The Sign of the Raven

by Pippa Dunn

Sixteen-year-old Ashlyn Threadneedle lives a double life in a world where dreams are more real than ever before.

By day she works as a government messenger, by night she escapes into vivid, lucid dreams, navigating a world called the Stream. When her long-dead mother appears in a dream, Ashlyn is thrown into a world where time bends and thoughts are weaponized. She joins The Corvi Signum, a secret society of dreamers who are fighting to protect the Stream. But their fight is against a powerful enemy who wants to control it, manipulate people’s thoughts, and seize control of London.

Join Ashlyn as she navigates a world of dreams and danger, where the only way to save her friends and fight for freedom is to change the past.

Pippa Dunn is an author, teacher and creative facilitator based in East London. She began her career by founding an independent Scottish arts festival, and then moved to London to work with a whole host of cultural and change-making charities. Most recently, she has co-curated Wayne Infinite Bodies, a landmark exhibition at Somerset House. Now, she can usually be found scribbling in one of her local coffee shops, exploring London’s hidden history, or waiting for the house lights to go down at one of the city’s many theatres.

2026 Pippa Dunn (P) 2025 DK Audio

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2026

Reviews

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars! My full review will be posted closer to the publication date.

If you're interested in lucid dreaming, time streams, or working class London in the late 1800s/early 1900s (and you love a plot-based YA vibe), this book will make you very happy.

[Sapphyre Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow.
First off thank you so much to Pippa and DK books for sending me a physical proof, I am so grateful and happy that I got to be an early reader.

Pippa has written one of those rare YA books that'll stick with the reader as a firm favourite for life.
For me, this throws you back to the golden age of YA books - it's on the same level as His Dark Materials and The Old Kingdom Series (back when it was a trilogy).
I am in awe that this is a debut and Pippa has earned herself a reader for life!

I knew early on that this was going to be a brilliant book. So much so that I jumped into Pippa's DMs with my thoughts and praise 😂

There is a phrase used in this book that gave me chills. I was reading this in a London heatwave (36⁰) and I got literal chills.
This one really makes you think. What happens when a government gets too powerful? When it stops acting for the people but selfishly?

Ashlyn is a great FMC. She's relatable, and I enjoyed finding out things as she did. She's also quite innocent in the way where she doesn't see the consequences to her actions or something she has said coming.
I love the found family in this one - Kit and Vesta are fantastic.

The ending of this one did throw me off. That is not how I thought the book would go but it was so much better and well done.

Cannot wait for whatever Pippa writes next!

[laura ᥫ᭡。]

✅ dreamer
✅ raven
Ronan Lynch are you back?

[Stephen W]

This is a stunning debut novel that is full of surprises, the first one being that it is the writer's first novel; it feels like you're reading a book from a master storyteller rather than a debut novel.
Pippa Dunn creates a complete world that you are immediately drawn into. The fact that the world is set in an alternate Victorian London where the key locations, beautifully described, are ones you can see today, is a big part of that draw.
Add a main character that is so well written that you are on her side pitching for her by the end of the first chapter and then, unlike many books aimed at the young adult market, add in a whole host of other characters - family, friends, potential lovers and enemies that are equally well drawn and you have a very powerful combination.
Finish it off with a plot that is detailed, complex and very compelling and one that creates many episodes that literally drive you on and you end up with that classic phrase, a real page turner.
As other reviewers comment, this is in the same league as Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights and is destined to stand alongside it as a modern classic.
As well as its target Young Adult market, adults of any age will enjoy reading this as well any teenager who loves a compelling story with great characters they can directly relate to and a plot that literally has you turning the pages to get to an amazing and unexpected climax.

[BookishKB]

🐦‍⬛🌙 The Sign of the Raven 🌙🐦‍⬛

📖 Bookish Thoughts

My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.

✨ What to Expect
• YA Historical Fantasy
• Dream Magic
• Secret Society
• Victorian London
• Family Secrets
• Lucid Dreaming
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: November 10, 2026
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sign of the Raven
by Pippa Dunn
This book is a mystery story on the lines of the new Enola Homes series. The book has a many character that is female that attempts to figure out a mystery that she stumbles on. The 1890's setting with London, and its political governance make it interesting. The book shows the growth of the main character as inspiration to young readers. The historical references add weight to the world building of the author.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy thanks to NetGalley

I felt like I was in a dream state reading this. It is so immersive and very well paced. The main characters are extremely likeable and I loved how London is described. I was totally absorbed into the alternative Victorian London.

[Courtney Hallahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a well written book. I really enjoyed how the "magic" we brought to life, and interacted with the world, and how the characters used it! I'm so grateful that I got this book it was such a pleasure reading this book early. I look forward to reading other things by this author.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to DK for sending me an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.




With a gas lamp in hand, get ready to step into Ashlyn’s world when you open the pages of The Sign of the Raven. Set in an alternative Victorian London where Queen Victoria has been assassinated and totalitarian ‘The Party’ rules Britain, TSOTR is a story filled with espionage, secrets and most importantly, adventure.

The gas lamp fantasy setting is established well from the start, with many famous London landmarks making an appearance, which pleased the Londoner in me. Pippa’s detailed writing helps to create a vivid picture of the world Ashlyn experiences, with little historical details woven into the story throughout.

Ashlyn is a courageous and likeable main character, whose curiosity leads her on a quest to discover the truth whilst navigating her newly awakened ability of lucid dreaming. I absolutely adored the concept of a lucid dreaming and getting to explore a dream world Victorian London.

The book explores some heavier themes such as the use of propaganda and totalitarianism, but does so in a thoughtful and age appropriate manner.

TSOTR is a cleverly crafted coming of age story with plot twists, intrigue, companionship and a sprinkle of romance. Pippa's writing took me, a woman in her 30s, back to experiencing fantasy books as I had when I was a teen. I would highly recommend the book to adult YA lovers and teens alike.

[Cian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC!
In a Victorian-like London (except that the Queen was assassinated and has been replaced by a President, which adds a bit of dystopia to the setting), Ashlyn is a young messenger for the government by day and a lucid dreamer by night. In her dreams, she enters the Stream and an otherworldly London where she encounters a mysterious society of lucid dreamers. Soon, she has to unravel the secrets of the government with the help of her friends from the waking and dreaming worlds.

It’s a good plot and a pleasant story. I loved the lucid dreams; that’s what caught my eye in the first place! The Stream, the other London, the Tells, were quite immersive! The historical part was great too; I really appreciated the note at the end about real places and characters, as I didn’t know anything about them.
I think I expected a bit much from the setting, though. The Stream looked a lot like the real world, I expected something more magical and… dreamlike? It felt a bit too logical. The pacing also felt rushed regarding some concepts (the Lucide, the artifact).
The characters were nice, especially Ashlyn. She is courageous and intent to find her mother. I liked Dimitri and Kit, but I felt like their storylines missed some conclusions; I would have wanted to know more about Kit’s father, their relation, and what happens to him at the end.
The Sign of the Raven is an enjoyable read with some great concepts and is nicely written, but I felt like it didn’t go as far as it could have.

[Mayflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If a man could pass through Paradise in a dream, and have a flower presented to him as a pledge that his soul had really been there, and if he found that flower in his hand when he awoke - Aye! and what then?" - Samuel Taylor Coleridge (quoted in the book)

This was a spellbinding read! Set in a gorgeously atmospheric Victorian London - or what would be Victorian if Queen Victoria hadn't been assassinated - Ashlyn is a messenger for the new, domineering government. However, at night she enters the dreaming world know as the Stream, and encounters a secret society of other lucid dreamers like herself. Bent on solving the mysteries surrounding her deceased mother in the Stream, Ashlyn enlists the help of some of her new friends. Meanwhile, in the waking world, she and her journalist friend, Dimitri, determine to unravel some government secrets. Ashlyn soon realizes, however, that these two goals may be more connected than she initially thought.

I couldn't put this book down. The dream world concept was fascinating and thoughtfully realised, and I loved how it played out. I caught on to one plot twist fairly quickly (Kit being Avery's son), but the main plot twist was completely unexpected, and the rest of the story's twists and turns kept me on my toes. I also always love when books quote poetry or use Latin phrases, so those made me happy!

I'm often skeptical of the writing in YA books, but I loved it here, and it beautifully transports the reader to the streets of London. The similes in particular are impeccable. I will have to get my hands on a copy once it's published so I can share some of the quotes I loved.

I do feel like there wasn't enough time to develop some of the characters, but the story moved quickly and that didn't bother me too much. I do wish we had more time with some of them, though! I especially would have enjoyed more of Kit and his relationship with his father, as well as some time with Jilly. As it was, she wasn't much more than a name to us and beyond the general concern I felt for all of the girls with Mary Carr, it was hard to feel worried for her in particular. The romance felt slightly underdeveloped and while I liked the characters, I wasn't as invested in their relationship since we saw so few of their interactions together. I should also note that there is a trans character - more info in the content warnings for those concerned.

Don't miss the author's note at the end explaining the people/locations the story is based on! It was fascinating, and I was also pleased to learn that some minor characters were based on John William Waterhouse and Christina Rosetti, both of whose work I love. Afterwards, I had to "tour" some of the locations Ashlyn visits via photos.

Overall, this was an enthralling read that I couldn't put down. I hope to read more by this author in the future!

Content Warnings: A woman Ashlyn boards with holds seances. They are a hoax, and Ashlyn assists by dressing up as a "spirit guide" and making an appearance to the credulous guests. The woman does give a correct message from Ashlyn's deceased mother at one point during a seance, but she is simply inspired after seeing Ashlyn's mother in the Stream.
There is also a character briefly featured as trans. Ashlyn meets a woman named Vesta in the Stream, and she mentions that there you can be seen as you really are. Then near the end of the book, a man helps Ashlyn in the waking world, and she realizes he is Vesta in real life. There's not much more discussion beyond him commenting on feeling refreshed to hear Ashlyn still saying "she" and "Vesta".

Thank you to NetGalley, Pippa Dunn, and Viking Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just read The Sign of the Raven by Pippa Dunn. I had already pre-ordered this book based on its description before I was offered a review copy!

It’s a thrilling adventure, which plays out across both the waking world and an infinite dreamscape.

This book has a lot of my favourite ingredients: a strong female protagonist; a quirky found family; an alternate historical setting; a terrifying villain; a secret society; a twinkle of romance; and a really good pub.

Throw in some absolutely brain-busting, physics-defying possibilities, which meld memories and time and space, and you have the makings of a gripping, page-turning adventure.

By day, Ashlyn Threadneedle works as a courier for the government. I loved her from the moment we meet her, chaotically clattering down the cobbles on her bike; desperate not to incur the wrath of her line manager. Bullied by this jobsworth of a boss, and docked pay at whim, there has to be more to life for someone so young and vivacious?

Ashlyn discovers the answer by night, as she enters the world of a lucid dreamer. In dreams, Ashlyn discovers the Stream, somewhere, or something, between time, space, and the imagination, where multiple possibilities play out and terrible dangers await. Luckily, she discovers she is not the only one to possess the power of lucid dreaming. But, what is for some an opportunity to do good, is to others an ideological playground.

It’s beautifully written, with delightful period vocab and phrasing which adds to the authenticity. The author’s love of London, with all its idiosyncracies comes through really strongly and there are some gorgeous descriptive details (for instance, I love the way the many bridges across the Thames are described). The setting feels absolutely intrinsic to the plot.

It’s impossible to read The Sign of the Raven without making links between the world of the book and our own. Imperilled by would-be dictators, the influence of tech on critical thinking and creativity, psy-ops, historical revisionism and fake news- this describes our reality as much as Ashlyn’s.

Literary references bob up everywhere through the book like flotsam in the swirling tides of the Thames.

For fans of Tyger by SF Said; The Lie Tree (& other works) by Frances Hardinge; Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend

KS3+

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian and alternate history weave together to craft a story of lucid dreaming, what it means to be true to yourself, and never giving up to change the world for the better.

I greatly enjoyed the details provided in building this world - from the Tells each lucid dreamer has to assist them as they navigate the Stream (a humanity-level stream of conscious) to the ways in which this version of London skews away from our reality (such as Queen Victoria being assassinated). The small blurb at the very end highlights some of these changes as well as pointing out some of the historical buildings/places used within the novel.

The air of mystery also supports the novel - who the mysterious lucid dreamers are (the ones not part of the Corvi Signum); how is the government affecting the people within their dreams; and how our intrepid adventurer Ashlyn overcomes these obstacles while searching for her missing mother within the Stream.

Overall, it was an enjoyable book with fresh concepts and fun time-bending shenanigans afoot.

My Takeaways:
- tick-tock, not where are you, but when are you?
- Ashlyn is a classic courageous, self-dependent female protagonist
- who is friend and who is foe?

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Pippa Dunn, and the publisher Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for giving me an eARC to read and review!

[Alyssa Merriam · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 46 pgs
**Spoilers Ahead**


The writing in this book felt a bit too juvenile for my tastes. Not to mention a couple of other oddities that I couldn't quite wrap my head around. We're introduced pretty early to the fact that this is an alternate timeline in which Queen Victoria was assassinated and a new government took over. There's no real explanation given as to why this change was necessary, perhaps it becomes clearer later on in the book. But it seemed to me the story was trying to be more dystopian than it felt.
Second was Ashlyn's relationship with Dimitri. Her character seemed torn between coming off as an independent woman who didn't need anyone else and wasn't interested in Dimitri while also simultaneously being interested in him all while he is pursuing another girl anyway.
Lastly, was the whole lucid dreaming and the Stream. I think I was under the impression going in that the Stream was a more well-known phenomenon. Rather Ashlyn's lucid dreaming is treated by others as this odd occurrence that isn't really special in any way. It's brushed off despite the fact that Ashlyn immediately utilizes this ability of hers to try and find answers to this mysterious device that she felt inextricably attracted to.
All this to say there was never really a point where I felt drawn into the story. The mystery starts off very surface level at best. And at almost 50 pages into a story that is barely 300 pages, I was expecting to be a bit more involved already.

[Jessica Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable alternative historyof a novel, this is an impressive debut. Ashlyn is a Government messenger, cycling around the city to deliver important papers to various Government departments. It's the late 19th century but she is no Victorian, rather she has grown up in a Republic, ruled with an iron fist by President Whitaker and his Republican party. Most of the time she is too busy to do more than wonder how she is going to pay her rent, but one day an unusual delivery spikes her curiosity, and she ends up tracking it through the corrridors of the House of Lords, with her best friend, fire brand journalist, Dimitri, over hearing conversations that make it clear that the already repressive regime is about to get even more controlling. But real life soon takes a back seat when Ashlyn realises that her unusually vivid dreams mark her out as a lucid dreamer, and she is inducted into the mysterious Corvid Signum who mavigate the Stream in their dreams. Here she finds clues about her mother's mysterious disappearance in the Stream and makes new friends, but her new night time world isn't as separated from the waking world as she believes and things soon take a very sinister turn, putting Ashlyn and every one she loves in great danger.
Inventive, twisty and beautifully written this is a real pge turner of a romp. Recommended.

[Jenny · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Yay!!! .5 star ratings!!!!!
That being said, I did enjoy this book, but I didn't fully connect with it. I really like the concept, which, along with the title and cover, drew my eye to this book from NetGalley. I like the main characters and their personalities. I just feel like there really isn't a conflict, and nothing really feels at stake, especially given the ending. I also felt like the world wasn't fully developed. We see the pub and the Stream and sort of London, but I would have liked more details to make everything come alive. There are pockets of this, but they aren't throughout the book, which mostly feels very confined. I also felt like there could have been more descriptions within the Stream and the dreamworld and more explanations. The beginning is pretty long as far as pacing, so it seems like not much happens for a while. It's well-written but, to me, it needs more finesse, less crafting, actually, and more inspiration to make it come alive. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I would recommend it, but I wish it were developed over 3 books rather than all put into one, and I wish the ending had more of an impact, that the characters were changed in some way, that something was at stake and felt like there was a purpose to it all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-book!

[Odette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous story.

The writing, the world building and the characters are all brilliant in equal measure and it felt like Victorian London was ready to leap off the page.

Ashlyn is a 16 year old lucid dreamer who discovers the world she visits in her sleep is not so separated from reality as it is at first glance. 1889 London is now apart of the New Republic, a world set into motion after the assassination of Queen Victoria and the rise of the Party. Ravens have been removed from the Tower of London (as the myth goes, the kingdom will fall when they do) and the only Raven-y thing left is the Ravenshaw Arms in Leadenhall Market - the family business of our protagonist. We also come to find it is the meeting place of the secret society of lucid dreamers the Corvi Signum.

No spoilers but this book was more than I ever hoped. A romance, historical moments everywhere and somehow the beating heart of London. (this book even inspired me to visit Leadenhall for the first time and I am so glad it did)

If you are reading this I hope, if you haven't already, that you will give this book a try. It speaks to the importance of dreams in dark moments and I hope you may find as much joy in these pages as I have.

[Sian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly phenomenal and stunning debut 🖤

‘The Sign of the Raven’ is a teen historical fantasy set in Victorian London, where we follow Ashlyn leading an unintended double life as she discovers the boundaries between the waking and dreaming world are far more fluid than she ever imagined. Her day job is being a messenger for the government under Lord Whitaker, but when she dreams, she enters the Stream, and her dreams turn out to be more powerful and full of threat than she could ever have imagined.

I’m describing it as full of the magical realism of Philip Pullman’s Dark Materials with the political world of The Hunger Games. It’s a sophisticated book that teenage literary bookworms will just adore.

The prose is exquisite, with a few nods to literary references to whet the appetite of erudite teenager readers – without having them take over and encroach on the story.

Pippa deftly drops in twists and turns, but avoids confusing the reader: I had plenty of ‘Oh, that’s so clever!’ moments throughout the book. I also loved how real places and history underpin the whole book, so fans can go on their own Ashlyn tour of London.

Put shortly, I would have loved this book when I was about 14. Move over, Lyra, Ashlyn is my new favourite literary teen icon!

[Ash_reads24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐦‍⬛✨ Book Review | The Sign of the Raven by Pippa Dunn ✨🐦‍⬛

Tropes
🖤 Dream magic
🖤 Secret societies
🖤 Found family
🖤 Hidden secrets
🖤 Fantasy mystery
🖤 Alternate Victorian London

From the stunning cover to the intriguing setting, The Sign of the Raven immediately drew me in. The idea of an alternate Victorian London where dreams hold real power instantly caught my attention and boy did it deliver I ate this up in two sittings ✨

I loved Ashlyn as a character and really enjoyed following her as she uncovered the secrets surrounding her. The dream magic was so fascinating, the world building was really immersive, and I loved discovering more about the mysteries hidden within the story.

Also, I have to mention how well this was written honestly 🥹 hats off to Pippa such a talented writer!

The friendships, secrets and twists kept me invested throughout, and I really enjoyed the journey this story took me on.

If you love dream magic, secret societies, hidden secrets, found family and fantasy with a mystery at its heart, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR. This is a really strong debut and I’m already looking forward to seeing what Pippa Dunn writes next because I just know this is going to be the YA book of the year 🖤🐦‍⬛

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally lost track of time as I tumbled head first into this sparkling and exciting read. The writing was captivating and I was drawn in by the clever world building. It featured well known London landmarks and transports the reader into a gas lamp London landscape full of atmosphere and tension.

The story follows Ashlyn who discovers she is a lucid dreamer able to manipulate her dreams and meet others like her within the Stream. This whole concept was fascinating and felt very different to other books I'm reading. The premise of using this dreamlike state to interact with people and their dreams, to manipulate and bend their will with such force that it impacts on their waking lives and even to use it to find out their innermost thoughts and have them betray themselves with real world repercussions was just genius.

The tension and the twists kept the pace hurtling along but never feeling rushed. The mystery around Ashlyn’s mum was cleverly woven in and kept the reader guessing. Overall it was a joy to read and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to Pippa Dunn and DK Flip for my copy

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who is looking for a quick, lightly dystopian-themed novel with whimsical magical realism centered around the powers of dreaming. Ashlyn is a lucid dreamer who can interact with other lucid dreamers in the shared dreamspace of humanity known as the Stream. The authoritarian government wants to take these powers for themselves and control the citizens of London, even in their sleep.

The way the magic works in this book seemed kind of handwavey to me, or I didn't understand it very well. Lucid dreamers can interact with each other across their timelines and out of order, which was somewhat confusing, but integral to the story. I didn't care for the romance and felt it was unnecessary. The deep friendship between the pair was enough for me. I thought the ending was cute and tied everything up nicely in a little bow. It's nice to have more standalone novels instead of trilogies that drag out the story.

Disclaimer- I received a free advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley

[Erin · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ashlyn is a 16 year old girl in 1800s London who is just trying to survive. She lost her mom when she was very young and has been raised by her Aunt. As she seeks a little more independence she takes a job as a courier for the government where she mistakenly uncovers a secret plan the government has to control all citizens through their subconscious dreams.

I very much enjoyed the world building of this story and the landscape between real world London with places and names that tied to true history as well as the unique build of the stream where time has not meaning and dreams control reality.

I was not expecting the twist at the end at all and I think it was well executed to give the reader a peace of mind to close out the story. While I wish a glimmer of memory remained for the sake of all the hard work and trauma that occurred I am happy that there were no loose ends.

Overall would very much recommend for anyone who wants a fast paced unique YA stand alone novel.

[Erin Sweeney · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ashlyn is a 16 year old girl in 1800s London who is just trying to survive. She lost her mom when she was very young and has been raised by her Aunt. As she seeks a little more independence she takes a job as a courier for the government where she mistakenly uncovers a secret plan the government has to control all citizens through their subconscious dreams.

I very much enjoyed the world building of this story and the landscape between real world London with places and names that tied to true history as well as the unique build of the stream where time has not meaning and dreams control reality.

I was not expecting the twist at the end at all and I think it was well executed to give the reader a peace of mind to close out the story. While I wish a glimmer of memory remained for the sake of all the hard work and trauma that occurred I am happy that there were no loose ends.

Overall would very much recommend for anyone who wants a fast paced unique YA stand alone novel.

[Helen · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

The Sign of the Raven is a thrilling adventure, which plays out across both the waking world and an infinite dreamscape. The world building is done in such a way where it never feels so overwhelming or confusing. This book has a lot of my favourite things: a strong female heroine, a quirky found family, a secret society with a dash of romance.

Very excited to have read this, and highly encourage this book for fantasy readers. I loved Ashlyn as a character and really enjoyed following her as she uncovered the secrets surrounding her. The dream magic was so fascinating, the world building was really immersive, and I loved discovering more about the mysteries hidden within the story.

This book had such a unique way of representing the fantasy genre. I definitely recommend! This book has me genuinely excited to see where the series goes. For a debut novel, I was really impressed. Pippa Dunn created an immersive world and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Leslie Ammann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Viking Books, and Pippa Dunn for this ARC! This tale reads like 1984 yet set during the reign of Queen Victoria. MC Ashlyn is barely making it through her day today messenger work and helping her aunt at her tavern when she discovers that there may be more to life than just her current reality. Dunn brilliantly, weaves past, present, and future together through a mix of reality and dream states. At first, I thought this might be a fantasy read, and while it does have some fantastical elements, it does read more like a sci-fi story. Mix in real events and places of this period and characters that you want to root for, and you will have to see if Ashlyn can save her family and friends in both her dream state and in reality. I was not sure about this one when I first started, but once I got about a third of the way through, I couldn’t put it down. Some of the political themes are quite relevant and applicable, even in today’s time!

[ObscureVi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The premise sounded great: lucid dreaming, mystery and secret society? Sign me up.

That saying... I'm a bit conflicted, because the writing style was good, the plot was interesting and I liked the characters (Kit especially), but there wasn't a single moment that made me go: WOW.

On the contrary, there were moments where I felt a tiny bit confused, but historical fiction has that effect on me and it's usually hit or miss (hit being: I love it, miss being:I have no idea what's going on) in my case.

There was also the fact, that I found it a bit heavier than I thought (at least from what I could gather from the blurb) and that was a small surprise. It wasn't necessary a bad one, just not something I foreseen.

Another thing being: I was aware that our female main character is working as government messenger, but the politics played a lot bigger part than I first expected.

[Sophia Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sign of the Raven sounds like a captivating blend of historical fantasy, mystery, and adventure. Ashlyn Threadneedle’s double life in nineteenth century London, combined with her extraordinary ability to explore the Stream through lucid dreams, creates a fascinating premise. The appearance of her long-dead mother adds an intriguing emotional mystery, while the secret society and the threat of mind manipulation promise plenty of suspense. I especially love the imaginative concept of a dream world where time and reality can shift without warning. This sounds like a magical, atmospheric story with a compelling heroine and high stakes. A promising read for fans of dark fantasy, historical settings, and mysterious worlds!

[Sunah Wildhaber · Rating 2 out of 5]

NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW:

I wanted to love this one more than I did. The storyline itself is interesting and keeps your attention easy enough. I love the dreamscape aspect and the dreamers. You can’t help but find that to be cool and wish you could do something like that too!

I do feel like we’re missing a couple of resolutions to the story. I might be mistaken but I don’t remember reading anything about the FMC’s father? I also very much thought that Kit was going to be a love interest for the FMC but that’s not the route the author took.

Overall, it was a good YA read with great fantasy aspects. I just personally think the story is missing some points.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the worldbuilding, with an alternate London and a dream-based magic that has surprising consequences in the waking world. The writing is also excellent, especially in the dream sequences, where I often paused to appreciate a particularly elegant turn of phrase. I didn't pause much to eat or sleep, though - the plot had me gripped. It's twisty, clever, and inventive, and propelled along by an engaging heroine.

Although set in Victorian times, the political themes are very relevant and encourage us to question how we are being influenced in subtle ways by our culture and media.

[Gemma Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super debut from Pippa Dunn - I am a huge His Dark Materials fan and Ashlyn reminds me of Lyra with her determination and tenacity. The imagination and storyline weaving through the book beautifully accompanies the descriptions of ~Victorian London and I love the little facts spread throughout. I read this whilst working near Leadenhall and it was so cool walking through and seeing the places that Pippa brought to life in the book.
I am an adult but I will soon be starting this with my 11 year old ❤️