Poe Prophecies: The Raven

by P. Anastasia, Alexander Kim (Narrator)

*POE BALTIMORE 2025 SATURDAY VISITER AWARDS WINNER*

Changing the future was never meant to be easy. My name's Aidan Grey. I'm a 12-year-old student at P.O.E. Academy, where we don't just study Edgar Allan Poe's works—we decode them. His stories aren't just literature; they're riddles and warnings. Prophetic clues are cleverly buried in every line. Find the right words, and you might change someone's fate.

The academy says kids like me aren't ready to handle something so unpredictable. My best friend and I disagree. We've been practicing in secret, testing the boundaries of what we've learned. But words, like secrets, can be dangerous, and the academy forgot to mention just how dangerous they can be....

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

P. ANASTASIA'S fresh take on storytelling resonates with darkness, charm, and passion--the embodiment of her unique writing style. Ensnared by the craft in childhood, she attempted her first book at age eleven. While working toward her college degree, she wrote news and editorial columns for two campus newspapers. After graduating with a degree in communications and spending a year studying abroad in Kofu, Japan, she followed her heart to her publishing aspirations. On the side, she serves as a professional voice talent for radio, television, and audio books. P. Anastasia is the author of nine novels: Exile of the Sky God, the Fluorescence series, Fates Aflame, Fates Awoken, and the historical-paranormal romances, Dark Diary & Grave Burden.

Follow P. Anastasia on
Instagram @ FluorescentOnes
www.facebook.com/FluorescenceBooks

She firmly believes being a writer is not about writing what you want, but writing what needs to be written and faithfully retelling the stories of your characters no matter how uncomfortable they may make you.

"Write the truth!"

Reviews

[Sabryna Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poe Prophecies: The Raven is a fast-paced, imaginative story that blends classic gothic vibes with modern adventure. Perfect for middle school readers, it has just the right amount of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements to keep students hooked. The connections to Edgar Allan Poe’s work add a fun literary twist, especially for readers already familiar with his stories and poems.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be adding a copy to my 8th grade classroom library. It’s a great pick for students who enjoy eerie tales without being too scary, and I can see it sparking some fun classroom discussions around Poe and his influence on literature.

[Janet S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at Lex Con which I purchased this entire series for myself, minus book 6 which had not been available. Along with another book of hers. Being a huge Poe fan, why would I not support a local KY author? Book 1 down, 4 to go. It reminds me of Harry Potter the trio but the kid in this one, two being far beyond their years wanting and yearning to become a prophet. It's very entertaining fantasy, with mentions of Poe's work, I absolutely adore. The author herself is very friendly, if you get the chance to meet her. I can't wait to start book 2, left me wondering what will happen next. Mind you, I'm a mid-aged woman and these books are for children. But whoever put an actual age on books? Thank you for writing such an inspiring series. Keeping the love for history's most misunderstood poets of his time, alive. He truly could write and make you feel heartbreak.

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has an interesting premise, Poe stories carry secret messages that can be used as incantations to see the future. This was inspired by an actual account of Poe writing a story discovered later to closely match an actual mutiny that resulted in one crewman being eaten. The main characters are students at an academy that trains students to be prophets using Poe's hidden messages. This book introduces the main characters as they deal with the repercussions of an incantation they discover. It lays the groundwork for the rest of the series.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a middle grade level book, but it has a pretty unique premise to it. You can tell the author loves Edgar Allen Poe's work. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Diana Kathryn Penn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I'd heard a lot of buzz around the series, and I was curious. I've always been a big fan of Edgar Allan Poe, and I was intrigued by the idea of a series of YA novels that incorporated his written legacy into a story infused with magic.

Sadly, I didn't find the depth of story I hoped for. Yes, this is the first book in a series of seven, written for a young adult audience... but because it was so remarkably short, it felt more like three chapters of the first book, rather than the entire first book.

The story has wonderful hooks that grab your attention and make you want to learn more about the academy, the connection to Poe, and the magic that lives inside his writings. The addition of the element of "familiars" and the special connection they have with their students is enticing, but the author allows us only the smallest morsel of understanding. So too, with the few magic spells that are cast, and the beginning of the student's "special" education, which they embark on in secret.

I was immediately hooked. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit about these characters and I wanted to learn more. I wanted to become a magical archaeologist in their world and dig deeper into the lore this book teases, but the abrupt ending, after only 150 pages, left me frustrated. Even as a teen, this would have been the case. There just wasn't enough meat to satiate my hunger.

I'd like to read the other books in the series, if only to fill in the obvious holes from book one; but I fear a reprise of my frustration. I think perhaps this series would be better served as a trilogy, to give readers an opportunity to really become immersed in the characters' lives and the lore they must learn to navigate.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I heard the premise of this book, that there were secret messages and cyphers hidden in Poe's stories and poems I was intrigued. Was this a real thing you can find? Like the mathematical gymnastics that can can find Shakespeare in the book of Psalms?

Maybe it would be more like the national treasure movies with secret messages and notes in the authors own hand?

Alas, none of the above. It's spells. They recite words from Poe's works as spells and see visions.

There was a little bit at the end that felt like what I came for. what i wanted the whole book to be. I don't know if it's enough to convince me to read the next book.

I love Poe's works but this just ignores so much about the real man. Do the students at this academy find incantations in Poe's criticisms? is there a spell hidden in the sea shell text book he wrote?

What if I told you that Poe went to church? He wasn't some master of the occult. So it bothers me a little that this world building is built on such a shaky foundation.

I did appreciate the nod to Jules Verne though, the ultimate Poe fan boy, writing fan fiction before it was cool.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did a research paper on Edgar Allan Poe in high school and became fascinated by his work. The idea that secrets lay beneath the stories along with a component of magic intrigued me to read this series. I hadn’t noticed the target audience the series was written for but it seems to be directed at tweens. I think I had been hoping for a Harry Potter type storyline but I didn’t find the characters as appealing and had trouble investing in their circumstances. It seemed like a quick read and I was listening to the audio version so I decided to press on. As the story unfolded, characters developed more, new ones were introduced and the story became more intriguing. I had just started to feel invested when book 1 ended. The author definitely left a desire to continue to book 2, but not enough for me to buy it. I’ll wait to see when or if the library obtains a copy. Until then, “Quote the raven…never more”.

[Sandra Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It may not be the typical age of the reader for this book as I believe it has been for middle schoolers, but I have seen ads for this book on Facebook and for my birthday. My son bought me the series. I even have the author signature in all of the books.
What interested in me? Was this idea that Edgar Allen Poe was a prophet someone who could see into the future and by reading his books and figuring out certain words you were given either a glimpse to the future or the past. Aidan and his friend Lenore both go to P.O.E.Academy a school for those who are gifted. His cousin also goes there. Of course, the two best friends feel they are or should be more advanced than what the school allows them therefore they are trying to enhance their skills. So far. I found this book to be fun. This first one definitely sets up the scene and makes it curious. Will they discover what is going to happen or do they discover the truth about Edgar Allen’s Poes death?

[Susan Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't a big Poe fan in high school and college, but this series has caused me to become curious enough about Poe's works that I'm actually going to give his writing another try. It's written for older children; an intriguing, fun read for those who like a bit of fantasy in their reading. It has it's scary moments, which is why I wanted to read the series first before passing it along to my grandson who reads beyond his years. The books are a quick read for adults; the time period is current day, but the subject surrounds a school of kids that study Poe and what his writings can mean to the world, so fantastical enough that a dreamer, whether a child or adult, can spend many an hour daydreaming in the world Anastasia has crafted. This series isn't Tolkien, but it's fun. And I just may check a book of Poe's out of the library now.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Being it's a novella, the story picks up fast. I love the premise of this book since I am a fan of Poe. I loved how it brings in facts Poe and his stories and takes its own fictional spin. It's different than what I have read, so it feels original. It ends in a cliff hanger and actually makes me want to read the rest of the series now! 
I did have some issues with some character dialogue and small consistency plot aspects, but otherwise it's a great start! Perfect for 5th to 7th Grade age but reads at an easier level. 

[Liam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book has an interesting premise, but the book itself all is a massive prelude to the later books. There is no real pacing, and at times, the book drags for being almost 150 pages.

I will continue to give the sequels a chance as I'm invested now, but this was an extremel  start to what was pushed by ads to be a promising series. A cliffhanger ending and no real climax. all build up for something that doesn't come.

[AM · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Poe Prophecies: The Raven* by P. Anastasia is an absolute standout—a haunting, beautifully written blend of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and gothic atmosphere that pays perfect homage to Edgar Allan Poe while carving out its own bold identity. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you into a shadowy world of secrets, prophecy, and psychological depth that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

Anastasia’s writing is stunning—lyrical yet sharp, with vivid imagery that feels cinematic. The characters are layered and complex, especially the protagonist, whose struggles with destiny and darkness feel both epic and personal. The pacing is tight, the twists are smart and unexpected, and every detail feels carefully woven to build tension until the breathtaking finale.

This isn’t just a tribute to Poe—it’s a reimagining of his spirit through a modern lens. Fans of gothic literature, dark fantasy, and suspense will be utterly captivated. A brilliant, unforgettable start to what promises to be an incredible series.

I bought all books available in this series directly from the Author, but listened to the first 3 on Audio. The narration is phenomenal.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale that is in league with the Percy Jackson series, that focuses on those who seek to dive deeper into Edgar Allen Poe's works, or as the characters call him "the Prophet". I can't wait to see where this series takes us in Aiden Grey's story of self discovery and reflection through his first year in the academy and beyond. I cannot wait for book 6.

[Jennifer Denney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I will admit I didn't realize when I got the book that it was a YA. Not that there's nothing wrong with that! As an avid fan of E.A. Poe the thought of them having prophecy is excellent. 2 kids Lanore and Aiden are trying to do become the best prophets ever even practicing waaay to early. Consequences endure but sooo much more is to be had.
A fun read

[C.H. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy stories that focus on the idea that there are esoteric puzzles in classic works of art. This fits right in. It's an interesting read and fulfills the promise of the premise. The main characters are loose cannons, but that's to be expected. I'll be interested to see how they develop in the series.

[Cristian Marrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a quick read for any adult. This book and even the series are for any person trying to get in reading. Also for ages 9 to 15. It has a Harry Potter feel. The school setting, characters and spells. As the story unfolded, characters developed more, new ones were introduced and the story became more intriguing. A good ending to this first part. I'll read the 2nd book.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, potentially interesting storyline. I have the whole series from an audible book sale so I'll probably finish it, since I got through book 1 in a few hours. I suspect this is a series where several of the books could have been combined into one longer more comprehensive story, but time will tell.

[Maylin Gonzalez Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting! Very short book but I never wanted to continue reading it. So it took forever and once it ended, I didn’t want to read my next one. Still love the EAP influence however, the author could’ve made this a shorter story of maybe 10 pages. It’s more of a children’s book, a first readers. Might pass it down to my daughter.

[Jenna Rosenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book to see if I could add it to my classroom library. I teach middle school and I definitely think this would be an interesting addition. For someone who has read and enjoyed Poe, it adds a creative spin on the literature.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Just too sparse to really be a standalone story. More details need to be filled in, like day-to-day life at school and what classes are like. What classmates are like. I assume it would be better if it were combined with book 2, but I don’t plan to find out.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great read for middle school students. I love Poe and this was a very fast read, less than an hour. I loved all the references to Poe's work and the 2nd in the series is Blac Cat which is my favorite, so I'll definitely be checking that out.

[Cassie Baur · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, as it weaves literary history into a fictional series. Being an English teacher & one who enjoys reading Poe’s works, I found this book quite fun. Only rated lower because of the lower reading level.

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! This book was AMAZING...!!! I love the storyline and the characters!!!

I'm starting book 2 right this minute!!!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first picked this up because I have always been a fan of Poe. I enjoyed how the author used Poe's work to create a mystery. I'll be reading the rest of the series, for sure!

[Ashlee Lassiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good and imaginative. It's very short, but that is to be expected for children's middle grade books. Immediately started the 2nd one. Check it out if you like Poe.

[Talia Fomin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish these books were around when I was in middle school, I would have loved this series!

[Robin Lipsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! It is so well done for a young adult book.

[O’gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems we’re only just getting started

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle. Book 1 in Series.

[Tiffany Bostrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like that this had Harry Potter vines while also paying homage to Edgar Allen Poe - B