Every shadow holds a secret, every moment a destiny. In the heart of London, an ancient darkness stirs, and only The Raven stands in its path. In the shadows of London, past and present converge in a chilling saga of darkness and light. "The Raven" invites you to traverse the haunted memories of a city steeped in mysteries, where the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
John Smith, an ordinary man selected by Death, finds himself with super-human strength, tasked to combat a looming darkness that threatens to engulf both modern and Victorian London. Alongside Kimberley Mansfield, whose skepticism and bravery make her an indispensable ally, John ventures beyond the eerie halls of Nuthall Psychiatric Hospital into the heart of a city haunted by its past. Their journey through time unveils a tapestry of devils, demons, and unspeakable horrors, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. As they face the sinister web of murder and mysteries, John and Kimberley unravel dark secrets, standing together against an unimaginable threat.
"The Raven" masterfully blends the supernatural with the visceral reality of urban life. For fans of Neil Gaiman and Arthur Conan Doyle, this series offers a thrilling ride through the haunted landscapes of history and the urgent pulse of the present. With six novella-length episodes, Tobey Alexander crafts a genre-defining odyssey of love, faith, and sacrifice, where heroes are forged in the crucible of darkness, embodying the indomitable human spirit.
Dive into the shadow-laden world of "The Raven," where every page thrums with suspense and the stakes are nothing less than the soul of London itself. Buy now and join the fight against darkness, in a journey that will leave you breathless, craving the haunting allure of its world.
It's always a bit weird trying to sum myself up in a paragraph or two but here goes. I'm a father-of-three curious little humans who probably reflect various elements of my personality, full-time worker on the Thin Blue Line, adventurer in my own right and live for the escape of the outdoors where I can. Ever since I was young I enjoyed creative alternative worlds and stories and I suppose having now "apparently" grown up I can put it to use as an author.
I write to release my own over-active imagination and at the heart of everything is always the idea of adventure. I want my books to offer everyone the chance to escape form the everyday routines and things that niggle at us. In my books for younger audiences I want to nurture that sense of wonder, intrigue and adventure I remember growing up. In the older audience I want to reinvigorate that sense and offer a break from mortgages, bills, work and stress.
I'm not perfect, far from it in fact and all I am trying to do is make the best of what I have. For me, over the years, I've found out I carry a rare genetic deletion with unknown effects but seems to put me on the autism spectrum. Learning that helped me accept that the "quirkiness" of my nature is more acceptable than I had thought. Every story I write, every book I release I have seen in my head, acted out and watched as if it were a film. The way my brain works helps me do this and I only hope you find something you enjoy in my stories.
It's a perfectly acceptable story, but the writing isn't great. Definitely needed a proofreader to catch the various grammatical and spelling issues that take you out of the moment each time they crop up. Add in the main characters name being used heavily instead of he/him (e.g, John pushed himself up, then John made his way through the door). All in all, it wasn't the easiest of reads, but I did enjoy the premise.
How did John Smith, a young policeman from Victorian London, end up in the mask of Plague Doctor, facing off against a foe far beyond the ordinary evil of the streets? And what does that have to do with the here and now? What exactly is hiding in the shadows? As Kimberley Mansfield now arrives to interview him at a special hospital as a part of her graduate studies, we get to join her on a curious journey into the memories of seemingly a madman and are taken on a fascinating ride none of us expected (but most of us enjoy).
a forgotten sentinel recruited by Death to protect humanity from evil
A gripping, imaginative beginning to a new series, a line with lot of potential, for those who enjoy supernatural thrillers, fantastic(al) elements and magical allure, suspense and fast-paced action, memorable characters and captivating stories. Also, 'shrouded in memories' gets a whole new meaning in this franchise.
Can the Raven protect humanity from the impending darkness? Or have his years in captivity eroded the warrior he once was?
"Nothing like a demon from your past to destroy everything."
With the Ripper again making headlines and the mysterious Full Moon Society close to fulfilling the prophecy, Kimberley's dreams seemingly haunted and her life forever altered by what she's made to witness, the past occasionally obscures the present and the readers will keep eagerly turning the pages to find out what happens next in this thrilling tale. If you thought the first episode with the origin story of the Raven was something, it only gets better!
Charged by Azrael to be his sentinel, yet severed from the connection to Death's gift while at Nuthall, John must now don anew the plague doctor mask (and everything it entails) and recover the strength to face a foe he had considered long defeated. Born of brimstone and fire, the Ripper will not make it easy...and is by far not the only enemy that stalks the Raven and his ward.
Armed with escrima sticks and his wit (and abilities beyond ordinary, moving in the slipstreams between life and death), the Raven still faces quite some challenges, his powers having been restricted for decades and the outside world not quite what he's used to. The past won't leave him alone, but how to secure a future for himself and/or for those he's sworn to protect? The author weaves a tale that, while fast-paced and engaging, slowly unveils more and more about what's truly (been) going on.
Also, as the saying goes, from the memories there is no hiding place, but can the memories themselves become a hiding place .. or a deadly trap? Holmes may have his mind palace, but what John is capable of is at least as intriguing. "Memories [...] can turn on you in an instant." Beware of causing ripples, they might turn hostile. There are enough chills to keep the reader checking the shadows around. Also, many epic fight scenes and some conversations that leave you thinking.
"Some injuries appear easier to accept when you can see them. Others that sit inside are much more difficult for people to understand or even accept. With nothing tangible, they will always doubt the severity of things."
Original and full of action, mystery and curiosities, this ought to find a dedicated fanbase. The fight for justice, to protect humanity from evil, and a ‘broken emblem’ to stand up for those in need – always an interesting and engaging concept that gets the audience involved. Add to that, among others, some fascinating memory mechanics/mining and plenty of other aspects that keep the reader enthusiastically turning the pages. There are also lots of intriguing glimpses and hints at what might be. Relatively short, these three are ideal to be enjoyed as one would a TV show, one at a time (or, more likely, binge, especially once you get all the six). Indeed, the episodes play like a movie/series and would well make a spectacular one at that on the silver screen as well.
The Raven - Reborn! (please imagine that as announced in dramatic Sir Derek Jacobi voice) ... now eagerly looking forward to finding out how the story continues ...
The raven episodes one through three by Toby Alexander is an awesome book about a superhero who is not your typical superhero but a superhero nonetheless. He is called The Raven he was once a policeman but having been murdered by a monster in the 1800s called the Ripper he is now immortal for the last 30 years he’s been in a mental hospital. Thanks to a college thesis he finally gets out and it’s a good thing because his help is sorely needed. These three books which are called episodes were so good ever since I’ve been blind it is rare I find good superhero books that aren’t comics and was so glad to get this one I think it took me a day and a half to finish and I cannot wait to read more about the raven. There is something so satisfying about good versus evil win Goodwins not to mention the crazy battles this was a great read if you love superheroes with reluctant sidekicks then you definitely need to read the raven. I want to thank voracious readersonly for my free arc via the author please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I enjoyed this series of episodes! I like the slight twists on death’s and the balance’s hero. The fact that we enter the scene partway through the hero’s journey makes it better!
This books was received as an ARC for an honest review
This story follows Kimberley Mansfield as she learns about the curious resident of Nuthall Secure Hospital, John Smith. She soon learns that he is not as he seems. John, while looking in his 30’s, died in Victorian London in 1888 by The Ripper, a demon who had caused the “Jack the Ripper” murders. At his time of death, he is made a proposition by Death himself, to become Death’s Hand and protect humanity from The Ripper thus turning him into The Raven. When he finds out that The Ripper is back, Jon uses his powers to make Kimberley understand what happened in his past and to help vanquish The Ripper.
These books made me feel every emotion known all at once. Jon Smith, The Raven, is so witty and sarcastic that I couldn’t help but laugh aloud! “Clearly I was Wrong” John offered with a flamboyant bow of his torso. “I offer my humblest of apologies, oh seer of all!” -“Sarcasm really is your default, isn’t it?” There were so many twists and turns throughout the book that kept me on my toes. I loved the amount of research that went into this story, noting each of the Jack the Ripper murders and pulling them into the story. The portrayal of The Ripper as a demon rather than a man was remarkable, “that creature is not a him. That thing is a demon, born from the fires of Sun Terra and roaming the earth, feeding off of the living” There were a surprising amount of ‘awe’ moments where you can clearly see The Raven caring for what happens to Kimberely, even if she is just a means to end The Ripper. Pushing away from the wall, John used his gloved hand to wipe the tears from her cheeks. “They are memories, and I expect the emotions are with them too.” Kimberley could only nod as she avoided looking up at him. “I can only say I’m sorry for showing them to you” Overall, I did enjoy this story! It played much like a movie as I was reading it and I would love to even see it made into a show or a limited series. As someone who loves Dark, Occult, Horror, and the like, I was very impressed by the story. I can’t believe that I haven’t found Mr. Alexander’s work sooner, but now I will be reading more of his work! I am hooked on this series and once I read episodes 4-6 I will be adding this to my re-reads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Talk about being in ones' own head. I will have to give my memories another look after reading this story!!!! Reading this series was like watching a television show in your head. And, this reader was truly excited the entire time. Because, I could actually hear someone narrating setting up the story line before the adventure/fight scene took place!!!
The world building was done just so, not too little or too much. Which allows the readers imagination to run as wild as it would like. Good against Bad, is the formula that drives any crime fighting story. But, add a great plot, a bunch of corny jokes (that actually are funny), and Supernatural creatures full of attitude and you have a page turning high energy hit!!!
If The Raven ever becomes a television show/movie, I am going to be right there never missing an episode!!! I cannot recommend this author or series enough!!! Thank you Voracious Readers Only and author for my free copy of this book.
First, let me start by saying I wasn't sure what I was expecting with this book. I'm not a "superhero" fan by any means, especially when it comes to supernatural, and this was all about a supernatural superhero fighting a supernatural villain. Once I got past the first chapter it was game on! Tobey wrote with a fever and not only were the characters vibrant, but the action was extreme and abundant! I enjoyed this book with Kimberly's hesitation turning into bravery to help the Raven, The Raven finding himself again to do what he was meant to do and even the Ripper had a bit of endearing quality for a terrifying baddie! A bit of a tear welled up at the very end. Very well written, has great characters and if anyone knows a bit of London and about Jack the Ripper, this is a great take on it! Recommend this as a must-read to anyone who loves superheroes, supernatural, and new takes on legendary murders! *I received this through Voracious Readers Only for free to review*
The Raven is an occult superhero who was killed by Jack the Ripper in the nineteenth century and brought back from the death by Death himself to stop supernatural evildoers. It's a great premise and the opening chapters are especially good as a young doctoral student in psychology meets the Raven in an insane asylum to gain research data for her dissertation. The Raven has been in the asylum for decades, but that information has been kept from the student as she is pulled into a complicated and deadly game of supernatural warfare.
The books move along at a good clip as Alexander reveals the mysterious origins of the Raven and then shines an increasingly brighter light on the villains of the peace. And there are so many villains seeking to bring about their dark vision of the future by fulfilling an equally dark prophecy.
Author gives the readers several nice little surprises as he walks them through the first arc of what will clearly be a long and consuming tale.
I really liked the idea of this book. The Raven/John Smith is Death's Hand, banishing evil from the streets of London. The setting is well described and has a dark feel to it. The links to Jack the Ripper but making him demonic were also intriguing
I found the first two parts more captivating, but it lost me in the final part. Too many fights with the Ripper before getting to a conclusion for me personally. Other reviews have said they could see this as a TV series and I totally agree, it is an immersive, dark book that would translate to TV really well.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Tobey Alexander via Voracious Readers Only and this is my honest unbiased review*
Loved the concept of this story and the characters were beautifully fleshed out. The story was gripping and I wanted to readon ....really pleased there was an excerpt from the next book to finish it off, lol.
I felt the fighting scenes were not as fully explored as they could have been ... although they dragged you along in the fast paced action I felt they could have been described better which would not have slowed down the action but made it more intimate and visual!
I also felt that other parts were not fully explored, leaving me feeling let down. I wanted to be totally immersed in this, hence only 4 stars. I will be wanting the next book though! LOL
I received this as a free review copy from Voracious Readers Only.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. A dark superhero, a mission, a little history, and some epic fight scenes - from start to finish, I was hooked! Can't wait to see this brought to life! It's great to have Kimberley not fall for The Raven instantly, she has a much more realistic reaction to events, and although I would normally skip fight scenes, I found Tobey's writing of the scenes such a necessary part of the story, that I didn't skip them. Would highly recommend for anyone who loves Marvel or DC. Only 4 stars as could have done with proof reading for typos. Definitely looking at parts 4-6!
Thank you Voracious Readers Only for the copy of The Raven I-III. This was a fantastic novel, it was a great concept and amazingly executed. I love how this novel goes from now time and back to Victorian London and includes one of the most famous serial killers of all time and gives it a fantastic spin to make this novel a whole new experience. The only negative comment I can make about this novel was that there were a number of spelling mistakes, but I don’t really call them a negative as it did not disturb the experience of the read. I am looking forward to seeing what new adventures are in store for John Smith in the next part of this phenomenal story.
This book was so good - to start. It was a combination of Interview with a Vampire and Silence of the Lambs (even makes a Silence of the Lambs reference very early on). As soon as I started reading this book, I was hooked. Until I got to Episode II, unfortunately. There were parts that picked back up, but nothing really hit the same way as the action and the storytelling of Episode I. There were also grammatical errors scattered throughout the book, which tends to take me out of the fantasy of it all.
Perfectly adequate book - amazing and exciting, but quickly becomes less so. 3/5 - not bad.
The Raven is an alternate telling of the Jack the Ripper story. It is not hard to think of the Ripper as a demon. The Raven is full of chills and thrills. Nothing in me would want to meet this Ripper in a dark alley or even broad daylight. John is well written and you can't help feel for him as he tries to complete his mission. Hints of a prophecy tells us that there is more to come. What will John battle next, and what part does Kimberley play as John's heart. Can hardly wait to read the next episodes.
Saw this series pop up on social media and throught to give it a try as I enjoy reading all things to do with the ripper and also crime/supernatural stories in general. The story was very well written and the time jumps as well were done so well and where very easy to follow. Will definitely be getting the rest of the series as the story has really got me wanting to know how things play out and just how many more deamons that The Raven has to fight, and just how much the Full Moon society need Kimberly in order to gain control over The Raven.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only. I enjoyed this book. The story was entertaining and I think it would translate well to the screen. I know I'd be a loyal viewer if it does make it! I really enjoyed the sarcasm of the main character. Many of the quips brought a grin to my face. I am definitely going to have to check out the rest of this story.
I received my free copy of The Raven Episodes 1-3 via Voracious Readers. I really enjoyed reading this book. I was so engrossed in the story that I was disappointed when I came to the end of my copy. I enjoyed how they have put a spin on the old story of Jack the Ripper. I would have liked to have read the whole book. I will be adding this one to my list. It was such an easy and thrilling read.
Was a mix of Silence of the Lambs and Van Helsing. After the third chapter I was totally hooked and took me 2 days to read as just couldn't put it down. A most enjoyable read from start to finish and the chapters are not too long so makes it easy to read. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A story set in the 'Supernatural' world between life and death, based around the story of Jack the Ripper. Immersive, fast paced and nail biting with wonderful characters. A recommended read if you like this genre
This book is engaging from second one. John Smith is placed into the path of a famous killer, and ends up becoming a hero with an origin story you would never guess. Great book, and I am looking forward to read more of this series.
An interesting world but I'm not sure it totally made sense. The jumping about between chapters and episodes was confusing and it often felt like the later parts of the story were ignoring things that had happened before.
This book was ok. If you like fight scenes this one has them in spades. It follows John, aka the Raven, and Kimberly as they fight to kill the demon the is the Ripper.
I read this book in two hours. I just couldn’t put it down. Now I have to find the rest of the series to finish it because man it makes me wanting more
Reviewing from free copy: great read overall, a really interesting take on a well known story. While a complete story in itself, definately feels part of a bigger story, Looking forward to the next.
I was given a copy of this book by Author for a honest review. I really enjoyed the characters are likeable, fast-paced. I found some parts hard to follow. But was a great book.
I enjoyed this book so much. Not my typical genre but something about it caught my attention. What a fun read with adorable characters. Am I a weirdo for Death being my favorite character? Looking forward to reading more. Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the author for this free copy to read and review.