Ravens in the End

The End Saga #2

by C.L. Zelle, Christina L. Rozelle, LC Ellez

Is this what Vine had in mind when he conned billions into injecting his lies?

Was this end game part of his master plan all along?

Now, the whole world is Vine's, and it was way too easy. He’s the liar’s liar, the ultimate game-maker, the grand wizard behind the curtain that would snuff the light of the world out in a single day.

And I helped him do it.

My name is Gideon Tyler, and I was a liar, too, but it’s not who I am anymore.
I once believed love made a man weak, but my love for Grace makes me strong in ways I’m not used to. Strong enough to break free from the compliance; strong enough to be defiant. Strong enough to risk my life for what’s right, despite who I was before, and the mistakes I’ve made.

But dying isn’t on the agenda today.

I have unfinished business to attend to. I wanted to tell Grace the truths of my past because I love her, but she’s already so damn wounded. How could I hurt her more?

I didn’t want to . . . But it’s too late now. My lies caught up with us, took me away from her, and now she’s alone out there, and in more danger than she realizes. The undead are the least of her worries—as screwed up as that is. They’re saints compared to these monsters. But I’ll do what it takes to save her, my songbird, my phoenix. I’ll keep her safe. I’ll wear the mask of a monster, the man I was before, make them believe I’m compliant, reformed, I’ll tell more lies.

I’ll put a stop to their games once and for all, and we’ll survive, fly free from the depths of this hell. We’ll find each other in the dark again, because love is our light, our strength, and it’s strong enough to win this game. . . in the end.

* * * * * *
Update, regarding the release of the author's latest novel, "Angels in the End."

DEAR READER,

"Angels in the End," though written for adults, and in a separate series altogether, is also an *unofficial* Treemakers Trilogy prequel. Unofficial, because the author has plans for a future YA prequel more closely related to that series, but readers 18+ who have enjoyed The Treemakers Trilogy will find the value in "Angels in the End," (and the rest of the series) as certain events contained herein are directly linked to The Treemakers Trilogy.Please read below.
**Content Advisory/Trigger Warning for The End Saga: Due to the inclusion of realistic world-ending scenarios, such as death/gore/torture/violence/steamy scenes/sexual violence/drug/alcohol use/abuse, and because of explicit language, this series is recommended for readers age 18+, and those who aren't sensitive to these topics.Reader discretion is advised.
**It is recommended that this book be read after having read The Treemakers Trilogy, as "Angels in the End" may contain some spoilers for that story.
**Please note: the content in this 4th installment of The End Saga is considerably "cleaner" than the first three books in the series, due to it being from the POV of (mostly) different characters, as well as for its connection to the author's YA series, The Treemakers Trilogy.

Recommended reading order of the books in these two series':
The Treemakers Trilogy
The Treemakers
The Soultakers
The Seeker's Keys
The End Saga
Willows in the End
Ravens in the End
Beacons in the End
Angels in the End

**Please note this series prances proudly across the rainbow because #lovewins

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2018

About the author

C.L. Zelle is a pen name of Christina L. Rozelle.

Reviews

[Amy Bartelloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Gideon's story since the last book and this does not disappoint! Gideon is such a beautiful mix of lightness and dark. A seemingly broken hero, his struggles with his own past and worthiness are truly heartbreaking in parts to read, and maybe mirror the struggle so many people feel on a deep level. The world created here is not for the faint of heart- consider yourself warned, but there are moments of light in the dark that provide just enough hope. If you like your characters deep and multilayered, with the ability to surprise you at every turn, not to mention hot!- you'll love Gideon's story and it will break your heart at the same time.

[Hayley Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...Sometimes heroes make hard choices..." (Rozelle). 

Ravens in the End is the second book in The End Saga. This time, we follow Gideon as he navigates his way through his old life to get back to Grace. 

The beginning of the book leaves off from when Grace and Gideon are separated in the church (see book 1). We get to see his side of the story, and what plays out on his end during the events we read about in the second half of book 1. 

The story is very consistent with the timeline from the first book in the series, which makes it all the more interesting. I found that I was driven to read more as I went by to see what Gideon was up to in parallel to Grace's story, and see how they influenced each other. This aspect made for a very exciting read. 

While we got to learn about Gideon in the first book while he ventures alongside Grace, there are a lot of things we still don't know about him. Ravens in the End is an amazing eye opener into the past and present of Gideon Tyler, expanding his character arc and showing us his true motivation in this post apocalyptic world. 

We now have insight on both Gideon and Grace, which gives the story a 3 dimensional feel; the story isn't confined to one place at one time. There are other things happening in the world, and we get to see that firsthand. 

We see a fair amount of drug and alcohol abuse throughout the story, but in a different way than we saw it with Grace. I feel like Gideon has more of a grip on the necessity of being clear headed and focused (eventually) and this to me expresses a theme of doing the right thing. 

The actions of the characters show me that the message of the novel is 'sometimes heroes make hard choices', my favourite quote from the book. It means that sometimes you must make a decision that hurts one, but helps many. I think that is the truest thing we can say about the world now, and it's a very powerful message from this story. 

The story flowed very well, and there was never a boring moment; everything was essential to the story and the development of the characters. Rozelle really knows how to write a story that sucks you in and never lets go. 

I truly enjoyed this book. Rozelle is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. She pours so much of herself into her work, and it's apparent that what she writes comes from the heart. Only true authors know how to do that. 

Ravens in the End was a fantastic novel, and I look forward to reading the next installment of this series, hopefully coming out soon! I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. 

[Cheree Castellanos Edits · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to feel your read… look no further. Dark, intense, gritty, not for the faint of heart!
Gideon, oh Gideon. I want to be so mad at you, but how can I? I have the hardest time writing reviews for this series. I am too emotionally attached, trying to put into words the feelings, the love I have for these characters, it’s nearly impossible. The writing of this author is intense. When you read this book, you aren’t just reading a story, you are living this apocalypse with these characters, these people you have grown to love and care for as family, or hate with a deep passion. Christina Rozelle is a talent like no other. You walk the pages of her books, you smell the burning fires, you see the room you’re in, you feel the pain and the emotions of the characters. You have to physically pull yourself out of the pages, wipe your eyes, take a breath, and move on with normal life. How do I review that? Just trust me, you need to read these books!
The end of Willows in the End left me so excited and pacing the floor in anticipation for the next book and to find out what was going to happen next! While Grace was surviving a nightmare, Gideon was busy surviving one of his own. We get a deep, dark, and heartbreaking look into who Gideon really is, we get to learn who he was, where he came from, and what made him the amazing man that saved Grace by lying to her.
I thought we knew the darkness of this new world by living alongside Grace since the end, I was wrong. The darkness is thick, it’s horrifying, and it’s everywhere. Gideon knows all too well about the evils controlling the world now, and he has a choice to make. He has to decide to choose good vs. evil. But evil is easy, and for him, this dark power running this horrid future knows Gideon, and he wants him at his side. The choice is hard, the temptations and “perks” are real, but there is a reason Grace loves Gideon, he is a facking BADASS!
But with all that evil, there is a lot of beauty to be found here too. Mind you, it’s hard to find, but it’s there, a rose hidden amongst the thorns. We meet a lot of new people from Gideon’s past, and there are a lot of interesting background stories and twists and turns that will make you feel things… many things LOL. I sit here trying to some up my thoughts, and I can’t sum them up, my mind races when I think about everything in these pages. I need more, I need the rest, I need to know what is going to happen next!

[Pheebz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga - 2)
By Christina Rozelle
ARC 4 23 2018
We are following Gideon from the time he was taken by his brother’s henchmen from the church where he and Grace had been staying. Gideon knew it was only a matter of time before Dru his twin would find him but he wanted to try and save Grace.
We find more about Vine the Voyeur, and the top dog who is calling the shots. We also find that the testing being done in the Tunnels has helped create a new improved compliant drug.
Dru sees Grace as their way out, he has no intentions of turning her over to Vine, when his team finds her. He lets Gideon in on his plan. Gideon loves Grace and wants to keep her safe but he dears not let on. He has to play along with his brother, for now, to stay alive. He thought he had left the monster he was before far behind, but maybe that is who he really is. He fell back easily into who he was expected to be. This is Gideon’s awakening, he is learning more about who he really is and the strength that Grace processes.
I would say this is the best book yet in this series, I think Ms. Rozelle found her grove within this series, there was less descriptive cheap shock value dialogue. I actually enjoyed this book more than the other three.
Well done Christina Rozelle. It was well written and we saw the growth of the characters and the inner demons they are fighting. Gideon is such a great character as well as a lot of the supporting characters.

[Patricia Finnegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ravens in the End is not a sequel to Willows in the End. I was so looking forward to seeing Grace, Logan and friends being rescued. But no! This book is Gideon's story. The events happen concurrently with Grace's story.
This is a hard look at what has made Gideon the man that Grace fell in love with in Willows. He is not the nice guy he appeared to be when he met and saved Grace. Or, is he? That is the question. He works for Vine who is the man behind the group that destroyed the world. Their goal is to force all women into compliance with the rule that they are subservient to man. Of course, any man must be compliant to Vine if they want to enjoy this new world order.
In this story we meet Dru, Gideon's twin brother. Other than looks though, they are far different in character. Dru is actively working for Vine to find Grace as she may be the answer to the compliance drug side effects. Remember in Willows how everyone turned into flesh eating zombies. Yup, Grace seems to be immune. So now, Gideon must infiltrate this group and work with the two people he can trust to find and save Grace.
Can't say much more without spoilers so I'll stop here. Very intense read and again graphic sex and language but you'll be completely drawn into these characters. Book 3 better be in the works!

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Searing Stars for Raven's in the End

CL Zelle has done it again with her chilling yet relatable dystopian adventure of The End Saga.

This is Gideon's book. It covers much of the same time period the previous book gives in Grace's POV, but tells a heroic tale that we had been in the dark about until this edition.

This is a series that I feel the reader really needs to start from the beginning to understand Gideon's brokenness and what he is fighting for.

Through the darkest of times, maybe all we can hold onto is "Let Love Win."

Highest recommendations for those who have read Willows in the End. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? Even if you are not particularly into dystopian, this series goes beyond any arbitrary genre lines and speaks to the hearts of nearly everyone, of any religion, race, sexual orientation, financial or education levels. What the world has seen since the time this was written makes it all the more chilling, yet all the more timely and imaginable.

Though very dark in places, and definitely written for an adult audience only, there are also hope and determination shining brightly. Don't miss this series.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book, I did not think I was going to like it as much as I did. I don't usually like reading the same story told from a different perspective. HOWEVER, this Author pulled it off flawlessly. This book takes place during the same time of the previous book, (about halfway through Willows in the End) but everything else about this book is different. Ravens in the End it told through Gideons eyes. We really get to see what kind of man Gideon is and the inside workings of the organization that created the virus. This is an intense read. It will make you feel almost every emotion there is to feel. It is not a book for the faint of heart or those with triggers. I love reading and have read many books and this author is definitely my new favorite. She can really suck you into her world. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not read this series. Start with Willows in the End if you haven't already. You will not be disappointed!! I highly recommend this series and this Author. I can NOT wait until the next book comes out!!

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book to the End Saga continues on when Gideon and Grace were ambushed in the church they were hiding at. Gideon is finally found by his brother, and taken back to where it started. From the last book, we know where Grace has been but none of what was happening with Gideon. Now it's Gideon's turn. Unbeknownst to us, Gideon has been keeping tabs of Grace while she was at The Tunnels with the help of his old friend, Nate, and while he was being monitored by Dru, his brother, or so he thought.

I don't even have the words to say how good this book turned out. There are things that would finally click in place, questions that are answered if you had them in the first book. The intense emotions and heavy situations can affect you a lot. Some may find this a little hard to read, but there is light at the end of the tunnel (no pun intended). I love how she ended the book too. Might be a cliffhanger, but it was in a good way. I can't wait for the next installment!

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This story takes your breath way. It is gritty, raw, heartbreaking and yet it has a beauty to it that leaves you stunned. It’s brutally honest, doesn’t sugar coat anything and is an amazing read. The story follows Gideon after he was taken from the church by his twin brother's men. It weaves well with what we know of Grace’s story from the first book (Willows in the End) and gives you more insight into the man you have at times both loved and hated. Gideon is an amazing mix of dark and light; he is scarred by a past he regrets and struggle with his own self worth. He is flawed, brave, complicated and, like Grace, he has multiple layers that he hides well. It is an emotionally intense book that tears at your heart but also has enough hope in it to make the darkness bearable. This beautifully written, gripping story will leave you wondering what extremes you would go to in order to survive in a world such as this. I can not wait to see what happens in book 3

[Terra Drynan-Werder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to explain how much I love this book and this story. This is not even close to my normal genre of reading, but I want to scream from the rooftops and tell everyone to read this series. I love how Gideon's story mirrored Grace's exactly so we can now see things from both of their perspectives. Through the course of this series I have loved and hated Gideon and this book is no different, however now I have the backstory that makes things much clearer and gives you a better understanding of what he has been through. The characters in this series are so well developed and I just love them all. I cannot wait to see what happens next for these characters. GREAT job Christina Rozelle, I continue to be a huge fan of yours. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Kim Light · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit for Ms. Rozelle! This post apocalyptic story will capture your attention as you try to understand the complexity of Gideon’s mind and his never failing love for Grace as his heart is conflicted over his new love and desire to free the helpless from a dark, twisted fate. This is not a book for young readers as it deals with the bondage of women and children and has a dark undertone. Some of these parts are difficult to read but Ms Rozelle gives so much depth to her characters that you feel the inner struggle as Gideon processes what he does not want to be a part of. This is what makes her one of my favorite authors— I love the complexity and raw truth of her main characters!! I can’t wait for the next book so I can see how Grace is faring her big escape and where her heart stands!

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the End Saga is brutally honest and authentic. What would you do to survive? There is no fluffy clouds and happy for everyone magic story line here. Gideon’s views on Grace truly helped me to see her and understand her much better than I did when reading Willows in the End. Just like Grace he does battle in his own mind over the choices and decisions he makes. Things become so much clearer with all of the information we finally get in this second book. This is an intensely emotional book that will cause you to think about things in the, what would you do, zone. Can you truly judge someone in those circumstances as you would today? Everything has been tossed on its head and your way of thinking will be turned upside down. Eagerly awaiting the next book in this series.

[LisaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...just...Wow!
Ravens in the End is Gideon's story and so much more than I expected.
Gideon is such a strong, complex character, both light and dark. His gamut of emotions, his guilt, anger, happiness and love, had me turned inside-out. It gave me ALL the FEELS!
Beautifully written. Christina L. Rozelle represented Gideon magnificently. It's evident that Gideon's soul spoke to her and there was absolutely nothing left to give (except for what happens next ;))
Plenty of suspense, action, and a few twists left me begging for more.
I wish I could write a review that expresses how profoundly affected I am by Gideons' story but feel a little shell-shocked and I could never do it justice with my words.

[Bri Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of series that tell the same exact story in consecutive books, but from a different characters perspective. Though they have slight differences, I don't want a rehashing of the same events (sometimes word for word) so it's WONDERFUL that book 2 of The End Saga is NOT one of those books! Gideon's story gives an all new view with completely different events that pick up and run parallel to Grace's story midway through Part II (Murray's Law) of Willows in the End. This book teaches us about the past demons and events that have shaped Gideon into the man we thought we knew and the present struggle that is shaping him into the man he's becoming, whether that be for better or worse. I'm totally psyched for the next installment!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read a series where the second book is this much better than the first, and this on top of it being from a different point of view. Gideon is so complicated and confused (a perfect complement to Grace), but deep down he's a beautiful diamond in the rough. His side of the story is so emotionally touching and gripping.

This is a long book, not one of those quick, read-in-a-day stories. It's one that will tear at your heart and soul and have you cheering on our wayward hero at every turn. Now I'm dying to see what happens next! There's so much to look forward to in book three!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an ARC of this and I have been struggling to write this review for a week. My heart is broken but my hero redeemed! Christina Rozelle comes into her full power as a teller of tale in this amazing book! Gideon and his story are so multi- layered that you can't help but be emotionally involved even now thinking about it I am wiping tears from my eyes and I'm not certain if it in response to the beauty of this story or if it's sadness. I spent much of this read under a spell. Once I started I couldn't put it down. It's well worth reading and you won't be disappointed even if you do shed tears! All I can really say is WOW!

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gideon's story and takes place after the events of when he and Grace were separated at the church. Here you learn the back side of how the end started and what role Gideon played in it all. It's crazy how sick some people can be but with Gideon not fully maxed out to do as he's told per Vine's order, can he figure out a way to save Grace. He is only one person and there are many that are against him. He has to pretend to be the monster he once was to win at this game. Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book of this series!

[Shelah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I had no words when I first finished this book.
Gideon's story is absolutely heartwrenching. We learn things from him that allows us to understand his reasons for keeping his past in his past.
I went through so many emotions while reading and feeling his pain, anguish, hope and in his finding his light in the darkness.
C. L. Zelle has poured everything into this series! Her storytelling is dark but hopeful and full of all the feels!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG!!! I am blown away and amazed by the the journey that Gideon takes us on. There are so many quirks that mean so much more seen from another perspective. As much as I fell in love with Grace and really liked Gideon in book one. This book has me drooling over the complexity that is Gideon. I can not wait for book 3!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was highly anticipating this book and seriously could not put it down! I'm fascinated but the story, in love with the growth and evolution of the characters and cant wait to see where the end up. When I began I was prepared to be annoyed with Gideon after all Grace went through but he surprised me so much. I cant wait to see how they grow together in the next book!

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth? You can’t handle the truth! The games have begun! I honestly can’t tell you if I liked Willows in the End or Ravens in the End better. They are soooooo different and soooooo incredible! I mean honestly, sometimes sequels can’t live up to the originals but Ravens is standing tall!

Willows was the story told from Grace’s point of view. Ravens is Gideon’s point of view. Ravens starts right where Gideon and Grace were ambushed at the church and Gideon was taken. A LOT of questions about Gideon are answered in this installment and boy you better hold on because he has been through the ringer. You will see a side of Gideon that is going to piss you off and another part that is going to have you rooting for him right to the very end. In Willows we know that Gideon was closed off about his past, not necessarily telling lies but definitely omitting information. In Ravens he is placed right back into his own personal hell. Here he will have to continue the charade of the old Gideon with more lies and acting. He has a lot of turmoil because, even though he knows some of his actions and words are lies, they are coming way too easy to him. Almost as if he doesn’t trust himself with the truth. But one thing that Gideon does know is that he has to find Grace. He has to find the woman that made him want to live again. Here is the only spoiler that I will give. He does find Grace and has to watch her make some really difficult decisions. But when I say he finds her, that is really all he does. He can’t actually get to her….yet. He has had to make some very difficult decisions as well and you will see why, more than ever, they need to find each other.

The End Saga is very raw. It’s full of turmoil and twisted emotions. Along with the characters dealing with the virus that has given us the zombies they also have to deal with the actual human villain that uses his brain and his own crazy logic to justify what is being done to all these children and women. The End Saga is super intense, very emotional, and beautifully raw. An absolute must read!