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Dawn of the Raven
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Expected 10 Feb 26In the kingdom of Ríocht na Meon, magic is forbidden-and those who wield it are hunted. The First Order's armies scour the land for druids, elemental mages who once walked in harmony with nature.
Sorcha, a seamstress raised in comfort within the outer districts, has always been content with her quiet life with her closest friend, Fiona. But when her world begins to unravel, Sorcha's peaceful existence shatters. Fiona, daughter of a farmer and servant in the royal keep's kitchens, works tirelessly to provide for her family. Bound by duty and loyalty, she never imagined her life would change-until she receives an unexpected offer of marriage that could upend everything. And Nemain-the Reaper-haunts the shadows. A feared druid cloaked in mystery, her name alone sends tremors through the kingdom. Few know her story. Less survive her shadows touch.
As secrets twist through the royal court and rebellion brews in the kingdom, these women's paths collide in ways that will alter not only their own fates but the fate of the Ríocht na Meon.
Rich with Celtic-inspired mythology, elemental druid magic, forbidden love, and courtly intrigue, Dawn of the Raven is a sweeping queer fantasy where identity is not questioned. Perfect for readers of dark fantasy, slow-burn romance, and anyone longing for immersive worlds where queerness is at the heart of the story.
Sorcha, a seamstress raised in comfort within the outer districts, has always been content with her quiet life with her closest friend, Fiona. But when her world begins to unravel, Sorcha's peaceful existence shatters. Fiona, daughter of a farmer and servant in the royal keep's kitchens, works tirelessly to provide for her family. Bound by duty and loyalty, she never imagined her life would change-until she receives an unexpected offer of marriage that could upend everything. And Nemain-the Reaper-haunts the shadows. A feared druid cloaked in mystery, her name alone sends tremors through the kingdom. Few know her story. Less survive her shadows touch.
As secrets twist through the royal court and rebellion brews in the kingdom, these women's paths collide in ways that will alter not only their own fates but the fate of the Ríocht na Meon.
Rich with Celtic-inspired mythology, elemental druid magic, forbidden love, and courtly intrigue, Dawn of the Raven is a sweeping queer fantasy where identity is not questioned. Perfect for readers of dark fantasy, slow-burn romance, and anyone longing for immersive worlds where queerness is at the heart of the story.
394 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
6 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 7, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, I need more Sorcha and Liam in the next book, there’s a budding romance brewing between the two I hope. I liked both Sorcha and Liam from the get go, Sorcha is dedicated to those she loves and Liam is fiercely protective of her. Please please please more of these two in the next book. The magic system in this book was relatively easier to understand, the druids with their powers based on the elements and the powers of the fae deities. It took me a while to warm up to Fiona as I don’t feel she deserved Sorcha’s love or friendship, I know she tried to protect Sorcha in her own way. I liked Namain she felt so alone until she met Fiona and the two began to grow closer. All of the main characters and their backstories were really nicely fleshed out and I enjoyed the authors writing. This was a promising start to a new series and I look forward to seeing in which direction the author takes this series.
I really enjoyed this book, I need more Sorcha and Liam in the next book, there’s a budding romance brewing between the two I hope. I liked both Sorcha and Liam from the get go, Sorcha is dedicated to those she loves and Liam is fiercely protective of her. Please please please more of these two in the next book. The magic system in this book was relatively easier to understand, the druids with their powers based on the elements and the powers of the fae deities. It took me a while to warm up to Fiona as I don’t feel she deserved Sorcha’s love or friendship, I know she tried to protect Sorcha in her own way. I liked Namain she felt so alone until she met Fiona and the two began to grow closer. All of the main characters and their backstories were really nicely fleshed out and I enjoyed the authors writing. This was a promising start to a new series and I look forward to seeing in which direction the author takes this series.
December 13, 2025
Thank you to T.L Tyner and Netgalley for the ARC!!
3.5 stars!
I think the story of this book was very interesting - it’s set in Ireland, with all the traditional name spellings and pronunciations (all beautiful names) and it really got me hooked from the start
It starts off very light and fun, and quickly turns dark in the middle of the book - which I half expected and half didn’t!
I enjoyed reading from multiple perspectives, I think all of the characters were relatively good, although it felt like Fiona was very much the special character, but I still liked her a lot
I’m not a fan of love triangles or complicated romance, so if sucked to see Sorcha have unrequited love with her childhood love interest :( I like Nemain and Fiona tho, if that were the ending, but it feels weirdly shoehorned in
Other than that I found myself enjoying it! The writing sometimes felt a little off for me, but other than that I think i’d definitely be interested in continuing the story and seeing what happens!
3.5 stars!
I think the story of this book was very interesting - it’s set in Ireland, with all the traditional name spellings and pronunciations (all beautiful names) and it really got me hooked from the start
It starts off very light and fun, and quickly turns dark in the middle of the book - which I half expected and half didn’t!
I enjoyed reading from multiple perspectives, I think all of the characters were relatively good, although it felt like Fiona was very much the special character, but I still liked her a lot
I’m not a fan of love triangles or complicated romance, so if sucked to see Sorcha have unrequited love with her childhood love interest :( I like Nemain and Fiona tho, if that were the ending, but it feels weirdly shoehorned in
Other than that I found myself enjoying it! The writing sometimes felt a little off for me, but other than that I think i’d definitely be interested in continuing the story and seeing what happens!
December 23, 2025
This book took forever to get going, the first half was a confused plot of uneven friendship, political manoeuvres and marriage arrangements. A farm girl to become Queen and her best friend, a seamstress, taking a city job to be closer to her, both losing their families due to strict separation of cities. There were hints of the larger plot, druidic myth, the Reaper's occasional perspective and hints of a bond, but nothing was fully developed or explained. Then, suddenly, the two main friends are druids, dreams are prophecies and all the politics change.
Suddenly, everything needs to be explained because they are both very magical and one of them is very special... So the guard friend turns out to be a druidic recruiter, happy to explain the whole system of a hidden druidic clan and its politics unprompted. Then the Reaper, a girl with no friends, no trust in anyone, even the man who raised her, as his ambition, greed and cruelty have only intensified over the years, immediately trusts the once-Queen, extra-special divine druid and tells her everything, becomes an immediate emotional and physical support and completely commits to her... Everything grows increasingly dramatic, rising to a confrontation in battle between the druids and the Queen Mother, for a magical sword. The Reaper has a claim to the throne, the once-Queen is the most powerful divine druid around and the seamstress turned sun-druid will continue to follow her around and give her undying loyalty along with the Reaper.
The build up did not fit with the major plot line, the concept was good overall, the battles dramatic, the twists engaging. At its heart, this book is about a deeply unequal friendship, magic and systems that never change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Suddenly, everything needs to be explained because they are both very magical and one of them is very special... So the guard friend turns out to be a druidic recruiter, happy to explain the whole system of a hidden druidic clan and its politics unprompted. Then the Reaper, a girl with no friends, no trust in anyone, even the man who raised her, as his ambition, greed and cruelty have only intensified over the years, immediately trusts the once-Queen, extra-special divine druid and tells her everything, becomes an immediate emotional and physical support and completely commits to her... Everything grows increasingly dramatic, rising to a confrontation in battle between the druids and the Queen Mother, for a magical sword. The Reaper has a claim to the throne, the once-Queen is the most powerful divine druid around and the seamstress turned sun-druid will continue to follow her around and give her undying loyalty along with the Reaper.
The build up did not fit with the major plot line, the concept was good overall, the battles dramatic, the twists engaging. At its heart, this book is about a deeply unequal friendship, magic and systems that never change.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
This is a novel that does not stop moving forward. You cannot fault the story telling, the pace is perfect and the story fits together beautifully..
The characters are well done with flaws that make then believable, except for Liam whom I found to be a nauseating Mr. Perfect.
As a sapphic romance for the most part it succeeds. Normally a love triangle is a big turn off for me but in this case it is actually working. Fiona is not a totally nice person especially in her treatment of Sorcha but as the book progresses she is understandable and hopefully in #2 the relationship between her and Nemain will be explored further. I did not like the Sorcha and Liam subplot, the whole thing reminded me of conversion therapy with the lifelong lesbian being turned straight by a guy and hopefully there will no more of it in #2 as it almost spoiled the book for me.
The world-building and other characters made this a great story and without giving any spoilers the ending was both a surprise and a perfect intro to #2
Recommended, Five stars and looking forward to the next.
This is a novel that does not stop moving forward. You cannot fault the story telling, the pace is perfect and the story fits together beautifully..
The characters are well done with flaws that make then believable, except for Liam whom I found to be a nauseating Mr. Perfect.
As a sapphic romance for the most part it succeeds. Normally a love triangle is a big turn off for me but in this case it is actually working. Fiona is not a totally nice person especially in her treatment of Sorcha but as the book progresses she is understandable and hopefully in #2 the relationship between her and Nemain will be explored further. I did not like the Sorcha and Liam subplot, the whole thing reminded me of conversion therapy with the lifelong lesbian being turned straight by a guy and hopefully there will no more of it in #2 as it almost spoiled the book for me.
The world-building and other characters made this a great story and without giving any spoilers the ending was both a surprise and a perfect intro to #2
Recommended, Five stars and looking forward to the next.
October 28, 2025
In Dawn of the Raven, Tyner has developed a story that fantasy readers will easily recognize with its 'medieval' meets magic vibe but she takes it one step further weaving in real world Irish history and its legend of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The mythology helps create the foundation of this world's lore, which I only wanted to know more with each bit of lore that is introduced.
The main characters that we follow are each facing their own struggles even as they all work towards the same goal which allows for a dynamic plot that had me engaged and invested in each of their stories. Dawn of the Raven has a diverse cast that reps strong female leads, LGBTQIA+, Black and other people of color. There is action, politics, family (both blood and found), magic wielding druids, a splash of romance - all of it sprinkled with enough drama and trauma to make you want to keep turning the page. 10/10 would recommend!
I had the excellent privilege to be a beta reader. I will be rereading after I get my physical copy as well as waiting on the chance to get my hands on the second installment.
The main characters that we follow are each facing their own struggles even as they all work towards the same goal which allows for a dynamic plot that had me engaged and invested in each of their stories. Dawn of the Raven has a diverse cast that reps strong female leads, LGBTQIA+, Black and other people of color. There is action, politics, family (both blood and found), magic wielding druids, a splash of romance - all of it sprinkled with enough drama and trauma to make you want to keep turning the page. 10/10 would recommend!
I had the excellent privilege to be a beta reader. I will be rereading after I get my physical copy as well as waiting on the chance to get my hands on the second installment.
December 8, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
T.L. Tyner's Dawn of the Raven is a sapphic fantasy adventure inspired by Irish myths and folklore, set in a world where druids are persecuted. First in a series, it follows three women as they contend with their fate and with persecution.
Fiona and Sorcha are old friends and maybe more; when they get separated, they struggle to survive against societal constraints and people in power. They go through much over the course of the book, and change for better and worse. Nemain has a darker story, and a history of abuse that the author doesn't shy away from. It's seen especially in how quickly she latches to Fiona when they cross paths.
While the general plot, the characters, and the worldbuilding are intriguing, with mature themes like torture and abuse, the writing is somewhat simplistic, while also moving too fast when it ought to stop and let the story breathe.
Dawn of the Raven is a queer tale of resilience.
✨ 3.5 stars
T.L. Tyner's Dawn of the Raven is a sapphic fantasy adventure inspired by Irish myths and folklore, set in a world where druids are persecuted. First in a series, it follows three women as they contend with their fate and with persecution.
Fiona and Sorcha are old friends and maybe more; when they get separated, they struggle to survive against societal constraints and people in power. They go through much over the course of the book, and change for better and worse. Nemain has a darker story, and a history of abuse that the author doesn't shy away from. It's seen especially in how quickly she latches to Fiona when they cross paths.
While the general plot, the characters, and the worldbuilding are intriguing, with mature themes like torture and abuse, the writing is somewhat simplistic, while also moving too fast when it ought to stop and let the story breathe.
Dawn of the Raven is a queer tale of resilience.
✨ 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the digital ARC.
This was a solid start to a new fantasy series set entirely in a fantasy land inspired by Celtic mythology. As the blurb suggests we have 3 main POV characters and each has a complicated story. Sorcha is fiercely loyal and her relationship with Fiona and her building friendship (maybe more?) with Liam were quite interesting to read. Fiona I honestly liked better after her trauma as I found her to be a bit naive and passive in the front half of the book. Nemain held my interest from the first chapter of hers and I enjoyed her story and how she developed over the course of the book. The magic system in this book was simplistic enough to understand, as it is elemental and familiar. The only issue I had were a few moments where the pacing of events felt a bit off, but otherwise this is a solid start to the series and I can't wait to see what happens to this cast of characters next.
This was a solid start to a new fantasy series set entirely in a fantasy land inspired by Celtic mythology. As the blurb suggests we have 3 main POV characters and each has a complicated story. Sorcha is fiercely loyal and her relationship with Fiona and her building friendship (maybe more?) with Liam were quite interesting to read. Fiona I honestly liked better after her trauma as I found her to be a bit naive and passive in the front half of the book. Nemain held my interest from the first chapter of hers and I enjoyed her story and how she developed over the course of the book. The magic system in this book was simplistic enough to understand, as it is elemental and familiar. The only issue I had were a few moments where the pacing of events felt a bit off, but otherwise this is a solid start to the series and I can't wait to see what happens to this cast of characters next.
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December 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dawn of the Raven by T. L. Tyler is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that immediately establishes a harsh, unforgiving world. One of the things I loved most was the layered representation woven naturally into the story, particularly the LGBTQ+ characters, which felt authentic and integral rather than performative. The wintry setting is beautifully bleak and reinforces the constant sense of survival and sacrifice. The characters themselves are morally grey and emotionally complex, with shifting loyalties that kept me invested throughout. I also really appreciated the restrained approach to magic and power, which heightened the stakes instead of undercutting them.
The one improvement I’d suggest is allowing certain emotional confrontations a little more room to breathe, as a few key moments felt like they could have hit even harder with slightly more space on the page.
Overall, this is a compelling, representation-rich dark fantasy that will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy grim settings, complex character dynamics, and stories that aren’t afraid to sit in the shadows.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
I really loved that the book has so much positive queer representation, as it is much needed in fantasy. That said, I almost DNFed it because at first I struggled to connect with the characters, and the writing felt a bit off. Thankfully, the second and third parts of the book are much stronger, with more emphasis on the main characters growth. I especially loved that the magic system is based on real mythology.
I loved Neiman and Sorcha, and I really connected with Fiona’s conflict about always wanting (or needing) to be “the good girl.”
The characters personality and the worldbuilding also reminded me a lot of One Dark Window, so if you are a fan of Rachel Gillig, you will probably also enjoy this book.
Overall, this is a good fantasy novel with some unexpected plot twists, and I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and T. L. Tyner for the ARC.
I really loved that the book has so much positive queer representation, as it is much needed in fantasy. That said, I almost DNFed it because at first I struggled to connect with the characters, and the writing felt a bit off. Thankfully, the second and third parts of the book are much stronger, with more emphasis on the main characters growth. I especially loved that the magic system is based on real mythology.
I loved Neiman and Sorcha, and I really connected with Fiona’s conflict about always wanting (or needing) to be “the good girl.”
The characters personality and the worldbuilding also reminded me a lot of One Dark Window, so if you are a fan of Rachel Gillig, you will probably also enjoy this book.
Overall, this is a good fantasy novel with some unexpected plot twists, and I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and T. L. Tyner for the ARC.
December 22, 2025
I loved this story - the problem with doing reviews is you often don't want to tell other readers what happens -
I can tell you this is a first book of a series - thank goodness because it left me wanting for more - If there was a second book I would be on it right now.
The two main females from the beginning of the story have been friends since childhood - and Sorcha loves Fiona - not in just a sister way - but Fiona goes off and marries the king - which is another barrel of fish. I think the story is about finding out yourself, finding the magic and power within, friendship, men that love the ladies, saving a kingdom, family, how the rulers often want to colonize their subjects and take away their gods.
Their is magic, torture, but not graphic, there is sexual innuendo but nothing graphic again - I really enjoyed it!
I can tell you this is a first book of a series - thank goodness because it left me wanting for more - If there was a second book I would be on it right now.
The two main females from the beginning of the story have been friends since childhood - and Sorcha loves Fiona - not in just a sister way - but Fiona goes off and marries the king - which is another barrel of fish. I think the story is about finding out yourself, finding the magic and power within, friendship, men that love the ladies, saving a kingdom, family, how the rulers often want to colonize their subjects and take away their gods.
Their is magic, torture, but not graphic, there is sexual innuendo but nothing graphic again - I really enjoyed it!
January 1, 2026
A really good first debut.
The story follows Sorscha, Fiona and Nemain. Sorscha and Fiona are best friends but both feel more for the other. This relationship is put to the test when it's revealed Fiona is betrothed to the king, something Sorscha both understands and yet struggles to understand due to her feelings.
Nemain acts from the shadows, doing the bidding of a man she both loves and detests, due to his saving her life as a child and raising her. She's indebted to him but wishes she could be more than his weapon.
I preferred Fiona and Nemain to Sorscha. I found Sorscha very selfish especially when it came to Fiona, it felt at times she was trying to 'claim' Fiona without ever asking Fiona what she wanted.
As the story progressed I warmed to her and I'm excited to continue with the rest of the series.
The story follows Sorscha, Fiona and Nemain. Sorscha and Fiona are best friends but both feel more for the other. This relationship is put to the test when it's revealed Fiona is betrothed to the king, something Sorscha both understands and yet struggles to understand due to her feelings.
Nemain acts from the shadows, doing the bidding of a man she both loves and detests, due to his saving her life as a child and raising her. She's indebted to him but wishes she could be more than his weapon.
I preferred Fiona and Nemain to Sorscha. I found Sorscha very selfish especially when it came to Fiona, it felt at times she was trying to 'claim' Fiona without ever asking Fiona what she wanted.
As the story progressed I warmed to her and I'm excited to continue with the rest of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed reading Dawn of the Raven. The book made me feel a lot of emotions—hope, empathy, and sometimes tension—as I followed the characters’ journey. I loved how honest and real the story felt, especially in showing the struggles and joys of love and self-acceptance.
One thing I wished was a little different is the pacing. Some parts felt slow, and I wanted to see more depth in certain emotional moments. I think if the author had explored these moments more, the story would have been even stronger and could have earned a full five stars from me.
Overall, it’s a touching and meaningful book. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven LGBTQ+ stories that make you think and feel.
One thing I wished was a little different is the pacing. Some parts felt slow, and I wanted to see more depth in certain emotional moments. I think if the author had explored these moments more, the story would have been even stronger and could have earned a full five stars from me.
Overall, it’s a touching and meaningful book. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven LGBTQ+ stories that make you think and feel.
December 10, 2025
3.5 🌟
This feels like a very dense book even though it’s just under 400 pages. A lot happens quickly and just when you think you have a moment to relax, oop the king is dead! I would’ve liked a bit more space to breathe and digest. The writing was simple but I feel that complimented the story rather than detracted. Big fan of Fiona and Sorcha’s relationship. It was very sweet and tender. The plot has big potential and I think for the right person, this is easily a story to get lost in.
(Thanks to Netgalley + T.L Tyner for this ARC in exchange for an honest review)
This feels like a very dense book even though it’s just under 400 pages. A lot happens quickly and just when you think you have a moment to relax, oop the king is dead! I would’ve liked a bit more space to breathe and digest. The writing was simple but I feel that complimented the story rather than detracted. Big fan of Fiona and Sorcha’s relationship. It was very sweet and tender. The plot has big potential and I think for the right person, this is easily a story to get lost in.
(Thanks to Netgalley + T.L Tyner for this ARC in exchange for an honest review)
December 30, 2025
Dawn of the Raven gets 4.5 stars from me. This book covered so much more than I expected, and I can truly say it kept me on my toes. There were multiple points in the book that I knew the characters would get out of the situation they were in but had no idea how. The foreshadowing in the dreams was a nice touch!
Each of the main characters Sorcha, Fiona, and Nemain were richly developed, each with compelling backstories. I loved the subtle hints about their unique magical abilities, which added depth and intrigue. The secondary characters are equally well-rounded, and I found myself growing attached to them as the story progressed.
I found this book covers so many types of love from family, platonic, first loves, to all encompassing love. I often kept “shipping” characters together only to see that it was not the right path for them. That twist at the end with the Queen Mother was a great addition and I enjoyed thinking back on all the hints about the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Each of the main characters Sorcha, Fiona, and Nemain were richly developed, each with compelling backstories. I loved the subtle hints about their unique magical abilities, which added depth and intrigue. The secondary characters are equally well-rounded, and I found myself growing attached to them as the story progressed.
I found this book covers so many types of love from family, platonic, first loves, to all encompassing love. I often kept “shipping” characters together only to see that it was not the right path for them. That twist at the end with the Queen Mother was a great addition and I enjoyed thinking back on all the hints about the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
As a sapphic book enjoyer, I'm afraid to say this one disappointed me. It held promise but failed to deliver.
I wasn't a fan of the writing nor the pacing, and of course it got in the way of my enjoyment quite a bit, if not a lot. The characters did nothing to help out, as I found them underwhelming and not captivating in the slightest.
As a sapphic book enjoyer, I'm afraid to say this one disappointed me. It held promise but failed to deliver.
I wasn't a fan of the writing nor the pacing, and of course it got in the way of my enjoyment quite a bit, if not a lot. The characters did nothing to help out, as I found them underwhelming and not captivating in the slightest.
Review of advance copy
I really liked the storyline of this book. The characters in this book are diverse and their personalities and actions are multilayered. The ending of the book definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait for book two. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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