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Dawn Of The Raven
The old world died in fire. What rose from its ashes was twisted—monsters, mutants, and brutal warlords ruling over fractured lands.
Survival isn't for the faint of heart.
For as long as she can remember, Elana Terrick has been stronger, faster, and smarter than most—a near-perfect representative for the Dreinakin race, humans who have been genetically engineered to survive the unforgiving world. When a member of her tribe's royal family goes to see her. Nania Lerdidorn wants Elana to enter the Culling—a brutal trial designed to eliminate the weak to find the perfect leader for their nation. It's nothing more than a glorified death sentence, but she would rather risk dying than continue living the life she has.
The Culling is more than bloodsport—it's a chessboard of shifting alliances, treachery, and secrets. Where every entrant has something to prove and even more to lose.
But what if survival was never the point?
The Karidian dictator’s sudden illness wasn’t by chance.
And Elana’s invitation to the Culling?
It was always part of the plan.
Survival isn't for the faint of heart.
For as long as she can remember, Elana Terrick has been stronger, faster, and smarter than most—a near-perfect representative for the Dreinakin race, humans who have been genetically engineered to survive the unforgiving world. When a member of her tribe's royal family goes to see her. Nania Lerdidorn wants Elana to enter the Culling—a brutal trial designed to eliminate the weak to find the perfect leader for their nation. It's nothing more than a glorified death sentence, but she would rather risk dying than continue living the life she has.
The Culling is more than bloodsport—it's a chessboard of shifting alliances, treachery, and secrets. Where every entrant has something to prove and even more to lose.
But what if survival was never the point?
The Karidian dictator’s sudden illness wasn’t by chance.
And Elana’s invitation to the Culling?
It was always part of the plan.
331 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 17, 2025
So this was an ARC Copy I recieved some days ago.
I gave it 2 ⭐ Maybe this book was just not for me. I really did try to get trough it and I kept forcing me to read, but it was a DNF at last.
I had the feeling that nothing was really explained, at some points names, places and situations were thrown at you, but no real explanation was given, so everything gave me the feelig that it was a bit chaotic.
For example:
Chapter 1 - Lady Eytelia, Princess Nania and Laharaph's conversation cant be understood. Who is Perdana Ivar, why is he sick, why is the Culling needed, why do they want Laharap to do it, what attentions does Eytelia whant to declare, being of age for what, who are the premiers, what is a Perdana and who is Catra, what is a Dreinakin and the mark of Matsana, where or what is Scarin En, Bastet, Kreibeka, Karidian faith, why are the doomed????
Chapter 2 - Who tf is Cital Brask? Why are they arranged since they were little and why does Laharap not like him? What are the wicked games and what do they serve for? Why doesn't Elena trust Nanias family?
etc...
It's maybe just I felt a bit lost on some points, even if some get explained a bit after a while, but it felt to late to really be understood when it's necessary. It needs more in depth explanation if it makes sense...
The Authors writing on the other hand is beautiful and the characters are interesting.
I would like to read some more of her books! :) I keep encouraging her to write more!! 🩵
I gave it 2 ⭐ Maybe this book was just not for me. I really did try to get trough it and I kept forcing me to read, but it was a DNF at last.
I had the feeling that nothing was really explained, at some points names, places and situations were thrown at you, but no real explanation was given, so everything gave me the feelig that it was a bit chaotic.
For example:
Chapter 1 - Lady Eytelia, Princess Nania and Laharaph's conversation cant be understood. Who is Perdana Ivar, why is he sick, why is the Culling needed, why do they want Laharap to do it, what attentions does Eytelia whant to declare, being of age for what, who are the premiers, what is a Perdana and who is Catra, what is a Dreinakin and the mark of Matsana, where or what is Scarin En, Bastet, Kreibeka, Karidian faith, why are the doomed????
Chapter 2 - Who tf is Cital Brask? Why are they arranged since they were little and why does Laharap not like him? What are the wicked games and what do they serve for? Why doesn't Elena trust Nanias family?
etc...
It's maybe just I felt a bit lost on some points, even if some get explained a bit after a while, but it felt to late to really be understood when it's necessary. It needs more in depth explanation if it makes sense...
The Authors writing on the other hand is beautiful and the characters are interesting.
I would like to read some more of her books! :) I keep encouraging her to write more!! 🩵
July 14, 2025
Dawn Of The Raven starts of very interesting. We meet the main character, Elana, who's showing to be assertive and very determined. We follow her relationships with her friends, her girlfriend and her family.
I had a hard time getting through this book, I felt lost throughout most parts. I didn't understand why Elana had the kind of relationship she had with her mother because it was not shown nor explained. We were told her mom was terrible, but I never saw it.
The way Elana speaks about her friends.. it's almost as if they annoy her. She comes across as very judgmental. For example, she ditches her heartbroken best friend because "it's not the first time", to go make sure a group of what should be well trained grown men-scouts are not getting into trouble.
It was just really hard for me to connect to her, which was sad because she goes through some very heartbreaking things, loses everything and I still couldn't sympathize because she's very hard to like.
That said, I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series because I feel like it's gonna be a good one. I have a feeling the next books are going to explain the relationships even better and why they were they way they were when we met the characters. Also, is it Krish or Kiersh? 😊
Thank you so much to BookTasters and The Author A.K Michalik for the copy !!
I had a hard time getting through this book, I felt lost throughout most parts. I didn't understand why Elana had the kind of relationship she had with her mother because it was not shown nor explained. We were told her mom was terrible, but I never saw it.
The way Elana speaks about her friends.. it's almost as if they annoy her. She comes across as very judgmental. For example, she ditches her heartbroken best friend because "it's not the first time", to go make sure a group of what should be well trained grown men-scouts are not getting into trouble.
It was just really hard for me to connect to her, which was sad because she goes through some very heartbreaking things, loses everything and I still couldn't sympathize because she's very hard to like.
That said, I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series because I feel like it's gonna be a good one. I have a feeling the next books are going to explain the relationships even better and why they were they way they were when we met the characters. Also, is it Krish or Kiersh? 😊
Thank you so much to BookTasters and The Author A.K Michalik for the copy !!
May 15, 2025
Belonging to AK. Michalik's The Broken Society world. This prequel was such a gripping read! Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world where society has crumbled and only fragments of humanity remain, the story follows a young protagonist trying to survive against impossible odds—and maybe even change the course of her future.
I loved how A.K. Michalik built the world slowly instead of assuming readers know the full context of the world she built from the other three books, revealing just enough about the destruction without overwhelming the readers. The setting felt chillingly real, with its broken cities, toxic air, and desperate communities clinging to power and control. The survival themes were intense and emotional, but never overdone.
What really carried the book, though, was the character development. The protagonist—flawed, brave, and deeply human—stood out in a sea of dystopian leads. There’s a nice balance of action, mystery, and character-driven drama, with some heartfelt moments and even a touch of romance that didn’t feel forced.
The pacing lagged a bit in the middle, and I wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out, but overall, it kept me turning pages late into the night.
I loved how A.K. Michalik built the world slowly instead of assuming readers know the full context of the world she built from the other three books, revealing just enough about the destruction without overwhelming the readers. The setting felt chillingly real, with its broken cities, toxic air, and desperate communities clinging to power and control. The survival themes were intense and emotional, but never overdone.
What really carried the book, though, was the character development. The protagonist—flawed, brave, and deeply human—stood out in a sea of dystopian leads. There’s a nice balance of action, mystery, and character-driven drama, with some heartfelt moments and even a touch of romance that didn’t feel forced.
The pacing lagged a bit in the middle, and I wish some of the side characters were more fleshed out, but overall, it kept me turning pages late into the night.
August 16, 2025
I recently finished this novel, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. The universe created in the story was rich and immersive, with a vibe that easily drew me in. The world-building was fantastic, and I could almost feel myself inside the pages, experiencing the journey alongside the characters.
One challenge I faced, though, was keeping track of all the names, both of the characters and the various locations. With so much traveling happening, it was a bit overwhelming to remember every detail, but it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment.
The culling scene was particularly striking, reminding me of the intensity of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire's ending, but with a much darker and more terrifying twist. The tension in that moment was palpable, and it left me eagerly anticipating what comes next.
I can't wait for part two. The future of the story holds so many possibilities. Will Elena really kill Nania's daughter? I don't think so, but then again, destruction is always looming, and nothing is ever certain. One thing is for sure—I'm hooked, and I need to know what happens next!
One challenge I faced, though, was keeping track of all the names, both of the characters and the various locations. With so much traveling happening, it was a bit overwhelming to remember every detail, but it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment.
The culling scene was particularly striking, reminding me of the intensity of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire's ending, but with a much darker and more terrifying twist. The tension in that moment was palpable, and it left me eagerly anticipating what comes next.
I can't wait for part two. The future of the story holds so many possibilities. Will Elena really kill Nania's daughter? I don't think so, but then again, destruction is always looming, and nothing is ever certain. One thing is for sure—I'm hooked, and I need to know what happens next!
October 13, 2025
Dawn of The Raven tells the story of Elana Terrick, a brave, young woman with a rebellious heart (well that’s how I see her through the author’s beautiful writing and story telling.) She’s very protective of her loved one and her friends, her maid included. Loving them more than her mother. The author’s storytelling is so immersive that I could picture the whole scenery.
However, I can only guess that this book has more to tell based on names, tribes and places. The motives of some characters basically from the backstory of The Dawn of The Raven, I’d love to know more.
Reading this, it also made me think of Tolkien’s LOTR where Ms. Michalik mentioned many names and places, perhaps a map of the kingdom and an index of the names of the person/people and places mentioned in her work would enlighten the author’s readers to understand more of her storytelling.
The ending was dramatic and bittersweet. If this was made into a TV series I could picture the protagonist's emotions poured from her heartwrenching cry/scream before she left with nothing but vengeance...a cliffhanger for viewers.
Overall, it was a good read.
However, I can only guess that this book has more to tell based on names, tribes and places. The motives of some characters basically from the backstory of The Dawn of The Raven, I’d love to know more.
Reading this, it also made me think of Tolkien’s LOTR where Ms. Michalik mentioned many names and places, perhaps a map of the kingdom and an index of the names of the person/people and places mentioned in her work would enlighten the author’s readers to understand more of her storytelling.
The ending was dramatic and bittersweet. If this was made into a TV series I could picture the protagonist's emotions poured from her heartwrenching cry/scream before she left with nothing but vengeance...a cliffhanger for viewers.
Overall, it was a good read.
July 19, 2025
I recently finished reading "Dawn of the Raven", a fantasy story about a young girl who discovers she has special powers. While I enjoyed the book's immersive world, filled with magic, I couldn't help but feel a bit lost at times.
The story follows the protagonist's journey as she braves herselfinto reality and confronts danger. However, I found some of the plot twists and character motivations to be unclear or convenient. There were moments where I felt like I was missing some crucial information or context.
Despite these issues, the writing itself was engaging and concise. The author's descriptions of the world and its inhabitants were vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize the story. The pacing was also well-balanced, building slowly towards a thrilling climax.Overall, while "Dawn of the Raven" didn't entirely click with me, I appreciate the author's storytelling abilities and the rich world they've created. Fans of fantasy and adventure may find this book to be an enjoyable read, even if it requires some patience and suspension of disbelief.
The story follows the protagonist's journey as she braves herselfinto reality and confronts danger. However, I found some of the plot twists and character motivations to be unclear or convenient. There were moments where I felt like I was missing some crucial information or context.
Despite these issues, the writing itself was engaging and concise. The author's descriptions of the world and its inhabitants were vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize the story. The pacing was also well-balanced, building slowly towards a thrilling climax.Overall, while "Dawn of the Raven" didn't entirely click with me, I appreciate the author's storytelling abilities and the rich world they've created. Fans of fantasy and adventure may find this book to be an enjoyable read, even if it requires some patience and suspension of disbelief.
September 1, 2025
I received an ARC copy of Dawn of the Raven through BookTasters in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to both BookTasters and the author A.K. Michalik for the opportunity!
3/5 ⭐️
This book has such a unique premise, and I can tell the author poured a lot of effort into creating a detailed and immersive fantasy world. The writing itself is beautiful, with vivid descriptions and strong imagery that brought the story to life.
That said, I’ll admit this one wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I’m not usually a fantasy reader, and I think that played a big role in my experience. While the story is full of complex characters and relationships, I found myself a little lost at times with all the new names, places, and terms being introduced. For readers who are more familiar with the genre, I think this depth of world building would be a huge plus.
Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me personally, I can definitely see the potential for fantasy fans to enjoy the layers of politics, family dynamics, and friendships the author has woven into the story
3/5 ⭐️
This book has such a unique premise, and I can tell the author poured a lot of effort into creating a detailed and immersive fantasy world. The writing itself is beautiful, with vivid descriptions and strong imagery that brought the story to life.
That said, I’ll admit this one wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I’m not usually a fantasy reader, and I think that played a big role in my experience. While the story is full of complex characters and relationships, I found myself a little lost at times with all the new names, places, and terms being introduced. For readers who are more familiar with the genre, I think this depth of world building would be a huge plus.
Even though it wasn’t the right fit for me personally, I can definitely see the potential for fantasy fans to enjoy the layers of politics, family dynamics, and friendships the author has woven into the story
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews