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A review by shivani_reads
The Raven King by Nora Sakavic
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
~~ "It's about family. Not necessarily the one we were born with, but the one we chose. This one." ~~
Well, I'm still here, and I still don't know why I'm so into these books 🤷🏽♀️
While the writing has improved slightly compared to the first book, it's still not great. And there's still some problematic stuff in here, particularly in the way mental health and trauma are portrayed/dealt with.
...Yet these books continue to have me in a chokehold 🫣
One thing I noticed Nora has improved on by this point is her descriptions of the Exy games. Whereas I could barely understand the sport in TFC, I find I'm able to picture the games much more clearly this time around. Also, I'm actually enjoying it!? Maybe I do like sports fiction after all... What are these books doing to me? 😩
The found family aspect is really starting to shine through in this story. And it's actually really heartwarming to see all these broken individuals slowly learning to trust and care for one another 🖤
Also, as oblivious as Neil is most of the time, he and Andrew are flirting up a storm (in their own deranged way), and I am HERE FOR IT.
I've surprised myself with how invested I'm becoming in some of these characters. Andrew in particular is quickly becoming a favourite, despite the fact I thought he was a complete asshole in the first book. But learning more about him and his past has me feeling so sorry for him. His trauma is endless, and I just want him to heal and be loved 🥺
As with book one, PLEASE check the content warnings going into this! Because lord do they really come into play in this one. Ch.11 was particularly hard to get through - I sat shell-shocked while those awful events played out. I honestly felt so sick and was close to tears by the end of *that* scene.
And that ending, whew. I'm nervous to see how Neil is going to deal with everything he's just been through with the Ravens. And how Andrew will fare going forward, since his rehabilitation.
Also, fuck Riko Moriyama.
Still not recommending this mess, but good god am I in too deep to get out now. On to the finale!
Well, I'm still here, and I still don't know why I'm so into these books 🤷🏽♀️
While the writing has improved slightly compared to the first book, it's still not great. And there's still some problematic stuff in here, particularly in the way mental health and trauma are portrayed/dealt with.
...Yet these books continue to have me in a chokehold 🫣
One thing I noticed Nora has improved on by this point is her descriptions of the Exy games. Whereas I could barely understand the sport in TFC, I find I'm able to picture the games much more clearly this time around. Also, I'm actually enjoying it!? Maybe I do like sports fiction after all... What are these books doing to me? 😩
The found family aspect is really starting to shine through in this story. And it's actually really heartwarming to see all these broken individuals slowly learning to trust and care for one another 🖤
Also, as oblivious as Neil is most of the time, he and Andrew are flirting up a storm (in their own deranged way), and I am HERE FOR IT.
I've surprised myself with how invested I'm becoming in some of these characters. Andrew in particular is quickly becoming a favourite, despite the fact I thought he was a complete asshole in the first book. But learning more about him and his past has me feeling so sorry for him. His trauma is endless, and I just want him to heal and be loved 🥺
As with book one, PLEASE check the content warnings going into this! Because lord do they really come into play in this one. Ch.11 was particularly hard to get through - I sat shell-shocked while those awful events played out. I honestly felt so sick and was close to tears by the end of *that* scene.
And that ending, whew. I'm nervous to see how Neil is going to deal with everything he's just been through with the Ravens. And how Andrew will fare going forward, since his rehabilitation.
Also, fuck Riko Moriyama.
Still not recommending this mess, but good god am I in too deep to get out now. On to the finale!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism and Drug use
Minor: Homophobia, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, and Alcohol