What do you think?
Rate this book
Archives of the Warden #3
The Raven's Cry
She carries a dark and twisted past.
He’s determined to protect her future.
Cait Lewan’s family is cursed. At least, that’s what the rumors claim.
Twelve years ago, Cait and her sisters were relocated to Porthaven, Maine, after the murder of their parents. The dark and mysterious nature of their family’s past has sparked the townspeople’s imagination. It’s said their father was a witch bound to a demon. And while there’s no proof to substantiate these foul rumors, Cait fears they are true. After all, there must be a reason for the monsters that haunt her dreams.
Desmond Simon carries the future of Porthaven on his shoulders. And he wants nothing to do with it.
As the incumbent heir to the leadership of their town, Desmond struggles under the weight of his family’s expectations. His life is full of secrets—those of his own making and those of the Warden’s. But as beasts randomly start to appear on the island just off the coastline, Desmond’s greatest secret becomes his sole He will do whatever it takes to protect the girl he’s not supposed to love.
With unexpected threats and unknown enemies looming closer, Cait and Desmond must face the What if the curse is real and the secrets of Porthaven more dangerous than they ever expected?
He’s determined to protect her future.
Cait Lewan’s family is cursed. At least, that’s what the rumors claim.
Twelve years ago, Cait and her sisters were relocated to Porthaven, Maine, after the murder of their parents. The dark and mysterious nature of their family’s past has sparked the townspeople’s imagination. It’s said their father was a witch bound to a demon. And while there’s no proof to substantiate these foul rumors, Cait fears they are true. After all, there must be a reason for the monsters that haunt her dreams.
Desmond Simon carries the future of Porthaven on his shoulders. And he wants nothing to do with it.
As the incumbent heir to the leadership of their town, Desmond struggles under the weight of his family’s expectations. His life is full of secrets—those of his own making and those of the Warden’s. But as beasts randomly start to appear on the island just off the coastline, Desmond’s greatest secret becomes his sole He will do whatever it takes to protect the girl he’s not supposed to love.
With unexpected threats and unknown enemies looming closer, Cait and Desmond must face the What if the curse is real and the secrets of Porthaven more dangerous than they ever expected?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
About the author
V.K. Dixon
12 books209 followersV.K. Dixon writes fantasy and romance novels filled with found family, lasting love, and unique magic. She believes that the extraordinary gives us a deeper desire for the things beyond us; for the things of God.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 3, 2026
December 25th Update: Completed an annotation reread of TRC as I’m about to revise the next book of Cait and Desmond’s story, and I must say, these two have my heart. Their story has been in the back of my brain for over a decade, and I’m so thankful that I finally get to share it!
May 3rd Update: The final proofread is complete! Now it’s time to finalize all the last little details before publication!
May 3rd Update: The final proofread is complete! Now it’s time to finalize all the last little details before publication!
November 2, 2024
This book was probably my favorite one from the Archives of the Warden series, I love the new characters and their storylines, the emotional conflict, and the intense intrigue this book caused.
However.
How DARE V.K Dixon just END the book?! I mean now I have more questions and NO answers!!! What happened to Peter?! Why does Cait hate Desmond (😭)?! HOW IS THIS GOING TO TURN OUT?!?!?!
And NOW I am forced to wait until who-knows-what-month in 20-frickin-25 until the next book comes out!!!
(Why must I love reading, I’m just torturing myself)
But seriously, I really loved this book and am officially hooked on this series. I would definitely recommend to anyone but especially fantasy/christian/romance readers because we all know how hard it can be to find a new, satisfying, clean book that fits all three genres.
Nonetheless I applaud V.K Dixon on a seriously well written story. After all, isn’t the sign of a good author when you find their readers close to tears on account of a plot twist or cliffhanger?
However.
How DARE V.K Dixon just END the book?! I mean now I have more questions and NO answers!!! What happened to Peter?! Why does Cait hate Desmond (😭)?! HOW IS THIS GOING TO TURN OUT?!?!?!
And NOW I am forced to wait until who-knows-what-month in 20-frickin-25 until the next book comes out!!!
(Why must I love reading, I’m just torturing myself)
But seriously, I really loved this book and am officially hooked on this series. I would definitely recommend to anyone but especially fantasy/christian/romance readers because we all know how hard it can be to find a new, satisfying, clean book that fits all three genres.
Nonetheless I applaud V.K Dixon on a seriously well written story. After all, isn’t the sign of a good author when you find their readers close to tears on account of a plot twist or cliffhanger?
September 1, 2024
I love this world. I was so excited to hop back into with a new location and characters. I was instantly pulled into Port Haven and Cait and Desmond’s perspectives. I don’t want to give too much away but I will say I was hundred percent invested in this story and the characters. I found myself holding my breath, getting choked up or frustrated. Trust me I went through all the emotions. VK’s writing is beautiful and engaging. The world she paints sucks you in making want to stay craving more. Highly recommend.
October 21, 2024
Another amazing book from V.K. Dixon🤩 I absolutely loved the story and hate that I have to wait for more😭The perfect book to read on a cold rainy day 🍂🌧️
October 7, 2024
Loved this next installment to the AOTW series. At first I was nervous about leaving Peter and Spencer to journey east for Cait and Desmond's story, but now I'm so excited for all the characters to be together in the next books (hopefully!?!)
I love how fleshed out each character is and how much thought and plotting goes into the writing. I also loved the angst, the forbidden friendships, the secrets and slight spookiness - overall, very intrigued to see where this story goes next!
I love how fleshed out each character is and how much thought and plotting goes into the writing. I also loved the angst, the forbidden friendships, the secrets and slight spookiness - overall, very intrigued to see where this story goes next!
October 25, 2024
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint!
Not only that, it's officially my favorite book of this series so far.
I loved Desmond and Cait, the coastal vibes, and the forbidden friendship. It was also great to see more people that are a part of the Warden and how they function. I can't wait to see how the events in this book will continue and tie in with the other characters and storylines.
Victoria's writing just gets better and better. She truly has a gift for making her charatcers feel real and believable.
And now I try to patiently await the next book!
Not only that, it's officially my favorite book of this series so far.
I loved Desmond and Cait, the coastal vibes, and the forbidden friendship. It was also great to see more people that are a part of the Warden and how they function. I can't wait to see how the events in this book will continue and tie in with the other characters and storylines.
Victoria's writing just gets better and better. She truly has a gift for making her charatcers feel real and believable.
And now I try to patiently await the next book!
August 15, 2024
The cliffhanger on this entry in the Archives of the Warden is absolutely insane and I am not looking forward to the long wait for its resolution! However, Ms. Dixon is playing the long game and I have mad respect for the incredibly interesting and comprehensive story she’s telling. It’s hard to know what to say and not say with a series like this because I don’t want to spoil things! But if you’re looking for monsters and spiritual warfare and small town vibes and slow burn romance and lots of flannel and mist, then these are your books! I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and here it is. “The Raven’s Cry” comes out this October!
November 5, 2024
Favorite book of the series so far!! Felt sad when I finished it and can’t wait for the next one 😊
May 16, 2025
Cait is cursed. Well, she suspects she is, and even if she isn't, the rest of the town seems to think so, and treats her as such. Until a new student arrived at her school, she had no friends. Except for her secret 'friendship' with the mayor's son, Desmond. He rebels against the weight of expectation on him as the heir to town leadership. And he's annoyed with the new kid who takes Cait away from time spent with him in secret. Both Cait and Desmond struggle with the impossibility of their relationship becoming something more. And now Cait's repeated dreams filled with monsters have started to change.
Ohhhh, the angst this book awoke in me for the forbidden relationship. I just want them to be together! This series is a long game though friends, and I am eagerly awaiting all of it. Dixon does emotion really well, especially slow-burn romance. The characters are deep and real and personable. Her imagination for this paranormal lore that she has created is amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next, especially when these characters meet the ones from the first two books (*fingers crossed*, really hoping they do all meet).
And just as a side note, this wasn't a big thing in the book, but I appreciated the way that Dixon handled a couple of scenes without being pious or preachy. The whole town goes to church, but the teenagers don't necessarily act like Christians. I appreciated that Cait had moral standards that she held to, and didn't bow to any pressure about them. This isn't Christian fiction, but I appreciate the little threads and the Christian worldview that Dixon writes from.
This is the third book in Dixon's 'Archives of the Warden' series, but the first one set in the fictional town of Porthaven, with a set of new characters. This book can be read without having read books one and two, but they give helpful context for Dixon's paranormal world, some of which is assumed knowledge in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ohhhh, the angst this book awoke in me for the forbidden relationship. I just want them to be together! This series is a long game though friends, and I am eagerly awaiting all of it. Dixon does emotion really well, especially slow-burn romance. The characters are deep and real and personable. Her imagination for this paranormal lore that she has created is amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next, especially when these characters meet the ones from the first two books (*fingers crossed*, really hoping they do all meet).
And just as a side note, this wasn't a big thing in the book, but I appreciated the way that Dixon handled a couple of scenes without being pious or preachy. The whole town goes to church, but the teenagers don't necessarily act like Christians. I appreciated that Cait had moral standards that she held to, and didn't bow to any pressure about them. This isn't Christian fiction, but I appreciate the little threads and the Christian worldview that Dixon writes from.
This is the third book in Dixon's 'Archives of the Warden' series, but the first one set in the fictional town of Porthaven, with a set of new characters. This book can be read without having read books one and two, but they give helpful context for Dixon's paranormal world, some of which is assumed knowledge in this book.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?
I'm coming for you after that cliffhanger, Author, beware.
in all seriousness, this is my favorite book so far!! I was a bit hesitant going in, since we spent the first two books getting attached to Peter and Spencer, and then that cliffhanger at the end of Vault of Stone. I wasn't sure about starting in on a whole new cast of characters. That being said, I was proved wrong. I am in LOVE with Cait and Desmond. I hate to say it, but my love for them rivals my love for the brothers. They totally took me by surprise. I relate to Cait in so many ways and was absolutely swooning over Desmond the whole time. Their relationship was probably my favorite thing about the whole book. Every single scene with them had me screaming, crying, throwing up. if you like forbidden love, this is for you.
ASIDE from the characters, I really love the pacing of the worldbuilding in this series. Each books builds so seamlessly on the last, and the way we find out about stuff feels very natural since it's often at the same time the characters are. Ravens Cry had so many new beasts and then the prophecy?? I'm starting to see the foundation for the overarching plot being laid and I am SO intrigued. Why do Desmond and Peter look alike? What's the deal with the Wolf? Also... I feel like Matt's going to play a bigger part but I can't prove it!!
Anyways, loving this series and was absolutely obsessed with this book. And if I don't find out who that fourth figure was immediately I just might spontaneously combust. <3
I'm coming for you after that cliffhanger, Author, beware.
in all seriousness, this is my favorite book so far!! I was a bit hesitant going in, since we spent the first two books getting attached to Peter and Spencer, and then that cliffhanger at the end of Vault of Stone. I wasn't sure about starting in on a whole new cast of characters. That being said, I was proved wrong. I am in LOVE with Cait and Desmond. I hate to say it, but my love for them rivals my love for the brothers. They totally took me by surprise. I relate to Cait in so many ways and was absolutely swooning over Desmond the whole time. Their relationship was probably my favorite thing about the whole book. Every single scene with them had me screaming, crying, throwing up. if you like forbidden love, this is for you.
ASIDE from the characters, I really love the pacing of the worldbuilding in this series. Each books builds so seamlessly on the last, and the way we find out about stuff feels very natural since it's often at the same time the characters are. Ravens Cry had so many new beasts and then the prophecy?? I'm starting to see the foundation for the overarching plot being laid and I am SO intrigued. Why do Desmond and Peter look alike? What's the deal with the Wolf? Also... I feel like Matt's going to play a bigger part but I can't prove it!!
Anyways, loving this series and was absolutely obsessed with this book. And if I don't find out who that fourth figure was immediately I just might spontaneously combust. <3
March 19, 2025
I started Raven’s Cry not wanting to leave Peter, Spencer, Cassandra, and the gang- and I ended it not wanting to leave Cait & Desmond! Dixon’s worldbuilding is excellent and draws me in every time.
Dixon masterfully paints the imagination with images of the new town and characters while also revealing information that leaves you wondering what this all means for our other friends (Peter, Spencer, and their crew) as they’re in the same world. She provides just enough backstory so you’re not lost while highlighting sooo mannnny questions that you are left to puzzle out how everything fits together. I love the characters and the tension of Cait & Desmond’s relationship as they navigate their “callings.” I love the plot and the context it gives for not only this story but also the one with Peter and Spencer. And while I love the depth that multiple points of view can give a story, I appreciated slowing down to just two. I felt like I got to know the characters more and got to see the world around them more. I got to take in what they were seeing.
I know I have to wait until Book 5 to continue after this particular cliffhanger, but this time around I trust the author more and am here for the long game.
Dixon masterfully paints the imagination with images of the new town and characters while also revealing information that leaves you wondering what this all means for our other friends (Peter, Spencer, and their crew) as they’re in the same world. She provides just enough backstory so you’re not lost while highlighting sooo mannnny questions that you are left to puzzle out how everything fits together. I love the characters and the tension of Cait & Desmond’s relationship as they navigate their “callings.” I love the plot and the context it gives for not only this story but also the one with Peter and Spencer. And while I love the depth that multiple points of view can give a story, I appreciated slowing down to just two. I felt like I got to know the characters more and got to see the world around them more. I got to take in what they were seeing.
I know I have to wait until Book 5 to continue after this particular cliffhanger, but this time around I trust the author more and am here for the long game.
September 13, 2024
Rating: 4.75/5⭐️
I don’t know exactly what this book had in it but I read this in a day and actually got upset whenever my partner would disturb my reading time!
This is my first book from Victoria and my first in Archives of the Warden - The Raven’s Cry is actually book number 3 but it’s an interconnected duology - and even though I just jumped head first into it, I really appreciated how this author introduces you the world, all the laws, the little town politics, the supernatural and spirits. The Raven’s Cry, for me, read as an 00s urban fantasy twilight (disclaimer there are no vampires) small town vibes and I LOVED it! This is totally my type of urban fantasy and the vibes are perfect for this autumn season!
However, be prepared for a very slow burn, pinning in secret and an entire book of plucked up courage for Desmond go for the girl. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next one to have more of Cait and Des and to see where the story brings them!
Many thanks to the author for sending me an e-arc ❤️ all opinions are my own!
I don’t know exactly what this book had in it but I read this in a day and actually got upset whenever my partner would disturb my reading time!
This is my first book from Victoria and my first in Archives of the Warden - The Raven’s Cry is actually book number 3 but it’s an interconnected duology - and even though I just jumped head first into it, I really appreciated how this author introduces you the world, all the laws, the little town politics, the supernatural and spirits. The Raven’s Cry, for me, read as an 00s urban fantasy twilight (disclaimer there are no vampires) small town vibes and I LOVED it! This is totally my type of urban fantasy and the vibes are perfect for this autumn season!
However, be prepared for a very slow burn, pinning in secret and an entire book of plucked up courage for Desmond go for the girl. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next one to have more of Cait and Des and to see where the story brings them!
Many thanks to the author for sending me an e-arc ❤️ all opinions are my own!
November 1, 2024
I loved the first two books in the Archives of the Warden series when I read them earlier this year, but The Raven’s Cry is my favorite book so far. V.K. Dixon is a master storyteller in every way - her characters are complex and unique, and she does an incredible job of showing their internal struggles and tensions as they wrestle with their individual challenges through the book. Additionally, I have loved diving into the supernatural world she has created through this series. I love how detailed every piece is and the layer of mystery that covers it all. This book in particular had me on the edge of my seat and I am SO excited to see how the series continues.
September 27, 2024
VK does it again. A truly captivating, exciting, and tension filled novel 🐦⬛ The Raven's Cry is a beautiful continuation in AotW, bringing in a fun new location and adding personable characters to the story. Cait, Desmond, and crew have my heart! The build up in story, as well as character individuality, are incredible as always. TRC is the *perfect* October read 📘 (and that cliffhanger will have you slamming your credit card on the table for the next book). This is, personally, my favorite book so far in AotW and I cannot wait to see how the story continues to unfold!
January 24, 2025
I am so excited to see how Victoria ties all this together over the course of the whole series. I trust her. I didn’t know how I felt, at first, with the change of people and Peter popping in Not knowing what happened to him after Vault of Stone, but I was quickly won over.
After starting the book where it does, then reading the past play out… with the cliffhanger, I’m dying a little on the inside.
I have read every one of Victoria’s books that I can get my greedy little hands on, and I am completely immersed every time. I am never ready for them to end.
After starting the book where it does, then reading the past play out… with the cliffhanger, I’m dying a little on the inside.
I have read every one of Victoria’s books that I can get my greedy little hands on, and I am completely immersed every time. I am never ready for them to end.
May 24, 2025
🐦⬛Gut Punch Good! 💪 🤜
WHAT can I say?! This book had me from the beginning! It was everything I've come to love about V.K. Dixon's work, with all the highschool angst we never knew we needed/wanted in a book! The Raven's Cry is definitely on my favorites list! I loved the characters and their struggles, and I need book #5 YESTERDAY!! Thank you V.K. Dixon for writing such moody vibey reads with characters you can't help but love.
WHAT can I say?! This book had me from the beginning! It was everything I've come to love about V.K. Dixon's work, with all the highschool angst we never knew we needed/wanted in a book! The Raven's Cry is definitely on my favorites list! I loved the characters and their struggles, and I need book #5 YESTERDAY!! Thank you V.K. Dixon for writing such moody vibey reads with characters you can't help but love.
August 14, 2024
Are you kidding me? The cliffhanger!! I immediately fell in love with Desmond and Cait. The angst, drama, and self-sabotage make it worth waiting for the next book.
I enjoyed every bit of this story and will be sitting by waiting for the next book in the series to be released.
Mysticism ✔️
Love story ✔️
Suspense ✔️
I enjoyed every bit of this story and will be sitting by waiting for the next book in the series to be released.
Mysticism ✔️
Love story ✔️
Suspense ✔️
January 19, 2026
I have been really loving this series, but this one was not my favorite. The writing was still really good. I think this is more of a me issue than an issue with the book. Since I have become an adult I find it hard to connect to teens. I absolutely love the world-building, I just struggle with teen drama in books.
February 12, 2026
Picking up steam!
It seems the author has caught her stride with this entry in the series. The characters, setting, and lore all work so well. The working is polished and beautifully done. I’m looking forward to the next!
It seems the author has caught her stride with this entry in the series. The characters, setting, and lore all work so well. The working is polished and beautifully done. I’m looking forward to the next!
November 7, 2024
Chef’s kiss🤌 that’s all I can say.
June 5, 2025
I devoured this in just a few days! Sooo good!
Read
March 2, 2026This was definitely the best one so far! Cait and Desmond are so compelling and I’m very invested in their story.
Read
December 17, 2024𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏'𝒔 𝑪𝒓𝒚
by V. K. Dixon (@v.k.dixon)
5⭐
Genre: Fantasy Realism
Format: Ebook ARC
Book 3 of the Archives of the Warden series
Releases on October 15, 2024
𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘦𝘸
Dixon did it again with the impeccably well-written story. While I’m over-eager to continue reading about Peter and Spencer (the main characters of books 1 and 2), Dezzy and Cait stole my heart. I’ve had a hard time moving on from this book. Dixon creates such relatable characters who are so easy to understand and relate to, even if you don’t share many similarities. She makes you love her characters. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now. I absolutely plan to re-read this one after it’s released.
Read if you love:
👻 Multiple POVs
👻 Friends to Lovers
👻 Forbidden Romance
👻 Spooky Stuff
👻 The Sweetest Couple-Not-Couple
Please note: This eARC was given to me but the review is honest and entirely my own opinion.
by V. K. Dixon (@v.k.dixon)
5⭐
Genre: Fantasy Realism
Format: Ebook ARC
Book 3 of the Archives of the Warden series
Releases on October 15, 2024
𝘚𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘦𝘸
Dixon did it again with the impeccably well-written story. While I’m over-eager to continue reading about Peter and Spencer (the main characters of books 1 and 2), Dezzy and Cait stole my heart. I’ve had a hard time moving on from this book. Dixon creates such relatable characters who are so easy to understand and relate to, even if you don’t share many similarities. She makes you love her characters. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now. I absolutely plan to re-read this one after it’s released.
Read if you love:
👻 Multiple POVs
👻 Friends to Lovers
👻 Forbidden Romance
👻 Spooky Stuff
👻 The Sweetest Couple-Not-Couple
Please note: This eARC was given to me but the review is honest and entirely my own opinion.
November 27, 2025
After VoS’s cliffhanger, I was sad that this book started a new sub-series, but that quickly changed and I love these characters and setting too!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews