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The Otherworld #5
The Raven's Ballad
Once upon a time…
A curse can only be broken by luck or an impossible feat, and Aisling has tried numerous impossible feats. Every morning she changes into a swan. Every dusk she has a few moments with the man she loves, only to watch him forced into the form of a raven by the same curse.
When it becomes clear the curse is directly connected with an ancient, awakening evil, she sets off into the depths of Underhill to find answers. Unfortunately, this is a journey that must be made alone.
Bran refuses to believe there isn't another way. Split off from his queen, he joins forces with the Seelie Fae and the Druids. Darkness spreads throughout the Raven Kingdom. Both king and queen fight to protect their people, their home, and the love they have for each other.
A curse can only be broken by luck or an impossible feat, and Aisling has tried numerous impossible feats. Every morning she changes into a swan. Every dusk she has a few moments with the man she loves, only to watch him forced into the form of a raven by the same curse.
When it becomes clear the curse is directly connected with an ancient, awakening evil, she sets off into the depths of Underhill to find answers. Unfortunately, this is a journey that must be made alone.
Bran refuses to believe there isn't another way. Split off from his queen, he joins forces with the Seelie Fae and the Druids. Darkness spreads throughout the Raven Kingdom. Both king and queen fight to protect their people, their home, and the love they have for each other.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2018
242 people are currently reading
2561 people want to read
About the author
Emma Hamm
75 books4,442 followers
We all know you don't really care about reading my background. Enjoy Cap instead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 25, 2019
A Gentle 4 Stars
This concluding part to The Faceless Woman was an entertaining and engaging read and overall a satisfying ending to Bran and Aisling's story.
I really liked how Bran and Aisling never lost faith in each other, even when the previous Raven King attempts to sow seeds of discontent and betrayal.
In this book, Bran and Aisling grow further as characters, and their actions and lived realities highlight the shades of grey that exist, and how the divide between good and evil is not always clear cut.
Finding out more about the harshness Changelings endure had me peeved at the vain nature of the Fae courts and there need for perfection – the good things is that change is coming but slowly. Aisling attempting to give Changelings a safe haven due to her knowledge and history is a key move in changing the manner in which Changelings are treated and how they live.
Once Aisling becomes The Raven Queen, I was amazed that the family who abandoned her, wiped her from their memories didn’t come running, since they sounded like status and power was something they desired – it would have been nice to see her turn them away. What I like is that Aisling, with Bran and her subjects has found a family that truly cares for her.
Aisling and Bran’s story is one I see myself re-reading.
Acquired via KU.
This concluding part to The Faceless Woman was an entertaining and engaging read and overall a satisfying ending to Bran and Aisling's story.
I really liked how Bran and Aisling never lost faith in each other, even when the previous Raven King attempts to sow seeds of discontent and betrayal.
In this book, Bran and Aisling grow further as characters, and their actions and lived realities highlight the shades of grey that exist, and how the divide between good and evil is not always clear cut.
Finding out more about the harshness Changelings endure had me peeved at the vain nature of the Fae courts and there need for perfection – the good things is that change is coming but slowly. Aisling attempting to give Changelings a safe haven due to her knowledge and history is a key move in changing the manner in which Changelings are treated and how they live.
Once Aisling becomes The Raven Queen, I was amazed that the family who abandoned her, wiped her from their memories didn’t come running, since they sounded like status and power was something they desired – it would have been nice to see her turn them away. What I like is that Aisling, with Bran and her subjects has found a family that truly cares for her.
Aisling and Bran’s story is one I see myself re-reading.
Acquired via KU.
April 1, 2022
I didn't think Bran and Aisling's story could get any better, but oh it does!! Love the feminist approach this one took like the second book in the series. We also meet Eamonn and Sorcha from the first two books here and there is more revealed by the end of this book about them am so excited for them and so interested in what happens next in their story.
Bran and Aisling are cursed, and in this book they try to resolve them and deal with a past conflict which might lead to the end of Underhill. Am so glad with the authors ability to bring back characters. I loved this book! There were so many little pieces of puzzles that were placed together and I just think the author is beyond brilliant in tying up loose ends.
I love how am finishing 1 book a day cuz am addicted to the series.
Bran and Aisling are cursed, and in this book they try to resolve them and deal with a past conflict which might lead to the end of Underhill. Am so glad with the authors ability to bring back characters. I loved this book! There were so many little pieces of puzzles that were placed together and I just think the author is beyond brilliant in tying up loose ends.
I love how am finishing 1 book a day cuz am addicted to the series.
November 15, 2018
**The author shared her manuscript with me in exchange for an honest review (and because I wouldn't stop bugging her;))**
OMG YES. This book. I feel in love with Bran the first moment I was introduced to him in Emma's other Otherworld books. And those were just small pieces of him. This book and The Faceless Woman, let you KNOW him. UGH. He's amazing.
Bran is the Raven King, and in being so, Aisling is now the Raven Queen. But that title comes with a curse. Bran takes the form of a Raven, and Aisling a swan. Doesn't sound SOO bad, until you throw in that their curses happen at different parts of the day. One is in their bird form at night, and one is in their bird form during the day. That leaves them less than 15 minutes per day to be with each other. Um...yeah....AWFUL!
This book is about the two of them searching for a way to break their curse, all while an ancient witch is trying to take control of Aisling and possess her body. And all of that on top of their new duties and King and Queen of Underhill. YIKES! Talk about a lot of responsibility. They both head off in their own direction, not by choice, to find the spell to break their cruse. Along the way, old friends and companions make appearances and help. There are plenty or surprises along the way and plenty of heartache.
My heart bleeds for Aisling and Bran. I love them. They are my babies. And Lorcan. My sweet and sassy feline is back. And he is a hunk of awkward awesomeness. I just love him.
Like I said, some favorites (and not so favorites) of mine make an appearance and I LOVE IT!! I HIGHLY recommend reading "Heart of the Fae" and "Veins of Magic" before you read this duology. The extra characters just mean that much more!!
Again - Emma has created a wonderful story within one of my favorite worlds! I adore all of her stories and her. I am very thankful she created my Raven King <3
OMG YES. This book. I feel in love with Bran the first moment I was introduced to him in Emma's other Otherworld books. And those were just small pieces of him. This book and The Faceless Woman, let you KNOW him. UGH. He's amazing.
Bran is the Raven King, and in being so, Aisling is now the Raven Queen. But that title comes with a curse. Bran takes the form of a Raven, and Aisling a swan. Doesn't sound SOO bad, until you throw in that their curses happen at different parts of the day. One is in their bird form at night, and one is in their bird form during the day. That leaves them less than 15 minutes per day to be with each other. Um...yeah....AWFUL!
This book is about the two of them searching for a way to break their curse, all while an ancient witch is trying to take control of Aisling and possess her body. And all of that on top of their new duties and King and Queen of Underhill. YIKES! Talk about a lot of responsibility. They both head off in their own direction, not by choice, to find the spell to break their cruse. Along the way, old friends and companions make appearances and help. There are plenty or surprises along the way and plenty of heartache.
My heart bleeds for Aisling and Bran. I love them. They are my babies. And Lorcan. My sweet and sassy feline is back. And he is a hunk of awkward awesomeness. I just love him.
Like I said, some favorites (and not so favorites) of mine make an appearance and I LOVE IT!! I HIGHLY recommend reading "Heart of the Fae" and "Veins of Magic" before you read this duology. The extra characters just mean that much more!!
Again - Emma has created a wonderful story within one of my favorite worlds! I adore all of her stories and her. I am very thankful she created my Raven King <3
January 2, 2019
Look at that cover.....
LOOK AT IT!
Im so excited for this one!
LOOK AT IT!
Im so excited for this one!
January 7, 2019
5 stars, no questions asked, this book was AMAZING!!! I loved this so much, it was the perfect conclusion to Bran and Aisling's story. I LOVED the ending soooo much.
It's hard to go into detail on why I love this book as much as I do, without spoiling both this and the previous book. Aisling is my new favourite character ever. She is sassy, fierce, she fights for the people close to her and she goes to the end of the world for them. The book is full of magic, mystery and lore. I loved the suspense of discovering more and more about the story behind the curse that Aisling and Bran suffer. I generally loved the plot-line, and how we got to see several sides of the same story. Even Emma Hamm's villains aren't blindly evil, they all have their reasons and their stories to tell, and I adore that about her books.
(I recommend reading Heart of the Fae and Veins of Magic before reading this book, some characters make a guest appearance.)
It's hard to go into detail on why I love this book as much as I do, without spoiling both this and the previous book. Aisling is my new favourite character ever. She is sassy, fierce, she fights for the people close to her and she goes to the end of the world for them. The book is full of magic, mystery and lore. I loved the suspense of discovering more and more about the story behind the curse that Aisling and Bran suffer. I generally loved the plot-line, and how we got to see several sides of the same story. Even Emma Hamm's villains aren't blindly evil, they all have their reasons and their stories to tell, and I adore that about her books.
(I recommend reading Heart of the Fae and Veins of Magic before reading this book, some characters make a guest appearance.)
July 1, 2019
He reached up and pulled her hand away from his mouth. “I know.”
“Know what?”
“I know you love me. I’ve known for quite some time now.” He ran a hand over his dark hair and grinned. “How could you not love me? I’m devastatingly charming, far more handsome than the rest of the men you’ve met in your life. And besides, I’m better than everyone else you’ve ever met.”
After successfully lifting one curse Aisling was cast with another when she became the Raven queen. While Bran transforms into a raven in the sunlight, Aisling transforms into a swan during the night giving the royal couple hardly any time to see each other and to put an end on their curses. Or maybe an ancient witch knows the truth.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ:☆. *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
I felt kind of sorry for Aisling because all she has ever known in her life is one curse after another. Curses really are a theme in these books and are the main drives behind the story for this since they’re always trying to break one curse. Now that Aisling and Bran both are the victims of transformation curses there is hardly any time left for the couple to see each other during the day, which is rather sad.
Of course the couple are swept away with their new duties as king and queen of Underhill and its people. Their curses are not their first priorities.
A witch never dies. We return to the magic from where we came, we become the magic.
Aisling’s her magic has definitely grown a significant amount now that she’s living in the otherworld and it’s admire worthy. She has no difficulties with casting spells now.
I have to say I did a little scream when the Wild Hunt began and we got to see Eamonn and my baby Sorcha again! I was not expecting to see them again and it was so freaking great to read more about her because apparently I still missed her since book 2.
Overall I enjoyed the story between Bran and Aisling and thought it was bitter sweet. The plot was a bit slow at some points but it was still entertainable.
Hooray for the Raven king and queen.
Books in the series:
1.) Heart of the Fae ★★★★★
2.) Veins of Magic ★★★★
3.) Bride Of The Sea ★★★
4.) The Faceless Woman ★★★★
↠ Genre:Irish Mythology, Fantasy, Romance
↠ Pov: Third Person - Multiple
↠ Type: Book 5 in The Otherworld series
↠ Rating: 4 stars
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February 7, 2019
Wham, bam, thank you ma'am! This is what I have been waiting for, no twitching for comrades. Have I explained enough how much I gush over Emma Hamm's writing style? Because I do. Her Otherworlds Series has corrupted me, I need it like I need air. She has such a exquisite dynamic to her world building, her character's interactions, the romances and just the overall lore, it is beyond breathtaking. As much as I have enjoyed this series immensely, it is The Faceless Woman and now the The Raven's Ballad that are my absolute favorite. I cannot get over Bran and Aisling romance, they are perfection.
So obviously, before you start reading my delicious ramblings, because I will be rambling, know that if you have not read The Faceless Woman, than reading this review may give spoilers. Obviously I am going to avoid as much as possible, but The Raven's Ballad is the ending to Bran and Aisling's duet, so here here, you have been warned, I may detail some spoilage.
Now that I said that, lets dive in...
Starting more or less where The Faceless Woman stopped, The Raven's Ballad is jumping into Bran and Aisling's world as Bran serves his duty to be the Raven King, unfortunately at a cost. Bran serves by night as a Raven while by morning, Aisling is changed back into a Swan, only a few minutes together during dusk is all they are allowed within their beautifully heart-wrenching curse. I think this is probably what makes their romance the absolute best. The tugs at the curse really tests their emotions towards one another as well as questioning themselves. Not only this but the chemistry that was built upon in the previous book is more developed, they have such a great chemistry together. The way their dialogue is, their touches, just everything is radiating from the pages. I was literally on the edge of my seat each moment they had together, I was itching for their moments - It was killing me!
Something that I also really cannot get over about their romance is that they actually trust one another. There is no second guessing anything, Bran makes a mistake due to trickery, and it is like Aisling knows the previous Raven King is lying. They just have this all encompassing bond that I cannot get over honestly. But not only that, Aisling, even though she trusts in her heart for Bran, she is still just as fierce, strong and independent female lead. Not only is Bran fighting to break the curse, she is too. I think honestly that is one of the best attribute of this series, it is romance yes, but it is centered around such powerful female leads. It is so empowering to finally read a fantasy genre where the female heroine is beautifully flawed and yet so empowering that I am gushing at the pages over and over as she doesn't just sit idly by like a damsel but seeks the adventure herself. And obviously I adored Bran. Just like Aisling, we see him with his faults, his second guessing and his growth as a person. He fights for not only himself and his kingdom, but his focus is Aisling. I think it is powerful to see how his world revolves around her, something very different than he was prior.
Bottom line, anything Emma Ham writes is gold. Her Otherworlds Series has captivated me body and soul. I love every character introduced, every detail she adds to enhance the aspects of the current world building. It is just phenomenal. Again, it is just the detail in her writing style that just makes me obsess over everything she writes. If you have not started this series, you are truly missing out.
It is the adult fantasy that I need in my life as nothing else seems to curb my enthusiasm in the same light nor expectations. Her dive into mythology crossed with retellings is just swoonage waiting to happen. Even though I dub Bran and Aisling my favorite at this moment, I hear there is a lovable Dwarf in my near future....
So obviously, before you start reading my delicious ramblings, because I will be rambling, know that if you have not read The Faceless Woman, than reading this review may give spoilers. Obviously I am going to avoid as much as possible, but The Raven's Ballad is the ending to Bran and Aisling's duet, so here here, you have been warned, I may detail some spoilage.
Now that I said that, lets dive in...
Starting more or less where The Faceless Woman stopped, The Raven's Ballad is jumping into Bran and Aisling's world as Bran serves his duty to be the Raven King, unfortunately at a cost. Bran serves by night as a Raven while by morning, Aisling is changed back into a Swan, only a few minutes together during dusk is all they are allowed within their beautifully heart-wrenching curse. I think this is probably what makes their romance the absolute best. The tugs at the curse really tests their emotions towards one another as well as questioning themselves. Not only this but the chemistry that was built upon in the previous book is more developed, they have such a great chemistry together. The way their dialogue is, their touches, just everything is radiating from the pages. I was literally on the edge of my seat each moment they had together, I was itching for their moments - It was killing me!
Something that I also really cannot get over about their romance is that they actually trust one another. There is no second guessing anything, Bran makes a mistake due to trickery, and it is like Aisling knows the previous Raven King is lying. They just have this all encompassing bond that I cannot get over honestly. But not only that, Aisling, even though she trusts in her heart for Bran, she is still just as fierce, strong and independent female lead. Not only is Bran fighting to break the curse, she is too. I think honestly that is one of the best attribute of this series, it is romance yes, but it is centered around such powerful female leads. It is so empowering to finally read a fantasy genre where the female heroine is beautifully flawed and yet so empowering that I am gushing at the pages over and over as she doesn't just sit idly by like a damsel but seeks the adventure herself. And obviously I adored Bran. Just like Aisling, we see him with his faults, his second guessing and his growth as a person. He fights for not only himself and his kingdom, but his focus is Aisling. I think it is powerful to see how his world revolves around her, something very different than he was prior.
Bottom line, anything Emma Ham writes is gold. Her Otherworlds Series has captivated me body and soul. I love every character introduced, every detail she adds to enhance the aspects of the current world building. It is just phenomenal. Again, it is just the detail in her writing style that just makes me obsess over everything she writes. If you have not started this series, you are truly missing out.
It is the adult fantasy that I need in my life as nothing else seems to curb my enthusiasm in the same light nor expectations. Her dive into mythology crossed with retellings is just swoonage waiting to happen. Even though I dub Bran and Aisling my favorite at this moment, I hear there is a lovable Dwarf in my near future....
June 25, 2021
This was a well thought out conclusion to this duology and a definite improvement in writing quality upon the first book. The overarching plot of this duology becomes much more complex in this book, but it isn't overwhelming. The information you need is all relayed in an easily understandable way. Additionally, the romance in this book is super sweet. I mentioned in my review of The Faceless Women that although I wasn't a huge fan of the enemies-to-lovers arc in that book, once the main characters got together, the romance was well written. The Raven's Ballad proved to me that Emma Hamm is absolutely capable of writing a compelling romance, I simply didn't love Aisling and Bran's beginnings in the previous book. Their relationship in this book is super cute and impossible not to root for. Overall, this book wasn't my favourite of the series, and I found it got a bit slow at times, but as a whole, it was very well written. From the romance, to the intricacies in the Swan Lake retelling aspect of the plot, you can see through the writing quality how much Emma Hamm cares about the world she's creating.
March 2, 2021
I really wasn’t a fan of Aisling in this one. I can’t put my finger on exactly why but I just didn’t care for her. Her attitude drove me crazy.
Bran is something special. I adore him so much! I’m glad he got his happy ending even if I don’t care for his love interest. I prefer Elva honestly although she did hurt him in the past.
4 stars
Bran is something special. I adore him so much! I’m glad he got his happy ending even if I don’t care for his love interest. I prefer Elva honestly although she did hurt him in the past.
4 stars
January 21, 2019
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Ah, the beauty of retellings! The Raven's ballad delivers a satisfying ending to angst, curses and creates new dynamics in this world I have grown so much fond of! I loved Bran and Aisling as they navigate through politics and curses, old powers and hidden enemies.
Not to mention that Emma Hamm has so much in store for her secondary characters! I so love also the mix between fairy tales and Irish mythology. They are combined SO WELL you don't find anything amiss! And the ending? Boy I would want a book about that baby too if the author gets the chance and write one!
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
Ah, the beauty of retellings! The Raven's ballad delivers a satisfying ending to angst, curses and creates new dynamics in this world I have grown so much fond of! I loved Bran and Aisling as they navigate through politics and curses, old powers and hidden enemies.
Not to mention that Emma Hamm has so much in store for her secondary characters! I so love also the mix between fairy tales and Irish mythology. They are combined SO WELL you don't find anything amiss! And the ending? Boy I would want a book about that baby too if the author gets the chance and write one!
Very entertaining and highly recommended!
November 18, 2018
I loved this book. I felt like I held my breath almost the whole book. There was so much mystery, action, secrets and clues. Every little piece that became visible in the puzzle only led to more questions, only showed that things would get darker long before you saw the light. But oh, how I loved the darkness. How I loved how Aisling and Bran loved each other and literally went to the ends of the world for each other. Their sacrifices only got bigger in this book, their need to save and protect each other, even if it meant the end of themselves was my favorite part.
Being back in the Otherworld was amazing, getting to see more of both the seelie and unseelie fae, learning more about their ways, and also the ways of Underhill. I loved the family that they made for themselves in Underhill, out of creatures everyone else had forsaken. I fell even more in love with Aisling's strength and Bran's fight against going back to who he used to be.
I enjoyed getting to know Elva more and learning the stories of some of the Otherworld's oldest faeries, and Lord I got to see my babies Eamonn and Sorcha again.
The ending wrecked me, like hand over my mouth for about a whole chapter wrecked me.
This was the perfect end to their story and I read the last page with the biggest smile on my face.
Being back in the Otherworld was amazing, getting to see more of both the seelie and unseelie fae, learning more about their ways, and also the ways of Underhill. I loved the family that they made for themselves in Underhill, out of creatures everyone else had forsaken. I fell even more in love with Aisling's strength and Bran's fight against going back to who he used to be.
I enjoyed getting to know Elva more and learning the stories of some of the Otherworld's oldest faeries, and Lord I got to see my babies Eamonn and Sorcha again.
The ending wrecked me, like hand over my mouth for about a whole chapter wrecked me.
This was the perfect end to their story and I read the last page with the biggest smile on my face.
did-not-finish
March 7, 2020dnf @ 20%
I really am so bummed that I didn't love this one. After trying four of Emma Hamm's books, I've come to the conclusion that I really enjoy the way she builds up and forms relationships between characters. I had so much fun with both Heart of the Fae and The Faceless Woman, but their sequels, where she delves into the politics of the Faerie Realm . . . I wasn't interested in it. I'm going to say the same thing about this book that I did about Veins of Magic which is that I wish there was a condensed 75-100 page version of this story added onto the end of the first book rather than making this a duology.
I really am so bummed that I didn't love this one. After trying four of Emma Hamm's books, I've come to the conclusion that I really enjoy the way she builds up and forms relationships between characters. I had so much fun with both Heart of the Fae and The Faceless Woman, but their sequels, where she delves into the politics of the Faerie Realm . . . I wasn't interested in it. I'm going to say the same thing about this book that I did about Veins of Magic which is that I wish there was a condensed 75-100 page version of this story added onto the end of the first book rather than making this a duology.
February 7, 2021
But what was the fucking point?
These books have me so confused. There's been a consistency in a bad book following a good one so I really should have had a head's up before I picked this up.
Wow, this book was terrible. It was so bad, in fact, that it could be crowned the prince of craptastic sequels that serve no purpose. Bran and Aisling's story merited one book. THAT'S IT.
These books have me so confused. There's been a consistency in a bad book following a good one so I really should have had a head's up before I picked this up.
Wow, this book was terrible. It was so bad, in fact, that it could be crowned the prince of craptastic sequels that serve no purpose. Bran and Aisling's story merited one book. THAT'S IT.
January 4, 2024
I loved Aisling and Bran's story so much. If you enjoy Celtic mythology, I definitely recommend this series! I'm also stoked to see that Elva gets her story in this final book in this series.
February 5, 2019
Unfortunately this second installment in the swan princess duet lacked a lot of the punch (and a lot of the editing!!) the Faceless Woman benefited from. I really really wanted to enjoy but...I was just relieved to check it off my TBR. Seas of Crimson Silk is definitely WAY better.
May 28, 2020
3.5
This is the fourth book by Emma Hamm I've read and I have to say it was my least favorite. That isn't to say I didn't like it, just that it wasn't as strong in the things that made me love the others. Also, it's the only one I got in kindle instead of audio. So, I suppose there's a chance that the lack of Siobhan Waring's narration affected me. Though, I don't think that was the case.
The reason I say I didn't love this one as much, is that what I liked about the previous three books in this series is that Hamm subverted a lot of the expected tropes, especially around women. Here she played into them. While this still made a readable story that I enjoyed, it didn't light me up as much as it would have if she hadn't. As examples (and this is a spoiler), the female villain is trying to destroy the world because she was spurned by a man. This has to be the number one most common reason women in fiction go bad. *yawn*
Also, what I most enjoyed in The Faceless Woman (the beginning of this duology) was the banter between Aisling and Bran. They spend 95% of this book apart and I missed them as a couple, even if I understood why it had to be that way.
Lastly, I noticed several copy edit mistakes. For example, 'she' is 'se' at one point and Aisling came out AIsling more than once. None of them disrupted my reading and they aren't super common, but they are there. They may be in all the previous books too. But as I said, I listened to them, rather than read, so I wouldn't have noticed.
I did appreciate the presence of a strong M/F platonic friendship. Neither character was even gay, thereby prohibiting a romance. Two people of opposite genders were simply allowed to love each other as family, despite there being no blood between them. I wish we could see that more often. (As a side note, I would love to see a gay pairing in this universe somewhere. I don't even understand why creatures like the fae would conform to heteronormativity. I mean, that just seems so human and beneath them. *shrug*)
I also still liked Aisling and Bran as characters and recognize how much they grew as people, especially Bran. I look forward to reading more of Hamm's writing.
This is the fourth book by Emma Hamm I've read and I have to say it was my least favorite. That isn't to say I didn't like it, just that it wasn't as strong in the things that made me love the others. Also, it's the only one I got in kindle instead of audio. So, I suppose there's a chance that the lack of Siobhan Waring's narration affected me. Though, I don't think that was the case.
The reason I say I didn't love this one as much, is that what I liked about the previous three books in this series is that Hamm subverted a lot of the expected tropes, especially around women. Here she played into them. While this still made a readable story that I enjoyed, it didn't light me up as much as it would have if she hadn't. As examples (and this is a spoiler), the female villain is trying to destroy the world because she was spurned by a man. This has to be the number one most common reason women in fiction go bad. *yawn*
Also, what I most enjoyed in The Faceless Woman (the beginning of this duology) was the banter between Aisling and Bran. They spend 95% of this book apart and I missed them as a couple, even if I understood why it had to be that way.
Lastly, I noticed several copy edit mistakes. For example, 'she' is 'se' at one point and Aisling came out AIsling more than once. None of them disrupted my reading and they aren't super common, but they are there. They may be in all the previous books too. But as I said, I listened to them, rather than read, so I wouldn't have noticed.
I did appreciate the presence of a strong M/F platonic friendship. Neither character was even gay, thereby prohibiting a romance. Two people of opposite genders were simply allowed to love each other as family, despite there being no blood between them. I wish we could see that more often. (As a side note, I would love to see a gay pairing in this universe somewhere. I don't even understand why creatures like the fae would conform to heteronormativity. I mean, that just seems so human and beneath them. *shrug*)
I also still liked Aisling and Bran as characters and recognize how much they grew as people, especially Bran. I look forward to reading more of Hamm's writing.
July 7, 2019
Did this second entry work as brilliantly as the first? Yes and no. The Raven’s Ballad takes place after the Faceless Woman and follows the cursed lovers Bran and Aisling. While the first book was a fever dream bursting with imagination around every corner, The Raven’s Ballad was a more restrained adventure. The tale picks up with Aisling wanting to destroy the curse that turns her into a swan and transforms Bran, her beloved, into a crow. The curse is meant to keep the two apart and provides only brief reliefn between for the two to be together. In her pursuit to find a magic salve, Aisling discovers the world’s most powerful witch is wanting to possess her and return to the world.
I still am astounded by the imagination the author has. Just because there aren’t nearly as many fantastical discoveries as in The Faceless Woman doesn’t not mean there aren’t chilling and beautiful scenes here. It’s a true and sincere pleasure just letting yourself go and be taken along the ride Emma has planned for you. The biggest gripe I had was with the editing. Yes, this book is ripe with typos that were enough to pull me out of the grip of the story. It’s a lot and I don’t recall the Faceless Woman having the same issue. I’d have to reread a sentence a few times to understand what I believed the author was trying to say. I also continued to have issues with the love between Bran and Aisling; a love that was almost too perfect and seemed to bat away every chance of conflict. It’s the perfect couple syndrome and perfection is difficult to relate to. Also, I was not as crazy for the ending. It happened abruptly for me and felt positively sunny which felt a tad out of tune with the rest of the story. Still, I was happy to finish the tale of The Raven King and Queen and walked away impressed with the author’s growth. I am excited to read more from Emma Hamm and find her writing style endlessly imaginative and beautifully poetic. The Raven’s Ballad is a dark and gothic fairy tale with a fascinating take on feminism. There is a great exchange towards the end between Aisling and the witch queen which had me ripping through the pages. I would recommend this most definitely. 4/5
I still am astounded by the imagination the author has. Just because there aren’t nearly as many fantastical discoveries as in The Faceless Woman doesn’t not mean there aren’t chilling and beautiful scenes here. It’s a true and sincere pleasure just letting yourself go and be taken along the ride Emma has planned for you. The biggest gripe I had was with the editing. Yes, this book is ripe with typos that were enough to pull me out of the grip of the story. It’s a lot and I don’t recall the Faceless Woman having the same issue. I’d have to reread a sentence a few times to understand what I believed the author was trying to say. I also continued to have issues with the love between Bran and Aisling; a love that was almost too perfect and seemed to bat away every chance of conflict. It’s the perfect couple syndrome and perfection is difficult to relate to. Also, I was not as crazy for the ending. It happened abruptly for me and felt positively sunny which felt a tad out of tune with the rest of the story. Still, I was happy to finish the tale of The Raven King and Queen and walked away impressed with the author’s growth. I am excited to read more from Emma Hamm and find her writing style endlessly imaginative and beautifully poetic. The Raven’s Ballad is a dark and gothic fairy tale with a fascinating take on feminism. There is a great exchange towards the end between Aisling and the witch queen which had me ripping through the pages. I would recommend this most definitely. 4/5
March 18, 2019
Ah-May-Zing as always. I love Emma Hamm so hard. This series is what dark fantasy dreams are made of. Can't wait for the audible version so the hubs can listen. He's ALMOST as in love with this series as me. ;)
September 9, 2020
The first book was breathtaking in its entirety the second was weighted down with numerous curses, characters and villains that didn't quite come up to scratch. The first book's prologue was so divorced from the books that it seems as if it was forgotten in the writing of the duology. 2/5 stars
December 28, 2018
This book had the perfect ending. Don't worry there is a HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
I recieved The Raven's Ballad before publication in exchange for an honest review.
First and foremost, I am absolutely in love with the dark creepy foreboding cover. Absolute perfection.
Aside from writing fantastic retellings of beloved stories, Emma is amazing at writing strong, fierce, independent women and I absolutely love that about her books. The 5 books I have read by Emma have all been centered around these strong fierce women and I will be the first to tell you how empowering it made me feel. I love seeing these women portrayed as the hero, as someone that doesn't need to stand by and wait for a man to come rescue her.
The Raven's Ballad is the second book to The Faceless Woman which was by and far my favorite in her Otherworld series because we were introduced to our main characters, Aisling and Bran! If you have not read The Faceless Woman, Heart of the Fae, or Veins of Magic I truly recommend it because there are events in all of these that culminate in The Raven's Ballad. I was not expecting any of Emma's other novels and characters to make an appearance in this one so that was a pleasant surprise! Honestly I gave my review an extra star for how wonderful it was all put together seeing her other stories playing out in this one with Bran and Aisling.
In The Faceless Woman we see Bran and Aisling make their way across the Otherworld and the Unseelie lands to eventually become the Raven King and Raven Queen. Their kingdom and crowns come with a price though, Bran turns into a Raven during the night while Aisling turns into a Swan during the day. This leaves them with little time to spend together and makes ruling their land difficult when they essentially rule separate and alone. The Raven King picks up not long after The Faceless Woman ended and we see Bran and Aisling struggling with the way things are. Not one to bear being put out like this, Aisling takes it upon herself to try and find a break to their dreadful curses. Adventures ensue and we find Bran and Aisling separate again but for different reasons as they both go their own ways to not only find each other but to find a way where they can truly be together forever.
My favorite thing about this series is that Bran and Aisling have an incredible chemistry together. Bran teases Aisling to no end, they bicker constantly, they're both bull headed, but it makes for an interesting pair because they push each other just enough but never too far. They both care about each other so intensely that I loved seeing the actions they made for the others behalf.
If Fairytales, retellings, or Fae are anywhere near your cup of tea then I highly recommend this book and series to you! This was another incredible story from Emma and I urge you to pre-order this bad boy and give it a go because you will not be disappointed!
First and foremost, I am absolutely in love with the dark creepy foreboding cover. Absolute perfection.
Aside from writing fantastic retellings of beloved stories, Emma is amazing at writing strong, fierce, independent women and I absolutely love that about her books. The 5 books I have read by Emma have all been centered around these strong fierce women and I will be the first to tell you how empowering it made me feel. I love seeing these women portrayed as the hero, as someone that doesn't need to stand by and wait for a man to come rescue her.
The Raven's Ballad is the second book to The Faceless Woman which was by and far my favorite in her Otherworld series because we were introduced to our main characters, Aisling and Bran! If you have not read The Faceless Woman, Heart of the Fae, or Veins of Magic I truly recommend it because there are events in all of these that culminate in The Raven's Ballad. I was not expecting any of Emma's other novels and characters to make an appearance in this one so that was a pleasant surprise! Honestly I gave my review an extra star for how wonderful it was all put together seeing her other stories playing out in this one with Bran and Aisling.
In The Faceless Woman we see Bran and Aisling make their way across the Otherworld and the Unseelie lands to eventually become the Raven King and Raven Queen. Their kingdom and crowns come with a price though, Bran turns into a Raven during the night while Aisling turns into a Swan during the day. This leaves them with little time to spend together and makes ruling their land difficult when they essentially rule separate and alone. The Raven King picks up not long after The Faceless Woman ended and we see Bran and Aisling struggling with the way things are. Not one to bear being put out like this, Aisling takes it upon herself to try and find a break to their dreadful curses. Adventures ensue and we find Bran and Aisling separate again but for different reasons as they both go their own ways to not only find each other but to find a way where they can truly be together forever.
My favorite thing about this series is that Bran and Aisling have an incredible chemistry together. Bran teases Aisling to no end, they bicker constantly, they're both bull headed, but it makes for an interesting pair because they push each other just enough but never too far. They both care about each other so intensely that I loved seeing the actions they made for the others behalf.
If Fairytales, retellings, or Fae are anywhere near your cup of tea then I highly recommend this book and series to you! This was another incredible story from Emma and I urge you to pre-order this bad boy and give it a go because you will not be disappointed!
September 4, 2024
Ok. I’m in the midst mentally slowing down after the emotional rollercoaster that is this book. Oh my gosh... I think this one is my favorite yet! I love book one and two of this series, but this one had that “dark love” I’m constantly craving in books. So, let’s get down with it...
1. Characters: is there even a more likable couple in the history of books? Is there? I don’t know but I’ve found one of my OTP for life. I enjoyed them in “the faceless woman” but I LOVED THEM in this book! I think it’s hard when a lot of the time romance books just focus on the “getting together” and then done. That’s it. No after the “getting together”.
Sure the ending of first title for this story was far from HEA, but it was refreshing to get a book that had a couple struggling through life that is less than ideal. To see them grow into the people they ARE, and the acceptance of that by their love. Bad guys are amazing, in that you want a horrible death for them. Cameo from our other beloved characters? Yes that’s there too!
***Another important note while I’m just ranting a whole lot of fangirling emotions, the best part was that there was never this good vs evil final decision. It was just the acceptance of who these people are and always will be. The only thing they struggled to change was the curse... not each other. Sure there was mortally questionable actions (that were solved with some in depth soul searching) but I loved that these two people were like ... “Im a shitty person but you love me for my solo moments off goodness too” and that’s that... no sobbing declarations of “ill only be with you if you stop the darkness” but rather a whole lot of “let me be the light to your darkness, and you the darkness to my light” .... BRILLIANT!
2. Story: personally I think there are two important things that this book gets right in story (the whole story is amazing but these are my favorite parts about it), and that’s having an initial problem (the difficult night and day transitions) and a whole lot of “shit hitting the fan” (because damn, every moment was a WTF didn’t see that happening.) and what was even better... it was GASP, original! The plot was totally new to me! There wasn’t angst it was all amazing development and badassery... is that a word?
So that’s my word vomit of emotions that I received from this book. Honestly, there wasn’t ONE thing I didn’t like. I loved it all. The smexy interactions, the bickering, the queen and king romance of the century! Emma... I want more!!!!
Anyway five stars, eight thousand thumbs up, and a shinny sticker of approval from moi.
1. Characters: is there even a more likable couple in the history of books? Is there? I don’t know but I’ve found one of my OTP for life. I enjoyed them in “the faceless woman” but I LOVED THEM in this book! I think it’s hard when a lot of the time romance books just focus on the “getting together” and then done. That’s it. No after the “getting together”.
Sure the ending of first title for this story was far from HEA, but it was refreshing to get a book that had a couple struggling through life that is less than ideal. To see them grow into the people they ARE, and the acceptance of that by their love. Bad guys are amazing, in that you want a horrible death for them. Cameo from our other beloved characters? Yes that’s there too!
***Another important note while I’m just ranting a whole lot of fangirling emotions, the best part was that there was never this good vs evil final decision. It was just the acceptance of who these people are and always will be. The only thing they struggled to change was the curse... not each other. Sure there was mortally questionable actions (that were solved with some in depth soul searching) but I loved that these two people were like ... “Im a shitty person but you love me for my solo moments off goodness too” and that’s that... no sobbing declarations of “ill only be with you if you stop the darkness” but rather a whole lot of “let me be the light to your darkness, and you the darkness to my light” .... BRILLIANT!
2. Story: personally I think there are two important things that this book gets right in story (the whole story is amazing but these are my favorite parts about it), and that’s having an initial problem (the difficult night and day transitions) and a whole lot of “shit hitting the fan” (because damn, every moment was a WTF didn’t see that happening.) and what was even better... it was GASP, original! The plot was totally new to me! There wasn’t angst it was all amazing development and badassery... is that a word?
So that’s my word vomit of emotions that I received from this book. Honestly, there wasn’t ONE thing I didn’t like. I loved it all. The smexy interactions, the bickering, the queen and king romance of the century! Emma... I want more!!!!
Anyway five stars, eight thousand thumbs up, and a shinny sticker of approval from moi.
Read
January 6, 2020DNF @ 45%.
Wow. What a letdown. Bran and Aisling’s story in The Faceless Woman was magical. The Raven King, the Swan Princess, the Sluagh and everything - it was such a breathtaking story in a richly imagined world. I was really excited for this book but unfortunately Emma Hamm seemed to have dropped the ball while writing this. There are so many grammatical errors alongside an incredibly weak plot. There were a lot of stupid decisions made by the characters that were seemingly done only to move the plot forward. It felt cheap and was completely at odds to how the characters acted in the first book.
Honestly this was disappointing because I haven’t found a series I’ve liked enough to read the sequels since the Winners Curse trilogy I read back in October. Are three-month book hangovers a thing?
Wow. What a letdown. Bran and Aisling’s story in The Faceless Woman was magical. The Raven King, the Swan Princess, the Sluagh and everything - it was such a breathtaking story in a richly imagined world. I was really excited for this book but unfortunately Emma Hamm seemed to have dropped the ball while writing this. There are so many grammatical errors alongside an incredibly weak plot. There were a lot of stupid decisions made by the characters that were seemingly done only to move the plot forward. It felt cheap and was completely at odds to how the characters acted in the first book.
Honestly this was disappointing because I haven’t found a series I’ve liked enough to read the sequels since the Winners Curse trilogy I read back in October. Are three-month book hangovers a thing?
February 12, 2023
First time reading books by Emma Hamm. Starting with the faceless woman and then with the raven's ballad. And what a treasure I have found. This was one of the best retellings of the swan princess. At first I was a little bit doubtful because of the dark fairy tale vibes, but I ended up loving it. The dark touches were not strong or overwhelming at all, they were perfect . Aisling and Bran are now one of my favorite book couples. They had the most beautiful love and chemistry together. Undying love , true love. It was a beautiful read. Now here I go, to read the first book, heart of the fae. If you are a fan of fairy tales and romance you shouldn't miss reading these books.
January 18, 2024
✨4.7 of 5✨
I really enjoyed the story of Aisling and Bran! This novel concluded their story, and Emma Hamm did an amazing job tying things together. I mentioned it in a previous review for Emma’s books that I love her usage of long chapters. When I am reading on Kindle and see “30 minutes remaining in chapter”, I just know it is going to be good.
This bit is a wee spoiler but - LORCAN HAS MY HEART. I am so glad our man is no longer a cat but still kinda acts like one. I just know if I was a witch I’d want my cat familiar to be just like him. He really cares for Aisling so as the cool kids say “we stan Lorcan, our cat familiar king” 🤴
P.S I can’t wait to see more of Elva 🤭
I really enjoyed the story of Aisling and Bran! This novel concluded their story, and Emma Hamm did an amazing job tying things together. I mentioned it in a previous review for Emma’s books that I love her usage of long chapters. When I am reading on Kindle and see “30 minutes remaining in chapter”, I just know it is going to be good.
This bit is a wee spoiler but - LORCAN HAS MY HEART. I am so glad our man is no longer a cat but still kinda acts like one. I just know if I was a witch I’d want my cat familiar to be just like him. He really cares for Aisling so as the cool kids say “we stan Lorcan, our cat familiar king” 🤴
P.S I can’t wait to see more of Elva 🤭
May 31, 2023
It was good! I did crave more when it ended! I have noticed with Emma’s Books she wraps the story up really quickly (like last 50-70 pages)which can be a little much. Overall great book that has continued to keep me out of a reading slump
April 24, 2024
I have to say that the Faceless Woman and the Ravens ballad are my favorite of the Otherworldl series
January 2, 2019
I had the pleasure of being able to read The Raven’s Ballad before its release.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m convinced that Emma Hamm writes the most bad ass female characters. I thought Sorcha (Otherworld 1 & 2)was badass and then I met Aisling. Both women are something to behold, but Aisling has an entirely different strength than Sorcha.
Aisling’s quiet resolve, love for her people and her King made me fall more in love with her. And here I thought I’d never love any character of Emma’s more than I love Bran.
That brings me to the beauty of Bran and Aisling’s relationship. First, Aisling was never shaken, no matter what, in her faith in Bran... even when he needed a swift kick in the ass, Aisling stood by her man. That really did it for me. I love when a female character is strong enough to not be shaken by shitty circumstances. I love that she stood on her own even though she had every right to fall apart. Second, Bran had some moments of weakness and vulnerability that were just beautiful! I fell more and more in love with both of these characters than I thought possible.
I just happened upon this series one day and I could not be happier that I decided to read it. Emma’s storytelling is top notch. She has a way of weaving Irish folklore into something new and giving us this incredible outcome. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m convinced that Emma Hamm writes the most bad ass female characters. I thought Sorcha (Otherworld 1 & 2)was badass and then I met Aisling. Both women are something to behold, but Aisling has an entirely different strength than Sorcha.
Aisling’s quiet resolve, love for her people and her King made me fall more in love with her. And here I thought I’d never love any character of Emma’s more than I love Bran.
That brings me to the beauty of Bran and Aisling’s relationship. First, Aisling was never shaken, no matter what, in her faith in Bran... even when he needed a swift kick in the ass, Aisling stood by her man. That really did it for me. I love when a female character is strong enough to not be shaken by shitty circumstances. I love that she stood on her own even though she had every right to fall apart. Second, Bran had some moments of weakness and vulnerability that were just beautiful! I fell more and more in love with both of these characters than I thought possible.
I just happened upon this series one day and I could not be happier that I decided to read it. Emma’s storytelling is top notch. She has a way of weaving Irish folklore into something new and giving us this incredible outcome. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
April 23, 2021
I really enjoyed the second half of this book. The first half was slow, boring, and a bit depressing. I understand that the author needed to create new conflict after the ending of the first book, but I just don't like it when characters in a romance can't truly be together and are having relationship problems. At one point about halfway through the book something happened that pissed me off immediately and I almost DNFed on the spot, but I kept reading and it turned out that there were almost no true consequences from that event. That and all the other plot holes also negatively impacted my reading experience. As well as, the numerous typos on the kindle ebook which I believe has to do with the fact that it wasn't thoroughly edited enough. However, I enjoyed the magical journey in the second half of the book and the ending was really good to the point I almost cried. It had a very beautiful and hopeful ending after the resolution of the conflict too. So, despite many things I disliked, I did enjoy the book and I give it 3 stars.
January 6, 2024
Bran and Aisling try to break Aisling's curse but other things take priority. Aisling desires to make Underhill a pleasant kingdom for her subjects, and give Changlings sanctuary from The Wild Hunt. The first Raven Queen, however, wants to take over, throwing a wrench into all of Aisling's plans. Bran also deals with his past, namely what he felt for Aisling's sister Elva. At first, it was annoying how everyone pointed out Elva was his ex-love, but this helps Bran figure out who and why and what by the end, and I loved it. Beauty is only skin deep as the cliche goes.
I love the Otherworld, never know what's going to come up next. Bleeding apples, anyone? How about a Questing Beast? It's a Celtic trip, man, and I enjoyed myself. I love this author's imagination.
The only thing I could say is I wish this had been only one book, because I did not like the ending of the last one at all.
I love the Otherworld, never know what's going to come up next. Bleeding apples, anyone? How about a Questing Beast? It's a Celtic trip, man, and I enjoyed myself. I love this author's imagination.
The only thing I could say is I wish this had been only one book, because I did not like the ending of the last one at all.
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