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momwithareadingproblem's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I savored this one! Thank you to Lenore @ Celebrity Readers for my Jolabokaflod gift 💗 The Raven and the Rush by Sarah M. Cradit has been on my TBR for a while, and I just couldn’t seem to make time for it. I’m so glad I got a push to read it 😉 This is a standalone YA fantasy set in the same world as Cradit’s Kingdom of the White Sea series, which I didn’t realize until I was half way through. Despite not knowing that ahead of time and having not read that series, I was engrossed in Evra and Rhosyn’s story.
Evrathedyn Blackrook is finishing up his studies at university far from his father’s reach and planning to take the Scholar’s path (think monk-like teacher) upon completion when he receives news of his father’s death. While Evra wasn’t close to the man, he finds himself trapped as the heir since his older brother has not married yet. Recalled to the Westerlands, he discovers what is left of his homeland is in ruins. His father’s crusade to rid the Westerlands of magic has left it all but destroyed, its people dying of a plague that could easily be cured, and his brother who should be the Lord gone. Evra is far from where he wants to be and lost. His only hope is to bring magic back to his dying lands and save what’s left of his people.
Rhosynora Ravenwood is the second daughter of the high priestess, a silver-haired Raven who finds herself at the center of a prophecy and the next priestess as her elder sister has not fulfilled her duties. If Rhosyn could run away, she would, but to do so would put her chosen family, the Frosts, and the people she loves in danger. So she takes the next best offer: to aid Evelyn Frost through her delivery. As a Ravenwood, Rhosyn possesses a magic known only to her clan. She can heal and protect with it. When the new Lord of the Westerlands arrives worse for wear, Rhosyn finds herself inexplicably drawn to him and a forbidden love story begins.
This story is lush with details and beautifully written. Evra and Rhosyn are easy to root for and empathize with. I enjoyed the dual POV as it allows the reader to understand their motivation and feelings. In fact, I’m not sure this story would have worked otherwise as most of romance is told passively. I loved the small glimpses of politics at play and how Evra and Rhosyn are working at odds to each other. I will warn though that there is talk of incest, rape, and abuse which all happens off page.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Raven and the Rush. The world itself is amazing, and I cannot wait to dive into the other stories in The Book of All Things series. I also plan to go back and read the Kingdom of the White Sea trilogy which I’ve already purchased 😉 Highly recommend this one for fans of fantasy!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Incest, and Rape