What do you think?
Rate this book
Raven's Kiss
In a world where shadow magic corrupts all it touches, Seraphina is the deadliest blade of the Sisterhood—an ancient order sworn to hunt the darkness.
When Lord Rivin Blackthorne’s shadow cult threatens to spill corruption beyond his decaying kingdom, Seraphina is sent with a weapon more intimate than steel. The Raven’s Kiss—a sacred venom that kills only at the height of pleasure and must be delivered by her lips alone.
Posing as Lady Sera Ravencrest, she infiltrates Luridian's elite society, drawing ever closer to her target. But as she weaves through Blackthorne's world of forbidden knowledge and seductive power, she discovers truths that shatter everything she was taught to believe.
Caught between her sacred vows and her treacherous heart, Seraphina must decide where her true loyalty lies. With the Sisterhood that shaped her, or with the gentle handmaiden who sees beyond her deadly facade to the woman beneath.
Some kisses bring death. Others awaken something far more dangerous.
Doubt
When Lord Rivin Blackthorne’s shadow cult threatens to spill corruption beyond his decaying kingdom, Seraphina is sent with a weapon more intimate than steel. The Raven’s Kiss—a sacred venom that kills only at the height of pleasure and must be delivered by her lips alone.
Posing as Lady Sera Ravencrest, she infiltrates Luridian's elite society, drawing ever closer to her target. But as she weaves through Blackthorne's world of forbidden knowledge and seductive power, she discovers truths that shatter everything she was taught to believe.
Caught between her sacred vows and her treacherous heart, Seraphina must decide where her true loyalty lies. With the Sisterhood that shaped her, or with the gentle handmaiden who sees beyond her deadly facade to the woman beneath.
Some kisses bring death. Others awaken something far more dangerous.
Doubt
- GenresFantasy
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
11 people are currently reading
2064 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Read
December 4, 2025DNF @ 48%
Honestly, it feels a little unfair for me to give this book a proper rating because the writing style just isn’t my cup of tea. It leans more toward historical, classic-style prose, which I personally don’t enjoy as much. That said, I was genuinely invested in the plot and found the story itself really engaging. If you’re someone who enjoys historical-style writing and that kind of detailed, classic approach, I think you could really enjoy this book. For me, it just wasn’t quite the right fit, but I can definitely see the appeal for the right reader.
Honestly, it feels a little unfair for me to give this book a proper rating because the writing style just isn’t my cup of tea. It leans more toward historical, classic-style prose, which I personally don’t enjoy as much. That said, I was genuinely invested in the plot and found the story itself really engaging. If you’re someone who enjoys historical-style writing and that kind of detailed, classic approach, I think you could really enjoy this book. For me, it just wasn’t quite the right fit, but I can definitely see the appeal for the right reader.
December 30, 2025
Raven’s Kiss is a FMC fantasy novel with dark shadow magic, sisterhood, corruption, power, poison and mystery. It’s marked as a romantasy — but honestly, but the romance didn’t really feel authentic, nor did it feel like it was the main focus of the story, so I wouldn’t consider this book Romantasy. More of a gothic shadows vs gothic darkness vibe.
The novel starts off slow, but if you stick with it, the pacing picks up around chapter six. I understand the reasoning behind the slow build — the author is establishing the religious faith of our FMC and giving some insight into the workings of her belief system. The repetitive nature of the writing in these chapters, would have persuaded me to DNF if I wasn’t on a tour, especially since the repetitive nature of the writing continues throughout.
I found the continual use of “crimson” “copper” and other descriptors to pull me out of the story. I also found a number of inconsistencies, plot holes or things in general that didn’t make sense in the timeline, that also pulled me out of the story and made this a tough read for me.
One example was the Ravencrest name. Sera is a widow, so she would have married into the Ravencrest family, and wouldn’t actually be of the bloodline like Blackthorne states. Widows kept their husband’s name, particularly if they were left with money and a title.
I was also curious as to how Blackthorne was to be her 20th kill, but she spent multiple scenes killing others.
As we proceed into the meat the plot, we get an incredibly descriptive atmosphere. The story is very visual, painting scenes in great detail. It really adds to the overall tone of the book in its writing style.
The FMC, Seraphina, takes charge about 1/3 into the book and we begin to see more of the complexities of the world E. S. Brandon has created. This is where the book started to pull me in, so if you’re giving this one a try, definitely stick it out until you at least hit the 100-page mark. There is a pacing and general bolstering of action that persuaded me to continue reading.
Overall, this book had some strengths and weaknesses; I’m not entirely sure I think the strengths outweighed the weaknesses, though, and I probably won’t be back to finish reading the series. However, that being said, I do think that readers will find it creative, gothically romantic, and with great potential to be a successful series. It was just not my cup of tea, it needed a more thorough developmental review in my opinion.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
The novel starts off slow, but if you stick with it, the pacing picks up around chapter six. I understand the reasoning behind the slow build — the author is establishing the religious faith of our FMC and giving some insight into the workings of her belief system. The repetitive nature of the writing in these chapters, would have persuaded me to DNF if I wasn’t on a tour, especially since the repetitive nature of the writing continues throughout.
I found the continual use of “crimson” “copper” and other descriptors to pull me out of the story. I also found a number of inconsistencies, plot holes or things in general that didn’t make sense in the timeline, that also pulled me out of the story and made this a tough read for me.
One example was the Ravencrest name. Sera is a widow, so she would have married into the Ravencrest family, and wouldn’t actually be of the bloodline like Blackthorne states. Widows kept their husband’s name, particularly if they were left with money and a title.
I was also curious as to how Blackthorne was to be her 20th kill, but she spent multiple scenes killing others.
As we proceed into the meat the plot, we get an incredibly descriptive atmosphere. The story is very visual, painting scenes in great detail. It really adds to the overall tone of the book in its writing style.
The FMC, Seraphina, takes charge about 1/3 into the book and we begin to see more of the complexities of the world E. S. Brandon has created. This is where the book started to pull me in, so if you’re giving this one a try, definitely stick it out until you at least hit the 100-page mark. There is a pacing and general bolstering of action that persuaded me to continue reading.
Overall, this book had some strengths and weaknesses; I’m not entirely sure I think the strengths outweighed the weaknesses, though, and I probably won’t be back to finish reading the series. However, that being said, I do think that readers will find it creative, gothically romantic, and with great potential to be a successful series. It was just not my cup of tea, it needed a more thorough developmental review in my opinion.
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
Atmospheric Gothic Fantasy
Raven’s Kiss delivers a richly atmospheric gothic fantasy that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Set in a kingdom rotting under the influence of shadow magic, the story follows Seraphina, an assassin of the ancient Sisterhood, tasked with infiltrating elite society to destroy a rising cult. Armed with the Raven’s Kiss, a sacred venom that kills at the peak of pleasure, she assumes the identity of Lady Ravencrest, where her convictions begin to fracture.
What stood out most was how intentional the storytelling felt. The pacing is slow at first but purposeful, grounding the reader in the severity of the Sisterhood before unraveling everything Seraphina believes. Her internal conflict between duty, doubt, and desire was compelling, especially as her relationship with her handmaiden Liora developed. Their romance felt tender, forbidden, and quietly powerful. While there are open-door scenes involving Lord Blackthorne, the emotional core of the story belongs to Seraphina’s struggle with identity and choice.
The world-building was immersive, the villains memorable, and the twists genuinely unexpected. Though I wished some tension resolved earlier, the payoff was worth it. The epilogue perfectly sets up book two, and I’m hoping the next installment dives even deeper into this dark, fascinating world.
Raven’s Kiss delivers a richly atmospheric gothic fantasy that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Set in a kingdom rotting under the influence of shadow magic, the story follows Seraphina, an assassin of the ancient Sisterhood, tasked with infiltrating elite society to destroy a rising cult. Armed with the Raven’s Kiss, a sacred venom that kills at the peak of pleasure, she assumes the identity of Lady Ravencrest, where her convictions begin to fracture.
What stood out most was how intentional the storytelling felt. The pacing is slow at first but purposeful, grounding the reader in the severity of the Sisterhood before unraveling everything Seraphina believes. Her internal conflict between duty, doubt, and desire was compelling, especially as her relationship with her handmaiden Liora developed. Their romance felt tender, forbidden, and quietly powerful. While there are open-door scenes involving Lord Blackthorne, the emotional core of the story belongs to Seraphina’s struggle with identity and choice.
The world-building was immersive, the villains memorable, and the twists genuinely unexpected. Though I wished some tension resolved earlier, the payoff was worth it. The epilogue perfectly sets up book two, and I’m hoping the next installment dives even deeper into this dark, fascinating world.
December 13, 2025
*I was given this book but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
I was sold on the premise and plot. Secret women society, using her seduction to kill and can do that with poison on lips. Love that. I do agree with other reviews in regards to the language. It does become repetitive and feels like it’s trying too hard at times. I love sort of the love triangle and bi character representation which I was unaware of. I’m more of a fan of m/f but that’s me personally and will not be a reason for my rating, just wanted to throw that in there. Not many Romantasy books rep that, so it’s cool. I am however over the whole take my memories for love trope, ugh idk why, I feel it gets over done. Book shows a lot of promise and I’m thankful for the chance to read it.
I was sold on the premise and plot. Secret women society, using her seduction to kill and can do that with poison on lips. Love that. I do agree with other reviews in regards to the language. It does become repetitive and feels like it’s trying too hard at times. I love sort of the love triangle and bi character representation which I was unaware of. I’m more of a fan of m/f but that’s me personally and will not be a reason for my rating, just wanted to throw that in there. Not many Romantasy books rep that, so it’s cool. I am however over the whole take my memories for love trope, ugh idk why, I feel it gets over done. Book shows a lot of promise and I’m thankful for the chance to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
Words cannot describe the feelings that I have for this book! Before I started reading I was mainly going on what I had read about the summmary from the back and little did I know that my opinion would be nothing but more good things about the book. The author created the ultimate female empowerment story and Sisterhood of a secret society. I will say you have to admire Seraphina who has gone through so much but has managed to stay so strong. I admire the fact that I took the opportunity to branch out and read Romantasy this year because I have discovered some amazing stories this year and that makes me happy.
December 22, 2025
4.5 stars
I really loved this story, despite the blurb sounding like the beginning of a bad pørnø. Seraphina's journey from the convent to learning about herself and the lies she's been told kept me quickly turning pages. However, I feel like this needs one more editing pass, as there are some inconsistencies with the timeline and repeated phrases. It isn’t anything that drastically changes the story, so if the reader can overlook those, they will really enjoy this story if they're a fan of gothic fantasy with just a touch of spice.
I really loved this story, despite the blurb sounding like the beginning of a bad pørnø. Seraphina's journey from the convent to learning about herself and the lies she's been told kept me quickly turning pages. However, I feel like this needs one more editing pass, as there are some inconsistencies with the timeline and repeated phrases. It isn’t anything that drastically changes the story, so if the reader can overlook those, they will really enjoy this story if they're a fan of gothic fantasy with just a touch of spice.
November 21, 2025
Nice story,enjoy reading.
December 15, 2025
Raven’s Kiss by E.S. Brandon is the first book in the Raven’s Queen series. Seraphina is an assassin in an ancient society, known as the Sisterhood. She is assigned a high stakes mission to take down a shadow cult that has spread throughout the kingdom. She assumes a new identity for her mission of Lady Ravencrest to investigate the highest echelons of society in the kingdom. She meets Lord Blackthorne, who is drawn to her power and ability to connect to the shadows, and her housekeeper Liora, who sees her and accepts her.
I found the prose very descriptive in how Seraphina finds the kingdom of Blackthorne and the world building is established It’s in the midst of not only decline, but also demise, being overtaken by the shadows.
I found it interesting the dichotomies that Seraphina face. They are distinct but connected. There is pressure she faces in a high stakes mission and how everything she was taught and trained for comes into question.
This description of this book was interesting in presenting the most significant determinant on the mission’s success - doubt. Seraphina has been convinced of her mission and vows to the Sisterhood for so long that in meeting Liora, her housekeeper, as well as the influences of Lord Blackthorne, doubt enters her mind. This book is a journey of which path Seraphina decides to take. I liked seeing the build in Seraphina’s relationship with Liora.
Seraphina has always presented an exterior of strength and unwavering confidence as part of the Sisterhood. Her training didn’t condition her just physically, but also mentally in how she views the world, her role in the Sisterhood, and her mission. She’s never had the opportunity to experience feelings, wanting love, and to let her guard down. I liked how we saw her emotions, her internal struggles and conflict on how she should complete the mission, and her wanting to consider a new future. Her society has certain expectations of her. This novel shows how Seraphina may be ready to let them go and defy them.
I found the plot twist at the end of the book to be unexpected and a unique way to set up the continuation of the series in the next book.
There are open door scenes. Please review the content warnings before reading.
Thank you to E.S. Brandon, Dragonfly Literary Co, and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review this book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
I found the prose very descriptive in how Seraphina finds the kingdom of Blackthorne and the world building is established It’s in the midst of not only decline, but also demise, being overtaken by the shadows.
I found it interesting the dichotomies that Seraphina face. They are distinct but connected. There is pressure she faces in a high stakes mission and how everything she was taught and trained for comes into question.
This description of this book was interesting in presenting the most significant determinant on the mission’s success - doubt. Seraphina has been convinced of her mission and vows to the Sisterhood for so long that in meeting Liora, her housekeeper, as well as the influences of Lord Blackthorne, doubt enters her mind. This book is a journey of which path Seraphina decides to take. I liked seeing the build in Seraphina’s relationship with Liora.
Seraphina has always presented an exterior of strength and unwavering confidence as part of the Sisterhood. Her training didn’t condition her just physically, but also mentally in how she views the world, her role in the Sisterhood, and her mission. She’s never had the opportunity to experience feelings, wanting love, and to let her guard down. I liked how we saw her emotions, her internal struggles and conflict on how she should complete the mission, and her wanting to consider a new future. Her society has certain expectations of her. This novel shows how Seraphina may be ready to let them go and defy them.
I found the plot twist at the end of the book to be unexpected and a unique way to set up the continuation of the series in the next book.
There are open door scenes. Please review the content warnings before reading.
Thank you to E.S. Brandon, Dragonfly Literary Co, and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review this book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
December 4, 2025
I think this book series has a lot of potential. I liked the strong female heroine. I'm a sucker for a female assassin, and this one is interesting, having come from a (fictional) religious order. The cast of characters was interesting and felt well organized. They appeared *just enough* to be relevant, but not too much that you wish they'd leave the page.
Why I didn't rate it higher:
I almost couldn't get through the first chapter. Like most fantasy, it's a slow world build, but I think this needs major revision to eliminate repetitive language, unnecessary descriptions and the overuse of the words "rather than" "void oil" "shadow oil" "consecrate" and many others, which show up in this book in an obscene amount. Not just in the first chapter. It does pick up the pace soon after, and I'm glad I stuck with it.
Repetitive language. I hate to say it, but I think this book should have gone through another round or two of critique and revision by professional editors before hitting the shelves. It really does have so much potential, but it's circular and I know I read the same exact sentences multiple times throughout various chapters.
Tired prose. It read as though the authors lost interest, or maybe forgot they'd already used certain dialogue, but it felt flat in the middle and the plot struggled to progress. The ending felt rushed and I had a major WTF moment where I legitmately said out loud, "Wait... what??? Why did she do that???" It was an overly dramatic moment ala Shakespeare that needed a crescendo to the top, but we were served a ledge that dropped off suddenly. Again - a couple of rounds of critique and revision and the book would have been water tight.
Creative writing is so challenging and I give major props to indie authors for putting themselves out there. I don't mean this review with any malicious intent - I truly think this has great potential, but the way it currently reads leaves a lot to be desired. I hope this doesn't come off too harshly - in my heart, this is constructive criticism. I do want to read book 2 because ya girl can't be left hanging!
Why I didn't rate it higher:
I almost couldn't get through the first chapter. Like most fantasy, it's a slow world build, but I think this needs major revision to eliminate repetitive language, unnecessary descriptions and the overuse of the words "rather than" "void oil" "shadow oil" "consecrate" and many others, which show up in this book in an obscene amount. Not just in the first chapter. It does pick up the pace soon after, and I'm glad I stuck with it.
Repetitive language. I hate to say it, but I think this book should have gone through another round or two of critique and revision by professional editors before hitting the shelves. It really does have so much potential, but it's circular and I know I read the same exact sentences multiple times throughout various chapters.
Tired prose. It read as though the authors lost interest, or maybe forgot they'd already used certain dialogue, but it felt flat in the middle and the plot struggled to progress. The ending felt rushed and I had a major WTF moment where I legitmately said out loud, "Wait... what??? Why did she do that???" It was an overly dramatic moment ala Shakespeare that needed a crescendo to the top, but we were served a ledge that dropped off suddenly. Again - a couple of rounds of critique and revision and the book would have been water tight.
Creative writing is so challenging and I give major props to indie authors for putting themselves out there. I don't mean this review with any malicious intent - I truly think this has great potential, but the way it currently reads leaves a lot to be desired. I hope this doesn't come off too harshly - in my heart, this is constructive criticism. I do want to read book 2 because ya girl can't be left hanging!
December 15, 2025
🗡️ Single POV • Assassin FMC • Undercover mission
✨ Elite high society
🎭 Secret identity
🔥 Forbidden romance
🌑 Corrupt kingdom drenched in shadow magic
🗺️ Absolutely gorgeous map!
You know it is going to be a good story with a first sentence like this: “My blade opens his throat.”
The story unfolds in a world poisoned by shadow magic. Seraphina, a member of the ancient Sisterhood sworn to destroy darkness, is tasked with stopping a rising shadow-cult led by Lord Rivin Blackthorne. Armed with a rare weapon: the Raven’s Kiss, a sacred venom that kills only at the peak of pleasure and only through her lips. She goes undercover as Lady Sera Ravencrest to infiltrate the kingdom’s elite. As she gets closer to her target, she uncovers truths that shake her faith in the Sisterhood and finds herself torn between her vows, her mission, and the unexpected connection she forms with a compassionate handmaiden who sees who she truly is.
The main romantic element involves Seraphina and her handmaiden. It felt insta-love (ish) but sweet and genuine. Seraphina, while undercover as Lady Ravencrest, seduces Lord Blackthorn and there are two spicy scenes between them.
What I truly loved about this book was how unique it felt to other fantasy reads. I mean, kill-by-kiss was interesting. Instead of a cliché “falling for the villain,” the book uses a forbidden female love interest. Did I secretly want the villain to get the girl, yeah. 🤣
The plot unfolded with several twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, keeping the story engaging from start to finish. While there were a few minor plot hiccups, none of them detracted from the overall experience. I’m really hoping book two dives even deeper into the world-building, because this setting is incredibly fascinating. The epilogue was a perfect setup… her next mission is even more dangerous, and I’m already counting down until book two!
✦ Thank you, Love Book Tours and E.S. Brandon, for a #gifted copy of Raven’s Kiss! What a ride!
Rating: 4.25/5
✨ Elite high society
🎭 Secret identity
🔥 Forbidden romance
🌑 Corrupt kingdom drenched in shadow magic
🗺️ Absolutely gorgeous map!
You know it is going to be a good story with a first sentence like this: “My blade opens his throat.”
The story unfolds in a world poisoned by shadow magic. Seraphina, a member of the ancient Sisterhood sworn to destroy darkness, is tasked with stopping a rising shadow-cult led by Lord Rivin Blackthorne. Armed with a rare weapon: the Raven’s Kiss, a sacred venom that kills only at the peak of pleasure and only through her lips. She goes undercover as Lady Sera Ravencrest to infiltrate the kingdom’s elite. As she gets closer to her target, she uncovers truths that shake her faith in the Sisterhood and finds herself torn between her vows, her mission, and the unexpected connection she forms with a compassionate handmaiden who sees who she truly is.
The main romantic element involves Seraphina and her handmaiden. It felt insta-love (ish) but sweet and genuine. Seraphina, while undercover as Lady Ravencrest, seduces Lord Blackthorn and there are two spicy scenes between them.
What I truly loved about this book was how unique it felt to other fantasy reads. I mean, kill-by-kiss was interesting. Instead of a cliché “falling for the villain,” the book uses a forbidden female love interest. Did I secretly want the villain to get the girl, yeah. 🤣
The plot unfolded with several twists I genuinely didn’t see coming, keeping the story engaging from start to finish. While there were a few minor plot hiccups, none of them detracted from the overall experience. I’m really hoping book two dives even deeper into the world-building, because this setting is incredibly fascinating. The epilogue was a perfect setup… her next mission is even more dangerous, and I’m already counting down until book two!
✦ Thank you, Love Book Tours and E.S. Brandon, for a #gifted copy of Raven’s Kiss! What a ride!
Rating: 4.25/5
December 12, 2025
Spice: 1
Tropes:
religious warrior
shadow magic
secret identity
situationship triangle
first person pov
Have you ever watched the movie Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman? You know how in the movie how the Catholic Church had a secret group- which was were Van Helsing came into play- that they sent out to remove monsters from the world? I got that vibe in Raven's Kiss- only instead of the Catholic Church- this church is called the Sisterhood and they send out female warriors to cleanse the world according to their 'god'.
Seraphina is such warrior. The Sisterhood sends her on a secret mission to kill the leader of a man who is spreading shadows into the world. Posing as a widowed high society lady, Seraphina finds herself searching for missing persons, drawn to Blackthorne - her target, and wishing for more than warrior life with her lady's maid. Sera learns maybe everything isn't black and white as the Sisterhood preaches and that maybe she does want more out of life.
I found the story to be interesting but the book was very repetitive with language. More than once, I thought I had forgotten to flip the page because of this. It made it hard to read sometimes. I did not expect that ending. Definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger wondering if certain characters will ever find their way back to one another. The "situationship triangle" as I'm calling it was interesting. While it started as a target, I think that Sera did develop so feelings along the way which I found as a unique story with how it played out.
Tropes:
religious warrior
shadow magic
secret identity
situationship triangle
first person pov
Have you ever watched the movie Van Helsing with Hugh Jackman? You know how in the movie how the Catholic Church had a secret group- which was were Van Helsing came into play- that they sent out to remove monsters from the world? I got that vibe in Raven's Kiss- only instead of the Catholic Church- this church is called the Sisterhood and they send out female warriors to cleanse the world according to their 'god'.
Seraphina is such warrior. The Sisterhood sends her on a secret mission to kill the leader of a man who is spreading shadows into the world. Posing as a widowed high society lady, Seraphina finds herself searching for missing persons, drawn to Blackthorne - her target, and wishing for more than warrior life with her lady's maid. Sera learns maybe everything isn't black and white as the Sisterhood preaches and that maybe she does want more out of life.
I found the story to be interesting but the book was very repetitive with language. More than once, I thought I had forgotten to flip the page because of this. It made it hard to read sometimes. I did not expect that ending. Definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger wondering if certain characters will ever find their way back to one another. The "situationship triangle" as I'm calling it was interesting. While it started as a target, I think that Sera did develop so feelings along the way which I found as a unique story with how it played out.
December 15, 2025
First, I’d like to thank LBT tours and the author for the gifted physical copy of Raven’s Kiss in exchange for my completely honest review!
I was really excited to read this book as the premise of it had me intrigued. A female assassin, shadow magic, ancient order… it all had some really amazing topics to create an incredible reading experience. Personally, I enjoy reading more about a female assassin as we don’t normally get many books that have that sort of trope in it so when I met Seraphina, I was really curious about her. From the very first line in the first chapter, I was already intrigued to know more about her considering how trained she was and how she is considered the deadliest in the Sisterhood. As the story progressed, you get to witness Seraphina going undercover in order to take down her enemy…but along the way she learns that things aren’t always as they seem or always as she has been told/taught.
Personally, I felt like this book had really great potential to it however the writing style made it hard for me to truly focus and fully submerge myself into the story. I felt like there was too much repetitiveness that could have been reduced, especially in that first chapter. That alone took me quite some time to get past it and sort of set the tone for the rest of the book. I feel like it just needed a little bit more fine tuning in that department but I also can see how this book could truly be a higher rated read for other readers. Overall, it’s a really good start but for me, I just think I needed a bit of a different writing style.
I was really excited to read this book as the premise of it had me intrigued. A female assassin, shadow magic, ancient order… it all had some really amazing topics to create an incredible reading experience. Personally, I enjoy reading more about a female assassin as we don’t normally get many books that have that sort of trope in it so when I met Seraphina, I was really curious about her. From the very first line in the first chapter, I was already intrigued to know more about her considering how trained she was and how she is considered the deadliest in the Sisterhood. As the story progressed, you get to witness Seraphina going undercover in order to take down her enemy…but along the way she learns that things aren’t always as they seem or always as she has been told/taught.
Personally, I felt like this book had really great potential to it however the writing style made it hard for me to truly focus and fully submerge myself into the story. I felt like there was too much repetitiveness that could have been reduced, especially in that first chapter. That alone took me quite some time to get past it and sort of set the tone for the rest of the book. I feel like it just needed a little bit more fine tuning in that department but I also can see how this book could truly be a higher rated read for other readers. Overall, it’s a really good start but for me, I just think I needed a bit of a different writing style.
December 20, 2025
Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my epub.
This was a really cool book I found it to be really good. The author did such a good job writing this book and the sisterhood and empowerment that came along with it chefs kiss so so good !!
Seraphina is a strong character and I just looked up to her so much.
What I really loved about this book was it was different than most fantasy books I mean kill by kiss who would have thought that would even be a thing but wow is it so so good !!! Totally something I need more of is this fantasy romance. I liked how Seraphina seduced Lord Blackthorn while under cover as Lady Ravencrest and I loved the spicy scenes between them.
I really am looking forward to the next book I am really hoping we get in depth look at more world building especially because the setting is so cool and fascinating and so much I want to know more about it I really do !!! Oh and the ending of epilogue I guess you would say her next mission sounds even more interesting and exciting oh and dangerous!! Give me all the things I want them all please. Those combinations for a book are pure perfection!!!
Definitely need more ASAP!!!
This was a really cool book I found it to be really good. The author did such a good job writing this book and the sisterhood and empowerment that came along with it chefs kiss so so good !!
Seraphina is a strong character and I just looked up to her so much.
What I really loved about this book was it was different than most fantasy books I mean kill by kiss who would have thought that would even be a thing but wow is it so so good !!! Totally something I need more of is this fantasy romance. I liked how Seraphina seduced Lord Blackthorn while under cover as Lady Ravencrest and I loved the spicy scenes between them.
I really am looking forward to the next book I am really hoping we get in depth look at more world building especially because the setting is so cool and fascinating and so much I want to know more about it I really do !!! Oh and the ending of epilogue I guess you would say her next mission sounds even more interesting and exciting oh and dangerous!! Give me all the things I want them all please. Those combinations for a book are pure perfection!!!
Definitely need more ASAP!!!
December 1, 2025
No spoilers:
If you love Kerri Maniscalco books like Stalking Jack the Ripper then you will love this book. It was very much giving Penny Dreadful and I couldn't get enough. I love that the way this book is written we get two books. Once our FMC takes on her persona the entire book shifts and it was so cool. I love how intentional the author is with the language they use, the pacing of the book, and what the reader experiences through Sera's eyes.
Some things that stood out for me:
-very cool villains, not just the cult but the fight scene with the monsters
-the opening is slow but methodical and I appreciate that it shows the reader how serious the sisterhood is
-the tension. this is for the slow burn girlies but I will say I wish we got to break the tension earlier.
-A bi FMC!
What kept it from being 5 stars was some of the writing was repetitive, especially in the beginning; however it wasn't to the point that it affected my overall experience as a reader. I can't wait to dive into book 2!
If you love Kerri Maniscalco books like Stalking Jack the Ripper then you will love this book. It was very much giving Penny Dreadful and I couldn't get enough. I love that the way this book is written we get two books. Once our FMC takes on her persona the entire book shifts and it was so cool. I love how intentional the author is with the language they use, the pacing of the book, and what the reader experiences through Sera's eyes.
Some things that stood out for me:
-very cool villains, not just the cult but the fight scene with the monsters
-the opening is slow but methodical and I appreciate that it shows the reader how serious the sisterhood is
-the tension. this is for the slow burn girlies but I will say I wish we got to break the tension earlier.
-A bi FMC!
What kept it from being 5 stars was some of the writing was repetitive, especially in the beginning; however it wasn't to the point that it affected my overall experience as a reader. I can't wait to dive into book 2!
December 23, 2025
Thank you to E.S. Brandon and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!
First, I would just like to point out how beautiful this book is. Even without doing a book tour, this is a book cover that would grab my attention in a bookstore and have me wanting to know more about it. This is a fantasy novel that is ultimately about female empowerment and the journey of the FMC, Seraphina. I absolutely loved the secret society aspect of it, and how Seraphina struggled with the conflict between duty and emotion. For me, this made her a super relatable character because her struggles parallel the real-world struggles between doing what we feel is right and what we’ve always been taught is right. There was a nice romance aspect to this book, and some open-door scenes that I thought were really well done. Additionally, there was a really interesting plot twist towards the end of the book that I did not see coming. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I am very interested to see where the rest of this story goes.
First, I would just like to point out how beautiful this book is. Even without doing a book tour, this is a book cover that would grab my attention in a bookstore and have me wanting to know more about it. This is a fantasy novel that is ultimately about female empowerment and the journey of the FMC, Seraphina. I absolutely loved the secret society aspect of it, and how Seraphina struggled with the conflict between duty and emotion. For me, this made her a super relatable character because her struggles parallel the real-world struggles between doing what we feel is right and what we’ve always been taught is right. There was a nice romance aspect to this book, and some open-door scenes that I thought were really well done. Additionally, there was a really interesting plot twist towards the end of the book that I did not see coming. It ends on a cliffhanger, and I am very interested to see where the rest of this story goes.
December 31, 2025
Some kisses bring death. Others awaken something far more dangerous and this book absolutely delivered. 🖤📖
Raven’s Kiss is a richly atmospheric gothic fantasy set in a kingdom crumbling under shadow magic. The story follows Seraphina, an assassin of the ancient Sisterhood, sent to stop a rising cult using a deadly weapon known as the Raven’s Kiss which is a venom delivered by a kiss at the height of pleasure (dark, deadly, and very on brand😉).
Disguised as Lady Sera Ravencrest, she infiltrates elite society and draws dangerously close to her target but only to realize that everything she was taught to believe may be a lie. Duty, desire, and identity collide in the most deliciously messy way.
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s descriptive writing is chef’s-kiss perfection. It is rich and immersive and has the gothic vibes I love in a fantasy book. The pacing is intentional, the world-building is strong, and the epilogue set up the story for book 2 which to my delight is already out!!
Raven’s Kiss is a richly atmospheric gothic fantasy set in a kingdom crumbling under shadow magic. The story follows Seraphina, an assassin of the ancient Sisterhood, sent to stop a rising cult using a deadly weapon known as the Raven’s Kiss which is a venom delivered by a kiss at the height of pleasure (dark, deadly, and very on brand😉).
Disguised as Lady Sera Ravencrest, she infiltrates elite society and draws dangerously close to her target but only to realize that everything she was taught to believe may be a lie. Duty, desire, and identity collide in the most deliciously messy way.
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s descriptive writing is chef’s-kiss perfection. It is rich and immersive and has the gothic vibes I love in a fantasy book. The pacing is intentional, the world-building is strong, and the epilogue set up the story for book 2 which to my delight is already out!!
did-not-finish
December 14, 2025Thank you to Love Books Tours and the author for the gifted book.
Did Not Finish.
Raven’s Kiss had an interesting premise. A female assassin is sent in disguise to seduce and murder someone ‘nefarious’ (at least he is by her leader’s standards).
The whole beginning when Seraphina is being told her objectives on her mark, they kept calling him basically a cult leader. And I couldn’t help but think…Seraphina is absolutely part of a cult too. Felt like differing cult leaders both trying to “win.” I couldn’t wait to see all the secrets unfold, for Sera to learn what all had been hidden from her.
I love having a strong FMC, and Sera being an assassin really made the story more interesting. The writing was a little more dry for me, as the language sometimes felt repetitive and overly flowery. it felt more in line with historical fiction rather than the romantasy I typically read.
But oh my, I do love that cover.
Did Not Finish.
Raven’s Kiss had an interesting premise. A female assassin is sent in disguise to seduce and murder someone ‘nefarious’ (at least he is by her leader’s standards).
The whole beginning when Seraphina is being told her objectives on her mark, they kept calling him basically a cult leader. And I couldn’t help but think…Seraphina is absolutely part of a cult too. Felt like differing cult leaders both trying to “win.” I couldn’t wait to see all the secrets unfold, for Sera to learn what all had been hidden from her.
I love having a strong FMC, and Sera being an assassin really made the story more interesting. The writing was a little more dry for me, as the language sometimes felt repetitive and overly flowery. it felt more in line with historical fiction rather than the romantasy I typically read.
But oh my, I do love that cover.
December 14, 2025
A Lethal Badass, a Sisterhood, a Messy Heart, and Shadow Magic. I was hooked from the first poisoned whisper and never it let go! Seraphina is a razor sharp heroine trapped between a sacred duty and a dangerous, aching desire. The tension between deadly vows and fragile love fuels this slow burn that scorches, and a finale that lands with a punch to the gut. The seduction feels like a dare, and the deep deception kept me questioning everything. If you like dark romantasy served with venom and regret, wickedly sensual stakes, and your love filthy, dangerous, and probably to blame, this one’s for you! A HUGE Thank You goes out to E.S Brandon and team, Dragonfly Literary Co., and Love Books Tours for letting me join in and for the AMAZINGLY beautiful surprise book mail with a paperback copy! Can’t wait for book 2!
November 30, 2025
I did not expect such a blend of genres in this story. This was a pleasant surprise and one I think will appeal to many readers.
I personally enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, fantasy, and reading about the strong female lead. So many main characters are over rated and exhibit annoying trates, but I did not find that in Raven's Kiss. I truly enjoyed the heroine (she's flawed, but I like her).
This book was a perfect hangover cure for another completed series. I hope to read more by E.S. Brandon.
I received this book as an ARC, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience with other readers.
I personally enjoyed the mystery, intrigue, fantasy, and reading about the strong female lead. So many main characters are over rated and exhibit annoying trates, but I did not find that in Raven's Kiss. I truly enjoyed the heroine (she's flawed, but I like her).
This book was a perfect hangover cure for another completed series. I hope to read more by E.S. Brandon.
I received this book as an ARC, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience with other readers.
December 16, 2025
Raven’s Kiss by E.S. Brandon
This was such a good fantasy read. Seraphina belongs to a secret sisterhood tasked with hunting those touched by darkness. Her newest mission is a dangerous one. She’s sent to find Lord Rivin Blackthorne. Her goal is to make him fall for her, so she can deliver the Raven’s Kiss (a deadly venom).
She travels far from home, and trades her weapons for elegant gowns. Seraphina poses as a widow to fit into society. She request a ladies maid to help her get ready daily. Liora, her lady’s maid, is gentle and perceptive. She somehow sees straight through Seraphina. Their bond grows naturally and turns into sweet relationship.
Seraphina gathers evidence against Blackthorne and moves closer to completing her mission, and the tension really builds. She faces a choice of what she’s willing to risk for love.
This was such a good fantasy read. Seraphina belongs to a secret sisterhood tasked with hunting those touched by darkness. Her newest mission is a dangerous one. She’s sent to find Lord Rivin Blackthorne. Her goal is to make him fall for her, so she can deliver the Raven’s Kiss (a deadly venom).
She travels far from home, and trades her weapons for elegant gowns. Seraphina poses as a widow to fit into society. She request a ladies maid to help her get ready daily. Liora, her lady’s maid, is gentle and perceptive. She somehow sees straight through Seraphina. Their bond grows naturally and turns into sweet relationship.
Seraphina gathers evidence against Blackthorne and moves closer to completing her mission, and the tension really builds. She faces a choice of what she’s willing to risk for love.
September 14, 2025
Dark, thrilling, and addictive—Raven’s Kiss is a gripping blend of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Raven Grace is a fierce, broken heroine whose fight against demons and her own past keeps you hooked from the first page. With parallel worlds, shapeshifters, secrets, and a sizzling romance, Toni LoTempio delivers a story that’s equal parts action, mystery, and passion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A spellbinding ride for fans of paranormal fantasy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A spellbinding ride for fans of paranormal fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews