jessshine's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This one is the best of the series so far -- this duology is far better than the first two. So so much better! I really enjoyed Bran and Aisling's story and found their characters so much more interesting and engaging than Sorcha and Eammon (although I liked Eammon).
marineb09's review
4.0
Emma Hamm as done it again, she wrote us an amazing ending to an amazing series.
The faceless woman and the Raven's Ballad are a dark retelling twisted with irish mythology and I have to say I was intrigued till the end.
Aisling and Bran story is unique, they share a special bond : trust, love, dedication. It's scary and also beautiful to see those 2 sharing so many "adventures" where darkness can win and destroy them.
Bran is bae ok !! haha But I have a special place for Lorcan as well ... I LOVE this character ! is a perfect blend of sass and loyalty. I smiled every time he appeared haha ;)
Thank you Emma for those 2 !
The faceless woman and the Raven's Ballad are a dark retelling twisted with irish mythology and I have to say I was intrigued till the end.
Aisling and Bran story is unique, they share a special bond : trust, love, dedication. It's scary and also beautiful to see those 2 sharing so many "adventures" where darkness can win and destroy them.
Bran is bae ok !! haha But I have a special place for Lorcan as well ... I LOVE this character ! is a perfect blend of sass and loyalty. I smiled every time he appeared haha ;)
Thank you Emma for those 2 !
suey_library's review against another edition
5.0
Wham, bam, thank you ma'am! This is what I have been waiting for, no twitching for comrades. Have I explained enough how much I gush over Emma Hamm's writing style? Because I do. Her Otherworlds Series has corrupted me, I need it like I need air. She has such a exquisite dynamic to her world building, her character's interactions, the romances and just the overall lore, it is beyond breathtaking. As much as I have enjoyed this series immensely, it is The Faceless Woman and now the The Raven's Ballad that are my absolute favorite. I cannot get over Bran and Aisling romance, they are perfection.
So obviously, before you start reading my delicious ramblings, because I will be rambling, know that if you have not read The Faceless Woman, than reading this review may give spoilers. Obviously I am going to avoid as much as possible, but The Raven's Ballad is the ending to Bran and Aisling's duet, so here here, you have been warned, I may detail some spoilage.
Now that I said that, lets dive in...
Starting more or less where The Faceless Woman stopped, The Raven's Ballad is jumping into Bran and Aisling's world as Bran serves his duty to be the Raven King, unfortunately at a cost. Bran serves by night as a Raven while by morning, Aisling is changed back into a Swan, only a few minutes together during dusk is all they are allowed within their beautifully heart-wrenching curse. I think this is probably what makes their romance the absolute best. The tugs at the curse really tests their emotions towards one another as well as questioning themselves. Not only this but the chemistry that was built upon in the previous book is more developed, they have such a great chemistry together. The way their dialogue is, their touches, just everything is radiating from the pages. I was literally on the edge of my seat each moment they had together, I was itching for their moments - It was killing me!
Something that I also really cannot get over about their romance is that they actually trust one another. There is no second guessing anything, Bran makes a mistake due to trickery, and it is like Aisling knows the previous Raven King is lying. They just have this all encompassing bond that I cannot get over honestly. But not only that, Aisling, even though she trusts in her heart for Bran, she is still just as fierce, strong and independent female lead. Not only is Bran fighting to break the curse, she is too. I think honestly that is one of the best attribute of this series, it is romance yes, but it is centered around such powerful female leads. It is so empowering to finally read a fantasy genre where the female heroine is beautifully flawed and yet so empowering that I am gushing at the pages over and over as she doesn't just sit idly by like a damsel but seeks the adventure herself. And obviously I adored Bran. Just like Aisling, we see him with his faults, his second guessing and his growth as a person. He fights for not only himself and his kingdom, but his focus is Aisling. I think it is powerful to see how his world revolves around her, something very different than he was prior.
Bottom line, anything Emma Ham writes is gold. Her Otherworlds Series has captivated me body and soul. I love every character introduced, every detail she adds to enhance the aspects of the current world building. It is just phenomenal. Again, it is just the detail in her writing style that just makes me obsess over everything she writes. If you have not started this series, you are truly missing out.
It is the adult fantasy that I need in my life as nothing else seems to curb my enthusiasm in the same light nor expectations. Her dive into mythology crossed with retellings is just swoonage waiting to happen. Even though I dub Bran and Aisling my favorite at this moment, I hear there is a lovable Dwarf in my near future....
So obviously, before you start reading my delicious ramblings, because I will be rambling, know that if you have not read The Faceless Woman, than reading this review may give spoilers. Obviously I am going to avoid as much as possible, but The Raven's Ballad is the ending to Bran and Aisling's duet, so here here, you have been warned, I may detail some spoilage.
Now that I said that, lets dive in...
Starting more or less where The Faceless Woman stopped, The Raven's Ballad is jumping into Bran and Aisling's world as Bran serves his duty to be the Raven King, unfortunately at a cost. Bran serves by night as a Raven while by morning, Aisling is changed back into a Swan, only a few minutes together during dusk is all they are allowed within their beautifully heart-wrenching curse. I think this is probably what makes their romance the absolute best. The tugs at the curse really tests their emotions towards one another as well as questioning themselves. Not only this but the chemistry that was built upon in the previous book is more developed, they have such a great chemistry together. The way their dialogue is, their touches, just everything is radiating from the pages. I was literally on the edge of my seat each moment they had together, I was itching for their moments - It was killing me!
Something that I also really cannot get over about their romance is that they actually trust one another. There is no second guessing anything, Bran makes a mistake due to trickery, and it is like Aisling knows the previous Raven King is lying. They just have this all encompassing bond that I cannot get over honestly. But not only that, Aisling, even though she trusts in her heart for Bran, she is still just as fierce, strong and independent female lead. Not only is Bran fighting to break the curse, she is too. I think honestly that is one of the best attribute of this series, it is romance yes, but it is centered around such powerful female leads. It is so empowering to finally read a fantasy genre where the female heroine is beautifully flawed and yet so empowering that I am gushing at the pages over and over as she doesn't just sit idly by like a damsel but seeks the adventure herself. And obviously I adored Bran. Just like Aisling, we see him with his faults, his second guessing and his growth as a person. He fights for not only himself and his kingdom, but his focus is Aisling. I think it is powerful to see how his world revolves around her, something very different than he was prior.
Bottom line, anything Emma Ham writes is gold. Her Otherworlds Series has captivated me body and soul. I love every character introduced, every detail she adds to enhance the aspects of the current world building. It is just phenomenal. Again, it is just the detail in her writing style that just makes me obsess over everything she writes. If you have not started this series, you are truly missing out.
It is the adult fantasy that I need in my life as nothing else seems to curb my enthusiasm in the same light nor expectations. Her dive into mythology crossed with retellings is just swoonage waiting to happen. Even though I dub Bran and Aisling my favorite at this moment, I hear there is a lovable Dwarf in my near future....
queenpebbles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
alexperc_92's review
5.0
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Ah, the beauty of retellings! The Raven's ballad delivers a satisfying ending to angst, curses and creates new dynamics in this world I have grown so much fond of! I loved Bran and Aisling as they navigate through politics and curses, old powers and hidden enemies.
Not to mention that Emma Hamm has so much in store for her secondary characters! I so love also the mix between fairy tales and Irish mythology. They are combined SO WELL you don't find anything amiss! And the ending? Boy I would want a book about that baby too if the author gets the chance and write one!
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
Ah, the beauty of retellings! The Raven's ballad delivers a satisfying ending to angst, curses and creates new dynamics in this world I have grown so much fond of! I loved Bran and Aisling as they navigate through politics and curses, old powers and hidden enemies.
Not to mention that Emma Hamm has so much in store for her secondary characters! I so love also the mix between fairy tales and Irish mythology. They are combined SO WELL you don't find anything amiss! And the ending? Boy I would want a book about that baby too if the author gets the chance and write one!
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
niennamarie_'s review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
gabi_in_real_life's review
To keep it simple, I lost interest. The plot doesn't captivate you to stay, other than wanting to break the curse, there is no plot because they do not seem to be doing something about it l. We follow their everyday lifes and their everyday couple feuds and it's just not that interesting.
booklover03's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sadgrl77's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ladyoflore's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0