Once Upon a Midnight Dreary: A Poe's "The Raven" Retelling

Enchanted Realms #5

by Michelle Miles

A beautiful heiress seeking solace. A mysterious caretaker burdened by shadows. And a forbidden love haunted by the echoes of the past.

When tragedy shatters her family, Victoria Ravenwood inherits the crumbling estate of Ravenfell Manor, a place she once called home but no longer recognizes. Hoping to escape her grief, she returns to its ivy-choked walls and forgotten rooms, determined to start anew. But Ravenfell is no sanctuary--it is a house of sorrow, steeped in secrets, and alive with something that should be dead.

Gabriel Allward, the manor's reclusive caretaker, has remained at Ravenfell for years, his presence as rooted as the ancient stones. Cold and mysterious, he keeps to the shadows, guarding a truth he dares not reveal. Yet Victoria is drawn to him and to the darkness that clings to him like a second skin.

As their fragile bond deepens, something awakens in the manor. A raven watches from the garden. Whispers echo through the halls. And a long-buried secret claws its way to the surface. One that binds Gabriel's soul to the estate...and could drag Victoria into the same eternal night.

Can they uncover the truth behind Ravenfell's curse before it claims them both? Or will their love become just another tragic tale whispered within its walls?

Genres: Fantasy

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2025

About the author

MICHELLE MILES believes in fairy tales, true love, and a little bit of magic in every story. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and young adult books packed with adventure, action, and swoon-worthy romance—because what’s a story without a bit of danger and a whole lot of heart? From angels and demons to dragons, elves, and time travelers, her books are filled with epic quests, fierce heroines, and the kind of heroes worth falling for.

When she’s not crafting new adventures, she brings stories to life as a narrator and hosts Miles Beyond the Page, a podcast where she chats with authors about their writing journeys. A Texas girl through and through, she loves getting lost in a good book, binge-watching movies, hiking the trails, and sipping a glass of wine. Come hang out with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more!

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect book for the time of the year. Today a storm was howling around my house and it really set the atmosphere to read this book's finale. The author does an amazing job painting the scene. The author also does an amazing job bringing the house, its curse and the inhabitants to life. I also liked the romance, and the love in general, at the heart of this story. There are so many moments where they have meaningful conversations, show each other how much they care and are willing to put themselves in danger to help the other. If you're looking for an easy to read spooky read for the last week of October, this is an amazing pick! Thank you BookSirens for the review copy.

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deliciously spooky, swoony, and tender story! I was swept away by the eerie Gothic atmosphere of Ravenfell Manor, the tragic ghosts, and the achingly slow-burn romance between Victoria and Gabriel.

Michelle's writing is evocative and lyrical, bringing the setting and characters vividly to life. I only wished that the story was longer, and was thrilled to find a link to a bonus chapter at the end of the book!

This was my first time reading one of Michelle's full-length novels in her Enchanted Realms series, and I was delighted to learn that these are stories taking place within a story. In this book, Hilde tells Victoria and Gabriel's story to her niece, Marigold. While each of the Enchanted Realms books can be read as a standalone, I intend to go back and read the entire series in order of publication, so I can better appreciate Marigold and Hilde's overarching story.

I'm grateful to Michelle Miles and Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joetta Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary by Michelle Miles is a beautifully gothic YA retelling inspired by Poe’s The Raven.

When Victoria Ravenwood returns to her family’s crumbling manor hoping for a fresh start, she instead finds secrets, eerie whispers, and a mysterious caretaker who seems bound to the house in ways she can’t explain.

Michelle Miles is a fantastic writer with incredibly descriptive, atmospheric prose! You truly feel like you’re walking the halls of Ravenfell Manor. The setting comes alive in every shadow, every mist of fog, and every chilling moment.

The romance is slow-burn. The tension is perfect, and the mystery kept me fully invested. By the end, I was completely rooting for Victoria and Gabriel.

If you enjoy stories with dark secrets and paranormal vibes, along with beautifully vivid writing, then this read is for you. Five stars!

I received a complimentary/advanced copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Fredrika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect gothic romantic read. The perfect blend between spooky, suspence and romance. Super cozy book to read at autumn (or any other season for that matter). The story had a clear connection to the poem "the raven" by Edgar Allen poe. But it had it's own take and a bit of a twist.
I read an ARC version

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria was just telling Marigold a story - or was she?
When Victoria inheritted Ravenfell Manor, she had no idea of the secrets held in those ancient walls. Gabriel was the caretaker - but is that all he was? As secrets unravel, Victoria's life and future are at risk. Will she and Gabriel survive Lenore's machinations?
Love the twists and turns and the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Blitheroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story that I didn't know I needed!!! The author does an incredible job of setting the scene and has a poetic way of immersing you in the story. Victoria and Gabriel have a delightfully slow-burn chemistry in the middle of a haunted house backdrop. No spice, but with storytelling like this you don't even miss it!

Heads up if this is the first book in the series you've read: it's a story within a story! The prologue is setting the scene for the actual story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. It was a little scary and great story telling. I loved Lilly and Gabriel. I also loved how Victoria was not going to give up.

[S.E. Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victoria Ravenwood is grieving the deaths of both parents when she receives unexpected news: as their only child, she's inherited Ravenfell Manor, the sprawling and mysterious estate where Victoria had briefly lived as a child. Though the circumstances of the family's abrupt departure from Ravenfell remain murky in Victoria's memories, her mother's parting words are crystal clear: "Sell it. Burn it. Tear it down. Just get rid of it. I never want to return."

Despite this admonition, Victoria's father had held onto the estate, and as its new owner, Victoria is both eager and anxious to return. She isn't sure what she'll find, or what kind of disrepair the estate has fallen into, but to her surprise, she finds it's in pretty good shape thanks to the enigmatic but devoted caretaker, Gabriel, who has maintained it in her family's absence.

Victoria realizes there's something weirdly familiar about Gabriel, but she can't quite put her finger on what. And in relatively short order, she's distracted by unusual happenings inside her new home, including ghostly figures, mysterious noises, secret diaries, and hidden chambers. She comes to the conclusion that the house must be haunted, and whatever entity has staked its claim is the reason her parents fled years ago. Determined to solve the mystery and reclaim her birthright, Victoria sets out to unravel the secrets of Ravenfell Manor.

Along the way, she contends with a meddling aunt who keeps trying to set her up with any eligible bachelor she can find, a tight-knit local community full of folks who don't want to work for her because she lives in a haunted mansion, and a growing attraction to the handsome, brooding Gabriel. As luck would have it, Gabriel holds the key to solving the mysteries lurking within the manor. Victoria just has to live long enough for him to share it with her.

"Once Upon A Midnight Dreary" is part of author Michelle Miles's Enchanted Realms romantasy series. It's a gothic romance that gives you all the Crimson Peak feels (but without that depressing-as-hell Crimson Peak ending). By turns dark, sinister, charming, and sweet, the story picks up speed quickly and is hard to put down.

Victoria and Gabriel are dealing with a vindictive, vengeful spirit hellbent on seeking retribution from them both, and they must rely on each other if they're to survive and escape. Their romance develops slowly from what starts off as a mutual mistrust, then a tentative friendship. Victoria isn't a damsel in distress waiting for Gabriel to rush to the rescue, and Miles endows her with courage, fortitude, and wits enough to save herself when the going gets rough.

Miles isn't a new author to me. I've enjoyed her work for years, but this was my first taste of the Enchanted Realms series. As a horror writer and a gothic fan, I was so excited to learn she was working on a this and I'd pretty much marked my calendar for the book's release date so I could snag a copy hot off the proverbial Kindle presses. And she doesn't disappoint: "Once Upon A Midnight Dreary" is a fun, fast-paced story with some genuinely chilling moments and characters you won't soon forget.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story within a story.
Marigold’s Aunt Hilde was aged but she loved her so much she had to see her before, she feared, something would spirit her away. Skipping school, she found herself at the institution where her aunt was now residing. What she didn’t know about her aunt or even herself was that they were both different and not from this world? What she did know was that her aunt told the best stories. Now, Aunt Hilde was offering to share one more tale with her today….
Gabriel wasn’t a beast by day nor night, he wasn’t a ghost though, he was haunted by his past. The house held him captive and Lenore would never allow him to be free of her vengeful control .
He had hoped she would never return to Ravenfell, the child he had so long ago tried to protect from this cursed place. The house would recognize her as one of them, hold her as its own. The child had seen him all those years ago, had recognized him even now after two decades. He hadn’t changed. He was just as she remembered him, he hadn’t aged a day. How could he protect her from the evil that had cursed them all, decades ago.
At the advanced age of 28, Victoria’s Aunt Eloise, her dead mother’s sister, and Uncle Hubert had taken her in at the death of her parents but now was insistent that she, Victoria, needed to marry. She feared she had no where to go and would eventually be forced into an unpleasant and unwanted marriage with a man of her aunt’s choice. That is, until she was notified she had inherited her father’s family estate, along with the funds which would allow her to live freely on her own. Much against her aunt and uncle’s wishes she moved to Ravenfell. The estate had been in her father’s family for well over a century, only to find the house in disarray, with only one caretaker and a presence that would do anything to prevent Gabriel from falling in love with Victoria and ending its reign of terror.
I enjoyed this twisting tale with shades of Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “Lenore.” Its tale of deadly grief, need for blood and how it affected all who came within its power. There is history behind the family estate that lends itself to black magic, weaving spells and death. There is an HEA for our characters. However, there was a feeling that there is more to Marigold and Hilde’s story that is left untold. I recommend this tale to other’s who enjoy the gothic world of historical fiction, paranormal elements and romance.
I was given an advanced readers copy for opinion and review of this tale.

[readeronrehab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary has my respect because haunted-house stories are challenging to write, given the psychological complexity of the characters’ experiences. Michelle’s novel follows the tradition of Gothic, inward-looking classic novels, such as The Fall of the House of Usher and Rebecca, in which obsession, repression, and haunted spaces blur the boundaries between the supernatural and the mind. Like these works, Michelle’s well-plotted narrative suggests that attempts to control memory, knowledge, or emotional reality carry devastating consequences.

Ravenfell Manor is not simply a setting but a paranormal-charged landscape. Michelle’s skilful prose transforms the house into a living mind, one that remembers what the characters try desperately to forget. Through sound, silence, and hallucinations, the house replays their buried trauma, insisting that the past be confronted. In this way, the manor becomes their inner voice, relentlessly pulling the characters back toward their unresolved grief.

“The sound of piano music, faint and lilting, stopped her. She turned, peering into the silent, dark parlor where the baby grand remained untouched. The lid closed. The bench shoved under it.
She started to turn away but then heard it again. Quiet notes…As though someone played to a great crescendo. The music mournful and oddly familiar.
Curious, and before she made the conscious decision, she turned toward the sound and walked into the parlor.
The music stopped.” page 45

Rather than relying on horror clichés, Michelle retells Poe’s Lenore and provides insight into her bloodline history, which deepens the story’s emotional resonance. Lenore’s haunting does not exist in isolation; it mirrors the characters' mourning, connecting their losses and reflecting what each has buried.

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary voices a
a fundamental truth of haunted-house stories: they are never about ghosts but about the inhabitants' struggle to make sense of their grief.


Thanks to the author and BookSirens for the copy of this book.

[Lisa Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary is a gothic fantasy story centered on Victoria Ravenwood, who unexpectedly inherits the haunted Ravenfell Manor after her parents’ tragic deaths. Her arrival unlocks a series of supernatural mysteries and family secrets, especially involving the enigmatic caretaker Gabriel Allward, tied to the estate by a curse and a tormented history. The narrative follows Victoria as she grows from timid orphan to determined investigator, unraveling the truth behind the manor’s chilling past without venturing into spoiler territory.

The writing is lush and atmospheric, with poetic descriptions that evoke suspense and longing typical of gothic romance. The author weaves classic haunted house and curse motifs with deep psychological tension, focusing on grief, legacy, and the power of self-discovery. The manor itself is almost a character—its eerie ambiance and living shadows create an immersive, unsettling setting, while forbidden love and ancestral secrets propel the plot.

I loved this book for its compelling blend of paranormal suspense and emotional resonance—beautifully executed within the gothic fantasy genre. Both the characters and world-building stood out, offering a gripping experience that balances supernatural intrigue and heartfelt drama. It's a well-crafted story that left me satisfied and eager to explore more from the author and the Enchanted Realms series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphaned heiress, Victoria Ravenwood, returns to Ravenfell Manor hoping for a fresh start and independence. Empty, except for the mysterious caretaker, Gabriel Allward, the manor is not the sanctuary she sought. Strange occurrences, the sensation of being watched, haunting music, and ghostly apparitions follow Victoria as she seeks to make it home. The longer she stays, the more she’s drawn to Gabriel, but the secrets hidden in the manor stand between them. What caused her family to flee in the night as a child? What is keeping Gabriel bound to the manor in darkness? And who are the ghostly Lenore and Lily? Will Victoria be able to break the curse or be driven from the manor a second time.

Built around the framework of Poe’s The Raven, and told as a story within a story, Once Upon A Midnight Dreary is a gothic romance with light battling darkness. Victoria is a strong character who is determined and capable. Gabriel is a haunted romantic lead who both hopes for salvation and feels unworthy of it. As the story unfolds, there’s plenty of chills as the ghosts are revealed. Lily will tug at your heartstrings, but Lenore is suitably scary as grief drives her to desperate lengths. I really enjoyed the framing of it being a story told to Marigold by her mysterious Aunt Hilde. I will need to read the earlier books in the series to see how that story element evolves. Ms. Miles also does justice to Poe’s work in turning The Raven into a lyrical and haunting love story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Theomachy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Midnight Dreary was my first introduction to Michelle Miles’s writing, so I didn’t know what to expect when I received an arc copy. I am happy to say I was quite charmed with the cosy story I found myself reading!

I thoroughly enjoyed the haunting manor and the associated spectres found within. The descriptions of the rooms and gardens allowed me to envision it very well (and also want to do some dusting).

One thing to note before I continue, is that the story is written as if it is being told to another character (see the prologue and the epilogue), so with that in mind the pacing and some repetitiveness of the story (I’m looking at you Gabriel “can’t talk about my feelings” McAngstypants and Victoria “gravity is my enemy” Damsel-adjacent) I could forgive and just enjoy as it was unfolding.

I wish that the story was longer, I feel like both the romance and the haunting side of things could have been built up to be utterly devastating with a dash of true fear for Victoria from the reader’s perspective. As it stands, it was a cosy romance that had mild gothic horror elements and a happy ending. I enjoyed it, and when I finished I wished it had been longer- I have questions and theories that I want answered!

Overall, I am happy to rate this 3.75/5 stars - It was an easy read and something I shall happily read again.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a midnight dreary rating: 5 ⭐️

I really don't know how to start describing this book and then... it came to me! This is for you lovers of the movie Crimson Peak! This book has that vibe! But also it is heavily inspired by "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe.

Our story follows our orphaned heiress Victoria Ravenwood who inherits her father's family castle. The estate of Ravenfell Manor has crumbled and been abandoned for years. The house though is not what she actually expected. Many secrets will unfold or forever be gone. And the secret keeper is none other than the mysterious caretaker Gabriel Allward. Their bond will be a catalyst in Fate's plans and all that will happen under the watchful eye of the Raven that resides in there.

Michelle is clearly one of my favourite authors. I enjoy her pen and books very much and if you want to read your favorite stories and fairytales with delicious plot twists then you should actually give her a chance and read one of her books.

Tropes

Romantasy
Retailing story
HEA
spooky
Mysterious MMC
Hopefully FMC
Yearning
Forbidden love
Dark magic

Warning ⚠️

Mentions of death.

I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suddenly Victoria Ravenwood inherits Ravenfell Manor, her childhood home; her family left years ago, which she thought was sold. After her parents died, she was taken in by her aunt and uncle and presented with the news, Victoria's aunt isn't fond of the idea of her living alone, but her uncle has her back, so she takes on the inheritance.

All these years Gabriel Allward has taken care of the manor, and soon after moving in Victoria finds herself being more and more drawn to him. But at the same time mysterious things begin to happen, and a secret comes to light.

In contrast to earlier books in this series, this was based on a poem instead of a fairytale, which I read afterwards and I really loved how it was adapted into this book, especially how both had the same eary and heavy atmosphere. I was really gripped by the story and couldn't stop reading, as I really wanted to know why all of this is happening. The only thing I didn't really liked was the relationship between Victoria and Gabriel, as early on we find out that he knew her since she was a child and eventhough he hasn't aged a day since then, it just felt wrong.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story releases at the perfect time for a little ghostly haunt. Victoria has lived with her aunt and uncle since the passing of her parents. Her aunt is eager to find her a suitor to marry. When one day, Victoria receives a letter that claims she is the inheritor of Ravenwood Manor. She vaguely remembers living there for a short time as a child. Her uncle agrees to take her there, but recalls it being very rundown, and only a caretaker to oversee the place. Victoria is intrigued by this curious manor and the circumstances surrounding it. Some say it’s haunted.
This Gothic style story pulls you in from the very beginning and holds you spellbound throughout. I am not a typical supernatural fiction gal, but every now and then especially around Halloween. I’m good for a little thrill and this one gave me that vibe, but also the historical romance genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun spooky gothic read. I enjoy a spin or retelling of a known story, and this one spins off Poe's most famous poem. The story unfolds as a cozy mystery as the main character unravels clues and puts together the truth about the house she inherited as well as its inhabitants. She's kind of annoying about it at first but she gets there as she sets her mind to breaking the curse. The tragedy that occurred in the past and the lasting effects through the family bloodline were nicely woven. I did wish more was explained, especially why the caretaker of the property was suspended in time, but overall the ending is satisfying and sweet. The love story between our two main characters is slow burn but you can see it develop in their actions and protectiveness of each other. If you love a cozy ghost story set in a haunted mansion this will be right up your alley. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is a solid 3.5 read.

[A.K. Nevermore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable book. Michelle nailed the gothic atmosphere and the claustrophobic tension people read this genre for. The MMC was brooding, and the chemistry between him and the FMC electric. Physical spice was nil, but the angsty want and the slow surrender between them was so incredibly satisfying that I didn't miss it. (Yes, I was shocked, too!) The FMC was well-developed and every bit believable and relatable as the repressed / grief stricken woman tempted with the possibility of more.

And it was creepy. Did I mention it was creepy? Because it was totally creepy. Loved it!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked!
I literally had to force myself to stop reading and get sleep. Definite an all-nighter read. Haunted House. Curse. Forbidden love. Suspense. Paranormal activity. I never got into Edgar Allen Poe’s work as he is too dark and moody for me but this retelling of The Raven had me riveted. Definitely recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from BookFunnel and voluntarily leave an honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible, spooky, gothic fantasy story that draws you into the darkness and holds on tight as we follow Victoria as she returns to her family’s crumbling home, Ravenfell manor. A dark and gripping read full of curses and secrets, whispers and shadows and a mysterious caretaker with secrets of his own. It’s suspenseful, there’s twists and turns and a delightful slow burn romance. Loved it!

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great story - and honestly I wonder if at the end this is an Princess Bride type of story - are we reading a story within a story? (I'm not to sure).

We have a evil man in charge politically that hunts and executes witches, we have a prophecy that a girl child will be born that will take down the king, we have deviant sex, a sad love story between side characters, changelings - revenge.

Defintely worth the read :)

[Tonya Cheton · Rating 4 out of 5]

On top of it all secrets, Victoria’s aunt wants to find her a decent suitor to settle down with. Victoria still has to find help with the manor, if she is planning on staying. Gabriel didn’t have the heart to come forward with his past. Victoria made the decision to have a new life with someone who is after her heart. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*

Classic gothic ghost story

This tale is suitably atmospheric, the tension builds nicely, and the main characters (Victoria & Gabriel) are just right.

Excellent!


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it's well written and the interchange between the characters is great. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received this book as a ARC copy and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark fantasy story that is part of an interconnected series. Better if read in order but can be done as a standalone.

Haunted inheritance

Grieving gone wrong.

Tragic accident

Dangerous process to lift the curse.

[Shaista Dinath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting and the plot held my attention. Worth diving into

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fifth book in the Enchanted Realms series was a creative and captivating gothic reimagining inspired by Edgwr Alan Poes "The Raven." I highly recommend reading!

[Diana Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Poe ever wandered into a fairy tale, I think it would feel a lot like this story.

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary by Michelle Miles is
Book 5 in the Enchanted Realms series and reads as a standalone. I’m new to the retellings genre, but after loving Enchanted Castle (Mile’s Beauty and the Beast retellings), I just had to read this one.

Excellent October read - gripping mystery with a gothic flare. Victoria Ravenwood inherits Ravenfell Manor and meets Gabriel, the mysterious caretaker who guards the manor’s secrets. The story nods to Poe with “Nevermore,” Lenore, and an omen of a haunting raven, blending classic chills with romantic fantasy.

Michelle Miles writes about all things otherworldly very well. We get a foreboding tale without tipping into unsettling suspense. The ‘mystic’ elements pushed my comfort zone a bit …. but I am more of fairytale type gal at heart. It was easy to be fully invested in Victoria and Gabriel’s story, smirking and raising an eyebrow with each new revelation, wondering: Can this curse be lifted?

Richly written, moody, and full of suspense—this was a thoroughly enjoyable fall read.

I received an early review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.