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Ravenhold #1
Witch Born
I'm a hybrid witch born with the forbidden ability to wield all schools of magic. My family successfully hid me for years, but last week I accidentally and publicly raised the dead.
Now I'm facing time at Ravenhold supernatural reform academy.
Ravenhold detains dangerous juvenile offenders on a remote island, where their magic is useless and escape impossible. The authorities call this a reform school, but the supernatural world knows the truth. Ravenhold is a paranormal prison.
Dorian Blackwood rules over the vampires, shifters and witches in the academy's halls. As the only vampire-witch hybrid in existence, he has unparalleled supernatural abilities and few people dare confront the cruel and charming savage.
But the academy's two other powerful hybrids want his crown. His main rival, Zeke, is a shifter hybrid whose laidback manner hides a vicious streak. And Ethan, the mysterious dragon shifter with witch magic, wants Dorian deposed too.
As the new hybrid at the academy, I’m dragged straight into the middle of their power struggle. Even though I'm drawn to the three guys, I want to keep away from the violence and politics.
I have a bigger problem.
The academy's enchantment should suppress all magic, but mine keeps spilling out, and other residents are beginning to notice. I make a plan: keep my head down, attend the classes, and hope for an early release from this supernatural prison.
Until somebody tells me people never leave.
And those who escape onto the island are never seen again.
My future could involve a deal with the three dangerous men who have the ability to either help or kill me.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
690 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books746 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 13, 2021
PNR RH
Eloise, Zeke, Ethan, Dorian
So. This book is about two different factions of magical creatures working against one another... Confederacy vs. Dominion. Eloise gets sent to a reformatory for magical criminals, and it's more like a prison. She meets some people, but quickly turns out knowing there's some fucked up shit going on within the prison walls.
Things that drove me bonkers...
1. almost every other scene, Eloise is doing something stupid. She makes terrible choices that cause problems and doesn't stop. She's impulsive and reckless and it's fucking annoying.
2. Half the time Eloise is mouthy and aggressive and the other half she's a coward who runs away. The incongruous way she was written doesn't add up and breaks the fantasy of the book constantly. She acts like a five year old prude mostly, then wants to have sex with the biggest, most dangerous guy in the prison. What the fuck?
3. I liked the plot, but it was flimsy in so many places. Like, okay, the counselor has an evil plot going, but what he thinks he can do is just tell one person to kill another and expects them to just commit murder. That's him being clever... somehow.
Eloise, Zeke, Ethan, Dorian
So. This book is about two different factions of magical creatures working against one another... Confederacy vs. Dominion. Eloise gets sent to a reformatory for magical criminals, and it's more like a prison. She meets some people, but quickly turns out knowing there's some fucked up shit going on within the prison walls.
Things that drove me bonkers...
1. almost every other scene, Eloise is doing something stupid. She makes terrible choices that cause problems and doesn't stop. She's impulsive and reckless and it's fucking annoying.
2. Half the time Eloise is mouthy and aggressive and the other half she's a coward who runs away. The incongruous way she was written doesn't add up and breaks the fantasy of the book constantly. She acts like a five year old prude mostly, then wants to have sex with the biggest, most dangerous guy in the prison. What the fuck?
3. I liked the plot, but it was flimsy in so many places. Like, okay, the counselor has an evil plot going, but what he thinks he can do is just tell one person to kill another and expects them to just commit murder. That's him being clever... somehow.
September 12, 2020
Witch Born had an appealing blurb and the idea was not bad but the execution of this story leaves a lot to be desired to sell this whole reform academy and hidden agendas thing.
The story starts straight off reaching the academy while getting bits and pieces of what led to her being sent there. Since we are being told about this and not shown, there is a shallowness towards the family aspect. It wouldn't matter if it wasn't playing a bigger role in the world building of this paranormal world. It feels a lot less impactful than what's the story wanting it to be. The world building in general feels too condensed and not prioritised enough for a first book in a series.
The characters had some interesting backstory setting but as far as actual interactions go, the scenes were a lot dimmer than what I was expecting. Dorian and Zeke thing barely had substance to feel this topdog friction or the whole mysterious vibe with Ethan amounts to nothing with Eloise. The FMC herself has some interesting powers but it's not explored enough with the whole magic suppression. I think this suppression thing really limited this book.
It ends on a cliffhanger but there wasn't enough content in the first place to feel any of the turmoil from the reform school or have a good romance to make up for the plot.
The story starts straight off reaching the academy while getting bits and pieces of what led to her being sent there. Since we are being told about this and not shown, there is a shallowness towards the family aspect. It wouldn't matter if it wasn't playing a bigger role in the world building of this paranormal world. It feels a lot less impactful than what's the story wanting it to be. The world building in general feels too condensed and not prioritised enough for a first book in a series.
The characters had some interesting backstory setting but as far as actual interactions go, the scenes were a lot dimmer than what I was expecting. Dorian and Zeke thing barely had substance to feel this topdog friction or the whole mysterious vibe with Ethan amounts to nothing with Eloise. The FMC herself has some interesting powers but it's not explored enough with the whole magic suppression. I think this suppression thing really limited this book.
It ends on a cliffhanger but there wasn't enough content in the first place to feel any of the turmoil from the reform school or have a good romance to make up for the plot.
August 1, 2020
Eloise is the Trinity witch who has been sent to the so-called reform school, Ravenhold, after accidentally bringing an aunt back from the dead. Necromancy is not a good skill for a witch to have and Eloise was "designed" to have it. One of the first people she sees after arriving on the cold, barren, Scottish island where the school is located, is Dorian Blackwood. Dorian is the vampire-witch hybrid who killed her favorite uncle and she plans to avenge that death. But first she will have to figure out how to navigate her new reality -a school where the dangerous students are a mixture of shifters, vampires, and witches and classes include meditation and gardening.
It doesn't take Eloise long to find herself in a strange situation where she is attracted to a huge shifter of unknown species, a tiger shifter, and the aforementioned vampire. She had no idea who she can really trust, if anyone. It appears that someone is trying to set the four of them up for something, but what? Do they want them to destroy each other, or is it even more sinister than that? We certainly are not going to find out quite yet. Stay tuned.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
It doesn't take Eloise long to find herself in a strange situation where she is attracted to a huge shifter of unknown species, a tiger shifter, and the aforementioned vampire. She had no idea who she can really trust, if anyone. It appears that someone is trying to set the four of them up for something, but what? Do they want them to destroy each other, or is it even more sinister than that? We certainly are not going to find out quite yet. Stay tuned.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
July 30, 2020
Hold onto your hats everyone, for this is a doozy of a ride!!! My goodness! Oh so many twists and turns, and secrets galore. Eloise is the Trinity Witch, raised by a cruel family and forced into a cruel engagement. A fiance that abuses her even worse than her family, and one moment of instinct landed her in Ravenhold. Otherwise known as supernatural reform prison. Unlike others she's there for a one time thing that she did unknowingly. Can she stay under the radar and gain freedom once more? She soon realizes there is far more to this place than expected. Strange things keep happening, and she keeps being drawn to three other strong "students". Something sinister is afoot, and there seems to be an imaginary clock counting down. Here's hoping she can figure out exactly what's going on and who is behind it in time!!! Be warned, there is a cliffhanger!!
August 12, 2020
I liked this one overall. Some of the plot threads don't make a whole lot of sense or didn't get picked up. Our female MC definitely falls into the traitorous body trope, which detracts from the story despite the attempt to make it because of people's powers being inextricably drawn to each other. That said, I am interested in reading further. It does feel reminiscent of Caroline Peckham and Susan Valenti's Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series, which is working for me so far.
October 7, 2021
Premise was interesting but I still don't understand where the plot was trying to go. Is there supposed to be one? The only character with personality was Dorian and pretty sure that's because he said f*ck a lot
July 26, 2024
just ok
It was a little confusing with the back and forth conversations. One sentence would contradict the next, imo. FMC was very naïve.
It was a little confusing with the back and forth conversations. One sentence would contradict the next, imo. FMC was very naïve.
January 2, 2023
Good Idea
I think the idea was a really good one, but the writing felt amateurish. Like reading a college creative writing assignment. None of the characters were more than a rough draft, the world wasn’t explained, and the premise didn’t make a lot of sense. These all powerful characters didn’t seem very powerful. It felt like a plot device instead of a well thought out plot point.
I think the idea was a really good one, but the writing felt amateurish. Like reading a college creative writing assignment. None of the characters were more than a rough draft, the world wasn’t explained, and the premise didn’t make a lot of sense. These all powerful characters didn’t seem very powerful. It felt like a plot device instead of a well thought out plot point.
July 26, 2020
LJ Swallow never disappoints me!!!! We got a little taste of Ravenhold in Blackwood Magic but you get a really good look at how it runs in this one. This shows a darker side to this Universe the other series set in it don't show us. I like the main character and the side characters. Everyone has such an interesting story or the few that tell you what their stories happen to be. Of course we are left with a cliffhanger but I am super excited to read what is next!
July 30, 2020
Omg! Such a good new series. I cant wait to find out what happens next to Eloise and her men. Takes place in the same world as the nightworld academy books. The betrayals and mystery that which is Ravenhold, Dominion, and Confederacy is like an onion. I can't wait for the layers to be peeled away and more to be revealed.
If you have read Nightworld Academy, this will just help add more layers and depth to the story lines/series.
I could not put it down and will be enjoying way too much coffee in the morning as I stayed up to finish it in 1 night. Could not put it down! It is a well thought out and well written book.
I was given an advanced copy to review by the author. My review is voluntary.
If you have read Nightworld Academy, this will just help add more layers and depth to the story lines/series.
I could not put it down and will be enjoying way too much coffee in the morning as I stayed up to finish it in 1 night. Could not put it down! It is a well thought out and well written book.
I was given an advanced copy to review by the author. My review is voluntary.
March 17, 2024
I loved it!
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. The books are set in a supernatural reform academy with deliciously dangerous guys and a badass heroine who won't bow to anyone. It is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, dark academy reverse harem romance series and contains steamier scenes than the Nightworld Academy books. Welcome to Ravenhold Academy (Ravenhold Supernatural Reform Academy). This book is part of the Nightworld Academy world. This is the story of Eloise, Dorian Blackwood and her other partners. This story tells how they met and came to be together. Last week Eloise accidentally and publicly raised the dead and now she’s the only necromancer at Ravenhold reform academy. Ravenhold detains dangerous juvenile offenders on a remote Scottish island, where their magic is useless and escape impossible. She’s told she’ll leave after rehabilitation, but nobody will tell her how or when. Dorian Blackwood rules over the vampires, shifters and witches in the academy's halls. As the only vampire-witch hybrid in existence, he has unparalleled supernatural abilities and few people dare confront the cruel and charming savage, but the academy's two other powerful hybrids want him deposed off, Zeke the dominant shifter whose laidback manner hides a vicious streak, and the silent and secretive Ethan who nobody dares touch. As the new hybrid at the academy, she’s dragged straight into the middle of their power struggle. Even though she’s drawn to the three guys, she wants to keep away from academy violence and politics. She makes a plan to keep her head down, attend the classes, and hope for an early release. She doesn’t want anybody to discover her secret that she’s the trinity witch, but something sinister runs through the academy underbelly as students go insane or disappear without a trace. When she’s made a sickening offer, she discovers exactly how sinister. To survive Ravenhold's corruption, she’ll need to make a deal with three hybrids who can choose to either help her or kill her. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I cant wait to find out what happens next. I highly recommend to everyone.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. The books are set in a supernatural reform academy with deliciously dangerous guys and a badass heroine who won't bow to anyone. It is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, dark academy reverse harem romance series and contains steamier scenes than the Nightworld Academy books. Welcome to Ravenhold Academy (Ravenhold Supernatural Reform Academy). This book is part of the Nightworld Academy world. This is the story of Eloise, Dorian Blackwood and her other partners. This story tells how they met and came to be together. Last week Eloise accidentally and publicly raised the dead and now she’s the only necromancer at Ravenhold reform academy. Ravenhold detains dangerous juvenile offenders on a remote Scottish island, where their magic is useless and escape impossible. She’s told she’ll leave after rehabilitation, but nobody will tell her how or when. Dorian Blackwood rules over the vampires, shifters and witches in the academy's halls. As the only vampire-witch hybrid in existence, he has unparalleled supernatural abilities and few people dare confront the cruel and charming savage, but the academy's two other powerful hybrids want him deposed off, Zeke the dominant shifter whose laidback manner hides a vicious streak, and the silent and secretive Ethan who nobody dares touch. As the new hybrid at the academy, she’s dragged straight into the middle of their power struggle. Even though she’s drawn to the three guys, she wants to keep away from academy violence and politics. She makes a plan to keep her head down, attend the classes, and hope for an early release. She doesn’t want anybody to discover her secret that she’s the trinity witch, but something sinister runs through the academy underbelly as students go insane or disappear without a trace. When she’s made a sickening offer, she discovers exactly how sinister. To survive Ravenhold's corruption, she’ll need to make a deal with three hybrids who can choose to either help her or kill her. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. I cant wait to find out what happens next. I highly recommend to everyone.
February 10, 2022
Ugh, tooo naive of a fmc with powerful magic
Elosie irritated me with her continued naive , impulsive acts. That girl gets riled up so easily and wears her feelings right on her sleeves which is certainly a foolish thing to do in a ominous place as Ravenhold. Hell Ethan keeps advicing her to not react instantly, to think and then act ... Hell her roommate also advises the same but nooooo she has some misplaced notion of proving that she's a badass who doesn't need any allies and can take on her nemesis, Dorian but alas soon she is dropped down from her high horses and yeah she starts singing a different song , trying to team with Zeke, Ethan, and even Dorian.Also she behaves like a lost puppy near Ethan even after the lad said that it was not a good idea for them to be together (And with a good reason too) like girllll where's your self respect??? That guy said no so pick up your broken heart , your horny vag and move on towards more important things.
Ethan was the cool , calm and collected one. Zeke was impulsive but had some brain cells (except when it comes to taking over Dorian ... Go figures)since he believes in pack/team system to take on someone or to induce fear and respect amongst the student body , his vicious nature was a huge turn on for me. Dorian was also a turn on for me with his aggressive nature, confidence and whole take charge demeanor. I mean I disliked him first because of his cockiness and asshole behaviour but he soon grows up to me. I also didn't find any nefarious motivations , yeah he plans to murder people, he murdered more people but I believe that those are the ones who had it coming.
Elosie irritated me with her continued naive , impulsive acts. That girl gets riled up so easily and wears her feelings right on her sleeves which is certainly a foolish thing to do in a ominous place as Ravenhold. Hell Ethan keeps advicing her to not react instantly, to think and then act ... Hell her roommate also advises the same but nooooo she has some misplaced notion of proving that she's a badass who doesn't need any allies and can take on her nemesis, Dorian but alas soon she is dropped down from her high horses and yeah she starts singing a different song , trying to team with Zeke, Ethan, and even Dorian.Also she behaves like a lost puppy near Ethan even after the lad said that it was not a good idea for them to be together (And with a good reason too) like girllll where's your self respect??? That guy said no so pick up your broken heart , your horny vag and move on towards more important things.
Ethan was the cool , calm and collected one. Zeke was impulsive but had some brain cells (except when it comes to taking over Dorian ... Go figures)since he believes in pack/team system to take on someone or to induce fear and respect amongst the student body , his vicious nature was a huge turn on for me. Dorian was also a turn on for me with his aggressive nature, confidence and whole take charge demeanor. I mean I disliked him first because of his cockiness and asshole behaviour but he soon grows up to me. I also didn't find any nefarious motivations , yeah he plans to murder people, he murdered more people but I believe that those are the ones who had it coming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2024
good
Eloise is the Trinity Witch, who finds herself incarcerated in the supernatural reform academy of Ravenhold, for the crime of Necromancy.
There she meets Dorian, the Blackwood vampire-witch hybrid, Ethan and Zeke, both shifters, and discovers that Ravenhold is a little more than it seems; and the four of them might just be part of a terrible plot…
Set in the same world as the Nightworld Academy series, this is actually taking place at the same time as the first few books in that series.
Eloise is sheltered, her Dominion member parents have been using her for their own ends, but she is hardly aware of what else goes on in the world. Not that she hasn’t had bad experiences, she definitely has, but her experiences haven’t exposed her to the realities that Ravenhold presents.
Our heroes are on the anti-hero side; Dorian is powerful, arrogant, and not nearly as unconcerned as he makes out.
Ethan is honourable, but troubled. His instincts drive him, and worry him. He’s also extremely observant.
Zeke is more than he appears to be, but he too is arrogant- to the point of making decisions that are great for him, but not for others.
Once Eloise is thrown into the mix, it changes everything! Eloise is a little frustrating in that she is very powerful, but not nearly careful enough in her behaviour, and it makes her a little more easy to manipulate!
This is an enjoyable academy RH fantasy/romance; with all your favourite academy tropes- bullying, underhanded plots, mysteries and more. It’s an engaging read, set in a fascinating world, and I look forward to seeing what is to come.
Eloise is the Trinity Witch, who finds herself incarcerated in the supernatural reform academy of Ravenhold, for the crime of Necromancy.
There she meets Dorian, the Blackwood vampire-witch hybrid, Ethan and Zeke, both shifters, and discovers that Ravenhold is a little more than it seems; and the four of them might just be part of a terrible plot…
Set in the same world as the Nightworld Academy series, this is actually taking place at the same time as the first few books in that series.
Eloise is sheltered, her Dominion member parents have been using her for their own ends, but she is hardly aware of what else goes on in the world. Not that she hasn’t had bad experiences, she definitely has, but her experiences haven’t exposed her to the realities that Ravenhold presents.
Our heroes are on the anti-hero side; Dorian is powerful, arrogant, and not nearly as unconcerned as he makes out.
Ethan is honourable, but troubled. His instincts drive him, and worry him. He’s also extremely observant.
Zeke is more than he appears to be, but he too is arrogant- to the point of making decisions that are great for him, but not for others.
Once Eloise is thrown into the mix, it changes everything! Eloise is a little frustrating in that she is very powerful, but not nearly careful enough in her behaviour, and it makes her a little more easy to manipulate!
This is an enjoyable academy RH fantasy/romance; with all your favourite academy tropes- bullying, underhanded plots, mysteries and more. It’s an engaging read, set in a fascinating world, and I look forward to seeing what is to come.
August 2, 2020
I have been awaiting this book for so long and was so excited to read it as RavenHold is mentioned a lot in LJ Swallow’s Academy series. Well i hear you ask "was it worth the wait?" the answer is a resounding ABSO FREAKING LUTLY!!!
I love the Academy series but it is young Adult and most of the time i want so much more from this author and i believe this series will full fill this as it is more adult with some amazing lead characters who are so diverse in personalities and supernatural type but also have such a strong presence each commanding your attention independently and as a collective.
Our female M/C Eloise outwardly appears strong but inside is quite vulnerable and afraid. I love her inner strength and resilience plus the willingness to stay true to who she is.
Our initial 3 men are Dorian, Zeke and Ethan all Hybrids the same as Eloise but also all Alpha's - all content or biding their time in Raven Hold before Eloise was incarcerated and now she is the catalyst put in the melting post where potentially they could rip each other apart but if they can band together they turn from being individually strong to being together and unbreakable as a force to be reckoned with. so which way will it go?
Lots more heat and sizzle which we know form the horseman books that LJ Swallow is good at plus so many twists and turns along with some rally unexpected plot directions will draw you in and entertain you completely so sop on board this roller coaster and enjoy the Ride.
A truly un-put-downable book and my new not so secret addiction.
I love the Academy series but it is young Adult and most of the time i want so much more from this author and i believe this series will full fill this as it is more adult with some amazing lead characters who are so diverse in personalities and supernatural type but also have such a strong presence each commanding your attention independently and as a collective.
Our female M/C Eloise outwardly appears strong but inside is quite vulnerable and afraid. I love her inner strength and resilience plus the willingness to stay true to who she is.
Our initial 3 men are Dorian, Zeke and Ethan all Hybrids the same as Eloise but also all Alpha's - all content or biding their time in Raven Hold before Eloise was incarcerated and now she is the catalyst put in the melting post where potentially they could rip each other apart but if they can band together they turn from being individually strong to being together and unbreakable as a force to be reckoned with. so which way will it go?
Lots more heat and sizzle which we know form the horseman books that LJ Swallow is good at plus so many twists and turns along with some rally unexpected plot directions will draw you in and entertain you completely so sop on board this roller coaster and enjoy the Ride.
A truly un-put-downable book and my new not so secret addiction.
April 24, 2023
this book has plot but hardly any spicy
Overall, this book has an interesting plot. Forgoing redundant descriptions by utilizing skillful world building, this book has me interested to read more.
The reason for four stars comes from the lack of spicy. Taking slow burn quite literally, this first book has one short and unfulfilling scene. In addition, some exposition had me unintentionally laughing out loud. It’s hard to write a brooding teenager, especially when trying to string together tidbits of back story, but there was no logic in comparing Ethan to Eloise’s father especially when that string of family trauma was never brought up again. This reverse harem novel primarily focuses on one main relationship, with Eloise acknowledging the other boys but never acting or even thinking about them (besides wondering where they are) outside of their designated chapters.
Overall, this book is fairly decent and I will be picking up the second book, I just hope part two will be more spicy. (This book was 🌶️🌶️ out of 5)
Overall, this book has an interesting plot. Forgoing redundant descriptions by utilizing skillful world building, this book has me interested to read more.
The reason for four stars comes from the lack of spicy. Taking slow burn quite literally, this first book has one short and unfulfilling scene. In addition, some exposition had me unintentionally laughing out loud. It’s hard to write a brooding teenager, especially when trying to string together tidbits of back story, but there was no logic in comparing Ethan to Eloise’s father especially when that string of family trauma was never brought up again. This reverse harem novel primarily focuses on one main relationship, with Eloise acknowledging the other boys but never acting or even thinking about them (besides wondering where they are) outside of their designated chapters.
Overall, this book is fairly decent and I will be picking up the second book, I just hope part two will be more spicy. (This book was 🌶️🌶️ out of 5)
July 31, 2020
I loved Ravenhold Supernatural Reform Academy!!!! Eloise is awesome and so are Dorian and Zeke and Ethan!!! I loved them all. They’re all being manipulated and used and they are all fighting for the right answers and escape. They’ll have to trust each other and form an alliance, in order to save themselves and bring down Ravenhold. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Ravenhold: Magic Forged, Book 2!! This book definitely caught my interest from the first page with unique powers and hybrids. They need each other to get stronger and be free of the magical restraints keeping them from their full potential. I also loved how this series connects with the Nightworld Academy series, and hopefully we’ll get to see some crossovers in the future! Excited for more in this series!
August 19, 2020
Another great read by this author. I love how all the stories cross over slightly and you get a real oversight of the different academy’s. This is my favourite book so far across all 3 of the different series that link together. It’s a little darker then the rest but it’s so good you can’t put it down. All the characters are well thought out and all have great story lines. I can’t wait to read more and see where the story goes, you can’t help but want something good to happen for Eloise after all she has been through. She never had a great start with her powers and family and now she’s in ravenhold having to deal with Dorian and the recently highlighted corruption within the “prison” academy.
August 18, 2020
LJ Swallow you Rock!
This is an awesome read and LJ Swallow never disappoints! Eloise is a trinity witch, extremely rare and powerful. She makes a mistake with her magic and ends up at Ravenhold (a reform academy).
At Ravenhold she meets three boys who are also extremely rare and powerful also, Dorian, Zeke and Ethan. Eloise is drawn to each of the guys and they are drawn to her.
Ravenhold: Witchborn is a great first book, introduces us to each character just enough to draw you in and leave you wanting more. The story line is exciting, fast moving and full of possibilities.
I can’t wait to read the next book/books.
This is an awesome read and LJ Swallow never disappoints! Eloise is a trinity witch, extremely rare and powerful. She makes a mistake with her magic and ends up at Ravenhold (a reform academy).
At Ravenhold she meets three boys who are also extremely rare and powerful also, Dorian, Zeke and Ethan. Eloise is drawn to each of the guys and they are drawn to her.
Ravenhold: Witchborn is a great first book, introduces us to each character just enough to draw you in and leave you wanting more. The story line is exciting, fast moving and full of possibilities.
I can’t wait to read the next book/books.
September 12, 2020
I fell completely in love with Ravenhold Supernatural Reform Academy, Eloise and her guys; Dorian, Ethan and Zeke!!! Fighting for the truth, answers and escape from Ravenhold; this team forms an unbreakable alliance with each other while the reader falls for them. LJ Swallow has never disappointed me and her winning streak continues. You will love her series as they cross into each other with different beloved characters. If you have any plans today you might want to cancel them now because this page turner will keep you enthralled and wanting to keep reading. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Ravenhold: Magic Forged, Book 2.
March 4, 2021
It's been a while since I read the first trilogy of books in the Nightworld academy series that sets up the background to the supernaturals to this world and it was easy enough to pick it all up again from the great inital intro.
The start of yet another series in the popular genres of prison and supernatural academy with L.J. Swallow's great story writing makes it more of a stand out from the recently published masses.
A cold war between the supernatural races at the school with an interesting twist coming from an external source I really look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
The start of yet another series in the popular genres of prison and supernatural academy with L.J. Swallow's great story writing makes it more of a stand out from the recently published masses.
A cold war between the supernatural races at the school with an interesting twist coming from an external source I really look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
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March 12, 2022Book 1 definitely sets up an RH series, perhaps a bit slow-burn for some. I love, love, love the enemies-to-lovers aspect while not having bully in the academy setting! So refreshing. Also this book is an interesting mix of academy but also prison, because it's a reform school. So the kids are trapped on this Alcatraz island style "school" where they take lessons... but what are they learning? It turns out that some of their so-called teachers and counselors may not be as benevolent as they seem... I love the hybrids and the fact that their magic is uncontrollable. Good start to an RH series!
May 12, 2023
Not your typical academy romance, as it's more of a rehabilitation facility, and there's no escape. The dynamics between Eloise and the three leads is confusing at times. It's definitely got enemies to lovers, but there's more going on that meets the eye with why they're all drawn together. I am having the hardest time picking out friend from foe, and the suspense from that is rather thrilling. The only thing I'm fairly sure of at this point is that the four of them need to band together to best whoever is behind their incarceration and pulling the strings behind the scenes. They've got to find a way to put their differences aside and work as a team, but with Dorian, it ain't gonna be easy.
September 1, 2023
I thought this would be another RH Academy and very predictable (=boring) teen book.
It Is Not.
There's no spice, no RH (yet, but it might be later), and there's a bit of a mystery going on.
I love the Gothic vibe and the fact that you actually have to use your brain to try to figure out what tf is going on.
I haven't figured it out yet, so book 2 is up next.
I have to complement the author for not treating the readers as imbeciles, but giving us a few crumbles here and there. Not enough to make us get the full picture, but enough so we're wrecking our brains trying to figure shit out.
I like it!
It Is Not.
There's no spice, no RH (yet, but it might be later), and there's a bit of a mystery going on.
I love the Gothic vibe and the fact that you actually have to use your brain to try to figure out what tf is going on.
I haven't figured it out yet, so book 2 is up next.
I have to complement the author for not treating the readers as imbeciles, but giving us a few crumbles here and there. Not enough to make us get the full picture, but enough so we're wrecking our brains trying to figure shit out.
I like it!
July 30, 2020
I have been waiting on this one for a while and it did not disappoint! I love Eloise and how she puts Dorian in his place at every turn. Dorian Blackwood is not used to being told no or not getting his way, but she stands up to him and keeps him on his toes. She handles all of her guys the same way and I love to see that. I absolutely cannot stand Marcus. He needs to go somewhere and not come back. This book is steamier that Nightworld Academy and I love that aspect of it. There is more to what is going on at Ravenhold than meets the eye and I am beyond curious to see what happens next.
March 6, 2021
Enjoyed this beginning to the Ravenhold Series. Strong story line and MMC's are complex. In this first book I found the FMC to be a bit weak, but I think that's part of her character background - sheltered life, neglectful parents - and am hoping that her character develops as the series goes on as the potential is there. The story line is interesting and refreshingly different to most other magic/shifter/vampire stories. Solid 4.75 star read. Looking forward to Book Two. Recommended read. Add to you TBR.
November 30, 2022
Hide and seek....
Well this is shaping up to be a decent, if a bit confusing, first book. There is a lot of back and forth in this book, to the point where it feels nobody cares about anyone and everybody hates everyone. Maybe that's how its supposed to be? The fmc kind of confused me, she's very naive and timid but she talks back a lot lol there's quite a bit going on in this book, who r the bad guys? What happens now? I can say I got a bit hooked at the end, just so I can find out what happens.
Well this is shaping up to be a decent, if a bit confusing, first book. There is a lot of back and forth in this book, to the point where it feels nobody cares about anyone and everybody hates everyone. Maybe that's how its supposed to be? The fmc kind of confused me, she's very naive and timid but she talks back a lot lol there's quite a bit going on in this book, who r the bad guys? What happens now? I can say I got a bit hooked at the end, just so I can find out what happens.
June 24, 2023
Subdued magic
Not sure about this story!
It has elements of brilliance, but then leads you down a dark alley without a torch!
The sexual tension between the three guys and Eloise is palpable, but apart from deep intense kissing and some groping, it doesn't seem to move along at all.
The whole system appears to want all four character dead, by each other's hands.
A great concept but a really, really slow burn. We may have some idea by the time we read the last book - we can only hope!
Not sure about this story!
It has elements of brilliance, but then leads you down a dark alley without a torch!
The sexual tension between the three guys and Eloise is palpable, but apart from deep intense kissing and some groping, it doesn't seem to move along at all.
The whole system appears to want all four character dead, by each other's hands.
A great concept but a really, really slow burn. We may have some idea by the time we read the last book - we can only hope!
November 26, 2023
Only made it 10%
It feels very juvenile and there is no real suspense or tension that you think you be there. The mfc comments on her roommates appearance and that is really what made me contemplate stopping. She just brushes off things like “my family is racist” she’s naïve and annoying so far and I don’t see her getting any better. They guys seem pretty predictable and boring. I’m just not feeling it. More of a YA feel. Based on the synopsis it has a great idea in there. Just executed poorly.
It feels very juvenile and there is no real suspense or tension that you think you be there. The mfc comments on her roommates appearance and that is really what made me contemplate stopping. She just brushes off things like “my family is racist” she’s naïve and annoying so far and I don’t see her getting any better. They guys seem pretty predictable and boring. I’m just not feeling it. More of a YA feel. Based on the synopsis it has a great idea in there. Just executed poorly.
August 3, 2020
Witch Born GAH!... Ya'll this book was EVERYTHING! From beginning to end I was completely blown away & consumed by all things Ravenhold. 💙
Eloise, Ethan, Zeke & Dorian... so many secrets, lies, twists & turns, unexplained connections, rivalries, grudges and magic... I couldn't put this book down! All the tiny details and layers to this new book world... Ya'll I'M OBSESSED! && I honestly feel like we've barely scratched the surface of this/their story... and I cannot wait for more!
Eloise, Ethan, Zeke & Dorian... so many secrets, lies, twists & turns, unexplained connections, rivalries, grudges and magic... I couldn't put this book down! All the tiny details and layers to this new book world... Ya'll I'M OBSESSED! && I honestly feel like we've barely scratched the surface of this/their story... and I cannot wait for more!
August 11, 2020
No no no no
An incredibly well written book once again by a great author. However I do think that leaving it on such a huge cliff hanger was rather mean of you. The characters were fun to get to know I did find the book a little slow moving at first it glad I carried on. Everything crossed that the next instalment is released way before March next year not sure I could handle a wait that long.
An incredibly well written book once again by a great author. However I do think that leaving it on such a huge cliff hanger was rather mean of you. The characters were fun to get to know I did find the book a little slow moving at first it glad I carried on. Everything crossed that the next instalment is released way before March next year not sure I could handle a wait that long.
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