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Miriam Black #5
The Raptor & the Wren
Official Amazon description:
In the fifth book of the “wildly entertaining” (Kirkus Reviews) Miriam Black series, Miriam continues her journey to find answers on how to change her fate and begin to make right some of what she’s done wrong.
Armed with new knowledge that suggests a great sacrifice must be made to change her fate, Miriam continues her quest and learns that she must undo the tragedies of her past to move forward.
One such tragedy is Wren, who is now a teen caught up in a bad relationship with the forces that haunt Miriam and has become a killer, just like Miriam. Black must try to save the girl, but what’s ahead is something she thought impossible…
Description from Chuck Wendig's blog:
Miriam Black, in lockstep with death, continues on her quest to control her own fate in The Raptor and the Wren, the brand-new fifth book in the Miriam Black series.
Having been desperate to rid herself of her psychic powers, Miriam now finds herself armed with the solution -- a seemingly impossible one. But Miriam’s past is catching up to her, just as she’s trying to leave it behind. A copy-cat killer has caught the public's attention. An old nemesis is back from the dead. And Louis, the ex she still loves, will commit an unforgivable act if she doesn't change the future.
Miriam knows that only a great sacrifice is enough to counter fate. Can she save Louis, stop the killer, and survive?
Hunted and haunted, Miriam is coming to a crossroads, and nothing is going to stand in her way, not even the Trespasser.
In the fifth book of the “wildly entertaining” (Kirkus Reviews) Miriam Black series, Miriam continues her journey to find answers on how to change her fate and begin to make right some of what she’s done wrong.
Armed with new knowledge that suggests a great sacrifice must be made to change her fate, Miriam continues her quest and learns that she must undo the tragedies of her past to move forward.
One such tragedy is Wren, who is now a teen caught up in a bad relationship with the forces that haunt Miriam and has become a killer, just like Miriam. Black must try to save the girl, but what’s ahead is something she thought impossible…
Description from Chuck Wendig's blog:
Miriam Black, in lockstep with death, continues on her quest to control her own fate in The Raptor and the Wren, the brand-new fifth book in the Miriam Black series.
Having been desperate to rid herself of her psychic powers, Miriam now finds herself armed with the solution -- a seemingly impossible one. But Miriam’s past is catching up to her, just as she’s trying to leave it behind. A copy-cat killer has caught the public's attention. An old nemesis is back from the dead. And Louis, the ex she still loves, will commit an unforgivable act if she doesn't change the future.
Miriam knows that only a great sacrifice is enough to counter fate. Can she save Louis, stop the killer, and survive?
Hunted and haunted, Miriam is coming to a crossroads, and nothing is going to stand in her way, not even the Trespasser.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2018
57 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Wendig
182 books7,231 followersChuck Wendig is a novelist, a screenwriter, and a freelance penmonkey.
He has contributed over two million words to the roleplaying game industry, and was the developer of the popular Hunter: The Vigil game line (White Wolf Game Studios / CCP).
He, along with writing partner Lance Weiler, is a fellow of the Sundance Film Festival Screenwriter's Lab (2010). Their short film, Pandemic, will show at the Sundance Film Festival 2011, and their feature film HiM is in development with producer Ted Hope.
Chuck's novel Double Dead will be out in November, 2011.
He's written too much. He should probably stop. Give him a wide berth, as he might be drunk and untrustworthy. He currently lives in the wilds of Pennsyltucky with a wonderful wife and two very stupid dogs. He is represented by Stacia Decker of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
You can find him at his website, terribleminds.com.
He has contributed over two million words to the roleplaying game industry, and was the developer of the popular Hunter: The Vigil game line (White Wolf Game Studios / CCP).
He, along with writing partner Lance Weiler, is a fellow of the Sundance Film Festival Screenwriter's Lab (2010). Their short film, Pandemic, will show at the Sundance Film Festival 2011, and their feature film HiM is in development with producer Ted Hope.
Chuck's novel Double Dead will be out in November, 2011.
He's written too much. He should probably stop. Give him a wide berth, as he might be drunk and untrustworthy. He currently lives in the wilds of Pennsyltucky with a wonderful wife and two very stupid dogs. He is represented by Stacia Decker of the Donald Maass Literary Agency.
You can find him at his website, terribleminds.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 25, 2025
Miriam Black book 5: Miriam Black is sort of still seeking a way out of her 'supernatural' mission, you know, the mission to to eliminate serial killers and other murderers usually in dark and varied ways. One thing Miriam hadn't considered is that killing killers can leave a trail and when she is shown a Sub-Reddit all about the 'Angel of Death', she not only realises that anyone after her will now have access to her formerly unbeknownst online presence; but she also realises that there's a copycat killer out there using her MO and styled to look like her!
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Maybe this volume is not as darkly off-key as the previous volumes with the book more fully leaning into the supernatural, albeit in an original and interesting way. Although I love this series it does feel like the stories are being made-up as they are published and not following some previous agreed plan, in my opinion. Also the maturing milder form of Miriam Black is not what I feel readers, myself included, really want, but it is fair character progression, up one star for my second reading to Four Stars - 8 out of 12. read.
2025 and 2023 read
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Maybe this volume is not as darkly off-key as the previous volumes with the book more fully leaning into the supernatural, albeit in an original and interesting way. Although I love this series it does feel like the stories are being made-up as they are published and not following some previous agreed plan, in my opinion. Also the maturing milder form of Miriam Black is not what I feel readers, myself included, really want, but it is fair character progression, up one star for my second reading to Four Stars - 8 out of 12. read.
2025 and 2023 read
November 13, 2020
This book DESTROYED me. Granted, each book in this series has destroyed me in its own way but The Raptor and the Wren is just on a whole other level. I feel like I’ve been ripped apart and torn into a million tiny little pieces and scattered into the wind, that’s how bad this book broke my heart. And it hurts SO freaking good! I cried copiously at some parts, that’s how much this book hurt me and I’m a glutton for punishment so I ate it up. I won’t go into plot details because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read it yet but man oh man, The Raptor and the Wren is truly fantastic. I mean, the whole series is phenomenal but The Raptor and the Wren just knocks it so far out of the park, it’s unbelievable. Chuck Wendig, I bow down to you. You are truly a master at your craft!
December 12, 2017
Thanks to Saga Press and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I'm floored that a book that was mostly filler could be so much fun! I mean, fun isn't really the best word for it, because Miriam certainly isn't having fun. Losing people left and right, constantly surrounded by death and birds... it's not the best life, but she deals with what she's got. This book tied up a loose end or four (and some of those we weren't even aware were ends that somehow got loose!) and showed Miriam grasping more of her power.
I'm a little disappointed in how the book ended, and it felt like a copout. I guess I can kind of see how it could push part of the narrative of the next book, which is the last, but it just feels... copouty. Copoutlike. Copoutish. Whatever the made up word would be.
But still, I love how much Miriam has grown throughout the series, even though she's still got a filthy mouth (which I think is hilarious because she says what most of us are thinking, maybe in a cruder way, but she shares the feelings rather than internalizing them like most of us do).
So overall, I'd say 3.5 stars. One star lost for the copout ending, and half a star lost for being MOSTLY filler/positioning characters for the final book.
I'm floored that a book that was mostly filler could be so much fun! I mean, fun isn't really the best word for it, because Miriam certainly isn't having fun. Losing people left and right, constantly surrounded by death and birds... it's not the best life, but she deals with what she's got. This book tied up a loose end or four (and some of those we weren't even aware were ends that somehow got loose!) and showed Miriam grasping more of her power.
I'm a little disappointed in how the book ended, and it felt like a copout. I guess I can kind of see how it could push part of the narrative of the next book, which is the last, but it just feels... copouty. Copoutlike. Copoutish. Whatever the made up word would be.
But still, I love how much Miriam has grown throughout the series, even though she's still got a filthy mouth (which I think is hilarious because she says what most of us are thinking, maybe in a cruder way, but she shares the feelings rather than internalizing them like most of us do).
So overall, I'd say 3.5 stars. One star lost for the copout ending, and half a star lost for being MOSTLY filler/positioning characters for the final book.
December 29, 2017
First, I'd like to thank the author for a personalized advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Second, I want everyone to know how difficult it was not to read this in one stretch. I restricted myself to about 30-50 pages each time I sat down to read because these books have a way of being over too quickly for me.
And now, for a non-spoiler review:
Miriam Black is not the same character we met in Blackbirds. Over the course of five books, she has evolved and it's been a real source of entertainment to discover all the changes she's been through. The Miriam we encounter in The Raptor and the Wren makes some *interesting* decisions that I don't think the Miriam of previous books, would have made.
It's painful, actually because she's our protagonist and we've come to love her--we love her dirty mouth, her unflinching will to survive, her swagger and her "get back up again" spirit--so when we see uncharacteristic behaviors from her, it's difficult to watch--sometimes I read this book like I was watching a train wreck through my fingers--"this can't have a happy ending".
Ouch. Crash. Shit.
And it's not just Miriam we have fallen for, nope. There are other characters in this series that hold a huge place in our hearts. And some of these major players have returned--whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing, you'll have to buy this book in January and decide for yourself.
If you've read Thunderbird, then you'll know at the end of book 4 we stood in shock and awe and we shook our fists at Mr. Wendig for leaving us at such an obvious, gut-punchy cliff hanger.
Well Birdies, don't be in such a rush to know what happens. Just take your time with this book. Savor your time with the characters and the story and the words and the dialogue because Vultures is coming soon and I'm not sure any of us will be able to stand afterwards.
**By now you've realized I won't be sharing any plot points here. You don't need any! Just know that as I read this book, I was flooded with several, conflicting emotions. I laughed (out loud!) I cursed (WHAT THE----!!) and I cried. Steel yourself my friends. This one is going to tear through you with sharpened talons and hurts so good. Well done, Chuck.
Second, I want everyone to know how difficult it was not to read this in one stretch. I restricted myself to about 30-50 pages each time I sat down to read because these books have a way of being over too quickly for me.
And now, for a non-spoiler review:
Miriam Black is not the same character we met in Blackbirds. Over the course of five books, she has evolved and it's been a real source of entertainment to discover all the changes she's been through. The Miriam we encounter in The Raptor and the Wren makes some *interesting* decisions that I don't think the Miriam of previous books, would have made.
It's painful, actually because she's our protagonist and we've come to love her--we love her dirty mouth, her unflinching will to survive, her swagger and her "get back up again" spirit--so when we see uncharacteristic behaviors from her, it's difficult to watch--sometimes I read this book like I was watching a train wreck through my fingers--"this can't have a happy ending".
Ouch. Crash. Shit.
And it's not just Miriam we have fallen for, nope. There are other characters in this series that hold a huge place in our hearts. And some of these major players have returned--whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing, you'll have to buy this book in January and decide for yourself.
If you've read Thunderbird, then you'll know at the end of book 4 we stood in shock and awe and we shook our fists at Mr. Wendig for leaving us at such an obvious, gut-punchy cliff hanger.
Well Birdies, don't be in such a rush to know what happens. Just take your time with this book. Savor your time with the characters and the story and the words and the dialogue because Vultures is coming soon and I'm not sure any of us will be able to stand afterwards.
**By now you've realized I won't be sharing any plot points here. You don't need any! Just know that as I read this book, I was flooded with several, conflicting emotions. I laughed (out loud!) I cursed (WHAT THE----!!) and I cried. Steel yourself my friends. This one is going to tear through you with sharpened talons and hurts so good. Well done, Chuck.
April 21, 2019
"You do not forgive.You act. You change fate. You move the world, one degree at a time. One life saved, another taken. Forgiveness is passive - it is taking your hands off the wheel and letting go. But you never take your hands off the wheel."
Mayhem continues to follow Miriam as she contends with a copy cat killer mimicking her murders; however, this is no run-of-the-mill serial killer, each murder is deftly reconstructed in explicit detail, mirroring Miriam's own grisly encounters with the grim reaper. So much so, that Grosky, the FBI Agent from the previous books, takes an interest in the killings and tries to track down Miriam, hoping she can shed some light on the plague of darkness surrounding her.
The fifth installment in the Miriam Black series is one of the best; Miriam continues to grow as a character, and her adventures continue to be exciting and unpredictable.
The continuity with the previous books is strong with characters, either those on the peripheral or adversaries or acquaintances being referenced or making an appearance throughout the course of the book. A degree of familiarity with the earlier books is must, unlike some of the other installments in the series, The Raptor & The Wren does not read well as a standalone.
My rating: 5/5 stars. If you're not reading Miriam Black, you're missing out on a great series of books.
Mayhem continues to follow Miriam as she contends with a copy cat killer mimicking her murders; however, this is no run-of-the-mill serial killer, each murder is deftly reconstructed in explicit detail, mirroring Miriam's own grisly encounters with the grim reaper. So much so, that Grosky, the FBI Agent from the previous books, takes an interest in the killings and tries to track down Miriam, hoping she can shed some light on the plague of darkness surrounding her.
The fifth installment in the Miriam Black series is one of the best; Miriam continues to grow as a character, and her adventures continue to be exciting and unpredictable.
The continuity with the previous books is strong with characters, either those on the peripheral or adversaries or acquaintances being referenced or making an appearance throughout the course of the book. A degree of familiarity with the earlier books is must, unlike some of the other installments in the series, The Raptor & The Wren does not read well as a standalone.
My rating: 5/5 stars. If you're not reading Miriam Black, you're missing out on a great series of books.
July 30, 2018
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/07/30/...
The Raptor and The Wren is the fifth book in the Miriam Black series, in which our eponymous protagonist returns to her roots. But instead of living like a vagrant, hopping from city to city trailing people that she knows will soon die in order rob them at their time of their deaths, Miriam is now living in Florida, in a house that used to belong to her mother, and she has taken her scam to the next level. With no shortage of death in retirement mecca, where folks expire naturally from old age or health conditions all the time, the world is her oyster. No one will miss a little breaking and entering, or a few missing valuables or bottles of prescription drugs. To some extent, Miriam has accepted her dark powers, and there’s no sense in letting a good opportunity go to waste.
And yet, a lot of things still bother her. With just a touch, Miriam can see how someone will die, and this is how she knows that her good friend Louis, whom she still loves, will murder his fiancée in just a few months’ time. The mistakes of her past have also come back to haunt her, inspiring the actions of a new copy-cat killer. Those who have the misfortune of being caught up in Miriam’s trail of destruction often end up damaged and broken, even if they manage to survive, as Lauren AKA Wren can attest. The girl we first met in Mockingbird is now a teen, struggling with her own dark side. In order to save Wren, Miriam must confront her own demons, right the wrongs of her past, and continue her journey to understand the origin of her powers.
While I still love Miriam to bits, I can’t help but feel that the series has lost some of its edge since Thunderbird. In my review of the previous book, I noted how the plot developments and characters failed to impact me as strongly, and the series as a whole has become…well, more pedestrian. Likewise, The Raptor and The Wren continues this trend, recycling old plot points and limiting the story’s potential. It probably didn’t help that this book was mostly filler. It was a fast read, but after finishing it, I was left with a nagging feeling that not a lot happened, and that none of the newer, more interesting conflicts introduced here ended up being resolved. In other words, it felt like the entire purpose of this book was to be the setup for the next one, which I believe will be the last book of the series.
Thank goodness for Miriam. She is the one bright spot in this general state of stagnation, because of the way she has grown with each book. It can’t be denied, Miriam Black has come a long way since Blackbirds, despite certain aspects of her life coming full circle. She has wrestled with the horrific nature of her powers, emerging stronger if not victorious. She has forged new relationships, learned to care about people other than herself. Some of Louis’ goodness has also rubbed off on her, teaching her the value of responsibility and the power to shape her own life through her own actions. The days of running away and never looking back are over; this new Miriam tackles her problems head on, even when the fear threatens to overwhelm. Rest assured though, all the things that have made her character so entertaining and addictive to read about have been left intact. Miriam is still the undisputed queen of the potty mouth and dirty metaphors, and we should all cherish her for it.
All in all, The Raptor and The Wren was fun to read, even though it was short and most of the plot was bridging and biding time for the final installment. The ending was pretty shocking though, I won’t lie. Poor Miriam never seems to catch a break. I’m still sitting here, thinking “Please don’t let me to be so!” but as with all of Chuck Wendig’s books, you never know what will happen next. Despite this one being an overall lackluster sequel, at least compared the earlier volumes in this series (which, in my opinion, ranks as some of the author’s best work), I’m waiting on pins and needles for finale. If the foundations built here are any indication, Vultures promises to bring an epic conclusion.
Audiobook Comments: I took a break from the audiobooks in this series after Mockingbird, but I was glad to pick this up again and see that Emily Beresford is still the voice behind Miriam Black. I’ve always felt there is a quality to her voice that makes her the perfectly suited for the main character, a certain sharpness that brings out Miriam’s devil-may-care ways and sass. I’m glad that hasn’t changed. It was a joy coming back to her superb narration.
The Raptor and The Wren is the fifth book in the Miriam Black series, in which our eponymous protagonist returns to her roots. But instead of living like a vagrant, hopping from city to city trailing people that she knows will soon die in order rob them at their time of their deaths, Miriam is now living in Florida, in a house that used to belong to her mother, and she has taken her scam to the next level. With no shortage of death in retirement mecca, where folks expire naturally from old age or health conditions all the time, the world is her oyster. No one will miss a little breaking and entering, or a few missing valuables or bottles of prescription drugs. To some extent, Miriam has accepted her dark powers, and there’s no sense in letting a good opportunity go to waste.
And yet, a lot of things still bother her. With just a touch, Miriam can see how someone will die, and this is how she knows that her good friend Louis, whom she still loves, will murder his fiancée in just a few months’ time. The mistakes of her past have also come back to haunt her, inspiring the actions of a new copy-cat killer. Those who have the misfortune of being caught up in Miriam’s trail of destruction often end up damaged and broken, even if they manage to survive, as Lauren AKA Wren can attest. The girl we first met in Mockingbird is now a teen, struggling with her own dark side. In order to save Wren, Miriam must confront her own demons, right the wrongs of her past, and continue her journey to understand the origin of her powers.
While I still love Miriam to bits, I can’t help but feel that the series has lost some of its edge since Thunderbird. In my review of the previous book, I noted how the plot developments and characters failed to impact me as strongly, and the series as a whole has become…well, more pedestrian. Likewise, The Raptor and The Wren continues this trend, recycling old plot points and limiting the story’s potential. It probably didn’t help that this book was mostly filler. It was a fast read, but after finishing it, I was left with a nagging feeling that not a lot happened, and that none of the newer, more interesting conflicts introduced here ended up being resolved. In other words, it felt like the entire purpose of this book was to be the setup for the next one, which I believe will be the last book of the series.
Thank goodness for Miriam. She is the one bright spot in this general state of stagnation, because of the way she has grown with each book. It can’t be denied, Miriam Black has come a long way since Blackbirds, despite certain aspects of her life coming full circle. She has wrestled with the horrific nature of her powers, emerging stronger if not victorious. She has forged new relationships, learned to care about people other than herself. Some of Louis’ goodness has also rubbed off on her, teaching her the value of responsibility and the power to shape her own life through her own actions. The days of running away and never looking back are over; this new Miriam tackles her problems head on, even when the fear threatens to overwhelm. Rest assured though, all the things that have made her character so entertaining and addictive to read about have been left intact. Miriam is still the undisputed queen of the potty mouth and dirty metaphors, and we should all cherish her for it.
All in all, The Raptor and The Wren was fun to read, even though it was short and most of the plot was bridging and biding time for the final installment. The ending was pretty shocking though, I won’t lie. Poor Miriam never seems to catch a break. I’m still sitting here, thinking “Please don’t let me to be so!” but as with all of Chuck Wendig’s books, you never know what will happen next. Despite this one being an overall lackluster sequel, at least compared the earlier volumes in this series (which, in my opinion, ranks as some of the author’s best work), I’m waiting on pins and needles for finale. If the foundations built here are any indication, Vultures promises to bring an epic conclusion.
Audiobook Comments: I took a break from the audiobooks in this series after Mockingbird, but I was glad to pick this up again and see that Emily Beresford is still the voice behind Miriam Black. I’ve always felt there is a quality to her voice that makes her the perfectly suited for the main character, a certain sharpness that brings out Miriam’s devil-may-care ways and sass. I’m glad that hasn’t changed. It was a joy coming back to her superb narration.
March 28, 2018
Following the death of her Mother, Miriam is squatting in her home in Florida liberating the recently deceased of their now useless medication. All this changes when a figure from her past arrives on her doorstep with some unsettling news – Miriam’s become somewhat of an obsession for a small group of users on Reddit. What is even more concerning is that someone is out there playing copy-cat to some of Miriam’s more gruesome killings. Can Miriam track down and extinguish this hunter before the legend of Miriam Black, “The Angel of Death”, grows out of control.
Guess who’s back? Back again. Miriam’s back, tell a friend.
In The Raptor and The Wren, Miriam returns with her filthy mouth and lovely nihilistic demeanor and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Wendig hasn’t missed a step over the course of these five novels in keeping Miriam consistent in both her actions and her creative use of the muddy side of the English language. Despite her overall negative disposition and self-inflicted emotional damage, she’s very much someone I enjoy spending time with. Hell, she makes me laugh.
As brutal as the past four books have been when it would come to the violence and emotional damage placed upon Miriam, Chuck Wendig takes it to another level with The Raptor and The Wren. How exactly Miriam finds the courage to continue on is beyond me, but Chuck writes in such a way that you feel Miriam is performing a delicate balancing act upon a shaky tightrope when only a slight breeze could push her over. She thrives on the razor’s edge of life.
We’re five books into Miriam’s world and the supporting cast that make up her life are integral to the story that Chuck is telling. Not one character feels like a cardboard cut-out; the consequences of Miriam’s actions in relation to those that she both cares for as well as those she vehemently hates leads to swift and often destructive consequences leaving little room for wasted time within a brisk four hundred pages.
At the conclusion of the novel, Chuck warns the forthcoming installment, Vultures, will bring about the end of the series. As much as I would want to keep on keeping on when it comes to these books, I’m happy that Wendig has an end goal in mind increasing the likelihood of an incredibly tight six book saga. If you haven’t read any of these novels yet, you need to get your priorities in order. Read this now!
Guess who’s back? Back again. Miriam’s back, tell a friend.
In The Raptor and The Wren, Miriam returns with her filthy mouth and lovely nihilistic demeanor and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Wendig hasn’t missed a step over the course of these five novels in keeping Miriam consistent in both her actions and her creative use of the muddy side of the English language. Despite her overall negative disposition and self-inflicted emotional damage, she’s very much someone I enjoy spending time with. Hell, she makes me laugh.
As brutal as the past four books have been when it would come to the violence and emotional damage placed upon Miriam, Chuck Wendig takes it to another level with The Raptor and The Wren. How exactly Miriam finds the courage to continue on is beyond me, but Chuck writes in such a way that you feel Miriam is performing a delicate balancing act upon a shaky tightrope when only a slight breeze could push her over. She thrives on the razor’s edge of life.
We’re five books into Miriam’s world and the supporting cast that make up her life are integral to the story that Chuck is telling. Not one character feels like a cardboard cut-out; the consequences of Miriam’s actions in relation to those that she both cares for as well as those she vehemently hates leads to swift and often destructive consequences leaving little room for wasted time within a brisk four hundred pages.
At the conclusion of the novel, Chuck warns the forthcoming installment, Vultures, will bring about the end of the series. As much as I would want to keep on keeping on when it comes to these books, I’m happy that Wendig has an end goal in mind increasing the likelihood of an incredibly tight six book saga. If you haven’t read any of these novels yet, you need to get your priorities in order. Read this now!
February 14, 2018
"Fuck you, dude, you have no idea what we 'girls' can do. We wanna kill a man with a chainsaw, we kill a man with a chainsaw."
I think this book may have ripped my heart out. Gahhhhhhhhh. The Miriam Black series gives you all the feelings - you laugh, you're creeped out, you're anxious, sad, excited,e etc. The Raptor & the Wren was so good, and I am thoroughly impressed with this entire series. Everything is connected, and the storytelling and characters are so fantastic. I am so damn excited to read Vultures next year, but I will be heartbroken when this journey is over. I feel like something tragic is going to happen (or a lot of tragic things), but everything is going to tie up, and we'll be happy to have read these stories. I can't even express how much I love this series, and I think this book is either my favorite or second favorite (in competition with Mockingbird). Go read these books!!
I think this book may have ripped my heart out. Gahhhhhhhhh. The Miriam Black series gives you all the feelings - you laugh, you're creeped out, you're anxious, sad, excited,e etc. The Raptor & the Wren was so good, and I am thoroughly impressed with this entire series. Everything is connected, and the storytelling and characters are so fantastic. I am so damn excited to read Vultures next year, but I will be heartbroken when this journey is over. I feel like something tragic is going to happen (or a lot of tragic things), but everything is going to tie up, and we'll be happy to have read these stories. I can't even express how much I love this series, and I think this book is either my favorite or second favorite (in competition with Mockingbird). Go read these books!!
April 27, 2018
Miriam heads north from Florida to her old stomping grounds to find out why someone is killing people in the same ways she did (to save lives), leaving behind the people about whom she cares the most: Louis and Gabby, but accompanied by her FBI agent buddy. Readers get a high octane dose of Miriam: her dirty mouth, her will to survive, her swagger and her "never say die" [pun intended] spirit. But, the crazies are out in full force and there a lot of killing and near killing. The owl was awesome.
I hasten to add that while Wendig's last book cover was pretty cool, this one's way better. I think the same about the cliffhanger endings. The final book in the series, Vulture will be published next year.
I hasten to add that while Wendig's last book cover was pretty cool, this one's way better. I think the same about the cliffhanger endings. The final book in the series, Vulture will be published next year.
November 2, 2023
It’s been a while old friend but I have managed to track down a copy of this book (cheaply) this side of the pond.
And it’s the narky style that I swiftly recognise even if perhaps ive forgotten jus about all that has occurred in Miriam’s life to date (looking up my notes, it’s been nigh on 4 years since I last partook of this series!) as a little backstory, names & places are filtered through during the early exchanges between Miriam & an ex-FBI agent.
We find ourselves in Florida amongst an ageing population that Miriam & her newly acquired sidekick Rita exploit (Robbery that is) due to Miriam’s ability to have premonitions of when someone is about to die by merely touching them. This is what we’ll call an interlude before the story proper starts which features names from the past.
There is a certainly a supernatural feel to this book which is certainly (as I recollect) different to the prior books although they did contain some small element. Supernatural as in apparitions in the form of demons which Miriam keeps seeing, not to mention her ability to control birds by taking over their minds and then there’s a hitwoman who has risen from the dead to take her revenge….. oh feck yeah it’s moved up to a whole new level in this respect.
A very diffo read to the priors in the series, making it overall ok but certainly not the same vibe I had with the rest in the series, Miriams not at her best when she’s being hunted, much better when she’s got her swagger n her dander is up……. maybe it’s down to my gap in the reading, perhaps the change in direction from the author, after all if he didn’t it would make Miriam a one trick pony, a nemesis had to be created I suppose or jus park the series at a coupla books.
Middle of the road for this one as I found myself jus turning the pages without much really sinking in at times, kinda going through the motions a tad. Although there were livelier/snarky moments enough to keep me going through to the end.
3 stars on the money. Weakest book in the series to date.
And it’s the narky style that I swiftly recognise even if perhaps ive forgotten jus about all that has occurred in Miriam’s life to date (looking up my notes, it’s been nigh on 4 years since I last partook of this series!) as a little backstory, names & places are filtered through during the early exchanges between Miriam & an ex-FBI agent.
We find ourselves in Florida amongst an ageing population that Miriam & her newly acquired sidekick Rita exploit (Robbery that is) due to Miriam’s ability to have premonitions of when someone is about to die by merely touching them. This is what we’ll call an interlude before the story proper starts which features names from the past.
There is a certainly a supernatural feel to this book which is certainly (as I recollect) different to the prior books although they did contain some small element. Supernatural as in apparitions in the form of demons which Miriam keeps seeing, not to mention her ability to control birds by taking over their minds and then there’s a hitwoman who has risen from the dead to take her revenge….. oh feck yeah it’s moved up to a whole new level in this respect.
A very diffo read to the priors in the series, making it overall ok but certainly not the same vibe I had with the rest in the series, Miriams not at her best when she’s being hunted, much better when she’s got her swagger n her dander is up……. maybe it’s down to my gap in the reading, perhaps the change in direction from the author, after all if he didn’t it would make Miriam a one trick pony, a nemesis had to be created I suppose or jus park the series at a coupla books.
Middle of the road for this one as I found myself jus turning the pages without much really sinking in at times, kinda going through the motions a tad. Although there were livelier/snarky moments enough to keep me going through to the end.
3 stars on the money. Weakest book in the series to date.
January 28, 2018
Holy. Shit. Review to come once I process what I've just read.
February 16, 2018
Five books in, and I'm so invested in Miriam's story that I never want this series to end! But alas, it will, and way too soon for my liking. Having said that, I'm also excited to check out Wendig's other books and I can't wait to see what he has in store for readers post-Miriam. If it's anything like this series I'm sure I will love it.
BTW, I've been writing super spoilery reviews recently, and I think that is probably scaring people off. It's going to be hard to really talk about this one without some spoilers, so I'm going to start hiding the spoilery bits for those of you who would like to read my reviews but not have the book ruined for you.
The Raptor & the Wren really shows the evolution of Miriam Black. She definitely isn't the lone and wandering woman readers met way back in book one. She's quit smoking, and is actually trying to become healthier (who would have ever predicted THAT way back in book one?). Basically, she matured, she's developed relationships, and now she's taking responsibility for her actions. This is not the Miriam we met in Blackbirds, but she still has enough of the old Miriam in her that we know and love so well. She's still sarcastic AF, and swears like a sailor, and she's still has a pretty sketchy idea of morality. However, she has lived and learned, and now she realizes that she has to own up to some of her past mistakes and make them right.
The parts of the book that I love the most contain spoilers!
The end of this one is pretty much a punch in the gut, though. We are nearing the end game, so you sort of have to expect things to get real, but it's still sad. Poor Miriam just can't catch a break. I'm really curious now to find out how Miriam gets out of her current situation. And what she's going to do with the new information she has?
Seriously guys, this is a fantastic series. Give book one a try, and I promise you will be hooked.
BTW, I've been writing super spoilery reviews recently, and I think that is probably scaring people off. It's going to be hard to really talk about this one without some spoilers, so I'm going to start hiding the spoilery bits for those of you who would like to read my reviews but not have the book ruined for you.
The Raptor & the Wren really shows the evolution of Miriam Black. She definitely isn't the lone and wandering woman readers met way back in book one. She's quit smoking, and is actually trying to become healthier (who would have ever predicted THAT way back in book one?). Basically, she matured, she's developed relationships, and now she's taking responsibility for her actions. This is not the Miriam we met in Blackbirds, but she still has enough of the old Miriam in her that we know and love so well. She's still sarcastic AF, and swears like a sailor, and she's still has a pretty sketchy idea of morality. However, she has lived and learned, and now she realizes that she has to own up to some of her past mistakes and make them right.
The parts of the book that I love the most contain spoilers!
The end of this one is pretty much a punch in the gut, though. We are nearing the end game, so you sort of have to expect things to get real, but it's still sad. Poor Miriam just can't catch a break. I'm really curious now to find out how Miriam gets out of her current situation. And what she's going to do with the new information she has?
Seriously guys, this is a fantastic series. Give book one a try, and I promise you will be hooked.
April 1, 2019
Wendig's gritty, profane protagonist is back in book #5 of the Miriam Black series and she's going to make you wince and cry, "NO!" as the story continues to unfold. Be prepared for some gut-wrenching (literal in the literary) twists. Be prepared to laugh. Be prepared to wail and gnash your teeth. Strap on your bibs, babies, book five is one hell of a messy, entertaining meal!
March 17, 2019
*Need to Review
3.5 - 4 Stars
Notes:
Some parts were great. Others mediocre since I'm listening to these back to back.
The word judders stands out like a snowflake in a desert.
3.5 - 4 Stars
Notes:
Some parts were great. Others mediocre since I'm listening to these back to back.
The word judders stands out like a snowflake in a desert.
May 31, 2021
Jesus, how I love Miriam Black!! She's one of my favorite characters ever, anywhere, and her story gets better and better. This book has ripped my heart from my chest and fed on it. I think it's my favorite in the series.
February 27, 2018
I'd recommend re-reading the rest of the series before diving into this one if it's been a while. This is where everything starts to loop back on itself, and details (some of them pretty minor) from each of the previous four books all come back into play here. Granted, it's not strictly necessary--even though there were some bits that I didn't actually remember from previous books (very little of The Cormorant seems to have stuck with me), everything is given enough context here that I never felt lost. Still, I think I might have appreciated it all even more if it were fresher in my memory. And for my money, it's those structural loops and echoes, the evidence that this has all been a very long game and it's all coming back together, that makes this book so deeply satisfying. One thing I've always liked about the Miriam Black books was that they felt a little more episodic than most series, like each was a self-contained adventure on its own. It's really only here that we see how it all ties together into a single plot with a single antagonist, how everything is connected and building on itself, without invalidating any of those previous impressions. Hell of a trick to pull off, and it's got me really excited for the finale next year.
April 20, 2019
As we get closer to the end of this series, it makes me very nervous to find out how it ends, but also very sad that it WILL end. I could read these books forever. Miriam really shines in her powers in this book, much more deeply than before, and the birds become her army in fighting The Trespasser.
The book ends on some shocking surprises. I screamed "Oh NO you did NOT!" which was quickly followed just a few pages later by "WHAT?!?!" Those who read this will understand. Those who haven't NEED to read this series.
The book ends on some shocking surprises. I screamed "Oh NO you did NOT!" which was quickly followed just a few pages later by "WHAT?!?!" Those who read this will understand. Those who haven't NEED to read this series.
February 8, 2018
I think this series has gotten better with the introduction of more strange supernatual twists. It's not a happy story, major characters die often and sometimes twice. The humor keeps it from being too dire and makes the read enjoyable.
June 20, 2018
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! OMG. The ending of this book has left me with tears in my eyes, goosebumps on my arms, and a hammering heart. As if Miriam hasn’t gone through enough, now she loses Louis??? Damn. And the next book isn’t due for release until January 2019. Double damn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
Hear the full review: http://www.bookedpodcast.com/?p=5648
January 30, 2019
The continuing adventures of Miriam Black. I'm looking forward the final book in the series.
November 23, 2017
This was my first experience with this book series, but not the first time I have read this author. Chuck Wendig fashions his verbiage addictively for the reader. This series has been called brutal and visceral, and Wendig’s Writing echoes this tone.
The story was fascinating and I was able to delve in fairly easily, recognizing I will need to visit the other books in the series soon. Mystery is not always my go-to genre, but this was a fine example of one book that relies on suspense and grabbed my attention right away.
The story was fascinating and I was able to delve in fairly easily, recognizing I will need to visit the other books in the series soon. Mystery is not always my go-to genre, but this was a fine example of one book that relies on suspense and grabbed my attention right away.
March 29, 2025
Miriam Black is nearing the end of this journey of her crazy life, but not before a WHOLE lot more blood is spilled. Book five was just a non-stop ride that I read on one flight (connecting admittedly) out to Las Vegas as while I planned to watch a movie or something, I couldn't put it down.
Black starts the book in an almost placid place for her but swiftly that need to get things settled takes over and everyone from her prior escapades gets tied back in to her story (and not all survive) with one new unnamed and oh so crucial character being added to the mix near the end. Definitely hard to put down and made me pickup the final book in the series as soon as I got home.
Black starts the book in an almost placid place for her but swiftly that need to get things settled takes over and everyone from her prior escapades gets tied back in to her story (and not all survive) with one new unnamed and oh so crucial character being added to the mix near the end. Definitely hard to put down and made me pickup the final book in the series as soon as I got home.
November 14, 2017
I really liked this story and I definitely need to find the first 4 books in the Miriam Black series to read. I had a few instances where I would have made a connection quicker if I had read the previous books. Miriam is a good person who is trying to make amends and change her life's course. She is starting with Wren, a teen who is headed down a bad path because of her association with Miriam. Miriam can tell when and how a person will die by touching them. Her friends Louis and Gabby are there to help but it may not be enough. Chuck Wending is a fairly prolific writer and I'll be looking for more of his books.
March 13, 2022
GodDAMMIT
February 4, 2018
Damn. This series keeps getting better and better. I'm not sure how I feel about that, knowing the next one is the finale, but I'll enjoy the ride while it lasts. Highly recommended, if you like intensity, action, horror and some very dark humor mixed in.
January 29, 2018
SPOILERIFFIC REVIEW FOLLOWS.
You know what? At least I didn't have to wait long for it, and by the time Vultures arrives I'll be pretty much over the disappointment, but this book is 90% filler.
The 10% that's not filler is the methodical stripping away of every good thing Miriam has left. Which would be powerful if it didn't happen every book. And as the (bizarre, zombie ex machina) antagonist of this book demonstrated, nothing necessarily stays dead forever.
So... I'm down an Agent Grosky, a Louis, and a Bird of Doom. At least I'm right the fuck there with Miriam on the depleted and angry front. The only problem is that her little ray of hope - her life-changing unborn miracle baby - is just a boring, lazy trope to me. I have enough faith left in Chuck Wendig to hope he'll do something interesting with it, but frankly dude's on thin ice right now.
You know what? At least I didn't have to wait long for it, and by the time Vultures arrives I'll be pretty much over the disappointment, but this book is 90% filler.
The 10% that's not filler is the methodical stripping away of every good thing Miriam has left. Which would be powerful if it didn't happen every book. And as the (bizarre, zombie ex machina) antagonist of this book demonstrated, nothing necessarily stays dead forever.
So... I'm down an Agent Grosky, a Louis, and a Bird of Doom. At least I'm right the fuck there with Miriam on the depleted and angry front. The only problem is that her little ray of hope - her life-changing unborn miracle baby - is just a boring, lazy trope to me. I have enough faith left in Chuck Wendig to hope he'll do something interesting with it, but frankly dude's on thin ice right now.
January 18, 2018
Book five in Wendig's Miriam Black series dials up the shit storm that is her life, calling back a number of characters from past books in a swirling mass of death and discovery. The body count is high and the revelations are huge as Miriam exponentially expands on her 'abilities'. While I thought book four (Thunderbird) was the darkest of the series I was clearly wrong (at the time). This one is a gut punch that goes to some pretty nasty places, and the setup for book six (rumored to be the last in the series) is properly large. Oh man...
August 11, 2018
I am now convinced that Chuck Wendig doesn't know what's happening with this mythos any more than I do.
Its just becoming a hot soupy mess that doesn't really make any sense.
Its been a fun trashy ride - but I won't be reading any more of these.
Its just becoming a hot soupy mess that doesn't really make any sense.
Its been a fun trashy ride - but I won't be reading any more of these.
February 18, 2018
Noooo! I need more! The wait for the next (last!) book is going to be torture!
Review soon.
Review soon.
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