A quest for a bride. An unbelievable encounter. A life-changing turn of events.
Tribesman Misha is in search of a deer, hopeful of winning the hand of Tiva--next in line for leadership--and securing his family’s prominence in their tribe. When he finds a small song-bird-woman, who he names Raven, he’s sure fate is on his side.
The creature can’t speak, but her song captures his heart. But is Raven the gift he thinks she is?
The end of the day nears, and he must bring home a gift for Tiva or risk losing her to the lowly fisherman, Rokkoo, a fate that would bring shame on his entire family.
Just in time for Halloween, this dark fantasy short story will transport readers to an alternate Earth where wonders are not always as fantastic as they seem.
Also comes with a free sample from Skye's Lure, a tale of one mermaid’s struggle with matters of the heart--matters that lure her to land and the man she saves.
Angel Leya is a hopeless romantic who’s been dreaming about her OTP (one true pairing) for as long as she can remember. She’s a lover of the paranormal and believer in the supernatural, and she infuses all her stories with at least a touch of that magic.
Leya is a USA Today bestselling author and Readers’ Favorite 5-star recipient.
Her claim to letters came from joining the Shifter Academy universe with four other incredible authors, all of whom are bestsellers and/or award winners in the paranormal romance and urban fantasy genres. You can learn more at www.TheShifterAcademy.com.
When not writing, she can be found reading, binging on sweets, and reigning over her four beautiful children like the evil queen she’s always wanted to be (just ask them).
Although she tries to read widely, she prefers her books from the young adult category, like JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games, and AL Knorr’s Elemental Origins series.
Raven. A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Angel Leya. Tiva is a woman of beauty, and during her coming of age she was approached by many suitors. Misha has loved this woman for time unspoken, and believes this feeling is mutual. Proud of his respected heritage Misha is almost assured of his victory. Certain that when he offers the magnificent stag he pursues and offers this latest kill he will be granted their hand in marriage. For generations his family have being gaining respect, his great-grandfather pulled their family from the ranks of lowly fishermen to hunters, and each generation has only improved their standing, now it is his turn to bring them honour. Their marriage would see his family further rise the noble ranks. His competition Rokkoo is a fisherman, but the game Misha is stalking should far surpasses that any fisherman could haul. Then Misha sights a new prey, wonderful, beautiful, and deadly. It captures his attention, forever changes his fate, but still the hunt must go on.
Angel Leya's Raven, A Dark Fantasy Short Story is written in a beautifully descriptive first person narrative and conjurors vivid imagery. Reading the first paragraphs I got a real feel for the forest, for the hunt, and could clearly see it all. As short stories go it was an enjoyable read, but the descriptive opening style seems to tether off which leaves some of the environments and events a little too much to the reader's imagination. All in all a good story, a quick read but certainly an enjoyable one.
While on a hunt to prove himself worthy of a bride. an unbelievable encounter becomes a drastically life-altering event for one man in Raven: A Dark Fantasy Short Story by Angel Leya.
Hopeful of winning the hand of Tiva, tribesman Misha embarks on a hunt for an impressive stag to prove his worth as a contributor to their tribe’s success. While hunting, he encounters a small bird-woman whose songs are entrancing; naming her Raven, Misha believes that luck is on his side for securing Tiva’s hand in marriage and improving his family’s reputation. Managing to hit a sizeable deer, he thinks he’ll easily be able to beat the fisherman, Rokkoo, who’s also vying for Tiva’s hand; while working to bring the deer back for evaluation he injures himself, making it difficult to demonstrate his value as he leaves the deer carcass in the woods. As the decision of who TIva will marry is made in light of all that has happened, Misha’s life course is fated to be something beyond his imaginings.
A quick and fast-paced read, there’s an intriguing world presented with a societal structure that seems to be matriarchically driven and contain creatures of a fascinating nature and influence. The writing is descriptive at the outset, easily capturing attention, and helps readers to envision the atmosphere and unique aspects contained in this world; however, the brevity of this tale leaves readers wanting to learn more about Raven and the world she exists within.
An absorbing tale set in a culture which seems both familiar and different. I found myself hoping that the main character wasn't setting down the dark path I could see before him. But the writer took us mercilessly to the shocking conclusion.
The flavour of the tale will linger long after you've finished reading this short story. And maybe tempt you to seek out some of her longer works.
Do not trust the song of a woman, human or otherwise. We can lead you along the wrong path without you even realise that is occuring. A good little short story, fast paced and well thought through. If you know your mythology however a little predictable.
This short story is beautifully written, and it captures heartache and fear in rhythmic prose. The titular character is unique. I'd love to see her appear in more stories!