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Raven Rock
SEMI-FINALIST for Chanticleer International Book Reviews 2023 Goethe Historical Fiction Award
Honorable Mention in the Mainstream/Literary Fiction category of the 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Honorable Mention in the Literary category of the Historical Fiction Company's 2023 Book of the Year Award
"Raven Rock stands resolute as a self-contained masterpiece, an engrossing narrative exquisitely crafted with prose that resonates with a rare, breathtaking splendor." - The Historical Fiction Company
Who was the Headless Horseman?
1776. Wolfram Kaspar Von Hultz of Hesse-Cassel is about to embark on a perilous journey to fight the American rebels with the Hessian force allied to the British Army. Although a reluctant soldier, he knows his birthright is to fulfill his duty to the Landgraf. Wolfram takes his place in the world under the guidance of his surrogate uncle and mentor, the charming yet calculating Colonel Johann Rahl.
Across the ocean and on the outskirts of Sleepy Hollow, Hulda Aupaumut lives in a cave beneath Raven Rock. Although shunned as a witch by the wary townspeople owing to her Bohemian-Mohican heritage and skill as a healer, Hulda remains to aid and protect those dear to her from the impending doom of war. As violence approaches, Hulda unknowingly discovers mysterious new abilities through her family grimoire from Bohemia, and its connection to the unexplainable power of Raven Rock. Wolfram and Hulda's paths draw closer until they become forever entwined in Sleepy Hollow, united in the common goal of protecting the town and seeking revenge against the man who, twenty years earlier, unknowingly changed both of their lives.
Raven Rock exists within the canon of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, weaving together details from the classic American horror tale, local folklore, and the historical context of the American Revolution.
Honorable Mention in the Mainstream/Literary Fiction category of the 32nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Honorable Mention in the Literary category of the Historical Fiction Company's 2023 Book of the Year Award
"Raven Rock stands resolute as a self-contained masterpiece, an engrossing narrative exquisitely crafted with prose that resonates with a rare, breathtaking splendor." - The Historical Fiction Company
Who was the Headless Horseman?
1776. Wolfram Kaspar Von Hultz of Hesse-Cassel is about to embark on a perilous journey to fight the American rebels with the Hessian force allied to the British Army. Although a reluctant soldier, he knows his birthright is to fulfill his duty to the Landgraf. Wolfram takes his place in the world under the guidance of his surrogate uncle and mentor, the charming yet calculating Colonel Johann Rahl.
Across the ocean and on the outskirts of Sleepy Hollow, Hulda Aupaumut lives in a cave beneath Raven Rock. Although shunned as a witch by the wary townspeople owing to her Bohemian-Mohican heritage and skill as a healer, Hulda remains to aid and protect those dear to her from the impending doom of war. As violence approaches, Hulda unknowingly discovers mysterious new abilities through her family grimoire from Bohemia, and its connection to the unexplainable power of Raven Rock. Wolfram and Hulda's paths draw closer until they become forever entwined in Sleepy Hollow, united in the common goal of protecting the town and seeking revenge against the man who, twenty years earlier, unknowingly changed both of their lives.
Raven Rock exists within the canon of Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, weaving together details from the classic American horror tale, local folklore, and the historical context of the American Revolution.
454 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2023
5 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Nichole Louise
3 books9 followersNichole Louise (MFA Creative Writing, Rosemont College) is a historical fiction writer and book reviewer. She has published short stories and articles, most notably in the Journal of the American Revolution. Raven Rock, a prequel to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, was recognized by Writer’s Digest, the Historical Fiction Company, and the CIBAs.
Goodreads ratings:
5 stars: Loved it!
4 stars: Really enjoyed it
3 stars: somewhere between entertaining, okay, frustrating, & neutral
2 stars: not my thing*
1 star: hard to get through, really not my thing*
*I don't really rate books 1 or 2 stars because I will most likely DNF in those scenarios
Goodreads ratings:
5 stars: Loved it!
4 stars: Really enjoyed it
3 stars: somewhere between entertaining, okay, frustrating, & neutral
2 stars: not my thing*
1 star: hard to get through, really not my thing*
*I don't really rate books 1 or 2 stars because I will most likely DNF in those scenarios
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 29, 2024
It is 1776 in Cassel, Landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel, as Lieutenant Wolfram von Hultz's story begins and alternates with the life of Ms. Hulda Aupaumut in Sleepy Hollow, New York. The story transitions seamlessly with an easy flow in their distinctive voices. How would their lives intersect? A Hessian who came across the sea to fight for the British in the Americas during the American Revolution, and a healer/midwife in Sleepy Hollow, New York, using herblore passed down by the generations of women in her family one to another.
The author's writing enthralled me. Discovery of the title's reveal in the Prologue, opening in May 1772 in Sleepy Hollow, New York, added a fresh opening style rather than the title reveal in one of the last chapters. The descriptions are atmospheric and yet succinct. The landscape painted in my mind with her words, "crumpled leaves gilt in frost glittered on the forest floor" or an individual's countenance understood with "eyes like whiskey reflecting candlelight." Whether describing a woman falling down rocks trying to escape prey in the forest, storms at sea, or family and friends sitting down to a meal together, I was not only drawn into the moment but immersed in the setting, experiencing the event with the character(s) as though a hidden witness, listening to every sound, visualizing the drama, and feeling the emotions.
In the time before apothecaries, a healer was respected and feared as the knowledge of plants and herbs is sometimes not easily understood, and Hulda's experiences are no exception. As always, the spontaneous observations and reactions of children add humor and concern as adults wish to keep them safe from harm and enjoy their childhood for as long as possible before the realities of life.
The end of historical fiction is often easy to ascertain. I missed the most obvious clue and am so glad I did. Incredible!
The Author's Note shares the inspiration that led to the author's debut novel, which was created with meticulous research of local legends, historical accounts of events and figures, including Dutch, German, and Mohican language words and phrases masterfully adding authenticity to dialogue. Sources and Websites used during the author's research are shared with Land Acknowledgement of the first inhabitants of the Hudson Valley.
The author's writing enthralled me. Discovery of the title's reveal in the Prologue, opening in May 1772 in Sleepy Hollow, New York, added a fresh opening style rather than the title reveal in one of the last chapters. The descriptions are atmospheric and yet succinct. The landscape painted in my mind with her words, "crumpled leaves gilt in frost glittered on the forest floor" or an individual's countenance understood with "eyes like whiskey reflecting candlelight." Whether describing a woman falling down rocks trying to escape prey in the forest, storms at sea, or family and friends sitting down to a meal together, I was not only drawn into the moment but immersed in the setting, experiencing the event with the character(s) as though a hidden witness, listening to every sound, visualizing the drama, and feeling the emotions.
"After they’d exchanged pleasantries and Mrs. De Vries had doled out portions of corn and venison stew and biscuits, the table fell into a lull punctuated by the clink of cutlery on pewter plates, a cup set upon a saucer, the pop of the fire in the hearth, a slurp from Katrina’s spoon—followed by Elizabeth’s whispered scolding."At times heart-warming, at times heart-wrenching, it is at all times a riveting portrayal of history in this period. I also found it to be a thoughtful spotlight on war, from fighting to answer a required call or fighting for a cause to defending home and family and protecting the innocent. There are gripping scenes that portray the sacrifices in leaving loved ones, friendships formed by circumstance or events endured, differences in military leadership, and following military orders vs. following one’s heart to do the right thing.
In the time before apothecaries, a healer was respected and feared as the knowledge of plants and herbs is sometimes not easily understood, and Hulda's experiences are no exception. As always, the spontaneous observations and reactions of children add humor and concern as adults wish to keep them safe from harm and enjoy their childhood for as long as possible before the realities of life.
The end of historical fiction is often easy to ascertain. I missed the most obvious clue and am so glad I did. Incredible!
The Author's Note shares the inspiration that led to the author's debut novel, which was created with meticulous research of local legends, historical accounts of events and figures, including Dutch, German, and Mohican language words and phrases masterfully adding authenticity to dialogue. Sources and Websites used during the author's research are shared with Land Acknowledgement of the first inhabitants of the Hudson Valley.
October 11, 2024
Raven Rock is the story behind the legend of the Headless Horseman -
who was this mysterious Hessian soldier that is said to roam Sleepy Hollow?
This historical fiction seemed right up my alley; I love this time period and the creepy legend surrounding Sleepy Hollow.
The author’s writing is detailed, rich and very atmospheric. However, it was very wordy; too much detail about some of the more mundane things. There was a lot of filler and for quite a large portion of the book - not enough forward momentum in the plot. It became difficult for me to stay focused and interested. In the middle, I started skimming pages because it was just taking me so long to read. It started to draw me back in the end and I enjoyed the last several chapters a lot.
I think this book has amazing potential but definitely needs a bit more editing to make it feel more manageable. In fairness, in her note to me the author called this an “imperfect proof copy” so I’d be curious to see a final result. I think this definitely is an intriguing read for the right audience.
who was this mysterious Hessian soldier that is said to roam Sleepy Hollow?
This historical fiction seemed right up my alley; I love this time period and the creepy legend surrounding Sleepy Hollow.
The author’s writing is detailed, rich and very atmospheric. However, it was very wordy; too much detail about some of the more mundane things. There was a lot of filler and for quite a large portion of the book - not enough forward momentum in the plot. It became difficult for me to stay focused and interested. In the middle, I started skimming pages because it was just taking me so long to read. It started to draw me back in the end and I enjoyed the last several chapters a lot.
I think this book has amazing potential but definitely needs a bit more editing to make it feel more manageable. In fairness, in her note to me the author called this an “imperfect proof copy” so I’d be curious to see a final result. I think this definitely is an intriguing read for the right audience.
December 24, 2024
I loved this book! I am so grateful to have met the author at the sleepy hollow street fair too. Looking forward to reading the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and connecting the dots some more too.
February 11, 2025
I held on until the bitter end. I waded through the lengthy cast of characters hoping for the storyline to pick up the pace. This was not for me. It was historical fiction that was too much like reading history.
October 16, 2023
Who was the Headless Horseman?
Raven Rock is a gripping and captivating prequel story of Sleepy Hollow, an original take on the American Legend, an intriguing blend of historical fiction and folklore, with fantasy elements.
It has dual POVs, one from a Hessian soldier Wolfram and the other from an enigmatic healer Hulda with supernatural abilities, providing unique exploration of the American Revolution.
Wolfram reluctantly joined Hessian soldiers to fight American rebels with British Army, guided by his mentor, Colonel Johann Rahl. Meanwhile, in Sleepy Hollow, Hulda Aupaumut, shunned as a witch, discovers mysterious abilities through her Bohemian-Mohican heritage. As war looms, Wolfram and Hulda's paths converge in Sleepy Hollow, driven by a shared goal of protecting the town and seeking revenge against the man who unknowingly altered both their lives decades ago.
The characters are well rounded and vividly portrayed. The dialogue is well-crafted, reflecting the characters' personalities as they struggle through life surrounded by war and face their inner turmoils, also, contributing to the 18th-century historical setting. It is rich in detail, emotion, and character development. All of it contributed to make me emotionally invested in the story.
Ofc while the chemistry draws Wolfram and Hulda together like moth to a flame, there's so much war and pain and history surrounding them, they can't ignore. My heart broke for them 😭
The impeccable writing encompassed a lot of themes such as war, treatment of slaves, women, human lives, Indigenous people, relationships, cultural dynamics, the governing system of 18th-century. All these themes worked in conjunction with the impressive storyline.
The writing excels in incorporating sensory details, allowing the reader to experience the surroundings along with the characters. The vivid descriptions create a rich and immersive atmosphere.
The mix of mystery and suspense is also well-maintained in the story, keeping the reader engaged and eager to learn more.
The author expertly used multiple languages (English, German, Mohican) and cultural references to enrich the story, the inclusion of historical details, such as the French and Indian War, fort names, and the Abenaki natives, and the references to Hulda's multi-cultural heritage and her ancestral powers, provide authenticity and ground the characters in their cultural context.
Raven Rock is a solid standalone, with compelling story. I'm in awe of the beautiful prose, high praise for the author for writing such a culturally and historically rich tale with characters that my heart cannot help but feel for. It's been a long time since a book made me sob this hard 😭 Wolfram and Hulda's story is imprinted on my heart. It's a book that stays with you for a long time. I cannot recommend it enough. Glorious infinite stars for this book.
Raven Rock is a gripping and captivating prequel story of Sleepy Hollow, an original take on the American Legend, an intriguing blend of historical fiction and folklore, with fantasy elements.
It has dual POVs, one from a Hessian soldier Wolfram and the other from an enigmatic healer Hulda with supernatural abilities, providing unique exploration of the American Revolution.
Wolfram reluctantly joined Hessian soldiers to fight American rebels with British Army, guided by his mentor, Colonel Johann Rahl. Meanwhile, in Sleepy Hollow, Hulda Aupaumut, shunned as a witch, discovers mysterious abilities through her Bohemian-Mohican heritage. As war looms, Wolfram and Hulda's paths converge in Sleepy Hollow, driven by a shared goal of protecting the town and seeking revenge against the man who unknowingly altered both their lives decades ago.
The characters are well rounded and vividly portrayed. The dialogue is well-crafted, reflecting the characters' personalities as they struggle through life surrounded by war and face their inner turmoils, also, contributing to the 18th-century historical setting. It is rich in detail, emotion, and character development. All of it contributed to make me emotionally invested in the story.
Ofc while the chemistry draws Wolfram and Hulda together like moth to a flame, there's so much war and pain and history surrounding them, they can't ignore. My heart broke for them 😭
The impeccable writing encompassed a lot of themes such as war, treatment of slaves, women, human lives, Indigenous people, relationships, cultural dynamics, the governing system of 18th-century. All these themes worked in conjunction with the impressive storyline.
The writing excels in incorporating sensory details, allowing the reader to experience the surroundings along with the characters. The vivid descriptions create a rich and immersive atmosphere.
The mix of mystery and suspense is also well-maintained in the story, keeping the reader engaged and eager to learn more.
The author expertly used multiple languages (English, German, Mohican) and cultural references to enrich the story, the inclusion of historical details, such as the French and Indian War, fort names, and the Abenaki natives, and the references to Hulda's multi-cultural heritage and her ancestral powers, provide authenticity and ground the characters in their cultural context.
Raven Rock is a solid standalone, with compelling story. I'm in awe of the beautiful prose, high praise for the author for writing such a culturally and historically rich tale with characters that my heart cannot help but feel for. It's been a long time since a book made me sob this hard 😭 Wolfram and Hulda's story is imprinted on my heart. It's a book that stays with you for a long time. I cannot recommend it enough. Glorious infinite stars for this book.
January 16, 2024
Louise penned an intriguing blend of historical fact, fiction, and perhaps the faintest touch of fan fiction* in her debut, Raven Rock. The novel follows Hulda, a mixed-race accused witch living in the woods near Sleepy Hollow, and Wolfram, the young cinnamon roll of a Hessian conscript, on their crash course to an end we know is coming, but hurts all the same when we get there.
It's a bit slow to get into at first, but the first half of the novel does feature an illumination on the brutality and cruelty of being a Hessian conscript. I love historical fiction about colonial North America and I can't say I've ever read one that was this sympathetic and informative about the plight of these so-called mercenaries. Great for historical fiction fans who love a good research-heavy deep dive into unusual topics.
Louise did a solid job fleshing out the world, filling the story with a cast of interesting characters, and making the reader truly care how this story ends.
*I count myself a fan of fan fiction, for the record. While the county where Sleepy Hollow sits goes all out to celebrate the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, it should be noted that the specific tale we know today about a headless Hessian originated with 19th century author Washington Irving, and did not actually feature a spectral horseman on the hunt for a new cranium, but did feature a boisterous prankster.
TRIGGER WARNING WITH SPOILERS----------->
It's a bit slow to get into at first, but the first half of the novel does feature an illumination on the brutality and cruelty of being a Hessian conscript. I love historical fiction about colonial North America and I can't say I've ever read one that was this sympathetic and informative about the plight of these so-called mercenaries. Great for historical fiction fans who love a good research-heavy deep dive into unusual topics.
Louise did a solid job fleshing out the world, filling the story with a cast of interesting characters, and making the reader truly care how this story ends.
*I count myself a fan of fan fiction, for the record. While the county where Sleepy Hollow sits goes all out to celebrate the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, it should be noted that the specific tale we know today about a headless Hessian originated with 19th century author Washington Irving, and did not actually feature a spectral horseman on the hunt for a new cranium, but did feature a boisterous prankster.
TRIGGER WARNING WITH SPOILERS----------->
October 19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC to review this book early.
If you’re a fan of Halloween, the Headless Horseman and Irving’s original Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or historical fiction as a genre, Raven Rock by Nichole Louise is a must-read. The author successfully weaves together the detailed, research-based prose you would expect from historical fiction with the foundational elements from the source material you’d expect to create something wholly original and immersive.
It’s clear she took her time to research not only the original short story, but also the experiences that the diverse cast of original and returning characters would have had in 1776 America. From the Dutch in New York, to the Enslaved and Native peoples in the Northeast, to the enigmatic and often-misunderstood Hessians, Nichole Louise firmly grounds her story in the heat of the American Revolution, while never forgetting the reason why you’re here: to answer the question of “Who was the Headless Horseman?”
The speculative elements are just enough in the periphery of her story to keep you engaged. Reading along as these characters struggle and support each other, you wonder what the steps these characters could possibly take towards their supposed doom? And the conclusive answer to the question will leave you floored.
You can tell the story is inspired by some other great works in the genre, and there are Easter eggs sprinkled throughout that will leave fans of the original Legend (and some other works) delighted. The scope and writing style strongly reminds me of what I’ve come to expect from the likes of Diana Gabaldon in her Outlander series, which bodes well for this debut novel.
Raven Rock delivers on so many surprising levels and I cannot recommend this enough for readers looking to immerse themselves in a fresh take on an American horror classic.
If you’re a fan of Halloween, the Headless Horseman and Irving’s original Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or historical fiction as a genre, Raven Rock by Nichole Louise is a must-read. The author successfully weaves together the detailed, research-based prose you would expect from historical fiction with the foundational elements from the source material you’d expect to create something wholly original and immersive.
It’s clear she took her time to research not only the original short story, but also the experiences that the diverse cast of original and returning characters would have had in 1776 America. From the Dutch in New York, to the Enslaved and Native peoples in the Northeast, to the enigmatic and often-misunderstood Hessians, Nichole Louise firmly grounds her story in the heat of the American Revolution, while never forgetting the reason why you’re here: to answer the question of “Who was the Headless Horseman?”
The speculative elements are just enough in the periphery of her story to keep you engaged. Reading along as these characters struggle and support each other, you wonder what the steps these characters could possibly take towards their supposed doom? And the conclusive answer to the question will leave you floored.
You can tell the story is inspired by some other great works in the genre, and there are Easter eggs sprinkled throughout that will leave fans of the original Legend (and some other works) delighted. The scope and writing style strongly reminds me of what I’ve come to expect from the likes of Diana Gabaldon in her Outlander series, which bodes well for this debut novel.
Raven Rock delivers on so many surprising levels and I cannot recommend this enough for readers looking to immerse themselves in a fresh take on an American horror classic.
August 21, 2024
A historical fiction book placed right in the heart of the American Revolution, it explains the origins of the legend of the Headless Horseman. And let me just say, wow. It started off a little slow, but by halfway through I was fully engaged in the story. Wolfram was such a compelling character, with his internal conflict regarding his uncle, a man who had been like a father to him, and his ruthlessness during the war. He defies him and ends up saving a child from a burning building, becoming a traitor in the process.
His time in Sleepy Hollow with Hulda (resident healer that is seen as a witch and therefore outcasted) was so fun to read about and makes the tragedy of it all that more devastating. I am glad that Wolfram got his revenge against his uncle for not only killing his father but also killing him. I like to think Hulda and Wolfram are haunting Raven Rock together and have found each other in their afterlives. This truly was such a great read and I’m glad I pick led it up. Shoutout to Herkules, the best horse companion a man could have.
His time in Sleepy Hollow with Hulda (resident healer that is seen as a witch and therefore outcasted) was so fun to read about and makes the tragedy of it all that more devastating. I am glad that Wolfram got his revenge against his uncle for not only killing his father but also killing him. I like to think Hulda and Wolfram are haunting Raven Rock together and have found each other in their afterlives. This truly was such a great read and I’m glad I pick led it up. Shoutout to Herkules, the best horse companion a man could have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
This book really took me out of my comfort zone as I don't normally read historical fiction but I thought the subject matter sounded interesting.
It is a bit of a slow burner with Wolfram and Hulda's stories being told in alternate chapters, but the pace soon picks up once the stories merge. I found the characters interesting and was invested in their stories.
You can tell this is a very well researched book, telling the story of the war of independence in a sympathetic way. I loved the author's style of writing, how descriptive it was and how immersive it was. You could really visualise the scenes she was describing.
I definitely will look out for more by this author.
It is a bit of a slow burner with Wolfram and Hulda's stories being told in alternate chapters, but the pace soon picks up once the stories merge. I found the characters interesting and was invested in their stories.
You can tell this is a very well researched book, telling the story of the war of independence in a sympathetic way. I loved the author's style of writing, how descriptive it was and how immersive it was. You could really visualise the scenes she was describing.
I definitely will look out for more by this author.
August 27, 2024
I received this book through voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review.
I give it a solid 4. I loved the premise - back story of the headless horseman of sleepy hollow. Historical fiction is a “go to” read for me. As a Canadian, I know little about early American history and so enjoyed learning about the different countries and players involved at a particular point in the American revolutionary war. The author did an outstanding job of research.
The literary approach of two parallel stories which eventually overlap and lead to the inevitable final outcome was well done. The characters well flushed out and sympathetic. A most interesting read.
I give it a solid 4. I loved the premise - back story of the headless horseman of sleepy hollow. Historical fiction is a “go to” read for me. As a Canadian, I know little about early American history and so enjoyed learning about the different countries and players involved at a particular point in the American revolutionary war. The author did an outstanding job of research.
The literary approach of two parallel stories which eventually overlap and lead to the inevitable final outcome was well done. The characters well flushed out and sympathetic. A most interesting read.
March 15, 2024
Written in a dual and unique POV, this well-crafted tale with a backdrop of Sleepy Hallow is sure to keep you enticed; with Louise's poetic description, you are there with Hulda and Wolfram, the two leads that we follow along with the author's prose that'll make you see, feel, and smell very surrounding of their environment.
Without spoilers, this tale does take off halfway through and is filled with mystery and suspense. Louise makes you care about the characters and breathes life into them and their environment, which I can only assume she meticulously and accurately describes.
Without spoilers, this tale does take off halfway through and is filled with mystery and suspense. Louise makes you care about the characters and breathes life into them and their environment, which I can only assume she meticulously and accurately describes.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews