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White Raven
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Expected 1 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 22:01:45
10 copies available
U.S. only
From the USA Today bestselling author of Savage Lands comes a sweeping new fantasy
perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Rebecca Yarros.
“Harbingers of enlightened, bringers of darkness. Givers of life, tellers of death…significance
flies on the backs of raven wings for those who dare to listen to its meaning. For we are the
Messengers of the Realm.”
The White Raven was born to bring magic to the dying realm.
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the ravens were stripped of their wings, and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Her blood holds the power to heal the land and unite the kingdoms.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when their enemy from the Night Realm kidnapped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into the treacherous land, called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
His mission is to take her to the Night King.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Because everyone knows…who has the White Raven holds the power.
perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Rebecca Yarros.
“Harbingers of enlightened, bringers of darkness. Givers of life, tellers of death…significance
flies on the backs of raven wings for those who dare to listen to its meaning. For we are the
Messengers of the Realm.”
The White Raven was born to bring magic to the dying realm.
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the ravens were stripped of their wings, and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Her blood holds the power to heal the land and unite the kingdoms.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when their enemy from the Night Realm kidnapped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into the treacherous land, called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
His mission is to take her to the Night King.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Because everyone knows…who has the White Raven holds the power.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
60 books6,616 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Did Not Finish
June 28, 2026DNF 19%
Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for this arc opportunity.
I can definitely see romantasy readers going feral for this planned trilogy. It’s all there in theory: a Norse inspired magic system/fantasy setting; imaginative while easy to understand world building; a spunky FMC; a barbaric MMC; a kidnapping trope based romance; a fast pace w good action. But this is most certainly not for me because the execution leaves so much to be desired.
My first ick is that the FMC is a few months shy of being 19. In tandem, there’s a specific plot device that takes place on the 19th birthday. So my question is: why couldn’t this specific age requirement be 23-25 or even 21 at least?? Oh that’s right because this girl is literally 18 & acts like it. She is the definition of a stupid, childish teenager so I guess an actual adult wouldn’t work🤷♀️ When said princess btw finds out about her betrothal, the author attempts at anxiety representation but what we’re given is her running into a servant on the floor cleaning & proceeds to berate them by kicking buckets & screaming in their face. Basically having a full blown hissy fit all in the first chapter. But I kept reading because who knows, by the end, her character arc could be so badass.
I think this author is just not for me. I tried to get into her Savage Lands series but the writing wasn’t it. Here, her writing has only slightly improved. It’s overly simple, almost painfully YA all while trying so hard to be adult. every other beat, there was something crude thrown in. Like how we really needed to know that 3 years ago she lost her virginity in the stables. Yep the 15 year old, according to my math at least. The cussing is almost like it’s being forced out of their mouths. By 10%, she’s already involved in some type of spicy activity.
The dialogue is cringy at best. The pacing stutters every time action is involved. I completely understand that the MC’s idiotic choices have to happen in order to make the plot happen but come on; She makes such stupid choices. & it’s been stated that she’s been training since like 12 so why is she getting herself into the most ridiculous scenarios.
Also, for those who like to know: the chapters are on the longer side.
Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for this arc opportunity.
I can definitely see romantasy readers going feral for this planned trilogy. It’s all there in theory: a Norse inspired magic system/fantasy setting; imaginative while easy to understand world building; a spunky FMC; a barbaric MMC; a kidnapping trope based romance; a fast pace w good action. But this is most certainly not for me because the execution leaves so much to be desired.
My first ick is that the FMC is a few months shy of being 19. In tandem, there’s a specific plot device that takes place on the 19th birthday. So my question is: why couldn’t this specific age requirement be 23-25 or even 21 at least?? Oh that’s right because this girl is literally 18 & acts like it. She is the definition of a stupid, childish teenager so I guess an actual adult wouldn’t work🤷♀️ When said princess btw finds out about her betrothal, the author attempts at anxiety representation but what we’re given is her running into a servant on the floor cleaning & proceeds to berate them by kicking buckets & screaming in their face. Basically having a full blown hissy fit all in the first chapter. But I kept reading because who knows, by the end, her character arc could be so badass.
I think this author is just not for me. I tried to get into her Savage Lands series but the writing wasn’t it. Here, her writing has only slightly improved. It’s overly simple, almost painfully YA all while trying so hard to be adult. every other beat, there was something crude thrown in. Like how we really needed to know that 3 years ago she lost her virginity in the stables. Yep the 15 year old, according to my math at least. The cussing is almost like it’s being forced out of their mouths. By 10%, she’s already involved in some type of spicy activity.
The dialogue is cringy at best. The pacing stutters every time action is involved. I completely understand that the MC’s idiotic choices have to happen in order to make the plot happen but come on; She makes such stupid choices. & it’s been stated that she’s been training since like 12 so why is she getting herself into the most ridiculous scenarios.
Also, for those who like to know: the chapters are on the longer side.
Read
June 1, 2026A sizzling new romantasy series filled with pulse-pounding action, unforgettable side characters, and chemistry so hot it burns right off the page! When Wren is kidnapped by a broody, mysterious fae from the Night Realm, her world is turned upside down. White Raven is fast-paced, sexy, and so addictive!
August 20, 2026
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for sending me an ARC. 🖤
If you’ve been around for a while, you know how much I love Stacey Marie Brown’s books, so it should come as no surprise that I devoured White Raven. 🖤
She knows how to write a TRUE enemies-to-lovers romance. I’m talking actual enemies, sharp banter, insane tension, and the kind of chemistry that had me kicking my feet the entire book. And somehow, she always gives me exactly the kind of FMC I love: a baddie who is strong and capable without being unrealistically invincible.
Wrennlyn has trained her entire life to be the White Raven, knowing whoever holds her holds the power. She can fight, but she also knows she isn’t overpowering a man twice her size, so she watches, waits, and learns when to seize an opportunity. She starts incredibly sheltered and naive, but never stupid. Watching her slowly uncover the truth, question everything she was raised to believe, and begin making her own choices was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And ONYX. 🫠 A tortured, filthy-mouthed Nightland Raven who hates everything Wrennlyn represents, yet has an overwhelming need to protect her? He never coddles her or hides the ugliness of the world from her. He challenges her, shows her the truths no one else bothered to, and sees her in a way no one else ever has. I loved him.
The Viking-inspired world, raven lore, Day/Night/Dusk realms, Blood War, curse, and magic system felt so unique. Add in found family, side characters I immediately became attached to, and a little Groundling that gave me all the feelings my beloved Brownie from Savage Lands did, and I was sold.
But that ending?! I NEVER GUESSED IT. Not once. Not even close. I genuinely think this is going to be one of those books that takes the book world by storm once readers get their hands on it.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know how much I love Stacey Marie Brown’s books, so it should come as no surprise that I devoured White Raven. 🖤
She knows how to write a TRUE enemies-to-lovers romance. I’m talking actual enemies, sharp banter, insane tension, and the kind of chemistry that had me kicking my feet the entire book. And somehow, she always gives me exactly the kind of FMC I love: a baddie who is strong and capable without being unrealistically invincible.
Wrennlyn has trained her entire life to be the White Raven, knowing whoever holds her holds the power. She can fight, but she also knows she isn’t overpowering a man twice her size, so she watches, waits, and learns when to seize an opportunity. She starts incredibly sheltered and naive, but never stupid. Watching her slowly uncover the truth, question everything she was raised to believe, and begin making her own choices was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And ONYX. 🫠 A tortured, filthy-mouthed Nightland Raven who hates everything Wrennlyn represents, yet has an overwhelming need to protect her? He never coddles her or hides the ugliness of the world from her. He challenges her, shows her the truths no one else bothered to, and sees her in a way no one else ever has. I loved him.
The Viking-inspired world, raven lore, Day/Night/Dusk realms, Blood War, curse, and magic system felt so unique. Add in found family, side characters I immediately became attached to, and a little Groundling that gave me all the feelings my beloved Brownie from Savage Lands did, and I was sold.
But that ending?! I NEVER GUESSED IT. Not once. Not even close. I genuinely think this is going to be one of those books that takes the book world by storm once readers get their hands on it.
August 23, 2026
This was such a nice change of pace for me. I’m an avid reader of Greek and roman mythology inspired books. So reading this one inspired by Viking lore was different for me. I really loved it and it made me want to check out more books with similar inspirations.
I’m a sucker for characters going on a journey or quest, and this was what I got. As they are making their way across the kingdom, with Wrenn as Onyx’s captive it allowed the reader to learn about the world. There was not too much world building info dumping. Instead we experienced it. Plus, the journey allowed for so much banter with caused the tension and yearning to build. It was delicious!
The last page killed me. It was literally 3 am and I had to reread the last page several times because I was SHOOK. Stacey Marie Brown knows how to spring an unexpected twist on her readers, and to do it at the very end was diabolical.
Wrenn - Didn’t love the FMC. I understand she was 18 and sheltered and lied to growing up, she was still super annoying. She kept saying she would escape and people would help her, and I was just screaming at her like, babe, have you not learned from everyone trying to kill or hurt you? Clearly no one is going to help you. She was so adamant that she was this beloved figure, but it was not clicking when she literally saw with her own eyes that her people did not feel that way. This improved throughout the book and I appreciated the character growth. But I definitely cannot wait for more of her growing up.
Onyx - Tatted/scarred, deadly, and cunning he is a perfect MMC. I loved that he was actually MEAN. There’s nothing worse than reading an enemies to lovers and the MMC is too nice and they don’t actually have enemy vibes. Instead he is grumpy, cruel, and dangerous. This made his few tracts of kindness and tender moments with her even more beautiful to read. It amped the tension up so much. We get bits and pieces of his back story, but I am feral to get my hands on more in the next two books.
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
🐦⬛TRUE Enemies to Lovers
🐦⬛Forced Proxikitg
🐦⬛One horse
🐦⬛Captor x captive
🐦⬛Chosen One
🐦⬛Forced Proximity
🐦⬛Viking mythology vibes
🐦⬛Forbidden romance
🐦⬛Morally grey MMC
🐦⬛Grumpy x sunshine
🐦⬛Political intrigue/secrets
🐦⬛Tension and yearning
I’m a sucker for characters going on a journey or quest, and this was what I got. As they are making their way across the kingdom, with Wrenn as Onyx’s captive it allowed the reader to learn about the world. There was not too much world building info dumping. Instead we experienced it. Plus, the journey allowed for so much banter with caused the tension and yearning to build. It was delicious!
The last page killed me. It was literally 3 am and I had to reread the last page several times because I was SHOOK. Stacey Marie Brown knows how to spring an unexpected twist on her readers, and to do it at the very end was diabolical.
Wrenn - Didn’t love the FMC. I understand she was 18 and sheltered and lied to growing up, she was still super annoying. She kept saying she would escape and people would help her, and I was just screaming at her like, babe, have you not learned from everyone trying to kill or hurt you? Clearly no one is going to help you. She was so adamant that she was this beloved figure, but it was not clicking when she literally saw with her own eyes that her people did not feel that way. This improved throughout the book and I appreciated the character growth. But I definitely cannot wait for more of her growing up.
Onyx - Tatted/scarred, deadly, and cunning he is a perfect MMC. I loved that he was actually MEAN. There’s nothing worse than reading an enemies to lovers and the MMC is too nice and they don’t actually have enemy vibes. Instead he is grumpy, cruel, and dangerous. This made his few tracts of kindness and tender moments with her even more beautiful to read. It amped the tension up so much. We get bits and pieces of his back story, but I am feral to get my hands on more in the next two books.
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes:
🐦⬛TRUE Enemies to Lovers
🐦⬛Forced Proxikitg
🐦⬛One horse
🐦⬛Captor x captive
🐦⬛Chosen One
🐦⬛Forced Proximity
🐦⬛Viking mythology vibes
🐦⬛Forbidden romance
🐦⬛Morally grey MMC
🐦⬛Grumpy x sunshine
🐦⬛Political intrigue/secrets
🐦⬛Tension and yearning
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well, that did not end the way I expected it to. Wow. Just wow.
I’ll be honest: I was not impressed with this book in the beginning. But since it was short, I felt like I needed to push through because it did seem like it had potential. I am so glad I did!
I really didn’t like the female main character for most of the book. She was incredibly naïve, selfish, and, privileged. I also had to ignore the fact she was only 18 and in my head I just made her older because, yuck. By the end, she sort of started to grow on me. Then came those last few sentences….iykyk 🤯🤯Now I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to see where this story goes.
The male main character, on the other hand, was brutal, unyielding, and honestly? I loved him because well, duh 😂
I do think the world building could have been better, but I felt like the book established a good enough foundation and I’m interested to see how the author builds on it.
Despite a questionable start, I’m really glad I stuck with it. That ending completely hooked me.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys enemies to what I hope will be lovers, morally questionable characters, and a story that saves some major surprises for the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I’ll be honest: I was not impressed with this book in the beginning. But since it was short, I felt like I needed to push through because it did seem like it had potential. I am so glad I did!
I really didn’t like the female main character for most of the book. She was incredibly naïve, selfish, and, privileged. I also had to ignore the fact she was only 18 and in my head I just made her older because, yuck. By the end, she sort of started to grow on me. Then came those last few sentences….iykyk 🤯🤯Now I absolutely cannot wait for the second book to see where this story goes.
The male main character, on the other hand, was brutal, unyielding, and honestly? I loved him because well, duh 😂
I do think the world building could have been better, but I felt like the book established a good enough foundation and I’m interested to see how the author builds on it.
Despite a questionable start, I’m really glad I stuck with it. That ending completely hooked me.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys enemies to what I hope will be lovers, morally questionable characters, and a story that saves some major surprises for the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
August 15, 2026
As a big fan of the Savage Lands series, I have to say I’m super disappointed. The story had potential - the sheltered princess is kidnapped by the hot, morally grey enemy and taken to the scary Night Raven kingdom. There’s some political intrigue and mysterious powers that the FMC is supposed to come into.
Unfortunately I found both MCs to be unlikable. They had no chemistry and the dialogue was very cringey at times. I never DNF, but I was honestly close to doing so. I didn’t because there were things that I wanted answers to, but ultimately the ending was chaotic and didn’t tell me much of anything. I won’t be continuing the series.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately I found both MCs to be unlikable. They had no chemistry and the dialogue was very cringey at times. I never DNF, but I was honestly close to doing so. I didn’t because there were things that I wanted answers to, but ultimately the ending was chaotic and didn’t tell me much of anything. I won’t be continuing the series.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 22, 2026
This will be one of my favourite reads of 2026!! It was genuinely such an addictive story and the push and pull between main characters Wrennlyn and Onyx was diabolically good!! I had to binge this book as there is nothing like the adrenaline rush an amazing story gives you!
Stacey delivers an incredible enemies-to-lovers romance. There is delicious witty, sharp, smart mouthed banter and these insane levels of tension and yearning as Wren and Onyx try to fight this forbidden romance! I was smirking and kicking my feet with every interaction between them and boy did Stacey deliver a couple of great one room trope. scenes ❤️🔥
Wrennlyn has trained her entire life to be the White Raven, with her fate tied to being the prophesised key to two rival kingdom's power. She is kidnapped from her kingdom by Onyx, a slave within the castle where she lives, whose true identity she intends to unravel in order to escape his plans for her. At first Wren is quite naive and even complacent but throughout her journey to the Night Kingdom she begins to question everything she was raised to believe about the people of Night and Dusk realms. She uncovers that perhaps the history of all their peoples and even the prophecy may have been told in ways to see her manipulated and kept as a tool for control and power by her father, the Day King.
Onyx is everything I want in a morally grey MMC. He has been tortured, made a slave, incredible warrior, arrogant, has a filthy mouth yet is drawn to Wren's curious intelligent mind and strong will. He forces her to take notice of the ugliness and cruelty all around them, but also teaches her that at their essence, people are all people, no matter where they are from or the colour of their skin. There are also good, just, kind people who at their core just want to love and be loved. He opens Wren's eyes to the non-priviledged life that most of her people live and the famine and slavery that the poor are forced to endure. Onyx's lesson's lead to immense growth and compassion within Wren, who before was seemingly content to just be the King's tool and not question her beliefs. The more Wren sees, the more her eyes are opened and she now craves a future of her choosing.
This Viking-inspired world is dark, atmospheric and cruel. I loved how Stacey wove the mythology of Huginn-Muninn into their ancestral raven lore. This is a world in desperate need of balance as you have a kingdom with eternal day, eternal night and eternal dusk. I loved the wonder of Wren seeing the moon and stars for the first time. The found family element is so well written. Onyx meets up with his friends upon entering back into the Night Kingdom, and another side to his personality is revealed and he becomes even more possessive and unhinged over his feelings for Wren. Gods am I head over heels for this male!!
The ending though 🤯 I did not see that coming!! I cannot wait to continue this series, I can see it being incredible successful and I know I will be recommending it.
Thanks to the author, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced review copy and this is my honest opinion.
Stacey delivers an incredible enemies-to-lovers romance. There is delicious witty, sharp, smart mouthed banter and these insane levels of tension and yearning as Wren and Onyx try to fight this forbidden romance! I was smirking and kicking my feet with every interaction between them and boy did Stacey deliver a couple of great one room trope. scenes ❤️🔥
Wrennlyn has trained her entire life to be the White Raven, with her fate tied to being the prophesised key to two rival kingdom's power. She is kidnapped from her kingdom by Onyx, a slave within the castle where she lives, whose true identity she intends to unravel in order to escape his plans for her. At first Wren is quite naive and even complacent but throughout her journey to the Night Kingdom she begins to question everything she was raised to believe about the people of Night and Dusk realms. She uncovers that perhaps the history of all their peoples and even the prophecy may have been told in ways to see her manipulated and kept as a tool for control and power by her father, the Day King.
Onyx is everything I want in a morally grey MMC. He has been tortured, made a slave, incredible warrior, arrogant, has a filthy mouth yet is drawn to Wren's curious intelligent mind and strong will. He forces her to take notice of the ugliness and cruelty all around them, but also teaches her that at their essence, people are all people, no matter where they are from or the colour of their skin. There are also good, just, kind people who at their core just want to love and be loved. He opens Wren's eyes to the non-priviledged life that most of her people live and the famine and slavery that the poor are forced to endure. Onyx's lesson's lead to immense growth and compassion within Wren, who before was seemingly content to just be the King's tool and not question her beliefs. The more Wren sees, the more her eyes are opened and she now craves a future of her choosing.
This Viking-inspired world is dark, atmospheric and cruel. I loved how Stacey wove the mythology of Huginn-Muninn into their ancestral raven lore. This is a world in desperate need of balance as you have a kingdom with eternal day, eternal night and eternal dusk. I loved the wonder of Wren seeing the moon and stars for the first time. The found family element is so well written. Onyx meets up with his friends upon entering back into the Night Kingdom, and another side to his personality is revealed and he becomes even more possessive and unhinged over his feelings for Wren. Gods am I head over heels for this male!!
The ending though 🤯 I did not see that coming!! I cannot wait to continue this series, I can see it being incredible successful and I know I will be recommending it.
Thanks to the author, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced review copy and this is my honest opinion.
August 6, 2026
Thank you Stacey and Blackwell Publishing for this eARC!
I’m torn between a 3 and a 3.5. The plot has a lot of potential. I mean it’s a kidnapping trope and that’s always a good time. Until it isn’t.
There is a lot of dark content in this book and the dialogue at times didn’t fit and took me out of the story. Almost making those dark themes seems like a joke - which isn’t ideal.
Our FMC is 18, which is already a bummer. She’s also quite annoying and stuck up. Granted she was raised as a Royal so what else would you expect? She’s been taught how to fight yet in every situation she finds herself in she can’t figure out how to fight.
I thought I’ve met morally black characters, then we meet our MMC. I honestly cannot tell you if I like him or not. And not in like a Theon St. Orcas kind of way. This pushed past (my) boundary of comfort of messed up. Girl. He kidnapped you and has literally not done a single attractive thing to you and you don’t know his name and know he’s your enemy and you’re… turned on? Like right away? Girl.
Every other chapter she gets almost murdered/eaten/SA’d. It’s a lot. If another crusty man has to mention “filling her with his seed” I’m gonna scream.
I think the only thing that kept me going was the need to know what the tattoo meant. And well. lol.
Then the ending happened and I was shocked but also it made me even more mad.
I might read book 2 when it exists just out morbid curiosity. Who’s to say.
I’m torn between a 3 and a 3.5. The plot has a lot of potential. I mean it’s a kidnapping trope and that’s always a good time. Until it isn’t.
There is a lot of dark content in this book and the dialogue at times didn’t fit and took me out of the story. Almost making those dark themes seems like a joke - which isn’t ideal.
Our FMC is 18, which is already a bummer. She’s also quite annoying and stuck up. Granted she was raised as a Royal so what else would you expect? She’s been taught how to fight yet in every situation she finds herself in she can’t figure out how to fight.
I thought I’ve met morally black characters, then we meet our MMC. I honestly cannot tell you if I like him or not. And not in like a Theon St. Orcas kind of way. This pushed past (my) boundary of comfort of messed up. Girl. He kidnapped you and has literally not done a single attractive thing to you and you don’t know his name and know he’s your enemy and you’re… turned on? Like right away? Girl.
Every other chapter she gets almost murdered/eaten/SA’d. It’s a lot. If another crusty man has to mention “filling her with his seed” I’m gonna scream.
I think the only thing that kept me going was the need to know what the tattoo meant. And well. lol.
Then the ending happened and I was shocked but also it made me even more mad.
I might read book 2 when it exists just out morbid curiosity. Who’s to say.
August 25, 2026
Ahhh this was sooo good.
More to come
Lord have mercy there was a lot to unpack in this one. Our FMC was such a brat at the start and I wanted to throttle her. She had to know she was being cruel yet that didn’t seem to stop her.
Now the MMC is also annoyingly handsome and attractive and stubborn.
More to come
Lord have mercy there was a lot to unpack in this one. Our FMC was such a brat at the start and I wanted to throttle her. She had to know she was being cruel yet that didn’t seem to stop her.
Now the MMC is also annoyingly handsome and attractive and stubborn.
Did Not Finish
July 23, 2026Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I really enjoyed Browns "Savage Lands" series so I was already interested in any new works.
This story follows Wrenn, a 19 year old Day Raven, who is forced to marry for her own protection from the Night Ravens but is kidnapped. The world is pretty fleshed out within the first chapter so the reader has a solid grasp. I did feel that the writing was very YA and told more than it showed.
I ended up DNFing this book at 15%. The FMC is very immature. I do believe she will have a really solid character arc and mature but her actions in the first few chapters were very off putting. She treats enemy slaves pretty terribly- kicking their water pail over and screaming at them. Very little had been said to justify that and it did not endear me to the character. Between that and the YA writing style I wasn't interested in pursuing it further as a 35 year old mom of 3- however it absolutely may have been up my alley as a younger adult!
This story follows Wrenn, a 19 year old Day Raven, who is forced to marry for her own protection from the Night Ravens but is kidnapped. The world is pretty fleshed out within the first chapter so the reader has a solid grasp. I did feel that the writing was very YA and told more than it showed.
I ended up DNFing this book at 15%. The FMC is very immature. I do believe she will have a really solid character arc and mature but her actions in the first few chapters were very off putting. She treats enemy slaves pretty terribly- kicking their water pail over and screaming at them. Very little had been said to justify that and it did not endear me to the character. Between that and the YA writing style I wasn't interested in pursuing it further as a 35 year old mom of 3- however it absolutely may have been up my alley as a younger adult!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Stacey Marie Brown does it again with White Raven, delivering a gritty, dark fantasy romance that captures your attention from the opening pages and refuses to let go. Packed with high-stakes action, rich worldbuilding, and excruciating slow-burn tension, this novel is an absolute feast for dark romantasy fans.
Set in a brutal, divided realm cursed by an ancient conflict, the story follows Wrennlyn "Wren" Stallard, the daughter of the Day King. Raised in privilege behind the safe, sheltered walls of Silvervale, Wren’s entire existence has been carefully curated—and heavily controlled.
Her life shatters on the night of her betrothal when she is abducted by Onyx, a deadly warrior from the rival Night Realm. Dragged across perilous, snowy landscapes and into the dangerous expanse of the Shadow Rift, Wren is thrust into a reality she was never prepared for. As rumors whisper that her blood holds the key to bringing magic back to a dying world, Wren quickly realizes she is a prized pawn in a far bigger, deadlier game.
Wren’s journey is the heart of the novel. At the start, she appears to be a sheltered royal, but beneath that privileged exterior lies a resilient, defiant, and remarkably clever woman. As she is dragged across the realm facing constant environmental and political threats, her growth is incredible to watch.
Wren is forced to reckon with the stark truth that everything her father taught her was a lie. Navigating this forced journey requires incredible grit, and seeing her adapt, fight back, and reclaim her own agency makes her a heroine you can't help but root for.
Onyx is a masterclass in the broody, morally gray antihero. Cold, calculating, and fueled by a deep demand for vengeance, he spent months undercover just to execute Wren's kidnapping. He views her strictly as a mission—a means to an end for the Night King.
However, Onyx’s arc is defined by the crack in his ruthless exterior. Expecting a fragile, pampered princess, he is continually thrown off balance by Wren’s sharp mind and unwavering spirit. Though he remains dangerous and guarded, he becomes the sole source of hard truths about the realm's true history, slowly pulling back the veil on the lies Wren lived under.
The chemistry between Wren and Onyx is dynamic and fraught with conflict. Wren knows she cannot trust or rely on the man who snatched her from her home, creating a brilliant layer of psychological friction. Yet, out in the wilds, he is her only protection and her only link to reality.
This creates a **slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic** that sizzles with intense, forbidden chemistry. The forced proximity on their constant, dangerous journey fuels a delicious friction where every shared glance, harsh word, and reluctant alliance carries real weight.
The constant peril of their journey across treacherous terrains kept me turning pages late into the night. Between dynamic action encounters and shifting loyalties, the narrative never drags.
I literally could not put this book down. Stacey Marie Brown excels at writing dark, atmospheric worlds populated by fiery heroines and complex, dangerous love interests. Based on that jaw-dropping ending, I am going to need a copy of the next book in this series as soon as humanly possible!
If you loved Brown’s *Savage Lands* series or enjoy gritty, high-stakes dark fantasy with a intense slow burn, put White Raven at the top of your TBR list immediately.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set in a brutal, divided realm cursed by an ancient conflict, the story follows Wrennlyn "Wren" Stallard, the daughter of the Day King. Raised in privilege behind the safe, sheltered walls of Silvervale, Wren’s entire existence has been carefully curated—and heavily controlled.
Her life shatters on the night of her betrothal when she is abducted by Onyx, a deadly warrior from the rival Night Realm. Dragged across perilous, snowy landscapes and into the dangerous expanse of the Shadow Rift, Wren is thrust into a reality she was never prepared for. As rumors whisper that her blood holds the key to bringing magic back to a dying world, Wren quickly realizes she is a prized pawn in a far bigger, deadlier game.
Wren’s journey is the heart of the novel. At the start, she appears to be a sheltered royal, but beneath that privileged exterior lies a resilient, defiant, and remarkably clever woman. As she is dragged across the realm facing constant environmental and political threats, her growth is incredible to watch.
Wren is forced to reckon with the stark truth that everything her father taught her was a lie. Navigating this forced journey requires incredible grit, and seeing her adapt, fight back, and reclaim her own agency makes her a heroine you can't help but root for.
Onyx is a masterclass in the broody, morally gray antihero. Cold, calculating, and fueled by a deep demand for vengeance, he spent months undercover just to execute Wren's kidnapping. He views her strictly as a mission—a means to an end for the Night King.
However, Onyx’s arc is defined by the crack in his ruthless exterior. Expecting a fragile, pampered princess, he is continually thrown off balance by Wren’s sharp mind and unwavering spirit. Though he remains dangerous and guarded, he becomes the sole source of hard truths about the realm's true history, slowly pulling back the veil on the lies Wren lived under.
The chemistry between Wren and Onyx is dynamic and fraught with conflict. Wren knows she cannot trust or rely on the man who snatched her from her home, creating a brilliant layer of psychological friction. Yet, out in the wilds, he is her only protection and her only link to reality.
This creates a **slow-burn enemies-to-lovers dynamic** that sizzles with intense, forbidden chemistry. The forced proximity on their constant, dangerous journey fuels a delicious friction where every shared glance, harsh word, and reluctant alliance carries real weight.
The constant peril of their journey across treacherous terrains kept me turning pages late into the night. Between dynamic action encounters and shifting loyalties, the narrative never drags.
I literally could not put this book down. Stacey Marie Brown excels at writing dark, atmospheric worlds populated by fiery heroines and complex, dangerous love interests. Based on that jaw-dropping ending, I am going to need a copy of the next book in this series as soon as humanly possible!
If you loved Brown’s *Savage Lands* series or enjoy gritty, high-stakes dark fantasy with a intense slow burn, put White Raven at the top of your TBR list immediately.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
White Raven • Stacey Marie Brown
One phrase: kidnapped by the broody Night Raven 🖤❄️
WHERE. IS. BOOK. TWO?!
Stacey Marie Brown has done it again because White Raven was fast paced, sexy, addictive, and packed with the kind of romantasy chaos that makes you immediately need the next book.
After the Blood War, the realm was divided between Day, Night, and Dusk, leaving the Raven kingdoms bitter enemies and the land slowly dying. The prophecy says the White Raven is the key. Her blood can heal the realm, unite the kingdoms, and change everything.
Which means everyone wants her.
Wrennlyn has spent her life sheltered inside Silvervale, raised to believe in her destiny and everything her father and history books taught her. But when she is kidnapped on the night of her betrothal by Onyx, a ruthless Night Realm warrior with vengeance in his blood, everything she thought she knew starts to unravel.
Because history is written by the winners.
And Wren is about to learn the truth is much darker than she imagined.
Their journey across the Shadow Rift was full of danger, tension, betrayal, cannibals, Jackals, traffickers, political games, and all the delicious forced proximity I could want. Wren is kind, sheltered, and innocent, but she is not weak. I loved watching her inner strength grow as her world expanded and shattered around her.
And Onyx?
Broody. Morally gray. Protective. Angry. Secretive. Absolutely allergic to feelings.
Naturally, I loved him.
He claims to hate everyone, but the way he cannot stay away from Wren? The way he risks everything for her? The way he marks her as his own and then everything gets so much messier?
Say less.
The chemistry between Wren and Onyx was easily one of my favorite parts. The slow burn, the tension, the “I should hate you but I might burn the world for you” energy, all of it hit.
And that ending? RUDE. Action packed, chaotic, and absolutely designed to make me spiral while searching for book two.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🖤 enemies to lovers
❄️ forced proximity
🦅 White Raven prophecy
🌙 broody Night Realm hero
🔥 slow burn tension
😮💨 touch her and die energy
👑 political intrigue
🗡 morally gray MMC
💔 forbidden bond
🌑 dark fantasy adventure
⚔️ warring kingdoms
😱 cliffhanger ending
📚 Read this if you like:
Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, enemies to lovers romantasy, broody protective heroes, magical prophecies, dangerous journeys, and heroines discovering the truth about the world they were raised to believe in.
This was addictive, intense, romantic, and such a strong start to a new fantasy series.
#WhiteRaven #StaceyMarieBrown #RomantasyBooks #FantasyRomance #BookReview @blackstone
One phrase: kidnapped by the broody Night Raven 🖤❄️
WHERE. IS. BOOK. TWO?!
Stacey Marie Brown has done it again because White Raven was fast paced, sexy, addictive, and packed with the kind of romantasy chaos that makes you immediately need the next book.
After the Blood War, the realm was divided between Day, Night, and Dusk, leaving the Raven kingdoms bitter enemies and the land slowly dying. The prophecy says the White Raven is the key. Her blood can heal the realm, unite the kingdoms, and change everything.
Which means everyone wants her.
Wrennlyn has spent her life sheltered inside Silvervale, raised to believe in her destiny and everything her father and history books taught her. But when she is kidnapped on the night of her betrothal by Onyx, a ruthless Night Realm warrior with vengeance in his blood, everything she thought she knew starts to unravel.
Because history is written by the winners.
And Wren is about to learn the truth is much darker than she imagined.
Their journey across the Shadow Rift was full of danger, tension, betrayal, cannibals, Jackals, traffickers, political games, and all the delicious forced proximity I could want. Wren is kind, sheltered, and innocent, but she is not weak. I loved watching her inner strength grow as her world expanded and shattered around her.
And Onyx?
Broody. Morally gray. Protective. Angry. Secretive. Absolutely allergic to feelings.
Naturally, I loved him.
He claims to hate everyone, but the way he cannot stay away from Wren? The way he risks everything for her? The way he marks her as his own and then everything gets so much messier?
Say less.
The chemistry between Wren and Onyx was easily one of my favorite parts. The slow burn, the tension, the “I should hate you but I might burn the world for you” energy, all of it hit.
And that ending? RUDE. Action packed, chaotic, and absolutely designed to make me spiral while searching for book two.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🖤 enemies to lovers
❄️ forced proximity
🦅 White Raven prophecy
🌙 broody Night Realm hero
🔥 slow burn tension
😮💨 touch her and die energy
👑 political intrigue
🗡 morally gray MMC
💔 forbidden bond
🌑 dark fantasy adventure
⚔️ warring kingdoms
😱 cliffhanger ending
📚 Read this if you like:
Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, enemies to lovers romantasy, broody protective heroes, magical prophecies, dangerous journeys, and heroines discovering the truth about the world they were raised to believe in.
This was addictive, intense, romantic, and such a strong start to a new fantasy series.
#WhiteRaven #StaceyMarieBrown #RomantasyBooks #FantasyRomance #BookReview @blackstone
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ✨
🖤✨ White Raven by Stacey Marie Brown ✨🖤
New obsession unlocked: Onyx.
I fear Stacey Marie Brown has ruined me.
This book grabbed me from the very first chapter and refused to let go. Between the breathtaking world-building, ancient magic, political intrigue, ravens, prophecies, and one of the most addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamics I've read in a long time, I was completely consumed.
But let's address the very large, very morally grey elephant in the room...
Onyx.
This man is an absolute menace.
He's ruthless. Brutal. Calculating. He'll threaten you without blinking, kill without hesitation, and somehow still have you giggling and kicking your feet five pages later.
Every single interaction with Wrenn had me asking...
Does he want to kill her... or does he want to kiss her?
The answer?
Honestly... I'm not convinced he knows.
And THAT is exactly what made their chemistry so addictive.
This isn't one of those books where they're "enemies" because they exchanged a few snarky comments.
No.
These two genuinely despise each other. They don't trust each other. They challenge each other at every opportunity, and every conversation feels like a battlefield. The tension is sharp, messy, frustrating, and completely irresistible. Watching those tiny cracks appear in Onyx's armour had me absolutely feral.
Then there's Wrenn.
Everyone expects the sheltered princess to be weak.
Instead, she's stubborn, determined, and far smarter than anyone gives her credit for. She refuses to bow to Onyx, refuses to make his life easy, and gives as good as she gets. I loved watching her grow stronger with every chapter.
The fantasy itself was everything I wanted. A kingdom divided by war, ancient prophecies, raven mythology, dangerous journeys, political scheming, and twists that had me audibly saying, "EXCUSE ME?!" more than once.
And the romance?
It's a slow burn that simmers underneath every glare, every argument, every reluctant moment of vulnerability. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a dagger, and I lived for every agonising second of it.
Then Stacey Marie Brown delivered that ending...
Respectfully... how dare you?
Now I'm left staring into the void, wondering how I'm supposed to function while I wait to see what happens next.
If you're looking for:
🖤 A ruthless, morally grey MMC
⚔️ True enemies-to-lovers
🐦 Raven mythology and epic fantasy
🔥 Slow-burn tension that'll have you screaming
✨ Incredible world-building
👑 A heroine who refuses to back down
Then White Raven needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here wondering whether Onyx is the biggest walking red flag I've ever loved... because the answer is absolutely yes.
🖤✨ White Raven by Stacey Marie Brown ✨🖤
New obsession unlocked: Onyx.
I fear Stacey Marie Brown has ruined me.
This book grabbed me from the very first chapter and refused to let go. Between the breathtaking world-building, ancient magic, political intrigue, ravens, prophecies, and one of the most addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamics I've read in a long time, I was completely consumed.
But let's address the very large, very morally grey elephant in the room...
Onyx.
This man is an absolute menace.
He's ruthless. Brutal. Calculating. He'll threaten you without blinking, kill without hesitation, and somehow still have you giggling and kicking your feet five pages later.
Every single interaction with Wrenn had me asking...
Does he want to kill her... or does he want to kiss her?
The answer?
Honestly... I'm not convinced he knows.
And THAT is exactly what made their chemistry so addictive.
This isn't one of those books where they're "enemies" because they exchanged a few snarky comments.
No.
These two genuinely despise each other. They don't trust each other. They challenge each other at every opportunity, and every conversation feels like a battlefield. The tension is sharp, messy, frustrating, and completely irresistible. Watching those tiny cracks appear in Onyx's armour had me absolutely feral.
Then there's Wrenn.
Everyone expects the sheltered princess to be weak.
Instead, she's stubborn, determined, and far smarter than anyone gives her credit for. She refuses to bow to Onyx, refuses to make his life easy, and gives as good as she gets. I loved watching her grow stronger with every chapter.
The fantasy itself was everything I wanted. A kingdom divided by war, ancient prophecies, raven mythology, dangerous journeys, political scheming, and twists that had me audibly saying, "EXCUSE ME?!" more than once.
And the romance?
It's a slow burn that simmers underneath every glare, every argument, every reluctant moment of vulnerability. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a dagger, and I lived for every agonising second of it.
Then Stacey Marie Brown delivered that ending...
Respectfully... how dare you?
Now I'm left staring into the void, wondering how I'm supposed to function while I wait to see what happens next.
If you're looking for:
🖤 A ruthless, morally grey MMC
⚔️ True enemies-to-lovers
🐦 Raven mythology and epic fantasy
🔥 Slow-burn tension that'll have you screaming
✨ Incredible world-building
👑 A heroine who refuses to back down
Then White Raven needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here wondering whether Onyx is the biggest walking red flag I've ever loved... because the answer is absolutely yes.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copy of this book! The deluxe edition is stunning!
This story was so thrilling and really kept me invested from page one! This book made me feel so many things--excitement, joy, fear, hope, and anticipation. Every time I turned the page I was excited to see what would happen and how the story would progress.
I love books that are inspired by Norse Mythology and Brown did a great job intertwining existing myths with her own immersive world building! The world building is vivid and Brown's prose has evocative imagery that really makes the reader feel like they're present in the setting. The characters are dynamic and multi-faceted definitely have morally gray tendencies while still clinging to some semblance of goodness through their actions. The plot twists are also pretty shocking but reflecting after reading made me realize that Brown does a great job subtly foreshadowing them.
Wren (the FMC) is the White Raven who is destined to cleanse the land of the curse that was imposed on it by the Gods and she is stolen by Onyx (the MMC) who is from the enemy kingdom of the Night Ravens. There is sizzling tension between them BUT they are true enemies to lovers. They truly hate one another for a majority of the book and that is apparent through their actions, jabs at one another, and Wren's continuous attempts to get away from Onyx. So if you're looking for a true enemies to lovers this one is for you!
Brown does a great job creating political intrigue as well and makes everyone so morally gray that the reader really doesn't know who to root for. The conflict between the Day Ravens and the Night Ravens is the major conflict explored in this book but Brown also addresses how rulers can abandon their own people in pursuit of power and how many will do anything to stay in power which is explored masterfully throughout the narrative. There are also depictions of slavery, torture, and colonization so read all the trigger warnings.
This book does end on a major cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read the second book! I truly gasped when I read the last page!
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Norse Mythology retelling
Forced Proximity
Immersive World Building
Morally Gray MMC
Badass FMC
Political Intrigue
Blood Magic
This story was so thrilling and really kept me invested from page one! This book made me feel so many things--excitement, joy, fear, hope, and anticipation. Every time I turned the page I was excited to see what would happen and how the story would progress.
I love books that are inspired by Norse Mythology and Brown did a great job intertwining existing myths with her own immersive world building! The world building is vivid and Brown's prose has evocative imagery that really makes the reader feel like they're present in the setting. The characters are dynamic and multi-faceted definitely have morally gray tendencies while still clinging to some semblance of goodness through their actions. The plot twists are also pretty shocking but reflecting after reading made me realize that Brown does a great job subtly foreshadowing them.
Wren (the FMC) is the White Raven who is destined to cleanse the land of the curse that was imposed on it by the Gods and she is stolen by Onyx (the MMC) who is from the enemy kingdom of the Night Ravens. There is sizzling tension between them BUT they are true enemies to lovers. They truly hate one another for a majority of the book and that is apparent through their actions, jabs at one another, and Wren's continuous attempts to get away from Onyx. So if you're looking for a true enemies to lovers this one is for you!
Brown does a great job creating political intrigue as well and makes everyone so morally gray that the reader really doesn't know who to root for. The conflict between the Day Ravens and the Night Ravens is the major conflict explored in this book but Brown also addresses how rulers can abandon their own people in pursuit of power and how many will do anything to stay in power which is explored masterfully throughout the narrative. There are also depictions of slavery, torture, and colonization so read all the trigger warnings.
This book does end on a major cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read the second book! I truly gasped when I read the last page!
Tropes:
Enemies-to-lovers
Norse Mythology retelling
Forced Proximity
Immersive World Building
Morally Gray MMC
Badass FMC
Political Intrigue
Blood Magic
June 18, 2026
ARC Review | The White Raven by Stacey Marie Brown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHERE. IS. BOOK. TWO?!
Stacy Marie Brown has done it again! I was so excited to receive this ARC from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley, and now I’m left desperately needing the whole series!
After the Blood War, the realm was divided between Day and Night, leaving the Raven kingdoms bitter enemies.
The prophecy speaks of the White Raven, a woman whose blood has the power to heal the dying land and unite the kingdoms. Wren has spent her entire life preparing for this destiny, believing everything her father and history books have taught her. But as the story unfolds, she learns that “History is written by the winners to make themselves the heroes, not about the truth.”
On her wedding day, Wren is kidnapped by Onyx, a Night Raven thrall who has been ordered to deliver her to his king. After all, whoever controls the White Raven controls the future of the realm.
Their journey is anything but easy. They face cannibals, ruthless Jackals, and human traffickers who sell people into slavery. When Wren is taken, Onyx risks everything to rescue her. In doing so, he marks her as his own, but the mark turns out to be far more than a simple thrall bond.
Once they reach the Night Raven capital, Onyx delivers Wren to King Gavric, who intends to marry her and claim her power for himself. During the blood-bonding ceremony, however, the ritual fails because someone else has already bonded with her. As the king forces the ceremony to continue, enemies invade to steal Wren, leading to an action-packed, cliffhanger ending that had me frantically searching for book two.
Wren is such a lovable heroine. She’s kind, sheltered, and innocent, but she has an inner strength that continues to grow throughout the story. Onyx is the perfect broody, morally gray hero who claims to hate everyone, yet can’t seem to stay away from Wren. Their chemistry and slow-burn tension were easily some of my favorite parts of the book.
If you enjoy:
📌Enemies to lovers
📌Broody, protective hero
📌Forced proximity
📌Touch her and die vibes
📌Slow-burn romance
📌Political intrigue
📌Dark fantasy adventures
…then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your TBR.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book two.❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHERE. IS. BOOK. TWO?!
Stacy Marie Brown has done it again! I was so excited to receive this ARC from Blackstone Publishing through NetGalley, and now I’m left desperately needing the whole series!
After the Blood War, the realm was divided between Day and Night, leaving the Raven kingdoms bitter enemies.
The prophecy speaks of the White Raven, a woman whose blood has the power to heal the dying land and unite the kingdoms. Wren has spent her entire life preparing for this destiny, believing everything her father and history books have taught her. But as the story unfolds, she learns that “History is written by the winners to make themselves the heroes, not about the truth.”
On her wedding day, Wren is kidnapped by Onyx, a Night Raven thrall who has been ordered to deliver her to his king. After all, whoever controls the White Raven controls the future of the realm.
Their journey is anything but easy. They face cannibals, ruthless Jackals, and human traffickers who sell people into slavery. When Wren is taken, Onyx risks everything to rescue her. In doing so, he marks her as his own, but the mark turns out to be far more than a simple thrall bond.
Once they reach the Night Raven capital, Onyx delivers Wren to King Gavric, who intends to marry her and claim her power for himself. During the blood-bonding ceremony, however, the ritual fails because someone else has already bonded with her. As the king forces the ceremony to continue, enemies invade to steal Wren, leading to an action-packed, cliffhanger ending that had me frantically searching for book two.
Wren is such a lovable heroine. She’s kind, sheltered, and innocent, but she has an inner strength that continues to grow throughout the story. Onyx is the perfect broody, morally gray hero who claims to hate everyone, yet can’t seem to stay away from Wren. Their chemistry and slow-burn tension were easily some of my favorite parts of the book.
If you enjoy:
📌Enemies to lovers
📌Broody, protective hero
📌Forced proximity
📌Touch her and die vibes
📌Slow-burn romance
📌Political intrigue
📌Dark fantasy adventures
…then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your TBR.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book two.❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book review 📖
📜White Raven
✍️Stacey Marie Brown
📠Blackstone Publishing
📚Fantasy Fiction
🗓️Pub date: September 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Thank you @NetGalley @blackstonepublishing and @staceymariebrown for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher:
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the ravens were stripped of their wings, and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter, had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when an enemy from the Night Realm kidnaped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into a treacherous land called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting himself captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Thoughts:
This is the slowest of slow burns and I loved every minute of it.
The feisty and snarky retorts between Onyx and Wren, and later the banter between his group of soldiers was everything. Some fun side character love from Munch and Fluffy helped with doses of humor.
Onyx is an absolute dream and total scorcher of a MMC and I’m just in awe of him, his energy, and (ergh) a certain piercing 👀💀 @staceymariebrown goddayumm, woman, what have you done to me?!
Towards the end, I started slowing down because I simply did not want this book to end. I’m already so ready for book 2 and can hardly wait for it to be in my hands. Also special shoutout to the designer of the cover, because this is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen! 😍
Read this NOW!
#netgalley #advancedreadercopy #whiteraven #staceymariebrown #bookstagram
📜White Raven
✍️Stacey Marie Brown
📠Blackstone Publishing
📚Fantasy Fiction
🗓️Pub date: September 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨Thank you @NetGalley @blackstonepublishing and @staceymariebrown for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the publisher:
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the ravens were stripped of their wings, and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter, had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when an enemy from the Night Realm kidnaped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into a treacherous land called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting himself captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Thoughts:
This is the slowest of slow burns and I loved every minute of it.
The feisty and snarky retorts between Onyx and Wren, and later the banter between his group of soldiers was everything. Some fun side character love from Munch and Fluffy helped with doses of humor.
Onyx is an absolute dream and total scorcher of a MMC and I’m just in awe of him, his energy, and (ergh) a certain piercing 👀💀 @staceymariebrown goddayumm, woman, what have you done to me?!
Towards the end, I started slowing down because I simply did not want this book to end. I’m already so ready for book 2 and can hardly wait for it to be in my hands. Also special shoutout to the designer of the cover, because this is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen! 😍
Read this NOW!
#netgalley #advancedreadercopy #whiteraven #staceymariebrown #bookstagram
June 24, 2026
6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!! what did I just read!? I know, one of the best books I read this year in the fantasy romance genre! That was a 6 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me! This story delivers in every way imaginable. We encounter triggering elements alongside violence, secrets, betrayal, murder, shocking moments and a slow burn with tension that makes toes curl. I found myself kicking my feet and glancing around, wondering if anyone noticed! The tension grows so intense that you’ll yell at your book, then swoon moments later. Each chapter pulls you deeper. I’m fully invested and need book two immediately! That ending had me screaming! A MUST READ!!!!!!! The side characters are adorable and i need merch!!!
I NEED ALL THE SPECIAL EDITION THAT MIGHT COME OUT FOR THIS BOOK
Synopsis
The White Raven was born to bring magic to the dying realm.
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the Ravens were stripped of their wings and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Her blood holds the power to heal the land and unite the kingdoms.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter, had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when an enemy from the Night Realm kidnapped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into a treacherous land called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
His mission is to take her to the Night King.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting himself captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Because everyone knows … he who holds the White Raven holds the power.
Wow!! what did I just read!? I know, one of the best books I read this year in the fantasy romance genre! That was a 6 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me! This story delivers in every way imaginable. We encounter triggering elements alongside violence, secrets, betrayal, murder, shocking moments and a slow burn with tension that makes toes curl. I found myself kicking my feet and glancing around, wondering if anyone noticed! The tension grows so intense that you’ll yell at your book, then swoon moments later. Each chapter pulls you deeper. I’m fully invested and need book two immediately! That ending had me screaming! A MUST READ!!!!!!! The side characters are adorable and i need merch!!!
I NEED ALL THE SPECIAL EDITION THAT MIGHT COME OUT FOR THIS BOOK
Synopsis
The White Raven was born to bring magic to the dying realm.
One hundred and ninety-nine years ago the Blood War between the Ravens and the Leatherwings divided the land into Day, Night, and Dusk, cursing the land with the blood of the dead. Abandoned by Odin and his favored pets, Huginn and Muninn, the Ravens were stripped of their wings and their positions as Messengers of the Realm.
Her blood holds the power to heal the land and unite the kingdoms.
Wrennlyn Stallard, the King’s only daughter, had lived a life of privilege, kept sheltered in the walls of Silvervale. But on the night of her betrothal, her world shattered when an enemy from the Night Realm kidnapped her, taking her across the snowy terrain into a treacherous land called the Shadow Rift, the land between the Day and Night.
His mission is to take her to the Night King.
Onyx had waited months to seize her, purposely getting himself captured to work as a thrall for the Day King. Cold, ruthless, and burning with vengeance, he wasn’t prepared for the pampered, prophesized girl to be defiant, clever, and maddeningly impossible to break. Killing her would be easy, but her life is vital to a much bigger plan.
Because everyone knows … he who holds the White Raven holds the power.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Let me just start with THE END. 😳 Because that ending had me gasping… it is a very steep cliff we tumble down, and I NEED the next book yesterday!
This book gets dark at times, but I think that darkness was intentional in conveying the murkiness of war and the idea that there are always two sides to every situation.
We have Wren, who grows up sheltered, pampered, and honestly a little ignorant of how her behavior affects those she considers “less than.” She has grown up believing the myth her father has told her about her destiny to save the lands. But on the night of her betrothal, she is kidnapped by Onyx, a ruthless warrior from the Night Realm with a serious vendetta against her father.
Hello, forced proximity! 👀
As they travel together across the Shadow Rift, they encounter danger after danger, and we start to see Wren in a completely different light. She may be naive, but she is also incredibly courageous. Along the way, we learn more about the deep-seated conflict between the Day Ravens and Night Ravens and things definitely get DARK.
The author's imagery was vivid and descriptive, which made it so easy to become immersed in this world. And for a book that involves a lot of traveling, I was impressed by how fast-paced it felt. There were enough different settings, encounters, and dangers to keep me completely engaged.
And can we talk about Onyx being secretly SO DOWN BAD for Wren?! 🥵 He risks his life, his reputation, and so much more to protect and save her, and I was eating it up.
At times, this story is dark, and there is definitely some crudeness, so check those trigger warnings before diving in.
I also really loved that so many of the characters were morally gray and deeply flawed. It’s in all that messiness that we get these emotionally charged, tense scenes filled with complicated feelings and deep longing.
Dark, messy, immersive, and full of tension and that ending?! Ty to blackstone publishing for my physical and alc
This book gets dark at times, but I think that darkness was intentional in conveying the murkiness of war and the idea that there are always two sides to every situation.
We have Wren, who grows up sheltered, pampered, and honestly a little ignorant of how her behavior affects those she considers “less than.” She has grown up believing the myth her father has told her about her destiny to save the lands. But on the night of her betrothal, she is kidnapped by Onyx, a ruthless warrior from the Night Realm with a serious vendetta against her father.
Hello, forced proximity! 👀
As they travel together across the Shadow Rift, they encounter danger after danger, and we start to see Wren in a completely different light. She may be naive, but she is also incredibly courageous. Along the way, we learn more about the deep-seated conflict between the Day Ravens and Night Ravens and things definitely get DARK.
The author's imagery was vivid and descriptive, which made it so easy to become immersed in this world. And for a book that involves a lot of traveling, I was impressed by how fast-paced it felt. There were enough different settings, encounters, and dangers to keep me completely engaged.
And can we talk about Onyx being secretly SO DOWN BAD for Wren?! 🥵 He risks his life, his reputation, and so much more to protect and save her, and I was eating it up.
At times, this story is dark, and there is definitely some crudeness, so check those trigger warnings before diving in.
I also really loved that so many of the characters were morally gray and deeply flawed. It’s in all that messiness that we get these emotionally charged, tense scenes filled with complicated feelings and deep longing.
Dark, messy, immersive, and full of tension and that ending?! Ty to blackstone publishing for my physical and alc
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 4 stars
White Raven is the first book in a brand new fantasy series. Wrennlyn is the Day Raven king’s only daughter and the White Raven, prophesied to save the realm. Onyx is a soldier, who is on a mission from the Night King to take the White Raven.
I’ve loved the previous books written by Stacey Marie Brown, and thus that made me very excited to dive into the first book in her brand new series!
It took me a bit of time to really get sucked into the story. I loved the setting and the world. The Day and Night ravens really intrigued me and I wanted to see a lot more of the lore and gods surrounding it all! I’m really hoping that will be touched upon more in future books! It just felt super unique and as if we’ve only just discovered the tip of the iceberg.
I took some time warming up to Wren. I think I only really started liking and rooting for her towards the end of the book, whereas she annoyed me more in the beginning and middle. She grew up very sheltered, and it made her naive, but the balance between understanding and annoying tipped a little too much towards annoying for me. Luckily, her character growth is really well written and I look forward to seeing more of that!
I actually loved the slow-burn and the fact that there’s still not a lot of romantic feelings as the book is done. The chemistry is certainly palpable and the bickering is super fun to read! it made me yearn for more!
The ending is what really took me by surprise! Like damn! What a way to end this book! And what a way to make me need the sequel now!!
Overall, White Raven is not an easy book to read, as it deals with some heavy topics along the way, but it’s a great gateway in what I believe will be a great series.
White Raven is the first book in a brand new fantasy series. Wrennlyn is the Day Raven king’s only daughter and the White Raven, prophesied to save the realm. Onyx is a soldier, who is on a mission from the Night King to take the White Raven.
Death was not kind to me. It spat me back out, wanting me to suffer for all the ways I had failed.
I’ve loved the previous books written by Stacey Marie Brown, and thus that made me very excited to dive into the first book in her brand new series!
It took me a bit of time to really get sucked into the story. I loved the setting and the world. The Day and Night ravens really intrigued me and I wanted to see a lot more of the lore and gods surrounding it all! I’m really hoping that will be touched upon more in future books! It just felt super unique and as if we’ve only just discovered the tip of the iceberg.
I took some time warming up to Wren. I think I only really started liking and rooting for her towards the end of the book, whereas she annoyed me more in the beginning and middle. She grew up very sheltered, and it made her naive, but the balance between understanding and annoying tipped a little too much towards annoying for me. Luckily, her character growth is really well written and I look forward to seeing more of that!
I actually loved the slow-burn and the fact that there’s still not a lot of romantic feelings as the book is done. The chemistry is certainly palpable and the bickering is super fun to read! it made me yearn for more!
The ending is what really took me by surprise! Like damn! What a way to end this book! And what a way to make me need the sequel now!!
Overall, White Raven is not an easy book to read, as it deals with some heavy topics along the way, but it’s a great gateway in what I believe will be a great series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
White Raven is perfect for readers who enjoy magical blood in their Romantasy books filled with the slowest tension, found family moments, and true enemies to lovers.
I was swept away with this book! I absolutely enjoyed the Savage Lands series by Stacey and when I found out she was coming out with a new Romantasy novel, I knew I had to jump on this! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It gave high stakes moments, incredible world building that felt easy to follow and bringing the characters to life that you grew to love. They were easy to navigate and I think that speaks volume for Stacey’s writing. I was completely immersed!
The magic system and history behind The White Ravens and the Leatherwings was so interesting because you find out that a Blood War happened years ago where the land was divided between Day, Night, and Dusk. Wren’s blood is magical and powerful where you find out that it’s the key to heal the lands and unite the kingdoms.
Wren’s character felt so real and organic and I loved how much stronger she became throughout the book. She may be hurting inside, feeling betrayed but she kept her chin up high facing her enemies no matter how much she wants to break down in front of them. I think a lot of readers are going to enjoy Onyx’s character as well! It’s giving Bully romance at first but you feel that slow burn tension brewing high!
I also enjoyed how fast paced this read felt and easy to follow from beginning to end. I was not expecting that cliffhanger and I absolutely need the next one immediately! 🤯
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and Stacey for the early eARC and copy! This was a favorite of mine to read this month and looking forward to the next! 🤍
I was swept away with this book! I absolutely enjoyed the Savage Lands series by Stacey and when I found out she was coming out with a new Romantasy novel, I knew I had to jump on this! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It gave high stakes moments, incredible world building that felt easy to follow and bringing the characters to life that you grew to love. They were easy to navigate and I think that speaks volume for Stacey’s writing. I was completely immersed!
The magic system and history behind The White Ravens and the Leatherwings was so interesting because you find out that a Blood War happened years ago where the land was divided between Day, Night, and Dusk. Wren’s blood is magical and powerful where you find out that it’s the key to heal the lands and unite the kingdoms.
Wren’s character felt so real and organic and I loved how much stronger she became throughout the book. She may be hurting inside, feeling betrayed but she kept her chin up high facing her enemies no matter how much she wants to break down in front of them. I think a lot of readers are going to enjoy Onyx’s character as well! It’s giving Bully romance at first but you feel that slow burn tension brewing high!
I also enjoyed how fast paced this read felt and easy to follow from beginning to end. I was not expecting that cliffhanger and I absolutely need the next one immediately! 🤯
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and Stacey for the early eARC and copy! This was a favorite of mine to read this month and looking forward to the next! 🤍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc! Unfortunately, this was so far from being for me… I was actually disgusted.
You have the typical story where the fmc is extremely valuable for some reason but she’s also equally naive. She treats slaves like they’re worse than dirt under her shoes. She’s been taught to defend herself her whole life but can’t even do it. She constantly needs rescuing and fails all escaping attempts. Her best friend is a sex maniac (there’s always a character like this but I’ve only met one human in my entire existence that was like that caricature so why do we keep reading about those types of characters?) and the first thing she says about any guys is to bed him. That’s it, that’s the entire friend’s personality. Her father the king has been refusing betrothals because they’re not good enough and then randomly sells her to a RANDOM low nobble house saying she’s gonna be MORE PROTECTED THAN AT THE PALACE?????!?
Obviously the slave she treated like shit kidnaps her and I don’t even know how many times she’s almost raped on page. Then someone tries to EAT HER??? Actual cannibalism. The mmc gives her a nickname upon meeting because that too seems to be something that’s very popular lately. And then her captor tells her stuff like ‘you’re my property’ and something about him eating pussy so good and slamming hard so women always want him back???? I wanted to throw myself off a bridge.
The fmc tries to feel bad about wanting her captor. There’s a part of me that couldn’t believe I was reading this. There’s also a breeding stuff thrown at the end, just to make it all worse.
Honestly, I despise milk but I would drink a whole gallon if it meant I could forget I ever had the misfortune to read this.
You have the typical story where the fmc is extremely valuable for some reason but she’s also equally naive. She treats slaves like they’re worse than dirt under her shoes. She’s been taught to defend herself her whole life but can’t even do it. She constantly needs rescuing and fails all escaping attempts. Her best friend is a sex maniac (there’s always a character like this but I’ve only met one human in my entire existence that was like that caricature so why do we keep reading about those types of characters?) and the first thing she says about any guys is to bed him. That’s it, that’s the entire friend’s personality. Her father the king has been refusing betrothals because they’re not good enough and then randomly sells her to a RANDOM low nobble house saying she’s gonna be MORE PROTECTED THAN AT THE PALACE?????!?
Obviously the slave she treated like shit kidnaps her and I don’t even know how many times she’s almost raped on page. Then someone tries to EAT HER??? Actual cannibalism. The mmc gives her a nickname upon meeting because that too seems to be something that’s very popular lately. And then her captor tells her stuff like ‘you’re my property’ and something about him eating pussy so good and slamming hard so women always want him back???? I wanted to throw myself off a bridge.
The fmc tries to feel bad about wanting her captor. There’s a part of me that couldn’t believe I was reading this. There’s also a breeding stuff thrown at the end, just to make it all worse.
Honestly, I despise milk but I would drink a whole gallon if it meant I could forget I ever had the misfortune to read this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Stacey and Blackwell Publishing for gifting me this ARC!
Lowkey, I'm not going to lie, this whole story gave me whiplash.
There were certain aspects that immediately gave me the ick. The references to the FMC's sexual history when she was only 15 felt unnecessary. Then later, having people openly discuss her father's sexual prowess in the bedroom? Yeah... I could've lived without that.
And then barely into the story, she's getting down and dirty in her father's office with a man she's only known for a few hours. Betrothed or not, it felt like the story was trying really hard to establish how scandalous she was.
I also struggled quite a bit with her naivety. There were so many moments where I found myself frustrated with her choices. At one point, they break into a man's home, he kindly offers her food, and she's sitting there comparing it to the delicacies she has back home.
Girl. Eat the food and say thank you. 😭
And because the universe apparently has impeccable timing, it would be my luck that I was eating when the cannibal scene came up. 🤢
Another small thing that started to bother me was the constant use of "rabbit" or "kanin." I love a good nickname as much as the next person, but it was used so often that eventually it lost any meaning or impact it originally had.
Overall, there were interesting aspects to White Raven, but I had a hard time connecting with the FMC and the story itself. Between some of the character choices, and the pacing, I constantly felt like I was being pulled in different directions. And Lord Jesus, I love a damsel in distress trope. But when it happens 50 million times, i'm like enough is enough.
And the ending should have been shocking but it just...wasn't. I'm honestly unsure if i'll read book 2. 🤷🏼♀️
Lowkey, I'm not going to lie, this whole story gave me whiplash.
There were certain aspects that immediately gave me the ick. The references to the FMC's sexual history when she was only 15 felt unnecessary. Then later, having people openly discuss her father's sexual prowess in the bedroom? Yeah... I could've lived without that.
And then barely into the story, she's getting down and dirty in her father's office with a man she's only known for a few hours. Betrothed or not, it felt like the story was trying really hard to establish how scandalous she was.
I also struggled quite a bit with her naivety. There were so many moments where I found myself frustrated with her choices. At one point, they break into a man's home, he kindly offers her food, and she's sitting there comparing it to the delicacies she has back home.
Girl. Eat the food and say thank you. 😭
And because the universe apparently has impeccable timing, it would be my luck that I was eating when the cannibal scene came up. 🤢
Another small thing that started to bother me was the constant use of "rabbit" or "kanin." I love a good nickname as much as the next person, but it was used so often that eventually it lost any meaning or impact it originally had.
Overall, there were interesting aspects to White Raven, but I had a hard time connecting with the FMC and the story itself. Between some of the character choices, and the pacing, I constantly felt like I was being pulled in different directions. And Lord Jesus, I love a damsel in distress trope. But when it happens 50 million times, i'm like enough is enough.
And the ending should have been shocking but it just...wasn't. I'm honestly unsure if i'll read book 2. 🤷🏼♀️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dammit, dammit, dammit! What now?!
I’m so mad at this book. At MYSELF, actually… for putting myself in this position WILLINGLY. I even signed up for the ARC! 😭
This book really shows the absolutely BLIND trust I have in Stacey because, listen, I’m a romance reader. I’ve read ALL of Stacey’s books. Every. Single. One. And she has always delivered, on a silver platter, a deliciously possessive, obsessed, scarred, tattooed MMC who would move the entire world for his woman.
Here? Well… Onyx is all of that. Except moving the world for his woman... we are really not there yet..
DAMMIT.
This is TRUE enemies to lovers. They started off despising each other and ended up… hating each other.
Progress, right?
Or do I just desperately want to see some? 😭
Because this is definitely NOT a romance yet.
WHERE IS MY ROMANCE, STACEY?! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE LIKE THIS?!
But damn, it’s a page-turner. So easy to read, so easy to completely lose yourself in. It’s dark — like, DARK — and I was absolutely here for it. I loved the Norse-inspired mythology, the raven shifters, the vibes, the writing… all of it.
And as always, Stacey writes the BEST found families, complete with hilarious little sidekicks that somehow steal my heart every single time. And once again, I’m left wondering where I can get one to sit on my shoulder .
It’s gripping, frustrating, gives you the worst case of literary blue balls, and makes you want to throw your Kindle across the room.
And don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger. I DID NOT SEE IT COMING.
And now I just have to… wait.
Grumpily.
Thank you @staceymariebrown and @blackstonepublishing for the eARC! 🖤🐦⬛
I’m so mad at this book. At MYSELF, actually… for putting myself in this position WILLINGLY. I even signed up for the ARC! 😭
This book really shows the absolutely BLIND trust I have in Stacey because, listen, I’m a romance reader. I’ve read ALL of Stacey’s books. Every. Single. One. And she has always delivered, on a silver platter, a deliciously possessive, obsessed, scarred, tattooed MMC who would move the entire world for his woman.
Here? Well… Onyx is all of that. Except moving the world for his woman... we are really not there yet..
DAMMIT.
This is TRUE enemies to lovers. They started off despising each other and ended up… hating each other.
Progress, right?
Or do I just desperately want to see some? 😭
Because this is definitely NOT a romance yet.
WHERE IS MY ROMANCE, STACEY?! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE LIKE THIS?!
But damn, it’s a page-turner. So easy to read, so easy to completely lose yourself in. It’s dark — like, DARK — and I was absolutely here for it. I loved the Norse-inspired mythology, the raven shifters, the vibes, the writing… all of it.
And as always, Stacey writes the BEST found families, complete with hilarious little sidekicks that somehow steal my heart every single time. And once again, I’m left wondering where I can get one to sit on my shoulder .
It’s gripping, frustrating, gives you the worst case of literary blue balls, and makes you want to throw your Kindle across the room.
And don’t even get me started on that cliffhanger. I DID NOT SEE IT COMING.
And now I just have to… wait.
Grumpily.
Thank you @staceymariebrown and @blackstonepublishing for the eARC! 🖤🐦⬛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“What you study in books makes you know the things in them. History is written by the winners to make themselves the heroes, not about the truth.”
I’ve been hitting the jackpot with romantasies lately, and I LOVED this one.
The vibe and story reminded me a lot of a Norse/Norwegian version of Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander. It was eerie, dark, and occasionally a little gory, but definitely on a lighter scale than Liv Zander’s work.
This is a true slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, to the point where I genuinely couldn’t figure out how these two were ever going to end up together.
At first, the FMC was a little immature, but PLEASE give her a chance! It’s part of her story and character growth, and I really enjoyed seeing that development. Plus, after that ending… there’s a chance there’s even more to it.
And the dark, morally grey MMC… well, I loved him. And the mouth on him. I can’t wait to get more from him in the second book because this man is full of secrets.
I also love that Stacey Marie Brown includes little creatures as side characters. It was one of my favourite things about the Savage Lands series, and I’m so happy she’s bringing that into this story too.
My only complaint really is that this is an ARC, so the first book isn’t even out yet and here I am already dying to get my hands on book two. I’m glad this is a trilogy because I don’t know if I could handle another whole saga and the waiting that comes with it. With the chemistry these two have, I need them to get their HEA!
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
I’ve been hitting the jackpot with romantasies lately, and I LOVED this one.
The vibe and story reminded me a lot of a Norse/Norwegian version of Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander. It was eerie, dark, and occasionally a little gory, but definitely on a lighter scale than Liv Zander’s work.
This is a true slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, to the point where I genuinely couldn’t figure out how these two were ever going to end up together.
At first, the FMC was a little immature, but PLEASE give her a chance! It’s part of her story and character growth, and I really enjoyed seeing that development. Plus, after that ending… there’s a chance there’s even more to it.
And the dark, morally grey MMC… well, I loved him. And the mouth on him. I can’t wait to get more from him in the second book because this man is full of secrets.
I also love that Stacey Marie Brown includes little creatures as side characters. It was one of my favourite things about the Savage Lands series, and I’m so happy she’s bringing that into this story too.
My only complaint really is that this is an ARC, so the first book isn’t even out yet and here I am already dying to get my hands on book two. I’m glad this is a trilogy because I don’t know if I could handle another whole saga and the waiting that comes with it. With the chemistry these two have, I need them to get their HEA!
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for the e-arc!
I’ve been a huge fan of Stacey Marie Brown since her Savage Lands series and she is the type of author that does not hold back when it comes to dark romances and doing things non traditionally. I had high hopes for the White Raven and Stacey delivered.
I just finished reading it and that ending is going to haunt me. Oh boy, did I not see that coming but in a way it makes sense. The hints were so small that unless you paid really close attention it would seem out of nowhere but to me it just clicked. The fact that I have to wait even longer now for the next book it’s going to haunt me. I haven’t felt this gutted about an ending since reading The Sea Spinner.
Let’s get into the characters: the fmc was defiant but not to the point where she was overbearing. Most of her actions I understood them and I liked the fact that she never stopped trying to escape. She also isn’t perfect and because of her naivety she will piss you off at times. The mmc, oh boy, he’s a morally black character and I ate. It. Up. Their tension, delicious. The yearning, passionate. The slow burn, is indeed a true slow burn.
The side characters are memorable and I could easily picture each character. No one got lost and everyone was so well written. This book to me was 6 stars. Please note though the mmc is not a sweetheart, he cares for me the fmc, but he makes choices that are dark.
I’ve been a huge fan of Stacey Marie Brown since her Savage Lands series and she is the type of author that does not hold back when it comes to dark romances and doing things non traditionally. I had high hopes for the White Raven and Stacey delivered.
I just finished reading it and that ending is going to haunt me. Oh boy, did I not see that coming but in a way it makes sense. The hints were so small that unless you paid really close attention it would seem out of nowhere but to me it just clicked. The fact that I have to wait even longer now for the next book it’s going to haunt me. I haven’t felt this gutted about an ending since reading The Sea Spinner.
Let’s get into the characters: the fmc was defiant but not to the point where she was overbearing. Most of her actions I understood them and I liked the fact that she never stopped trying to escape. She also isn’t perfect and because of her naivety she will piss you off at times. The mmc, oh boy, he’s a morally black character and I ate. It. Up. Their tension, delicious. The yearning, passionate. The slow burn, is indeed a true slow burn.
The side characters are memorable and I could easily picture each character. No one got lost and everyone was so well written. This book to me was 6 stars. Please note though the mmc is not a sweetheart, he cares for me the fmc, but he makes choices that are dark.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Because this won’t cease . . . you wonder why I’m here? Because I’m losing my sanity. You are fucking everywhere.” He peered down at the tattoo on his hand. “I can’t escape it." 🐦⬛🤍
WHITE RAVEN by Stacey Marie Brown... WOW. JUST WOW. That ending!!! It was already a 5-star read for me, but that ending made it a million times better. I did NOT see it coming. Not even a little!! And that honestly doesn't happen often. What an amazing cliffhanger. I already want to go back and reread it to see what I missed 🤯.
The story as a whole was just so good. I loved the world-building and how we discovered this world together with Wren instead of everything just being told to us. Even as a prisoner after being kidnapped, she still had so much fire in her, and I loved that.
These two were true enemies to lovers... and honestly, they're still kind of enemies by the end 😂. The tension was incredible. It was such a slow burn, but when it burns... IT BURNS 🔥.
I also loved the fights, the different emotions, and Wren's character development. Watching her discover the world and form her own opinions was so precious. The love for all the animals and creatures was also so sweet and funny, and I got so excited by the found family vibes towards the end. I'm really hoping we'll get even more of that in the next book.
I honestly cannot wait for the next one. I NEED to know what happens next 😭.
✨️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 | ★★★★★ | 5/5
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
FIND ME HERE • @justmyfantasyworld
WHITE RAVEN by Stacey Marie Brown... WOW. JUST WOW. That ending!!! It was already a 5-star read for me, but that ending made it a million times better. I did NOT see it coming. Not even a little!! And that honestly doesn't happen often. What an amazing cliffhanger. I already want to go back and reread it to see what I missed 🤯.
The story as a whole was just so good. I loved the world-building and how we discovered this world together with Wren instead of everything just being told to us. Even as a prisoner after being kidnapped, she still had so much fire in her, and I loved that.
These two were true enemies to lovers... and honestly, they're still kind of enemies by the end 😂. The tension was incredible. It was such a slow burn, but when it burns... IT BURNS 🔥.
I also loved the fights, the different emotions, and Wren's character development. Watching her discover the world and form her own opinions was so precious. The love for all the animals and creatures was also so sweet and funny, and I got so excited by the found family vibes towards the end. I'm really hoping we'll get even more of that in the next book.
I honestly cannot wait for the next one. I NEED to know what happens next 😭.
✨️ 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 | ★★★★★ | 5/5
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
FIND ME HERE • @justmyfantasyworld
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Whoever has the White Raven—holds all the power.”
I’m left staring at the wall. While I think I’ve predicted some of the twists accurately. I certainly didn’t see the last one coming or that it would be the end of the book!
I’m no stranger to this author & this was a highly anticipated read for me. White Raven didn’t disappoint!
From the first page I was dialed in. It might be a slow burn but the action is far from. There are a lot of moving parts in this world but it’s pretty easy to follow.
The war between ravens and the leatherwings ended in the land being cursed, territories divided into Day, Dusk & Night, The ravens were abandoned and stripped of their wings.
“I was sick of being the prey. Tired of having no control. I wanted to be the demon they feared.”
I’m reserving my judgment still on how I feel about Wrennlyn. There were moments I was annoyed and others I was in absolute support of. But Onyx… we’re only scratching the surface with him and I’m ALL in! Yes please! Kiss or smother? The tension is strong! You can feel that animosity suffocating the room before the inevitable snap. You just never know which side of the line they will be on!
I love a good side character (Bjørn) but the way SMB does sidekicks, even non talking ones.. chefs kiss!
I can’t wait to see more interactions with Fluffy & Munch!
“Under the colors of our feathers we’re all just ravens right?”
I can’t wait for book 2! Already preordered! March can’t come quick enough!
I’m left staring at the wall. While I think I’ve predicted some of the twists accurately. I certainly didn’t see the last one coming or that it would be the end of the book!
I’m no stranger to this author & this was a highly anticipated read for me. White Raven didn’t disappoint!
From the first page I was dialed in. It might be a slow burn but the action is far from. There are a lot of moving parts in this world but it’s pretty easy to follow.
The war between ravens and the leatherwings ended in the land being cursed, territories divided into Day, Dusk & Night, The ravens were abandoned and stripped of their wings.
“I was sick of being the prey. Tired of having no control. I wanted to be the demon they feared.”
I’m reserving my judgment still on how I feel about Wrennlyn. There were moments I was annoyed and others I was in absolute support of. But Onyx… we’re only scratching the surface with him and I’m ALL in! Yes please! Kiss or smother? The tension is strong! You can feel that animosity suffocating the room before the inevitable snap. You just never know which side of the line they will be on!
I love a good side character (Bjørn) but the way SMB does sidekicks, even non talking ones.. chefs kiss!
I can’t wait to see more interactions with Fluffy & Munch!
“Under the colors of our feathers we’re all just ravens right?”
I can’t wait for book 2! Already preordered! March can’t come quick enough!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The tension in this book is EVERYTHING.
Well, the excessive hate, the winks, and the tiniest sidekick help too.
White Raven is giving true “I f-ing hate you” energy that I just know is going to evolve into “damn… guess we’re lovers now” throughout the series 😅 We’re only on book 1, folks, and she’s going to make us earn it! And Stacey knows how to write some spicy goodness, so I know it’s coming in this series. She keeps us fed, though, with some delectable pillow talk.
But beyond the tension and spice, White Raven is such a beautiful character-driven story (my favorite kind, yass). As we meet the cast, we slowly uncover where all the hatred comes from, who’s been lying, and how those secrets shape the story. Add in brutal fights, last minute escapes, layered world-building, a FMC who finds her strength, and maybeeee a hint of cannibalism 👀 we got one hell of a stew brewing.
AND I almost forgot to mention Munch and Mr. Fluffy 🥰
Ok, that's all I'm saying for now - no spoilers.
👉🏻 White Raven is out Sept 1st, 2026 👈🏻
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for gifting me an early copy.
Also, fun fact: Stacey’s Savage Lands series was one of the first series I picked up when I got back into reading as an adult. She may have kicked off my smutty reading era and I've had no regrets.
Well, the excessive hate, the winks, and the tiniest sidekick help too.
White Raven is giving true “I f-ing hate you” energy that I just know is going to evolve into “damn… guess we’re lovers now” throughout the series 😅 We’re only on book 1, folks, and she’s going to make us earn it! And Stacey knows how to write some spicy goodness, so I know it’s coming in this series. She keeps us fed, though, with some delectable pillow talk.
But beyond the tension and spice, White Raven is such a beautiful character-driven story (my favorite kind, yass). As we meet the cast, we slowly uncover where all the hatred comes from, who’s been lying, and how those secrets shape the story. Add in brutal fights, last minute escapes, layered world-building, a FMC who finds her strength, and maybeeee a hint of cannibalism 👀 we got one hell of a stew brewing.
AND I almost forgot to mention Munch and Mr. Fluffy 🥰
Ok, that's all I'm saying for now - no spoilers.
👉🏻 White Raven is out Sept 1st, 2026 👈🏻
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for gifting me an early copy.
Also, fun fact: Stacey’s Savage Lands series was one of the first series I picked up when I got back into reading as an adult. She may have kicked off my smutty reading era and I've had no regrets.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🖤White Raven by Stacey Marie Brown
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Okay… I was NOT expecting that ending. 🤯
I’ll admit, White Raven took a little while to win me over. Wren drove me slightly crazy in the beginning—she was naïve, privileged, and made some choices that had me wanting to shake her. 😂 I also had to mentally age her up because she’s only 18 and… nope.
BUT.
I stuck with it, and I’m really glad I did because the story kept getting more interesting as Wren started questioning everything she thought she knew.
I really enjoyed the Day vs. Night kingdoms, the prophecy, the Raven lore, and the enemies-to-lovers potential. The world-building could have gone a little deeper, but there’s enough here to make me curious about where the series is headed.
And Onyx? 👀
Brutal, broody, ruthless, morally questionable…
Yep. I’m into it. 😂
There’s plenty of action and danger along the way, but the real kicker is that ending. Those last few lines had me sitting there like:
UM… EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
Now I NEED book two.
So despite my rocky start, White Raven absolutely managed to hook me by the end. If you like dark romantasy, fae, morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, prophecies, and a cliffhanger designed to ruin your life, add this one to your TBR.
WHERE IS BOOK TWO?! 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!
Okay… I was NOT expecting that ending. 🤯
I’ll admit, White Raven took a little while to win me over. Wren drove me slightly crazy in the beginning—she was naïve, privileged, and made some choices that had me wanting to shake her. 😂 I also had to mentally age her up because she’s only 18 and… nope.
BUT.
I stuck with it, and I’m really glad I did because the story kept getting more interesting as Wren started questioning everything she thought she knew.
I really enjoyed the Day vs. Night kingdoms, the prophecy, the Raven lore, and the enemies-to-lovers potential. The world-building could have gone a little deeper, but there’s enough here to make me curious about where the series is headed.
And Onyx? 👀
Brutal, broody, ruthless, morally questionable…
Yep. I’m into it. 😂
There’s plenty of action and danger along the way, but the real kicker is that ending. Those last few lines had me sitting there like:
UM… EXCUSE ME?! 🤯
Now I NEED book two.
So despite my rocky start, White Raven absolutely managed to hook me by the end. If you like dark romantasy, fae, morally grey characters, enemies-to-lovers tension, prophecies, and a cliffhanger designed to ruin your life, add this one to your TBR.
WHERE IS BOOK TWO?! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
O. M. G. Stacey what have you done?! The way I GASPED when I reached the end. Imma need book 2 stat cause that ending?!! Shooketh.
The premise and concept of this was unique. The gods abandoned the ravens and took away their wings, bringing a curse to the land. & the cure? The White Raven’s blood. & on the night of (the White Raven) Wren’s, betrothal, she is kidnapped by the enemy. Forced to be taken across the realm to be used as a pawn for the Night King.
The pace of this was great - I certainly wasn’t bored. &Y’all, this whole book our poor fmc was going through it. (Please check those trigger warnings!) I appreciated her strength and resilience. Our mmc, Onyx, I’m still a bit unsure of. With this one, it’s hardcore enemies to maybe something (not quite lovers), but mmc is super resistant. It’ll be interesting to see where their relationship goes in book 2.
But the cliffhanger in this one?! 🤯 For that alone, I’m going to read the next book!
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy. #blackstoneinsiders
What to Expect:
🐦⬛Touch Her & ☠️
🐦⬛Morally Grey MMC
🐦⬛Cliffhanger
🐦⬛Plot Twist
🐦⬛Slow Burn
🐦⬛Forced Proximity
2/5 🌶️
O. M. G. Stacey what have you done?! The way I GASPED when I reached the end. Imma need book 2 stat cause that ending?!! Shooketh.
The premise and concept of this was unique. The gods abandoned the ravens and took away their wings, bringing a curse to the land. & the cure? The White Raven’s blood. & on the night of (the White Raven) Wren’s, betrothal, she is kidnapped by the enemy. Forced to be taken across the realm to be used as a pawn for the Night King.
The pace of this was great - I certainly wasn’t bored. &Y’all, this whole book our poor fmc was going through it. (Please check those trigger warnings!) I appreciated her strength and resilience. Our mmc, Onyx, I’m still a bit unsure of. With this one, it’s hardcore enemies to maybe something (not quite lovers), but mmc is super resistant. It’ll be interesting to see where their relationship goes in book 2.
But the cliffhanger in this one?! 🤯 For that alone, I’m going to read the next book!
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy. #blackstoneinsiders
What to Expect:
🐦⬛Touch Her & ☠️
🐦⬛Morally Grey MMC
🐦⬛Cliffhanger
🐦⬛Plot Twist
🐦⬛Slow Burn
🐦⬛Forced Proximity
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