Ravenborn

by Elizabeth Schechter

They are Morrigan’s sons—born of shadow and storm, shaped by magic, and bound by fate.

The Raven-Goddess granted each of her nine sons two sacred the power to shift between raven and man—and the unmistakable pull toward their soulmates. But even the blessings of a goddess cannot shield them from the trials of love... or war.

In a world brimming with ancient magic and treacherous alliances, these demi-god brothers must fight not only for the hearts of those they are destined to love, but for the very survival of their realm. When a cunning family of mages sets their sights on the ravens’ power, the battle turns deadly—and each brother will face an impossible sacrifice their heart, or risk everything.

Lyrical, sensual, and steeped in myth, Book One of the Raven Blood series, is a sweeping romantasy of soul-deep love, divine legacy, and the fierce power of destiny.
Winner of the Passionate Plume Award for Erotic Romance

“Hauntingly beautiful... A story of longing, love, and fiery passion.” —LaQuette

“Netflix, take note—I devoured this story and I want more.” —Alex Andersen

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2025

About the author

Elizabeth Schechter has been called one of the top erotica and alternative sexuality writers in the world. Her writing credits include the award-winning steampunk erotic romance House of Sable Locks, the science fiction BDSM duology Tales from the Arena, and the Celtic fantasy Princes of Air. Her shorter work has appeared in anthologies edited by D.L King (Carnal Machines), Laura Antoniou (No Safewords), and Cecilia Tan (Jingle Balls_; Like a Prince).

Elizabeth lives in Central Florida with her husband and son, and a most accepting circle of friends who are both very amused and very proud of the pervy, fetish writer in their midst.

Reviews

[Eren Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been absolutely in love with this series from the moment I got my netgalley approval for Raven's Fall earlier this year. Now they have new titles, new covers and the stories? Amazing.

I absolutely love getting the backstory before Lorcan. Seeing Niall and the other members of the flock and learning more about mates, their cloaks, and the power they can share with their mate is perfect! It gives so much more to the world I dove into awhile back and makes me cherish it all the more.

In Ravenborn we find stories told from multiple point of views and in more than one part within the story. Each part is another person and finding their mate. The Morrigan gifted her sons 2 things: The ability to shift to a human and back to a Raven and a bond with their destined mate. These are fast paced stories, short and have their spice in them. But they are the perfect start to the Blood of the Raven series. They give you a taste of where our current ravens from Ravenflight came from and more about the son's of the Morrigan and how everything came to be with their mates. The world of the Eire is passionate, rich, and filled with wondrous tales of how her son's found the other piece of their hearts. It's also a world filled with forces trying to destroy them all, loss.

I will say that I read Raven's Fall back when it was an ARC here on NetGalley before I ever delved into this book. These are short stories. If you're wanting a broader understanding of the world you can read Ravenfall first as it's a longer story that provides you all the information that you might find this one lacking as it's about the Morrigan's grandson. I know for me reading this after gave me a deeper attachment to the Son's now that I have more understanding as to how they came to be and them finding their mates.

I love the history that is built throughout the pages, the dynamics between everyone and how smoothly it flows between their language and English. The world is engrossing and pulls you in between the language, the history you get with things such as chariots, and I also just love hearing about the Morrigan. I dove in a little before about how I feel like the author did their research while writing the story and I still fully believe this. I've messaged her a good few times since discovering this series and I am beyond excited to see more people pick it up. If you're looking for something that is unique, feels enriched with history, delves into some magic, but is focused on the world of The Morrigan and their Flock of Raven Shifters I will continuously recommend this series. It's not often I come across Raven Shifter stories and anytime I do I dive in them and Ravenborn and Ravenfall are still my top Raven Shifter books!

[Jennifer Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two gifts were given to the sons of the Battle Queen Morrigan: To be able to shift between their raven and human forms and,  the unmistakable pull towards the mate of their hearts.

Ravenborn is book 1 in the Blood of the Raven series. Steeped in Irish mythology, we sweep across Eire following the Morrigan's sons in a grouping of sexy short stories told from multiple POVs. We watch the characters navigate the pull of their hearts, while fighting against forces that would destroy them all.  All the stories unite in a overarching plotline of good versus destruction.

A foolish mistake finds the youngest a captive of a beautiful but dangerous witch.  As his world unravels, he finds what he never thought he could.

The King of the Ravens finds danger and a plot to kill all the Ravenborn just as he finds the woman meant to be the beat of his heart. 

The lone surviving twin, who has lost the best part of himself, but found the missing piece of his heart in a handsome charioteer.

The Ice Raven and the wild fae, destined for each other and a tragic end.

Each story is fast paced, filled with passion and dark twists. I truly enjoyed each story and felt connected with the characters.

I highly recommend for those that love mythology, dark fantasy and spicy romance.

[FictionalFlair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so conflicted with this. I wanted to love it.
The premise dragged me in. To start i was hooked. The first story was good. It felt like reading fables as a kid. Short stories with lessons or consequences. The spice is good but also rinse and repeat throughout the next brother's stories. The women take control, blah blah.

It is probably due to these being short and quick reads, but the world building and descriptive text is lacking. I can not imagine what any of the brothers look like, or their partners. The rooms and halls which they walk and live. Nothing.

I didn't feel any connection to the characters and that is a must. I didn't even gasp when characters came to an end. Was just *shrugs shoulders* moments.

I am leaving this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the author and publisher for allowing me to read.
For a quick read and some sexy quick spice. This is a perfect book. Definitely for fans of insta love and fated mates tropes.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two gifts were given to the sons of the Battle Queen Morrigan: the ability to shift between raven and human forms and a strong bond with their destined mates. "Ravenborn" is the first book in the "Blood of the Raven" series.

The writing was fast-paced filled with passion and dark twists. While some readers may feel the stories are too quick and fragmented especially as they were told in the form of shorter tales in multiple points of view, I didn’t mind it. This book is probably best for fans of mythology, dark fantasy, and spicy romance. I found it a fun, engaging read and a perfect introduction to the series.

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenborn is a moody, immersive opener to the Blood of the Raven series, steeped in Irish lore and emotional depth. Through multiple POVs, we follow the Morrigan’s raven-shifting sons as their fated bonds pull them into danger, desire, and destiny. Each interconnected story offers its own mix of passion, threat, and mythic tension, creating a rich world that’s easy to fall into without ever feeling overwhelming. Though a few parts slowed the momentum, the overall experience stayed gripping and beautifully atmospheric. A compelling blend of dark fantasy, romance, and mythology that left me eager for more.

[Nicole Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has me so torn. The writing is very good, but each section of this book feels like I was dropped into the middle of a book and it goes from zero to naked before I ever really understand what is going on or fully develop an attachment to the characters or the building relationship. It’s like hi, we met, we have sec, done. There is so much talent here I just wanted more build up, more fleshing out (of the story, there is plenty of flesh) more, more….. it was just too quick and fragmented for me.

[icantcomeimbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review — Ravenborn

“Ravenborn” was dark, lush and atmospheric — exactly the kind of fantasy I love getting lost in. The worldbuilding was rich and intriguing without ever feeling confusing, and I loved the way magic, myth and politics were woven together. The characters had depth and the storyline kept me engaged from start to finish.

There were a few slower moments, but overall this was a really strong, immersive read with beautiful writing and a sharp emotional core. I genuinely enjoyed the journey this story took me on.

Rating: 4 stars

[Kristie Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravenborn hooked me right from the first chapter. The world-building is rich and atmospheric, with just the right mix of magic, mystery, and darkness. The characters are complex and layered, and I loved watching their choices shape the story in unexpected ways. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up late because you need to know what happens next. Perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy with a gothic edge and plenty of heart.

[Giniro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced romance. For such a short length book there is not a lot of tension or build up. It is a fabulous book to read for fun in moments of downtime. It's a lead into a series and I hope that more fun stories are coming. To me, ravens are a fall bird so it's the season to read about magic and shifters and love.

[Angela Foldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of short stories so don’t expect much descriptive writing. However, this leaves a lot of room for your imagination to build the descriptive story yourself and that’s what I liked about them.

I will say if I see this author again I will look forward to discussing the book with her and the possibilities of what could be developed from here.