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The Exile Series #1
The Prince of Ravens
The Prince of Ravens has vanished.
Word spreads quickly from the Fortress of the Empress, through the dark streets of Lucien, and to the far corners of the Empire of Ages. The Children are summoned to the Fortress, and the people talk in muffled whispers, if they dare to talk at all, of secret plots and ancient prophecies. Some say the Prince was murdered, others that he was kidnapped; but underneath it all runs a darker word, one full of terrifying possibility:
Exile.
Rumor begets rumor, and soon the whisper of truth is lost in the swirling winds of growing fear. For the Prince of Ravens is the prophesied Lord of Death, and on his shoulders rests the fate of the Empire.
Word spreads quickly from the Fortress of the Empress, through the dark streets of Lucien, and to the far corners of the Empire of Ages. The Children are summoned to the Fortress, and the people talk in muffled whispers, if they dare to talk at all, of secret plots and ancient prophecies. Some say the Prince was murdered, others that he was kidnapped; but underneath it all runs a darker word, one full of terrifying possibility:
Exile.
Rumor begets rumor, and soon the whisper of truth is lost in the swirling winds of growing fear. For the Prince of Ravens is the prophesied Lord of Death, and on his shoulders rests the fate of the Empire.
429 pages, ebook
First published November 7, 2012
192 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 18, 2013
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If reading is anything like eating, then you could have heard the “nom-nom-nom” sound while I was stuffing myself with this yummy mix of epic and fairy tale-ish fantasy, flavoured with characters, that I want to hug and hit very hard in the same time.
I have to say, the way the annotation was set, I thought the story would start a little differently. But once I got into the book, it doesn't really matter, as it just sucks you right in.
The main lead, the Prince of Ravens, is an awesome character. And I don't just mean the cool powers of the Raven Talisman – he just was so believable in the way he acted, thought, spoke and felt. The way he felt about his mother and about the Kindred. His undying loyalty for the Empire and his despite for everything and everyone that opposes it. Yup, it was so frustrating worrying about him, that he would do something so amazingly stupid AGAIN and he kept me on the edge the whole book. But it was how things are really supposed to be. One can't change his heart and mind over night, and this is why it was so good reading about his struggles.
Tomaz and Leah, the Ashandel and Eshendai pair (by the way, love the sound of it) are sweethearts too. Well, especially Tomaz – only hugs for him, but still some kicks for Leah. I really enjoyed each and every moment with Tomaz and Raven, especially the ones over the fire, and in the end of the final battle. I just have a soft spot for big brother/father figures, and Tomaz was just perfect. I am not sure I liked how in the end his debt was revealed – true, it was really important for the plot.... but I am sure that even if it wasn't for his past debt, Tomaz would still have believed and cared for Raven.
Leah was quite cool too, tho I had the feeling sometimes, that she and Raven didn't really act their age, but more like small children. However, I'm aware that is far more often and believable for grown ups and teens to act childish than vice versa. And I can't deny that it was fun to read :D Still... I would love some romance next time :D
The story is set in the land of Lucia, ruled by the immortal Empress. One could say that there are many details that sound almost like a cliché – the evil queen, the seven children, the youngest son, the city in the dark, prophecies, heirs and so on. But all of this just makes it more fairy talish for me and I love my fair share of fate ans symbols now and then. And it is also mixed with so much awesomeness – like the Talismans, the bloodmagic, daemons and Children and everything. I was absolutely in love with the idea of the seven Talismans from the very beginning and it was cool that by the end of the book we got to know so much more about them – and surely more is to come.
And the battles were epic – really this book here can proudly be called “young adult epic fantasy”.
Last – but not in importance – the fun :D I love to laugh when I read and if a book managed to make me do bought while going through the pages, then it was most likely awesome. There were so many moments that made me giggle, but if I have to pick my favourite ones... that would be Raven's dreams. I don't know why, but the “he could have pet eagle if he wanted” and the pouty, stupid looking cloud made me laugh so hard. I hope there are more of the Prince's dreams to come in the next books!
Overall, The prince of Ravens was awesome. It was a fast read, simply because I enjoyed it so I couldn't let go. Extremely well deserved 5 stars.
If reading is anything like eating, then you could have heard the “nom-nom-nom” sound while I was stuffing myself with this yummy mix of epic and fairy tale-ish fantasy, flavoured with characters, that I want to hug and hit very hard in the same time.
I have to say, the way the annotation was set, I thought the story would start a little differently. But once I got into the book, it doesn't really matter, as it just sucks you right in.
The main lead, the Prince of Ravens, is an awesome character. And I don't just mean the cool powers of the Raven Talisman – he just was so believable in the way he acted, thought, spoke and felt. The way he felt about his mother and about the Kindred. His undying loyalty for the Empire and his despite for everything and everyone that opposes it. Yup, it was so frustrating worrying about him, that he would do something so amazingly stupid AGAIN and he kept me on the edge the whole book. But it was how things are really supposed to be. One can't change his heart and mind over night, and this is why it was so good reading about his struggles.
Tomaz and Leah, the Ashandel and Eshendai pair (by the way, love the sound of it) are sweethearts too. Well, especially Tomaz – only hugs for him, but still some kicks for Leah. I really enjoyed each and every moment with Tomaz and Raven, especially the ones over the fire, and in the end of the final battle. I just have a soft spot for big brother/father figures, and Tomaz was just perfect. I am not sure I liked how in the end his debt was revealed – true, it was really important for the plot.... but I am sure that even if it wasn't for his past debt, Tomaz would still have believed and cared for Raven.
Leah was quite cool too, tho I had the feeling sometimes, that she and Raven didn't really act their age, but more like small children. However, I'm aware that is far more often and believable for grown ups and teens to act childish than vice versa. And I can't deny that it was fun to read :D Still... I would love some romance next time :D
The story is set in the land of Lucia, ruled by the immortal Empress. One could say that there are many details that sound almost like a cliché – the evil queen, the seven children, the youngest son, the city in the dark, prophecies, heirs and so on. But all of this just makes it more fairy talish for me and I love my fair share of fate ans symbols now and then. And it is also mixed with so much awesomeness – like the Talismans, the bloodmagic, daemons and Children and everything. I was absolutely in love with the idea of the seven Talismans from the very beginning and it was cool that by the end of the book we got to know so much more about them – and surely more is to come.
And the battles were epic – really this book here can proudly be called “young adult epic fantasy”.
Last – but not in importance – the fun :D I love to laugh when I read and if a book managed to make me do bought while going through the pages, then it was most likely awesome. There were so many moments that made me giggle, but if I have to pick my favourite ones... that would be Raven's dreams. I don't know why, but the “he could have pet eagle if he wanted” and the pouty, stupid looking cloud made me laugh so hard. I hope there are more of the Prince's dreams to come in the next books!
Overall, The prince of Ravens was awesome. It was a fast read, simply because I enjoyed it so I couldn't let go. Extremely well deserved 5 stars.
November 21, 2019
This book got me thinking about why we value originality. It's not that it was a terrible book. It just felt like I had seen it all before. Like nothing interesting happened until 50% through the book when Raven went berserk and finally used his powers. Just imagine if the book had started on that scene instead of taking 200 pages of so-so to get there. I would have been like, what in the freak is this amazing piece of wordsmithing?
I didn't understand why they knocked him out on the Queen's orders, then took him miles away from the palace to kill him. Then they used poison. That entire setup was bad. They should have just beheaded him in the castle.
The magic system was pretty wishy-washy. It just sort of kept tacking things on as needed. Ah yes, an elemental that's been in place for centuries. And, ah yes, special metal that can kill elementals. And, ah yes, that elemental had a secret tracking spell worked into it that's now on all of you.
And then Raven gets shot in the lung and he's up fighting giant battles a few days later. Really? That made his earlier feat of killing 20+ dudes then being knocked out for a week seem unrealistic, if he can just be in fighting shape three days after an arrow in the lung.
The prose wasn't amazing and really could have used a proofread (lots of mistakes). It had some annoying repetition like
Very bland and repetitive.
There were occasional attempts at what Sanderson calls The Great Talent, i.e. worldbuilding without the reader feeling like it's worldbuilding, but often it just fell flat. E.g., 80% into the book it says, "He had a slight headache and he felt as though he had drunk too much soufa." That's the only time the word soufa appears in the whole book. He should have just said wine, ale, whiskey, or whatever else it compares to (or just left the word off). When there's no other context, and it's never used again, it comes across like using all standard English names, then having a random character named Nukufati.
I didn't understand why they knocked him out on the Queen's orders, then took him miles away from the palace to kill him. Then they used poison. That entire setup was bad. They should have just beheaded him in the castle.
The magic system was pretty wishy-washy. It just sort of kept tacking things on as needed. Ah yes, an elemental that's been in place for centuries. And, ah yes, special metal that can kill elementals. And, ah yes, that elemental had a secret tracking spell worked into it that's now on all of you.
And then Raven gets shot in the lung and he's up fighting giant battles a few days later. Really? That made his earlier feat of killing 20+ dudes then being knocked out for a week seem unrealistic, if he can just be in fighting shape three days after an arrow in the lung.
The prose wasn't amazing and really could have used a proofread (lots of mistakes). It had some annoying repetition like
It was infuriating – he had grown up a natural at court politics, and yet he couldn’t hold a conversation with a simple Baseborn Exile. It was baffling.
Very bland and repetitive.
There were occasional attempts at what Sanderson calls The Great Talent, i.e. worldbuilding without the reader feeling like it's worldbuilding, but often it just fell flat. E.g., 80% into the book it says, "He had a slight headache and he felt as though he had drunk too much soufa." That's the only time the word soufa appears in the whole book. He should have just said wine, ale, whiskey, or whatever else it compares to (or just left the word off). When there's no other context, and it's never used again, it comes across like using all standard English names, then having a random character named Nukufati.
August 28, 2020
Not bad if you're in the mood for a YA epic fantasy, though I couldn't really get into it. Some interesting concepts, but most of it felt like something I'd read before. Might have helped if the protagonist (and the equally annoying Leah, for that matter) had spent less time acting in an infuriatingly stupid manner.
November 5, 2024
The Prince of Ravens, 7th son of the Empress, grows up in his mother's fortress until one day he suddenly has his name taken from him. Soon after that he's forcefully brought away from the fortress, poisoned and left for dead. It's only thanks to Tomaz and Leah that he doesn't lose his life, but his saviors are Exiled, rebels who renounce his mother's rule. Once he is recognized, the two exiled decide to bring him home as prisoner, in order to get information from him. For the first time outside his mother's fortress, the Prince of Ravens will learn many truths about his life, and about his mother as well.
Alright, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The writing style is smooth, simple and clear, and the characters are likeable enough. The only thing that bothered me a little bit was the hostility between the prince and Leah, that felt sometimes a little forced and extreme. Same thing between the prince and Leah's brother, if not even more extreme and unnecessary. Besides this, I enjoyed the characters and their stories, and I thought the prince was much "nicer" than I was expecting him to be. Tomaz is probably the best one.
Regarding the plot, I read a few reviews that said this book felt like something they had already read in the past. I don't know about that; I have read my share of YA, and tropes are used quite heavily, but at the same time that can be said for many other genres. To be honest, I was happy to see that this YA book did not have romance in it, even though I think there might still be a possibility.
Am I interested in continuing the series? Yes. I think the author has a lot of potential and I am curious to see all the characters grow even more in following books. I would probably recommend this book to people who like fantasy and read both adult and YA; maybe if you are like me and read mostly adult fantasy you might find this refreshing and quick to read!
Alright, I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. The writing style is smooth, simple and clear, and the characters are likeable enough. The only thing that bothered me a little bit was the hostility between the prince and Leah, that felt sometimes a little forced and extreme. Same thing between the prince and Leah's brother, if not even more extreme and unnecessary. Besides this, I enjoyed the characters and their stories, and I thought the prince was much "nicer" than I was expecting him to be. Tomaz is probably the best one.
Regarding the plot, I read a few reviews that said this book felt like something they had already read in the past. I don't know about that; I have read my share of YA, and tropes are used quite heavily, but at the same time that can be said for many other genres. To be honest, I was happy to see that this YA book did not have romance in it, even though I think there might still be a possibility.
Am I interested in continuing the series? Yes. I think the author has a lot of potential and I am curious to see all the characters grow even more in following books. I would probably recommend this book to people who like fantasy and read both adult and YA; maybe if you are like me and read mostly adult fantasy you might find this refreshing and quick to read!
October 31, 2015
I started reading this book, and it had such a dark start to it that I was almost turned off, but there seemed to be something about the main character that kept me interested. As the book develops, we are introduced to two other characters who I definitely fell in love with, even as the main character went through some horror-movie-like-frustrating-decisions. Calling them horror movie like isn't giving them the quality they deserve because the main character is going through some serious issues accepting his fate. If I were to put myself in that same position, I'd probably do some of the same things. The character development was great and I loved how as the book developed we were really learning about 3 different characters, we saw them go through different emotions and each one grew. I also liked the magic. I'm always interested in what will be defined as "magic" and how it will ease or make the life of the characters more complex. I can't say I understood the universe, but I did like the Prince of Raven's magic - both how it gave him power and how it limited him. This was a really good read. I wouldn't give it 5 stars, but I think its a solid 4-4.5 star book.
August 4, 2013
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved the world the author built and the characters who were in it. The Prince of Ravens made me want to smack him a few times for his decisions and not making up his mind. You have to get used to some of the time jumps and the different names/titles but they didn't bother me. Overall I loved everything about it and can't wait to read the next book.
September 15, 2014
Absolutely love the book! It is like a mixture of fantasy & fairy tale. The author succeeds in making the reader travel the whole way with the Prince of Ravens, feel his confusion, pain, helplessness, his budding friendship & hope for the future. Cannot wait to read the other two books if the trilogy.
January 31, 2022
Oh well. I gave it 3 stars and here's what is my honest review about this title.
- What is the book about?
It is a about a boy, a 'princeling' having almost 18 years and being sentenced to death by her own mother which happens to be a thousand year queen of the realm known as Lucien. He is one of the seven children, the youngest one, the one whose fate is to end the reign of her mother by fulfilling the prophecy he has no idea about. His mother trying to prevent the prophecy orders him to death but... he escapes with the help of two 'Exiled Kindred' - an ex. Queen's blade master and a girl-ranger who are the representatives of the only not conquered people living in the Hal's world. The Mother wants him dead, He does not want to believe it yet he does not want to die by mother's spies who are relentlessly after him... and the story begins.
-What I liked about the book?
I liked the idea of 7 siblings having all different sorts of power granted by their mother and the necklace they have been given after proving 'worthy'. I liked the world creation - some stereotypes were used and I could almost feel like reading Tolkien - the realm was divided into mountains, valleys, deep forests, marshes and narrow passes to get to major cites which were governed by the Queen's children respectively. I liked the humor although it was very scarce.
-What I did not like about the book?
The pace. It was too slow. Lots of repetitions not revealing or allowing us to learn more about the surrounding. The Protagonist was constantly in woods, he maybe visited two cities through the whole book which were very similar to the elvish ones. The motifs. I was almost angry at the Protagonist behaving in such a obvious way. The book surprised me ONCE and it was at the end of it. The doors - Literary the author is obsessed with doors and HINGES. Every door that opens squeaks and the hinges are 'not oiled'. If the doors do not squeak there is a description of a 'well oiled hinges'. The mood. It is not a suspense, it is not a cliff hanger. It is not a comedy. It is a... story. And the very slow one without many twists and turns. Maybe author elevates this in a second book? Maybe, but I am not very keen on checking this out.
-What did this book give me?
I wanted very much giving this book a go because I wanted to read something I have not heard about and nobody literary recommended this to me. Something fresh yet not main stream, something I have not high hopes for. A Light Fantasy to read as a break from Fact and Biographies. And in a way this was a good choice. It was not a crazy ride but it served its purpose. I got to know yet another version of a sword-and-magic-fiction and some day I may go back to and finish the story to see how the prophecy resolves.
Overall 3/5.
- What is the book about?
It is a about a boy, a 'princeling' having almost 18 years and being sentenced to death by her own mother which happens to be a thousand year queen of the realm known as Lucien. He is one of the seven children, the youngest one, the one whose fate is to end the reign of her mother by fulfilling the prophecy he has no idea about. His mother trying to prevent the prophecy orders him to death but... he escapes with the help of two 'Exiled Kindred' - an ex. Queen's blade master and a girl-ranger who are the representatives of the only not conquered people living in the Hal's world. The Mother wants him dead, He does not want to believe it yet he does not want to die by mother's spies who are relentlessly after him... and the story begins.
-What I liked about the book?
I liked the idea of 7 siblings having all different sorts of power granted by their mother and the necklace they have been given after proving 'worthy'. I liked the world creation - some stereotypes were used and I could almost feel like reading Tolkien - the realm was divided into mountains, valleys, deep forests, marshes and narrow passes to get to major cites which were governed by the Queen's children respectively. I liked the humor although it was very scarce.
-What I did not like about the book?
The pace. It was too slow. Lots of repetitions not revealing or allowing us to learn more about the surrounding. The Protagonist was constantly in woods, he maybe visited two cities through the whole book which were very similar to the elvish ones. The motifs. I was almost angry at the Protagonist behaving in such a obvious way. The book surprised me ONCE and it was at the end of it. The doors - Literary the author is obsessed with doors and HINGES. Every door that opens squeaks and the hinges are 'not oiled'. If the doors do not squeak there is a description of a 'well oiled hinges'. The mood. It is not a suspense, it is not a cliff hanger. It is not a comedy. It is a... story. And the very slow one without many twists and turns. Maybe author elevates this in a second book? Maybe, but I am not very keen on checking this out.
-What did this book give me?
I wanted very much giving this book a go because I wanted to read something I have not heard about and nobody literary recommended this to me. Something fresh yet not main stream, something I have not high hopes for. A Light Fantasy to read as a break from Fact and Biographies. And in a way this was a good choice. It was not a crazy ride but it served its purpose. I got to know yet another version of a sword-and-magic-fiction and some day I may go back to and finish the story to see how the prophecy resolves.
Overall 3/5.
August 5, 2024
The latest installment of the one-upvote Reddit recs. This was recommended a few times alongside A Tale of Stars and Shadow, the series that kicked off this whole one upvote shebang.
There's a subgenre that's becoming very popular now, everywhere but particularly within self-published circles, that I'm dubbing "softcore epic fantasy" - a hopeful, less masculine, more gender-universal adventure story, often very emotional and angsty, and with strong found family elements. Maybe this is part of a merger of traditional, bulky, sprawling masculine epic fantasy stories with the increasingly popular young adult, romance, and cozy genres. But I've noticed a lot more books like this coming out since 2019 or so. Imagine Robin Hobb, but far more wholesome, upbeat and fulfilling.
I think this trend is, all in all, good. When this is done well - as it is in ATOSAS - it is wonderful; you get a lot of angst that pays off at the end, characters that are fun and relatable, and a very simple, clean, well-organized story. Here, it's less effective. Emerson writes well, but my reading experience alternated between "oh my, this is actually really good" and "this tantrum has gone on for far too long," favoring the latter.
While I like the effort to simplify the often sprawling and complex plots of epic fantasy, this one went too far. Very little happens between the initial adventure and the final battle, and parts of the middle of the book felt empty and did not pay off at all. This setting is really the highest of high fantasy - I saw people call this "low fantasy", and they couldn't be more wrong. Often, that's a problem, because there are really only three characters in this book, and they all are written pretty close to archetype. I think a book which such few characters has to make each character exceptional, and while they're not bad, they're not amazing either. There's very little to develop other than the character relationships, which have a jagged progression, and the world, which Emerson doesn't do a lot of. There is a villain, and there are two supporting characters who are introduced at the end, but they're not developed all that well.
I like the general gist of this book, it's interesting I like the world and characters, and the writing is competent. It's better than some of the more popular self-published epic fantasy (Bound and the Broken, Echoes Saga, Battle Mage, etc.) that's gone moderately viral over the last few years. But I think the simplification of the story is a step too far in the wrong direction, and I think this is best suited for an easy guilty pleasure night read. While I feel somewhat attached to the story, I can't say I love it. 7/10.
There's a subgenre that's becoming very popular now, everywhere but particularly within self-published circles, that I'm dubbing "softcore epic fantasy" - a hopeful, less masculine, more gender-universal adventure story, often very emotional and angsty, and with strong found family elements. Maybe this is part of a merger of traditional, bulky, sprawling masculine epic fantasy stories with the increasingly popular young adult, romance, and cozy genres. But I've noticed a lot more books like this coming out since 2019 or so. Imagine Robin Hobb, but far more wholesome, upbeat and fulfilling.
I think this trend is, all in all, good. When this is done well - as it is in ATOSAS - it is wonderful; you get a lot of angst that pays off at the end, characters that are fun and relatable, and a very simple, clean, well-organized story. Here, it's less effective. Emerson writes well, but my reading experience alternated between "oh my, this is actually really good" and "this tantrum has gone on for far too long," favoring the latter.
While I like the effort to simplify the often sprawling and complex plots of epic fantasy, this one went too far. Very little happens between the initial adventure and the final battle, and parts of the middle of the book felt empty and did not pay off at all. This setting is really the highest of high fantasy - I saw people call this "low fantasy", and they couldn't be more wrong. Often, that's a problem, because there are really only three characters in this book, and they all are written pretty close to archetype. I think a book which such few characters has to make each character exceptional, and while they're not bad, they're not amazing either. There's very little to develop other than the character relationships, which have a jagged progression, and the world, which Emerson doesn't do a lot of. There is a villain, and there are two supporting characters who are introduced at the end, but they're not developed all that well.
I like the general gist of this book, it's interesting I like the world and characters, and the writing is competent. It's better than some of the more popular self-published epic fantasy (Bound and the Broken, Echoes Saga, Battle Mage, etc.) that's gone moderately viral over the last few years. But I think the simplification of the story is a step too far in the wrong direction, and I think this is best suited for an easy guilty pleasure night read. While I feel somewhat attached to the story, I can't say I love it. 7/10.
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September 2, 2023"The Prince of Ravens" by Hal Emerson is an enthralling and mesmerizing epic fantasy that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a world filled with intrigue, dark prophecies, and the relentless pursuit of power. Emerson's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a masterful narrative that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.
From the very first page, Emerson plunges us into a world shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. The enigmatic disappearance of the Prince of Ravens sets the stage for a gripping tale that unfolds with the precision of a well-crafted symphony. The author's command of language and world-building is awe-inspiring, immersing readers in the sprawling Empire of Ages, a realm filled with political machinations, secrets, and ancient prophecies.
Emerson's characters are beautifully rendered, each with their own complexities and motivations. The Children, summoned to the Fortress of the Empress, are a diverse and intriguing cast, and their individual stories are woven seamlessly into the overarching narrative. As the rumors spread and the tension escalates, the reader is drawn deeper into this world of treacherous intrigue, where loyalty and betrayal walk hand in hand.
What sets "The Prince of Ravens" apart is its exploration of destiny and the weight of prophecy. The titular character, the prophesied Lord of Death, carries the fate of an entire empire on his shoulders. Emerson skillfully delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of a young prince burdened with such a heavy destiny. The themes of choice, sacrifice, and the struggle against one's own fate are expertly interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.
Emerson's writing is nothing short of exquisite. His descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of this richly detailed world, and his ability to evoke emotions and build tension is truly exceptional. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricate web of political intrigue and the looming threat of exile.
In conclusion, "The Prince of Ravens" is a tour de force in the fantasy genre, a literary gem that deserves a place among the greats. Hal Emerson's masterful storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters combine to create a work of art that will captivate readers from beginning to end. This is a book that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes thought, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and lovers of epic tales. "The Prince of Ravens" is a triumph, and Hal Emerson is a true maestro of fantasy literature.
From the very first page, Emerson plunges us into a world shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. The enigmatic disappearance of the Prince of Ravens sets the stage for a gripping tale that unfolds with the precision of a well-crafted symphony. The author's command of language and world-building is awe-inspiring, immersing readers in the sprawling Empire of Ages, a realm filled with political machinations, secrets, and ancient prophecies.
Emerson's characters are beautifully rendered, each with their own complexities and motivations. The Children, summoned to the Fortress of the Empress, are a diverse and intriguing cast, and their individual stories are woven seamlessly into the overarching narrative. As the rumors spread and the tension escalates, the reader is drawn deeper into this world of treacherous intrigue, where loyalty and betrayal walk hand in hand.
What sets "The Prince of Ravens" apart is its exploration of destiny and the weight of prophecy. The titular character, the prophesied Lord of Death, carries the fate of an entire empire on his shoulders. Emerson skillfully delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of a young prince burdened with such a heavy destiny. The themes of choice, sacrifice, and the struggle against one's own fate are expertly interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.
Emerson's writing is nothing short of exquisite. His descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of this richly detailed world, and his ability to evoke emotions and build tension is truly exceptional. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricate web of political intrigue and the looming threat of exile.
In conclusion, "The Prince of Ravens" is a tour de force in the fantasy genre, a literary gem that deserves a place among the greats. Hal Emerson's masterful storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters combine to create a work of art that will captivate readers from beginning to end. This is a book that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes thought, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and lovers of epic tales. "The Prince of Ravens" is a triumph, and Hal Emerson is a true maestro of fantasy literature.
November 3, 2024
The Prince of Ravens by Hal Emerson is a compelling entry into high fantasy, blending epic lore, dark secrets, and intense political intrigue. The story starts on a gripping note with the mysterious disappearance of the Prince of Ravens, a young royal with a complex role as the “Lord of Death” and a fate that could determine the Empire's future. This setup quickly draws readers into a world teeming with myth and danger, where whispered prophecies and conspiracies abound.
Emerson excels at world-building, vividly portraying the Empire of Ages. From sprawling forests to hidden cities and treacherous landscapes, the setting feels authentic and immersive, enhanced by poetic descriptions and well-chosen details. The introduction of seven talismans with unique powers is an exciting touch that brings a sense of mysticism to the world. The character dynamics add depth, especially the Prince's relationship with his companions, Tomaz and Leah, who help ground the story with their camaraderie and emotional complexity.
While the novel has a strong start and finish, it occasionally loses momentum in the middle, as the protagonist spends prolonged periods traversing the wilderness without significant plot progression. This slower pacing might be off-putting for some, as it occasionally disrupts the story’s tension. However, these sections provide room for character development, particularly for the Prince, who wrestles with his loyalty to the Empire and the burdens of his role. Emerson’s choice to inject humor into certain scenes adds a refreshing contrast to the otherwise intense atmosphere.
The characters themselves are likable, if somewhat familiar. The Prince is a brooding yet endearing hero, and Tomaz, with his big-brother warmth, shines as a mentor figure. Leah’s presence adds further nuance, though her and the Prince’s interactions can feel a bit juvenile at times. Despite these archetypal roles, the characters’ growth is palpable, and their loyalty to each other is heartwarming.
The Prince of Ravens may not break new ground in fantasy, but it’s a captivating journey that fans of traditional high fantasy will appreciate. With rich world-building, intriguing lore, and dynamic relationships, it’s an enjoyable adventure that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
Thank you
Happy Reading!
Emerson excels at world-building, vividly portraying the Empire of Ages. From sprawling forests to hidden cities and treacherous landscapes, the setting feels authentic and immersive, enhanced by poetic descriptions and well-chosen details. The introduction of seven talismans with unique powers is an exciting touch that brings a sense of mysticism to the world. The character dynamics add depth, especially the Prince's relationship with his companions, Tomaz and Leah, who help ground the story with their camaraderie and emotional complexity.
While the novel has a strong start and finish, it occasionally loses momentum in the middle, as the protagonist spends prolonged periods traversing the wilderness without significant plot progression. This slower pacing might be off-putting for some, as it occasionally disrupts the story’s tension. However, these sections provide room for character development, particularly for the Prince, who wrestles with his loyalty to the Empire and the burdens of his role. Emerson’s choice to inject humor into certain scenes adds a refreshing contrast to the otherwise intense atmosphere.
The characters themselves are likable, if somewhat familiar. The Prince is a brooding yet endearing hero, and Tomaz, with his big-brother warmth, shines as a mentor figure. Leah’s presence adds further nuance, though her and the Prince’s interactions can feel a bit juvenile at times. Despite these archetypal roles, the characters’ growth is palpable, and their loyalty to each other is heartwarming.
The Prince of Ravens may not break new ground in fantasy, but it’s a captivating journey that fans of traditional high fantasy will appreciate. With rich world-building, intriguing lore, and dynamic relationships, it’s an enjoyable adventure that leaves readers eager for the next installment.
Thank you
Happy Reading!
November 12, 2024
The Absent Heir, or On Lucien's gossip
The The Prince of Ravens, by Hal Emerson, introduces us to the suspenseful world of Lucien, an empire shrouded in mystique and prophecy. The tale begins with the sudden disappearance of the eponymous Prince, setting off a tide of speculation and fear among the people of the Empire. As rumours swirl about the Prince’s possible exile or even assassination, a darker undercurrent emerges around his prophetic role as the “Lord of Death,” charged with the Empire’s fate. Author Hal Emerson weaves an atmospheric story, building gradually the grandiosity of Lucien through evocative details and ominous hints that seem to undercover an intricate, deeply rooted history.
The Prince's journey is both an external and internal voyage as he scuffles with betrayal, identity, and morality. Marked by a raven talisman, the prince's entanglement in a prophecy confronts him with his mother, the Empress, who sees his death as essential to the Empire’s security. With the help of two Exiles, Tomaz and Leah, he survives indeed multiple assassination attempts, prompting him to question long-held beliefs about his family and, consequently, his duty to the Empire. Emerson deftly crafts these characters’ relationships, boldening effectively the internal dexterity to cope with trauma by the wounded lead from within. The tension between loyalty and newfound autonomy deepens as the trio’s camaraderie gradually forms, blending trust-building with the inherent distrust bred by a lifetime of imperial propaganda.
The Empire’s hierarchy and terminologies, that is to say, the novel's mythology, seem a little bit rushed or underexplained, drifting away from the tension built due to the power struggle. Nevertheless, Emerson’s brisk pacing and sharp character dynamics keep the tale engaging. The Prince of Ravens establishes a solid foundation for Trilogy, promising deeper and better explorations of Lucien’s fictional topography in future volumes.
The The Prince of Ravens, by Hal Emerson, introduces us to the suspenseful world of Lucien, an empire shrouded in mystique and prophecy. The tale begins with the sudden disappearance of the eponymous Prince, setting off a tide of speculation and fear among the people of the Empire. As rumours swirl about the Prince’s possible exile or even assassination, a darker undercurrent emerges around his prophetic role as the “Lord of Death,” charged with the Empire’s fate. Author Hal Emerson weaves an atmospheric story, building gradually the grandiosity of Lucien through evocative details and ominous hints that seem to undercover an intricate, deeply rooted history.
The Prince's journey is both an external and internal voyage as he scuffles with betrayal, identity, and morality. Marked by a raven talisman, the prince's entanglement in a prophecy confronts him with his mother, the Empress, who sees his death as essential to the Empire’s security. With the help of two Exiles, Tomaz and Leah, he survives indeed multiple assassination attempts, prompting him to question long-held beliefs about his family and, consequently, his duty to the Empire. Emerson deftly crafts these characters’ relationships, boldening effectively the internal dexterity to cope with trauma by the wounded lead from within. The tension between loyalty and newfound autonomy deepens as the trio’s camaraderie gradually forms, blending trust-building with the inherent distrust bred by a lifetime of imperial propaganda.
The Empire’s hierarchy and terminologies, that is to say, the novel's mythology, seem a little bit rushed or underexplained, drifting away from the tension built due to the power struggle. Nevertheless, Emerson’s brisk pacing and sharp character dynamics keep the tale engaging. The Prince of Ravens establishes a solid foundation for Trilogy, promising deeper and better explorations of Lucien’s fictional topography in future volumes.
February 26, 2020
I am not big on writing reviews and I am especially not good at reviewing individual books in a series because I believe you have to treat a series in it's entirety. However, this book, I think deserves a quick discussion. I did not like this book in the beginning. It seemed a little silly and a bit oversimplified and as I was reading, I kept wondering if I had mistakenly picked up a book that was definitively in the young adult category. However, as I continued to read I began to realize it was maybe my own perception that was flawed. The main character is a 17 year old boy and he exhibits some repetitive, irritating and immature characteristics ( I am being vague here so as to not give anything away) that were, for me, really detracting from the story. But then I realized that he is in fact only 17 and the authors choices began to make more sense to me. I read a lot of fantasy and had to remind myself that in far too many other stories, the heroes are often young teenagers who are written so they behave and think like 35 year olds. Once my perspective changed, I began to enjoy this story more and more and I am glad I continued. I am reading book 2 now and am truly finding the series entertaining.
September 19, 2023
"The Prince of Ravens" by Hal Emerson is an enthralling and mesmerizing epic fantasy that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a world filled with intrigue, dark prophecies, and the relentless pursuit of power. Emerson's storytelling prowess shines through, creating a masterful narrative that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's imagination.
From the very first page, Emerson plunges us into a world shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. The enigmatic disappearance of the Prince of Ravens sets the stage for a gripping tale that unfolds with the precision of a well-crafted symphony. The author's command of language and world-building is awe-inspiring, immersing readers in the sprawling Empire of Ages, a realm filled with political machinations, secrets, and ancient prophecies.
Emerson's characters are beautifully rendered, each with their own complexities and motivations. The Children, summoned to the Fortress of the Empress, are a diverse and intriguing cast, and their individual stories are woven seamlessly into the overarching narrative. As the rumors spread and the tension escalates, the reader is drawn deeper into this world of treacherous intrigue, where loyalty and betrayal walk hand in hand.
What sets "The Prince of Ravens" apart is its exploration of destiny and the weight of prophecy. The titular character, the prophesied Lord of Death, carries the fate of an entire empire on his shoulders. Emerson skillfully delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of a young prince burdened with such a heavy destiny. The themes of choice, sacrifice, and the struggle against one's own fate are expertly interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.
Emerson's writing is nothing short of exquisite. His descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of this richly detailed world, and his ability to evoke emotions and build tension is truly exceptional. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricate web of political intrigue and the looming threat of exile.
In conclusion, "The Prince of Ravens" is a tour de force in the fantasy genre, a literary gem that deserves a place among the greats. Hal Emerson's masterful storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters combine to create a work of art that will captivate readers from beginning to end. This is a book that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes thought, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and lovers of epic tales. "The Prince of Ravens" is a triumph, and Hal Emerson is a true maestro of fantasy literature.
From the very first page, Emerson plunges us into a world shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. The enigmatic disappearance of the Prince of Ravens sets the stage for a gripping tale that unfolds with the precision of a well-crafted symphony. The author's command of language and world-building is awe-inspiring, immersing readers in the sprawling Empire of Ages, a realm filled with political machinations, secrets, and ancient prophecies.
Emerson's characters are beautifully rendered, each with their own complexities and motivations. The Children, summoned to the Fortress of the Empress, are a diverse and intriguing cast, and their individual stories are woven seamlessly into the overarching narrative. As the rumors spread and the tension escalates, the reader is drawn deeper into this world of treacherous intrigue, where loyalty and betrayal walk hand in hand.
What sets "The Prince of Ravens" apart is its exploration of destiny and the weight of prophecy. The titular character, the prophesied Lord of Death, carries the fate of an entire empire on his shoulders. Emerson skillfully delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of a young prince burdened with such a heavy destiny. The themes of choice, sacrifice, and the struggle against one's own fate are expertly interwoven into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.
Emerson's writing is nothing short of exquisite. His descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of this richly detailed world, and his ability to evoke emotions and build tension is truly exceptional. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the intricate web of political intrigue and the looming threat of exile.
In conclusion, "The Prince of Ravens" is a tour de force in the fantasy genre, a literary gem that deserves a place among the greats. Hal Emerson's masterful storytelling, intricate world-building, and compelling characters combine to create a work of art that will captivate readers from beginning to end. This is a book that not only entertains but also challenges and provokes thought, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and lovers of epic tales. "The Prince of Ravens" is a triumph, and Hal Emerson is a true maestro of fantasy literature.
October 30, 2024
The Prince of Ravens, the debut in Hal Emerson’s Exile Series, is a captivating fantasy novel that will have you hooked from the start. From the rich world-building to the journey of self-discovery woven throughout, Emerson has crafted a story that is as much about inner growth as it is about adventure.
The novel follows a young Prince whose path to understanding himself and his place in a complex, often unforgiving world is interspersed with wisdom that resonates well beyond the pages. Readers will find themselves reflecting on some of the lessons and insights shared as the Prince learns them, making the story feel meaningful on a personal level. This feature alone sets The Prince of Ravens apart from many fantasy novels, offering more than just escapism; it’s a story that invites introspection.
The novel follows a young Prince whose path to understanding himself and his place in a complex, often unforgiving world is interspersed with wisdom that resonates well beyond the pages. Readers will find themselves reflecting on some of the lessons and insights shared as the Prince learns them, making the story feel meaningful on a personal level. This feature alone sets The Prince of Ravens apart from many fantasy novels, offering more than just escapism; it’s a story that invites introspection.
July 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot. It has some magic (I could also go for a larger helping of that), but the best part of this book is the conflict the protagonist goes through. His belief in the Empire and his internal struggle to overwrite the narrative he believed to his core is something that I think we all can relate to and is something that doesn't change overnight. This book reminds me of the power of relationships as the most effective way to change people's perspectives. Even strong evidence of him being attacked doesn't sway his beliefs, but the relationships he builds with his friends are the lever.
Definitely worth a read. That said, the kindle version has a RIDICULOUS amount of typos, which is distracting. Get it together Amazon...
Definitely worth a read. That said, the kindle version has a RIDICULOUS amount of typos, which is distracting. Get it together Amazon...
February 11, 2019
I am not typically a fantasy reader; I usually find either the world or the characters vastly underwritten. Mr. Emerson, however, gives equal strength to both and, for that reason, "The Prince of Ravens" makes for a riveting read. The time taken to establish the harder things to grasp (the layout of this fantasy kingdom, its system of government, its history, how the magic within it actually functions) is plentiful and well-used. You can tell the author cares about this world and has spent a lot of time living in it before we, the reader, ever arrive. That level of commitment makes it all the more compelling to navigate and I very much look forward to working through the rest of the trilogy.
August 31, 2019
I enjoyed this a lot. I learned about it from a recommendation on Reddit. They said it was like Avatar: The Last Airbender. But... it was not like that. At least, not to me. I thought it was very good and I read through it in one sitting, but I kept expecting something that wasn't there and it kind of discolored my enjoyment of it overall. So, I think that's why I'm giving it 4 starts instead of 5; which is unfair. I know. It isn't the author's fault that some rando made a comparison I didn't like, but it is what it is. Hopefully now that I got through the first book and know that it is its own thing, it will temper my expectations to what I want out of THIS series, and not what I want based on anything else.
October 28, 2024
3.75
Picked this book at random during some amazon sale and was genuinely entertained reading it. There were a couple of technical issues in the ebook like typos etc. and a couple of places that could use an edit, but overall it was fun, the characters were okay, the plot although standard, was also okay and I will probably continue the series at a later point to see how the intrigue evolves.
The story does place itself squarely in the YA genre, but for once it did not bother me as much as it tends to in recent years. I was not aware the book's from 2012 until some way into it, but I do wonder if that is part of the factor differentiating it from the YA of last years.
Picked this book at random during some amazon sale and was genuinely entertained reading it. There were a couple of technical issues in the ebook like typos etc. and a couple of places that could use an edit, but overall it was fun, the characters were okay, the plot although standard, was also okay and I will probably continue the series at a later point to see how the intrigue evolves.
The story does place itself squarely in the YA genre, but for once it did not bother me as much as it tends to in recent years. I was not aware the book's from 2012 until some way into it, but I do wonder if that is part of the factor differentiating it from the YA of last years.
January 10, 2024
The epilogue was a little too Harry Potter for me, but otherwise fantastic!
A Queen whose Wrath put Sea and Storm to Shame
Six Children, born of Hell to bless her Name
A Seventh Son, permitted, was a gamble on Her Reign
Behold the Raven, cast down to be Slain!
By Kindred eyes of green his life was saved
And time and time again until the lies that bound him gave
Marked for death, he fought for all his own and others’ worth
Behold the Prince of Ravens, as he justifies his birth!
A Queen whose Wrath put Sea and Storm to Shame
Six Children, born of Hell to bless her Name
A Seventh Son, permitted, was a gamble on Her Reign
Behold the Raven, cast down to be Slain!
By Kindred eyes of green his life was saved
And time and time again until the lies that bound him gave
Marked for death, he fought for all his own and others’ worth
Behold the Prince of Ravens, as he justifies his birth!
October 30, 2024
Hal Emerson's book The Prince of Ravens is a good reads that shares the struggles and tribulations of a young man who has suffered ignominy. The book talks about the experiences of the young man who is away from his people and without the support of his mothers. He must go through the trials in order to learn and navigate his way throughout life.
The book is an excellent read. Although a fantasy novel, it must be commended for the story and the characters. The writer does a good job in narrating the experience.
The book is an excellent read. Although a fantasy novel, it must be commended for the story and the characters. The writer does a good job in narrating the experience.
December 19, 2018
Damn that was awesome.
I love the complexity of the characters and the magic system is unique. There's enough suspense going on in the story to keep me on my toes without drowning me with too much details.
It was nice being on the Prince's point of view and knowing what goes on in his mind helped me put myself in his situation.
There were some light grammar and typo issues, but will still read the next one!
I love the complexity of the characters and the magic system is unique. There's enough suspense going on in the story to keep me on my toes without drowning me with too much details.
It was nice being on the Prince's point of view and knowing what goes on in his mind helped me put myself in his situation.
There were some light grammar and typo issues, but will still read the next one!
August 21, 2019
Excellent nostalgia trigger for those days long past when I’d get sucked into the latest YA fantasy craze. The story feels familiar and yet its execution is so high quality I couldn’t put it down. The narration and character interactions are amusing and never stiff in the way some sci-fi/fantasy novels can be. Comma splices and run-on sentences make many bits feel fan-fiction-y, but in the debut novel of an indie author, I can overlook them. Can’t wait to read more!
March 27, 2021
predictable !!
The story line is just so silly and written without any back story about the world the author put together from being feared Prince of ravens to just a Little kid who can be slapped around get tried up and be made fun of that just completely destroyed everything the main character stood for I couldn't go on after that even though I tried but hopefully you might enjoy more than I .
The story line is just so silly and written without any back story about the world the author put together from being feared Prince of ravens to just a Little kid who can be slapped around get tried up and be made fun of that just completely destroyed everything the main character stood for I couldn't go on after that even though I tried but hopefully you might enjoy more than I .
April 14, 2025
Book 1
Book 1 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters are well developed. The overall is repetitive at times, but overall okay. The plot is interesting and has a few twists. The characters are a bit naive and seem to not grasp aspects of what or how to do certain things when they are about 17 yrs old. I understand some are still young and learning what they can do, but seems like the MMC is a bit lazy at times.
Book 1 was a fun read and had errors throughout. The plot and characters are well developed. The overall is repetitive at times, but overall okay. The plot is interesting and has a few twists. The characters are a bit naive and seem to not grasp aspects of what or how to do certain things when they are about 17 yrs old. I understand some are still young and learning what they can do, but seems like the MMC is a bit lazy at times.
Read
December 2, 2020The Prince of Ravens
Incredible journey following a prince who's been betrayed and the "Exiles" who save his life repeatedly and change his life for the better. Wonderful world and character building, fascinating plot, edge of your seat action. A fantastic story with a great message......things aren't always how they appear.
Incredible journey following a prince who's been betrayed and the "Exiles" who save his life repeatedly and change his life for the better. Wonderful world and character building, fascinating plot, edge of your seat action. A fantastic story with a great message......things aren't always how they appear.
August 4, 2019
Buzz wham, this was an engaging read! The plot is well paced, the characters are compelling, and the world of the Empire and the Exiled Kindred is richly imagined. Hal Emerson is a talented storyteller, and I look forward to exploring more of his work.
May 14, 2024
Good book with a great plot, let down by subpar editing. A lot of grammar/spelling issues and repetitive language (you don’t need to describe every single door as having well oiled hinges) but other than that I’m keen to see where the series goes next.
September 14, 2025
I just didn’t want to put this book down. It was a relatively easy, enjoyable read. The story was engaging, the new world complex and interesting without being overdone. The characters were diverse, multi-dimensional, and fun. I loved it.
October 1, 2021
Predictable, but still entertaining
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