What do you think?
Rate this book
The Raveling #1–3
The Raveling: The Complete Saga
2016 Ink and Insights Competition – Judges’ Favorite
2017 Readers' Favorite Award for Epic Fantasy
2nd in the 2017 SPFBO
#1 Amazon Best Seller in Epic Fantasy
Long ago the world fell into twilight, when the great empires of old consumed each other in sorcerous cataclysms. In the south the Star Towers fell, swallowed by the sea, while the black glaciers descended upon the northern holdfasts, entombing the cities of Min-Ceruth in ice and sorcery. Then from the ancient empire of Menekar the paladins of Ama came, putting every surviving sorcerer to the sword and cleansing their taint from the land for the radiant glory of their lord.
The pulse of magic slowed, fading like the heartbeat of a dying man.
But after a thousand years it has begun to quicken again.
In a small fishing village a boy with strange powers comes of age...
A young queen rises in the west, fanning the long-smoldering embers of magic into a blaze once more...
Something of great importance is stolen – or freed – from the mysterious Empire of Swords and Flowers...
And the immortals who survived the ancient cataclysms bestir themselves, casting about for why the world is suddenly changing...
The complete, award-winning epic series in one volume
2017 Readers' Favorite Award for Epic Fantasy
2nd in the 2017 SPFBO
#1 Amazon Best Seller in Epic Fantasy
Long ago the world fell into twilight, when the great empires of old consumed each other in sorcerous cataclysms. In the south the Star Towers fell, swallowed by the sea, while the black glaciers descended upon the northern holdfasts, entombing the cities of Min-Ceruth in ice and sorcery. Then from the ancient empire of Menekar the paladins of Ama came, putting every surviving sorcerer to the sword and cleansing their taint from the land for the radiant glory of their lord.
The pulse of magic slowed, fading like the heartbeat of a dying man.
But after a thousand years it has begun to quicken again.
In a small fishing village a boy with strange powers comes of age...
A young queen rises in the west, fanning the long-smoldering embers of magic into a blaze once more...
Something of great importance is stolen – or freed – from the mysterious Empire of Swords and Flowers...
And the immortals who survived the ancient cataclysms bestir themselves, casting about for why the world is suddenly changing...
The complete, award-winning epic series in one volume
1160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2020
672 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 28, 2020
The Raveling trilogy is a phenomenal example of epic fantasy done right. Hutson draws on classic, much-loved tropes in a way that feels familiar yet fresh, and combines them with dynamic characters and compelling prose to create a world of heroes and monsters that's as vivid as it is awe-inspiring. Seriously, if you love fantasy, you MUST read this trilogy.
April 23, 2020
This was self-published?
Like many readers, I'm so tired of taking chances on e-books from self-published "authors" and finding them lacking, to say the least. This was a whole different experience. Not only is the quality of writing and editing in this series worthy of a major publisher; the story is one of the best I've read in years. Take a chance on this one. You won't be disappointed.
Like many readers, I'm so tired of taking chances on e-books from self-published "authors" and finding them lacking, to say the least. This was a whole different experience. Not only is the quality of writing and editing in this series worthy of a major publisher; the story is one of the best I've read in years. Take a chance on this one. You won't be disappointed.
September 3, 2020
Fantastic books
These books are absolutely engrossing. Full of detail and imagery. Fast paced, completely original, heart stopping intensity. Wonderfully complex characters and depth of story. Highly recommend
These books are absolutely engrossing. Full of detail and imagery. Fast paced, completely original, heart stopping intensity. Wonderfully complex characters and depth of story. Highly recommend
July 24, 2024
Great Read! Couldn't put it down!
Don't you just love when you discover a new author that is worth your time? I have nothing derogatory to say, wouldn't change a thing. The writing is sophisticated and witty, the character building is wonderful, the world building is expansive and the magic is unique. The entire read is gripping and fun! Thank you! I can't wait for the next ones!
Don't you just love when you discover a new author that is worth your time? I have nothing derogatory to say, wouldn't change a thing. The writing is sophisticated and witty, the character building is wonderful, the world building is expansive and the magic is unique. The entire read is gripping and fun! Thank you! I can't wait for the next ones!
April 18, 2021
Brilliant well written and compelling
Read this as it had good reviews from other readers and they are well deserved. The characters were incredibly engaging and recalled building convincing.I read the complete saga in three days during a busy week of annual leave f,catching up with much missed family and friends.I couldn't wait to get back to it.An epic story with society and adventure.
Read this as it had good reviews from other readers and they are well deserved. The characters were incredibly engaging and recalled building convincing.I read the complete saga in three days during a busy week of annual leave f,catching up with much missed family and friends.I couldn't wait to get back to it.An epic story with society and adventure.
March 10, 2021
The Raveling Saga is well worth reading
This the volume set is very well written. The characters are created to be consistent and appealing. The consistency is important in a multi volume set. Even the evil characters are appealing in their own way. I am looking forward to more from the author.
This the volume set is very well written. The characters are created to be consistent and appealing. The consistency is important in a multi volume set. Even the evil characters are appealing in their own way. I am looking forward to more from the author.
October 6, 2021
Epic fantasy series with lots of action, lots of likable heroes and sheroes, lots of lore, but also lots of violence and gore, scary demons and easy to hate villains. Some recycled themes but otherwise pretty original story, liked it overall. The first book I didn't like as well, but the writing gets better as you progress through the books.
November 26, 2020
Listened to the audio.
Great world building, broad development and scope, but really builds very, very slowly...ultimately the payoff is just a bit flat. For me, in the end, not worth the investment of time to listen to it.
Great world building, broad development and scope, but really builds very, very slowly...ultimately the payoff is just a bit flat. For me, in the end, not worth the investment of time to listen to it.
March 25, 2023
This was just one of dozens of selection that showed up on a suggestion list. There wasn't anything to attract the attention from the cover (The other covers were more exciting, more flashy, more intriguing.), and I had seen it in other searches I did; so I had no clue why I finally decided to look at this one at this time.
So, I read first three chapters in the sample (though not the entire thing), and decided to give it a go on the basis that the first few chapters actually didn't suck...
And I am glad I did.
My rule is that for a book, I read the first five chapters and decide if it's for me, so that's what I intended on doing. So I did, and when I surfaced from reading, I'd found that I'd finished half the first book.
Not only did it not suck, it was really good. Well-written, absorbing, with engaging characters, it's worth the read. Not perfect, mind you, but very entertaining. There were points in the storytelling that did start plodding along. When it did, I'd find myself being distracted by other more bright, shiny books, but eventually I'd return and plow through the boring bits until I hit the points that I couldn't wait to read.
Overall, worth the read. A few loose ends at the end, but apparently the author has stated he's working on a sequel? Hope so.
So, I read first three chapters in the sample (though not the entire thing), and decided to give it a go on the basis that the first few chapters actually didn't suck...
And I am glad I did.
My rule is that for a book, I read the first five chapters and decide if it's for me, so that's what I intended on doing. So I did, and when I surfaced from reading, I'd found that I'd finished half the first book.
Not only did it not suck, it was really good. Well-written, absorbing, with engaging characters, it's worth the read. Not perfect, mind you, but very entertaining. There were points in the storytelling that did start plodding along. When it did, I'd find myself being distracted by other more bright, shiny books, but eventually I'd return and plow through the boring bits until I hit the points that I couldn't wait to read.
Overall, worth the read. A few loose ends at the end, but apparently the author has stated he's working on a sequel? Hope so.
October 3, 2022
Read and enjoy books one and two, but don't go near book three. As in so many trilogies, this one falls apart in book three. It seems many authors just run out of interest or whatever it was that got them started.
Mr Hutson's strength is in dialogue, charming, funny chatting with interesting, likable characters. This works like a charm in the first 2 books. Also, the chapters are short, each containing a story of its own. Well done.
But in Book 3 Hutson forgets his strength and turns to very long, very boring chapters that are obviously Fillers. I hate fillers. It shows a lack of respect for the reader.
Perhaps in later works this author learns from his mistake. I hope so because I really liked the first two books.
Mr Hutson's strength is in dialogue, charming, funny chatting with interesting, likable characters. This works like a charm in the first 2 books. Also, the chapters are short, each containing a story of its own. Well done.
But in Book 3 Hutson forgets his strength and turns to very long, very boring chapters that are obviously Fillers. I hate fillers. It shows a lack of respect for the reader.
Perhaps in later works this author learns from his mistake. I hope so because I really liked the first two books.
February 17, 2026
The Raveling is rich in detail with incredible characters and everything one wants in a sweeping saga. I had to check myself when I noticed I was subconsciously rooting for the manipulative and devastating character, Alyanna. When an author can make you relate to each character's perspective, instead of simply detesting them, you know it is talented writing. The range of personalities and descriptions of the landscapes, cultures (including savory food- which I love), political conflicts and magic is so captivating- I slowed down the audio version so the story could last for a little while longer. The author does not bog down the the story with tedious love scenes, but the emotional range is no less poignant. I highly recommend this series.
April 7, 2024
What a great series! I couldn't put this down for 3 days and no chores were done so I could follow Keilan through all the adventures and perils that Mr. Hudson threw at us. Yes, there are long stretches of unnecessary history and boring descriptions of landscapes but the characters and storyline more than makes up for it and you are swept away into a world of magic, mystery and a great mourning for the past. I just hope we get to have more books to expand on the unanswered questions that were left hanging. I would like to return to Keilans world and become immersed into that wonderful mystic realm once again.
August 12, 2020
It’s good, but...
Can the world be too rich? I feel like I know too much too soon. Between the Fist, the magister, the Pure, the Shan, the...and I still don’t really see the thread that drives a narrative. I’m guessing I’m halfway through the first book and I don’t know where it is going.
Very rich imagery and a world full of wonder. I like it but I don’t feel compelled to find out what’s next.
DNF
Can the world be too rich? I feel like I know too much too soon. Between the Fist, the magister, the Pure, the Shan, the...and I still don’t really see the thread that drives a narrative. I’m guessing I’m halfway through the first book and I don’t know where it is going.
Very rich imagery and a world full of wonder. I like it but I don’t feel compelled to find out what’s next.
DNF
June 30, 2022
Talented writer, amazing world, decent characters, (Some of them are disgusting) It would have been great except that there are some absolutely disgusting characters and they take the book to some gory, sadistic places at times. The good guys are good, but the bad guys are really bad. No sex scenes, but it is in the environment and on the mind of some of the characters. Not a book for young readers.
March 4, 2023
Great read
I have very much enjoyed this set if books. It is full of many exciting scenes and intrigue. There are many twists and turns with several unexpected surprises. The story has a nice flow that keeps your interest. It is full of heart. The characters are well developed with true personalities. Whether good or bad you develop a relationship to them. I am sad I have finished the set but certainly plan on reading more stories by this author.
I have very much enjoyed this set if books. It is full of many exciting scenes and intrigue. There are many twists and turns with several unexpected surprises. The story has a nice flow that keeps your interest. It is full of heart. The characters are well developed with true personalities. Whether good or bad you develop a relationship to them. I am sad I have finished the set but certainly plan on reading more stories by this author.
August 23, 2020
Fantastic journey with so many unforeseen twists
A fantastic epic with unlikely heroes and dark villains. Great reading and I'm looking forward to hearing more about Keilan, Cein d'Kara, Vhelan, Nel and Senacus. So many sad deaths along the way & the true villian dissappears at the end.
A fantastic epic with unlikely heroes and dark villains. Great reading and I'm looking forward to hearing more about Keilan, Cein d'Kara, Vhelan, Nel and Senacus. So many sad deaths along the way & the true villian dissappears at the end.
August 30, 2020
Good stuff
Initially started as a coming of age story but rapidly became more about the other characters. Some parts of the big reveals at the end felt a little rushed and more could be done on the Pre-history of the world building but otherwise a solid effort and an enjoyable read that keeps you interested and moves at a good pace.
Initially started as a coming of age story but rapidly became more about the other characters. Some parts of the big reveals at the end felt a little rushed and more could be done on the Pre-history of the world building but otherwise a solid effort and an enjoyable read that keeps you interested and moves at a good pace.
March 7, 2021
I loved this fresh fantasy themed book!
I am an avid reader of fantasy, and I absolutely loved the twists and turns this book took on my journey with Keilan. Slightly saddened by the number of people I liked that died, but it enhanced my immersion and enjoyment of the book overall. I highly recommend it.
I am an avid reader of fantasy, and I absolutely loved the twists and turns this book took on my journey with Keilan. Slightly saddened by the number of people I liked that died, but it enhanced my immersion and enjoyment of the book overall. I highly recommend it.
July 4, 2022
very slow built up
It took a while to grab my attention and invariably I would lose interest In reading it. Not a riveting page turner but has it moments just to sparse which made it difficult to stay engaged. Too many principal characters leaving several undeveloped in my opinion but overall a good story
It took a while to grab my attention and invariably I would lose interest In reading it. Not a riveting page turner but has it moments just to sparse which made it difficult to stay engaged. Too many principal characters leaving several undeveloped in my opinion but overall a good story
July 21, 2022
Exceptional Storyteller
Beautifully written interwoven tale of powerful mages and ancient gods.
The complex storyline is skillfully gathered to flesh out characters that highlight the fear of magic, the greed of the powerful, and the power of belief in goodness.
A very gratifying series.
Beautifully written interwoven tale of powerful mages and ancient gods.
The complex storyline is skillfully gathered to flesh out characters that highlight the fear of magic, the greed of the powerful, and the power of belief in goodness.
A very gratifying series.
August 31, 2022
I wanted to like it. It seemed like an interesting world. But the plot failed to really grab me and the characters didn’t develop well. By the end of the first book, I felt like I didn’t really care about any of these people. The closest was Jan, but the reveal of his past happened too quickly to really feel much about his downfall.
January 24, 2023
As good as it gets!
What a great story. The story is so well conceived, so well paced and addictive. I was extremely satisfied with how the arc of each character reached an epiphany that meshed seamlessly with a struggle that helped propel their growth. Quite satisfying, well done!
What a great story. The story is so well conceived, so well paced and addictive. I was extremely satisfied with how the arc of each character reached an epiphany that meshed seamlessly with a struggle that helped propel their growth. Quite satisfying, well done!
December 9, 2025
Fun and engaging read
Thanks for a lovely trip and a great adventure. the characters came to life in the best way, the tension carried me through chapter after chapter, the story unfolded beautifully and surprisingly along the way, the best kind of adventure to have in my opinion. the end came too swift, even after three parts, and left me hungry for more.
Thanks for a lovely trip and a great adventure. the characters came to life in the best way, the tension carried me through chapter after chapter, the story unfolded beautifully and surprisingly along the way, the best kind of adventure to have in my opinion. the end came too swift, even after three parts, and left me hungry for more.
April 25, 2020
The Raveling is what Fantasy/Adventure is about.
The Raveling may be the best trilogy I’ve read in the Fantasy/Adventure genre.
A lot of twists and turns but with skill the author does not confuse, compared to others who attempt this.
The Raveling may be the best trilogy I’ve read in the Fantasy/Adventure genre.
A lot of twists and turns but with skill the author does not confuse, compared to others who attempt this.
June 20, 2020
An epic with depth
A wonderful story that shows much history and world-building. The variety in character and their development holds your attention throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed and anticipating the next!
A wonderful story that shows much history and world-building. The variety in character and their development holds your attention throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed and anticipating the next!
June 22, 2020
What a great series
I really enjoyed this series. It was fascinating to see how each character intertwined with each other. Left you hanging at the edge of your seat, wondering how they could possibly survive the troubles they got into. Great book!
I really enjoyed this series. It was fascinating to see how each character intertwined with each other. Left you hanging at the edge of your seat, wondering how they could possibly survive the troubles they got into. Great book!
April 19, 2021
Involved story and characters. IT TOOK A WHILE FOR THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS TO JEL. THE STORY FLOWED
More smoothly in the latter part of the book. The main character doesn’t seem to be fully developed, hopefully there will be more to follow.
More smoothly in the latter part of the book. The main character doesn’t seem to be fully developed, hopefully there will be more to follow.
May 3, 2021
Excellent story, enthralling world, complex characters
This series is definitely worth reading, the world has the sort of fascinating mystery that makes epic fantasy stories fun, and the characters have depth that is lacking in many stories in this genre.
This series is definitely worth reading, the world has the sort of fascinating mystery that makes epic fantasy stories fun, and the characters have depth that is lacking in many stories in this genre.
September 1, 2021
Hooked from the start
I loved this series and devoured each book. The intricate character building all came together beautifully without feeling too prettily packaged. I cannot wait for his next series and hope the story continues, or moves to the past or future.
I loved this series and devoured each book. The intricate character building all came together beautifully without feeling too prettily packaged. I cannot wait for his next series and hope the story continues, or moves to the past or future.
December 5, 2021
pleasant surprise
A well written and interesting and engaging version of the common storyline of a coming age age story with enough different and interesting characters, and sideplots.
A well written and interesting and engaging version of the common storyline of a coming age age story with enough different and interesting characters, and sideplots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews