Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sword of the Raven

Rate this book
When destiny calls, you don’t hit ignore...Delaney Morgan’s ho-hum life begins to fray around the edges when her cop brother is framed and imprisoned. Determined to exonerate him, she starts poking her nose where it doesn’t belong. Things go from extra-ordinary to extraordinary with her discovery of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Naked washed up on a deserted Oregon beach.Rowan MacLachlan’s no ordinary man. He’s a semi-Immortal Highlander. A Water Mage, a Supernatural Enforcer…and since the slaughter of his entire family, Chieftain of his Clan. Recently escaped from the clutches of the Sorceress Cearde, he’s drawn to Delaney’s intense, newly awakening Powers. She learns her brother possessed similar Powers, and his "situation" is entangled with the magical forces he tried to shield her from.Pulled into an epic battle of light and dark…with a kick-ass pair of boots and a Bon Jovi inspired battle cry…Delaney vows to help Rowan avenge his family, and free her brother from the dark forces holding him captive. First, Rowan must teach her to control and wield her new Magic.When passion flares between mentor and student, so do their Powers. With Delaney’s help, Rowan plans to vanquish the evil bitch who killed his family. Even if it means betraying the woman he’s come to love.One of them may be required to make the ultimate sacrifice.Can love really conquer all? Betrayal. Evil. Even death?Delaney’s about to find out. Because she’s destined to be the Sword of the Raven.106,000 words

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2011

30 people are currently reading
605 people want to read

About the author

Diana Duncan

25 books90 followers
When her dreams of becoming a ballerina were quashed by early-onset klutziness, Diana Duncan took up the safer vocation of writing. Her first thrilling masterpiece—written in orange crayon—was titled “Perky the Kitten,” and became an instant bestseller with her grandparents.


Her childhood growing up as a military brat gave her ability to leap into a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime…and she always discovers a new friend in the process. This gift of gab perfectly equipped her for a career that involves making stuff up.


Di is famous for using seven words when one will do. She wields smart-assery like a samurai sword, and will be the first to volunteer in a catastrophe. Of course, she was probably the one who caused the catastrophe.

She’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family…but in the event of the upcoming zombie apocalypse, she won’t hesitate to use them as human shields.

She loves her job as an author, and claims writing is the most fun she’s ever had while wearing her sock monkey pajamas. She also enjoys gardening, cooking, and adopting abandoned curbside furniture to refurbish into treasures.

Di loves to hear from her readers. Write to her at writedianaduncan@msn.com Join her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dianaduncan1 and feel free to stop by and ogle her kilted hunks on her website http://www.dianaduncan.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
130 (35%)
4 stars
113 (30%)
3 stars
86 (23%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
1 star
22 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Lori.
1,400 reviews70 followers
July 9, 2012
OK... I found this book both compelling and easy to set down. How can that be?

1. It's so full of fantasy and paranormal, it fell a bit outside my comfort zone. And while the author kept my attention with Rowan and Delanie (and even what the deal is with Connor), she never quite explained the whole fantasy world - not in enough depth to help me overcome my internal objections and automatic disbelief.

2. So much of the story seems pieced together - it "fits", and yet the whole doesn't make a complete picture. So many details (again, stuff like the hows and whys and whos of this "new world") are simply missing or info is given way too late. All the half-animal "Supes", Guardians, Enforcers, demons, sorcerers, sorceresses, elves, witches, Druids, gods, and goddesses. The whole mystery behind who Connor and Delaney really are and what they really are... the history with their real parents and her step-father... even Rowan's family and the thing with Paitton... all of these are barely fleshed out or seemingly thrown in at the last minute. There just aren't the connections necessary to fully engage the reader.

While much is fun and empowering, much is sketchy and confusing. And is there to be a follow-up book? Can't even seem to find that info on the author's web site, where I looked out of curiosity. She certainly left the door open to at least a sequel, if not a full-blown series.

Glad I picked up the book for a little bit of nothing. While it was an interesting and somewhat fun read, it was more confusing and unsatisfying than a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
November 12, 2011
Sword of the Raven is a story full of action, major emotional turmoil, myths, a variety of paranormal beings, humor and some pretty darn hot smexin!!!

Delaney isn't just having one of those days, she's had one of those lives. Currently, her brother is in jail for something he didn't do and she is secretly investigating so she can prove his innocence. While investigating she wonders upon an unconscious NAKED SEXY HUNK of a man laying on a deserted bit of beach near the cottage she is staying in. Rowan awakes to find a beautiful woman trying to save him, he instantly realizes she is who he's been looking for, at the same time he realizes she makes him feel alive again and that to act on that passion will end in disaster because to meet his goal, he will have to betray her.

Rowan knows a secret about Delaney that even she doesn't know, but when he fills her in on the secret it turns her world upside down and blows everything she's thought as real to smithereens. I fell in love with Rowan, such a strong, loyal man, determined to avenge his family. Maggie is an intriguing, strong heroine, one who had a hellish childhood, she is strong, funny and tough as nails. The attraction and affection between the two is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, because there are HUGE obstacles they have to face, if they are to have a HEA, the biggest being they stay alive.

There is A LOT going on in Sword of the Raven. Rowan is a Highlander, but from a different time, the battle that has to be fought is in the Abyss. Ms. Duncan does a wonderful job with the back story, Rowan tells it succinctly, I felt like I was sitting there listening to him, I didn't feel like I was reading a chunk of Scottish lore plunked in the middle of a romance. It did take me a little bit to get through the telling of the history of his family, but ONLY because I am not familiar with a lot of the Scottish lore and mythological species introduced in this book, but I was NEVER lost. The humor injected throughout the story kept me laughing, there were also moments that had me in tears and it's not often do I laugh as much as I cry in a book, but Ms. Duncan made me with SotR.

To read the rest of my review visit
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,012 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2012
Synopsis:-

When destiny calls...you don't hit ignore.

Delaney Morgan's ho-hum life begins to fray around the edges when her cop brother is framed and imprisoned. Determined to exonerate him, she starts poking her nose where it doesn't belong. Things go from extra-ordinary to extraordinary when she finds Mr. Tall, Dark, and Naked washed up on a deserted Oregon beach.

Rowan MacLachlan is no ordinary man. He's a semi-immortal Highlander. A Water Mage, Supernatural Enforcer...and since the slaughter of his entire family, Chieftain of his Clan. Recently escaped from the clutches of the Sorceress Cearde, he's drawn to Delaney's newly awakening Powers. She learns her brother possessed similar Powers, and his "situation" is entangled with the magical forces he tried to shield her from.

Pulled into an epic battle of light and dark...with a kick-ass pair of boots and a Bon Jovi inspired battle cry...Delaney vows to help Rowan avenge his family, and free her brother from the dark forces holding him captive. First, Rowan must teach her to control and wield her new magic.

When passion flares between mentor and student, so do their Powers. With Delaney's help, Rowan plans to vanquish the evil bitch who killed his family. Even if it means betraying the woman he's come to love.

One of them may be required to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Can love really conquer all? Betrayal. Evil. Even death?

Delaney is about to find out. Because she's destined to be the Sword of the Raven.



My Review:-

I thought I went into this book knowing what to expect but Diana surprised me, really surprised me with the world and mythlogy she created/adapted to suit her needs.

There was so much about this book I loved - Delaney (the heroine) and her sense of humour, Rowan (the hero) he kept me guessing right through as to his motives and what he was hiding, the secondary characters I liked, I really want to know more about Delaney's brother and what happened before he ended up in jail then the hospital.

Diana used her knowledge of the Scottish language well, slang terms where used properly - this is a huge thing for me.

I can't wait to see where Diana takes us next and what character's she introduces us too, Delaney's journey is going to be an interesting one and I can't wait to join her.
Profile Image for Daisy Sloan.
776 reviews115 followers
July 4, 2012
I picked up Sword of the Raven for free from Amazon and boy am I glad I did! It’s a fantastic book by an author that is new to me. I loved this story and could not put it down!

Delaney is searching for proof that her brother is innocent in the crimes he’s been placed in prison for. Along the way she finds out her world and life are not what she originally thought. Delaney gets plunged into the world of the supernatural and finds out she has mystical powers that will help fight the war against evil.

Rowan, an enforcer, seeks Delaney out to get her powers so he can kill the evil that murdered his family. Little does he know he’ll fall in love with Delaney. Delaney and Rowan embark on a journey to find the evil woman who killed his family, save her brother and oh yeah, save the world along the way.

Diana Duncan wove a beautiful story that was full of passion, energy and steamy romance. No punches were pulled in the story as Diana gave us a gritty battle, heartbreak, fury, and a whole lot of passion. The story flowed well and the traversing between the human world and the Abyss were completely believable. The passion between Rowan and Delaney is hot. Rowan’s understanding of Delaney’s emotional demons as well as his hot, hot body would make any woman swoon! Rowan’s undying loyalty, understanding and forgiveness give tribute to strong women everywhere. All the characters in this book are loveable, flaws and all.

This is obviously the first story in a series and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next books.

Read this and more reviews at http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews...
Profile Image for Jeanette.
153 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
OMG!!! I LOVED this book and could not put it down; I finished it in a matter of HOURS. It had the perfect dose of everything: action, romance, some laughs and a whole lot of steamy sex. I'm so pissed that it ENDED!!!
Profile Image for Yodamom.
2,208 reviews215 followers
March 4, 2013
4.5 stars- I really enjoyed this fantasy filled with celtic mythologies. We follow a young girl who finds out her life is not what she thinks it is. it all started with a walk on the beach and a great find, an ancient celtic necklace and then finds a naked hunky man washed up on shore. (why can't I ever find one of these on the beach ?) He is an Enforcer sent to guide her on a path through different realms, and teaching her on top of protecting her from.. ? They both trip, fall, knock around and go places dark and dangerous. The big question is what exactly is she ? Her true background when it is finally known is 'awesome'.
If you love fantasy, romance, celtic mythology and adventure I think you might enjoy this book. I can not wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Ellen.
1,070 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2012
I got this as a freeby on amazon and I am so glad That I did.
Ms. Duncan really grab my attention by the throat from the opening page and does not let up until the unbelievable end. The book is full of twist, turns, and surprises that made me keep turning the pages to see what was next. I had a hard time putting it down.
Rowan was someone any woman could fall in love with. I love that Delaney was a loyal, strong heroine. She was willing to do anything or sacrifice anything for those she loved. You can laugh and cry and to me that is one of the signs of a GREAT book. When it was over I really didn't want it to end.
I will be keeping my eye out for the next one.
Profile Image for Kathie (katmom).
689 reviews49 followers
December 28, 2012
What fun! First I thought Rowan was one of those time traveling Highlanders...but no, and he's not a super hero or an alien either. What he is was fascinating!

And Delaney, I like her. She goes after what she needs and wants.

The Celtic mythology here was very adeptly stirred and then shaken.

There are some HOT scenes, and some tender ones, too. I was on the edge of my seat a couple of times, wondering how it was all going to work out.

Although this had most of the ends tied up, and was a very satisfying read, I really want to see more of their tale.

I highly rec this one!
Profile Image for Michelle.
655 reviews48 followers
February 11, 2023
2.5 stars.

Sometimes you need to read/watch/experience something with minimal seriousness, maximal fluff. If that level of comfort food is what you're searching for, here's a representative slice of the paranormal flavor. It's full of nothing but tropes - mega hunky dude, chick who's "never felt this way before," an easily overcome love triangle, some magical kerfluffle, a really evil baddie - and plenty of hearty hetero sexin'. Some of those tropes are of the annoying sort (why oh why do so many romance novels use egregious miscommunication as a plot device??) but hey it's a lighthearted and easy read.
Profile Image for Oleander .
452 reviews26 followers
February 17, 2021
This book was surprisingly good. A well developed plot, a very tall and sexy Scottish mage, a purgatory type place with evil demons, sorcery, Celtic mysticism, and a VERY determined woman can all be found in these pages. The love story flows at a nice pace. This is good PNR.
Profile Image for Barbara ★.
3,510 reviews286 followers
February 18, 2017
I liked this story but it reads as if it's book two in a series but it's not tagged that way. I liked the Celtic mythology and the Scottish mage. I'm actually hoping it is part of a series since it kind of left things hanging. I'll be searching for more books by this author and hopefully coming across another one that seems to be part of this series.
Profile Image for Sandi Layne.
Author 20 books155 followers
January 1, 2013
This was recommended to me as a fun work of Celtic-themed fiction.

And I guess it was. The Gaeilge certainly abounded and I enjoyed it. The inclusion of the ancient stories of the Tuatha Dé Danaan were familiar but interpreted differently, here. The way the ancient rites had infiltrated the modern world was. . .all right. I was not swept away but I was intrigued enough to continue to the end.

The romance between Delaney and Rowan was very intense. Not instant gratification but a build up to their relationship's physical intimacy. I appreciated that. To a point. Rowan had his reasons both for wanting to consummate their relationship as well as wanting that never to happen.

I understood him. I did. As I did Delaney.

I think, for me, I was underwhelmed by the whole "Average woman (who had been victimized in one way or another in her life) finds she's not so average after all and is more powerful than anyone has ever heard of before" scenario.

To be fair, Diana Duncan gave Delaney many "mundane" skills and abilities, so that the new Power our heroine found herself imbued with didn't amount to the sum total of her awesomeness, but still... I felt it was far overdone. I barely managed to read the end of it.

I am not sure, but I think a sequel is lurking here (haven't checked to see if it's out, yet). The jury is out as to whether I'll be interested enough in the coming War to read about it. But you never know.

Celtic fiction is a favorite of mine. :)
Profile Image for Suz.
779 reviews50 followers
October 10, 2012
This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but it was pretty decent.

Delaney, a girl struggling to clear her ex-cop brother, finds Rowan, a immortal/semi-immortal Scottish "Enforcer" (supernatural cop type) washed up on the shore.

Turns out he was being held and tortured by a dark goddess, who is involved with the people who framed her brother. Somehow Delaney's destiny is all tied up with what's going on as well.

So they join forces to kick ass, in the meantime, doing the romance thing.

The book had a lot stronger plot than I thought it would have, and the writing is good.

My only issue is that I'm kinda tired of people who are damaged and needing help (Rowan is all betrayed, Delaney is her own mess with an abusive step-father and ex-fiance (the brother's partner), who betrayed her brother).

There are some other fun characters, and plenty of fantasy.

It strongly hints at sequels - both involving Rowan's supposedly destroyed family and whatever it is Delaney's brother is up to in the supernatural world, but I haven't seen anything about that while googling it. If they were free on Kindle, I'd read them, but I'm not dying for more in the series or anything.
Profile Image for Heidi.
186 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2013
This was one of those paranormal romances that had a lot of twists and turns that kept you captured until you finished it! The characters were new and different with a unique set of powers and the story line was not the same old girl meets semi immortal magi who has the physique of a God. Oh wait maybe it is but you will not be disappointed that Rowan is as sexy as he is. With enforcer powers he becomes the protector and mentor for the girl who just happened to find him washed up on the shore. Strange things are happening to her and soon she is introduced into the world of myth as everyone she has ever known is something more. But Delaney is no shrinking flower and Rowan has more then he can handle with the sassy girl with a secret that she doesn't even know. Excellent read and I can't wait to read more about them!
Profile Image for Renee.
151 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2013
A better-than-usual paranormal Celtic romance with a spunky realistic heroine and a hunky magic mage, this book was a rather delightful e-book read. I think I picked it up for free, but I liked the main characters: Rowan and Delaney, and the colorful cast of supporting characters (mostly two dimensional) added to the "feeling" of the book. I liked that Delaney was given real-life problems and a realistic best friend. Rowan is just a hunk-o-man, always "ready" if you know what I mean.... but the tension built nicely, the payoff was excellent (good, no better than good, sex scenes), and the barriers between the two lovers were well-crafted and believable. I see she's working on a sequel...and I would read that (maybe even if it's not free).
Profile Image for Ina M..
62 reviews10 followers
February 11, 2013
"The man had a sex-god mouth... the bottom lip sensually full, the top lip chiseled into a fine arch. That luscious mouth could tempt angels into carnal sin." If you're a fan of Mills & Boon, you'll probably like this book... I could not bring myself to read beyond that point. It's in the first chapter. And follows a bagful of clichés and excessive drooling on the part of the main character after she finds a naked, battered man on the shore. I simply could not stomach it. It's only too easy to fall in the M&B routine, but there are so many fresh and innovative (not to mention subtle) ways to say your character is attractive, if only one would take their time. I'm sorry. This book is not for me.
Profile Image for  Patches Braz.
160 reviews
November 8, 2012
It did take awhile to figure out what this book was about, Not that I wanted to put it down! I knew that it was going to be good just by the writing style. I Was Not Disappointed!! This book contains it all to keep you right on turning each page to see what happens next! I moaned, I cried, I cheered, I laughed, I help my breathe!

The Characters were awesome. I wish the 2nd in this series was out:(:( I will wait and just reread this book till then.

I Highly Recommend this Paranormal, Magical, Romance, Suspense Book, That is if you like any of these descriptions!!
Profile Image for Cara.
36 reviews10 followers
November 27, 2012
Great read it was amazing! Love the characters and supernatural creatures fairies and Mage's and wear people! The story takes you an an emotional roller coaster with Delaney and Rowan trying to over come their past and love again I just loved it! Really hoping that Diane writes a part two to this book it ended with that in mind I am guessing. For sure worth the read if you love magical creatures with a touch of evil creatures and two souls destined to unite and find love instead of despair. LOVED IT! very few editing errors also which is a plus!
Profile Image for Angela James.
Author 1 book61.1k followers
Read
December 29, 2012
I thought this was a book with tremendous potential that could have benefited from a strong editor to help with pacing and making the world building come together. This author has a lot of talent and the writing was quite good, but the pacing was slow in the first 1/3, despite a lot happening. And the pieces of the world/story never quite came together smoothly, making the reader feel always about one step behind. Still, a lot of potential here.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,087 reviews86 followers
June 6, 2013
This is a magical romance. Delaney is determined to prove her brother is not a criminal. While she is watching the beach house of the crooked judge a naked man washes up on the beach. Rowen is a water mage . Then things start to get weird. Very good weird. There are demons to fight. Powers to hone and love to discover. Marvellous. Judging from the ending it is the first of a series. Now I will have to look for the next one. ADULTS ONLY. sexy.
Profile Image for Estrella Perotti.
95 reviews21 followers
January 8, 2013
I think I didn't begin my 2013 readings very well. This book is a twisted combination between adventure and erotica genre and I don't know if I like it at all or I may say, too much for my taste. Ok, you can have an erotic scene in this kind of book but not soooooo much please, you loose the track of the story....
Profile Image for Kim Raeder-.
24 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2013
Fun steamy beach read. Lord of the rings(celtic style) - meets Stephanie plum - meets 50 shades of gray. I received it free for a one day kindle special. Half heartily I started reading it, and before I knew it I was totally engrossed. At the end of the book I thought, well that was an unexpectadly fun ride!
Profile Image for Evlqn.
42 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2021
Excellent read

This book was so much better than I remembered from before. As is usual with Diana's books the story and characters are very engaging. She has a deft way of weaving the characters into a cohesive and believable whole. I won't describe the book because I am the Queen of spoilers and I would hate to ruin the journey of discovery for others.
72 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2012
This was a surprisingly really good book. There was a lot of mythology in this, Celtic etc and it was amazing! :) If you like mythology books and twists and turns that will keep you wondering what/who everyone is you should check out this book :)
Profile Image for Brooke.
117 reviews26 followers
July 13, 2012
this turned out to be a really great book!! I loved that the storyline had depth and detail... bringing the reader inside the paranormal realm the author created...entwined with a riveting love story... fabulous read!!!
Profile Image for Tonia Uzelac.
9 reviews
July 23, 2012
Loved it .. And a kindle freebie to boot :) The Celtic mythology and Scottish highlander Mage make this story thoroughly enjoyable. Delaney Morgan is also a strong female character / warrior goddess who in the end, gets her man. A good summer read!
Profile Image for Melanie.
63 reviews
April 11, 2014
Wow! This book was pretty awesome to read! Love the action and description of powers. The one thing I had a hard time with was some vital information was lacking or it wasn't explained in a way that was related to the scene taking place. But overall, definitely a fun and exciting book to read.
15 reviews
May 13, 2016
Great story teller!

I loved this book, the first I have read by author Diana Duncan. The story kept my attention and i appreciated the twists and turns. Looking forward to reading more of her work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.