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Ravensblood #1
Ravensblood
In a life of impossible choices when sometimes death magic is the lesser of the evils, can a dark mage save the world and his own soul?
Corwyn Ravenscroft. Raven. The last heir of an ancient family of dark mages, he holds the secret to recreating the Ravensblood, a legendary magical artifact of immense power.
Cassandra Greensdowne is a Guardian. Magical law enforcement for the elected council — and Raven’s former apprentice and lover. She is trying to live down her past. And then her past comes to the door, asking for her help.
As a youth, Raven wanted to be a Guardian but was rejected because of his ancestry. In his pride and his anger, he had turned to William, the darkest and most powerful mage of their time. William wants a return to the old ways, where the most powerful mage was ruler absolute. But William would not be a True King from the fairy tales. He would reign in blood and terror and darkest magic.
Raven discovers that he does have a conscience. It’s rather inconvenient.
He becomes a spy for the council that William wants to overthrow, with Cassandra as his contact.
Cass and Raven have a plan to trap William outside his warded sanctuary. But William is one step ahead of the game, with Raven’s life, his soul, and the Ravensblood all in danger.
Corwyn Ravenscroft. Raven. The last heir of an ancient family of dark mages, he holds the secret to recreating the Ravensblood, a legendary magical artifact of immense power.
Cassandra Greensdowne is a Guardian. Magical law enforcement for the elected council — and Raven’s former apprentice and lover. She is trying to live down her past. And then her past comes to the door, asking for her help.
As a youth, Raven wanted to be a Guardian but was rejected because of his ancestry. In his pride and his anger, he had turned to William, the darkest and most powerful mage of their time. William wants a return to the old ways, where the most powerful mage was ruler absolute. But William would not be a True King from the fairy tales. He would reign in blood and terror and darkest magic.
Raven discovers that he does have a conscience. It’s rather inconvenient.
He becomes a spy for the council that William wants to overthrow, with Cassandra as his contact.
Cass and Raven have a plan to trap William outside his warded sanctuary. But William is one step ahead of the game, with Raven’s life, his soul, and the Ravensblood all in danger.
284 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2013
121 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Shawna Reppert
25 books61 followersFrom earliest childhood, Shawna Reppert has had a passion for stories-- for reading them and for writing them. She obtained a BA in English with a Writing Option from Penn State University and has participated in numerous writing workshops and seminars given by the likes of Charles de Lint, David Farland and Elizabeth Lyon. Two of her stories have won honorable mentions from Writers of the Future. Previous short stories sold to 10 Flash Quarterly and to Everyday Fiction can be read for free at their websites. Several 'indie' short stories are available for sale at Amazon, and her story 'The Beast Within' will appear in the second Gears and Levers anthology, edited by Phyllis Irene Radford. Her first novel is due out as a Carina Press e-book in the summer of 2013.
In college, Shawna volunteered at a raptor rehabilitation center, which became valuable background for her short story The Sword and the Kestrel. Shawna has always had an affinity for wolves, and used to keep a wolf-dog hybrid as a pet. Her current four-footed children are a Lipizzan stallion and an orange-and-black cat named Samhain. She enjoys Irish social dancing and is an ardent supporter of live Irish music. Shawna also likes to play with the Society for Creative Anachronism and can sometimes be found in medieval garb on a caparisoned horse, throwing javelins into innocent hay bales that never did anything to her.
A Pennsylvania native, she currently lives in the beautiful wine county of Oregon.
In college, Shawna volunteered at a raptor rehabilitation center, which became valuable background for her short story The Sword and the Kestrel. Shawna has always had an affinity for wolves, and used to keep a wolf-dog hybrid as a pet. Her current four-footed children are a Lipizzan stallion and an orange-and-black cat named Samhain. She enjoys Irish social dancing and is an ardent supporter of live Irish music. Shawna also likes to play with the Society for Creative Anachronism and can sometimes be found in medieval garb on a caparisoned horse, throwing javelins into innocent hay bales that never did anything to her.
A Pennsylvania native, she currently lives in the beautiful wine county of Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 24, 2017
Ravensblood is the first of a series, the fourth book of which is scheduled for publication in September. Shame on me for only just now catching up with it!
Reminiscent of Prohibition-era Chicago under the lethal thumb of a crazed Al Capone, the city of Portland cowers before the ruthless dark mage William. The three communities--the Mundanes, the Art, and the Craft--are in league against him, but fear they cannot match his strength. Their unlikely ally is Corwyn Ravenscroft--Raven--a man the Art rejected from their Academy. Taken in by William and schooled in the Dark Arts, he is a wanted criminal. But Raven has had a change of heart. Appalled by William's brutality and bloodshed, he commits himself to destroying the dark mage, even if he forfeits his own life in the process. His only help may be Cassandra Greensdowne, his former apprentice and lover, who is now a Guardian, a member of the special police forces tasked with combating magical crime. And Cass hates all Raven has become.
Author Shawna Reppert has created a multi-layered alternate Portland. You will recognize the streets and the weather, but there the similarity ends. Magic abounds, but it is so entirely believable, the reader soon forgets it's magic. In fact, the magic is just the context for a superb study of psychology and motivation. Reppert's characters are so exquisitely drawn and emotionally complex that the reader begins to care deeply about them. We become immersed in their world--fearing what they fear, hoping what they hope, loving what they love. What would have been only another urban fantasy novel in the hands of a lesser writer, Reppert has elevated to the status of literature. She reminds me why I love to read really good fiction.
Reminiscent of Prohibition-era Chicago under the lethal thumb of a crazed Al Capone, the city of Portland cowers before the ruthless dark mage William. The three communities--the Mundanes, the Art, and the Craft--are in league against him, but fear they cannot match his strength. Their unlikely ally is Corwyn Ravenscroft--Raven--a man the Art rejected from their Academy. Taken in by William and schooled in the Dark Arts, he is a wanted criminal. But Raven has had a change of heart. Appalled by William's brutality and bloodshed, he commits himself to destroying the dark mage, even if he forfeits his own life in the process. His only help may be Cassandra Greensdowne, his former apprentice and lover, who is now a Guardian, a member of the special police forces tasked with combating magical crime. And Cass hates all Raven has become.
Author Shawna Reppert has created a multi-layered alternate Portland. You will recognize the streets and the weather, but there the similarity ends. Magic abounds, but it is so entirely believable, the reader soon forgets it's magic. In fact, the magic is just the context for a superb study of psychology and motivation. Reppert's characters are so exquisitely drawn and emotionally complex that the reader begins to care deeply about them. We become immersed in their world--fearing what they fear, hoping what they hope, loving what they love. What would have been only another urban fantasy novel in the hands of a lesser writer, Reppert has elevated to the status of literature. She reminds me why I love to read really good fiction.
March 28, 2014
3.5 stars actually.
An Urban Fantasy-esque story of mages in an alternate Portland, Oregon featuring "Guardians" trying to protect a mixed mundane and magical community from a dark mage bent on taking over the world.
Cass had the naivete and bad luck to apprentice herself to Corwyn Ravenscroft....a mage who ended up being one of William's (dark mage bent on taking over the world who tortures people for fun) right hand men. She got out in time, but now as a Guardian (magical beat cop ) responsible for keeping mundanes and magical people safe, she's mostly shunned and regarded with suspicion.
Then, her former master contacts her, bringing back all the heartbreak and pain of their former association, but Raven might be the key to keeping William from taking over. Can Cass withstand the suspicion and scrutiny of the council? Or will her past keep her from saving the present?
Lots of angst. If you like angsty, brooding mages willing to sacrifice themselves for their sins and denying their love for their naive young apprentices because they are "better off without them"...than this is your cup of tea. Most of the action revolves around Cass, Raven, and Cass' very understanding and overly compassionate-wise Aunt planning how to foil Wiliam's plans.
In fact everyone who dealt with Raven was overly wise and compassionate, including Cass' partner (in love with Cass) who becomes Raven's like best friend. This overwhelming amount of sympathy and "dont' blame yourself too much for the years of dark magery when you tortured people with William" sometimes felt a bit too much. I kind of wanted Raven to be more tortured and less understood since he had done some really dark things.
And I wished for more agency by Cass. As the heroine, I wanted less passive understanding and forgiveness and more active holding Raven to account and managing her own destiny.
Still, an enjoyable, obviously well thought-out alternate world with likeable characters. Wished for a bit more Portland landmark featuring, but the bits name-dropped were fun :)
An Urban Fantasy-esque story of mages in an alternate Portland, Oregon featuring "Guardians" trying to protect a mixed mundane and magical community from a dark mage bent on taking over the world.
Cass had the naivete and bad luck to apprentice herself to Corwyn Ravenscroft....a mage who ended up being one of William's (dark mage bent on taking over the world who tortures people for fun) right hand men. She got out in time, but now as a Guardian (magical beat cop ) responsible for keeping mundanes and magical people safe, she's mostly shunned and regarded with suspicion.
Then, her former master contacts her, bringing back all the heartbreak and pain of their former association, but Raven might be the key to keeping William from taking over. Can Cass withstand the suspicion and scrutiny of the council? Or will her past keep her from saving the present?
Lots of angst. If you like angsty, brooding mages willing to sacrifice themselves for their sins and denying their love for their naive young apprentices because they are "better off without them"...than this is your cup of tea. Most of the action revolves around Cass, Raven, and Cass' very understanding and overly compassionate-wise Aunt planning how to foil Wiliam's plans.
In fact everyone who dealt with Raven was overly wise and compassionate, including Cass' partner (in love with Cass) who becomes Raven's like best friend. This overwhelming amount of sympathy and "dont' blame yourself too much for the years of dark magery when you tortured people with William" sometimes felt a bit too much. I kind of wanted Raven to be more tortured and less understood since he had done some really dark things.
And I wished for more agency by Cass. As the heroine, I wanted less passive understanding and forgiveness and more active holding Raven to account and managing her own destiny.
Still, an enjoyable, obviously well thought-out alternate world with likeable characters. Wished for a bit more Portland landmark featuring, but the bits name-dropped were fun :)
January 31, 2015
I liked the world Shawna Reppert has built in Ravensblood. The relationship between Cass and Raven is complex and the author has taken her time in developing it in this book which is always a major draw for me. I don't read too many mage books, but I'm now wondering if I should.
Read
August 10, 2016Well done, but I was hoping not to be hit so hard so soon with so much death and tragedy. Sometimes I find a dark fantasy I like - because the author gets me invested in a noble character early on and only then springs the darkness - but this is not one of those, and so not to my taste.
November 15, 2021
Well, I made it to page 37. Life is too short to read such nonsense. I quit.
December 30, 2020
I read this book, mainly because the author made an interesting comment on a group thread in Facebook. What she said led me to look up this book series. I wasn't expecting much since I'd never heard of her, but I was most pleasantly surprised.
This was a gritty, dark, and surprisingly original urban fantasy. It is set in an alternative Portland, Oregon, where the world is split into the mundane, the Art (magic), and the Craft (more religious with some magic thrown in). The world is split further into the Dark and Light and is still recovering from a devastating magic war that the Light won by the skin of their teeth.
Cass, the main character, is somewhat of a cipher since she was trained by a dark mage and escaped that life to become a Guardian, a policewoman for the light. Raven, her past mentor and lover is the secondhand man for the opposing Dark. The Dark is on the move and has a plan to start a new war. Raven, more misunderstood than truly evil must make a choice about whom he is really loyal too and whom he really wants to serve.
This story does a brilliant job of taking an old trope, the battle between good and evil, and giving it an original spin. Yes, good is obvious and evil is obvious, but this takes into account those grey areas where humanity dwells. How sometimes the good choice isn't always the right one. It also doesn't fade to black after the choices are made, but shows the consequences of those choices.
I like the magic system employed as well. Sure we have mages and magic users and that may seem done to death, but we have a unique world developed here where the magic and mundane live and work somewhat together. Where a person can teleport or take a cab. Everyone knows about everyone else is and even though wary, they are accepting. The magic rules seem to work and there is no weird explanation or deus ex machina to rely on.
Overall, this was an entertaining, emotional, and exhilarating read. I always judge books by the plot, the characterization, and if I'd read the sequel. So, the plot was exciting, it drew me in and kept up a steady pace, the characters were believable, complex, and dynamic. They had real feelings and complicated backgrounds that influenced their actions like real people. As for reading the sequel? Yes, already downloaded!
If you like dark Urban Fantasy or alternative fantasy, this should be your next read. You won't regret it!
This was a gritty, dark, and surprisingly original urban fantasy. It is set in an alternative Portland, Oregon, where the world is split into the mundane, the Art (magic), and the Craft (more religious with some magic thrown in). The world is split further into the Dark and Light and is still recovering from a devastating magic war that the Light won by the skin of their teeth.
Cass, the main character, is somewhat of a cipher since she was trained by a dark mage and escaped that life to become a Guardian, a policewoman for the light. Raven, her past mentor and lover is the secondhand man for the opposing Dark. The Dark is on the move and has a plan to start a new war. Raven, more misunderstood than truly evil must make a choice about whom he is really loyal too and whom he really wants to serve.
This story does a brilliant job of taking an old trope, the battle between good and evil, and giving it an original spin. Yes, good is obvious and evil is obvious, but this takes into account those grey areas where humanity dwells. How sometimes the good choice isn't always the right one. It also doesn't fade to black after the choices are made, but shows the consequences of those choices.
I like the magic system employed as well. Sure we have mages and magic users and that may seem done to death, but we have a unique world developed here where the magic and mundane live and work somewhat together. Where a person can teleport or take a cab. Everyone knows about everyone else is and even though wary, they are accepting. The magic rules seem to work and there is no weird explanation or deus ex machina to rely on.
Overall, this was an entertaining, emotional, and exhilarating read. I always judge books by the plot, the characterization, and if I'd read the sequel. So, the plot was exciting, it drew me in and kept up a steady pace, the characters were believable, complex, and dynamic. They had real feelings and complicated backgrounds that influenced their actions like real people. As for reading the sequel? Yes, already downloaded!
If you like dark Urban Fantasy or alternative fantasy, this should be your next read. You won't regret it!
April 8, 2019
It can be argued that mages in a contemporary setting has been done to death, but there's something about Shawna Reppert's Ravensblood that drew me in. The story has a sort of Harry Potteresque feel, but imagines a world where magic has been normalised – and what the possible impact it would have on society.
There's the division between light and dark mages, with enough grey areas between to make me happy that this story had some morally ambiguous areas. And then there's the fact that I'm a sucker for redemption arcs and broody anti-heroes of a gothic bent. Which makes this novel very much a not-so-guilty indulgence for me between other, more serious reads.
And if there wasn't a bit of Severus Snape in Corwyn Ravenscroft then I'll eat my magic mouse.
This the first in a series, so I'm glad to see there are more books to follow up, as I've grown rather attached to both Cass and Corwyn. The story thus far is quite simple – Cass lost her taste for dark magic and returned to serving the light – and more specifically the Guardians – a sort of special force to protect society, but she still has a huge stigma attached to her due to her association with the notorious Corwyn – or Raven as she calls him. Cass's partner, Zack, is an Aussie with attitude, but he's a man of honour who stands by Cass when others are quick to judge her.
Corwyn is the right-hand man of the dark mage William, who hides behind his magical wards while biding his time to bring about a new age that sees him as the great overlord.
Look, I'm not going to spoil what happens, but there's a lovely redemption arc narrative here, with the whiff of a not-quite love triangle. I like the fact that the dark and light mages are portrayed as human – not just convenient caricatures. Not all the good guys are squeaky clean and some of the bad guys are pretty decent people too – just that their outlooks on life set them at polar opposites. And I reckon that's probably what kept me reading.
While Reppert doesn't cover any fresh ground in terms of tropes, she tells a good story with heart, and motivated me to purchase book 2 in this series the moment I was done. Consider me invested and looking forward to what happens next.
There's the division between light and dark mages, with enough grey areas between to make me happy that this story had some morally ambiguous areas. And then there's the fact that I'm a sucker for redemption arcs and broody anti-heroes of a gothic bent. Which makes this novel very much a not-so-guilty indulgence for me between other, more serious reads.
And if there wasn't a bit of Severus Snape in Corwyn Ravenscroft then I'll eat my magic mouse.
This the first in a series, so I'm glad to see there are more books to follow up, as I've grown rather attached to both Cass and Corwyn. The story thus far is quite simple – Cass lost her taste for dark magic and returned to serving the light – and more specifically the Guardians – a sort of special force to protect society, but she still has a huge stigma attached to her due to her association with the notorious Corwyn – or Raven as she calls him. Cass's partner, Zack, is an Aussie with attitude, but he's a man of honour who stands by Cass when others are quick to judge her.
Corwyn is the right-hand man of the dark mage William, who hides behind his magical wards while biding his time to bring about a new age that sees him as the great overlord.
Look, I'm not going to spoil what happens, but there's a lovely redemption arc narrative here, with the whiff of a not-quite love triangle. I like the fact that the dark and light mages are portrayed as human – not just convenient caricatures. Not all the good guys are squeaky clean and some of the bad guys are pretty decent people too – just that their outlooks on life set them at polar opposites. And I reckon that's probably what kept me reading.
While Reppert doesn't cover any fresh ground in terms of tropes, she tells a good story with heart, and motivated me to purchase book 2 in this series the moment I was done. Consider me invested and looking forward to what happens next.
July 16, 2021
It’s dark, it’s hard and it’s really good
The best things?
The story embodies the road less taken, as Ms Reppert never leads us on the expected path and there are no easy answers, just costly ones. I really hope Raven and Cass gets some of the light they deserve in future stories, as this one’s mostly painful for them both. Utterly necessary as a series foundation though.
Raven’s character. It’s so difficult to write people who’ve made horrific choices and are truly trying to come back from them. How much guilt kept is enough to let the reader sympathize, without blaming the character for taking his sins too lightly? What makes repentance feel real to another person? How do we trust another’s heart, when he himself does not? Ms. Reppert does a beautiful job of balancing the whole, of making Raven’s choices make sense, the evil and the good.
And such a lovely choice to make Zach the fulcrum for it all. Most writers would have chosen Cass to show Raven the light, but that’s not what happens here and the story makes more sense because of it. Zach offers Raven understanding and permission at crucial moments, and is completely necessary to the ending. Even Zach though isn’t 100% the hero, no one is—and that’s so very human.
Wonderful stuff. Now where’s the next book?
The best things?
The story embodies the road less taken, as Ms Reppert never leads us on the expected path and there are no easy answers, just costly ones. I really hope Raven and Cass gets some of the light they deserve in future stories, as this one’s mostly painful for them both. Utterly necessary as a series foundation though.
Raven’s character. It’s so difficult to write people who’ve made horrific choices and are truly trying to come back from them. How much guilt kept is enough to let the reader sympathize, without blaming the character for taking his sins too lightly? What makes repentance feel real to another person? How do we trust another’s heart, when he himself does not? Ms. Reppert does a beautiful job of balancing the whole, of making Raven’s choices make sense, the evil and the good.
And such a lovely choice to make Zach the fulcrum for it all. Most writers would have chosen Cass to show Raven the light, but that’s not what happens here and the story makes more sense because of it. Zach offers Raven understanding and permission at crucial moments, and is completely necessary to the ending. Even Zach though isn’t 100% the hero, no one is—and that’s so very human.
Wonderful stuff. Now where’s the next book?
August 11, 2025
Heavily leaning to 3.5 but based totally on the creativity of the world building, I'm rounding up. While the setting may be the "Portland area", the universe is fully magical with a "Triverse" ruling - Mundane (human), Art, & Craft - magic users. Obviously good vs evil (Black magic) but oh so much grey in there. The fmc (Cassie) and mmc (Raven) had bunches of history - for the good and bad. This sets up the current state where Raven turns back to Cassie in hopes of cleaning the slate and making the change back to "the light". Cassie's aunt Ana plays a heavy role in the story as does her Guardian partner, Zack. There are a few pretty heavy and dark scenes to prove just how bad the evil guys (and ruler) are. Raven is a tormented soul that deserves more than a bit of groveling. However, there is a bit (almost) too much forgiveness and pandering to bring him in. The ending frustrated me a bit *** SPOILER*** when all assumed William was dead but none of the spies had been found and it seemed no one was arrested from his mansion. There's way too much bad still left running around. I guess that tees up the next 2 books? I will continue with the series.
December 7, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. This book is fantastic, the story is so awesome and full of emotions, I couldn't put this down until I ended. The characters are so real and so well written that you can easily find yourself or a friend reflected on them, you start to love and care for them. Amazing book!!! can´t wait to read more from Shawna Reppert.
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. It flowed perfectly and keep me wanting more. I highly recommend this paranormal thriller book.
This author is truly comfortable in his writing style. It is clean, lean, just what is needed to help the reader look forward to his future stories. It flowed perfectly and keep me wanting more. I highly recommend this paranormal thriller book.
July 23, 2021
Have you ever been to Portland? If so, you might well recognize it in this book. At least the streets and the weather! An Urban Fantasy with the city as its setting, the denizens of this Portland are in fear of wicked dark mage William.
The magic system is well described and the characters are multi-faceted and complex. There’s a nice redemption arc and character growth.
Readers don’t see a lot of pure good here, but instead shades of grey that are doing their best. There’s action, adventure and romance all in this first novel of a series. There is a bit much of ‘everyone is pretty/handsome’ and ‘everyone forgives the mistakes you’ve made,’ but that aside, it was an enjoyable read.
The magic system is well described and the characters are multi-faceted and complex. There’s a nice redemption arc and character growth.
Readers don’t see a lot of pure good here, but instead shades of grey that are doing their best. There’s action, adventure and romance all in this first novel of a series. There is a bit much of ‘everyone is pretty/handsome’ and ‘everyone forgives the mistakes you’ve made,’ but that aside, it was an enjoyable read.
December 11, 2022
Ravensblood was a really great read, full of suspense and thrills, I took an indepth journey with these mages, thorough enjoyed it.
I do have a criticism, however, the character Zeke was portrayed as an Australian and the author confused Australian way of speech with many UK characteristics!
An Australian does not call their dad 'Da' that is from Ireland or Scotland, and I very much doubt that any Australian male would call someone 'luv' as well as other misrepresentations of Australian speech.
otherwise, I would recommend this book to other fantasy lovers.
I do have a criticism, however, the character Zeke was portrayed as an Australian and the author confused Australian way of speech with many UK characteristics!
An Australian does not call their dad 'Da' that is from Ireland or Scotland, and I very much doubt that any Australian male would call someone 'luv' as well as other misrepresentations of Australian speech.
otherwise, I would recommend this book to other fantasy lovers.
September 14, 2022
The storyline is interesting enough, but it is a bit, okay a lot, melodramatic. I read the whole book anyway though! Maybe a bit like..."Hey, what if Darth Vader wanted to come back to the light?"
It is a classic good vs evil story where some folks are drawn back to one or the other side. The main evil is pretty evil--and there are some particularly gruesome (but fast) moments. There were also some moments for the sake of the plot where the main evil probably should have been MORE evil...but that's another story!
It is a classic good vs evil story where some folks are drawn back to one or the other side. The main evil is pretty evil--and there are some particularly gruesome (but fast) moments. There were also some moments for the sake of the plot where the main evil probably should have been MORE evil...but that's another story!
October 10, 2023
An amazing read
There was nothing to dislike about the book. The characters are richly developed and easy to hate/love.
This is a true story of love and redemption. I couldn't put it down and, admittedly cried at the end.
One of those books you don't want to end. Bravo! I now have another spectacularly talented author to follow.
There was nothing to dislike about the book. The characters are richly developed and easy to hate/love.
This is a true story of love and redemption. I couldn't put it down and, admittedly cried at the end.
One of those books you don't want to end. Bravo! I now have another spectacularly talented author to follow.
August 23, 2025
Ravensblood instantly hooked me with its mix of dark magic, high stakes, and the promise of redemption. The idea of a mage torn between his past sins and a dangerous mission for freedom makes this sound like an intense, emotional ride. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy who enjoy complex characters and a story where love, trust, and power collide.
September 6, 2017
An interesting premise and characters I want to follow further. It's dark, which I'm not usually a fan of, but there was enough trust and affection between some of the characters to keep me reading, and I want to know how these relationships develop in the coming books.
August 4, 2022
I did not end the book, could not. This is a rehash or wants to be a rehash of another series I love. So maybe I'm being unfair, but I found what I read boring, boring, boring and without any interesting plot to follow.
March 10, 2018
Good book, well written and suspenseful.
My main quibble with this book is that the descriptions of the bloody scenes gave it quite a dark feel.
more to follow
My main quibble with this book is that the descriptions of the bloody scenes gave it quite a dark feel.
more to follow
May 13, 2023
I couldn't put it down.
January 19, 2018
Interesting take on magic and police drama. It's nice to see a protagonist who isn't an edgy loner with a bad attitude and a tramp stamp. Her motivations and history are more complex than that.
I will admit that the Kindle edition was so full of typos that I found it very distracting.
I will admit that the Kindle edition was so full of typos that I found it very distracting.
January 17, 2018
I loved this book! The cover doesn't do it justice. It's fast-paced and interesting.
Because we are no longer using half stars, I bumped my rating of Ravensblood up from 4.5 to 5. It definitely deserves it.
This is an updated review. My original review appeared on our old blog in 2015.
I received a free digital copy from the author for review consideration. My opinions are my own.
The Story
The story revolves around Cass, a Guardian who has a shady history because she, years earlier, apprenticed and fell in love with a dark mage named Raven. She has tried to put her past behind her but it still seems to follow her around.
It becomes clear she cannot escape her past when Raven decides he doesn’t want to be a dark mage anymore and asks for Cass’s help in getting out from under the control of William, the leader of the dark mages. When Cass refuses to help Raven, Raven feels he has no other way to escape William than to kill himself. At this point, Cass realizes Raven’s sincerity and intervenes.
The rest of the story revolves around Cass and Raven finding a way to stop William from gaining ultimate power.
Ravensblood is fast-paced. Even though there is much to be learned about Cass and Raven’s pasts, the story moves quickly. I only noticed one lull. Around 80%, just when you’d think that the story would speed up to get to the climax, it slows down for Raven and Cass’s partner Zack to do some male bonding. I understood why this was necessary–future actions depended upon it–but the timing seemed off.
The Characters
I thought the characters were well-motivated and thoroughly developed. Cass and Raven are likable and interesting. Even though Raven has done some bad things in his past and is dark and brooding, I couldn’t help but feel for him. At least he wanted to try to do the right thing.
For some people, the romance in this book might be too dull. There is no kissing, touching, or anything else along those lines. Personally, I liked that they had some big issues to overcome. The author didn’t take the easy way out and throw them back into one another’s arms.
The Writing
Shawna Reppert’s writing impressed me. It was clean and showed a level of sophistication I didn’t expect from an indie author. It goes to prove that more and more skilled writers are going the direction of self-publication. (Note: when I wrote this, I was new to the indie experience. I know better now; I see more and more examples all the time of indie books that are excellent.)
If I had to be critical, my main complaint would be that I thought the world could have been developed in more detail. It could have used some history that explained how mages came to be in our world to live among the “Mundanes.” Also, considering how much magic is present in the world, I was surprised there were no preternatural or mythological creatures, supernatural beings, gods or goddesses.
Do I Recommend?
Yes, I absolutely recommend readers check out Ravensblood. I loved this book!
Aside: Normally I don’t mention covers. I want to comment on this one, though, because I think a book this good should have a better cover. The raven is pretty, but it doesn’t give the reader any kind of sense of what this book is about. If I had just seen this cover on Amazon, I probably wouldn’t have clicked through to find out what the book was about, which is a pity.
I think this book has the potential to appeal to a lot of urban fantasy readers. It has a little romance and a lot of magefire-throwing action. I recommend it to readers who like stories about spellcasters, characters tormented by their pasts, and romantic relationships that need more trust and forgiveness.
My Rating: 5/5 stars (A)
Because we are no longer using half stars, I bumped my rating of Ravensblood up from 4.5 to 5. It definitely deserves it.
This is an updated review. My original review appeared on our old blog in 2015.
I received a free digital copy from the author for review consideration. My opinions are my own.
The Story
The story revolves around Cass, a Guardian who has a shady history because she, years earlier, apprenticed and fell in love with a dark mage named Raven. She has tried to put her past behind her but it still seems to follow her around.
It becomes clear she cannot escape her past when Raven decides he doesn’t want to be a dark mage anymore and asks for Cass’s help in getting out from under the control of William, the leader of the dark mages. When Cass refuses to help Raven, Raven feels he has no other way to escape William than to kill himself. At this point, Cass realizes Raven’s sincerity and intervenes.
The rest of the story revolves around Cass and Raven finding a way to stop William from gaining ultimate power.
Ravensblood is fast-paced. Even though there is much to be learned about Cass and Raven’s pasts, the story moves quickly. I only noticed one lull. Around 80%, just when you’d think that the story would speed up to get to the climax, it slows down for Raven and Cass’s partner Zack to do some male bonding. I understood why this was necessary–future actions depended upon it–but the timing seemed off.
The Characters
I thought the characters were well-motivated and thoroughly developed. Cass and Raven are likable and interesting. Even though Raven has done some bad things in his past and is dark and brooding, I couldn’t help but feel for him. At least he wanted to try to do the right thing.
For some people, the romance in this book might be too dull. There is no kissing, touching, or anything else along those lines. Personally, I liked that they had some big issues to overcome. The author didn’t take the easy way out and throw them back into one another’s arms.
The Writing
Shawna Reppert’s writing impressed me. It was clean and showed a level of sophistication I didn’t expect from an indie author. It goes to prove that more and more skilled writers are going the direction of self-publication. (Note: when I wrote this, I was new to the indie experience. I know better now; I see more and more examples all the time of indie books that are excellent.)
If I had to be critical, my main complaint would be that I thought the world could have been developed in more detail. It could have used some history that explained how mages came to be in our world to live among the “Mundanes.” Also, considering how much magic is present in the world, I was surprised there were no preternatural or mythological creatures, supernatural beings, gods or goddesses.
Do I Recommend?
Yes, I absolutely recommend readers check out Ravensblood. I loved this book!
Aside: Normally I don’t mention covers. I want to comment on this one, though, because I think a book this good should have a better cover. The raven is pretty, but it doesn’t give the reader any kind of sense of what this book is about. If I had just seen this cover on Amazon, I probably wouldn’t have clicked through to find out what the book was about, which is a pity.
I think this book has the potential to appeal to a lot of urban fantasy readers. It has a little romance and a lot of magefire-throwing action. I recommend it to readers who like stories about spellcasters, characters tormented by their pasts, and romantic relationships that need more trust and forgiveness.
My Rating: 5/5 stars (A)
June 28, 2015
In each book of the Ravensblood series, author Shawna Reppert ticks off a laundry list of time-honored gothic novel elements, but subtly makes them her own:
*Orphaned young heroine, family members who’ve met untimely deaths. Despite her revered family name, orphaned Cassandra Greensdown, the primary focus of Book 1, struggles to overcome her past association as apprentice and lover to dark mage Corwyn Ravenscroft. But it is the also-orphaned Raven—whose mistreatment because of his dark family legacy has made him an outcast, and whose father murdered his mother—who actually embodies this trope.
*Gloomy mansion, preferably with turrets. Raven’s antique-filled home meets the requirements for this. But interestingly enough, it’s the house built by their mysterious opponent—“all modern angles and open spaces and shiny glass” that conveys the cold rejection of tradition and connection to the past.
*Weather that mirrors the frightening series of events. Ironically, the gloomy weather of the Pacific Northwest holds the comforting sense of home to Raven— especially when the separated lovers are reunited on a rain-misted clifftop—while his sojourn in sun-baked Australia is alien and disquieting.
*Mysteriously significant piece of jewelry or other macguffin. And nothing says gothic like death magic! The Ravensblood stone—forged with Raven’s blood and the deaths of his apprentice Daniel, strengthened by the deaths of two others—is the macguffin driving the plot. In the hands of their opponent, its soul-deep connection to Raven both threatens his life and the survival of everyone he’s come (reluctantly) to care about.
While the Ravensblood is the device that powers each plot, both books’ greatest strength lies in the complex characters of their two protagonists. Both Cass and Raven are deeply wounded, almost fatally flawed. He’s faced a lifetime of rejection from his own family and his magical world. She’s been betrayed by him at the deepest levels, both romantically and professionally. Trusting each other is hard enough, but trusting others is almost impossible.
This leads to some of the most harrowing experiences in the book, as Raven is taken on a spirit journey by an enigmatic Australian mage. But it also inspires some of the book’s lighter and laugh out loud humorous episodes, as the fugitive Raven must make his way without using the magic that would reveal him to his pursuers. The powerful mage who has only traveled by teleporting is almost paralyzed with fear when faced with the prospect of getting on an airplane. And he’s nearly helpless as he stands, clueless, at the entry to the airport with absolutely no idea of how to get from there to the plane, only to be rescued by the pity of a little old lady.
With the complex, evolving characters of Raven and Cass as focus, and the nicely three-dimensional supporting cast, the plot is secondary. If I had a criticism, it would be that the identity and final confrontation with their enemy in Book 2 was telegraphed early and thus lacked monumental impact. But the overall style of the writing shows the author’s confident grasp of setting, character, and theme.
Bottom line? I’d give Raven’s Wing five stars and look forward to the rest of the series. If you like a dark, character-driven fantasy with a strong romantic theme, this series is for you.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Orphaned young heroine, family members who’ve met untimely deaths. Despite her revered family name, orphaned Cassandra Greensdown, the primary focus of Book 1, struggles to overcome her past association as apprentice and lover to dark mage Corwyn Ravenscroft. But it is the also-orphaned Raven—whose mistreatment because of his dark family legacy has made him an outcast, and whose father murdered his mother—who actually embodies this trope.
*Gloomy mansion, preferably with turrets. Raven’s antique-filled home meets the requirements for this. But interestingly enough, it’s the house built by their mysterious opponent—“all modern angles and open spaces and shiny glass” that conveys the cold rejection of tradition and connection to the past.
*Weather that mirrors the frightening series of events. Ironically, the gloomy weather of the Pacific Northwest holds the comforting sense of home to Raven— especially when the separated lovers are reunited on a rain-misted clifftop—while his sojourn in sun-baked Australia is alien and disquieting.
*Mysteriously significant piece of jewelry or other macguffin. And nothing says gothic like death magic! The Ravensblood stone—forged with Raven’s blood and the deaths of his apprentice Daniel, strengthened by the deaths of two others—is the macguffin driving the plot. In the hands of their opponent, its soul-deep connection to Raven both threatens his life and the survival of everyone he’s come (reluctantly) to care about.
While the Ravensblood is the device that powers each plot, both books’ greatest strength lies in the complex characters of their two protagonists. Both Cass and Raven are deeply wounded, almost fatally flawed. He’s faced a lifetime of rejection from his own family and his magical world. She’s been betrayed by him at the deepest levels, both romantically and professionally. Trusting each other is hard enough, but trusting others is almost impossible.
This leads to some of the most harrowing experiences in the book, as Raven is taken on a spirit journey by an enigmatic Australian mage. But it also inspires some of the book’s lighter and laugh out loud humorous episodes, as the fugitive Raven must make his way without using the magic that would reveal him to his pursuers. The powerful mage who has only traveled by teleporting is almost paralyzed with fear when faced with the prospect of getting on an airplane. And he’s nearly helpless as he stands, clueless, at the entry to the airport with absolutely no idea of how to get from there to the plane, only to be rescued by the pity of a little old lady.
With the complex, evolving characters of Raven and Cass as focus, and the nicely three-dimensional supporting cast, the plot is secondary. If I had a criticism, it would be that the identity and final confrontation with their enemy in Book 2 was telegraphed early and thus lacked monumental impact. But the overall style of the writing shows the author’s confident grasp of setting, character, and theme.
Bottom line? I’d give Raven’s Wing five stars and look forward to the rest of the series. If you like a dark, character-driven fantasy with a strong romantic theme, this series is for you.
**I received this book for free from the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
December 8, 2014
A whole lot of people are going to like this one. Whether you’re into Romance, Urban Fantasy, or ordinary Fantasy, this novel has something for you. Trust me. Hey, it’s even a cop story, if you like that sort of thing.
“Ravensblood” is the story of Cass, a very mixed up young Guardian who has turned away from the evil of Dark Magic, represented by her former mentor and lover, Corwen Ravenscroft. She has tried to become a decent member of society and a policewoman to boot. She is fighting her way through the prejudice of her fellow Guardians, the hatred of her superiors, and her own divided feelings for Raven, when he suddenly returns to her life. He wants out of his association with William, the most evil, terrifying dark mage in the world. Only she can help him turn to the light without ending up the subject of a multi-day experiment in torture.
Just to make the situation more difficult, Raven tells her that he has created the Ravensblood, a stone that will increase the power of any mage who uses it. With the Ravensblood, William could bring the world under his sadistic rule.
The plot spirals rapidly downhill from there. Ms. Reppert is an expert at creating damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situations that tax relationships and personalities to the exploding point. Complication piles on complication, with the freedom of the nation’s population at stake. We become involved with characters with believable goals and ideals, placed in dire but believable circumstances where we really care whether they win (survive) or not.The suspense is palpable.
The whole thing piles up to an ending that, despite all the author’s careful hints and preparation, still knocks our socks off. And also wraps up several conflicts: the romantic one, the personal one, the political one, even the good-vs-evil one. But not quite enough. I can sniff out a sequel.
Can’t wait.
“Ravensblood” is the story of Cass, a very mixed up young Guardian who has turned away from the evil of Dark Magic, represented by her former mentor and lover, Corwen Ravenscroft. She has tried to become a decent member of society and a policewoman to boot. She is fighting her way through the prejudice of her fellow Guardians, the hatred of her superiors, and her own divided feelings for Raven, when he suddenly returns to her life. He wants out of his association with William, the most evil, terrifying dark mage in the world. Only she can help him turn to the light without ending up the subject of a multi-day experiment in torture.
Just to make the situation more difficult, Raven tells her that he has created the Ravensblood, a stone that will increase the power of any mage who uses it. With the Ravensblood, William could bring the world under his sadistic rule.
The plot spirals rapidly downhill from there. Ms. Reppert is an expert at creating damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situations that tax relationships and personalities to the exploding point. Complication piles on complication, with the freedom of the nation’s population at stake. We become involved with characters with believable goals and ideals, placed in dire but believable circumstances where we really care whether they win (survive) or not.The suspense is palpable.
The whole thing piles up to an ending that, despite all the author’s careful hints and preparation, still knocks our socks off. And also wraps up several conflicts: the romantic one, the personal one, the political one, even the good-vs-evil one. But not quite enough. I can sniff out a sequel.
Can’t wait.
February 20, 2015
Ravensblood is book one in the Ravensblood Trilogy by Shawna Reppert. The story is set in an urban fantasy world full of magic and mayhem, but its got cop influences and a dash of romance to really round out the book and make it unique.
Cassandra is a Guardian, or a magical policeman. In her world, Art, Craft, and Mundanes all collide to form a magic-filled universe with a lot of danger potential. She's working through a lot of ignorant suspicion in her job, but she's stubborn. I think that's what I like most about her. She's self-confident enough to know who she is even when everyone else is telling her different.
And then there's Raven. The dark mage with a conscious ready to play spy against the most dangerous man in the world. And he only trusts Cass. So she's got to work with the 'bad' guy no one trusts while saving the world.
Yeah, if that wasn't complicated enough. She worked with him before. This smells of personal issues. But Cass is a top-notch heroine. And I love Raven. He's the 'bad' guy you just have to cheer for. Emotionally stunted, but he wants to do better. He's got the determination, if he can get a second chance. And he'll learn a few things along the way.
Cassandra is a Guardian, or a magical policeman. In her world, Art, Craft, and Mundanes all collide to form a magic-filled universe with a lot of danger potential. She's working through a lot of ignorant suspicion in her job, but she's stubborn. I think that's what I like most about her. She's self-confident enough to know who she is even when everyone else is telling her different.
And then there's Raven. The dark mage with a conscious ready to play spy against the most dangerous man in the world. And he only trusts Cass. So she's got to work with the 'bad' guy no one trusts while saving the world.
Yeah, if that wasn't complicated enough. She worked with him before. This smells of personal issues. But Cass is a top-notch heroine. And I love Raven. He's the 'bad' guy you just have to cheer for. Emotionally stunted, but he wants to do better. He's got the determination, if he can get a second chance. And he'll learn a few things along the way.
October 15, 2014
Ravensblood was my first taste of adult urban fantasy. It is set in a parallel world where the Three Communities (Art, Craft and Mundane) live side by side in a sort of uneasy peace, a number of years after a brutal and devastating mage war ended. There is still a powerful dark mage, WIlliam. He lives in hiding, plots for world domination, and surrounds himself with talented, corruptible mages to achieve his aim. Raven is one of them.
Ravensblood is the story of how he tries to escape William's clutches with the help of his former apprentice Cassandra, a member of the magical law enforcement whose reputation is strongly tarnished by her past association with him. They have to learn to trust each other again in order to foil William's plans. And rebuilding trust is only the smallest of the obstacles they encounter.
Ravensblood is a riveting read that had me spellbound from the first to the last page, bringing the characters and the close-to-real Oregon settings to life in my imagination.
The story of Raven and Cass does not end with the book, and I hope to see the sequel published soon.
Ravensblood is the story of how he tries to escape William's clutches with the help of his former apprentice Cassandra, a member of the magical law enforcement whose reputation is strongly tarnished by her past association with him. They have to learn to trust each other again in order to foil William's plans. And rebuilding trust is only the smallest of the obstacles they encounter.
Ravensblood is a riveting read that had me spellbound from the first to the last page, bringing the characters and the close-to-real Oregon settings to life in my imagination.
The story of Raven and Cass does not end with the book, and I hope to see the sequel published soon.
April 13, 2015
*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Ravensblood is the first book I have read by new to me author Shawna Reppert but it definitely won't be the last! Although listed as Urban Fantasy this book really is a mesh of many genres and I would imagine it appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.
Edging towards the darker side of things the imagery, characters, and world in this story are very well developed and the story moves at a swift pace making it very easy to sit and read without stopping.
My only complaint would be the very end. Without spoilers I am just going to say I think I was expecting something a little different but that won't stop me swiftly moving on to book 2!
4 out of 5 starts from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Ravensblood is the first book I have read by new to me author Shawna Reppert but it definitely won't be the last! Although listed as Urban Fantasy this book really is a mesh of many genres and I would imagine it appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.
Edging towards the darker side of things the imagery, characters, and world in this story are very well developed and the story moves at a swift pace making it very easy to sit and read without stopping.
My only complaint would be the very end. Without spoilers I am just going to say I think I was expecting something a little different but that won't stop me swiftly moving on to book 2!
4 out of 5 starts from me!
V""V
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
July 28, 2015
Fast-paced action-packed urban fantasy that was a very exciting read!
In an alternate universe that has Portland, Oregon as its capitol live people divided into Crafts, Arts and Mundane. Guardians are there to keep everyone safe after the last Mage Wars. There is an evil mage with his followers that need to be dealt with and the Guardians are doing their best to do just that. The main characters in the book are: Raven, a dark mage; Cass, once his apprentice but now a Guardian; William – the evil dark mage wanting to take over the world; and many more. There is light & dark, black & white, murder & mayhem, honesty & dishonesty, steadfastness & disloyalty and a story that kept me reading late into the night.
This I the first in what the author has said will be a trilogy and I look forward to reading all of the books in the series!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review
In an alternate universe that has Portland, Oregon as its capitol live people divided into Crafts, Arts and Mundane. Guardians are there to keep everyone safe after the last Mage Wars. There is an evil mage with his followers that need to be dealt with and the Guardians are doing their best to do just that. The main characters in the book are: Raven, a dark mage; Cass, once his apprentice but now a Guardian; William – the evil dark mage wanting to take over the world; and many more. There is light & dark, black & white, murder & mayhem, honesty & dishonesty, steadfastness & disloyalty and a story that kept me reading late into the night.
This I the first in what the author has said will be a trilogy and I look forward to reading all of the books in the series!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review
June 8, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by the Author for an honest review.
RAVENSBLOOD is a great mix of fantasy, romance and action. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Cassandra is a guardian and is part of the light mages. Raven is a dark mage and once had Cassandra as an apprentice and lover. Now Cassandra is trying to get past what she had done with Raven in the past. With Williams rise in power of the dark mages, they must stop him. Raven comes to Cassandra wanting to leave William, for he does not have the stomach to be a dark mage anymore. Cassandra and her Aunt use Raven as a spy to try and stop Williams reign of terror. This is such a great story and by the end I was rooting for Raven. I recommend this book to everyone and I cannot wait to start reading book two. I give RAVENSBLOOD 5/5 STARS.
RAVENSBLOOD is a great mix of fantasy, romance and action. The characters and story line are very well-developed. Cassandra is a guardian and is part of the light mages. Raven is a dark mage and once had Cassandra as an apprentice and lover. Now Cassandra is trying to get past what she had done with Raven in the past. With Williams rise in power of the dark mages, they must stop him. Raven comes to Cassandra wanting to leave William, for he does not have the stomach to be a dark mage anymore. Cassandra and her Aunt use Raven as a spy to try and stop Williams reign of terror. This is such a great story and by the end I was rooting for Raven. I recommend this book to everyone and I cannot wait to start reading book two. I give RAVENSBLOOD 5/5 STARS.
August 27, 2015
Read in one day. I was strongly hooked from chapter two on, basically from the moment Raven stepped onto the page. (Not that I didn't like Cassandra, too, but I found Raven fascinating.) A complex character struggling for redemption and instead pushed into the gray world and hard moral choices facing a spy. Strong tension, lots of plot twists and turns, and an interesting world with three communities Art, Craft and Mundane intersecting. The romance element was of the slow-burn type as Cass and Raven learn to trust each other again. Looking forward to the sequel Raven's Wing!
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
September 21, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. WOW is the first impression. So many things happen in this book that get you hooked and completely apart of the story and emotions and excitement. The writer did an excellent job of bringing out a wide range of emotions and using them to introduce you to the characters and pull for them as they take on William a Dark Mage. Awesome book can't wait for the next of the series.
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