The Rowbury Raven

by C. Mathie

Dark magic, deadly secrets, and a curse she can't outrun.
Marked by a white raven and hunted by the curse that destroyed her family, Mansyn Rowbury knows her days are numbered. As unsettling nightmares and treacherous lies pull her deeper into a world of shadows that she didn't know existed, Mansyn must uncover the truth before it's too late. But when an enigmatic stranger complicates her path, she learns that some fates are worse than death - and some truths demand an unthinkable price.
The curse has marked her. The truth will remake her.

Genres: Fantasy

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2025

About the author

C. Mathie is a narrative poet and storyteller who blends themes of romance, mystery, and the supernatural into her writing.
Her love of literature began at a very young age, and even resulted in trouble a time or two when she would get caught reading while hiding her book below her desk in the middle of class...
On a day-to-day basis, she spends time working on her photography and editing photos, content creating for social media, and caring for her family. If she finds herself with a spare moment and a hot cup of coffee, she loves to play video games, read, and craft. She currently resides in Idaho with her husband and their four children.

You can find C. Mathie on these social media platforms:

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cmathie_author

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/cmathie_author

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Reviews

[C. Mathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m the author of this book and it’s pretty dang good, if I do say so myself! Is this allowed? I think it’s allowed… Anyways, I DEFINITELY recommend!

[Morgan Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. This is a fairly solid debut novel. Overall the story and vibe feel reminiscent of Twilight, Shiver, Harry Potter, ect. Books that were popular in the 2000/2010s.

I was not sold on this book until around 50%. This is an indie read and I could pick out several things I would’ve edited. This writer absolutely has potential but I also see room for improvement. I felt writing and flow improved the second half of the novel.

The story was fun. I have more questions than answers at this point though. Looking forward to book 2 and hopefully clearing up some of those questions.

[Jayden Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWOWOWOWOW.
standing ovation.

i took so long to read this book so i would have less time until the second one came out. holy freaking crap.

the magic system 👍🏻 amazing
the 2 different realms 👍🏻 double amazing
Multiple pov chapters 👍🏻 AMAZING
the tension and the characters dynamic 👍🏻 oh yeah.
also writing the accent. unheard of and i loved it.

[Heather H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world Mathie created for this series is gothic and magical and written vividly. It’s so easy for fantasy worlds to blend together when you read as many as I do, so coming across something truly unique that doesn’t give any sense of deja vu is refreshing.

Marked by the same curse as her family, Mansyn knows death is coming for her. After waking up missing three days time and covered in bruises, her best friend confesses that there is another realm filled with creatures and magic, and that she’s a witch who can get them there. I won’t give more because that would be spoilsome and I want you to experience the story blindly as I did.

This is set in a modern day world and filled to the brim with secrets, mystery, self-discovery, and magic. And that cliffhanger? I need to know what happens next.

[Kylee Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad I took my time reading this one! I loved the world and the characters that were created by C. Mathie. Slight spoiler but….. It ends on a fantastic cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more! I look forward to reading book two very soon! 🐦‍⬛🤍

[Rebecca Sullivan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh…fell flat for me. Considered DNFing it. Maybe just wasn’t the right type of book for me at this time. Written well though, just story wasn’t it for me.

[kt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The people and places created by the author were unique and whimsical in a dark/gothic way. The descriptions of the different magical beings and in-between worlds were so vivid that I could imagine it being played out in a movie.

The magical town in the woods behind Mansyn’s home was reminiscent of the faerie market in Stardust or the floating market in Neverwhere. Basically, it filled the Neil Gaiman shaped hole in my heart since I can no longer enjoy his books.

This book is great for people who love the idea of magic existing right under our noses, a slow burn, a brooding protective MMC, gothic vibes, and vivid descriptions and imagery.

I can’t wait to read book 2!

[Shelbi Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️3.75 Stars!
Stunning Debut Novel!!

The writing was rich and immersive, with gorgeous gothic atmosphere. I loved the magic—hidden realms, secret portals, and a shadow world tucked just behind the ordinary. It gave serious Diagon Alley energy, but darker.

The plot was a little predictable, but I didn’t care. The vibes were strong, the setting was gorgeous, and the mystical elements kept me hooked.

Winged, white-haired MMC. Strong, grounded FMC. And yes—one bed at the inn😍

Dark fairytale energy. Curses, feathers, secrets. 🖤LOVE🖤

[Ondrea Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good magical mystery book. The FMC is partially dead but not really and she didn’t even realize it. She learns about the magical people around her without ever believing in it before. It has cute one liners, and unhinged friend and a winged MMC who is brooding, tall, and gorgeous!! An amazing read that ends on a cliffhanger but I am excited for a second book from this author!

[gnarland readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so so captivating I simply could not put it down! The story follows FMC Mansyn as she uncovers the truth behind the dark magic that has cursed her family. The style of writing helps you feel like you are living the story alongside Mansyn. The ending leaves you on such a good cliffhanger, I am so excited for book two.

[Alyissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this book had hidden secrets from the start, right to the end. Mansyn is a strong female who overcomes so much and learns so many things about her life and family's. I cannot wait to read the unraveling in the next book that has still yet to come and how Mansyn takes on these challenges! I also cant wait to read about Sorcha and what's going on there.

[Tartsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting!

I’m not usually a gothic reader, but my favorite parts were the witch’s brew, the Fates & the ordeal the main character has to go through.
I liked the portal into another realm, the twist at the end.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really refreshing to read a book like that doesn’t read like soooooo many other books if you know what I mean lol.. love it.

[Tama Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner!

This book pulls you in and keeps you reading and turning pages as fast as you can go. Great descriptions of the locations and relatable characters! I feel like I was THERE for the entire story. So many twists and turns kept me guessing all the way to the last page. I definitely recommend this book! It's going to be hard to wait for book 2!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I absolutely love the creature building in this book, I love the wide variety of them and felt engulfed and wanted to read more about the magical world introduced to us. The only thing that was difficult for me in particular was Sorchas accent being typed out, not a deal breaker, but definitely hard on my brain at times. I hope more people pick this book up, there’s so much potential for the 2nd one to come.

[Kate Szafranski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great gothic fantasy!

Right from the start this book has you captivated; are things you’re questioning and wanting answers for!

The journey that Mansyn goes on throughout this story is great. So much growing and accepting of herself (and others as well).

This is a great gothic-fantasy book set in modern day, but with so much magic and mystery. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book i definitely needed in my life - it was full of magic and gothic vibes that I love so much outside of a book, so having it in a book was such a breath of fresh air! C. Mathie is an amazing writer and had me hooked from the first page all the way to the very last... leaving me with questions that I can't wait to find out in book 2!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many twists and turns! It makes you want to keep reading.

[Kristina Dunbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely incredible debut novel! If you like a little mystery, a dash of magic and a potential romance you’re going to love this book. Also if you liked Belladonna you’ll enjoy this book as well. Can’t wait for book two!