What do you think?
Rate this book
Jane Harper #2
The Raven
A battle to the death with six-hundred-year-old zombie Vikings in the frozen far North was just the beginning… Undercover activist Jane Harper and father-and-son whalers Jakob and Willem Olavson thought they sent the walking corpses to their graves for good, but the intelligent parasites controlling the dead flesh lived on to keep fighting―and infecting. Now Jane’s Nordic allies and a motley crew of mates are shoving off on a new monster-killing ship to take the battle to the insidious creatures before they take over the world. This time, though, they’re up against more than just a handful of ancient zombies on an isolated island. Even if Jane and her crew can conquer an army of the swimming dead―murderous and cunning zombie whales―they’ll still face a floating graveyard of ghost ships packed stem to stern with the next wave of the ravenous undead…who are hungry to settle the score with the last hope of humankind.
302 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
21 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 20, 2013
Jane Harper sets sail with a crew for the North Atlantic. Something is happening to the whales there. The crew is going to find out what is happening and get a sample. Only the crew gets shipwrecked on an island in the Arctic. They are not alone. The draugr roam the island. The draugr are walking zombies.
I got really excited about reading this book even though I have never read the first one, The Sentinel. This book was a let down for me. It was slow going and not a lot of action. I was expecting to be kept on the edge of my seat with action. This did not happen. There was just a lot of dialect. Makes me think of the country song by Toby Keith “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action”.
For this type of book I want just that…more action, horror, and for the characters to kick some major ass. If this does not happen than I don’t stick around for the end.
I got really excited about reading this book even though I have never read the first one, The Sentinel. This book was a let down for me. It was slow going and not a lot of action. I was expecting to be kept on the edge of my seat with action. This did not happen. There was just a lot of dialect. Makes me think of the country song by Toby Keith “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action”.
For this type of book I want just that…more action, horror, and for the characters to kick some major ass. If this does not happen than I don’t stick around for the end.
August 20, 2013
It seems like every time I read a Jeremy Bishop book, I'm left slightly stunned and utterly amazed at his psychotic genius! I mean really...zombie whales, but strangely it works. How does Bishop come up with this stuff? This book was one messed up Moby Dick meets Alien meets Titanic all rolled up into a big mess of parasitic worm infested, horror ridden goodness. The best part is the feisty Jane returns, although reluctantly to take on the Queen, once more cracking me up along the way. From the moment The Raven sets sail, it's all out gore and gruesomeness....I think I serious turned green a few times. Overall, a seriously original 2nd book in this horror series. I can't wait for the next book. I'm going to miss Jane until she returns.
December 2, 2013
Sequel to the Sentinel, and you should read that book before this one. The Raven is just as enjoyable, although a little less suspenseful and more lighthearted. Plus you get zombie whales. Any book that incorporates zombie whales into the plot deserves to be read. Fun, enjoyable, short, and a page turner. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 6, 2013
The Raven was even better than the first book The Sentinel. Bishop takes us even deeper into the insanity of this parasitic threat and leaves us at the edge of our seat grinding our teeth wanting more. Excellent read, highly recommended.
April 27, 2014
The main character gets no more likeable. There are more fat jokes/shaming/mocking. You'd think with a damn zombie apocalypse on her hands, she'd have more important things to worry about.
The zombie whales at least featured more heavily in this one.
The zombie whales at least featured more heavily in this one.
July 5, 2015
I absolutely loved returning to a Jane Harper adventure. She grows stronger with each book and I can't wait to see where she goes next. The story was action packed and hard to put down. The creatures were relentless and fun to read about and the characters felt like family.
December 10, 2024
Second Book In Series Picks Up Weeks After First Book And Raises Stakes. This is one of those second books where we get direct (if a few weeks later) follow-up to the story from the first book - so absolutely read The Sentinel first, or wait until March 2025 when The Sentinel: The Complete Jane Harper Trilogy will be available, as you absolutely need that context to understand much of any of the insanity happening in this book. As has always been the case in a Robinson book, the New God of Science Fiction - a moniker I gave Robinson long after the original release of this book over a decade ago - takes a somewhat common concept in scifi (zombies, here) and makes it 100% his own while creating utterly wild action sequences that you'll never see anywhere else. And boy do this book have a lot of those. Wow.
The one issue with this particular book - soon to *finally* be rectified - is that it very clearly sets up a sequel and likely conclusion to the trilogy... that Robinson then waited *over a decade* to deliver on. Though he's still faster in concluding his stories than a certain famous "Game" / "Song" writer. ;)
So read this one now if you haven't, to get ready for THE HOST, available in the aforementioned THE SENTINEL: THE COMPLETE JANE HARPER TRILOGY in just about 3 months as I write this review. Or pick up that book when it comes out in March, because I guarantee you that by the time you finish this book, you'll be glad THE HOST begins on the next page.
Very much recommended.
The one issue with this particular book - soon to *finally* be rectified - is that it very clearly sets up a sequel and likely conclusion to the trilogy... that Robinson then waited *over a decade* to deliver on. Though he's still faster in concluding his stories than a certain famous "Game" / "Song" writer. ;)
So read this one now if you haven't, to get ready for THE HOST, available in the aforementioned THE SENTINEL: THE COMPLETE JANE HARPER TRILOGY in just about 3 months as I write this review. Or pick up that book when it comes out in March, because I guarantee you that by the time you finish this book, you'll be glad THE HOST begins on the next page.
Very much recommended.
September 16, 2025
More like 3.5 stars for the rollicking and continuous action. Very atmospheric like Shaun of the dead and other such horror comedies which do not take the genre very seriously but deliver fun and enjoyment.
The first book was an atmospheric adventure and while this volume takes the book an the world into a larger orbit and a more world impacting adventure it breaks free from its previous historical/mythical background from Norse mythology/history.
The jump is not necessarily better, where the adventure skyrockets multiple times in size the content becomes blander and extremely predictable right down to the last page and has been seen/read/heard in books, movies, OTT and everywhere else.
I am a great fan of Jeremy and have read almost if not all his books and have loved his later books. These books earlier written as J. Bishop while now released as a trilogy under Jeremy Robinson has a certain flair to it considering it is over a decade old and much water has flowed since with several authors broaching the topic.
What works here is the extreme tongue in cheek style of action/dialogue and the easy camaraderie between principal characters. The parasites have now flexed both muscle and brains showing innate intelligence with their hive minds and are a challenge to the world order.
The next book promises to be brutal and good.
The first book was an atmospheric adventure and while this volume takes the book an the world into a larger orbit and a more world impacting adventure it breaks free from its previous historical/mythical background from Norse mythology/history.
The jump is not necessarily better, where the adventure skyrockets multiple times in size the content becomes blander and extremely predictable right down to the last page and has been seen/read/heard in books, movies, OTT and everywhere else.
I am a great fan of Jeremy and have read almost if not all his books and have loved his later books. These books earlier written as J. Bishop while now released as a trilogy under Jeremy Robinson has a certain flair to it considering it is over a decade old and much water has flowed since with several authors broaching the topic.
What works here is the extreme tongue in cheek style of action/dialogue and the easy camaraderie between principal characters. The parasites have now flexed both muscle and brains showing innate intelligence with their hive minds and are a challenge to the world order.
The next book promises to be brutal and good.
April 8, 2024
"The Raven" by Jeremy Bishop is a book that easily grabs your attention and keeps you hooked until the very end. I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars, and here's why.
Firstly, the story is fascinating. It's filled with mystery and suspense that makes you want to keep turning the pages. The author does a great job at creating a world that feels real and characters that are interesting. You get to know them, root for them, and sometimes even feel scared for them.
The setting of the book is another plus. It's described in a way that you can almost see and feel the places the characters go to. This makes the adventure even more exciting because it's like you're right there with them.
However, the reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is because, at times, the story can feel a bit slow. There are parts where not much happens, and you might wish the story would speed up a bit. Also, some of the twists are a bit predictable if you read a lot of mystery books.
But overall, "The Raven" is definitely worth reading. It's a book that keeps you engaged, makes you think, and takes you on a wild ride. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intriguing, and the setting is vividly described. If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of suspense, this book is for you.
Firstly, the story is fascinating. It's filled with mystery and suspense that makes you want to keep turning the pages. The author does a great job at creating a world that feels real and characters that are interesting. You get to know them, root for them, and sometimes even feel scared for them.
The setting of the book is another plus. It's described in a way that you can almost see and feel the places the characters go to. This makes the adventure even more exciting because it's like you're right there with them.
However, the reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is because, at times, the story can feel a bit slow. There are parts where not much happens, and you might wish the story would speed up a bit. Also, some of the twists are a bit predictable if you read a lot of mystery books.
But overall, "The Raven" is definitely worth reading. It's a book that keeps you engaged, makes you think, and takes you on a wild ride. The characters are well-developed, the plot is intriguing, and the setting is vividly described. If you enjoy a good mystery with a touch of suspense, this book is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2019
I don't like to give zombie books 5 stars, but couldn't stand not to give "The Raven" her due. Jeremy Bishop, Aka Jeremy Robinson has done a masterful job and I can't think of a better zombie book. I don't always give Jeremy top marks, but a lesser showing for him is better than most writers can conjure. I turn the pages of "The Raven" so fast they should have caught fire. Jane Harper is a kick-ass heroine of a different ilk. The action, the wit and the imaginative story are escapist literature at its best. Mr. Bishop, thank you and hurry with Jane's third book please.
January 17, 2018
I had little hope for the sequel but it was just as page turning. They’re in the open ocean which is scary without added horror. Whales sometimes sink ships without provocation. Vampire whale!!! Holy shit!!! I’ll think about this book every time I go out in a boat. It was a very original monster. Can these be continued somehow or made into a movie?
February 12, 2019
Great adventure in small packages !
Edge of the seat people to learn to know & grow to like. A hero more like some goth girl grown up than some weak heroine from another place. Whales, slimy, wormy monsters, zombies like no where else! That gives enough away to wet appetites for great adventure & thrills.
Edge of the seat people to learn to know & grow to like. A hero more like some goth girl grown up than some weak heroine from another place. Whales, slimy, wormy monsters, zombies like no where else! That gives enough away to wet appetites for great adventure & thrills.
February 7, 2017
Holy hell!
Just a lot of fun. That's all. Exploding harpoons. Katana swords. Vikings. Viking zombies. Whale zombies. Sentient worm bidy snatchers. An island made of ships??? It's nuts! But a lot of fun. It even has a good bar fight ...
Just a lot of fun. That's all. Exploding harpoons. Katana swords. Vikings. Viking zombies. Whale zombies. Sentient worm bidy snatchers. An island made of ships??? It's nuts! But a lot of fun. It even has a good bar fight ...
May 17, 2018
It was fast and entertaining
Sci fi all the way. Unbelievable monsters, nightmares are in the making. Ships, whales, zombies, neverending pace, that doesn't let you go. A must read.
Sci fi all the way. Unbelievable monsters, nightmares are in the making. Ships, whales, zombies, neverending pace, that doesn't let you go. A must read.
September 21, 2018
Mini-Review:
Great follow up to the first book. Lots of action, snarky humor and zombie whales. Zombies isn't an accurate description of the baddies in this series but it's good enough to catch a reader's interest. If you want a fun, quick story to pass the time, this will work just fine.
Great follow up to the first book. Lots of action, snarky humor and zombie whales. Zombies isn't an accurate description of the baddies in this series but it's good enough to catch a reader's interest. If you want a fun, quick story to pass the time, this will work just fine.
November 16, 2018
Spellbinding
A good science fiction story that will keep you reading. This is book 2 of this series. Sentinel is the first.
A good science fiction story that will keep you reading. This is book 2 of this series. Sentinel is the first.
April 14, 2020
Awesome
The second book is just as good as the first. Raven/Jane and friends fight for their lives. The action is awesome and gruesome. Hope there is a third book.
The second book is just as good as the first. Raven/Jane and friends fight for their lives. The action is awesome and gruesome. Hope there is a third book.
September 6, 2023
Enjoyed both books. But, the end clearly sets up a third part. Did that book ever get released?
October 7, 2023
I NEED BOOK 3!!!!
March 22, 2025
Good entertainment as usual but Jane must be my least favorite main character in all his books, She is just not a very likeable person but she's good at kicking ass and whales.
October 9, 2025
I love it i love it. step by step video game style writing with crazy bosses to fight i love it
October 16, 2013
This is easily one of my top books of the year. Easily.
I wasn't even going to give it 5 stars,but it was entertaining in parts, and played out like an epic zombie movie, that I couldn't rate it lower in good conscience.
When starting this book (Thank you GoodReads First Reads!) I was at a slight disadvantage as I had not read the first one, although I will be fixing that soon.
Jane Harper, the snarky punch-you-in-the-face (literally) protagonist is a joy to read. She has typical girl problems, like a left over love/grudge of an over-bearing late father's rules, boy issues, and whether that giant zombie whale wants to eat her or turn her, but she doesn't dwell on things in a manner that bogs down the reader and makes them want to drown the heroine. Jane is smart, sharp, quick tempered, but caring. She has a clear sense of honor and right/wrong, but a delicious sense of humor too. Her viking cohorts are typical viking descendants aka awesome, and are very easy to get attached to despite not being a primary focus.
The zombies are both typical and not. You can become infected through a bite, but only if the parasite within transfers over to you. Many 'zombies' or Draugr in this case, are not necessarily dead. A part of the host can still reside alive, like a prisoner in their own mind. Parasites only need skin contact to infect, and oh, parastic zombie wormy things are just plain terrifying on their own.
Bishop spins a fun(ny) and terrifying tale that had me just a little cranky whenever I was forced to put it down.
Short of age discretion and levels of literary gore tolerance, I would recommend this to just about every one. In fact, I'm going to hunt for the first and then reread this.
I wasn't even going to give it 5 stars,but it was entertaining in parts, and played out like an epic zombie movie, that I couldn't rate it lower in good conscience.
When starting this book (Thank you GoodReads First Reads!) I was at a slight disadvantage as I had not read the first one, although I will be fixing that soon.
Jane Harper, the snarky punch-you-in-the-face (literally) protagonist is a joy to read. She has typical girl problems, like a left over love/grudge of an over-bearing late father's rules, boy issues, and whether that giant zombie whale wants to eat her or turn her, but she doesn't dwell on things in a manner that bogs down the reader and makes them want to drown the heroine. Jane is smart, sharp, quick tempered, but caring. She has a clear sense of honor and right/wrong, but a delicious sense of humor too. Her viking cohorts are typical viking descendants aka awesome, and are very easy to get attached to despite not being a primary focus.
The zombies are both typical and not. You can become infected through a bite, but only if the parasite within transfers over to you. Many 'zombies' or Draugr in this case, are not necessarily dead. A part of the host can still reside alive, like a prisoner in their own mind. Parasites only need skin contact to infect, and oh, parastic zombie wormy things are just plain terrifying on their own.
Bishop spins a fun(ny) and terrifying tale that had me just a little cranky whenever I was forced to put it down.
Short of age discretion and levels of literary gore tolerance, I would recommend this to just about every one. In fact, I'm going to hunt for the first and then reread this.
February 16, 2017
Much better written than book 1, though the author shamelessly references his own works (spotted a copy of Pulse stuffed into his pocket, REALLY?) The vomiting fat lady was a shameless nod to Left 4 Dead's boomer as well, but well written, nonetheless.
A fun read.
A fun read.
April 29, 2014
Jane Harper started out as an undercover whistle blower among a group of radical activists butting bulkheads with whaling ships in the Artic Ocean. She ended up shipwrecked off the coast of Greenland and teamed up with a pair of father and son whalers to destroy their own six hundred year old Viking ancestors - resurrected as zombies by an insidious race of intelligent parasites. Quite a lot for even a tough talking, two fisted, former military brat like Jane to handle.
But winning their battle against the undead Vikings was just the beginning of the war against the parasitic Draugr now that the relentless creatures have escaped their island prison... and seek to turn the earth into a planet of the living dead. With a sturdy vessel under her feet, a do or die crew at her side, and weapons of mass-monster destruction in both hands, Jane takes to the hellish high seas to face down zombie whales and an armada of seafaring ghouls.
Jeremy Bishop has done it again! Another fun filled, action packed read! This book has parts that make you go eww, and laugh out loud at the same time.
I'm giving this zombified fun fest 4.5 stars, highly recommended! A great way to spend a day!
But winning their battle against the undead Vikings was just the beginning of the war against the parasitic Draugr now that the relentless creatures have escaped their island prison... and seek to turn the earth into a planet of the living dead. With a sturdy vessel under her feet, a do or die crew at her side, and weapons of mass-monster destruction in both hands, Jane takes to the hellish high seas to face down zombie whales and an armada of seafaring ghouls.
Jeremy Bishop has done it again! Another fun filled, action packed read! This book has parts that make you go eww, and laugh out loud at the same time.
I'm giving this zombified fun fest 4.5 stars, highly recommended! A great way to spend a day!
January 13, 2014
When I was about two thirds through this book, I had a short text message exchange with my husband that pretty much sums up how I feel about this book. (Be warned, it's a touch off color...)
Me: What's also really cool. This is a sequel and I loved the first: it's Viking/Norse mythology to justify zombies, but in Greenland so the zombie creating parasites have gotten into sea creatures. So Norseman and zombies and ocean and animals eating people and first person sarcastic kickass heroine with Star Trek and Rocky references!
The Husband: It's like a little wet dream for you...
Me: I KNOW, RIGHT?
...and that was it, but it really does sum up how much I enjoyed this story. Only thoughts to add after reading the last third would be that the ending was wild and creepy and non-stop. Willem remains my favorite character. And Helena was a great addition. And be warned, it's not over yet.
Me: What's also really cool. This is a sequel and I loved the first: it's Viking/Norse mythology to justify zombies, but in Greenland so the zombie creating parasites have gotten into sea creatures. So Norseman and zombies and ocean and animals eating people and first person sarcastic kickass heroine with Star Trek and Rocky references!
The Husband: It's like a little wet dream for you...
Me: I KNOW, RIGHT?
...and that was it, but it really does sum up how much I enjoyed this story. Only thoughts to add after reading the last third would be that the ending was wild and creepy and non-stop. Willem remains my favorite character. And Helena was a great addition. And be warned, it's not over yet.
September 4, 2014
I wasn't too sure what I'd think of zombie whales. To my surprise Jeremy Bishop pulled it off flawlessly. 'The Raven' is a creepy, disgusting & sometimes humorous second novel featuring Jane & her battle against the Drauger. Drauger are parasites that take over their hosts essentially creating Zombies that act as a hive mind.
Jane & her Viking crew take to the high seas in a whaling ship determined to stop the Drauger & find the missing ships. Their journey is action packed filled with gore, battles, death & destruction. It is a battle they are determined to win as they desperately try to outwit the Drauger & save mankind.
The end is one huge cliffhanger guaranteed to make you grab the third book before it can even hit the shelves!
Jane & her Viking crew take to the high seas in a whaling ship determined to stop the Drauger & find the missing ships. Their journey is action packed filled with gore, battles, death & destruction. It is a battle they are determined to win as they desperately try to outwit the Drauger & save mankind.
The end is one huge cliffhanger guaranteed to make you grab the third book before it can even hit the shelves!
May 5, 2015
No rest for the weary. Or is it wicked? Jane Harper can't catch a break she's back from her ordeal with the draugar and she has no time to rest. Her friends Willem and Jakob coerce her into taking a trip up north on The Raven. There's been news that ships and whales are disappearing. Only no one will listen to their story about the draugar. So Jakob decides to take things into his own hands. He's going to find the ships and ensure they don't make it back to land.
This book is fast paced. It seems like the draugar are evolving. Jane better figure things out pretty quickly, or they're going to take over everyone. I can't wait for the third in the series. I hope it comes out soon!
This book is fast paced. It seems like the draugar are evolving. Jane better figure things out pretty quickly, or they're going to take over everyone. I can't wait for the third in the series. I hope it comes out soon!
May 10, 2014
Loved book 2 in this series. I would suggest that you read book one (the Sentinel) before you pick up book 2.
Jane Harper is a bad ass lady that is really hard core thanks to her upbringing. She is likeable because she cares about her friends. Willem is a viking that is just as bad ass and likeable.
they are fighting zombies, both above the ground and in the ocean. Warm blooded creatures are being infected by the parasite that causes the zombie movements.
I don't want to give anything away to a potential reader. If you like action adventure and snarky humor this series is for you.
I hope book 3 of this series comes out soon.
Jane Harper is a bad ass lady that is really hard core thanks to her upbringing. She is likeable because she cares about her friends. Willem is a viking that is just as bad ass and likeable.
they are fighting zombies, both above the ground and in the ocean. Warm blooded creatures are being infected by the parasite that causes the zombie movements.
I don't want to give anything away to a potential reader. If you like action adventure and snarky humor this series is for you.
I hope book 3 of this series comes out soon.
August 14, 2013
What an absolute thrill ride!!! I couldn't get through it fast enough to find out what happens. The dialogue is snappy, the action fast paced, and the horror suitably gruesome. I love that the book is written from Jane's point of view, so that we get an insight into her funny, slightly warped mind. Found myself snorting with humour frequently at the things Jane thought and said. Can't wait to read the sequel!!! Really, this review could have used four words to really wrap it up - Zombie Whales!!!!! 'Nuff said :)
February 21, 2016
I won a free copy of "The Raven" and read it immediately upon its arrival in the mail. I have to admit I was not very impressed with this writer. I think the book would have been better if there had been more character development. I didn't feel any connection to the main character (or any characters for that matter), and the author was not successful in writing from a female, first-person perspective.
The idea behind the story however, was quite intriguing and I enjoyed that aspect of it, but the ending was ridiculous.
The idea behind the story however, was quite intriguing and I enjoyed that aspect of it, but the ending was ridiculous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews