Ravenward

Prophecy of Axain #1

by Steven Atwood

The war with Darkstriders entered the Kingdom of Axain. When the Feral Orcs attacked Nightfall Meadows, Thea the Loyal charged into battle alongside King Galin IV of Ravenward and his jealous maternal twin Kade. When the first female knight of the kingdom slayed the Orc leader, Thea pledges to protect the king and his family against any aggressor, even his brother. Unknown to any of them, a dark menace hides in the shadows waiting for the right moment to strike and decapitate the noble family of Ravenward.

Genres: Fantasy

113 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I grew up reading fantasy books and watching science fiction whenever I could. When I was young, I played role playing games within the fantasy genre. Close to the end of my military career, I started to write. It was something I always wanted to do but never did. I wrote several science fiction stories, but now I am focusing on epic high fantasy for young and new adults.

Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun fantasy adventure and what I particularly liked was that we have a female knight as the leading character. Although a YA adventure, I found it a little dark in places especially the ending. It's a quick read but there are more books to come in the series and the scene has been set for the future battles between good and evil.

[Katie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A female knight, who is also the kings adopted sister, has vowed to always protect the family. But can she if the one out to take the throne is the kings own twin brother? She has spent her life in the castle, living with Galin and Kade as they are her very own brothers. But she always had a bond with Galin, the now king. But if you cry wolf so many times will they listen? Why are the rings glowing, and why does no one else notice?Why doesn"t the king see what she does in Kade? Who will live to see it all? who will survive to see the Prince grow up and take the throne? Will the throne still be there for him?

I really enjoyed this book. It started a little different than i usually expect but by the few first pages I was hooked. I wanted to find more about this female warrior Thea. Find answers to the questions you will see you ask yourself within the first few pages. It draws you into this world, where some things are slowly changing.

The author writes in a way that you feel as if you are standing right there, like you are watching it all take place.

[Kerryn Griffis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All aspects (plot, storyline, character development, setting etc.) are well written and combine for an exciting and engaging read. Action packed from the start and an excellent ending. I love the hints of treachery and how you're left hanging for the next book to find out. Over-done this use of suspense can be at best annoying but in this case it was executed quite well. Truly there's not a single thing that could have been done better. A nice mix of magic, war, intrigue and suspense. Towards the end I was on the edge of my seat. The only thing about Ravenward, being a short fiction, is it's over two soon. Can't wait to read the second book.

[Jack Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thea the loyal, a female knight and the kings adopted sister, the young king, Galin and his wife, queen Nina,who's hoping for a child, the king’s jealous and unstable twin brother, Kade, Orcs led by dark elves, Elves and others are the characters Stephen Atwood masterfully written book , Ravenward. Magic, swordplay, murder and betrayal are just a few things that occur as the story unfolds. The audience of this YA fantasy might find this book more that a bit dark, especially the ending. I couldn't put the book down and look forward to the next book in the series, Prophecy of Axain.

Jack Murphy

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick action packed fantasy novella! Great introduction to the series!

A female knight, a young king and his wife hoping for a child, the king’s jealous twin brother, Orcs, Elves and others are members of the cast in this story. Magic, swordplay, murder and betrayal are just a few things that occur in this book. There could have been more back story for most of the characters but for a quick read and introduction to a series it was okay. The audience is YA fantasy and for that group this book is appropriate.

[Rebekah Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from librarything for an honest review.
This was a great quick read that gave a new twist on a traditional fantasy prologue to a story. It was quick but detailed enough to give me the background information I would need on what was happening in this kingdom. This was definitely an interesting concept to set the stage for the Axain series that gives you more information than when you might read a seven page prologue. I also like the characters in the story that the author has put together and am interested to see how this story pans out in the next book.

[Hermione Daguin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of a female knight. I thought the story was going to focus more on her but it wasn't. What was bothering me while reading this book was that I could never understand was the cover but I found the meaning at the ending. A pretty depressing ending but it's to be expected from a book about a coup d'etat. Nevertheless, I loved every bit of it especially the fight scenes.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. A quick read that was well written. The characters were engaging. I can see myself wanting to read the next installment to see what happens. Really nice fantasy world to get lost in for awhile.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest review in exchange for the ARC I received. This is a really fun fantasy adventure. I was especially happy that the lead character is a female knight. I think that is makes the book quite original and I will be recommending it to my teenage daughters to read.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

First off, I made the mistake judging a book by the cover. I didn't realize that was supposed to be a lady knight holding a baby and somehow I got it into my mind that it was about a girl going to a vampire school and then I was really curious what a baby had to do with that. Maybe the title had something to do with that weird assumption....

As it is, it's a pretty run-of-the-mill fantasy book. Something about the writing sat with me uncomfortably and made me really confused in some places. I never got interested but continued to skim through to find out what's the deal with the baby. Turns out it's a prequel for the blacksmith's son turns out to be a prince, complete with prophecy, story.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanking the author for providing me a copy and giving me the opportunity to read and review Ravenward.

I don’t mind when books or stories send me to a different era than I intended to travel to, though when I don’t know where I’m going and I might never find out, I tend to panic.
The cover gave me the feeling this would be a more modern tale, but then - from the very beginning, I’m supposed to battle elves and orcs with swords? I couldn’t help but be confused.
On the other hand, there are a few names that I know go way back in time, but my brain went bonkers anyway. They felt too modern and a tad out of place…
It was only thanks to Atwood’s detailed writing, I visualized everything the way he had wanted me to and actually enjoyed the journey. On top of that, is this tale packed with action and makes it hard to sit still!
I am still torn and haven’t really made up my mind about this prologue, though I do look very forward to Prophecy of Axain!

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story very much. It has lots of twists and surprises. I actually wanted to give a 3.75, but that's just not possible. The main reason it did not receive 5 stars from me, is the main character is supposed strong, smart and heroic but the author decided to let stupid swallow her completely four separate times. I will still read the next book, because it really is a riveting plot.

I doubt this can be fixed with the protagonist but please don't use that method again, kind author.

Disclaimer:
I received this book in exchange for an honest opinion

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is pretty good but there was just something about the writing and the syntax that makes me not want to recommend it. That being said, the plot line is really good and generally a story I would willingly pay for the sequel.

[Striking 13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The bloody first installment in Steven Atwood’s Prophecy of Axain series feels less like a first act and more like an extended prologue to its more substantial sequel, The Book of Axain.

Full review: http://www.striking13.com/reviews/fan...