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Raventide
Some secrets are better left forgotten...
Drayden Torvannes has made a career out of uncovering secrets of the past. When he receives a peculiar summons to one of the more elite houses in the city of Vindra, he is prepared to take on a new research assignment for a modest fee and more experience to his career. He is not prepared for the proposition offered to him by Elarien Fannael, a compelling young man whose past has been left to him in fragments that begin with a ring, a family heirloom carrying memories and truth. Elarien is willing to pay a prince's fortune for answers. All Drayden has to do is uncover them, but can he against the disapproval and secrecy of the Fannael family, and against obstacles and adversaries that continue to grow as his research brings him to the nearby and haunted town of Raventide?
Enshrouded in the mystery of a famous and grisly murder, the town promises not only answers, but danger for Drayden as he sinks further into a well of conspiracy, betrayal, and madness. Not only his livelihood, but his life become a running goal that he must chase through the elevated tiers of Vindran society, into its cavernous underbelly, and through the mystery of the town in its shadow as he races against time to uncover the most dangerous secret of his career.
Drayden Torvannes has made a career out of uncovering secrets of the past. When he receives a peculiar summons to one of the more elite houses in the city of Vindra, he is prepared to take on a new research assignment for a modest fee and more experience to his career. He is not prepared for the proposition offered to him by Elarien Fannael, a compelling young man whose past has been left to him in fragments that begin with a ring, a family heirloom carrying memories and truth. Elarien is willing to pay a prince's fortune for answers. All Drayden has to do is uncover them, but can he against the disapproval and secrecy of the Fannael family, and against obstacles and adversaries that continue to grow as his research brings him to the nearby and haunted town of Raventide?
Enshrouded in the mystery of a famous and grisly murder, the town promises not only answers, but danger for Drayden as he sinks further into a well of conspiracy, betrayal, and madness. Not only his livelihood, but his life become a running goal that he must chase through the elevated tiers of Vindran society, into its cavernous underbelly, and through the mystery of the town in its shadow as he races against time to uncover the most dangerous secret of his career.
598 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2011
4 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Miles
23 books52 followersT.A. Miles is a being owned by curiosity and fueled by internal magic. She claims to have fallen down a rabbit hole as a child, but in reality seems to be living in a semi-permanent out-of-body experience where she meets fantastical people and magical creatures in lands unknown to earth. She believes her characters are real people, and she publishes for one reason only: to share these people and the experiences they relay in carefully constructed stories unmarred by common human perception. Which sounds very complicated. It's easier to say she prefers to write about exceptionally human experiences.
Let's not try to explain that, actually. It's simpler to read one of her books instead. Remember to read with your head and your soul.
Let's not try to explain that, actually. It's simpler to read one of her books instead. Remember to read with your head and your soul.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 12, 2012
4 - 4.5 stars
This is a self-published book and, with that in mind, I approached it cautiously. I needn't worry, because book was both well-written and edited, the later surprisingly so. It was obvious that the author hired some serious editor(s) (or friends who just new what they were doing) because the results were good. I found a couple of minor grammatical errors, though one that was repeated throughout the entire novel drove me insane. The writing style was somewhat old-fashioned, deliberately so to go with the story, in the beginning somewhat over-the-top and flowery, but, as the story progressed, the style relaxed considerably and became much, much smoother. The beginning was slower than I would have liked and the book could have been shorter, but when I actually got into it - I couldn't put it down.
Raventide is fantasy with the elements of mystery and romance that doesn't come to life until the last quarter of the book. I didn't mind that, on the contrary - more elaborate romance would certainly interrupt the story.
The story takes place in the imaginary city of Vindra, where Drayden Torvannes - historian and antiquary - was hired by young lord Elarien Fannael to find out the truth about his family history. Elarien's family disapproves and it soon becomes clear (to the reader at least) that they are not the only ones set to stop Drayden and Elarien and that there are supernatural powers at play. The mythology of supernatural as well as religion resemble Christianity (there are angels, demons, fallen angels), but it is not. The story, the iconography is too complex to be summarized, but keep good track of the characters - there are many of them and they all have a purpose. I though the author glossed over some explanations, but overall (s)he did very, very well.
Of course, Drayden and Elarien are the most important for the story. One who had suffered for so long that he had accepted death and now learns that it's all right to hope and the other, who realizes that his dreams aren't that simple after all and that his inner daredevil is alive and well. I admit it, I was very annoyed with Elarien sometimes (pretty much like Drayden) because he was so ready to accept that he will die. The romance was slow - the two men were first connected by professional interest, then by friendship and finally with love. The one sex scene that happens in the book fades to black.
The motivations of numerous secondary characters are hidden and ambiguous, making me to guess and often change my opinion. There are betrayals on the way - one especially painful for Drayden.
In the end, I am very happy that I gave this book a chance. All I can say is endure the slow beginning and you will be awarded with quite imaginative story, overall good quality of the book and good ending. :)
I'll try to write more coherent review later.
This is a self-published book and, with that in mind, I approached it cautiously. I needn't worry, because book was both well-written and edited, the later surprisingly so. It was obvious that the author hired some serious editor(s) (or friends who just new what they were doing) because the results were good. I found a couple of minor grammatical errors, though one that was repeated throughout the entire novel drove me insane. The writing style was somewhat old-fashioned, deliberately so to go with the story, in the beginning somewhat over-the-top and flowery, but, as the story progressed, the style relaxed considerably and became much, much smoother. The beginning was slower than I would have liked and the book could have been shorter, but when I actually got into it - I couldn't put it down.
Raventide is fantasy with the elements of mystery and romance that doesn't come to life until the last quarter of the book. I didn't mind that, on the contrary - more elaborate romance would certainly interrupt the story.
The story takes place in the imaginary city of Vindra, where Drayden Torvannes - historian and antiquary - was hired by young lord Elarien Fannael to find out the truth about his family history. Elarien's family disapproves and it soon becomes clear (to the reader at least) that they are not the only ones set to stop Drayden and Elarien and that there are supernatural powers at play. The mythology of supernatural as well as religion resemble Christianity (there are angels, demons, fallen angels), but it is not. The story, the iconography is too complex to be summarized, but keep good track of the characters - there are many of them and they all have a purpose. I though the author glossed over some explanations, but overall (s)he did very, very well.
Of course, Drayden and Elarien are the most important for the story. One who had suffered for so long that he had accepted death and now learns that it's all right to hope and the other, who realizes that his dreams aren't that simple after all and that his inner daredevil is alive and well. I admit it, I was very annoyed with Elarien sometimes (pretty much like Drayden) because he was so ready to accept that he will die. The romance was slow - the two men were first connected by professional interest, then by friendship and finally with love. The one sex scene that happens in the book fades to black.
The motivations of numerous secondary characters are hidden and ambiguous, making me to guess and often change my opinion. There are betrayals on the way - one especially painful for Drayden.
In the end, I am very happy that I gave this book a chance. All I can say is endure the slow beginning and you will be awarded with quite imaginative story, overall good quality of the book and good ending. :)
I'll try to write more coherent review later.
August 20, 2012
Having read the wonderful Blood Lilies, I decided to check out T. A. Miles first book Raventied and I am very glad I did.
The story of Raventied follows Drayden Torvannes, a historic investigator who is hired by the wealthy Elarien Fannael to discover the origin of a mysterious ring that haunts his dreams, the truth behind his family, which Elarien believes will identify the supposed illness that plagues him. What follows is a wonderful gothic mystery, featuring elements of adventure, mythology and an emotional gay romance.
Drayden and Elarien made for great protagonists, with both characters being fleshed out, made vivid, and felt alive on the page. It was great to watch the bond between them grow from acquaintances, to friends and finally something more. The supporting cast was also very strong, and not just an element to help advance the story. I would have liked to have delved a bit deeper in to the agonists, but even so, there is no character who feels like they get less time and attention then they deserve.
The story is engrossing, and intelligent, with twists and characters that kept me guessing until its satisfying conclusion. It's hard to deny, however, that much of the first half of the story is rather slow in pace. On one hand, this helps to build, and flesh out the characters and deepen the plot. On the other hand, there are times in which I could not help but to think that the characters were simply running around in circles with scenes that added little to what we already know. Once in to the latter half of the book has a much finer and exciting pace and the mystery begins to close, but if I'm honest, the revelations and advancements in character felt a little swift at times. I would have actually liked it if more time and exploration of the characters had been given to the latter part of the story, instead of the build-up. The most obvious element in this case was the romance, which, while hinted at throughout the story, I would have liked to blossom a little earlier than it did just, so it could be explored a little more. Despite this slight criticism, the romance is well written and works well emotionally.
The world of Raventied is well crafted and beautifully described fantasy world. The author has a wonderful way of writing, which is far more professional and imaginative then many top-selling authors.
It's a shame that this is just a stand-alone novel. I would love to have found out more about the world, its characters and its mythology. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful, well written gothic story.
The story of Raventied follows Drayden Torvannes, a historic investigator who is hired by the wealthy Elarien Fannael to discover the origin of a mysterious ring that haunts his dreams, the truth behind his family, which Elarien believes will identify the supposed illness that plagues him. What follows is a wonderful gothic mystery, featuring elements of adventure, mythology and an emotional gay romance.
Drayden and Elarien made for great protagonists, with both characters being fleshed out, made vivid, and felt alive on the page. It was great to watch the bond between them grow from acquaintances, to friends and finally something more. The supporting cast was also very strong, and not just an element to help advance the story. I would have liked to have delved a bit deeper in to the agonists, but even so, there is no character who feels like they get less time and attention then they deserve.
The story is engrossing, and intelligent, with twists and characters that kept me guessing until its satisfying conclusion. It's hard to deny, however, that much of the first half of the story is rather slow in pace. On one hand, this helps to build, and flesh out the characters and deepen the plot. On the other hand, there are times in which I could not help but to think that the characters were simply running around in circles with scenes that added little to what we already know. Once in to the latter half of the book has a much finer and exciting pace and the mystery begins to close, but if I'm honest, the revelations and advancements in character felt a little swift at times. I would have actually liked it if more time and exploration of the characters had been given to the latter part of the story, instead of the build-up. The most obvious element in this case was the romance, which, while hinted at throughout the story, I would have liked to blossom a little earlier than it did just, so it could be explored a little more. Despite this slight criticism, the romance is well written and works well emotionally.
The world of Raventied is well crafted and beautifully described fantasy world. The author has a wonderful way of writing, which is far more professional and imaginative then many top-selling authors.
It's a shame that this is just a stand-alone novel. I would love to have found out more about the world, its characters and its mythology. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful, well written gothic story.
April 6, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was very slow to start. It seemed that information was very slowly trickled to you in tiny parcels. But it finally picked up and I had to keep reading to answer all the questions that I had formed. It was full of twists and turns, crosses and double crosses, angels, demons, friends, lovers, enemies, and betrayals. Fortunately, it was easy to follow the twists and turns as Drayton and Elarien search to find the truth behind Elarien’s strange family and existence.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
This book was very slow to start. It seemed that information was very slowly trickled to you in tiny parcels. But it finally picked up and I had to keep reading to answer all the questions that I had formed. It was full of twists and turns, crosses and double crosses, angels, demons, friends, lovers, enemies, and betrayals. Fortunately, it was easy to follow the twists and turns as Drayton and Elarien search to find the truth behind Elarien’s strange family and existence.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
August 11, 2012
I very rarely give 5 stars but this author has a way of pulling you in ad creating a world within a world. The romance is open tender different. I recommend this one.
September 23, 2021
Good premise and world-building, but too many characters to keep straight and plot was slightly confusing at points.
February 19, 2017
This is one of the most complicated books I've ever read! But, oh,what a read! First off a warning: this book does have a sex scene between the 2 leads (both male). But it's not graphic and you can skim through it quickly. Also be forewarned: this book is uniquely written in that the author choose her words very carefully and even the sentence structure is unique. I relate it to almost like how Shakespeare wrote, maybe even a Victorian feel. At times I had to reread a sentence or paragraph to make sure I understood what the author was saying. But don't be discouraged by this, it's a huge part of the charm of this book. This is a fantasy novel set in an city that is surrounded and invaded by the sea. (Think Venice.) Drayden Torvannes is a librarian/investigator. This means he hires himself out to investigate and decipher old scrolls, antiquities and family memorabilia. Elarien Fannael is a member of high society who hires Drayden to search for the truth about his family and a ring. This takes Drayden to Raventide a ghostly town that is sheathed not only in mist, but in its murderous past. Meanwhile, Elarien's family does what they can to discourage Drayden from looking too deeply, but Drayden is stubborn and feels a connection to Elarien. As Drayden keeps digging, he has no idea that he is coming in between Heaven and Hell and those that reside in between the two realms.
I know some are going to consider this a slow read, but this world is complex, the characters are complex and the mysteries and mythologies will keep many a reader wanting to know more. I know I did! I heartily recommend it for those who are into the fantasy, mystery and mythology genres.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. The review is my own personal opinion.
I know some are going to consider this a slow read, but this world is complex, the characters are complex and the mysteries and mythologies will keep many a reader wanting to know more. I know I did! I heartily recommend it for those who are into the fantasy, mystery and mythology genres.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. The review is my own personal opinion.
April 9, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was very slow to start. It seemed that information was very slowly trickled to you in tiny parcels. But it finally picked up and I had to keep reading to answer all the questions that I had formed. It was full of twists and turns, crosses and double crosses, angels, demons, friends, lovers, enemies, and betrayals. Fortunately, it was easy to follow the twists and turns as Drayton and Elarien search to find the truth behind Elarien’s strange family and existence.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
This book was very slow to start. It seemed that information was very slowly trickled to you in tiny parcels. But it finally picked up and I had to keep reading to answer all the questions that I had formed. It was full of twists and turns, crosses and double crosses, angels, demons, friends, lovers, enemies, and betrayals. Fortunately, it was easy to follow the twists and turns as Drayton and Elarien search to find the truth behind Elarien’s strange family and existence.
I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
October 2, 2013
The beginning was somewhat confusing but quite intriguing. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships.
Then about halfway through, it got more confusing, and although the scope of the mystery may have gotten broader, my interest dwindled. I could never keep the factions straight and couldn't remember who was part of which faction, and even by the end I wasn't sure what everybody was after. I wasn't even quite sure who lived and who died, and since there was a character who was able to control others -- even though he was a cool character -- I couldn't even be sure who was really part of it or not.
The story is fantasy, dark fantasy, a little bit of horror, mystery, and romance (...kind of). Drayden is a historian, or artifact investigator, who is hired by a very confused young nobleman for a very large sum of money. Drayden begins to help the young man uncover his past, but soon enough (...about halfway through...) I realized Drayden was the confused one, and Elarien helps him figure out what he really wants from life.
Lots of potential. Sadly I was just confused and irritated by the end, and did not find the ending very satisfying.
Then about halfway through, it got more confusing, and although the scope of the mystery may have gotten broader, my interest dwindled. I could never keep the factions straight and couldn't remember who was part of which faction, and even by the end I wasn't sure what everybody was after. I wasn't even quite sure who lived and who died, and since there was a character who was able to control others -- even though he was a cool character -- I couldn't even be sure who was really part of it or not.
The story is fantasy, dark fantasy, a little bit of horror, mystery, and romance (...kind of). Drayden is a historian, or artifact investigator, who is hired by a very confused young nobleman for a very large sum of money. Drayden begins to help the young man uncover his past, but soon enough (...about halfway through...) I realized Drayden was the confused one, and Elarien helps him figure out what he really wants from life.
Lots of potential. Sadly I was just confused and irritated by the end, and did not find the ending very satisfying.
February 14, 2017
Full review to follow!
January 29, 2012
This is a fantasy mystery thriller book.
Its begining is very slow burn, but the mystery ellement get you asking the what, why, where and who style questions, what's going on, who's good, who's bad, etc. and this pulls you in.
Set in a fantasy world where angels war with demons out of the corner of your eye. The motivations of the suporting cast of characters are never fully revealed until much latter in the book making you wonder what their agenda is and whether the main characters are setting themselves up for betrayal. The main characters of Drayden and Elarien are thrust in to a dangerous quest for the truth where the outcome is never certain.
Although this book has a gay thread running through it, it's very underdone and probably a better book for it.
I was stuck when rating this book, I couldn't quite give it 3 stars but I thought that 2 was not enough, perhaps a 2.9
Its begining is very slow burn, but the mystery ellement get you asking the what, why, where and who style questions, what's going on, who's good, who's bad, etc. and this pulls you in.
Set in a fantasy world where angels war with demons out of the corner of your eye. The motivations of the suporting cast of characters are never fully revealed until much latter in the book making you wonder what their agenda is and whether the main characters are setting themselves up for betrayal. The main characters of Drayden and Elarien are thrust in to a dangerous quest for the truth where the outcome is never certain.
Although this book has a gay thread running through it, it's very underdone and probably a better book for it.
I was stuck when rating this book, I couldn't quite give it 3 stars but I thought that 2 was not enough, perhaps a 2.9
March 20, 2013
I am always sorry to have to admit I could not finish a book.
This is well written, by the way. The author has this clear, neat, precise style where every word has meaning.
The Venice-like setting is interesting as is the idea of a beginning of the industrial era technology (railways and gas lighting).
Unfortunately it totally lacks pace. Or at least it has such a slow one that it drags. So much the worse because this is not the first of a serial but it is supposed to be a standalone.
Characters are realistic and consistent. But they are cold. Distant. I looked at the main character as if through the window of a train carriage. I could not care for him.
This is well written, by the way. The author has this clear, neat, precise style where every word has meaning.
The Venice-like setting is interesting as is the idea of a beginning of the industrial era technology (railways and gas lighting).
Unfortunately it totally lacks pace. Or at least it has such a slow one that it drags. So much the worse because this is not the first of a serial but it is supposed to be a standalone.
Characters are realistic and consistent. But they are cold. Distant. I looked at the main character as if through the window of a train carriage. I could not care for him.
August 23, 2017
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway winner. It was a little slow at first to the point I got distracted while reading. It did pick up towards the last third of the book. I don't think it needed to be almost 600 pages, I think at least 200 pages could have been left out. I'm sure the author was building up the character backgrounds but it just took a little too long. It was good though and if you like stories about demons and angels,then you might like this one.
Read
February 10, 2017Did not finish
September 10, 2014
Surprisingly good read!
fast moving and very entertaining. great character development! the topic may not grab you.but the story will. A very enjoyable story.
fast moving and very entertaining. great character development! the topic may not grab you.but the story will. A very enjoyable story.
February 8, 2017
I'm usually all for a good dark fantasy and really wanted to like this one, but it just didn't hold my attention. It's very well-written and there is a lot of character development, but it's just way too long, making the pace too slow to hold my interest. It was just way too easy to put down, which I did several times. I did manage to finish, but mainly because I have a hard time not finishing a book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews