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Don't Trust The Raven
Could you turn back if you had all you ever wanted?
Ellie has been trapped in a life she doesn't believe to be her own. From living in an apartment that carries her trauma, to an unsatisfying job and a toxic relationship, she has no control over her life. When her sister Mallory moves out, she is left on her own to cope with her fears.
Everything changes when Ellie realizes she can control and manipulate dreams—not just her own, but those of the people around her, too. She learns to regain control over her life through her abilities, and it's all under the teaching eye of Aura, a beautiful inhabitant of the dreamworld. As Ellie slowly learns to take charge of her own life, her dreams prove to be the only safe space she has.
But when strange memories begin invading her mind and an eerily familiar woman from a story Mallory made up years ago starts talking to her in riddles, Ellie realizes there is more to her safe haven than meets the eye. Her perfect world harbors a dark secret; and it's up to her to decide which path she wants to take and who to trust.
Alice Brooks' indie debut Don't trust the Raven is a mystery novel about the taking charge of one's destiny and walking the narrow line between wanting to be in control and obsessing over it.
Ellie has been trapped in a life she doesn't believe to be her own. From living in an apartment that carries her trauma, to an unsatisfying job and a toxic relationship, she has no control over her life. When her sister Mallory moves out, she is left on her own to cope with her fears.
Everything changes when Ellie realizes she can control and manipulate dreams—not just her own, but those of the people around her, too. She learns to regain control over her life through her abilities, and it's all under the teaching eye of Aura, a beautiful inhabitant of the dreamworld. As Ellie slowly learns to take charge of her own life, her dreams prove to be the only safe space she has.
But when strange memories begin invading her mind and an eerily familiar woman from a story Mallory made up years ago starts talking to her in riddles, Ellie realizes there is more to her safe haven than meets the eye. Her perfect world harbors a dark secret; and it's up to her to decide which path she wants to take and who to trust.
Alice Brooks' indie debut Don't trust the Raven is a mystery novel about the taking charge of one's destiny and walking the narrow line between wanting to be in control and obsessing over it.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2025
9 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Alice Brooks
1 book15 followersAlice Brooks, also publishing under Alice G. Brooks, is a writer from Germany who likes to write tales about mental health, queer characters and character exploration. She was born in 2002 in the south-west of Germany.
Brooks started writing at a young age, primarily fanfiction of her favorite book series, until she stopped writing at the age of 14. She only picked it back up in 2023, and began writing fanfiction, short stories and finally books.
Brooks made her debut with "Don't trust the Raven", which released on June 1st, 2025.
She is an avid enjoyer of art, silly earrings, photography, everything weirdcore and daydreaming about living in a cottage in the woods, even though she wouldn't last a day out there.
Brooks started writing at a young age, primarily fanfiction of her favorite book series, until she stopped writing at the age of 14. She only picked it back up in 2023, and began writing fanfiction, short stories and finally books.
Brooks made her debut with "Don't trust the Raven", which released on June 1st, 2025.
She is an avid enjoyer of art, silly earrings, photography, everything weirdcore and daydreaming about living in a cottage in the woods, even though she wouldn't last a day out there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 3, 2025
I am upset by everything. 10/10 many notes
June 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from the start, but when I tell you my jaw was on the FLOOR for the last 25% or so—an absolutely stunning debut novel!
Read
May 28, 2025ARC Review-
“Don’t Trust the Raven” follows 23-year old Elaine “Ellie” Hunt as she discusses being raised by her sister, the traumas she has endured at the hands of her father, and her dreamscape, a place where her mind escapes to feel safe. The only problem with her dreamscape is a mysterious woman there named Aura whom Ellie calls “the Raven”. As Aura tries to talk Ellie into staying in her dreamscape forever, while her sister Mallory attempts to warn her against the dangers of the dreamscape and Aura. How do you decide who you can trust when you can’t even trust yourself? This was an engaging and captivating story from beginning to end. It is told from two POV which I noticed but didn’t fully understand until near the end of the story. Once you read the book you’ll understand what I mean. This story was mind-bending but in a good way, and really confronts some tough topics head on which I found commendable. Throughout the narrative there was a lot of manipulation, gaslighting, and exploitation that gave the story a dark edge that I found intriguing. I also found the characters to be interesting, and the plot was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I would definitely recommend this debut mystery novel to anyone who likes psychological and mystery books!
“Don’t Trust the Raven” follows 23-year old Elaine “Ellie” Hunt as she discusses being raised by her sister, the traumas she has endured at the hands of her father, and her dreamscape, a place where her mind escapes to feel safe. The only problem with her dreamscape is a mysterious woman there named Aura whom Ellie calls “the Raven”. As Aura tries to talk Ellie into staying in her dreamscape forever, while her sister Mallory attempts to warn her against the dangers of the dreamscape and Aura. How do you decide who you can trust when you can’t even trust yourself? This was an engaging and captivating story from beginning to end. It is told from two POV which I noticed but didn’t fully understand until near the end of the story. Once you read the book you’ll understand what I mean. This story was mind-bending but in a good way, and really confronts some tough topics head on which I found commendable. Throughout the narrative there was a lot of manipulation, gaslighting, and exploitation that gave the story a dark edge that I found intriguing. I also found the characters to be interesting, and the plot was unlike anything I’ve ever read before. I would definitely recommend this debut mystery novel to anyone who likes psychological and mystery books!
September 30, 2025
I kinda of liked the twist but still, the writing is just meh and makes the story feel empty and emotionless. The mc is also so annoying ugh
April 18, 2025
[i received an arc for this book]
i will always support women's rights and women's wrongs
okay but seriously i am OBSESSED with the concept of this book, it's such a captivating idea and i loved the writing and world building
i love love love that this story is not about romance but about sisterhood and female rage instead.
i'm a big fan of unreliable narrators so this was a great read. as the story progresses it gets harder to tell what is real and what isn't. the difference between pages and chapters was kinda confusing at first but at the end it all made sense.
i don't want to spoil anything so i'm just gonna say this: i did NOT expect this ending but oh wow !!
if you decide to read this book (you SHOULD!!) please take a look at the trigger warnings first. it deals with a lot of heavy topics that could potentially trigger you so please be careful
i will always support women's rights and women's wrongs
okay but seriously i am OBSESSED with the concept of this book, it's such a captivating idea and i loved the writing and world building
i love love love that this story is not about romance but about sisterhood and female rage instead.
i'm a big fan of unreliable narrators so this was a great read. as the story progresses it gets harder to tell what is real and what isn't. the difference between pages and chapters was kinda confusing at first but at the end it all made sense.
i don't want to spoil anything so i'm just gonna say this: i did NOT expect this ending but oh wow !!
if you decide to read this book (you SHOULD!!) please take a look at the trigger warnings first. it deals with a lot of heavy topics that could potentially trigger you so please be careful
July 30, 2025
One to read twice, to fully appreciate the twist!
January 7, 2026
This book was an absolute fever dream! I had no clue where it was going but I loved it.
January 2, 2026
The absolute mind-fuckery that this book put me through was ASTRONOMICAL! I knew it would, but I had no idea the story would unravel as drastically as it did. Excuse me if I sound like a Creative Writing/English major nerd with some of the stuff I'm about to talk about. That's who I am.
Let's start with the narrative backbone this story emulates. I picked up this book because one of my favorite tropes is a classic unreliable narrator (also because I ARC read Alice's second book and ADORED it, so I circled back to this gem). To someone who once annotated and analyzed Poe's work on the daily, the atmosphere in DTTR felt eerily similar. Except it's so much better, because you have a woman at the head of the plot, complex and traumatized, desperate for a method of escapism and awakening a feminine rage she should have let consume her a long time ago. The thing I love most about these types of stories is a beautifully paced, well developed protagonist. Well developed in the sense that naturally, their mental state is doomed from the start. All the readers can do is sit back and watch as insanity corrupts the once stable (or already deteriorating) mind. And that's what happens to Ellie, relying on the world of Dreamscapes to be her "escape" and "safe haven." Except, the more she learns to use her power, the more she loses touch with reality, in a constant state of questioning and justifiable rage with the cast of characters she interacts with. Watching Ellie on this journey is rewarding and maddening. Most times I applauded for her, other times I screamed. And there's nothing better than being conflicted about a character, because then you can debate the morality of their choices for the rest of your life. You, Ellie Hunt, made my list of characters who I will be battling with forever.
I also loved the structure the story operated on. An unexpected, back-and-forth between Ellie's present life to a journal entry (the start to the mind fuckery, read it to find out) contributed to the wonderful pacing of the story. I like how the journal pages almost always paralleled what would happen next in the story, producing a satisfying level of foreshadowing. And whoever complains "oh, I don't like that the pages are sprinkled randomly throughout the book" STUDY LITERATURE PLEASE! Let me tell you why this was a clever literary move on Alice's part. To keep the tension for the readers, very obviously, but to also enhance the symbolic meanings of the mind. The mind, overwhelmed by trauma and at the brink of insanity, produces an abundance of thoughts and feelings, unexplained or explained. To me, the journal pages served this purpose; revealing the life-altering (for Ellie and the reader) truth, levity and anxiety all wrapped into one. And fuck, was it perfect.
There is more I can talk about, like how I literally have differing definitions of the word "dream" depending on the character. That, however, I will save for Alice's eyes only.
On my last notes: Don't Trust Alice unless you set out on getting your heart broken and your mind toyed with. And heed my warning: TRUST NO ONE IN THE BOOK! You'll thank me later.
Let's start with the narrative backbone this story emulates. I picked up this book because one of my favorite tropes is a classic unreliable narrator (also because I ARC read Alice's second book and ADORED it, so I circled back to this gem). To someone who once annotated and analyzed Poe's work on the daily, the atmosphere in DTTR felt eerily similar. Except it's so much better, because you have a woman at the head of the plot, complex and traumatized, desperate for a method of escapism and awakening a feminine rage she should have let consume her a long time ago. The thing I love most about these types of stories is a beautifully paced, well developed protagonist. Well developed in the sense that naturally, their mental state is doomed from the start. All the readers can do is sit back and watch as insanity corrupts the once stable (or already deteriorating) mind. And that's what happens to Ellie, relying on the world of Dreamscapes to be her "escape" and "safe haven." Except, the more she learns to use her power, the more she loses touch with reality, in a constant state of questioning and justifiable rage with the cast of characters she interacts with. Watching Ellie on this journey is rewarding and maddening. Most times I applauded for her, other times I screamed. And there's nothing better than being conflicted about a character, because then you can debate the morality of their choices for the rest of your life. You, Ellie Hunt, made my list of characters who I will be battling with forever.
I also loved the structure the story operated on. An unexpected, back-and-forth between Ellie's present life to a journal entry (the start to the mind fuckery, read it to find out) contributed to the wonderful pacing of the story. I like how the journal pages almost always paralleled what would happen next in the story, producing a satisfying level of foreshadowing. And whoever complains "oh, I don't like that the pages are sprinkled randomly throughout the book" STUDY LITERATURE PLEASE! Let me tell you why this was a clever literary move on Alice's part. To keep the tension for the readers, very obviously, but to also enhance the symbolic meanings of the mind. The mind, overwhelmed by trauma and at the brink of insanity, produces an abundance of thoughts and feelings, unexplained or explained. To me, the journal pages served this purpose; revealing the life-altering (for Ellie and the reader) truth, levity and anxiety all wrapped into one. And fuck, was it perfect.
There is more I can talk about, like how I literally have differing definitions of the word "dream" depending on the character. That, however, I will save for Alice's eyes only.
On my last notes: Don't Trust Alice unless you set out on getting your heart broken and your mind toyed with. And heed my warning: TRUST NO ONE IN THE BOOK! You'll thank me later.
March 31, 2025
I received an ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh boy, when I tell you this book left me SHATTERED into a billion pieces... where to begin? It's filled with delicious prose, gripping descriptions that had me helplessly hooked from the very beginning. It's got fairytale/Grimm-esque vibes. Realistic, gritty depictions of trauma. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will shake your heart out of its rib cage. That I promise you.
Ellie was instantly likeable; I was rooting for her throughout, even when she made certain... choices every so often. I both liked & disliked Mallory as the story unfolded... it's complicated. I both understand her and cannot fathom her. Ewan should win a best bf ever award and also an award for the best names for chickens (I mean, Cluck Norris? Beakachu? When I tell you I laughed out loud and woke my sibling up!!). And I absolutely hated Aiden, WHAT A JERK. Bleurgh.
This is, quintessentially, a cautionary tale. It deals very skillfully with heavy themes - the very real experience of many young women trapped in abusive relationships, who are sexually assaulted; raped by their boyfriend/husband/significant other. It perfectly describes manipulative people and their tactics - recognising them and watching Ellie give into Aiden, and then Aura, time and time again made me feel so helpless, sympathetic, and very afraid for her.
I'm still kind of dazed and in shock, honestly.
5/5 stars. All the way. I 10000% recommend this book.
Oh boy, when I tell you this book left me SHATTERED into a billion pieces... where to begin? It's filled with delicious prose, gripping descriptions that had me helplessly hooked from the very beginning. It's got fairytale/Grimm-esque vibes. Realistic, gritty depictions of trauma. It's an emotional rollercoaster that will shake your heart out of its rib cage. That I promise you.
Ellie was instantly likeable; I was rooting for her throughout, even when she made certain... choices every so often. I both liked & disliked Mallory as the story unfolded... it's complicated. I both understand her and cannot fathom her. Ewan should win a best bf ever award and also an award for the best names for chickens (I mean, Cluck Norris? Beakachu? When I tell you I laughed out loud and woke my sibling up!!). And I absolutely hated Aiden, WHAT A JERK. Bleurgh.
This is, quintessentially, a cautionary tale. It deals very skillfully with heavy themes - the very real experience of many young women trapped in abusive relationships, who are sexually assaulted; raped by their boyfriend/husband/significant other. It perfectly describes manipulative people and their tactics - recognising them and watching Ellie give into Aiden, and then Aura, time and time again made me feel so helpless, sympathetic, and very afraid for her.
I'm still kind of dazed and in shock, honestly.
5/5 stars. All the way. I 10000% recommend this book.
April 22, 2025
Let me start by saying that.I have never read a book that tackled such major issues. So I do recommend that you read the triggers first before starting this book. I am so happy that I received an advance copy of this book.
With that said all I can say is excellent job in writing this book. Alice Brooks weaved an intricate story that left me angry, sometimes puzzled but rooting for our main character and even moments of laughter.
The character of Ellie was very complex but sadly also probably relatable by so many woman. She didn't always make the best choices and I didn't always agree with some of the things but I feel like her character was so real. I love the depth of character in her friend Mallory as well.
The way Alice Brooks developed these characters had me so emotionally invested in them. Even the ones I didn't like.
This book was like an emotional rollercoaster ride that at times you wanted to get off of because some of it was just so painful because of the topics being discussed. However, as the reader you wanted to stay on that rollercoaster because it gave you so many ups and downs and you just wanted to see it through to the finish line. That finish line, well, all I can say OMG! With what was happening in the book and then that ending, I was beginning to wonder if I was dreaming.
While this book discusses complexities in life and very serious topics, I would recommend this a million times over.
With that said all I can say is excellent job in writing this book. Alice Brooks weaved an intricate story that left me angry, sometimes puzzled but rooting for our main character and even moments of laughter.
The character of Ellie was very complex but sadly also probably relatable by so many woman. She didn't always make the best choices and I didn't always agree with some of the things but I feel like her character was so real. I love the depth of character in her friend Mallory as well.
The way Alice Brooks developed these characters had me so emotionally invested in them. Even the ones I didn't like.
This book was like an emotional rollercoaster ride that at times you wanted to get off of because some of it was just so painful because of the topics being discussed. However, as the reader you wanted to stay on that rollercoaster because it gave you so many ups and downs and you just wanted to see it through to the finish line. That finish line, well, all I can say OMG! With what was happening in the book and then that ending, I was beginning to wonder if I was dreaming.
While this book discusses complexities in life and very serious topics, I would recommend this a million times over.
April 27, 2025
Thanks to the author for letting me read this as an ARC!
I was in a deep reading slump when I picked up this book and it was the perfect remedy. It is so easy to breeze through!
I should preface this by saying I’m not the easiest person to please in first person; I need either a super strong voice or to not notice it’s there and, in this case, I melted into the book and got lost in the story easily. There’s a brilliant dream like quality to some sequences in the writing that is perfect. The world building/magic concepts were also super interesting and I don’t normally care about that in books (bizzare as a fantasy reader, I know)
I always love to see a woman destroy things and as the story progressed I was having more and more fun. Admittedly the ending felt like it came out of nowhere when I first read it, but I had been building a completely separate theory in the chapters leading up to it that could’ve been distracting me 😂 Now I’ve finished the book, I’m certain that was the perfect way to finish things and I’ll be thinking about it for a while. It certainly cemented my feelings towards the book.
Some themes/points were expressed a bit too obviously, and there were more instances of telling than I personally prefer in books. But I stopped noticing this as I was sucked into the last third of the story.
I was in a deep reading slump when I picked up this book and it was the perfect remedy. It is so easy to breeze through!
I should preface this by saying I’m not the easiest person to please in first person; I need either a super strong voice or to not notice it’s there and, in this case, I melted into the book and got lost in the story easily. There’s a brilliant dream like quality to some sequences in the writing that is perfect. The world building/magic concepts were also super interesting and I don’t normally care about that in books (bizzare as a fantasy reader, I know)
I always love to see a woman destroy things and as the story progressed I was having more and more fun. Admittedly the ending felt like it came out of nowhere when I first read it, but I had been building a completely separate theory in the chapters leading up to it that could’ve been distracting me 😂 Now I’ve finished the book, I’m certain that was the perfect way to finish things and I’ll be thinking about it for a while. It certainly cemented my feelings towards the book.
Some themes/points were expressed a bit too obviously, and there were more instances of telling than I personally prefer in books. But I stopped noticing this as I was sucked into the last third of the story.
April 9, 2025
first off, i want to mention how amazing the artwork is for this book. i received an e-arc in exchange for a review so i did not get a chance to see the beautiful art on the first page of the physical copy, but i have seen it on the authors socials and that, the artwork on the cover, and the chapter headings in the e-book are all stunning.
as for the story, i was blown away by the storytelling and world building in this debut novel. the dreamscapes are so interesting and everything is so descriptively written than you’re truly transported. i also definitely had my suspicions about where this mystery was headed, but in the end the full reveal took me by surprise and the suspense throughout is amazing - especially with the addition of the diary pages between chapters.
now, i am a supporter of women’s wrongs in fiction, but i really did appreciate that this story was more realistic with the fact that revenge does not come without moral and literal consequences. i don’t think it would have been as impactful otherwise. it also did a great job of showing how manipulators will deliberately search for people who are already traumatised to prey on and that it isn’t the fault of the victim.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
as for the story, i was blown away by the storytelling and world building in this debut novel. the dreamscapes are so interesting and everything is so descriptively written than you’re truly transported. i also definitely had my suspicions about where this mystery was headed, but in the end the full reveal took me by surprise and the suspense throughout is amazing - especially with the addition of the diary pages between chapters.
now, i am a supporter of women’s wrongs in fiction, but i really did appreciate that this story was more realistic with the fact that revenge does not come without moral and literal consequences. i don’t think it would have been as impactful otherwise. it also did a great job of showing how manipulators will deliberately search for people who are already traumatised to prey on and that it isn’t the fault of the victim.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 3, 2025
[ARC REVIEW]
This was an incredible read. I was not prepared for what Alice G. Brooks had in store when I cracked this book open.
This is a book about sisterhood, betrayal, trauma, and grief. We see the world(s) through the eyes of Elle, the younger sister of Mallory. Right off the bat, we understand how close these sisters are. They are the most important person in each other’s lives, significant others to the back please. Which is a point of tension between Elle and her on/off sh*tbag boyfriend Aiden (sorry E, we can all agree on this one). As the story moves on it gets weird, like, REAL weird.
The narrator is so unreliable that there were so many times I questioned what exactly was real and what wasn’t. In fact, I’m not even sure the events that happened actually did. Am I reading into something that is not there? Possibly. But that’s how good the unreliable narrator is.
I felt terrible for Elle. She just wanted to be loved and felt like she belonged somewhere. But I never would’ve imagined the sharp turn this takes in the last 30ish percent of the book. Like holy moly. The things that are revealed and that we learn had my wig blown off. I quite literally went from casually lounging on the couch to sitting up and forward, completely locked in.
Listen. Full disclosure. I got genuinely upset at this book. Like how dare?????? My heart??????
Y’all. Just. Go read this. Alice, thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and thank you for sharing this story with the world.
————-
Holy moly y’all
This was an incredible read. I was not prepared for what Alice G. Brooks had in store when I cracked this book open.
This is a book about sisterhood, betrayal, trauma, and grief. We see the world(s) through the eyes of Elle, the younger sister of Mallory. Right off the bat, we understand how close these sisters are. They are the most important person in each other’s lives, significant others to the back please. Which is a point of tension between Elle and her on/off sh*tbag boyfriend Aiden (sorry E, we can all agree on this one). As the story moves on it gets weird, like, REAL weird.
The narrator is so unreliable that there were so many times I questioned what exactly was real and what wasn’t. In fact, I’m not even sure the events that happened actually did. Am I reading into something that is not there? Possibly. But that’s how good the unreliable narrator is.
I felt terrible for Elle. She just wanted to be loved and felt like she belonged somewhere. But I never would’ve imagined the sharp turn this takes in the last 30ish percent of the book. Like holy moly. The things that are revealed and that we learn had my wig blown off. I quite literally went from casually lounging on the couch to sitting up and forward, completely locked in.
Listen. Full disclosure. I got genuinely upset at this book. Like how dare?????? My heart??????
Y’all. Just. Go read this. Alice, thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC and thank you for sharing this story with the world.
————-
Holy moly y’all
May 3, 2025
4.5
THIS BOOK YALL. THIS BOOK.
This is easily going into my yearly favourits and it should be in yours as well.
Full transparency, I've read a beta version of the book and knew what was coming but still I couldn't put it down when I got my finished copy of it because holy shit this book is beyond captivating!
The narration, the setting, THE CHARACTERS. Everything is just so well crafted, there are so many layers and there are so many bits and pieces that you might not even notice but that will be nicely tied together in the end. It will make you release the breath you hadn't realised you were holding.
If you are looking for unreliable narration, sisterhood, female rage, a book that will hurt you, devastate you at times... (and if you are anything like me, you do want such a read every once in a while), this one will fulfill these wishes!
Be aware of content warnings, some of them are used with quite some detail (and a lot of respect/care, from how I can judge it). Be safe and enjoy it at time that works well for you <3
Thank you for the ARC, Alice!!
Usual disclaimer - while I got this as a free review copy, this did not influence my opinion on the book.
THIS BOOK YALL. THIS BOOK.
This is easily going into my yearly favourits and it should be in yours as well.
Full transparency, I've read a beta version of the book and knew what was coming but still I couldn't put it down when I got my finished copy of it because holy shit this book is beyond captivating!
The narration, the setting, THE CHARACTERS. Everything is just so well crafted, there are so many layers and there are so many bits and pieces that you might not even notice but that will be nicely tied together in the end. It will make you release the breath you hadn't realised you were holding.
If you are looking for unreliable narration, sisterhood, female rage, a book that will hurt you, devastate you at times... (and if you are anything like me, you do want such a read every once in a while), this one will fulfill these wishes!
Be aware of content warnings, some of them are used with quite some detail (and a lot of respect/care, from how I can judge it). Be safe and enjoy it at time that works well for you <3
Thank you for the ARC, Alice!!
Usual disclaimer - while I got this as a free review copy, this did not influence my opinion on the book.
May 31, 2025
This is a voluntary ARC review.
Let me start by saying that this concept is EVERYTHING! It was very interesting, and I loved to see Ellie shifting into other people's dreams.
The heavy themes were skillfully handled and realistically portrays trauma, anger, and grief.
The writing was really enjoyable to read and the characters were well developed. I personally would have liked to see even more worldbuilding than there was, especially the library, but that is just a personal preference.
Without giving away any spoilers, that ending bleeeww me away! Did not expect it at all. Was waiting the entire time for her to wake up. The twists and turns in the later part of the story will sweep you off your feet. I often found myself devouring the words on the page, desperate to find out more.
Another thing that I enjoyed, were the 'Pages' interspersed amongst the chapters. It gives the reader a nice insight into the Dreamscapes from a different lens.
Overall, I definitely recommend this debut novel. But be sure the read the trigger warnings as it deals with very heavy topics.
Let me start by saying that this concept is EVERYTHING! It was very interesting, and I loved to see Ellie shifting into other people's dreams.
The heavy themes were skillfully handled and realistically portrays trauma, anger, and grief.
The writing was really enjoyable to read and the characters were well developed. I personally would have liked to see even more worldbuilding than there was, especially the library, but that is just a personal preference.
Without giving away any spoilers, that ending bleeeww me away! Did not expect it at all. Was waiting the entire time for her to wake up. The twists and turns in the later part of the story will sweep you off your feet. I often found myself devouring the words on the page, desperate to find out more.
Another thing that I enjoyed, were the 'Pages' interspersed amongst the chapters. It gives the reader a nice insight into the Dreamscapes from a different lens.
Overall, I definitely recommend this debut novel. But be sure the read the trigger warnings as it deals with very heavy topics.
April 8, 2025
Holy smokes.
This is not my normal genre, but I am definitely in my ARC era, so thank you to Alice for reaching out, and giving me the chance to read this book.
I was instantly intrigued when I saw this book included:
- an unreliable narrator
- sisterhood
- NON-romance (hallelujah, thank you)
- feminine rage
As I jumped into Ellie's world, and went back and forth between her physical reality and dream world, I struggled to decipher what was real, who was trustworthy, and how everything would ultimately come together. I had a visceral reaction to Kenny, absolutely despised Aiden, and related a lot to Mallory as she expressed constant worry and concern for her younger sister.
I was also really confused about who was narrating each part of the book, but...reader...it all becomes clear in the end.
And the ending is earth shattering.
So, if you want to read a book that will hook you from the start, keep you engaged and questioning, and then rip your heart out and destroy it, please read Alice's book.
This is not my normal genre, but I am definitely in my ARC era, so thank you to Alice for reaching out, and giving me the chance to read this book.
I was instantly intrigued when I saw this book included:
- an unreliable narrator
- sisterhood
- NON-romance (hallelujah, thank you)
- feminine rage
As I jumped into Ellie's world, and went back and forth between her physical reality and dream world, I struggled to decipher what was real, who was trustworthy, and how everything would ultimately come together. I had a visceral reaction to Kenny, absolutely despised Aiden, and related a lot to Mallory as she expressed constant worry and concern for her younger sister.
I was also really confused about who was narrating each part of the book, but...reader...it all becomes clear in the end.
And the ending is earth shattering.
So, if you want to read a book that will hook you from the start, keep you engaged and questioning, and then rip your heart out and destroy it, please read Alice's book.
May 10, 2025
I myself really enjoy family tropes, or found family tropes in books. In this book, i felt that the bond between Mallory and Ellie was one of the most beautiful ones i have ever laid my eyes on. The way Mallory would do ANYTHING for Ellie is something which made me enjoy the book so much. Mallory was always one call away, and would be there as soon as she could if Ellie was in trouble, she always had Ellie's back and Ellie always had hers. Ellie wouldnt allow anyone to talk shit or be rude to Mallory, and i find that so beautiful. The way their bond was depicted is one i dont see very often in books. Yes i have seen them, but nothing is like this one and thats what makes this book stand out for me. The author did such a good job, and i could not put the book down the moment i started reading up untill the end. The ending truly made me cry, it was put together beautifully, it was truly a perfect ending. This is, in my opinion one of the best sibling bond / female rage books of this year. When i finished it, it immediatly went on my favourite books list.
April 21, 2025
I was lucky to be able to read the advanced readers copy!
This book, oh my god……
I loved how easy to read it was - the words were flowing and made it so much fun to read. Every day I looked forward to the evening, to when I could read more.
The ending was so painful and a delusional part of me is hoping that somehow, miraculously, both Mal and Ewan have survived. I really liked their dynamic, I love when straight passing couples don’t actually hate each other lol.
Ellie is so complicated and multi faceted, it was so interesting to be in her head.
Honestly, I thought that the Dreamscapes weren’t real. Even when Mal said that she went there too, I thought that Ellie was somehow imagining all of it. Since the narrator is so unreliable I’m still not 100% sure what to believe tbh, but it just makes me more excited for the sequel!
I’m really glad that I got to read this early and I will be recommending it to others. :)
This book, oh my god……
I loved how easy to read it was - the words were flowing and made it so much fun to read. Every day I looked forward to the evening, to when I could read more.
The ending was so painful and a delusional part of me is hoping that somehow, miraculously, both Mal and Ewan have survived. I really liked their dynamic, I love when straight passing couples don’t actually hate each other lol.
Ellie is so complicated and multi faceted, it was so interesting to be in her head.
Honestly, I thought that the Dreamscapes weren’t real. Even when Mal said that she went there too, I thought that Ellie was somehow imagining all of it. Since the narrator is so unreliable I’m still not 100% sure what to believe tbh, but it just makes me more excited for the sequel!
I’m really glad that I got to read this early and I will be recommending it to others. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
Don’t Trust the Raven is an atmospheric and psychologically rich debut by Alice Brooks, blending mystery, dream-bending fantasy, and emotional introspection into a compelling narrative. Ellie’s journey is immediately gripping she’s a woman suffocating under the weight of trauma, stagnation, and a life that never felt like her own. When she discovers she can manipulate dreams not only her own but those of others Brooks opens the door to a world where empowerment and danger walk hand in hand.
The dreamworld is one of the book’s strongest elements: beautifully surreal yet threaded with tension. Aura, the enigmatic guide who helps Ellie navigate her abilities, adds layers of intrigue, mentorship, and uncertainty. As Ellie's visions begin to fracture and strange memories resurface, the novel shifts into a haunting mystery about identity, control, and trust.
The dreamworld is one of the book’s strongest elements: beautifully surreal yet threaded with tension. Aura, the enigmatic guide who helps Ellie navigate her abilities, adds layers of intrigue, mentorship, and uncertainty. As Ellie's visions begin to fracture and strange memories resurface, the novel shifts into a haunting mystery about identity, control, and trust.
June 4, 2025
WOW.
Sometimes you read a book and it just leaves you…speechless. This is one of those books.
This is NOT a romance. It is a mystery with a paranormal edge told by at least one unreliable narrator. Ellie’s life is filled with trauma and gaslighting (seriously check your triggers) and she has no control…except in her dreams. There she controls everything. Reality is dull and bland in comparison to the vibrant world of her dreams where she is powerful
But her power and obsession with control come at a cost. The further she delves into her dreams, the more her worlds unravel until there is no telling what is reality anymore. I highly recommend this book - just don’t expect to be the same person at the end.
Sometimes you read a book and it just leaves you…speechless. This is one of those books.
This is NOT a romance. It is a mystery with a paranormal edge told by at least one unreliable narrator. Ellie’s life is filled with trauma and gaslighting (seriously check your triggers) and she has no control…except in her dreams. There she controls everything. Reality is dull and bland in comparison to the vibrant world of her dreams where she is powerful
But her power and obsession with control come at a cost. The further she delves into her dreams, the more her worlds unravel until there is no telling what is reality anymore. I highly recommend this book - just don’t expect to be the same person at the end.
June 19, 2025
"Don't Trust The Raven" tells the story of a traumatized young woman trying to get by in a world filled with toxic influences. The only person she can really rely on is her sister. But when she starts slipping into a dreamworld she thought she had left behind in her childhood, the line between dream and reality begins to blur.
The book takes some time to really get going, but once it does, your eyes will be glued to the page. The characters work well and the dread of impending doom is always present. The mystery behind the story keeps you guessing (my initial theory was completely wrong) but makes sense in hindsight. It's a worthwhile mix of Fantasy with an Urban tale of mental issues and reads competently written. Looking forward to the author's next book!
The book takes some time to really get going, but once it does, your eyes will be glued to the page. The characters work well and the dread of impending doom is always present. The mystery behind the story keeps you guessing (my initial theory was completely wrong) but makes sense in hindsight. It's a worthwhile mix of Fantasy with an Urban tale of mental issues and reads competently written. Looking forward to the author's next book!
April 15, 2025
First things first ladies and gents - make sure you check the content warnings, coz this book is a doozy!
But holy moley, this book takes you for a roller coaster ride of emotions (not unlike Ellie… to begin with at least) and has you going “WTF?!” at the end, in the best way possible. I didn’t see this coming, and as my wife can attest to - I see almost everything coming.
You might get confused to begin with, given the Chapters & Pages in the book, but trust me - stick with it, because it ALL makes sense eventually!
Ladies and gents, add this to your TBR for a powerhouse FMC, who gives the disgusting guys what they deserve. Well. Almost 😏
But holy moley, this book takes you for a roller coaster ride of emotions (not unlike Ellie… to begin with at least) and has you going “WTF?!” at the end, in the best way possible. I didn’t see this coming, and as my wife can attest to - I see almost everything coming.
You might get confused to begin with, given the Chapters & Pages in the book, but trust me - stick with it, because it ALL makes sense eventually!
Ladies and gents, add this to your TBR for a powerhouse FMC, who gives the disgusting guys what they deserve. Well. Almost 😏
November 18, 2025
HOLY FUCK. It took me some time to really get into the story, and the writing style was a bit raw in the beginning (this is a debut after all) but the vision was there, and the longer you kept reading, the more intense it got, and the ending was such a slap in the face! Holy hell! The second half of the book was definitely a lot better than the first, the improvement insane! Just wished the worldbuilding was a bit more explored! The book could have done with a few more pages, and a few more minutes per scenario slow it down and ground it a bit more, get more details, more lore. But all in all, this was a crazy experience!
July 5, 2025
4.5 🌟
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for this, it doesn't impact my review.
What would you do if you had the power to control dreams? You find out that you could shift dreams into reality, what would you do? Would you take advantage of it?
This is a story of two sisters, Elaine and Mallory.
I enjoyed this novel so so much. I love that the characters were consistent and you can't tell truths from lies. This book messed with my mind to be honest but I will definitely read it again because my mind was blown.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for this, it doesn't impact my review.
What would you do if you had the power to control dreams? You find out that you could shift dreams into reality, what would you do? Would you take advantage of it?
This is a story of two sisters, Elaine and Mallory.
I enjoyed this novel so so much. I love that the characters were consistent and you can't tell truths from lies. This book messed with my mind to be honest but I will definitely read it again because my mind was blown.
May 20, 2025
Don’t Trust The Raven by Alice Brooks is out on June 1st 2025 and let me just say, it is INCREDIBLE.
The best part about the book are definitely the characters. On the one hand you have the protagonist Ellie who is just fighting for some semblance of control in her life and her older sister Mallory just trying to protect her. On the other hand you have the inhabitants of the dreamworld Aura and Light. You never really know who to trust - not even if you can trust what Ellie tells you.
The plot feels like a slow descent into madness. Ellie’s anger, trauma and need for control spiral over the course of the book. The behavior of the other characters and sometimes whole chapters become more and more confusing, until it all comes together in a horrifying way. And let me tell you - the ending left me shattered.
If you need another book in your life where men get what they deserve with the kind of storyline that feels like a fever dream (in the best way possible), go check out Don’t Trust The Raven. This book deserves so much more attention than it currently gets!
The best part about the book are definitely the characters. On the one hand you have the protagonist Ellie who is just fighting for some semblance of control in her life and her older sister Mallory just trying to protect her. On the other hand you have the inhabitants of the dreamworld Aura and Light. You never really know who to trust - not even if you can trust what Ellie tells you.
The plot feels like a slow descent into madness. Ellie’s anger, trauma and need for control spiral over the course of the book. The behavior of the other characters and sometimes whole chapters become more and more confusing, until it all comes together in a horrifying way. And let me tell you - the ending left me shattered.
If you need another book in your life where men get what they deserve with the kind of storyline that feels like a fever dream (in the best way possible), go check out Don’t Trust The Raven. This book deserves so much more attention than it currently gets!
May 25, 2025
I love a good story filled with feminine rage and an unreliable narrator, and this book did not disappoint. It started a bit slow for me and it took me a few chapters to really get into, but the more I read the more hooked I was. I binged almost the entire thing in one sitting and started to feel like I was losing my mind along with the narrator. It left me shaken, in a good way. Definitely recommend.
August 7, 2025
Don't Trust the Raven is one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time. It's concept is complex and the story is incredibly fresh, with new ideas and an interesting take on obsession, trauma, and mental health. The mystery elements kept me well-engaged, and the ending had my jaw dropped: I was thinking about it (and still am!) days later. All in all, this was the perfect book to binge on my road trip! :)
May 5, 2025
early release review
this took me ages to get into and I really enjoyed it once Ellie got a hold of changing reality.
it did then get confusing because towards the end it seemed like it was skipping between Mallory's dreamscape time and Ellie's dreamscape time, but you couldn't tell who was the narrator ?
this took me ages to get into and I really enjoyed it once Ellie got a hold of changing reality.
it did then get confusing because towards the end it seemed like it was skipping between Mallory's dreamscape time and Ellie's dreamscape time, but you couldn't tell who was the narrator ?
May 21, 2025
First of all, a huge thank you to the author for the ARC!
Okay now, let’s give three cheers for Don’t Trust the Raven!
Wow!
This books pulls through a powerful journey of rage and sisterhood. Unraveling Ellie’s story and how it’s tied to Light was such a thrilling ride!
In short, I need more, please!
Okay now, let’s give three cheers for Don’t Trust the Raven!
Wow!
This books pulls through a powerful journey of rage and sisterhood. Unraveling Ellie’s story and how it’s tied to Light was such a thrilling ride!
In short, I need more, please!
July 2, 2025
4,75 ⭐
ARC review
Wow, this was amazing! Well written and had me hooked from the first page.
With all the twists and turns of the story, I had no idea how the book would end. There were just enough hints to keep me guessing and thinking I had it right, just to make me realise most of my assumptions and reasonings behind them were wrong.
ARC review
Wow, this was amazing! Well written and had me hooked from the first page.
With all the twists and turns of the story, I had no idea how the book would end. There were just enough hints to keep me guessing and thinking I had it right, just to make me realise most of my assumptions and reasonings behind them were wrong.
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