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Between the Raven and the Dove
As far back as she can remember, thirteen-year-old Mag has lived with her father at a home for the mentally ill.
The patients are all clearly mad, so when the usually silent Grace claims that she’s Mag’s real mother – and also a witch – Mag’s world is turned upside down.
As things take a turn for the weird, and Mag sees things that others can’t, it may just be that she is a witch after all.
In this new world, Mag discovers that the difference between good and evil isn’t exactly black and white…
The patients are all clearly mad, so when the usually silent Grace claims that she’s Mag’s real mother – and also a witch – Mag’s world is turned upside down.
As things take a turn for the weird, and Mag sees things that others can’t, it may just be that she is a witch after all.
In this new world, Mag discovers that the difference between good and evil isn’t exactly black and white…
428 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 16, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DNF'd very quickly
I didn't last very long before I realised that this book and I would not get along. Here are some reasons:
- I found the language used regarding mental health incredibly problematic, and I didn't feel like the treatment of people with mental health diagnoses was researched at all. (I studied occupational therapy, which involves learning about and working with people with mental health problems, so while I'm not An Expert, I know a thing or two.)
- Mag's voice did not come across as a 13-year-old's. It felt like an adult trying to guess at how a young teen thinks rather than losing one's self in the mind and experience of a teen.
- The beginning was really weird. A character was introduced and then whisked away suddenly.
- The MC is physically abused by her dad while the two of them live in a home for people with mental health problems. (The dad works there.) AND OTHER PEOPLE KNOW THAT HE HITS HER. Plus, Mag is completely whatever about it.
I talked to some other people, and they said that while the magic system was interesting, the problems I had with the book didn't improve as time went on, and it was also a HEFTY book that didn't need to be, so I made the executive decision to pull the cord.
DNF'd very quickly
I didn't last very long before I realised that this book and I would not get along. Here are some reasons:
- I found the language used regarding mental health incredibly problematic, and I didn't feel like the treatment of people with mental health diagnoses was researched at all. (I studied occupational therapy, which involves learning about and working with people with mental health problems, so while I'm not An Expert, I know a thing or two.)
- Mag's voice did not come across as a 13-year-old's. It felt like an adult trying to guess at how a young teen thinks rather than losing one's self in the mind and experience of a teen.
- The beginning was really weird. A character was introduced and then whisked away suddenly.
- The MC is physically abused by her dad while the two of them live in a home for people with mental health problems. (The dad works there.) AND OTHER PEOPLE KNOW THAT HE HITS HER. Plus, Mag is completely whatever about it.
I talked to some other people, and they said that while the magic system was interesting, the problems I had with the book didn't improve as time went on, and it was also a HEFTY book that didn't need to be, so I made the executive decision to pull the cord.
August 30, 2018
I had my problems with this book.
I felt the story was all over the place and just a bunch of ideas piled on top of each other. It felt like every thought needed to be in the book instead of a few good ones developed.
Also I really didn’t get warm with the language. It was too rough and had no harmony and flow to it which made reading a struggle.
I’ll give three * because:
*I am way over the age target so maybe I just didn’t really get it
* the story had a fe good pointers which could have been developed more thoroughly though,
* there were no spelling mistakes
I felt the story was all over the place and just a bunch of ideas piled on top of each other. It felt like every thought needed to be in the book instead of a few good ones developed.
Also I really didn’t get warm with the language. It was too rough and had no harmony and flow to it which made reading a struggle.
I’ll give three * because:
*I am way over the age target so maybe I just didn’t really get it
* the story had a fe good pointers which could have been developed more thoroughly though,
* there were no spelling mistakes
August 21, 2018
Not finished. Very slow and I just can't be bothered to finish it.
November 27, 2021
Interesting and lively use of folklore, with witch power passed mother to daughter in an attempt to evade a controlling and power hungry head of the Bureau, a witches' version of the UN. Humans versus non humans are pitted against each other in a land grab, which the Bureau head hopes to take advantage of. The daughter, Margot or Maggot, has not yet come into her full power, and is left to work out for herself which side is which, and who are allies or enemies, and just who keeps changing sides. I read it in one go - excellent plot and story telling.
April 17, 2017
All reviews can be found at https://thereadinglodge.wordpress.com...
(I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers)
Between The Raven and the Dove is a young adult, fantasy novel set on an island where Mag lives in a home called The Residence that houses the mentally ill. After a spout of dreams that leave Mag confused and restless, she decides to re-enact the events that occur resulting in secrets being revealed that are too good to be true. With the realisation that her Mother has been with her her entire life, Mag’s life changes in so many ways as she attempts to stop the bad guys from hurting her and her family, and righting the wrongs that they started.
Mag is a young teenager at just thirteen-years-old and has always believed herself to be different, mainly due to the The Residence. She hasn’t known anything different and that sets her apart from everyone at school. Mag understands her place in school politics, putting herself out there from the get go when she joins Crossbeams by announcing herself by her unchosen nickname, Maggot. She’s not someone that likes to elevate herself or believes herself to be better than others, but she does know her own mind, making decisions about new side-characters as and when she meets them. However, as the events of the novel unfolds she realises that each of these characters are different and that they play a part within this new magical world that has been revealed to her.
The magic system within The Raven and the Dove is based off of music, and our ability to hear the music of others as well as ourselves. Witches who can hear this music are able to cast spells or manipulate people into doing tasks without them realising. In amongst all the chaos that ensues, there is this sense of calm that comes over our characters (and the reader) as they attempt to seek out the enemies music and stop them in their tracks. It’s like those moments in superhero films where the hero is in the thick of the action but everything seems to slow around them as they try and comprehend what to do next or own their differences.
Between The Raven and the Dove was a quick and light-hearted read that questions who you can really trust when you are told multiple versions of the same story. Who can Mag bring into her confidence, and what does she truly believe? The magic system was interesting and provided tricky elements that could have resulted in Mag failing and the writing was simple but descriptive and informative where needed. I loved the different array of characters and the way they were involved in events providing more people that Mag must question on their loyalty and trust.
(I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers)
Between The Raven and the Dove is a young adult, fantasy novel set on an island where Mag lives in a home called The Residence that houses the mentally ill. After a spout of dreams that leave Mag confused and restless, she decides to re-enact the events that occur resulting in secrets being revealed that are too good to be true. With the realisation that her Mother has been with her her entire life, Mag’s life changes in so many ways as she attempts to stop the bad guys from hurting her and her family, and righting the wrongs that they started.
Mag is a young teenager at just thirteen-years-old and has always believed herself to be different, mainly due to the The Residence. She hasn’t known anything different and that sets her apart from everyone at school. Mag understands her place in school politics, putting herself out there from the get go when she joins Crossbeams by announcing herself by her unchosen nickname, Maggot. She’s not someone that likes to elevate herself or believes herself to be better than others, but she does know her own mind, making decisions about new side-characters as and when she meets them. However, as the events of the novel unfolds she realises that each of these characters are different and that they play a part within this new magical world that has been revealed to her.
The magic system within The Raven and the Dove is based off of music, and our ability to hear the music of others as well as ourselves. Witches who can hear this music are able to cast spells or manipulate people into doing tasks without them realising. In amongst all the chaos that ensues, there is this sense of calm that comes over our characters (and the reader) as they attempt to seek out the enemies music and stop them in their tracks. It’s like those moments in superhero films where the hero is in the thick of the action but everything seems to slow around them as they try and comprehend what to do next or own their differences.
Between The Raven and the Dove was a quick and light-hearted read that questions who you can really trust when you are told multiple versions of the same story. Who can Mag bring into her confidence, and what does she truly believe? The magic system was interesting and provided tricky elements that could have resulted in Mag failing and the writing was simple but descriptive and informative where needed. I loved the different array of characters and the way they were involved in events providing more people that Mag must question on their loyalty and trust.
August 21, 2017
My favourite books drop the reader in the middle of the action without explanation and let you work things out for yourself. Between the Raven and the Dove pulls this off beautifully, and stays a well ahead of you with twists and surprises all the way through.
The heroine is wonderfully likeable: brash and impulsive, vulnerable and believably 13, with many interesting supporting characters who may or may not be what they seem. I loved that witchcraft is founded on a person’s own particular music, an idea that allows a variety subtle interactions and behaviours to come to life.
This book has it all: magic, mystery, humour, strange folkloric transforming creatures, good and evil, the natural and supernatural, life and death. It kept me reading to the very end, and I very much look forward to more!
The heroine is wonderfully likeable: brash and impulsive, vulnerable and believably 13, with many interesting supporting characters who may or may not be what they seem. I loved that witchcraft is founded on a person’s own particular music, an idea that allows a variety subtle interactions and behaviours to come to life.
This book has it all: magic, mystery, humour, strange folkloric transforming creatures, good and evil, the natural and supernatural, life and death. It kept me reading to the very end, and I very much look forward to more!
August 31, 2017
I read this in a couple of days (nights in fact – couldn’t put it down) and thought about the story for ages afterwards. It’s one of those books you want to talk about with someone else who’s read it, as soon as you’ve put it down! So I enjoyed reading what other reviewers have said here about the intriguing and compelling characters, themes and plot. “Delightful and sinister” puts it very well, and applies not just to the story but the style it’s written in. It’s got a flavour of Garth Nix and echoes of JK Rowling but with more depth and a contemporary feel. Am hoping for a sequel soon to find out where the author will take us next and how Mag’s magic will be used. Lots of favourite bits which I look forward to re-reading, especially the school parts and other very funny episodes juxtaposed with darker supernatural scenes. Brilliant! Original. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2017
It was thoroughly absorbing, with a nicely convoluted plot and some wonderfully memorable characters, a mixture of enigmatic human beings and mythical creatures. Nobody is quite as they seem... or are they? I wanted to carry on reading past the end of the book, and I'm delighted to hear that there is a sequel in the pipeline. It's categorised as young adult fiction, but it has a much wider appeal than that.
August 1, 2017
I loved this book and have passed it straight on to my son (more the intended age), who has devoured half of it in one day.
It’s intelligent, exciting and witty, and Mag is a hero with an attitude that I related to immediately. The story never sags, and the magic is so real I felt myself listening for my own “music” as I read.
I am so happy to have discovered this feisty, sarcastic female hero – I hope there is more to come.
It’s intelligent, exciting and witty, and Mag is a hero with an attitude that I related to immediately. The story never sags, and the magic is so real I felt myself listening for my own “music” as I read.
I am so happy to have discovered this feisty, sarcastic female hero – I hope there is more to come.
September 7, 2017
Fantasy is not my go-to genre, but my 15-year-old daughter raved about this so I picked it up and soon found myself sucked in. It is skilfully plotted, the characters are interesting and three-dimensional, and the idea of magic being music is both quite brilliant and very well exploited. I hope there will be more where this came from!
August 26, 2018
Witches witching each other
Just a three because although well written some of the characters are a bit wimpy. The main character is a typical teen, going between self belief to a serious lack of confidence. Just get on with it. Plenty of otherworldly characters though easy to get mixed up with the good and the bad. Perhaps things get clearer in the following book.
Just a three because although well written some of the characters are a bit wimpy. The main character is a typical teen, going between self belief to a serious lack of confidence. Just get on with it. Plenty of otherworldly characters though easy to get mixed up with the good and the bad. Perhaps things get clearer in the following book.
August 25, 2019
Weird and wonderful
Fabulous read, I couldn't put this down once I started reading it, needing to know what was about to happen next.
Fabulous read, I couldn't put this down once I started reading it, needing to know what was about to happen next.
June 10, 2017
Fantastic !
From dark to humorous and thought-provoking, with exciting twists and turns in between, I didn't put this book down from cover to cover. Sophia Kingshill's admirable and likeable teenage witch's journey was, quite literally, spellbinding. She weaves fine threads from more traditional, 'otherworldly' stories seamlessly into her own excitingly unconventional and inspired new concepts in magic; both the delightful and the sinister.
Sophia Kingshill's previous research for her respected reference books on UK folklore and legends give 'Between the Raven and the Dove' a credible, grounded footing, making the unbelievable very believable... Despite this being marketed as a 'Young Adult', I honestly believe anyone with an interest in supernatural fiction will simply love this intelligently-written tale, which grips and challenges the reader, leaving a very definite imprint long after the final page has turned...
From dark to humorous and thought-provoking, with exciting twists and turns in between, I didn't put this book down from cover to cover. Sophia Kingshill's admirable and likeable teenage witch's journey was, quite literally, spellbinding. She weaves fine threads from more traditional, 'otherworldly' stories seamlessly into her own excitingly unconventional and inspired new concepts in magic; both the delightful and the sinister.
Sophia Kingshill's previous research for her respected reference books on UK folklore and legends give 'Between the Raven and the Dove' a credible, grounded footing, making the unbelievable very believable... Despite this being marketed as a 'Young Adult', I honestly believe anyone with an interest in supernatural fiction will simply love this intelligently-written tale, which grips and challenges the reader, leaving a very definite imprint long after the final page has turned...
October 28, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Mag lives with her father in a home for the mentally ill, where the line between reality and imagination often blurs. When one of the patients claims to be her mother...and a witch. Mag’s world turns upside down. What follows is a beautifully written, eerie and imaginative story where nothing is quite as it seems.
Sophia Kingshill weaves a haunting blend of myth, folklore, and mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Mag is a feisty, believable heroine, and the atmosphere is full of strange magic and emotional depth.
A captivating read for readers aged 12+, perfect for those who love Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, or Hex Hall.
Sophia Kingshill weaves a haunting blend of myth, folklore, and mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Mag is a feisty, believable heroine, and the atmosphere is full of strange magic and emotional depth.
A captivating read for readers aged 12+, perfect for those who love Alice in Wonderland, Coraline, or Hex Hall.
March 18, 2024
After reading the first 20 or 30 pages I wasn't sure I wanted to continue, I wasn't a fan of the writing style.
I'm glad I decided to stick with it though as it was a good story and it got to a point where I knew I wasn't going to bed until I finished it as I really wanted to know what happens with all the characters.
There were a couple of twists at the end that I really liked, as well as a couple that I saw coming very early on.
I'm glad I decided to stick with it though as it was a good story and it got to a point where I knew I wasn't going to bed until I finished it as I really wanted to know what happens with all the characters.
There were a couple of twists at the end that I really liked, as well as a couple that I saw coming very early on.
July 31, 2017
Absolutely gripping. Yes, the hero is a thirteen-year-old girl, but the ideas in here are complex, exciting and intelligent.
Once I'd started, I found it hard to put down (and I'm not sure I'm its target audience: I haven't been a young adult for many years). So much better than Harry Potter.
Once I'd started, I found it hard to put down (and I'm not sure I'm its target audience: I haven't been a young adult for many years). So much better than Harry Potter.
April 22, 2020
Didn’t enjoy this at all. I read till the end hoping it’d pick up but it didn’t, the only thing I liked was the way the magic system was used. It seemed like and interesting premise but executed poorly.
April 5, 2017
Between The Raven And The Dove is a new supernatural series by Sophia Kingshill, who has a background in non-fiction folklore and plays. It’s pitched as Hex Hall meets Alice in Wonderland. I adored Hex Hall, so I was happy to get my hands on an ARC! The comp titles work for this book, for most of this takes place at school where the main character learns about magic (Hex Hall) and it definitely has the weirdness of Alice in Wonderland (in a good way).
It is aimed at both middle grade (8-12 years) and young adult, and I disagree here. The main character, Mag, is thirteen, which is on the young side for YA. Her voice, and her experiences in the book, fit better in (upper) MG for me, and I felt for YA her voice was a little too young (but matches fine with her age).
While this book has an interesting premise, I had trouble connecting to the main character and the story due to the balance in showing vs. telling. At times I would’ve liked to be grounded in the story and the character’s head more, to be able to really experience the story.
The interesting thing about this story and what really works for it, is its unique magic system. As Mag learns she’s a witch and possesses magic, she also finds everything has a song—objects and people alike, and that these can be influenced by knowing your own magic song, and tuning into to those of others. I thought this was a unique way of looking at magic I haven’t seen before.
With a diverse, thirteen-year-old lead, I think this book will appeal to middle graders who are looking for an adventure that incorporates a (magic) school with the twists found in Alice in Wonderland.
Thank you to Accent Press for providing me with an ARC.
It is aimed at both middle grade (8-12 years) and young adult, and I disagree here. The main character, Mag, is thirteen, which is on the young side for YA. Her voice, and her experiences in the book, fit better in (upper) MG for me, and I felt for YA her voice was a little too young (but matches fine with her age).
While this book has an interesting premise, I had trouble connecting to the main character and the story due to the balance in showing vs. telling. At times I would’ve liked to be grounded in the story and the character’s head more, to be able to really experience the story.
The interesting thing about this story and what really works for it, is its unique magic system. As Mag learns she’s a witch and possesses magic, she also finds everything has a song—objects and people alike, and that these can be influenced by knowing your own magic song, and tuning into to those of others. I thought this was a unique way of looking at magic I haven’t seen before.
With a diverse, thirteen-year-old lead, I think this book will appeal to middle graders who are looking for an adventure that incorporates a (magic) school with the twists found in Alice in Wonderland.
Thank you to Accent Press for providing me with an ARC.
June 16, 2017
Really loved this! Ticks all my boxes of a good read: compelling, convincing, original. I hate to put book into genres, and yes this is magical and about teenagers, but also touches on so much more... The author knows this world inside out, and you are left wanting to know more, to go beyond the perimeters of what you are shown and told...my mind was buzzing for days afterwards and I can't wait for the next part! The boundary between the 'real' and the magical world is tantalisingly convincing - it is immediate and relatable - we are lead by our strong and very human protagonist who keeps it all down to earth despite what she comes up against... Inspiring, touching, fresh. I'm excited to have come across such a complete and original novel from a first time (fiction) author. Highly recommend.
September 12, 2018
At first I was going to give this 1* but I've upped it to a 2* because it got better towards the end, however, I'm not sure that's enough to persuade me to keep reading once (if) book #2 comes out.
Why?
-The main character is supposed to be 13 and naturally full of teenage angst. Fine, but she reads like an adult who WANTS to be full of teenage angst. There's a difference, and it's noticeable.
-Domestic violence and physical abuse are recurring themes in this YA book, but never actually addressed other than a half-hearted apology at the end.
-The Dad has a weird written accent which annoyed me every.single.time
-A lot happens in a short space of time and it gets really confusing, especially with upwards of 30 characters you're supposed to remember.
-The premise was meant to be about a girl who learns magic at a school for witches (Harry Potter, anyone) but most of the action happens away from the school....go figure
-There are a lot of locations and names that are supposed, I think, to add intrigue. Network. J. Shades. Hobs (or is it Humph?). Car Park. The Hollies. Really it's just a bit weird (and confusing).
-The main character's name is Margot but she WANTS to be called Maggot. For that reason alone, I'm out
Why?
-The main character is supposed to be 13 and naturally full of teenage angst. Fine, but she reads like an adult who WANTS to be full of teenage angst. There's a difference, and it's noticeable.
-Domestic violence and physical abuse are recurring themes in this YA book, but never actually addressed other than a half-hearted apology at the end.
-The Dad has a weird written accent which annoyed me every.single.time
-A lot happens in a short space of time and it gets really confusing, especially with upwards of 30 characters you're supposed to remember.
-The premise was meant to be about a girl who learns magic at a school for witches (Harry Potter, anyone) but most of the action happens away from the school....go figure
-There are a lot of locations and names that are supposed, I think, to add intrigue. Network. J. Shades. Hobs (or is it Humph?). Car Park. The Hollies. Really it's just a bit weird (and confusing).
-The main character's name is Margot but she WANTS to be called Maggot. For that reason alone, I'm out
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