce her into acting as their lead - because of course her brother used his larcenous skills to obtain something he has no business trafficking.
If you like Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson Guardian series, or Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson series, you'll love the world-building and snarky heroine in this urban fantasy.
Raven Crawford is saddled with her ex-boyfriend's debit, works in a dead-end diner poring coffee for abysmal tippers, and finds lost things. She's just trying to keep her head down, put her weary feet up every night and focus on moving on with her life once this nightmare of drudgery she's stuck in comes to an end.
She senses the Underworld coiling around the dark fae that walks into her diner. Honestly, he's very difficult to ignore and she calls him TDD. She's disappointed when he orders a cup of coffee and nothing else. Of course he would be a Camper. Even if his voice tingles up and down her spine and he makes her wish for things she shouldn't, she cannot forgive him for hacking her delusions to bits.
But he's not there to make small-talk, or really to even drink the cup of coffee he just ordered. He wants to question her about the whereabouts of her elusive brother. She refuses to divulge any details and orders him to leave. Amazingly, he does so. She's relieved to have escaped that close encounter. And then he kidnaps her from the alley after her shift is over.
Soon, Raven is the prime piece of real estate in an elaborate tug-of-war, a pawn caught between powerful fae. She knows her brother is in trouble, and she is determined to save him from his bad decisions. But the Lord of Shadows and the Lord of War are also determined to coerce her into acting as their lead - because of course her brother used his larcenous skills to obtain something he has no business trafficking.
If you like Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson Guardian series, or Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson series, you'll love the world-building and snarky heroine in this urban fantasy.
rambleonrose's review against another edition
4.0
Just squeaked into 4 stars
I really like this world, that’s mainly the reason this is getting four stars. It’s unique and interesting and I’d like to see where Raven’s story goes. I’m not sold on Cole, and their relationship was very Insta-lust, so I’m also interested where they’ll go from here. A little angst would be nice.
What I don’t want to see in the next book are any more sweaty scenes. Please, please stop with the sweaty scenes. Actually, Raven might need to go to a doctor and get checked out because she sweats so much. Nobody sweats that much... Especially in freaking Canada. How hot could the summer actually be?
I really like this world, that’s mainly the reason this is getting four stars. It’s unique and interesting and I’d like to see where Raven’s story goes. I’m not sold on Cole, and their relationship was very Insta-lust, so I’m also interested where they’ll go from here. A little angst would be nice.
What I don’t want to see in the next book are any more sweaty scenes. Please, please stop with the sweaty scenes. Actually, Raven might need to go to a doctor and get checked out because she sweats so much. Nobody sweats that much... Especially in freaking Canada. How hot could the summer actually be?
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
Three and a half stars.
Raven Crawford is in a bad place. Her ex-boyfriend declared bankruptcy and stiffed her with his $50,000 bank loan that she co-signed, now he's a doctor and she's had to give up college and work with her father in his detective agency to (barely) meet the bills.
There are two dark fae lords looking for her twin brother Bear, and they won't believe her when she says she doesn't know where he is. He's stolen something very valuable and both fae lords want it back.
This book has got a great world-building mythology. The fae broke into the mortal realm and started fighting over possession. Only Odin managed to stop the fae completely decimating humanity but the cat is well and truly out of the bag when it comes to the others. Raven and Bear are half-brother and sister to fox shifters but the two of them are actually half-fae, although they never knew their father.
Where I felt this fell down a bit for me, and got half a star knocked off, was that the romance overwhelmed the mystery. I wanted to find out where Bear was, and what the stolen object was, but I got a lot of shower sex and lusting after a fae lord.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this and I would like to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Raven Crawford is in a bad place. Her ex-boyfriend declared bankruptcy and stiffed her with his $50,000 bank loan that she co-signed, now he's a doctor and she's had to give up college and work with her father in his detective agency to (barely) meet the bills.
There are two dark fae lords looking for her twin brother Bear, and they won't believe her when she says she doesn't know where he is. He's stolen something very valuable and both fae lords want it back.
This book has got a great world-building mythology. The fae broke into the mortal realm and started fighting over possession. Only Odin managed to stop the fae completely decimating humanity but the cat is well and truly out of the bag when it comes to the others. Raven and Bear are half-brother and sister to fox shifters but the two of them are actually half-fae, although they never knew their father.
Where I felt this fell down a bit for me, and got half a star knocked off, was that the romance overwhelmed the mystery. I wanted to find out where Bear was, and what the stolen object was, but I got a lot of shower sex and lusting after a fae lord.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this and I would like to read the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
dreamer4ever's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Raven!!!
This is such a great start to hopefully many more books of Raven and her crazy family. I loved this. If you love the Fae, get on this. The Patron Fae Lord of Assassins: enter Cole, and holy smokes, I really want one. This was a great story, good characters and there's no wimpy female, Raven is a badass and she loves her family even though her brother drags her into situations. Her Mom is kooky but you will love her. I am curious how The Lord of War Bane and Odin along with Fae Court is now going to play into her future, should give us some great stories!!!!
This is such a great start to hopefully many more books of Raven and her crazy family. I loved this. If you love the Fae, get on this. The Patron Fae Lord of Assassins: enter Cole, and holy smokes, I really want one. This was a great story, good characters and there's no wimpy female, Raven is a badass and she loves her family even though her brother drags her into situations. Her Mom is kooky but you will love her. I am curious how The Lord of War Bane and Odin along with Fae Court is now going to play into her future, should give us some great stories!!!!
rambleonrose's review against another edition
4.0
Just squeaked into 4 stars
I really like this world, that’s mainly the reason this is getting four stars. It’s unique and interesting and I’d like to see where Raven’s story goes. I’m not sold on Cole, and their relationship was very Insta-lust, so I’m also interested where they’ll go from here. A little angst would be nice.
What I don’t want to see in the next book are any more sweaty scenes. Please, please stop with the sweaty scenes. Actually, Raven might need to go to a doctor and get checked out because she sweats so much. Nobody sweats that much... Especially in freaking Canada. How hot could the summer actually be?
I really like this world, that’s mainly the reason this is getting four stars. It’s unique and interesting and I’d like to see where Raven’s story goes. I’m not sold on Cole, and their relationship was very Insta-lust, so I’m also interested where they’ll go from here. A little angst would be nice.
What I don’t want to see in the next book are any more sweaty scenes. Please, please stop with the sweaty scenes. Actually, Raven might need to go to a doctor and get checked out because she sweats so much. Nobody sweats that much... Especially in freaking Canada. How hot could the summer actually be?