Book Review: The raven's court
Author: Helen Glynn Jones
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
A huge thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and the author, Helen Glynn Jones, for the opportunity to read and review this highly anticipated sequel to The Last Raven.
A World of Blood and Politics;
The Ravens Series, Book 2 plunges us back into a vampire-ruled world where Emelia Raven, the half-human, half-vampire heir, must navigate a treacherous court to claim her crown. As the tagline promises: "The heir to a throne bathed in blood... And a truth that could ignite war."
While the main character is 17, any concern I had as an older reader quickly disappeared. The book's true strength lies in its intricate world-building, the deep dive into vampire history and politics, and Emelia's compelling personal journey. Learning how the vampires took over and the complex meaning of being a "Raven" was utterly captivating.
Growth, Intrigue, and a Shocking Finish
Emelia, caught between her "Vampire-born" destiny and her "Human-hearted" drive, is a fascinating protagonist. Her struggle to rule the vampires while fiercely trying to improve the lives of humans made the political maneuvering genuinely gripping. The growth she experiences in this volume is significant and rewarding.
The romance subplot was the weakest element for me, likely due to the characters' youth, but it’s a minor note against the strong core narrative. The pacing was excellent, and the final stretch was a masterpiece of suspense. The last 20% had me completely on the edge of my seat, and the ending was a stunning twist I did not see coming.
This series is a fantastic blend of political intrigue and dark fantasy. I will absolutely be reading Book 3!