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Sweet Vindication
By the time the third loss sunk in,
it was too late.
Insane with grief, I set my sights on revenge.
I needed to be free to have the one thing
I wanted most in the world.
Grief and desperation
are a lethal combination...
I did the unthinkable.
My plan worked out perfectly...until it didn't.
it was too late.
Insane with grief, I set my sights on revenge.
I needed to be free to have the one thing
I wanted most in the world.
Grief and desperation
are a lethal combination...
I did the unthinkable.
My plan worked out perfectly...until it didn't.
- GenresDark
124 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2017
4 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Ravenna Young
19 books66 followersWhat you will find between the pages: Humour (twisted, dirty, ridiculous), sexy sensual romance, and probably (although I try to tone it down) profanity.
My stories will always be supernatural, romance, suspense: ghosts, fairies, etc.
I read less than I'd like to, eat more chocolate than I should, and more likely than not you will find me chilling with a glass of red; on a good day, I'll drink straight from the bottle...
My stories will always be supernatural, romance, suspense: ghosts, fairies, etc.
I read less than I'd like to, eat more chocolate than I should, and more likely than not you will find me chilling with a glass of red; on a good day, I'll drink straight from the bottle...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 15, 2017
“This day is bleak with death. The only color I register comes from the dozens of red roses surrounding his graveside—the crimson petals pop out against the grey world like David’s blood dripping down the wall—his blood that permanently stains my hands.”
Sweet Vindication is poignant and powerful. It put me in places I don’t think I’d ever been. Not just in the mind of the abused, but also in the realm of the confused. I found myself in the face of helplessness and at the same time, I wasn’t sure whether to read a few pages at a time and savor the beautiful writing and the enchanting story or forge ahead and quench my desire to finish what I could not begin to predict. Here are more words that sing.
“Overnight the world turned white. I’ve always loved the silence of snowfall, the hush of the land as nature hunkers down for winter. Mounds of snow dropped, covering my dreary world with a frosty blanket. Large fluffy flakes float to the ground.”
Ravenna Young has outdone herself and written an intoxicating, genre-defying piece that kept me guessing until the very last word. Young puts you squarely in the mind of Rayna, the abuse, the insanity, the sensuality, the whole nine. Ray-Ray is a victim in every sense of the word. Her husband, David has committed egregious, no, heinous acts. Or has he? And best friend, Jack finds himself in the middle of it all. All you can do is hope for a satisfying end, but as I read on, I kept asking myself, “What would that look like?” Sweet Vindication gets my highest recommendation, but to close out this review, I’ll let Young’s words speak for themselves.
“The last of the sun paints the sky purple, and I can already see the full moon rising over the trees. It’s a massive ball of light, bright like the sun against the blackening sky. I’ve taken a mental picture, I want to remember the last night with my husband as something beautiful. I want it to override and hopefully erase the trauma from before his death. I want to forget all of it and say goodbye to the man I loved with my whole heart and soul, the man who almost destroyed me.”
Sweet Vindication is poignant and powerful. It put me in places I don’t think I’d ever been. Not just in the mind of the abused, but also in the realm of the confused. I found myself in the face of helplessness and at the same time, I wasn’t sure whether to read a few pages at a time and savor the beautiful writing and the enchanting story or forge ahead and quench my desire to finish what I could not begin to predict. Here are more words that sing.
“Overnight the world turned white. I’ve always loved the silence of snowfall, the hush of the land as nature hunkers down for winter. Mounds of snow dropped, covering my dreary world with a frosty blanket. Large fluffy flakes float to the ground.”
Ravenna Young has outdone herself and written an intoxicating, genre-defying piece that kept me guessing until the very last word. Young puts you squarely in the mind of Rayna, the abuse, the insanity, the sensuality, the whole nine. Ray-Ray is a victim in every sense of the word. Her husband, David has committed egregious, no, heinous acts. Or has he? And best friend, Jack finds himself in the middle of it all. All you can do is hope for a satisfying end, but as I read on, I kept asking myself, “What would that look like?” Sweet Vindication gets my highest recommendation, but to close out this review, I’ll let Young’s words speak for themselves.
“The last of the sun paints the sky purple, and I can already see the full moon rising over the trees. It’s a massive ball of light, bright like the sun against the blackening sky. I’ve taken a mental picture, I want to remember the last night with my husband as something beautiful. I want it to override and hopefully erase the trauma from before his death. I want to forget all of it and say goodbye to the man I loved with my whole heart and soul, the man who almost destroyed me.”
January 18, 2023
Finally published. Enjoy this Sweet and Dark gothic novella. Now available at most major ebook retailers.
September 29, 2017
5/5 Stars
** Goodreads Giveaway Winner **
What a thrilling ride this novel was.
It had me on the edge of my seat, goosebumps and heart pounding.
The twist and turns. The hope and devastation.
I hated the characters. I loved the characters.
Darker then I normally read but glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.
Would recommend to my fellow reads that like the darker side.
@thesexylibrarian
** Goodreads Giveaway Winner **
What a thrilling ride this novel was.
It had me on the edge of my seat, goosebumps and heart pounding.
The twist and turns. The hope and devastation.
I hated the characters. I loved the characters.
Darker then I normally read but glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.
Would recommend to my fellow reads that like the darker side.
@thesexylibrarian
May 17, 2017
Sweet Vindication, by Ravenna Young, is a book marketed as one belonging to the "paranormal, romance, occult" genres. This will be important to keep in mind, because generic expectations go hand-in-hand with how a book should be reviewed.
With this in mind, it must be stated right away: I couldn't be any less of intended audience for a novella offered as a paranormal romance. However, a reader's personal preference and a book's literary merit are two separate elements, and I have tried to keep the two separate in this review.
The book throws the reader right away into the center of its plot. The narrative style is descriptive and engaging, succeeding in securing the reader's attention. Its realistic, emotionally charged way of dealing with the sensitive subject matter might come off as a bit raw to some readers, but personally I found it to be among the novella's strong points - and, it must be said, for a work the length of a novella, the plot packs a lot of depth and disturbing substance, at least in its first half (more about this later).
In order to control the pace, the narrative does not initially offer the reader an explanation of how things have become so bad in the relationship of the main character, but that can also be seen as a metaphor for the reality of domestic violence. Rather, the plot focuses on introspection and states of mind, and particularly on dilemmas (in terms of morality as well as emotions), and it is a solid choice: the first half is superbly descriptive both in rendering scenes and in conveying states of mind.
At around the middle point, the plot begins to shape-shift. What has so far been a naturalistic, intensely contemplating narrative (indeed one approaching stream-of-consciousness or accessible literary fiction), gradually becomes something closer to the marketed genre. At first it is subtle, balancing between the supernatural and simple madness, with some superbly suspenseful paranoia-induced scenes.
The second half, as I hinted already, was less exceptional and more mainstream (read: paying too much lip service to generic conventions). Here the novella is too eager to take a definite stance in relation to the good old "supernatural explained vs supernatural accepted" quagmire. Subtlety and ambiguity would've helped things and, frankly, to me at least might be the difference between 4 stars and 5 stars. Also, characters become less realistic and more caricatured - again, in accordance to generic conventions.
There aren't really any other flaws one could find. A round of editing could help the novella, as there are some errors here and there - for instance " to know [sic] doubt clean something", or "anything accept [sic] wait". There are also a few awkwardly phrased sentences, such as "lifeless life". But these are too few to affect the generally solid, well written story.
Ultimately, it all comes down to choices (ah, such a dreaded word for an author). This is only speculation, but as a reader I felt the first half of the narrative was something closer to what the author wanted to write, while the second half was what the author felt she should write. At least that's the impression left on the reader - a competent, functional conclusion that can appeal to generic expectations, versus a much more authentic and engaging first half that, however, is neither "paranormal", nor "romance", nor "occult". As a result, we have a slightly paradoxical outcome where the second half attracts the intended audience who, nonetheless, might be put off by the deep, complex ethical contemplation of the first half that, in its turn, attracts a different kind of audience (like myself) who are then left somewhat disappointed by the second half. When all is said and done, however, this is a novella far superior to other works of its (intended?) genre, and should be given a try regardless of whether one identifies as a romance reader or not.
With this in mind, it must be stated right away: I couldn't be any less of intended audience for a novella offered as a paranormal romance. However, a reader's personal preference and a book's literary merit are two separate elements, and I have tried to keep the two separate in this review.
The book throws the reader right away into the center of its plot. The narrative style is descriptive and engaging, succeeding in securing the reader's attention. Its realistic, emotionally charged way of dealing with the sensitive subject matter might come off as a bit raw to some readers, but personally I found it to be among the novella's strong points - and, it must be said, for a work the length of a novella, the plot packs a lot of depth and disturbing substance, at least in its first half (more about this later).
In order to control the pace, the narrative does not initially offer the reader an explanation of how things have become so bad in the relationship of the main character, but that can also be seen as a metaphor for the reality of domestic violence. Rather, the plot focuses on introspection and states of mind, and particularly on dilemmas (in terms of morality as well as emotions), and it is a solid choice: the first half is superbly descriptive both in rendering scenes and in conveying states of mind.
At around the middle point, the plot begins to shape-shift. What has so far been a naturalistic, intensely contemplating narrative (indeed one approaching stream-of-consciousness or accessible literary fiction), gradually becomes something closer to the marketed genre. At first it is subtle, balancing between the supernatural and simple madness, with some superbly suspenseful paranoia-induced scenes.
The second half, as I hinted already, was less exceptional and more mainstream (read: paying too much lip service to generic conventions). Here the novella is too eager to take a definite stance in relation to the good old "supernatural explained vs supernatural accepted" quagmire. Subtlety and ambiguity would've helped things and, frankly, to me at least might be the difference between 4 stars and 5 stars. Also, characters become less realistic and more caricatured - again, in accordance to generic conventions.
There aren't really any other flaws one could find. A round of editing could help the novella, as there are some errors here and there - for instance " to know [sic] doubt clean something", or "anything accept [sic] wait". There are also a few awkwardly phrased sentences, such as "lifeless life". But these are too few to affect the generally solid, well written story.
Ultimately, it all comes down to choices (ah, such a dreaded word for an author). This is only speculation, but as a reader I felt the first half of the narrative was something closer to what the author wanted to write, while the second half was what the author felt she should write. At least that's the impression left on the reader - a competent, functional conclusion that can appeal to generic expectations, versus a much more authentic and engaging first half that, however, is neither "paranormal", nor "romance", nor "occult". As a result, we have a slightly paradoxical outcome where the second half attracts the intended audience who, nonetheless, might be put off by the deep, complex ethical contemplation of the first half that, in its turn, attracts a different kind of audience (like myself) who are then left somewhat disappointed by the second half. When all is said and done, however, this is a novella far superior to other works of its (intended?) genre, and should be given a try regardless of whether one identifies as a romance reader or not.
July 9, 2019
It’s often a mystery, to the ones who have never suffered the lives of an abused individual, why anyone would stay in a situation that threatens violence at any moment. At the beginning of the story we learn that Rayna had two miscarriages. As her husband beats her into a third, it becomes clear that he caused the other two as well.
What doesn’t compute at first is that David’s pattern of unwarranted rage did not begin until many years into their relationship. According to Rayna, he had always been loving. Regardless, grief stricken over the loss of another child, she can take no more and takes drastic measures to finally rid herself of the man she loved but no longer recognized.
Ravenna Young writes Rayna’s pain, conflict and heartache beautifully. Her decisions are not black and white. They are wrought with guilt and desperation, and we experience every emotion and fear along with her.
Truths and mysteries unravel slowly like a ball of yarn; those revelations both offering an odd sense of relief and understanding—and also sorrow.
I was offered a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend the book. The writing was good and the characters, interesting. The narrator gave an adequate performance, though I wouldn’t put her in my ‘must listen to’ list of narrators. As for Ravenna Young, I look forward to reading more of her work.
Effie Kammenou - Author of The Gift Saga Trilogy
What doesn’t compute at first is that David’s pattern of unwarranted rage did not begin until many years into their relationship. According to Rayna, he had always been loving. Regardless, grief stricken over the loss of another child, she can take no more and takes drastic measures to finally rid herself of the man she loved but no longer recognized.
Ravenna Young writes Rayna’s pain, conflict and heartache beautifully. Her decisions are not black and white. They are wrought with guilt and desperation, and we experience every emotion and fear along with her.
Truths and mysteries unravel slowly like a ball of yarn; those revelations both offering an odd sense of relief and understanding—and also sorrow.
I was offered a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend the book. The writing was good and the characters, interesting. The narrator gave an adequate performance, though I wouldn’t put her in my ‘must listen to’ list of narrators. As for Ravenna Young, I look forward to reading more of her work.
Effie Kammenou - Author of The Gift Saga Trilogy
January 10, 2020
I am going to give this book a second read through. I have it written down rated as 2 stars but didn't write down why. Hmm....
Yeah, so I remember why I gave it the 2 stars now. It was actually only 1.5. It's because I really didn't like it. It could have been something deep and redeeming but it wasn't. There wasn't anything that made me feel anything other than awkward annoyance. Rae was a hurt, abused woman who took a drastic measure to protect herself and then she regrets it enough to seek out a medium to get closure. Her ex offers some weird, honestly creepy way to make it all up to her. And the 1 normal guy is just a pon stuck in the middle of this crap. It wasn't a beautiful tale of forgiveness. It didn't have any insights or deeper meanings. It was cut, dry, and repetitive.
Yeah, so I remember why I gave it the 2 stars now. It was actually only 1.5. It's because I really didn't like it. It could have been something deep and redeeming but it wasn't. There wasn't anything that made me feel anything other than awkward annoyance. Rae was a hurt, abused woman who took a drastic measure to protect herself and then she regrets it enough to seek out a medium to get closure. Her ex offers some weird, honestly creepy way to make it all up to her. And the 1 normal guy is just a pon stuck in the middle of this crap. It wasn't a beautiful tale of forgiveness. It didn't have any insights or deeper meanings. It was cut, dry, and repetitive.
November 12, 2019
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Sweet Vindication is a haunting look at how anger and grief can affect a person. The plot twists regarding David's motive were soap-opera, but tear-jerking. The romance felt a little unnecessary, I liked them more as friends, but it was an enjoyable development overall.
The narration was done well. She was able to convey the terror and depression exceptionally well.
Sweet Vindication is a haunting look at how anger and grief can affect a person. The plot twists regarding David's motive were soap-opera, but tear-jerking. The romance felt a little unnecessary, I liked them more as friends, but it was an enjoyable development overall.
The narration was done well. She was able to convey the terror and depression exceptionally well.
June 23, 2019
Great Story & Audible Listen🎧 Heartfelt & Haunting!
Sweet Vindication
Sweet and Dark
By: Ravenna Young
Narrated by: Sydnee Fullmer
Ravenna Young is a master of words, she packed a lot of story into this novella and I loved every word. Her “Sweet Jasmine” drew me right into the story and I was captivated to the end. The storylines she created are interesting and original as well as imaginative and realistic. The characters she created are complex and well developed. I could easily relate to Rayna and everything she was going through. I rooted for her and every step she took. How she loved her husband and stuck with him despite all he did. Some may say she was weak and a coward but others may say she was strong and brave. In the end her strength and bravery came out. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the drama, heart wrenching emotions, the supernatural aspects, the twists, the truth behind it all and I just loved the ending (and Jack too). Thank you Raveena Young for this great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Sydnee Fullmer is a terrific narrator and voice performer. She brings these characters to life, gives them their own voices and personality as well has heart and emotion. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
Sweet Vindication
Sweet and Dark
By: Ravenna Young
Narrated by: Sydnee Fullmer
Ravenna Young is a master of words, she packed a lot of story into this novella and I loved every word. Her “Sweet Jasmine” drew me right into the story and I was captivated to the end. The storylines she created are interesting and original as well as imaginative and realistic. The characters she created are complex and well developed. I could easily relate to Rayna and everything she was going through. I rooted for her and every step she took. How she loved her husband and stuck with him despite all he did. Some may say she was weak and a coward but others may say she was strong and brave. In the end her strength and bravery came out. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the drama, heart wrenching emotions, the supernatural aspects, the twists, the truth behind it all and I just loved the ending (and Jack too). Thank you Raveena Young for this great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Sydnee Fullmer is a terrific narrator and voice performer. She brings these characters to life, gives them their own voices and personality as well has heart and emotion. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧
July 30, 2019
*Audible and ebook review*
Beautiful and tragic and a very emotional audioboo
Words are never enough to describe the pain I experienced listening to this audio. It was heartfelt; heartwrenching tragedy that I wouldn't wish to anyone. The author did an amazing job writing the story, relaying the pain and suffering and the emotional state of her character. I give my kudos to the narrator as well. She brought life to the character/s all through out her narration. I love this story. It was tragic as it was beautiful. Great listen!
Beautiful and tragic and a very emotional audioboo
Words are never enough to describe the pain I experienced listening to this audio. It was heartfelt; heartwrenching tragedy that I wouldn't wish to anyone. The author did an amazing job writing the story, relaying the pain and suffering and the emotional state of her character. I give my kudos to the narrator as well. She brought life to the character/s all through out her narration. I love this story. It was tragic as it was beautiful. Great listen!
December 26, 2023
Wonderfull heart aching story!
A sad, messy and heartbreaking start, it continues like this throughout the whole story, but with more and more glimpses of better knowledge and understanding of oneself. It’s mesmerizing and beautiful, and my heart aches for the woman in the book. Well written!
A sad, messy and heartbreaking start, it continues like this throughout the whole story, but with more and more glimpses of better knowledge and understanding of oneself. It’s mesmerizing and beautiful, and my heart aches for the woman in the book. Well written!
September 24, 2019
Sweet Vindication
Holy cow, this book is good! So much pain and the struggle to survive and move on is heartbreaking. This is a must listen for anyone. I don’t even have the words to explain except to say get this book!
Holy cow, this book is good! So much pain and the struggle to survive and move on is heartbreaking. This is a must listen for anyone. I don’t even have the words to explain except to say get this book!
October 5, 2019
This was my first Ravenna Young's book. Wow! This story wasn't what I was expecting at all. The story is original, emotional, captivating, and breathtaking, with a paranormal twist. I loved it! Sydnee Fullmer did an amazing job with the narration. I highly recommend it.
November 16, 2019
Audible book review.
Abuse, pain, tragic loss, guilt and new love are the best words to describe the heart wrenching storyline in this book.
How Sydnee held it together in her narration is beyond me, kudos.
Abuse, pain, tragic loss, guilt and new love are the best words to describe the heart wrenching storyline in this book.
How Sydnee held it together in her narration is beyond me, kudos.
January 16, 2022
Strangely addictive
At first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this story. But each page pulled me to the next. In the end I loved all the characters and was especially pleased with the ending. A very unusual love story
At first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this story. But each page pulled me to the next. In the end I loved all the characters and was especially pleased with the ending. A very unusual love story
June 22, 2019
It was a really great read loved the ending. The author did an amazing job with the characters. I experienced a lot of different emotions while reading this story.
July 12, 2019
Wow, this book is brilliant, so much emotion contained in it. Ravenna has written this book so very well. Sydnee has a beautiful tone to her voice that I could listen to all day long.
August 20, 2019
An awesome read.
September 29, 2019
Listened to the audio book and loved it
November 15, 2019
**listened to audiobook**
This isn't my kind of book, and that doesnt make it bad.. just not for me. I did however finish and really liked the ending.
This isn't my kind of book, and that doesnt make it bad.. just not for me. I did however finish and really liked the ending.
Want to read
September 8, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/15/2022)! 🎁
June 22, 2023
This was a good gothic read. The writing is dreamy and visceral. The premise wrenching. A few plot points niggled, but overall I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews