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We Become Ravens
What can the man convicted of killing your brother possibly want if he doesn’t desire forgiveness?
Evangeline Bransby’s world is thrown into turmoil when she receives an unexpected invite from Valdemar Montresor, the man convicted of killing her twin brother ten years ago.
Within the ominous walls of Monroe Penitentiary, Evangeline is beguiled by Valdemar, a man wrapped in darkness and danger yet with a seductive allure she cannot ignore.
As he reveals the secrets of the Raven Hands and the truth behind her brother’s death, Evangeline finds herself caught between the dream world and reality—where the dead are restless and intent on being heard.
Evangeline must seek the truth to unravel the mystery that binds her to Valdemar and discover the power within herself to see beyond the veil of death.
Can she be the saviour, or will she perish in the arms of the man who shattered her world?
Woven with the macabre echoes of Edgar Allan Poe, We Become Ravens is a haunting tale of forbidden romance, dangerous liaisons, and ghostly nightmares.
Evangeline Bransby’s world is thrown into turmoil when she receives an unexpected invite from Valdemar Montresor, the man convicted of killing her twin brother ten years ago.
Within the ominous walls of Monroe Penitentiary, Evangeline is beguiled by Valdemar, a man wrapped in darkness and danger yet with a seductive allure she cannot ignore.
As he reveals the secrets of the Raven Hands and the truth behind her brother’s death, Evangeline finds herself caught between the dream world and reality—where the dead are restless and intent on being heard.
Evangeline must seek the truth to unravel the mystery that binds her to Valdemar and discover the power within herself to see beyond the veil of death.
Can she be the saviour, or will she perish in the arms of the man who shattered her world?
Woven with the macabre echoes of Edgar Allan Poe, We Become Ravens is a haunting tale of forbidden romance, dangerous liaisons, and ghostly nightmares.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 15, 2025
We Become Ravens follows our main character Evangeline, a journalist, who gets a message from her twin brother's killer, Valdemar, who's also the notorious leader of the Raven Hands gang. He has been imprisoned for 10 years following the murder, and asks Evangeline to meet with him over the course of six weeks before his release to explain his story.
Through her weekly visits with Valdemar, he begins to paint a picture of just how corrupt Amontillado is, and how her brother was caught up in the underbelly. The stakes really begin to mount. We also find out each member of the Raven Hands was chosen for having a "unique ability", and she herself seems to have one. Simultaneously, the attraction between Evangeline and Valdemar simmers. This is a spicy, age-gap romance with a bit of insta-lust, but I think it was fairly well done in this case. It was pretty easy to guess what Valdemar's ability was, but it made the romance extra interesting and unique. I will say that Valdemar was a little corny sometimes, though.
Once Valdemar is out of prison, the slower pace of the story amps up. As the two of them grow closer, another more sinister threat emerges that puts both of them in danger and a race to unravel everything. The book is perfectly paced and the tension and chemistry leaps off the page. I literally flew through this book. This was an excellent fantasy romance!
Thank you so much to Hot Tree and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚
Through her weekly visits with Valdemar, he begins to paint a picture of just how corrupt Amontillado is, and how her brother was caught up in the underbelly. The stakes really begin to mount. We also find out each member of the Raven Hands was chosen for having a "unique ability", and she herself seems to have one. Simultaneously, the attraction between Evangeline and Valdemar simmers. This is a spicy, age-gap romance with a bit of insta-lust, but I think it was fairly well done in this case. It was pretty easy to guess what Valdemar's ability was, but it made the romance extra interesting and unique. I will say that Valdemar was a little corny sometimes, though.
Once Valdemar is out of prison, the slower pace of the story amps up. As the two of them grow closer, another more sinister threat emerges that puts both of them in danger and a race to unravel everything. The book is perfectly paced and the tension and chemistry leaps off the page. I literally flew through this book. This was an excellent fantasy romance!
Thank you so much to Hot Tree and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚
March 20, 2025
Rating: 4.5/5
I’ve loved Edgar Allen Poe’s work since elementary school—yes, that far back. I was a weird kid. Author Maria Dean cleverly used some themes and names from Poe’s work in her book We Become Ravens. The story is just as much about darkness, loss, regrets, and has a sense of eerieness with a gothic vibe—coincidentally, similar to Poe’s writing.
Readers are introduced to Evageline’s character as it is told through her POV only. The secret gift she endures and sees as, instead, a burden unfolds through the story. Her unexpected connection with her brother’s killer and blood-bonded “brother,” Valdemar, begins a suspenseful, twisty, dark quest for answers that she is not prepared for.
I enjoyed Maria Dean's concept of We Become Ravens. The fated mate bond, the ability to communicate in the dream world, and all the twists were quite creative in this story. I liked it!
I’ve loved Edgar Allen Poe’s work since elementary school—yes, that far back. I was a weird kid. Author Maria Dean cleverly used some themes and names from Poe’s work in her book We Become Ravens. The story is just as much about darkness, loss, regrets, and has a sense of eerieness with a gothic vibe—coincidentally, similar to Poe’s writing.
Readers are introduced to Evageline’s character as it is told through her POV only. The secret gift she endures and sees as, instead, a burden unfolds through the story. Her unexpected connection with her brother’s killer and blood-bonded “brother,” Valdemar, begins a suspenseful, twisty, dark quest for answers that she is not prepared for.
I enjoyed Maria Dean's concept of We Become Ravens. The fated mate bond, the ability to communicate in the dream world, and all the twists were quite creative in this story. I liked it!
January 28, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I LOVED every single second of this story!! I wasn't 100% sure what I was getting into but I was pleasantly surprised. We Become Ravens is a devilishly dark, sexy and atmospheric story about our FMC Evangeline who starts to visit the man who killed her brother - Valdemar Montresor.
The story gets straight into the drama as we follow Evangeline and Vlademar meeting in the prison and even though he is quite obviously morally grey I loved him and their interactions together. Part of this story takes place in dreams and I found this to be really interesting and unique to me. The writing was compelling and had me reading when I should have been sleeping, I loved the references to Edgar Allen Poe and the smut was on point.
If you like dark romance and morally grey MMC's then please check this out.
I LOVED every single second of this story!! I wasn't 100% sure what I was getting into but I was pleasantly surprised. We Become Ravens is a devilishly dark, sexy and atmospheric story about our FMC Evangeline who starts to visit the man who killed her brother - Valdemar Montresor.
The story gets straight into the drama as we follow Evangeline and Vlademar meeting in the prison and even though he is quite obviously morally grey I loved him and their interactions together. Part of this story takes place in dreams and I found this to be really interesting and unique to me. The writing was compelling and had me reading when I should have been sleeping, I loved the references to Edgar Allen Poe and the smut was on point.
If you like dark romance and morally grey MMC's then please check this out.
January 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The story was unique; I personally haven’t read anything like it. The plot line wasn’t predictable and had appropriate foreshadowing without giving everything away. I do think that the main characters’ personalities could have been fleshed out more. I didn’t really feel anything for them as individuals. As someone who hasn’t read many dark romance books, I felt like this was maybe a medium-low in darkness. There were some spicy scenes with detail, for those that like to know spice level. I feel like I have to also credit the author for the many Edgar Allen Poe references within the book - clever!
Thank you to Hot Tree Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you to Hot Tree Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.
October 29, 2024
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this book! It's fantastic from beginning to end, and it hits all the right buttons and emotions. The tension practically leaps off the page, and all the nods to Poe are done so masterfully that it just adds to the wow factor. Can't recommend this enough!
5 stars
5 stars
October 29, 2024
When I was young, my mum allowed me to buy a second- hand cassette tape of Christopher Lee reading some of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. She wasn’t surprised when I asked to buy it as fairy tales of princesses just weren’t my thing, but this is definitely where my love of Poe began, on those dark nights, huddled under the duvet listening to Lee’s haunting voice retelling The Tell-Tale Heart. And this is definitely where the idea for We Become Ravens started. It has been one of the most difficult yet most enjoyable books I’ve written and I can’t wait for you to get lost in Evangeline’s world and for you to meet the charismatic Valdemar Montresor.
February 17, 2025
˗ˏˋ 4 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
i loved how this book had a unique magic system like no other and kept me hooked right from the start.
although there were some plot twists that i didn't see coming, a few of them were relatively predictable to me. regardless, the book kept me on my toes and second guessing until the very last page. i literally flew by the last hundred pages.
i loved how some parts of the book took place in a dream, that concept was pretty wild and interesting to me. and that mirror scene *OMFG!-* definitely would recommend this book!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i loved how this book had a unique magic system like no other and kept me hooked right from the start.
although there were some plot twists that i didn't see coming, a few of them were relatively predictable to me. regardless, the book kept me on my toes and second guessing until the very last page. i literally flew by the last hundred pages.
i loved how some parts of the book took place in a dream, that concept was pretty wild and interesting to me. and that mirror scene *OMFG!-* definitely would recommend this book!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2025
A fresh blend of true crime and dark romantasy that pulls readers into a hauntingly atmospheric world.
Evangeline Bransby’s life is upended when she receives a mysterious invitation from Valdemar Montresor, the man convicted of killing her twin brother a decade ago. Inside the grim walls of Monroe Penitentiary, she becomes captivated by Valdemar, a dangerous yet irresistibly alluring man. As he unveils the secrets of the Raven Hands and the truth behind her brother’s death, Evangeline is pulled into a world where the dead speak and reality blurs. As she uncovers hidden truths, she must confront her growing connection to Valdemar and face a choice: become the savior, or fall victim to the man who shattered her life.
The prison visits keep the tension at a simmer. Every tiny scrap of information Valdemar reveals adds fuel to the fire, leaving readers on edge and spinning theories. The mystery surrounding the truth about Ed’s death and family secrets is one of the book's most compelling elements, and it will have you second-guessing everyone’s motivations.
The slow-burn romance between Valdemar and Evangeline is a deliciously twisted aspect of the story. The fact that Valdemar is locked in prison for her brother’s murder and leads a gang only intensifies their connection, transforming what could have been a simple romance into a deep and forbidden dance. The slow, simmering hate-to-lovers dynamic is executed brilliantly, with Valdemar falling first. Evangeline’s confusion over his protective actions, coupled with her own physical longing for him, creates a tension that is both frustrating and irresistible. He haunts her at all hours, and knows how to weave her most sinful fantasies in his cool, calm, and dominating presence.
The paranormal and magical elements of the book enrich the narrative even further. Evangeline’s ability to see the dead, which once felt like a curse, gradually transforms into something more meaningful as she discovers that she is not alone. There’s a deeper fascination for the unknown, these gifts, and bonds between souls.
A delightful touch for fans of gothic literature is the abundance of references to Edgar Allan Poe throughout the novel. From character names to nods to his poems and stories, the dark and eerie atmosphere of the book is infused with Poe's influence. The gothic overlay enriches the narrative, creating a sense of eerie inevitability that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
If you're a fan of dark romantasy, true crime, or anything with a gothic, mysterious flair, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away in its intoxicating web of danger, desire, and the supernatural.
Evangeline Bransby’s life is upended when she receives a mysterious invitation from Valdemar Montresor, the man convicted of killing her twin brother a decade ago. Inside the grim walls of Monroe Penitentiary, she becomes captivated by Valdemar, a dangerous yet irresistibly alluring man. As he unveils the secrets of the Raven Hands and the truth behind her brother’s death, Evangeline is pulled into a world where the dead speak and reality blurs. As she uncovers hidden truths, she must confront her growing connection to Valdemar and face a choice: become the savior, or fall victim to the man who shattered her life.
The prison visits keep the tension at a simmer. Every tiny scrap of information Valdemar reveals adds fuel to the fire, leaving readers on edge and spinning theories. The mystery surrounding the truth about Ed’s death and family secrets is one of the book's most compelling elements, and it will have you second-guessing everyone’s motivations.
The slow-burn romance between Valdemar and Evangeline is a deliciously twisted aspect of the story. The fact that Valdemar is locked in prison for her brother’s murder and leads a gang only intensifies their connection, transforming what could have been a simple romance into a deep and forbidden dance. The slow, simmering hate-to-lovers dynamic is executed brilliantly, with Valdemar falling first. Evangeline’s confusion over his protective actions, coupled with her own physical longing for him, creates a tension that is both frustrating and irresistible. He haunts her at all hours, and knows how to weave her most sinful fantasies in his cool, calm, and dominating presence.
The paranormal and magical elements of the book enrich the narrative even further. Evangeline’s ability to see the dead, which once felt like a curse, gradually transforms into something more meaningful as she discovers that she is not alone. There’s a deeper fascination for the unknown, these gifts, and bonds between souls.
A delightful touch for fans of gothic literature is the abundance of references to Edgar Allan Poe throughout the novel. From character names to nods to his poems and stories, the dark and eerie atmosphere of the book is infused with Poe's influence. The gothic overlay enriches the narrative, creating a sense of eerie inevitability that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
If you're a fan of dark romantasy, true crime, or anything with a gothic, mysterious flair, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away in its intoxicating web of danger, desire, and the supernatural.
April 20, 2025
We Become Ravens was such an unexpected gem. Sometimes, I select books on a spontaneous impulse, and this is exactly what I did with this one. A new author for me, yet something in the synopsis beckoned irresistibly.
Blending the eerie, gothic ambiance of Poe’s haunting poem with a fervent, turbulent love story, complemented by elements of magic, this story captivates from the first page.
A decade ago, Evangeline’s twin brother’s life was cut short by Valdemar Montresor. The story kicks off with her meeting Valdemar in prison, driven by his promise to disclose the truth about her brother’s death. With each of her subsequent visits before his release, he reveals more long-buried secrets surrounding that tragic night, unraveling mysteries that threaten to shatter her world …
The story offers a few unexpected twists—major surprises that truly caught me off guard, which is not an easy feat nowadays. The atmospheric setting is nothing short of mesmerizing, delivering a dark, mysterious gothic narrative infused with subtle supernatural undertones. However, the love story felt somewhat superficial to me, since the characters lacked distinct voices. That aside, I was utterly absorbed, unable to put the book down.
Overall, a dark, compelling book that has me excited to read more of Maria Dean’s works.
Blending the eerie, gothic ambiance of Poe’s haunting poem with a fervent, turbulent love story, complemented by elements of magic, this story captivates from the first page.
A decade ago, Evangeline’s twin brother’s life was cut short by Valdemar Montresor. The story kicks off with her meeting Valdemar in prison, driven by his promise to disclose the truth about her brother’s death. With each of her subsequent visits before his release, he reveals more long-buried secrets surrounding that tragic night, unraveling mysteries that threaten to shatter her world …
The story offers a few unexpected twists—major surprises that truly caught me off guard, which is not an easy feat nowadays. The atmospheric setting is nothing short of mesmerizing, delivering a dark, mysterious gothic narrative infused with subtle supernatural undertones. However, the love story felt somewhat superficial to me, since the characters lacked distinct voices. That aside, I was utterly absorbed, unable to put the book down.
Overall, a dark, compelling book that has me excited to read more of Maria Dean’s works.
February 8, 2025
4 stars
I found this book while browsing NetGalley, and I was immediately attracted by the title and the premise. It was such a delightful read!
This book merges the macabre aura of Edgar Allan Poe's poems with a passionate, whirlwind romance, and magical aspects. Ten years ago, Evangeline's twin brother was killed by Valdemar Montresor. The book starts with Evangeline answering Valdemar's request to meet him in prison, after he promises he will tell her the truth about the night her brother was murdered. There, she finds out he'll be released in six weeks, and through those last weeks of his imprisonment, he unravels the secrets of that fateful night he has worked hard to keep.
There were a couple of plot twists I didn't see coming, though quite a few were clear as day. I don't know if that was the intent of the author, but I was surprised by the two major ones so I'm happy with it.
The short chapters, the quick pace, the intriguing story kept me hooked to my kindle. I seriously couldn't put this book down! Although, I found the writing lacking a few times, and the characters didn't have separate voices. As a result, I was left skeptical of the romance, though I enjoyed the sex scenes.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and I would definitely recommend to friends!
Thank you to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a copy of this eARC.
I found this book while browsing NetGalley, and I was immediately attracted by the title and the premise. It was such a delightful read!
This book merges the macabre aura of Edgar Allan Poe's poems with a passionate, whirlwind romance, and magical aspects. Ten years ago, Evangeline's twin brother was killed by Valdemar Montresor. The book starts with Evangeline answering Valdemar's request to meet him in prison, after he promises he will tell her the truth about the night her brother was murdered. There, she finds out he'll be released in six weeks, and through those last weeks of his imprisonment, he unravels the secrets of that fateful night he has worked hard to keep.
There were a couple of plot twists I didn't see coming, though quite a few were clear as day. I don't know if that was the intent of the author, but I was surprised by the two major ones so I'm happy with it.
The short chapters, the quick pace, the intriguing story kept me hooked to my kindle. I seriously couldn't put this book down! Although, I found the writing lacking a few times, and the characters didn't have separate voices. As a result, I was left skeptical of the romance, though I enjoyed the sex scenes.
Overall, I had a great time reading this book and I would definitely recommend to friends!
Thank you to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for a copy of this eARC.
July 13, 2025
Wow! Just wow! This book is so up my dark, creepy street.
After being in the biggest reading slump this twisted tale had me in a chokehold and will be haunting my dreams for long after the final page.
The language is purely delicious, while the twists are thoroughly unexpected and surprisingly uplifting given the dark subjects covered. The characters completely endearing.
This is a self proclaimed homage to the genius of Edgar Allan Poe and while you can see and appreciate each reference the story remains unique and a narrative of it's own. *Although I particularly enjoyed the closing chapter.... if you know, you know!
After being in the biggest reading slump this twisted tale had me in a chokehold and will be haunting my dreams for long after the final page.
The language is purely delicious, while the twists are thoroughly unexpected and surprisingly uplifting given the dark subjects covered. The characters completely endearing.
This is a self proclaimed homage to the genius of Edgar Allan Poe and while you can see and appreciate each reference the story remains unique and a narrative of it's own. *Although I particularly enjoyed the closing chapter.... if you know, you know!
January 23, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!!
I went into this book with an open mind and an Onyx Storm hangover. And it helped! This is dark romance and it’s quite dark. But the plot moved quickly and the MMC is so dreamy and worth swooning over. FMC gets wrapped up in herself a lot but she goes through some crazy trauma so I’ll give her some slack. The book ended on a nice note and so if this is a standalone, I think it was a great book!
I went into this book with an open mind and an Onyx Storm hangover. And it helped! This is dark romance and it’s quite dark. But the plot moved quickly and the MMC is so dreamy and worth swooning over. FMC gets wrapped up in herself a lot but she goes through some crazy trauma so I’ll give her some slack. The book ended on a nice note and so if this is a standalone, I think it was a great book!
March 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Alright, buckle up, because We Become Ravens by Maria Dean is the kind of book that sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go. Dark, eerie, and dripping with gothic allure, this is a story that feels like stepping into a dream—one that’s equal parts intoxicating and terrifying.
We follow journalist Evangeline Bransby, who’s spent the last decade haunted by the murder of her twin brother. So when she receives an invitation to interview Valdemar Montresor—the infamous leader of the Raven Hands gang and, oh yeah, the man convicted of killing her brother—she does what any self-respecting journalist with a death wish would do: she goes. Straight into Monroe Penitentiary. Because of course she does.
From the moment these two meet, the tension is thick enough to choke on. Valdemar is the definition of morally gray—dangerous, enigmatic, and way too charming for a man locked behind bars. But here’s the thing: he insists he didn’t kill her brother. And as Evangeline digs deeper, she finds herself caught in a web of secrets, supernatural forces, and dreamlike visions that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
Maria Dean’s writing? Absolutely stunning. She weaves a story that feels like it was whispered to you in the dead of night—lyrical, haunting, and impossible to shake. The chemistry between Evangeline and Valdemar crackles with intensity, and their dynamic is the perfect mix of I shouldn’t want this & but what if I do?
And let’s talk about the atmosphere. If you love gothic tales soaked in mystery, with just the right amount of the supernatural, We Become Ravens will have you absolutely feral. It’s unsettling, seductive, and perfect for readers who like their romance with a side of existential dread.
Final verdict? If The Raven Cycle, Gideon the Ninth, and Interview with the Vampire had a beautifully unhinged love child, it would be this book. Prepare to get lost in the shadows—you won’t want to leave.
We follow journalist Evangeline Bransby, who’s spent the last decade haunted by the murder of her twin brother. So when she receives an invitation to interview Valdemar Montresor—the infamous leader of the Raven Hands gang and, oh yeah, the man convicted of killing her brother—she does what any self-respecting journalist with a death wish would do: she goes. Straight into Monroe Penitentiary. Because of course she does.
From the moment these two meet, the tension is thick enough to choke on. Valdemar is the definition of morally gray—dangerous, enigmatic, and way too charming for a man locked behind bars. But here’s the thing: he insists he didn’t kill her brother. And as Evangeline digs deeper, she finds herself caught in a web of secrets, supernatural forces, and dreamlike visions that blur the line between reality and nightmare.
Maria Dean’s writing? Absolutely stunning. She weaves a story that feels like it was whispered to you in the dead of night—lyrical, haunting, and impossible to shake. The chemistry between Evangeline and Valdemar crackles with intensity, and their dynamic is the perfect mix of I shouldn’t want this & but what if I do?
And let’s talk about the atmosphere. If you love gothic tales soaked in mystery, with just the right amount of the supernatural, We Become Ravens will have you absolutely feral. It’s unsettling, seductive, and perfect for readers who like their romance with a side of existential dread.
Final verdict? If The Raven Cycle, Gideon the Ninth, and Interview with the Vampire had a beautifully unhinged love child, it would be this book. Prepare to get lost in the shadows—you won’t want to leave.
February 17, 2025
Sometimes, I'll pick up a book on a whim, and that's what I did here. This is a new-to-me author and a fantasy book (which isn't my go-to genre), but something about this book's blurb just called to me. So, I picked it up, and once I did, I didn't want to put it down.
When the man who killed Evangeline's twin brother asks for her to meet him in prison, what could he possibly want other than her forgiveness? That's the one thing that she can never give Valdemar Montresor, but as he starts to reveal the secrets of the Raven Hands and the night that her brother died, Evangeline is caught between dreams and reality and she must seek the truth.
This story consumed me right from the start and it's hold on me only got stronger with every twist and turn. Valdemar had me in his grip from the moment that we swaggered into the visiting room. This is one of the sexiest stories that I've read in quite some time. That's says a lot about this author considering that for much of this story, Evangeline and Valdemar are in a prison, separated by a table and overseen by guards.
Mystery, danger, suspense. This haunting story has all of that and more, all tied together with echoes of Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven'. This story surprised me again and again, and I found myself fascinated by these characters and their connection to each other. The way that this story played out had me turning the pages so fast, wanting to get to the end without wanting the story to be over.
We Become Ravens will definitely be a contender for one of my top reads of this year and it will have me checking out this author's entire backlist too.
When the man who killed Evangeline's twin brother asks for her to meet him in prison, what could he possibly want other than her forgiveness? That's the one thing that she can never give Valdemar Montresor, but as he starts to reveal the secrets of the Raven Hands and the night that her brother died, Evangeline is caught between dreams and reality and she must seek the truth.
This story consumed me right from the start and it's hold on me only got stronger with every twist and turn. Valdemar had me in his grip from the moment that we swaggered into the visiting room. This is one of the sexiest stories that I've read in quite some time. That's says a lot about this author considering that for much of this story, Evangeline and Valdemar are in a prison, separated by a table and overseen by guards.
Mystery, danger, suspense. This haunting story has all of that and more, all tied together with echoes of Edgar Allen Poe's 'The Raven'. This story surprised me again and again, and I found myself fascinated by these characters and their connection to each other. The way that this story played out had me turning the pages so fast, wanting to get to the end without wanting the story to be over.
We Become Ravens will definitely be a contender for one of my top reads of this year and it will have me checking out this author's entire backlist too.
March 11, 2025
This was such an unexpected delight.
I knew the general direction that this would go but how it all panned out was so interesting, haunting and fantastic.
I loved the way the fantasy elements of this story worked. They were layered and interesting. I’ve read about these powers before but never in this way which I absolutely loved.
I was so drawn in by the promise of an Edgar Allen Poe-esque story and I think this one actually nails some of the elements that others haven’t quite achieved. Is it entirely reminiscent? No but there’s aspects that have the same haunting, ethereal beauty that Poe captures in his work in a modern, urban setting that somehow came together and worked so well.
Evangeline was a fantastic FMC. She feels very realistic and I felt the aching pain of losing her brother. As someone who has twins in their family multiple times I see the connection daily and it was sickening to imagine that loss of bond even in a fiction setting.
Valdemar was interesting. His character felt demanding. I especially loved the vulnerability he has while being a commanding figure in the raven hands.
The plot twist at the end was fantastic. I was fully on board with the first story when it was told so that was both great and devastating to me.
I will definitely be picking up whatever book Maria Dean writes. The writing style is so easy to read, the setting was vivid and I adored the characters.
Thank you to Hot Tree Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
I knew the general direction that this would go but how it all panned out was so interesting, haunting and fantastic.
I loved the way the fantasy elements of this story worked. They were layered and interesting. I’ve read about these powers before but never in this way which I absolutely loved.
I was so drawn in by the promise of an Edgar Allen Poe-esque story and I think this one actually nails some of the elements that others haven’t quite achieved. Is it entirely reminiscent? No but there’s aspects that have the same haunting, ethereal beauty that Poe captures in his work in a modern, urban setting that somehow came together and worked so well.
Evangeline was a fantastic FMC. She feels very realistic and I felt the aching pain of losing her brother. As someone who has twins in their family multiple times I see the connection daily and it was sickening to imagine that loss of bond even in a fiction setting.
Valdemar was interesting. His character felt demanding. I especially loved the vulnerability he has while being a commanding figure in the raven hands.
The plot twist at the end was fantastic. I was fully on board with the first story when it was told so that was both great and devastating to me.
I will definitely be picking up whatever book Maria Dean writes. The writing style is so easy to read, the setting was vivid and I adored the characters.
Thank you to Hot Tree Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.
March 10, 2025
Thank you to Maria Dean, Hot Tree Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an arc!
We Become Ravens follows Evangeline, a journalist who is summoned to the prison at the request of notorious criminal Valdemar Montresor to hear his story before his impending release after spending the last 10 years behind bars for a coldblooded murder.. The murder in question? Evangeline’s twin brother Ed…
I really enjoyed this one! I went in pretty much blind and wasn’t sure what to expect but it was fast paced and sexy and I couldn’t put it down! I saw this was tagged as a fantasy book but was confused at the start about where the fantasy elements would come from and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the magical realism was interesting and the storyline wasn’t like anything I’ve really read before. I really liked how the chapters were short and sweet which made it super fast paced and impossible for me to put down that I pretty much binged it in a day!
I would say that I wish the ending were a little more satisfying as I feel like things were wrapped up a little too cleanly but overall I enjoyed this one and would recommend it!
We Become Ravens follows Evangeline, a journalist who is summoned to the prison at the request of notorious criminal Valdemar Montresor to hear his story before his impending release after spending the last 10 years behind bars for a coldblooded murder.. The murder in question? Evangeline’s twin brother Ed…
I really enjoyed this one! I went in pretty much blind and wasn’t sure what to expect but it was fast paced and sexy and I couldn’t put it down! I saw this was tagged as a fantasy book but was confused at the start about where the fantasy elements would come from and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the magical realism was interesting and the storyline wasn’t like anything I’ve really read before. I really liked how the chapters were short and sweet which made it super fast paced and impossible for me to put down that I pretty much binged it in a day!
I would say that I wish the ending were a little more satisfying as I feel like things were wrapped up a little too cleanly but overall I enjoyed this one and would recommend it!
March 24, 2025
We Become Ravens is a spellbinding blend of gothic mystery, supernatural intrigue, and dark romance. From the very first page, the novel pulls you into a hauntingly atmospheric world filled with eerie penitentiaries, whispered secrets, and a love story teetering on the edge of danger.
Evangeline is a journalist determined to uncover the truth about her twin brother’s death. When she’s lured into the orbit of Valdemar Montresor—the enigmatic and dangerous man convicted of her brother’s murder—she is thrust into a chilling game of truth and deception. As the lines between reality and nightmares blur, Evangeline must navigate ghostly whispers, forbidden desires, and dark revelations that threaten everything she thought she knew.
Who knew that dreams could be so evocative?
Whilst this is a slow burn romance, the tension between these two is as intoxicating as it is unsettling. This book captivated me and kept me turning pages late into the night. This novel, will resonate with you long after you leave the pages.
An unexpected 5 star read for me and I highly recommend it.
Evangeline is a journalist determined to uncover the truth about her twin brother’s death. When she’s lured into the orbit of Valdemar Montresor—the enigmatic and dangerous man convicted of her brother’s murder—she is thrust into a chilling game of truth and deception. As the lines between reality and nightmares blur, Evangeline must navigate ghostly whispers, forbidden desires, and dark revelations that threaten everything she thought she knew.
Who knew that dreams could be so evocative?
Whilst this is a slow burn romance, the tension between these two is as intoxicating as it is unsettling. This book captivated me and kept me turning pages late into the night. This novel, will resonate with you long after you leave the pages.
An unexpected 5 star read for me and I highly recommend it.
June 26, 2025
This book was so hard to put down! And when I did put it down to go to work, I found myself thinking about Valdemar. I was absolutely unaware that I had a thing for gangsters until I picked up this book, and gangsters blended with a drop of magic is one thousand percent doing it for me. This book has a wildly sexy MMC, who is exactly the type of misunderstood villain we all desperately want. The storyline is clever, well-paced, but the real credit goes to the delicious slow-burn, enemies to lovers style romance, with two unlikely characters, a hint of fantasy, and some steamy chapters that had my day dreams taking twisted turns.
The only negative for me was that I felt I needed some additional context regarding magic in this world, but if Im honest, maybe it was explained and I was too busy dreaming about Valdemar to pay attention....
This book is mafia romance meets spicy fantasy, and its definitely a must read!
The only negative for me was that I felt I needed some additional context regarding magic in this world, but if Im honest, maybe it was explained and I was too busy dreaming about Valdemar to pay attention....
This book is mafia romance meets spicy fantasy, and its definitely a must read!
March 6, 2025
Okay so I personally haven't read anything like this before, and I found it a very unique read!
We have our FMC who is a journalist and she has been requested to get the scoop from a guy serving 10 years in jail for murdering her brother.
The book has some great paranormal elements and a really different type of "gift" system instead of magic as such. I loved all the subtle little nods also throughout the book to Edgar Allen Poe 🤌
It was a really mysterious read, and I really felt the loneliness of BOTH the main characters. It was a quick read with short chapters and was a spicy one too! How a book manages to be so sexy when for majority of the book they're on opposite sides of a table in a prison visiting room 😆
A real truth finding story, Would recommend 👌
We have our FMC who is a journalist and she has been requested to get the scoop from a guy serving 10 years in jail for murdering her brother.
The book has some great paranormal elements and a really different type of "gift" system instead of magic as such. I loved all the subtle little nods also throughout the book to Edgar Allen Poe 🤌
It was a really mysterious read, and I really felt the loneliness of BOTH the main characters. It was a quick read with short chapters and was a spicy one too! How a book manages to be so sexy when for majority of the book they're on opposite sides of a table in a prison visiting room 😆
A real truth finding story, Would recommend 👌
March 20, 2025
This story was very unique. It took me a minute to get into but after the first couple chapters when things start falling into place and secrets are revealed, I was hooked. It is not your typical fall for the leader of a gang romance. There is so much supernatural stuff going on that it really ups the story and gets you on the edge of your seat. At first, I didn’t really see Evangeline and Valdemar together but by the end it all made sense. Loved how everything fit together like a puzzle. Very interesting and fun read. Oh and of course….. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. This book did not hold back on the spice.
March 27, 2025
We Become Ravens a dark romance. I did enjoy this one, it was a good start to dive into this genre. Evangeline brother was killed and now his murder wants to tell her his side. As a journalist her interest is peaked and starts communicating with him. They both share an ability no others have, he gives her the story of how her brother wasn’t so innocent. Sparks fly and we get a very interesting age gap romance and some dream were happening not in real time definitely fated mates meeting due to unfortunate circumstances.
August 14, 2025
3.5 rounded up. unique and fresh concept which is really hard to do in this day and age of romantasy (a court of blah blah, ruin and shadows blah blah). gives Gotham city + "Flock" vibes with magic. some dialogue, descriptions, and character names were a little cheesy or overworked. (Dr tem-pest? a cartoonishy sounding villain that was a little hard to take seriously). the spice was great, and the concepts of connecting in dreams was twisty and cool. could be perfect as a standalone but also has room for a good sequel. overall a fast and enjoyable read!
February 26, 2025
I went into this book blind and it certainly didn’t disappoint, this book was absolutely amazing. I fell in love with the characters so quickly. The twists and turns in it meant I couldn’t put the book down and I’m truly upset I’ve finished it. Maria dean captures the story brilliantly and I can’t wait to read more from her. 10/10 story with spice too.
Don’t want to say more as to not spoil it for anyone but this is a must read!!!
Don’t want to say more as to not spoil it for anyone but this is a must read!!!
January 28, 2025
This book was fantastic and I could not put it down. Which means I am really tired writing this having been up till 3 am. I was excited to get an ARC after reading the description, and it did not disappoint. The plot was so good and unique. I can't recommend this book enough!
February 17, 2025
4.5 stars.
Loved it. Couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed the magic system, and how it fit into a more contemporary life. The vigilante Gotham feel had me so intrigued and the story did not disappoint
Full review to follow
Loved it. Couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed the magic system, and how it fit into a more contemporary life. The vigilante Gotham feel had me so intrigued and the story did not disappoint
Full review to follow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
Dark, gritty, immersive spicy goodness!
This is outside my usual comfort zone, but I loved the gothic romance vibes and that it's packed to the brim with Poe references. Very enjoyable in a dark, twisty sort of way. I loved
This is outside my usual comfort zone, but I loved the gothic romance vibes and that it's packed to the brim with Poe references. Very enjoyable in a dark, twisty sort of way. I loved
April 3, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book and it was probably one of the best books I’ve read so far in 2025!
You’ve head of brother’s best fried but listen to this: brother’s *unaliver*.
HES DARK BUT I CAN FIX HIM OK ✋🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
You’ve head of brother’s best fried but listen to this: brother’s *unaliver*.
HES DARK BUT I CAN FIX HIM OK ✋🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
April 14, 2025
I couldn't put this book down. The story is gripping from the beginning, and just when you think you've figured it out, there's another twist in the story. I wanted it to keep going to see what was next for the Ravens...
March 10, 2025
WOW WHAT A BOOK !!!
Fantastic book , fascinating storyline and plot line , the blurb doesn’t do this story justice.
Key features , seeing death , gifts , tiuch her and die vibes.
Fantastic book , fascinating storyline and plot line , the blurb doesn’t do this story justice.
Key features , seeing death , gifts , tiuch her and die vibes.
March 22, 2025
We Become Ravens by Maria Dean was a thrilling crime romance with an enemies to lovers pull. There’s a touch of fantasy mixed in with some of the characters having special gifts. Maria Dean tosses in a nice twist you don’t see coming. We Become Ravens is a true standalone, which is getting harder to come by in this genre.
I recommend We Become Ravens to fans of The Inmate.
I recommend We Become Ravens to fans of The Inmate.
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