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Ravenswood #1
Ravenswood
From USA Today Bestseller Christine Zolendz, comes a new, haunting paranormal series.
They're DYING to get in...
In the southern swamps of Louisiana, an ominous and foreboding mansion beckons the young and curious tourists. But once they enter Ravenswood, they never return.
And New Yorker Rainey Halerow knows nothing about it...
That is until her grandmother is brutally murdered under her nose and the answers to her mysterious and heinous death lie within the walls of Ravenswood. As the mansion lures her in, Rainey knows one thing is certain: more than death is trapped inside.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2018
35 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Christine Zolendz
43 books2,690 followersUSA Today bestselling romance author. Mother. Coffee drinker. Unicorn believer. New Yorker.
Books and writing are my escape from reality.
Read Me Free Here:
bit.ly/ChrisZo
Books and writing are my escape from reality.
Read Me Free Here:
bit.ly/ChrisZo
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 5, 2018
3.75 Stars ⭐️
November 1, 2018
I first came across Christine Zolendz when I read the Mad World series, so a few years ago. I remember devouring the books as fast as I could get my hands on them. So when I came across Ravenswood there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to read it and now I have.
Authors are a dime a dozen. Some are good, some great and others are downright dreadful. Christine falls into the great category.
Ravenswood is dark, intriguing, and on a level all on it's own. The storyline is one of a kind and brilliant. The world is elaborately detailed and you feel like your walking through the same halls as Raine and Matthias. It's not full of flowers and rainbows but it is beautifully dark. Its intense and spellbinding.
Buy the book, jump into a new unique world and when your finished with the book you can than me for suggesting it.
Authors are a dime a dozen. Some are good, some great and others are downright dreadful. Christine falls into the great category.
Ravenswood is dark, intriguing, and on a level all on it's own. The storyline is one of a kind and brilliant. The world is elaborately detailed and you feel like your walking through the same halls as Raine and Matthias. It's not full of flowers and rainbows but it is beautifully dark. Its intense and spellbinding.
Buy the book, jump into a new unique world and when your finished with the book you can than me for suggesting it.
October 29, 2018
First and foremost… don’t even bother with my review just ONE CLICK!!! This is one of those books you really need to experience for yourself, with no preconceived notions. I know that sounds clichéd and all, just trust me! You won’t regret it!
For those that need a review, I’m sorry if this is vague. I don’t want to accidentally include spoilers and ruin anyone’s journey.
Just know that Ravenswood was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. Before this read, I was rereading a crap ton of old comfy faves, after I was reading a crap ton of new books. Christine Zolendz broke my book funk with this treasure.
Seriously, I can’t scream enough about my love for everything within the pages of Ravenswood: from the characters, to the plot, to the tangible, intricate details, to the twists, to the love/hate relationship, to the secrets, to the gritty, rawness... and that ending!!
Every little aspect of this book was beautifully written. Eerie and haunting, but beautiful. I was captivated. Hooked. Line and sinker. Chills and all. I seriously couldn’t devour the pages fast enough. I needed more of Madden, Liam, Rainey, the King, and Mathias. They were quickly turning out to be my newest obsession and I needed this book to never end. Sadly, like all books, it did.
If I had to pick a favorite character, it would most definitely be Rainey. That chick was bad ass. I don’t know how the hell she kept her wits about her but she did. All the things she encountered would have had be me hiding in a corner, in a pile of pee and poo, while rocking back and forth. She walked around in a world filled with horror and the unexplained yet still kept her composure and sanity. To say I have a girl crush on our heroine would be an understatement.
Just a quick FYI: this is the first book in the series and leans more towards creepy, suspenseful, as the author’s setting the stage, building groundwork. There is a smidge of romance, though, and you can definitely feel the tension between the H/h growing with each encounter. I’m betting we’ll see and feel a lot more of this chemistry within book two. Just know that it comes closer to the end. Usually this would irk me to no end, but I was so intrigued with the ambiance, characters, and locale that I didn’t mind at all.
Yes, you read that right. There is a book two. This one ends on a small cliff hanger but the author is currently writing the second one, so hopefully not too long of a wait. And as far as cliffs go this one was very mild. I think you would be okay to start it. Not saying you won’t want the next immediately but it also won’t kill you. J
I don't normally do Paranormal Romance but when it comes to Christine Zolendz I get greedy hands!! I seriously have to read everything and anything she writes. I don’t even bother to read the synopsis any more. I see a new book coming and get all fan-girly! I just love the worlds she creates that much. And I adore the fact that no matter what world she slides into she writes it flawlessly, whether it's Suspense, Paranormal, Contemporary, or Rom Com.
Ravenswood was no exception. Ms. Zolendz proves once again, she’s most definitely not a one hit wonder!
Now bring on book two, Zolendz! I need it like I need chocolate!
For those that need a review, I’m sorry if this is vague. I don’t want to accidentally include spoilers and ruin anyone’s journey.
Just know that Ravenswood was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. Before this read, I was rereading a crap ton of old comfy faves, after I was reading a crap ton of new books. Christine Zolendz broke my book funk with this treasure.
Seriously, I can’t scream enough about my love for everything within the pages of Ravenswood: from the characters, to the plot, to the tangible, intricate details, to the twists, to the love/hate relationship, to the secrets, to the gritty, rawness... and that ending!!
Every little aspect of this book was beautifully written. Eerie and haunting, but beautiful. I was captivated. Hooked. Line and sinker. Chills and all. I seriously couldn’t devour the pages fast enough. I needed more of Madden, Liam, Rainey, the King, and Mathias. They were quickly turning out to be my newest obsession and I needed this book to never end. Sadly, like all books, it did.
If I had to pick a favorite character, it would most definitely be Rainey. That chick was bad ass. I don’t know how the hell she kept her wits about her but she did. All the things she encountered would have had be me hiding in a corner, in a pile of pee and poo, while rocking back and forth. She walked around in a world filled with horror and the unexplained yet still kept her composure and sanity. To say I have a girl crush on our heroine would be an understatement.
Just a quick FYI: this is the first book in the series and leans more towards creepy, suspenseful, as the author’s setting the stage, building groundwork. There is a smidge of romance, though, and you can definitely feel the tension between the H/h growing with each encounter. I’m betting we’ll see and feel a lot more of this chemistry within book two. Just know that it comes closer to the end. Usually this would irk me to no end, but I was so intrigued with the ambiance, characters, and locale that I didn’t mind at all.
Yes, you read that right. There is a book two. This one ends on a small cliff hanger but the author is currently writing the second one, so hopefully not too long of a wait. And as far as cliffs go this one was very mild. I think you would be okay to start it. Not saying you won’t want the next immediately but it also won’t kill you. J
I don't normally do Paranormal Romance but when it comes to Christine Zolendz I get greedy hands!! I seriously have to read everything and anything she writes. I don’t even bother to read the synopsis any more. I see a new book coming and get all fan-girly! I just love the worlds she creates that much. And I adore the fact that no matter what world she slides into she writes it flawlessly, whether it's Suspense, Paranormal, Contemporary, or Rom Com.
Ravenswood was no exception. Ms. Zolendz proves once again, she’s most definitely not a one hit wonder!
Now bring on book two, Zolendz! I need it like I need chocolate!
October 31, 2018
At chapter 16 and the story just doesn't seem to go anywhere. At all.
And I don't like the heroine, she's annoying and tstl. So DNF.
And I don't like the heroine, she's annoying and tstl. So DNF.
November 14, 2018
Wow what a ride!
I couldnt put this book down. It really does chill you to the bone.
This book keeps you gripped and guessing at the back story within it. A very cleverly written book which draws you in. The characters were well detailed and the writing style was superb!
I'd definitely reccomend reading this with the lights on!
I couldnt put this book down. It really does chill you to the bone.
This book keeps you gripped and guessing at the back story within it. A very cleverly written book which draws you in. The characters were well detailed and the writing style was superb!
I'd definitely reccomend reading this with the lights on!
November 12, 2018
Weird as shit.....Idk I definitely didn't love it.
October 28, 2018
Wow!!!! I loved the twists in this new paranormal series. Rainey has never really felt a strong attachment to her family, friends or life. When tragedy strikes and she discovers nothing is quite what she thought about her life. I felt almost like a strange things and upside down world feeling reading this story. The people she meets are just so intriguing and mysterious. And just original! I seriously want to just live in her gothic world for a day and experience all of the dark, creepy chills myself. So fun to read and a real page turner. I need the next book soon!
October 29, 2018
Storyline: 5
Angst: 3
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 0
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
After her grandmother is brutally murdered, Rainey Halerow gets a surprising visitor who mentions a family that misses her. A family that Rainey knows nothing about. Curious and wanting answers, Rainey starts investigating clues to her grandmother’s real identity and a past that just might be the death of her.
“There was some far off familiarity to him I couldn’t quite put a finger on; it made the hair prickle on the back of my neck.”
Wow!!!! I loved the twists in this new paranormal series. Rainey has never really felt a strong attachment to her family, friends or life. When tragedy strikes, she discovers nothing is quite what she thought about her life. I felt almost like a strange things and upside down world feeling reading this story. The people she meets are just so intriguing and mysterious. And just original! I seriously want to just live in her gothic world for a day and experience all of the dark, creepy chills myself. So fun to read and a real page turner. I need the next book soon!
There’s just something so good about a paranormal novel and the spooky way they can get under your skin. I needed this series in my life and had no idea that I’d be that addicted to this gothic charmer.
Angst: 3
Tissue: 0
Value: 5
Panty Scorching: 0
Over All Rating: 4.5 Stars
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
After her grandmother is brutally murdered, Rainey Halerow gets a surprising visitor who mentions a family that misses her. A family that Rainey knows nothing about. Curious and wanting answers, Rainey starts investigating clues to her grandmother’s real identity and a past that just might be the death of her.
“There was some far off familiarity to him I couldn’t quite put a finger on; it made the hair prickle on the back of my neck.”
Wow!!!! I loved the twists in this new paranormal series. Rainey has never really felt a strong attachment to her family, friends or life. When tragedy strikes, she discovers nothing is quite what she thought about her life. I felt almost like a strange things and upside down world feeling reading this story. The people she meets are just so intriguing and mysterious. And just original! I seriously want to just live in her gothic world for a day and experience all of the dark, creepy chills myself. So fun to read and a real page turner. I need the next book soon!
There’s just something so good about a paranormal novel and the spooky way they can get under your skin. I needed this series in my life and had no idea that I’d be that addicted to this gothic charmer.
January 5, 2019
3.5 stars
I m big fan of Mad World series of Christine Zolendz so i was pretty excited for this one too! But the book was way too much descriptive for me and i lost interest in the story because of that. Till chapter 16 it's pretty much kinda boring but after that things got little interesting.
I'll be waiting for next book in the series to see maybe if it can change my mind.
I m big fan of Mad World series of Christine Zolendz so i was pretty excited for this one too! But the book was way too much descriptive for me and i lost interest in the story because of that. Till chapter 16 it's pretty much kinda boring but after that things got little interesting.
I'll be waiting for next book in the series to see maybe if it can change my mind.
February 8, 2019
I didn't know what to expect from this book. I gathered that it was paranormal and I love the Mad World Series, but I'm conflicted because I was expecting more of a romance, but I would have to say that it is much more a thriller. If you're looking for something different to read, give this one a chance.
November 4, 2018
Holy shit on a stick. I’ve been waiting for this book for like forever right? Don’t mind my dramatics, but when it comes to Christine’s books that’s just who I am. Anyways she made me wait the whole time then amazon fucked up and didn’t deliver my book and I had to wait even longer. Finally, FINALLY, it showed up on Thursday and I was like hallelujah! I started reading right away and the wait was so worth it. Ravenswood starts off with an eerie fortune teller giving us the creeps from the very beginning. Things move quickly and my head began to spin because I could not figure out what the hell was going on. I pride myself in being that smart girl that can figure it all out. I didn’t figure any of it out. I was so angry with Rainey for not obey rule number one in a weird land, never eat or drink!! The characters were so well built that I instantly caught feelings for all of them. I hated most cuz they were straight up assholes to her. But I caught stupid insta love feelings for Mathias because I’m a hopeless romantic that way. The relationship starts off rocky. He wants her gone immediately and that’s a blow to a girl’s ego you know!? Anyways what develops between them gives me goosebumps and I cannot wait for more.
Now the bad guy. We didn’t get a lot of Hemlock but what we did, we can figure out what type of asshole he is. He is a grade a one. I want Rainey to get some sort of super power and blast lightening from her eyes and shoot him in the face!! But only the next book will answer that question for me. And I have loads of questions!
Christine’s ability to weave words into stories is almost unmatched. Ravenswood is no different. I fell in love. I hated beyond hate. I was sad, angry, frustrated, confused, heartbroken. I went through so many emotions and like the true puppet master that she is, Christine played me like a piano. And I loved every minute of it.
Now the bad guy. We didn’t get a lot of Hemlock but what we did, we can figure out what type of asshole he is. He is a grade a one. I want Rainey to get some sort of super power and blast lightening from her eyes and shoot him in the face!! But only the next book will answer that question for me. And I have loads of questions!
Christine’s ability to weave words into stories is almost unmatched. Ravenswood is no different. I fell in love. I hated beyond hate. I was sad, angry, frustrated, confused, heartbroken. I went through so many emotions and like the true puppet master that she is, Christine played me like a piano. And I loved every minute of it.
November 4, 2018
Holy shit on a stick. I’ve been waiting for this book for like forever right? Don’t mind my dramatics, but when it comes to Christine’s books that’s just who I am. Anyways she made me wait the whole time then amazon fucked up and didn’t deliver my book and I had to wait even longer. Finally, FINALLY, it showed up on Thursday and I was like hallelujah! I started reading right away and the wait was so worth it. Ravenswood starts off with an eerie fortune teller giving us the creeps from the very beginning. Things move quickly and my head began to spin because I could not figure out what the hell was going on. I pride myself in being that smart girl that can figure it all out. I didn’t figure any of it out. I was so angry with Rainey for not obey rule number one in a weird land, never eat or drink!! The characters were so well built that I instantly caught feelings for all of them. I hated most cuz they were straight up assholes to her. But I caught stupid insta love feelings for Mathias because I’m a hopeless romantic that way. The relationship starts off rocky. He wants her gone immediately and that’s a blow to a girl’s ego you know!? Anyways what develops between them gives me goosebumps and I cannot wait for more.
Now the bad guy. We didn’t get a lot of Hemlock but what we did, we can figure out what type of asshole he is. He is a grade a one. I want Rainey to get some sort of super power and blast lightening from her eyes and shoot him in the face!! But only the next book will answer that question for me. And I have loads of questions!
Christine’s ability to weave words into stories is almost unmatched. Ravenswood is no different. I fell in love. I hated beyond hate. I was sad, angry, frustrated, confused, heartbroken. I went through so many emotions and like the true puppet master that she is, Christine played me like a piano. And I loved every minute of it.
Now the bad guy. We didn’t get a lot of Hemlock but what we did, we can figure out what type of asshole he is. He is a grade a one. I want Rainey to get some sort of super power and blast lightening from her eyes and shoot him in the face!! But only the next book will answer that question for me. And I have loads of questions!
Christine’s ability to weave words into stories is almost unmatched. Ravenswood is no different. I fell in love. I hated beyond hate. I was sad, angry, frustrated, confused, heartbroken. I went through so many emotions and like the true puppet master that she is, Christine played me like a piano. And I loved every minute of it.
October 23, 2018
"In Ravenswood, a soul is the only currency left."
I have loved everything I read by Christine. She just has such a way with words, and her world building in this book was absolutely amazing. Ravenswood is such a unique story that leaves you wanting so much more. I seriously NEED the next book! I want to know what is going to come next, because it's not a huge cliffhanger but yes it ends almost in a way that is like a cliffhanger. I think the only thing that I would even consider a flaw or complaint is that I truly wanted more interaction between Rainey and Mathias. I loved when the two were around one another, and then coming to understand Mathias just had me hoping for more of them.
Ravenswood has such a mystery quality, but the romance is there. Not a lot but enough to pull you in, well me in. I really did love this book!!! I am so excited for the next in the series. I want to gush, to talk about the storyline, about the mystery, and the villain. However, doing so spoils the book or in my opinion does so. This is a book that is best that you go in almost blind to get the full effect.
Obviously the blurb allows you to know that Rainey has just lost her grandmother, and finds herself in Louisiana in an attempt to discover who killer her, but what she discovers in Ravenswood is so much more than she ever imagined.
There! No spoiling coming from me. :) This book may not be for everyone but I loved it, and loved Christine's writing so much. Christine your words are enchanting, and they leave me reeling, wanting so much more.
I have loved everything I read by Christine. She just has such a way with words, and her world building in this book was absolutely amazing. Ravenswood is such a unique story that leaves you wanting so much more. I seriously NEED the next book! I want to know what is going to come next, because it's not a huge cliffhanger but yes it ends almost in a way that is like a cliffhanger. I think the only thing that I would even consider a flaw or complaint is that I truly wanted more interaction between Rainey and Mathias. I loved when the two were around one another, and then coming to understand Mathias just had me hoping for more of them.
Ravenswood has such a mystery quality, but the romance is there. Not a lot but enough to pull you in, well me in. I really did love this book!!! I am so excited for the next in the series. I want to gush, to talk about the storyline, about the mystery, and the villain. However, doing so spoils the book or in my opinion does so. This is a book that is best that you go in almost blind to get the full effect.
Obviously the blurb allows you to know that Rainey has just lost her grandmother, and finds herself in Louisiana in an attempt to discover who killer her, but what she discovers in Ravenswood is so much more than she ever imagined.
There! No spoiling coming from me. :) This book may not be for everyone but I loved it, and loved Christine's writing so much. Christine your words are enchanting, and they leave me reeling, wanting so much more.
April 7, 2019
At 46% I still found myself bored. I wanted to like this book. I wanted to get caught up in the fantasy like I did with Mad World, but I just couldn’t. I was so close to the half way mark and still there was no clue as to what the story was really about.
The heroine was So. Very. Annoying... trying to be tough and smart mouth one minute, but then tripping over her feet at every turn with fear or paralyzed and unable to speak the next, ONLY to then say something rude the very next sentence.
And lastly, there was just TOO MUCH description of the surroundings that you forget what you’re reading. It should not take two pages to describe a dining hall or garden (for example). Normally, I like vivid details, but holy smokes, this was over the top. I felt like all the descriptions were just fillers and that’s a huge pet-peeve of mine.
The heroine was So. Very. Annoying... trying to be tough and smart mouth one minute, but then tripping over her feet at every turn with fear or paralyzed and unable to speak the next, ONLY to then say something rude the very next sentence.
And lastly, there was just TOO MUCH description of the surroundings that you forget what you’re reading. It should not take two pages to describe a dining hall or garden (for example). Normally, I like vivid details, but holy smokes, this was over the top. I felt like all the descriptions were just fillers and that’s a huge pet-peeve of mine.
November 8, 2018
This was a good book but too much description for me. It was so over the top on describing every detail that it was hard to focus for me. Every sight, smell, taste and touch was on every page almost. I still want to read the next book and find out what happens with Mathias and Raine but not looking forward to all the scenery it will probably have to describe in painful detail. I'm sure for some, that level of detail helps people visual the scene in their heads but for me it just was too much. I like the mystery and intrigue of the murder and how the characters are developing though. Will wait for the next book and see if it can change my mind about this series.
October 29, 2018
EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK A paranormal book from the only and only Christine Zolendz...
This book is definitely an automatic one-click. Zolendz writing has a way of pulling you in and holding on tight until the very last page.. But it doesn't stop there, her words have you begging for more.. There is so much going on in this book that definitely keeps the pages turning.
Rainey is in a search for answers. Answers about her grandmother and why she was murdered. Was she wasn't prepared for is what she had to go through to get her answers... This book was very haunting, in which, Christine is so good at writing.. Ravenswood was very good.. There is so much more to say about Ravenswood, however, I feel that if I say more, I will ruin the book......
Get to one-clicking.
This book is definitely an automatic one-click. Zolendz writing has a way of pulling you in and holding on tight until the very last page.. But it doesn't stop there, her words have you begging for more.. There is so much going on in this book that definitely keeps the pages turning.
Rainey is in a search for answers. Answers about her grandmother and why she was murdered. Was she wasn't prepared for is what she had to go through to get her answers... This book was very haunting, in which, Christine is so good at writing.. Ravenswood was very good.. There is so much more to say about Ravenswood, however, I feel that if I say more, I will ruin the book......
Get to one-clicking.
November 27, 2018
I knew better than to start this book as the second one is not out yet. I have read several books by this author and was excited to have a new one out. I gave it a 4 because honestly, Raine annoyed me a little. Towards the end of the book is when she finally became likable. Can I say the end I am not happy with at all because now I have to wait!! Ugh!!! I don't mind cliffhangers as long as the next book is available, lol. This was definitely a unique book and very up and down on my emotions. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!! Hurry please and finish it soon!
November 6, 2018
I can absolutely admit to not having a damn clue what was going on in this book until about 65%! I LOVE a book like that. Ravenswood is dark, yet light. It's sad, but hopeful. It's mysterious. It's intriguing for sure. I really did like this book. I can't wait to see what's in store for Raine and the rest of the gang.
August 28, 2019
Slow start
For me it’s hit or miss with anything paranormal ish. It took me most of the book to even get involved in the he story. The ideas in it were good, fresh even. They just didn’t really grab me. Sorry :(
Rainey was okay. She did grow on me as the book progressed though.
For me it’s hit or miss with anything paranormal ish. It took me most of the book to even get involved in the he story. The ideas in it were good, fresh even. They just didn’t really grab me. Sorry :(
Rainey was okay. She did grow on me as the book progressed though.
January 7, 2019
Read over 2 sittings. I’m going to have to do a proper review of this soon, 4 stars!!
February 27, 2019
Rated 4.8 Stars
One of the strangest and best books I've ever read!
Ravenswood = Where anything can happen, and it usually does.
One of the strangest and best books I've ever read!
Ravenswood = Where anything can happen, and it usually does.
June 26, 2019
I never thought there was such a thing as too many descriptions. Until this book. Just a confusing, unappealing mess.
Read
November 9, 2018DNF 44%
This was the most overly descriptive book about nothing. I couldn't take it anymore.
This was the most overly descriptive book about nothing. I couldn't take it anymore.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews