Rundown waitress, part-time private investigator, and half-fae shifter, Raven Crawford, always gets the opposite of what she wants most. She works two jobs but can’t pay the bills. Her confrontation with Queen Lloth has unexpected and unfortunate consequences, and her love life is a hot mess.
With failure and disappointment honed to painful perfection, Raven’s life is riddled with complications, including her troublesome attraction to the lethal Lord of Shadows. When her latest case leads to a group hell-bent on destruction, she must decide who to trust. Will she choose wisely, or will she fail once again and become the next casualty in a war between the Mortal Realm and the Underworld?
J. C. McKenzie is a book loving, gumboot-wearing, unapologetic science geek. She predominantly writes urban fantasy and fantasy romance. When she’s not spinning tales, she’s in the classroom sharing her passion for science and mathematics while secretly warping the young impressionable minds of our future to carry out her evil plans for world domination. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.
I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley and chose to leave a voluntary review. Thank you!*
I think I read this book even faster than the last and I think I even liked it better than the last as well. Of course it could have been because we got passed the insta lust at this point to. We get a lot more into the events of the underworld and the consequences of the events in last book. Raven unknowingly bit of more than she can swallow (lol for those who read the book). Raven grows a lot and starting to become a lot more confident in her situation but she is also still learning and leery which makes her even more likeable in my eyes. I still love her snark and humor, but also her love for her family and friends. She just wants to do the right thing but is willing to take out a threat if needed no problem. Cole I liked a bit better as well but, we still don’t get much about him. The most we get is when he is having a brooding standoff with Bane. I also don’t care for the fact that he keeps stuff from her, no matter the reason. Their relationship is one thing I’m so-so about , while all it is fine and good I can’t connect to it, that just seems always the case when a relationship starts with a case of insta lust. I’s hard to see how it forms into healthy trusting relationship if all we ever see is the lusty moments and never or hardly any tender moments. For me anyway… most of the time. I like them together but I also could care less about it. But I’m all for their banter. Speaking of Bane, I wish we get more of him and I bet he is not all that bad. Maybe we get some books about him someday. Mike, was still my favorite and I can’t get enough of him. Her twin is back but yet not much in the book and the times he was there it felt off , we should see how that goes. There were still a few unresolved topics I’m waiting for to be bought up and handled as a family, like their father. I hope that comes up sometime and being discussed. Speaking of her family, I love the whole family and their Sundays dinners are the best. Overall I loved this book, it was another super-fast but very funny and enjoyable read that brought many shocking surprises to the table, I can’t wait for the next book to release after that cliffhanger we got. Though I should have seen in coming. I rate this book 4.5★
A great follow up to Conspiracy of Ravens. I like the mix of both the worlds and the way this plot really brought the two together. You get a feel for the divide and pull Raven must feel being born from both. The fact that she is part of the Others but also very uninformed about them as a whole and her role in their world is endearing and exciting to stumble around learning with her on the fly as the reader. It's fun to see her abilities grow and I am enjoying the journey. It feels like there's still so much to uncover about her powers, her new position as the Corvid Queen, and the world of the Others in general. Each little bit of information only makes you want to know more.
I liked the progression in the relationship between Cole and Raven in this one. Although his penchant for secrecy, even when it is for Raven's safety or benefit, seems like it could grow tiresome after awhile. Raven strikes me as the kind to stand more on her own and do what needs to be done, no matter how dirty the task may be, and I think eventually their relationship will require more of an even footing and partnership. It feels like there's still a certain depth lacking in their relationship and while we see things progress with them in a positive way there seems to be some questions and a smidgen of apprehension still within Raven and I wonder if it stems from a culmination of these key things. I'm curious to see how that progresses in the future.
All in all these books are quick fun reads and I'm thoroughly enjoying this exciting universe and all its interesting inhabitants!
Raven is back and has trouble following close behind. Raven just can’t seem to keep the problems at bay but while she is facing her adversaries there is tons of witty banter, a hot as heck fae lord and a quirky family all coming into play.
Raven receives a gem as a tip and soon after things start happening. Her ex’s new girl friend comes in to higher her as a PI. And, that is how it all begins…
Fast paced, lots of witty and intelligent dialogue and a fantastic plot.
Following the first installment, there is plenty of character growth, enough left unsaid while more revelations are revealed and a great balance of everything you really enjoy in a read without any aspect overwhelming the other. Can’t wait to grab book 3.
I received this review copy of Nevermore from J.C. McKenzie. This is my honest and voluntary review.
My Rating: 4 stars Written by: J.C. McKenzie Series: Raven Crawford (Book 2) Paperback: 299 pages Publisher: J. C. McKenzie (November 10, 2019) ISBN-10: 1999239423 ISBN-13: 978-1999239428 Genre: Urban Fantasy
NEVERMORE is the second book in the Raven Crawford series and we return to Raven as she is still adjusting to what happened at the end of book 1 and the death of the Corvid Queen.
I say that some of the instances in this book are not a surprise, but then I don't think they were intended to be. What you do get is the continuation of the story, with sass and snark in handfuls, steam that melts your Kindle, and a story that just keeps getting better.
I loved how Raven is still at her dead-end job with Mike, not because it's a dead-end job but because she's still got her 'normal' life. She's still trying to pay off Robert's debts and has moved back home. This isn't anyone who has let things go to her head and even more so in this one! We get more of her family in this one, plus some more of the 'bad guys' which, to be honest, just leaves me wanting more.
The writing is on form as always, with the pacing being perfect for the story. The characters just keep on getting better and the story will have you turning the pages, unwilling to stop reading.
For a top-notch Urban Fantasy, I have no hesitation in recommending both this book and the series.
She’s a rundown waitress, part-time investigator and half-fae shifter who always gets the opposite of what she wants. Raven Crawford is working two jobs but can’t pay the bills, her confrontation with Queen Lloth has some unexpected and unfortunate consequences and her latest case is leading to a group of hell-bent on destruction and could make her another casualty in a war between the Mortal Realm and the Underworld.
Readers are hooked from the very first page of this highly suspenseful and exciting read. The second book in the ‘Raven Crawford’ trilogy has Raven’s life taking some stunning turns that push her more into the Underworld than she wants and her troublesome attraction to the lethal Lord of Shadows is getting harder to fight. This story starts off with some unsettling news, two new cases for the investigation business and just keeps building more and more suspense with every twists and turn of every exciting page. The plot has a steady to fast pace and is filled with lots of excitement to be found throughout as well as all the emotional turmoil that Raven faces as her life is turned upside down and maybe even inside out.
Readers can’t help but become enthralled by Raven’s life as they follow the case and bite their nails in anticipation of what will come next for Raven, especially regarding the outrageous consequences of her confrontation with Queen Lloth. This trilogy is so very fascinating and full of wonderfully unique and surprising elements and a snarky heroine that really reaches out and grabs readers by their imaginations.
A debt owed to a dark fae and a dangerous new role for our heroine. She has a lot to learn and no time to do it.
This is the second instalment of the Raven Crawford series and it was everything that the first book promised it would be. Our heroine is learning more about her powers and the consequences of her actions at the end of the last book. Fae politics is a steep learning curve and her new position brings with it many threats from humans and supernatural beings alike. Her thing for the Lord of Shadows is becoming more than just a thing and there are several steamy scenes between them. The characters are developing well and I find myself increasingly invested in what will become of them. Now I have to go and get book three.
Raven's snarky dialog and couldn't care less attitude continue to shine in book two of the Raven Crawford series.
One of my favorite things about this series has been the characters. Not only do I enjoy Raven and Cole, but her family shines through the pages too. I enjoy the relationship they share and the way they interact.
The relationship between Raven and Cole continues to grow in NEVERMORE. There is still a lot of back and forth between the two, but when they finally get on the same page great things happen. I also enjoyed seeing Raven's brother with Cole's sister. It kinda cracks me up, but they seem to work well together.
I didn't feel like NEVERMORE had as much going for it as book one. There was more storyline about everyday things than there was kicking butt. Of course, when it was time to kick butt, Raven didn't disappoint. I especially enjoyed seeing her ex get what he deserved.
Although I thought Raven was more hot-mess, than bad-ass in NEVERMORE, I still enjoyed it and look forward to reading more.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this journey through the magic realistic world of the Raven Crawford stories. I love a strong female character even when she has the same flaws as the rest of us. I can’t wait to keep reading.
I am just loving this series. Raven is such a perfect character to me, and putting her with Cole just makes it all better. I love how she doesn't jump to conclusions or automatically think the worst of Cole, and I truly love how she knows she doesn't always need a guy to protect or take care of her but will willingly let him when she knows it's better that way. I will say that this book did not have as much excitement as I was expecting considering the end of the last one, but that in no way took away any of my enjoyment. How can it with character like these?
Raven has gone back to her life as normal. Though now she has nightmares of what happened and has moved back in with her parents. Cole has given her the space she wanted, but that doesn't stop her from wanting him back. And when her actions with the now dead queen come calling, he'll be coming back with no intent of leaving. I was pretty giddy that my prediction from the end of the last book was right. Go me! Bane is the one who brings new troubles to her door this time when he requests an audience with her and Raven has no idea why. Time to drop another bomb onto her already stressful life. Cole manages to buy her time, but only a week. And I'd be lying if I say that he actually managed to teach her a whole lot. But to be fair, Raven doesn't have a lot of time on her hands to study. And when she IS with Cole, her mind is definitely not on what he's trying to teach her. Can't blame her there though.
Aside from her lovely waitress job, Raven is juggling new cases with her dad. One just so happens to be from her ex's current fiance. Drama ensues. Oddly enough, the two cases end up linking towards the end and bringing her to the very people Bane wanted to talk to her about. Very bad, very crazy people. Which leads us to a crazy ending as well. But also a good one. Raven bonds to her new scythe officially and Cole tells her exactly what she wants to hear. Making both me and her very happy.
Book Review: Nevermore (Raven Crawford, #2) Author: J.C. McKenzie My Rating: 5 Stars Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW We get book two in this fantastic new series and oh whole lotta action is going on. Raven is still learning exactly what It meant to kill the Corvid Queen. And on top of that bag of worms, she has two PI cases to handle. One she knows is likely more heartache it involves Robert... The only thing that is constant in her life is her family. Cole is back in her life and she is keeping him? Well, find out by grabbing your copy.
Loved Ravens and Coles story! Raven is half other. After killing the Corvid Queen she unknowingly becomes Queen! Between her jobs as a PI, waitressing she must learn how to use her new powers! Who better to teach her then the Dark Fae of shadow assassin’s himself!
I read and reviewed this advanced complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley
After how book 1 ended Raven seems to be in denial but then she has help. This one had the mystery, suspense, and paranormal but could skip some of the world building and focus on the story and how Raven's life has changed somewhat. But it is not all cupcakes but instead there is something going on and she somehow ends up in the middle. The same characters both good and bad are back and made me laugh and groan like the first book. And the ending was stellar and makes me need the next one to see how she solves that pesky issue or two she has.
Absolutely love these books they are flipping amazing, just love Raven so much and Cole obviously, but Raven is just kickass without being perfect or unbeatable, she’s human and having to learn. I love the fact it’s not an instant learning overnight and she’s Superbad , but that she struggles and is weak and needs help. But she’s so snarky, it’s fabulous. Would love to see more of Bear in these books or a spin off one day. At the moment just can’t wait for the next book
I loved the first book in this trilogy, Conspiracy of Ravens, and the second did not disappoint. J.C. McKenzie's rich prose pulled me into an evocative world of shadows and light, where shifter Raven Crawford struggles to survive. The author's trademark wit made me laugh, and the love story made me sigh. I highly recommend it for readers who like their fantasy dark. It's a kick-ass urban fantasy.
3.5 stars OK, I really want to like this series, and I do love the hero and the supporting characters. However, the heroine is grating on my nerves a bit. *SPOILER* I'm sorry but if someone tells you that you need to learn something to continue Living then shouldn't you make that a priority?!? Certainly, you should make it more of a priority than the greasy spoon you work at for practically nothing. Then the guilt trip thing. The people you killed were trying to Kill you. Hello?!? Would you rather be the dead one? Then the whiny relationship stuff. Cole is a different person than your douche bag ex.Get over it, and grow up already. She's super annoying to me which is ashame because I like the majority of the other characters. If there's not much growth for her in the next one then that'll probably be it for me for this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Raven gets some much needed answers to questions left from the first book. She also gets a lot more than she has bargained for. Killing Queen Lloth has caused some major repercussions that Raven (ready or not) has to deal with. Unfortunately for Raven, her slimy ex makes a return and his new fiancée is not the biggest fan of the Fae Shifter. While juggling work at the diner, two investigation cases that may or may not be linked and new duties that have been dropped on her, Raven will need all the help she can get. With Cole by her side and a surprising new ally, Nevermore is as action packed and intriguing as the first novel. Ireceived a free advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not really sure what took me so long to read this. But I happily reread the first book. I can also get the next one without wait. Sort of a win win! Btw so good I’m reading the whole dang series tonight!
Nevermore (Raven Crawford, Novel #2) – J. C. McKenzie
I was given an advanced copy of this book so I could provide an honest review. Nevermore is the second book in the Raven Crawford series. I haven’t read anything by this author previously, nor have I read the first book in this series. The first thing about this book that bragged my attention was definitely the cover. I know the old saying “you should never judge a book by its cover”, but I’ll be completely honest here. I totally judged the book by it’s cover! It’s absolutely beautiful and captivating. Imagine you are a young woman, Raven Crawford, who is a shifter, a person who can shift between animal and human form. Everyone in your family can shift into foxes except you and your twin brother, who shift into a conspiracy of ravens. To make matters interesting you are descended from Odin’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn. The Lord of Shadows, dark fae patron of assassins is your love interest, you don’t want to be tempted by him but when he is around you feel an irresistible pull towards him, a pull towards each other that neither of you can deny. Yet you know he is always hiding something from you. You are struggling to make ends meet working in a greasy run-down diner and helping out in the family business, Crawford Investigations, a private investigation firm. You try to keep your supernatural life separate to that from your “normal” life because honestly, even though the world is aware of most supernatural beings, it doesn’t mean you can trust your best friend with your secret, would you even want to risk the potential judgment and loss? Then Raven’s two worlds come crashing together when her ex’s fiancée, who also appears to be a shifter, hires her to investigate his recent “disappearances” and possible loyalties collide with a case her father recently took on. Raven uncovers a group of mortal people trying to bring an end to all the supernatural beings in the world. But the most painful revelation comes from closer to home, sometimes it is safer to go with your gut and not trust your friends. Nevermore was a such an enjoyable read that I felt like I literally flew through the story. A captivating YA fantasy novel with a surprise twist at the end. I am really curious to see where the author takes Raven on her next adventure.
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
When I read Conspiracy of Ravens (book one), I was immediately drawn into the story. Every character, no matter how big or small their role, captivated me. I liked the good guys/gals and even found myself warming up to the questionable characters as well.
After reading Nevermore (book two), I can safely say it shared similar qualities with its predecessor: suspense, mystery, love, passion, shocking developments, humor, action, and plot twists.
However, unlike CoR (acronym), I wasn’t instantly engaged with the storylines. I didn’t particularly care Robert (Raven’s ex) kept vanishing on his fiancée (Sarah). I didn’t mind Kelly Clementine (the teacher) was attempting to cheat the system and collect disability checks. I wanted more Cole and Raven time. I also wanted Bear to have more of a presence this time around.
Oh, we did get more Cole time. Let me say; he will never have to resort to toys when he has shadows at his beck and call. *wink, wink*
As for Bear, he didn’t grace the pages too much but Mike (younger brother) sure did. He brought the funny many times over.
Even though I didn’t take a sudden liking to the sequel, my opinion changed halfway into the book.
Raven’s two cases (Robert and Kelly) were linked. Bombshell after bombshell was dropped. When you think Raven’s life can’t become any more complicated, she learns another big secret that will change everything for her. I can’t wait to see how she’ll handle the latest curveball.
Sometimes a book has the ability to grab you ...and you find yourself unable to stop reading it until it’s over and then you wait in anticipation for the next installment. Nevermore was just this type of book. I found the pacing of the story, the mystery and the revelations to be just right to draw me in and to maintain my attention and enjoyment. It appears as though Raven is evolving and with the knowledge...comes great responsibility. She’s growing as a woman and in her powers and both will require her to become comfortable in her own skin.
All of the characters in this story line are intriguing in their own right. It’s nice to see Raven's family rally together in support of one another, protect each other and get the job done. The family members act their ages and the author's depiction of their interactions are so well written that the reader can see in their mind the dialogue playing out as if they were watching a movie. I think this element is a sign of a great author, not too much detail or dialogue to overwhelm or loose the readers, bit just enough to allow them to envision the scene as written.
This story continues to lead readers toward what should be an outstanding conclusion to this exciting series.
It was my pleasure to read this arc and to provide a written review.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own. An enjoyable novel to the Raven Crawford series! Still more magic and mayhem, more secrets and conspiracies, more trouble and danger, and so much more! Raven gets a bombshell dropped on her and even though she has this undeniable attraction to Cole, Lord of the Shadows, he still does not tell her everything, but some of it is justifiable. Raven, her "dad", and brother Mike have a few more PI cases thrown on their plates as well. Meanwhile, Raven needs to juggle both her jobs, pay off a massive dept that she got stuck with, and learn more about her own abilities. However, something is underfoot, since there are those in the Mortal Realm whom despise those from the Underworld, shifters and fae alike. A war unlike any other is stirring, and Raven's investigations lead her to some startling revelations. Good thing she has her family and Cole beside her, for trouble always seems to find Raven. Looking forward to the next novel in the series!
I have been eagerly awaiting this book ever since the first book was released! The mythology involved sucked me in from the beginning, and ever since my mind has been waiting for more. Thankfully there is yet another book after this one, so I don't have to say goodbye just yet. Hooray! The characters are engaging, I really want a spin-off story about Raven's brother, Bear, and hopefully her other siblings get a story as well. Her family is so colorful and feel alive to me as a reader, which is the best feeling a reader can have.
Ever since her confrontation with the Corvid Queen and returning to her home, alone, Raven Crawford has been miserable. She can't sleep, her dreams are all about the man she can't forget, and she has come into possession of a strange stone that calls to her part-fae raven shifter soul. When the Lord of Shadows shows up unannounced, still as hot as ever and just as frustrating to Raven's libido, things get crazy...crazier than normal, at least. Raven is no longer just Raven Crawford, she is someone with power. Soon she must decide who she can trust and where her heart truly lies.
The angst between Raven and Cole is off the charts! Which just makes their romance all the steamier, let's be honest. I wasn't sure what to expect in this story, after things were left in such a muddle after the first book. Thankfully it was a cliffhanger that didn't last very long, as J.C. McKenzie is popping out books in this series at rapid speed. It was interesting to see Cole grovel, in his own way. It wasn't blatant but rather a subtle seduction. You can tell he truly cared about Raven in the way he put her safety above everything else, even at the risk of the Otherworld. He didn't want to rush her into things and put her at risk, and I loved that about him. He slowly got back into her good graces, and when he finally succeeded, oh, it was swoonworthy. It was such a long time coming, and I was so happy they both saw how good they were for each other.
The third book in the trilogy is hopefully coming soon! I can't wait to read more about Raven and Cole. Also would like to throw out a request for a book for Rourke at some point, please. I like him too.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
"If you're looking for a quick, easy sort of fast food novel, this might be the one for you. The author is not bad and the story is a relatively typical one. The protagonist accidentally becomes more powerful and has to figure out what to do with the changes that causes, while dealing with a lot of incoming drama.
Personally, I struggled through it, but mostly because there were a couple of things that kept bugging me.. but I kept reading, because the dark fae Lords were absolutely captivating. Particularly, the Lord of Shadows.
Raven is likeable enough, she's on the sassy side, as is the rest of the family. In fact, most of the characters in the book are--"
(I received this book as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
This was first published on my blog " Lecture toute une Aventure"
A very good urban fantasy story , it could perhaps be read even if you haven't gotten book 1 first but i really recommend you to read in order to see how the characters evolve and to get a better immersion in this universe which get a little darker with each book.
It's a great mix of shifters, fae, mythology figures etc but of course also some humans not all of them with good intentions. This time Raven discover slowly the consequences of what she did in book 1 while the god of war gives her more tasks to achieve....Poor Raven has several missions colliding and she must learn her new powers faster than she could imagine.
The action is fast, there are some humour but also a lot of tension, we discover more about what is happening in the human realms and we get a cliffhanger that keep us on edge for book 3
If you want a great urban fantasy series a little dark with lot of supernatural creatures some very original, this is the perfect series for you but to read in order.
This continues the story of Raven and she’s learning more about what it means to be the queen of Corbin’s and her new powers. Nothing comes without strings particularly for Raven.She’s still a waitress and private eye while she struggles to pay off debts racked up by a scummy ex. And while he’s not back in her life as a boyfriend his girlfriend wants the dirt on him. Turns out the person he’s meeting is also connected to a WCB disability scammer they’re tracking. The dark lord, who it must be said, is back in her life as well, is helping her learn to use new powers. In short her life’s a hot mess but she’s never boring so I suspect you’re going to enjoy every minute of this tale.
Raven has to learn how to use her powers since she learned that she is now the new Covid Queen. She is to rule the shadow realm. She gets two cases that she has to solve. One is a workmen’s comp case and the other is to see if her ex Robert is cheating on his fiancé. But she learns that they are connected. She also learns that the people she know will be her enemy. She also must help the Fae Lord of War with his problem with the a organization that wants to get rid of the Others. Will she be able to solve both cases? Who will be her enemy? Will she learn her powers before it’s to late? Will she be able to help the Lord of War?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fantastic story with Ravin. So much is happening as Raven continues to work as a waitress and being a PI. Raven also has to learn how to be the Corvids Queen of the Others. Cole is helping her and things get steamy between the two. Lots of action and mystery. Secondary characters are great and well developed as this story continues. Again I am left waiting for the next book impatiently as there are more mysteries and problems arising. Loved it and look forward to the next book!!!