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Raven
An orphaned young woman in antebellum Maryland is pulled into a maelstrom of passion, pain, and occult power in this Gothic homage to the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe.
I died a fortnight ago this coming Thursday. It was a terrifically unpleasant experience—being murdered, I mean to say.
Raven Helen Allan has always been haunted by witchcraft. Since the death of her beloved mother, she has soothed herself by speaking words into spells—a proclivity enhanced by time spent with her aunt’s library of occult books. She also finds a self-destructive solace in transmuting the pain in her heart onto her flesh.
After an itinerant childhood spent first with her mother’s traveling theater troupe and then being passed around from relative to relative, Raven is relieved to finally settle down with Aunt Berenice in her Baltimore townhouse—even if her aunt spends most evenings in a laudanum haze. There she finds a long-sought sense of belonging with the family of enslaved workers in her aunt’s household, especially the brilliantly odd youngest daughter Pym. Raven’s infatuation with her friend only grows more intimate as the girls become women together. But when the household is threatened with financial ruin, Raven must set out to earn her own living.
Taking a job as a paid companion, Raven arrives at the crumbling Moldavia Manor. Her charge is a delicate young invalid named Lenore Legrand who haunts the Gothic structure like a phantom. Living with them is Lenore’s devoted older cousin Trevanion, who shares Raven’s interest in the occult and devotes his days to searching ancient texts for an Elixir of Life that might cure his cousin. Raven finds herself inexorably drawn to both cousins as well as to the secrets hidden in the shadows of Moldavia Manor. Will she find the answers she seeks in Trevanion’s alchemical texts? What is the meaning of glowing green light emitted from the tower windows? And is Raven truly narrating this story from beyond the grave—if so, who murdered her?
Gothic and atmospheric, Raven is an aching tale of loss, freedom, death, and resurrection by the celebrated author of Jane Steele and Dust and Shadow.
I died a fortnight ago this coming Thursday. It was a terrifically unpleasant experience—being murdered, I mean to say.
Raven Helen Allan has always been haunted by witchcraft. Since the death of her beloved mother, she has soothed herself by speaking words into spells—a proclivity enhanced by time spent with her aunt’s library of occult books. She also finds a self-destructive solace in transmuting the pain in her heart onto her flesh.
After an itinerant childhood spent first with her mother’s traveling theater troupe and then being passed around from relative to relative, Raven is relieved to finally settle down with Aunt Berenice in her Baltimore townhouse—even if her aunt spends most evenings in a laudanum haze. There she finds a long-sought sense of belonging with the family of enslaved workers in her aunt’s household, especially the brilliantly odd youngest daughter Pym. Raven’s infatuation with her friend only grows more intimate as the girls become women together. But when the household is threatened with financial ruin, Raven must set out to earn her own living.
Taking a job as a paid companion, Raven arrives at the crumbling Moldavia Manor. Her charge is a delicate young invalid named Lenore Legrand who haunts the Gothic structure like a phantom. Living with them is Lenore’s devoted older cousin Trevanion, who shares Raven’s interest in the occult and devotes his days to searching ancient texts for an Elixir of Life that might cure his cousin. Raven finds herself inexorably drawn to both cousins as well as to the secrets hidden in the shadows of Moldavia Manor. Will she find the answers she seeks in Trevanion’s alchemical texts? What is the meaning of glowing green light emitted from the tower windows? And is Raven truly narrating this story from beyond the grave—if so, who murdered her?
Gothic and atmospheric, Raven is an aching tale of loss, freedom, death, and resurrection by the celebrated author of Jane Steele and Dust and Shadow.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 9, 2026
Atmospheric, macabre, and very Poe-inspired, Raven was a slow-burning Gothic mystery that gradually pulled me in with each additional page. You see, not only was it narrated from beyond the grave by a darkly witty young woman, but the haunting atmosphere was an easy win. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a book for every reader…but I’ll get to that in just a second. First let me tell you about the pluses. Starting at the top, the cast was made up of complex, layered personas that were all truly memorable. From there, I was quite impressed with how Faye blended a Gothic mystery with supernatural suspense, historical fiction, and queer romance. The best piece of all, though, was the brooding vibe of the Penny Dreadful-esque atmosphere. With a fever-dream-like feel and lyrical prose that evoked the time period of the novel, it was highly descriptive—which was both a strength and a flaw for this mystery lover.
So what issues did I have with this novel? Well, first off, it was a rather long, slow read and could’ve used quite a bit of editing down. But, as I said, the language was the biggest hurdle to jump over. With a very Victorian-like feel that was both poetic and richly detailed, it was also oftentimes dense and hard to get used to. Once I did, though, I found myself hooked on the story as it brought me right back to the first time I read something by Edgar Allen Poe. Packed with Easter eggs and recurring themes from his literary gems, this fan of the original master found plenty to love. So if you too are a Poe-loving reader who would eat up a Jane Eyre-meets-Weyward-esque novel, this book is for you. Steeped in occult secrets, dark romance, and an undercurrent of sorrow, while somewhat outside of my wheelhouse, it still mostly won me over with its layered themes, careful pacing, and Gothic vibes. Rating of 3.75 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- The great Edgar Allen Poe
- Genre-bending novels
- Slow-burning suspense
- Evocative descriptions
- Gothic undertones
- Supernatural elements
- Sapphic romance
- A haunting atmosphere
- Toxic relationships
- Well-developed characters
- Character-driven plots
SYNOPSIS:
Raven Helen Allan has always been haunted by witchcraft. Since the death of her beloved mother, she has soothed herself by speaking words into spells—a proclivity enhanced by time spent with her aunt’s library of occult books. She also finds a self-destructive solace in transmuting the pain in her heart onto her flesh.
After an itinerant childhood spent first with her mother’s traveling theater troupe and then being passed around from relative to relative, Raven is relieved to finally settle down with Aunt Berenice in her Baltimore townhouse—even if her aunt spends most evenings in a laudanum haze. There she finds a long-sought sense of belonging with the family of enslaved workers in her aunt’s household, especially the brilliantly odd youngest daughter Pym. Raven’s infatuation with her friend only grows more intimate as the girls become women together. But when the household is threatened with financial ruin, Raven must set out to earn her own living.
Taking a job as a paid companion, Raven arrives at the crumbling Moldavia Manor. Her charge is a delicate young invalid named Lenore Legrand who haunts the Gothic structure like a phantom. Living with them is Lenore’s devoted older cousin Trevanion, who shares Raven’s interest in the occult and devotes his days to searching ancient texts for an Elixir of Life that might cure his cousin. Raven finds herself inexorably drawn to both cousins as well as to the secrets hidden in the shadows of Moldavia Manor. Will she find the answers she seeks in Trevanion’s alchemical texts? What is the meaning of glowing green light emitted from the tower windows? And is Raven truly narrating this story from beyond the grave—if so, who murdered her?
Thank you Lyndsay Faye and The Mysterious Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 6, 2026
Content warning: self-harm, death of a parent, murder, chronic illness, drug abuse, toxic relationship
So what issues did I have with this novel? Well, first off, it was a rather long, slow read and could’ve used quite a bit of editing down. But, as I said, the language was the biggest hurdle to jump over. With a very Victorian-like feel that was both poetic and richly detailed, it was also oftentimes dense and hard to get used to. Once I did, though, I found myself hooked on the story as it brought me right back to the first time I read something by Edgar Allen Poe. Packed with Easter eggs and recurring themes from his literary gems, this fan of the original master found plenty to love. So if you too are a Poe-loving reader who would eat up a Jane Eyre-meets-Weyward-esque novel, this book is for you. Steeped in occult secrets, dark romance, and an undercurrent of sorrow, while somewhat outside of my wheelhouse, it still mostly won me over with its layered themes, careful pacing, and Gothic vibes. Rating of 3.75 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- The great Edgar Allen Poe
- Genre-bending novels
- Slow-burning suspense
- Evocative descriptions
- Gothic undertones
- Supernatural elements
- Sapphic romance
- A haunting atmosphere
- Toxic relationships
- Well-developed characters
- Character-driven plots
SYNOPSIS:
Raven Helen Allan has always been haunted by witchcraft. Since the death of her beloved mother, she has soothed herself by speaking words into spells—a proclivity enhanced by time spent with her aunt’s library of occult books. She also finds a self-destructive solace in transmuting the pain in her heart onto her flesh.
After an itinerant childhood spent first with her mother’s traveling theater troupe and then being passed around from relative to relative, Raven is relieved to finally settle down with Aunt Berenice in her Baltimore townhouse—even if her aunt spends most evenings in a laudanum haze. There she finds a long-sought sense of belonging with the family of enslaved workers in her aunt’s household, especially the brilliantly odd youngest daughter Pym. Raven’s infatuation with her friend only grows more intimate as the girls become women together. But when the household is threatened with financial ruin, Raven must set out to earn her own living.
Taking a job as a paid companion, Raven arrives at the crumbling Moldavia Manor. Her charge is a delicate young invalid named Lenore Legrand who haunts the Gothic structure like a phantom. Living with them is Lenore’s devoted older cousin Trevanion, who shares Raven’s interest in the occult and devotes his days to searching ancient texts for an Elixir of Life that might cure his cousin. Raven finds herself inexorably drawn to both cousins as well as to the secrets hidden in the shadows of Moldavia Manor. Will she find the answers she seeks in Trevanion’s alchemical texts? What is the meaning of glowing green light emitted from the tower windows? And is Raven truly narrating this story from beyond the grave—if so, who murdered her?
Thank you Lyndsay Faye and The Mysterious Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 6, 2026
Content warning: self-harm, death of a parent, murder, chronic illness, drug abuse, toxic relationship
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an audio arc from NetGalley . Thank you to all involved.
I rated this book 3/5 stars
The audio performance was done well and I enjoyed the voice acting. I would rate it a 5/5.
Things I liked:
🐦 The Poe references throughout the book
🐦 The setting and characters were really enjoyable. Gothic and really atmospheric.
This book had its highs but it was a little long in my opinion and some stuff could have been trimmed and the integrity of the story still been intact . The prose was pretty but it wasn’t really for me. I think if you like atmospheric gothic slow burns this will be right up your alley!
I rated this book 3/5 stars
The audio performance was done well and I enjoyed the voice acting. I would rate it a 5/5.
Things I liked:
🐦 The Poe references throughout the book
🐦 The setting and characters were really enjoyable. Gothic and really atmospheric.
This book had its highs but it was a little long in my opinion and some stuff could have been trimmed and the integrity of the story still been intact . The prose was pretty but it wasn’t really for me. I think if you like atmospheric gothic slow burns this will be right up your alley!
October 21, 2026
Lyndsay Faye, who is a huge admirer of Edgar Allan Poe, has produced a gothic horror tale that pays homage to the master via a character named Raven, whose surname is Allan.
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a story set in the 1800s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the notion that she very well may be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around among various relatives before settling in at the home of her aunt.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come. Raven is first featured in a prologue where she talks about her death…or, more to the point, her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life, which is spurred to action by her mother’s passing and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves who belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic gothic figure masterfully crafted by Faye and is a pleasure to spend time with.
Raven is driven to figure out who the mysterious David Faucette is, as her dying mother implored her to find him. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to her that her aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep Faucette’s identity a secret so nothing is spoiled. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working for her aunt. Once Raven eventually reveals her aunt’s treachery, she accepts a long-term job opportunity that takes her away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, which is set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying girl named Lenore Legrand (which is another great gothic name). She lives with the lord of the manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top-secret projects. Without giving away too much, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it.
Moldavia Manor holds many secrets beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article for CrimeReads, “The Brotherhood of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Fiction Must Pay for Its Crimes.” If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN, then you truly will be able to admire what she has accomplished with this fantastically complex gothic treat.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a story set in the 1800s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the notion that she very well may be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around among various relatives before settling in at the home of her aunt.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come. Raven is first featured in a prologue where she talks about her death…or, more to the point, her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life, which is spurred to action by her mother’s passing and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves who belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic gothic figure masterfully crafted by Faye and is a pleasure to spend time with.
Raven is driven to figure out who the mysterious David Faucette is, as her dying mother implored her to find him. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to her that her aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep Faucette’s identity a secret so nothing is spoiled. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working for her aunt. Once Raven eventually reveals her aunt’s treachery, she accepts a long-term job opportunity that takes her away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, which is set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying girl named Lenore Legrand (which is another great gothic name). She lives with the lord of the manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top-secret projects. Without giving away too much, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it.
Moldavia Manor holds many secrets beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article for CrimeReads, “The Brotherhood of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Fiction Must Pay for Its Crimes.” If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN, then you truly will be able to admire what she has accomplished with this fantastically complex gothic treat.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
October 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s rounded to 4 ⭐️s
Edgar Allen Poe-inspired historical fiction with gothic and witchy vibes ended up being a decent read! Dust & Shadow is still my favorite of Faye’s though!
Thank you Mysterious Press for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Edgar Allen Poe-inspired historical fiction with gothic and witchy vibes ended up being a decent read! Dust & Shadow is still my favorite of Faye’s though!
Thank you Mysterious Press for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Want to Read
September 13, 2026I remember Jane Steele being a Booktube darling a decade ago, and now Lyndsay Faye is back with another creative reimagining of a literary classic. This time, she draws inspiration not just from the life of Edgar Allan Poe, but his work as well. And if you're Poe obsessed? You're in for a treat with the number of Easter eggs I've heard are in this book.
Click here to hear more about this book and my other anticipated releases of the upcoming quarter over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Click here to hear more about this book and my other anticipated releases of the upcoming quarter over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A hauntingly atmospheric Gothic mystery that masterfully captures the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe.
Steeped in witchcraft, alchemy, and the supernatural, this novel is a beautifully crafted Gothic tale with Poe’s influence woven seamlessly throughout. Its greatest strength is undoubtedly its atmosphere. Every setting feels cloaked in shadow, and Faye’s lush, lyrical prose vividly brings the eerie landscape of antebellum Maryland to life.
What I appreciated most was the way the references to Poe’s life and writings are incorporated. They never feel like forced Easter eggs or surface-level fan service. Instead, the familiar names, imagery, and recurring motifs add depth to the story, creating something that feels unmistakably Poe-inspired while remaining entirely its own.
Readers familiar with Poe’s work will find plenty of subtle allusions and clever connections to uncover, but prior knowledge isn’t required to enjoy the novel. At its heart, this is still a compelling Gothic mystery filled with secrets, shadows, and a wonderfully unsettling sense of place.
That said, this book’s style will not appeal to everyone. Faye deliberately embraces the language and rhythms of nineteenth-century literature, resulting in prose that is rich, elaborate, and highly descriptive. For some readers, the slower pacing and ornate writing may occasionally feel heavy. While the story is accessible without any background knowledge of Poe, those familiar with his work will likely find an added layer of appreciation in the numerous references and carefully crafted callbacks.
Still, Raven stands out for its historical depth, memorable characters, and immersive Gothic atmosphere. The same qualities that make it unique ( its literary style, layered themes, and deliberate pacing) may also make it less appealing to readers looking for a faster, more plot-driven mystery.
Overall, Raven is a beautifully atmospheric Gothic novel that blends historical fiction, mystery, supernatural suspense, and queer romance into a story that feels both timeless and original. Lyndsay Faye captures the essence of Edgar Allan Poe without simply recreating his work, using literary influences to enrich the narrative while delivering a mystery filled with emotion, intrigue, and haunting beauty.
Steeped in witchcraft, alchemy, and the supernatural, this novel is a beautifully crafted Gothic tale with Poe’s influence woven seamlessly throughout. Its greatest strength is undoubtedly its atmosphere. Every setting feels cloaked in shadow, and Faye’s lush, lyrical prose vividly brings the eerie landscape of antebellum Maryland to life.
What I appreciated most was the way the references to Poe’s life and writings are incorporated. They never feel like forced Easter eggs or surface-level fan service. Instead, the familiar names, imagery, and recurring motifs add depth to the story, creating something that feels unmistakably Poe-inspired while remaining entirely its own.
Readers familiar with Poe’s work will find plenty of subtle allusions and clever connections to uncover, but prior knowledge isn’t required to enjoy the novel. At its heart, this is still a compelling Gothic mystery filled with secrets, shadows, and a wonderfully unsettling sense of place.
That said, this book’s style will not appeal to everyone. Faye deliberately embraces the language and rhythms of nineteenth-century literature, resulting in prose that is rich, elaborate, and highly descriptive. For some readers, the slower pacing and ornate writing may occasionally feel heavy. While the story is accessible without any background knowledge of Poe, those familiar with his work will likely find an added layer of appreciation in the numerous references and carefully crafted callbacks.
Still, Raven stands out for its historical depth, memorable characters, and immersive Gothic atmosphere. The same qualities that make it unique ( its literary style, layered themes, and deliberate pacing) may also make it less appealing to readers looking for a faster, more plot-driven mystery.
Overall, Raven is a beautifully atmospheric Gothic novel that blends historical fiction, mystery, supernatural suspense, and queer romance into a story that feels both timeless and original. Lyndsay Faye captures the essence of Edgar Allan Poe without simply recreating his work, using literary influences to enrich the narrative while delivering a mystery filled with emotion, intrigue, and haunting beauty.
October 10, 2026
NYC author Lyndsay Faye, who I know for a fact is a huge admirer of the great Edgar Allan Poe, has conceived a gothic horror tale that pays homage to the master via a character aptly named Raven, whose surname ‘Allan’ directly tips the hat towards Poe.
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a tale set in the 1800’s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the fact that she may very well be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around amongst various relatives before settling in at the home of her Aunt Berenice.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Edgar Allan Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come on the pages between chapters. Our protagonist and narrator, Raven, is first featured in a Prologue where she talks about her death, or more to the point her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we then dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life which is spurred to action by the death of her actress mother and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves, that belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic, gothic figure masterfully crafted by Lyndsay Faye and a pleasure to spend time with.
One mystery that Raven is driven to uncover is the identity of the mysterious Mr. David Faucette whom her dying mother implored her to find. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to Raven which her Aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep the identity of Faucette a secret for fear of spoiling anything. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working at her Aunts home. Once Raven eventually reveals her Aunts’ treachery she takes a long-term job opportunity that takes away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying young girl named Lenore Legrand --- another great gothic name. She lives with the lord of the Manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top secret and immensely important projects. Without giving too much away, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is principally focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it. There of course will be vampire allusions made and I will leave things at that thought.
Moldavian Manor holds many secrets, beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article entitled: “THE BROTHERHOOD OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, SHAKESPEARE, AND ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE.” The subtitle for this article is, Fiction Must Pay For Its Crimes. If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN then you will truly be able to admire what she has devised with this fantastically complex gothic treat!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a tale set in the 1800’s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the fact that she may very well be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around amongst various relatives before settling in at the home of her Aunt Berenice.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Edgar Allan Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come on the pages between chapters. Our protagonist and narrator, Raven, is first featured in a Prologue where she talks about her death, or more to the point her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we then dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life which is spurred to action by the death of her actress mother and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves, that belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic, gothic figure masterfully crafted by Lyndsay Faye and a pleasure to spend time with.
One mystery that Raven is driven to uncover is the identity of the mysterious Mr. David Faucette whom her dying mother implored her to find. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to Raven which her Aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep the identity of Faucette a secret for fear of spoiling anything. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working at her Aunts home. Once Raven eventually reveals her Aunts’ treachery she takes a long-term job opportunity that takes away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying young girl named Lenore Legrand --- another great gothic name. She lives with the lord of the Manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top secret and immensely important projects. Without giving too much away, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is principally focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it. There of course will be vampire allusions made and I will leave things at that thought.
Moldavian Manor holds many secrets, beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article entitled: “THE BROTHERHOOD OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, SHAKESPEARE, AND ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE.” The subtitle for this article is, Fiction Must Pay For Its Crimes. If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN then you will truly be able to admire what she has devised with this fantastically complex gothic treat!
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
October 23, 2026
2.4/5 stars — 464 pages of Raven BOLD FACE LYING to my face via hyperbole I’m so mad rn. this book is a masterclass is trusting your instincts when you feel like you want to dnf.
Plot: 3/5 - I can’t lie I was pretty much locked in for the Moldovia manor portion but the book overall felt really jumbled? I’m admittedly not widely read with Poe so most is probably just references I’m not getting but I feel that the scope may have been too ambitious and not focused enough.
Characters: 2/5 - trevanion legrand you will always be famous for being the funniest character in this book (on purpose?? I hope so but I really don’t know). truly, following up sharing you practice the dark arts with “in fairness, I tried the light arts first but they didn’t work” is PEAK HUMOR! it would be super cool if I really liked anyone else but unfortunately all other characters are living in the neutral to negative category for me.
Pacing: 1/5 - imagine taking nearly 500 pages to express that people who own slaves are bad.
Writing: 4/5 - the writing is really pretty! very much flavored of the era and of poe’s influence- a little flowery for some, probably, but not a turn off for me.
Enjoyment: 2/5 - we had to deal with graphic self harm throughout the ENTIRE book and it truly didn’t get better at all??? I thought it would least be pertinent to the magic or something but no, it’s just a mental health crisis that Raven is experiencing for her entire life and we have to witness her suffering. I actually have 86 other complaints but that’s one of my biggest. and you wrote all that for your CHILDREN to read??? along with your sexual escapades??? girl don’t.
thank you to highbridge and netgalley for an alc in exchange for an honest review!
Plot: 3/5 - I can’t lie I was pretty much locked in for the Moldovia manor portion but the book overall felt really jumbled? I’m admittedly not widely read with Poe so most is probably just references I’m not getting but I feel that the scope may have been too ambitious and not focused enough.
Characters: 2/5 - trevanion legrand you will always be famous for being the funniest character in this book (on purpose?? I hope so but I really don’t know). truly, following up sharing you practice the dark arts with “in fairness, I tried the light arts first but they didn’t work” is PEAK HUMOR! it would be super cool if I really liked anyone else but unfortunately all other characters are living in the neutral to negative category for me.
Pacing: 1/5 - imagine taking nearly 500 pages to express that people who own slaves are bad.
Writing: 4/5 - the writing is really pretty! very much flavored of the era and of poe’s influence- a little flowery for some, probably, but not a turn off for me.
Enjoyment: 2/5 - we had to deal with graphic self harm throughout the ENTIRE book and it truly didn’t get better at all??? I thought it would least be pertinent to the magic or something but no, it’s just a mental health crisis that Raven is experiencing for her entire life and we have to witness her suffering. I actually have 86 other complaints but that’s one of my biggest. and you wrote all that for your CHILDREN to read??? along with your sexual escapades??? girl don’t.
thank you to highbridge and netgalley for an alc in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2026
Gothic and atmospheric, Raven is an aching tale of loss, freedom, death, and resurrection.
A strange story that somehow invoked many of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous characters, if only by name, and many of his tales.
There are glimpses of "Fall of the House of Usher", "Black Cat", "The Raven", and I think, "The Tell-Tale Heart".
This is a very slow burner no el so if you are expecting lightening progression then no, maybe try something else. So many times I went back to the synopsis because I didn't know what this story was actually about, still not sure I do.
If you're looking for a good horror story this may not be for you. If you love a creepy, uncomfortable story that meanders to its point at its own pace, then I recommend
Thanks to @netgalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
A strange story that somehow invoked many of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous characters, if only by name, and many of his tales.
There are glimpses of "Fall of the House of Usher", "Black Cat", "The Raven", and I think, "The Tell-Tale Heart".
This is a very slow burner no el so if you are expecting lightening progression then no, maybe try something else. So many times I went back to the synopsis because I didn't know what this story was actually about, still not sure I do.
If you're looking for a good horror story this may not be for you. If you love a creepy, uncomfortable story that meanders to its point at its own pace, then I recommend
Thanks to @netgalley and Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 27, 2026
I have loved Lyndsay Faye’s books ever since I stumbled across her Gods of Gotham detective trilogy back in 2014. I read all of her new releases as soon as I could and enjoyed them all, especially her Sherlock Holmes stories and her Hamlet pastiche, The King of Infinite Space. Due to health issues, among other things, Faye did not publish any new books after 2021— until this year. Raven, due out October 6th, is based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. It is about a young woman, Raven Helen Allan. After the death of her mother, a traveling musician, Raven ends up in the care of her aunt in Baltimore, who is a wealthy widow and laudanum addict, and the enslaved Black family she owns. Raven spends her teenage years reading the occult tomes in her aunt’s library and falls in mutual love with Pym, the daughter of the Black family who has plenty of secrets of her own. When Raven is 23, her aunt’s financial problems force her to seek employment elsewhere, and she takes a position as a lady’s companion to the sickly Lenore Legrand in the crumbling mansion called Moldavia. There, she meets Lenore’s devoted older cousin, Trevanion, who is obsessed with alchemy and is constantly searching for a cure for Lenore’s illness. Raven finds herself drawn to the strange cousins and their oddly magical ways in this gothic tale of witchcraft, alchemy, and obsession.
Though I have never truly enjoyed the works of Edgar Allan Poe, I am willing to follow Lyndsay Faye down whatever literary rabbit hole she wants to go down. Unfortunately, Raven didn’t quite work for me. At 464 pages, I thought the story was drawn out longer than it needed to be. The slow pace kept putting me to sleep, and the relevance of the many Poe-related Easter eggs were lost on me since I am not a fan of Poe’s writing. The gothic romance elements didn’t for me, either, but I will admit that I don’t read many romances, gothic or not. Still, Faye’s writing is as elegant as ever, echoing the styles of nineteenth century American novels without feeling like a dry facsimile. While Raven didn’t quite work for me, I am happy to see that Faye is writing again and I look forward to trying whatever else she writes in the future.
Note: Raven engages in self-harm throughout the book, so if you are sensitive to that, do be advised.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advance ebook for review.
Though I have never truly enjoyed the works of Edgar Allan Poe, I am willing to follow Lyndsay Faye down whatever literary rabbit hole she wants to go down. Unfortunately, Raven didn’t quite work for me. At 464 pages, I thought the story was drawn out longer than it needed to be. The slow pace kept putting me to sleep, and the relevance of the many Poe-related Easter eggs were lost on me since I am not a fan of Poe’s writing. The gothic romance elements didn’t for me, either, but I will admit that I don’t read many romances, gothic or not. Still, Faye’s writing is as elegant as ever, echoing the styles of nineteenth century American novels without feeling like a dry facsimile. While Raven didn’t quite work for me, I am happy to see that Faye is writing again and I look forward to trying whatever else she writes in the future.
Note: Raven engages in self-harm throughout the book, so if you are sensitive to that, do be advised.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for the advance ebook for review.
October 8, 2026
I put aside my qualms about Gothic romance tropes because I hoped it would be more female-focused. Nope! Same toxic romance with a man who terrifies her until he doesn't until he does... twist upon twist, most of which felt like they were just happening because the (overlong) book hit a "Twist Goes Here" milestone.
Without Poe as a hook, this book would have literally nothing going for it. With Poe, the author was... well, she was saved the trouble of making up names.
Without Poe as a hook, this book would have literally nothing going for it. With Poe, the author was... well, she was saved the trouble of making up names.
October 21, 2026
Lyndsay Faye, who is a huge admirer of Edgar Allan Poe, has produced a gothic horror tale that pays homage to the master via a character named Raven, whose surname is Allan.
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a story set in the 1800s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the notion that she very well may be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around among various relatives before settling in at the home of her aunt.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come. Raven is first featured in a prologue where she talks about her death…or, more to the point, her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life, which is spurred to action by her mother’s passing and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves who belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic gothic figure masterfully crafted by Faye and is a pleasure to spend time with.
Raven is driven to figure out who the mysterious David Faucette is, as her dying mother implored her to find him. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to her that her aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep Faucette’s identity a secret so nothing is spoiled. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working for her aunt. Once Raven eventually reveals her aunt’s treachery, she accepts a long-term job opportunity that takes her away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, which is set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying girl named Lenore Legrand (which is another great gothic name). She lives with the lord of the manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top-secret projects. Without giving away too much, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it.
Moldavia Manor holds many secrets beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article for CrimeReads, “The Brotherhood of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Fiction Must Pay for Its Crimes.” If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN, then you truly will be able to admire what she has accomplished with this fantastically complex gothic treat.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
RAVEN reads like a cross between Poe and Dickens with a story set in the 1800s and a young female protagonist with a penchant for the supernatural who endures a difficult childhood while exploring her craft and the notion that she very well may be a witch. If you are not already sold on this novel, which is simply ideal for the Halloween season, then you just need to dive in and find yourself lost in the fast-paced action that is Raven’s life. Upon the untimely death of her mother, who was a famous actress, Raven is passed around among various relatives before settling in at the home of her aunt.
Each chapter features a chilling and ominous Poe quote and properly sets the tone for what is to come. Raven is first featured in a prologue where she talks about her death…or, more to the point, her murder. She also discusses the ephemeral afterlife she refers to as the Other Land, a place where she can only dream. As we dive into the narrative, we follow Raven through the formative years of her life, which is spurred to action by her mother’s passing and the relationship she forms with the house staff, who she did not realize were actually slaves who belonged to Aunt Berenice. Raven Helen Allan is a classic gothic figure masterfully crafted by Faye and is a pleasure to spend time with.
Raven is driven to figure out who the mysterious David Faucette is, as her dying mother implored her to find him. Aunt Berenice brushes this off, which only makes matters worse when Raven uncovers correspondence from Faucette sent to her that her aunt intercepted and kept from her for fear of losing her. I will keep Faucette’s identity a secret so nothing is spoiled. Raven’s closest friend and confidante is Pym, short for Pygmalion, the daughter of the slave family working for her aunt. Once Raven eventually reveals her aunt’s treachery, she accepts a long-term job opportunity that takes her away from them all.
This opens the door to the second half of the novel, which is set at the castle-like residence known as Moldavia Manor. It is here where Raven will be the full-time keeper of a dying girl named Lenore Legrand (which is another great gothic name). She lives with the lord of the manor, her older cousin Trevanion, who spends much of his time behind closed doors working on top-secret projects. Without giving away too much, Raven’s nosiness once again gets the best of her, and she discovers that Trevanion is focused on creating an elixir of life that will grant eternal existence for anyone who imbibes it.
Moldavia Manor holds many secrets beyond those I have mentioned, and that drives the final part of this story to glorious heights of gothic horror that will have fans cheering and begging for more. Lyndsay Faye recently wrote a terrific article for CrimeReads, “The Brotherhood of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: Fiction Must Pay for Its Crimes.” If you take this as a key that potentially unlocks the door to the hidden plot she had in mind when penning RAVEN, then you truly will be able to admire what she has accomplished with this fantastically complex gothic treat.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
November 1, 2026
**Goodreads Review: Raven by Lyndsay Faye**
*Raven* by Lyndsay Faye sounds like a hauntingly beautiful Gothic novel, blending historical fiction, occult mystery, forbidden affection, and the lingering presence of death. Inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe, the story introduces Raven Helen Allan, a young woman whose unusual relationship with witchcraft and her complicated experiences with loss make her a fascinating central character.
What immediately drew me to this story is Raven's emotional journey. Having lost her beloved mother and spent much of her childhood moving between relatives, she longs for a place where she can finally feel accepted. Her growing connection with Pym adds tenderness and emotional depth to the narrative, while the challenges surrounding her aunt's household force her into a new and uncertain chapter of life.
The arrival at Moldavia Manor introduces an entirely different atmosphere. Its crumbling rooms, mysterious occupants, occult interests, and strange glowing lights create the perfect setting for a Gothic mystery. Lenore's fragile condition and Trevanion's desperate search for an Elixir of Life raise intriguing questions about mortality, obsession, and the boundaries between science and supernatural power.
I particularly love the unusual narrative premise of Raven telling her story from beyond the grave. That opening immediately creates an irresistible mystery: if she has already been murdered, who is responsible, and what secrets will emerge before the truth is revealed? It gives the novel an additional layer of suspense while allowing its themes of death and resurrection to resonate throughout the story.
Overall, *Raven* promises an atmospheric and emotionally rich reading experience. Its combination of Gothic romance, historical detail, occult intrigue, and Poe-inspired mystery makes it an appealing choice for readers who enjoy beautifully dark stories filled with secrets, longing, and unexpected revelations.
*Raven* by Lyndsay Faye sounds like a hauntingly beautiful Gothic novel, blending historical fiction, occult mystery, forbidden affection, and the lingering presence of death. Inspired by the life and works of Edgar Allan Poe, the story introduces Raven Helen Allan, a young woman whose unusual relationship with witchcraft and her complicated experiences with loss make her a fascinating central character.
What immediately drew me to this story is Raven's emotional journey. Having lost her beloved mother and spent much of her childhood moving between relatives, she longs for a place where she can finally feel accepted. Her growing connection with Pym adds tenderness and emotional depth to the narrative, while the challenges surrounding her aunt's household force her into a new and uncertain chapter of life.
The arrival at Moldavia Manor introduces an entirely different atmosphere. Its crumbling rooms, mysterious occupants, occult interests, and strange glowing lights create the perfect setting for a Gothic mystery. Lenore's fragile condition and Trevanion's desperate search for an Elixir of Life raise intriguing questions about mortality, obsession, and the boundaries between science and supernatural power.
I particularly love the unusual narrative premise of Raven telling her story from beyond the grave. That opening immediately creates an irresistible mystery: if she has already been murdered, who is responsible, and what secrets will emerge before the truth is revealed? It gives the novel an additional layer of suspense while allowing its themes of death and resurrection to resonate throughout the story.
Overall, *Raven* promises an atmospheric and emotionally rich reading experience. Its combination of Gothic romance, historical detail, occult intrigue, and Poe-inspired mystery makes it an appealing choice for readers who enjoy beautifully dark stories filled with secrets, longing, and unexpected revelations.
October 15, 2026
Raven is the gothic fever dream I didn't know I needed. It's eerie, atmospheric, a little heartbreaking, and the kind of book that makes you want to read it wrapped in a blanket while a thunderstorm rattles the windows.
Raven is an unforgettable heroine. After losing her mother and bouncing between relatives, all she wants is a place to belong. Instead, she gets witchcraft, mysterious friendships, crumbling mansions, occult secrets, and possibly being murdered. Talk about having a rough year.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Moldavia Manor practically oozes gothic drama from every shadowy corner. Between the strange lights, ancient texts, sickly heirs, and unanswered questions, I constantly felt like something terrible was about to happen, and I absolutely meant that as a compliment. The mystery kept me hooked, but the emotional heart of the story is what made it memorable.
Raven's relationships, especially with Pym and the inhabitants of the manor, are beautifully written. Her search for love, belonging, and identity gives the story so much emotional weight beneath all the supernatural intrigue. I found myself completely invested in her journey, even when she was making decisions that had me saying, "Maybe let's not investigate the creepy glowing tower alone?"
The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me is that some sections felt a little dense, and I occasionally had to slow down to absorb all the historical and occult details. But the payoff was well worth it.
Dark, haunting, emotional, and wonderfully strange, Raven is a gothic mystery filled with magic, loss, love, and secrets lurking behind every door. I came for the haunted-manor vibes and stayed for Raven herself. By the end, my heart was equal parts broken, enchanted, and ready to visit exactly zero suspicious old mansions.
Raven is an unforgettable heroine. After losing her mother and bouncing between relatives, all she wants is a place to belong. Instead, she gets witchcraft, mysterious friendships, crumbling mansions, occult secrets, and possibly being murdered. Talk about having a rough year.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Moldavia Manor practically oozes gothic drama from every shadowy corner. Between the strange lights, ancient texts, sickly heirs, and unanswered questions, I constantly felt like something terrible was about to happen, and I absolutely meant that as a compliment. The mystery kept me hooked, but the emotional heart of the story is what made it memorable.
Raven's relationships, especially with Pym and the inhabitants of the manor, are beautifully written. Her search for love, belonging, and identity gives the story so much emotional weight beneath all the supernatural intrigue. I found myself completely invested in her journey, even when she was making decisions that had me saying, "Maybe let's not investigate the creepy glowing tower alone?"
The only reason this wasn't quite a five-star read for me is that some sections felt a little dense, and I occasionally had to slow down to absorb all the historical and occult details. But the payoff was well worth it.
Dark, haunting, emotional, and wonderfully strange, Raven is a gothic mystery filled with magic, loss, love, and secrets lurking behind every door. I came for the haunted-manor vibes and stayed for Raven herself. By the end, my heart was equal parts broken, enchanted, and ready to visit exactly zero suspicious old mansions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 - 𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙, 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮."
Before opening this, make sure you enjoy Edgar Allan Poe and ornate 19th-century language! The characters take five minutes to say what could be conveyed in ten seconds today, but Lyndsay Faye builds an extraordinarily thick, atmospheric Gothic mood. 📜🐈⬛
─── THE MEAT ────────────────
An orphaned young woman haunted by occult magic takes a job as a companion at crumbling Moldavia Manor, where secrets, alchemical texts, and a mysterious murder await.
Inside, you'll find:
🖋️ Flowery, ornate prose dripping in Poe lore
📜 Sapphic goodness
🔮 Witchcraft
🥀 Poor Lenore (justice for Lenore!)
─── THE VIBE ───────────────
Slow-burn Gothic melodrama meets flowery historical language, occult mystery, and classic manor atmosphere.
─── MY THOUGHTS ────────────
While the lyrical prose takes time to warm up to, I loved the start and was SO invested in the romantic, innocent connection between Raven and Pym!
However, once Raven moves to Moldavia Manor, things shift completely. Trevanion feels wildly extra - like Edward Cullen for anyone who has never seen Twilight - making it hard to attach to his dynamic when Raven had already sewed, steamed, and pressed her soul to Pym previously.
And don't even get me STARTED on the whole Lenore fiasco! Poor girl was done dirty. If you enjoy deliberate pacing focused on daily quotidian life over a fast, plot-heavy structure, this atmospheric ride is for you!
─── THE SAVE ───────────────
If you love slow-burn Gothic manors, flowery historical prose, and lingering secrets, save these right now:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
└─ The ultimate classic of estate secrets, haunting atmospheric dread, and quiet tension.
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
└─ A slow-burn, occult-filled Gothic romance set in a decaying manor packed with dark magic.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
└─ An isolated mansion steeped in sinister family history, strange light, and haunting atmosphere.
Before opening this, make sure you enjoy Edgar Allan Poe and ornate 19th-century language! The characters take five minutes to say what could be conveyed in ten seconds today, but Lyndsay Faye builds an extraordinarily thick, atmospheric Gothic mood. 📜🐈⬛
─── THE MEAT ────────────────
An orphaned young woman haunted by occult magic takes a job as a companion at crumbling Moldavia Manor, where secrets, alchemical texts, and a mysterious murder await.
Inside, you'll find:
🖋️ Flowery, ornate prose dripping in Poe lore
📜 Sapphic goodness
🔮 Witchcraft
🥀 Poor Lenore (justice for Lenore!)
─── THE VIBE ───────────────
Slow-burn Gothic melodrama meets flowery historical language, occult mystery, and classic manor atmosphere.
─── MY THOUGHTS ────────────
While the lyrical prose takes time to warm up to, I loved the start and was SO invested in the romantic, innocent connection between Raven and Pym!
However, once Raven moves to Moldavia Manor, things shift completely. Trevanion feels wildly extra - like Edward Cullen for anyone who has never seen Twilight - making it hard to attach to his dynamic when Raven had already sewed, steamed, and pressed her soul to Pym previously.
And don't even get me STARTED on the whole Lenore fiasco! Poor girl was done dirty. If you enjoy deliberate pacing focused on daily quotidian life over a fast, plot-heavy structure, this atmospheric ride is for you!
─── THE SAVE ───────────────
If you love slow-burn Gothic manors, flowery historical prose, and lingering secrets, save these right now:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
└─ The ultimate classic of estate secrets, haunting atmospheric dread, and quiet tension.
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
└─ A slow-burn, occult-filled Gothic romance set in a decaying manor packed with dark magic.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
└─ An isolated mansion steeped in sinister family history, strange light, and haunting atmosphere.
Read
October 9, 2026Raven Helen Allan spent her childhood traveling alongside her mother and a theater troupe. Following her mother's sudden passing, she was moved between various relatives who treated her unkindly. She eventually finds a place to settle down after moving in with her Aunt Berenice. However, Aunt Berenice faces her own set of difficulties. Raven, meanwhile, relies on Pym, the youngest daughter of the family enslaved by Aunt Berenice. As they mature, their feelings evolve beyond simple friendship. When the household encounters financial hardships, Raven chooses to seek employment as a companion. She is hired to assist Lenore Legrande at Moldavia Manor, where Lenore's cousin, Trevanion, also resides. Trevanion spends his days researching remedies and lost elixirs in the hope of one day curing his cousin. Raven finds herself drawn to both of them and the secrets concealed within the decaying estate. She continues to cope with her emotional distress through self-inflicted physical pain and the recitation of spells.
A beautifully written, dark, gothic, and atmospheric historical fiction book inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. It features themes of love, heartbreak, loss, sexual identity, alchemy, and the occult, with a bit of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved the writing and the Edgar Allan Poe references. However, the book was a bit on the slower side and felt very long. I did enjoy the character-driven plot and will definitely be picking up this author again. A witchy, haunting read prefect for spooky season. Definitely one not to be missed by Edgar Allan Poe fans🩷
A beautifully written, dark, gothic, and atmospheric historical fiction book inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. It features themes of love, heartbreak, loss, sexual identity, alchemy, and the occult, with a bit of mystery and suspense. I absolutely loved the writing and the Edgar Allan Poe references. However, the book was a bit on the slower side and felt very long. I did enjoy the character-driven plot and will definitely be picking up this author again. A witchy, haunting read prefect for spooky season. Definitely one not to be missed by Edgar Allan Poe fans🩷
Did Not Finish
October 8, 2026DNF @ 29%
This is a me problem.
What I did grasp of the story, I actually liked. There was an intriguing premise, a strong sense of atmosphere, and enough going on beneath the prose to make me genuinely curious about where the story was headed. Unfortunately, I was spending so much energy trying to decipher the sentences that I couldn't fully engage with the story itself.
The story is written in a dense, nineteenth-century prose style. While this creates a beautifully immersive atmosphere, the long, winding sentence structures and complex syntax proved incredibly difficult to comprehend and follow in an audiobook format. I found myself frequently losing the thread of the narrative because it is so hard to parse by ear. This text would be significantly better experienced in print or digital format, where a reader can visually deconstruct the sentences and pace themselves.
Example: "A seasick gratitude for opulent indulgences, I in no wise deserved, frivolities that hurt the pens besides caused me to stagger with a mouthful of spit to my moonlit vanity basin."
With that said, the narrator was absolutely excellent. They brought incredibly distinguished, unique voices to each character, and their performance was highly professional.
Unfortunately, even a stellar narration couldn't overcome how difficult this specific prose style was to process aurally for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley & Highbridge Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this Audiobook***
This is a me problem.
What I did grasp of the story, I actually liked. There was an intriguing premise, a strong sense of atmosphere, and enough going on beneath the prose to make me genuinely curious about where the story was headed. Unfortunately, I was spending so much energy trying to decipher the sentences that I couldn't fully engage with the story itself.
The story is written in a dense, nineteenth-century prose style. While this creates a beautifully immersive atmosphere, the long, winding sentence structures and complex syntax proved incredibly difficult to comprehend and follow in an audiobook format. I found myself frequently losing the thread of the narrative because it is so hard to parse by ear. This text would be significantly better experienced in print or digital format, where a reader can visually deconstruct the sentences and pace themselves.
Example: "A seasick gratitude for opulent indulgences, I in no wise deserved, frivolities that hurt the pens besides caused me to stagger with a mouthful of spit to my moonlit vanity basin."
With that said, the narrator was absolutely excellent. They brought incredibly distinguished, unique voices to each character, and their performance was highly professional.
Unfortunately, even a stellar narration couldn't overcome how difficult this specific prose style was to process aurally for me.
***Thank you to NetGalley & Highbridge Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this Audiobook***
Did Not Finish
September 25, 2026DNF @ 21%
Having read three books by Faye—her Hamlet reimagining, which is one of my favorite novels, and two of the three Timothy Wilde books—I was excited to see her release something inspired by the works of Poe. Unfortunately, what I read of Raven didn't quite have the Gothic soul I wanted. I could never connect with Raven, nor did the writing feel evocative in the way I've come to expect from Faye. There were sprinkles of "magic" throughout the chapters I read, though nothing definitive; the most memorable of these was Raven's tendency toward self-harm, which felt almost haphazard at times. What had me calling it quits was the relationship between her and Pym, sadly enough. I'm not sure how the romance develops or what Faye hopes to say about slavery and status with that romance, and perhaps I needed to read the whole novel to get her intent—but the power imbalance of a white girl in a relationship with her aunt's enslaved Black servant felt icky. At least there was some commentary on Raven's ignorance regarding Pym and her family and the Penns' precarious station; however, I couldn't quite get on board with the romance, nor Faye's emphasis on Pym being "special," as Raven constantly reminds us.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Having read three books by Faye—her Hamlet reimagining, which is one of my favorite novels, and two of the three Timothy Wilde books—I was excited to see her release something inspired by the works of Poe. Unfortunately, what I read of Raven didn't quite have the Gothic soul I wanted. I could never connect with Raven, nor did the writing feel evocative in the way I've come to expect from Faye. There were sprinkles of "magic" throughout the chapters I read, though nothing definitive; the most memorable of these was Raven's tendency toward self-harm, which felt almost haphazard at times. What had me calling it quits was the relationship between her and Pym, sadly enough. I'm not sure how the romance develops or what Faye hopes to say about slavery and status with that romance, and perhaps I needed to read the whole novel to get her intent—but the power imbalance of a white girl in a relationship with her aunt's enslaved Black servant felt icky. At least there was some commentary on Raven's ignorance regarding Pym and her family and the Penns' precarious station; however, I couldn't quite get on board with the romance, nor Faye's emphasis on Pym being "special," as Raven constantly reminds us.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2026
Raven pulled me into such a dark, strange, beautifully Gothic world. I loved the atmosphere of this book. There is something about crumbling old houses, occult books, witchcraft, alchemy, secrets, and the feeling that something is watching from the shadows that completely works for me.
The Edgar Allan Poe influence was probably one of my favorite parts. I had fun catching the references and seeing how Lyndsay Faye took familiar pieces of Poe’s world and turned them into something of her own. It felt like a love letter to Gothic literature without simply trying to recreate Poe.
I also really enjoyed Raven as a character. Her complicated history, her fascination with the occult, and everything she carries with her emotionally gave the story a darker edge. The mystery surrounding her death kept me wondering where everything was ultimately going.
This is definitely a slower, more atmospheric read, and the writing is very detailed and intentionally old-fashioned. There were moments when I felt the length, but the Gothic mood kept pulling me back in.
If you love Edgar Allan Poe, Gothic mysteries, haunted old houses, witchcraft, historical fiction, and stories that feel like they belong in a dark library during a thunderstorm, Raven is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Edgar Allan Poe influence was probably one of my favorite parts. I had fun catching the references and seeing how Lyndsay Faye took familiar pieces of Poe’s world and turned them into something of her own. It felt like a love letter to Gothic literature without simply trying to recreate Poe.
I also really enjoyed Raven as a character. Her complicated history, her fascination with the occult, and everything she carries with her emotionally gave the story a darker edge. The mystery surrounding her death kept me wondering where everything was ultimately going.
This is definitely a slower, more atmospheric read, and the writing is very detailed and intentionally old-fashioned. There were moments when I felt the length, but the Gothic mood kept pulling me back in.
If you love Edgar Allan Poe, Gothic mysteries, haunted old houses, witchcraft, historical fiction, and stories that feel like they belong in a dark library during a thunderstorm, Raven is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2026
Raven is a dark, atmospheric Gothic novel that feels like a love letter to Edgar Allan Poe. Set in nineteenth-century Maryland, it follows Raven Helen Allan, a young woman whose difficult childhood, fascination with witchcraft and longing for belonging lead her into a world of secrets and strange happenings. After leaving her aunt's home, Raven takes a position at the mysterious Moldavia Manor, where she becomes involved with a sickly young woman, her mysterious cousin and the unsettling secrets hidden within the estate. What makes this story appealing is its combination of historical fiction, supernatural mystery and complicated relationships. The Poe references add another layer, especially for readers familiar with his work. I also like that Raven's journey explores love, grief, identity and the desire to find a place in the world. The pacing may feel slow, and the writing is richly descriptive, but fans of eerie, character-driven Gothic stories will find plenty to enjoy.
October 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired themes in this one. Poe is one of my favorites, so the name inspiration and excerpts throughout were definitely a highlight for me. There was something especially fun about the idea of a woman continuing to write from beyond the grave, which gave the story some wonderfully spooky elements.
That said, this book is long, and I felt that length in the middle. The pacing dragged a bit and I think the story could have benefited from being trimmed down some. It made it harder to stay completely engaged at times.
Overall, though, this was a fun read for spooky season. It isn't really scary, but it has enough eerie atmosphere, gothic themes, and supernatural elements to make it a good October read. 🖤📖
I really enjoyed the Edgar Allan Poe-inspired themes in this one. Poe is one of my favorites, so the name inspiration and excerpts throughout were definitely a highlight for me. There was something especially fun about the idea of a woman continuing to write from beyond the grave, which gave the story some wonderfully spooky elements.
That said, this book is long, and I felt that length in the middle. The pacing dragged a bit and I think the story could have benefited from being trimmed down some. It made it harder to stay completely engaged at times.
Overall, though, this was a fun read for spooky season. It isn't really scary, but it has enough eerie atmosphere, gothic themes, and supernatural elements to make it a good October read. 🖤📖
October 6, 2026
Remember how you wanted to love *Fall of the House of Usher* on Netflix because it was going to be so full of Poe references, but then developed into just a chaotic mashup, and you couldn't really love any of the characters, and it ended up being kind of campy and satirical?
Well, Lyndsay Faye has got you.
Raven is a real story, with a character you will fall tragically in love with, and Poe references woven delicately throughout, and a plot you will care about, even if you've never even read "The Tell-Tale Heart." Are you a dedicated Poe stan? You're going to catch a lot of names and phrases that resonate. Are you just a fan of gothic horror and Victorian moodiness? This book will deliver. It's smart, it's mad, it's spooky and unhinged, it's the perfect pick for October vibes.
Well, Lyndsay Faye has got you.
Raven is a real story, with a character you will fall tragically in love with, and Poe references woven delicately throughout, and a plot you will care about, even if you've never even read "The Tell-Tale Heart." Are you a dedicated Poe stan? You're going to catch a lot of names and phrases that resonate. Are you just a fan of gothic horror and Victorian moodiness? This book will deliver. It's smart, it's mad, it's spooky and unhinged, it's the perfect pick for October vibes.
October 7, 2026
Audiobook 🎧
DNF @ 43%.
This was just really boring. Nothing even happened in the first almost half of the book and i just could not force myself to keep going. I wasnt invested in the characters or the story. Many other reviews said basically nothing happens until the 2/3 of the way through, and that seems crazy to me.
I could never connect with Raven and just found her character very 1 demensional. There were little bits of magic and her being a witch hinted at throughout but nothing that captured me. It just was not for me. The narrator was amazing though!
DNF @ 43%.
This was just really boring. Nothing even happened in the first almost half of the book and i just could not force myself to keep going. I wasnt invested in the characters or the story. Many other reviews said basically nothing happens until the 2/3 of the way through, and that seems crazy to me.
I could never connect with Raven and just found her character very 1 demensional. There were little bits of magic and her being a witch hinted at throughout but nothing that captured me. It just was not for me. The narrator was amazing though!
Did Not Finish
October 10, 2026DNF'd at 38%
I truly wanted to love this story. I am a big fan of Poe, so when I heard this was inspired by his works, I was excited to read it.
However, something about it was clicking for me.
I'm not sure if it's the writing style, or the characters, but it fell flat for me. I just lost interest.
Once I took a break from it...I never went back to finish it 😬
**This was an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway, I received it around August or so. DNF'd in September.
I truly wanted to love this story. I am a big fan of Poe, so when I heard this was inspired by his works, I was excited to read it.
However, something about it was clicking for me.
I'm not sure if it's the writing style, or the characters, but it fell flat for me. I just lost interest.
Once I took a break from it...I never went back to finish it 😬
**This was an ARC from a Goodreads giveaway, I received it around August or so. DNF'd in September.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
While I did enjoy this story, I had a hard time getting into it. I would say that between halfway and two-thirds of the way through the book is when I started to actively want to keep going. If you enjoy historical fiction and/or Edgar Allan Poe, I do think that you will like this book.
Did Not Finish
October 1, 2026DNF at 40% this is way too boring. Not much has happened and there is little to no intrigue.
October 15, 2026
This book was well written and shows historical relevance and the stuff with backwards family trying to keep it all together with forward hopes!
October 14, 2026
I listened to the audio version of this book and it is the perfect read for spooky season. The Edgar Allan Poe quotes included in the book were a nice addition to each chapter. This is definitely a slow burn so if you're looking for a thriller, keep looking but if you want to settle in to an atmospheric Gothic tale you are in for a treat.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Read
July 3, 2026i was once a very emo fourteen year old who would've DEVOURED a book that included a FMC romantically involved with characters who are a very, very thinly disguised edgar and virginia (and i very much did read the trashfire that was 'the raven's bride' back then....all in one go until 5 in the morning on a school night) but i don't think at my age the nostalgic morbid curiosity will win me over to this one.
.......bookmarking it though, just in case it does win.
EDIT: holy HELL???? by the author of Dust & Shadow????? oh yeah, fourteen year old me would be crying tears of joy right now.
.......bookmarking it though, just in case it does win.
EDIT: holy HELL???? by the author of Dust & Shadow????? oh yeah, fourteen year old me would be crying tears of joy right now.
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