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The Raven
She saw The Raven in her dreams. Now her life's a nightmare.
No matter how hard she tries, Rebekah just doesn't fit in at her prestigious Ivy League prep school. The cruel, privileged students ridicule and bully her on a daily basis. And instead of standing up for herself, Rebekah retreats into a dark, unsettling world of nightmarish visions ...
In her dreams, a cloaked figure named The Raven gives her a chance to turn the tables on her tormentors, and exact bloody revenge. At first, she secretly relishes the power, but then Rebekah discovers her dreams have terrifying consequences: The Raven's brutal revenge is real.
Ripped straight from the pages of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven unlocks deep truths about humanity and tackles self-worth, morality, and the pain of doing what's right at all costs.
No matter how hard she tries, Rebekah just doesn't fit in at her prestigious Ivy League prep school. The cruel, privileged students ridicule and bully her on a daily basis. And instead of standing up for herself, Rebekah retreats into a dark, unsettling world of nightmarish visions ...
In her dreams, a cloaked figure named The Raven gives her a chance to turn the tables on her tormentors, and exact bloody revenge. At first, she secretly relishes the power, but then Rebekah discovers her dreams have terrifying consequences: The Raven's brutal revenge is real.
Ripped straight from the pages of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven unlocks deep truths about humanity and tackles self-worth, morality, and the pain of doing what's right at all costs.
- GenresFantasyHorrorYoung Adult
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2020
About the author
Dani Lamia
10 books18 followersDani Lamia is a pseudonym for the writing team of William Roetzheim and Randy Becker.
William’s love of writing began at a young age, however he started his career as an early pioneer in the field of AI software development. His systems have been deployed on Navy ships, submarines, and NASA space shuttles, as well as by businesses and government agencies. After launching multiple software companies, William turned his attention to the arts and became an award-winning playwright, poet, and published author.
Randy is an Emmy-nominated producer who began his career as an actor starring in film, television, and on Broadway (including the Tony Award–winning play Love! Valour! Compassion!). After producing a film of his own, he made a dramatic career change and now expresses his creativity through writing and producing.
William’s love of writing began at a young age, however he started his career as an early pioneer in the field of AI software development. His systems have been deployed on Navy ships, submarines, and NASA space shuttles, as well as by businesses and government agencies. After launching multiple software companies, William turned his attention to the arts and became an award-winning playwright, poet, and published author.
Randy is an Emmy-nominated producer who began his career as an actor starring in film, television, and on Broadway (including the Tony Award–winning play Love! Valour! Compassion!). After producing a film of his own, he made a dramatic career change and now expresses his creativity through writing and producing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 2, 2023
This was beautifully spooky!
I just wish I knew more!
I started with wanting my own raven and quickly changed my mind 😂
I just wish I knew more!
I started with wanting my own raven and quickly changed my mind 😂
January 11, 2023
This is the perfect book for fans of Edgar Allan Poe!
It’s really unique to read a book with jaw dropping, shocking twists and wow this was it!
This is a young adult horror novel so it’s perfect for those who want to start reading this genre. The atmosphere in it was eerie and great to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
🪶 bullying
🪶 revenge story
🪶 shocking twists
🪶 secrets
🪶 great atmosphere
Thank you so much netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
It’s really unique to read a book with jaw dropping, shocking twists and wow this was it!
This is a young adult horror novel so it’s perfect for those who want to start reading this genre. The atmosphere in it was eerie and great to read.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
🪶 bullying
🪶 revenge story
🪶 shocking twists
🪶 secrets
🪶 great atmosphere
Thank you so much netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 16, 2023
First, thank you so much to the publisher, Level 4 Press for providing me a physical copy!
I loved the premise of this book, girl has dreams of horrible things happening to her bullies = bad things happening in real life. Also inspired by the work of Poe. What a great concept!
I love bullies getting their due, however I feel like even though this was barely 300 pages, it did start to drag. And I feel like the major twist was a little off the wall. But also.... interesting?
So I think this book was still enjoyable, just didn't knock my socks off. Would make a good movie!
I loved the premise of this book, girl has dreams of horrible things happening to her bullies = bad things happening in real life. Also inspired by the work of Poe. What a great concept!
I love bullies getting their due, however I feel like even though this was barely 300 pages, it did start to drag. And I feel like the major twist was a little off the wall. But also.... interesting?
So I think this book was still enjoyable, just didn't knock my socks off. Would make a good movie!
January 14, 2023
Rebekah is used to being a social outcast – not only is she quiet and obsessed with her comic, but she’s the only poor student in her prestigious high school and her mom’s the school nurse. She begins to have dreams again of her imaginary friend, The Raven, who resides in a decrepit and ever-changing mansion. After an intense bout of bullying, one of her antagonists is present in her dream and the Raven gives her a chance to exact some revenge. But when she awakes the next morning, she finds that these dreams are more linked to reality than Rebekah ever could have thought.
This work drew inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe’s works, especially when it came to the creative sessions of torture that occurred. I liked the idea of a dream realm versus the real world, and how the two interacted and affected each other.
Unfortunately, there were many things that detracted from my enjoyment of the work. The biggest thing was that the characters never came to life and weren’t well developed. Most of the secondary characters were simply stereotypes/cliches, and only really existed to be mean to Rebekah. Even her mom and her friend were bland and didn’t receive much page time. Unfortunately, Rebekah was also a flat character that left me wanting much more from her as a protagonist – a large chunk of the book was made up of her inner-monologue that was quite repetitive, which became a chore to get through.
There were also many plot holes, making the entire experience rather frustrating. Similarly, there were many important things that weren’t explained, making the read lack in immersion and satisfaction. I really wanted to like this work, but the only positive thing about it was the concept. The author’s writing consisted of telling rather than showing and relied heavily on purple prose, which became exceedingly frustrating as the book continued. It was also full of errors and mistakes, but as my copy is an ARC, I’m not taking this into account for my rating.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this read to anyone. My thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for allowing me to read this work, which will be published February 7. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
TW: bullying, rape, torture
This work drew inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe’s works, especially when it came to the creative sessions of torture that occurred. I liked the idea of a dream realm versus the real world, and how the two interacted and affected each other.
Unfortunately, there were many things that detracted from my enjoyment of the work. The biggest thing was that the characters never came to life and weren’t well developed. Most of the secondary characters were simply stereotypes/cliches, and only really existed to be mean to Rebekah. Even her mom and her friend were bland and didn’t receive much page time. Unfortunately, Rebekah was also a flat character that left me wanting much more from her as a protagonist – a large chunk of the book was made up of her inner-monologue that was quite repetitive, which became a chore to get through.
There were also many plot holes, making the entire experience rather frustrating. Similarly, there were many important things that weren’t explained, making the read lack in immersion and satisfaction. I really wanted to like this work, but the only positive thing about it was the concept. The author’s writing consisted of telling rather than showing and relied heavily on purple prose, which became exceedingly frustrating as the book continued. It was also full of errors and mistakes, but as my copy is an ARC, I’m not taking this into account for my rating.
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this read to anyone. My thanks to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group for allowing me to read this work, which will be published February 7. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
TW: bullying, rape, torture
December 23, 2022
Final Destination meets Nightmare on Elm Street. As a fan of horror books/movies, I was excited to dive right into this book.
I wanted to figure out how the Raven was appearing and physically manifesting into Rebekah's life.
I absolutely loved all of the inventive ways in which the students who were bullying Rebekah were dealt with in the dream world and in the actual world.
Spoilers ahead.
The dying by being stuck in a coffin, dying by a pendulum blade across the stomach, noxious fumes, etc.
That was in dream world, in real world, they drowned, jumped off a 2nd story balcony, ran their car into a wall.
Pretty interesting and inventive ways to die.
HOWEVER, there was so many issues that I had with this book.
Mainly a full 30% of the book is Rebekah ruminating about how she is responsible for the dreamworld, she likes what is happening, she feels powerful, she can't stop it, no one can stop it.
It got repetitive and old FAST!
So what does Rebekah do? She dates her next door neighbor who is a cop assigned to investigate mysterious accidents of her classmates.
WHich right there is a weird thing....who calls the cops on accidents?
Further, she is in HIGH SCHOOL and she is dating a patrol officer?!
Weirdness overlord is when the Raven ENCOURAGES the cop to date Rebekah KNOWING That they are SIBLINGS! GROSS!
The book had my head spinning with plot holes, plot gaps, and downright disbelief.
What happened to her friend, her only friend, she kills her...why?
For instance she vows not to sleep, goes to sleep
Thinks that the Raven will only come if she is in her room, she falls asleep in a shed with the cop, she meets the Raven and wakes up in her room. What happened to Mike?
She can't control the Raven, goes back into dreamworld to....guess what? control the Raven.
Then to have the Raven be the next door neighbor who just happens to have this power, gives it to her and not to his son?!
This book fell flat on so many levels. The worst was the constant internal monologue and the plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I wanted to figure out how the Raven was appearing and physically manifesting into Rebekah's life.
I absolutely loved all of the inventive ways in which the students who were bullying Rebekah were dealt with in the dream world and in the actual world.
Spoilers ahead.
The dying by being stuck in a coffin, dying by a pendulum blade across the stomach, noxious fumes, etc.
That was in dream world, in real world, they drowned, jumped off a 2nd story balcony, ran their car into a wall.
Pretty interesting and inventive ways to die.
HOWEVER, there was so many issues that I had with this book.
Mainly a full 30% of the book is Rebekah ruminating about how she is responsible for the dreamworld, she likes what is happening, she feels powerful, she can't stop it, no one can stop it.
It got repetitive and old FAST!
So what does Rebekah do? She dates her next door neighbor who is a cop assigned to investigate mysterious accidents of her classmates.
WHich right there is a weird thing....who calls the cops on accidents?
Further, she is in HIGH SCHOOL and she is dating a patrol officer?!
Weirdness overlord is when the Raven ENCOURAGES the cop to date Rebekah KNOWING That they are SIBLINGS! GROSS!
The book had my head spinning with plot holes, plot gaps, and downright disbelief.
What happened to her friend, her only friend, she kills her...why?
For instance she vows not to sleep, goes to sleep
Thinks that the Raven will only come if she is in her room, she falls asleep in a shed with the cop, she meets the Raven and wakes up in her room. What happened to Mike?
She can't control the Raven, goes back into dreamworld to....guess what? control the Raven.
Then to have the Raven be the next door neighbor who just happens to have this power, gives it to her and not to his son?!
This book fell flat on so many levels. The worst was the constant internal monologue and the plot.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
This story sounded so promising, but unfortunately for me the execution was lacking. I loved the idea of a dream world that influences the real world and getting revenge on your bullies that way. Also I love Edgar Allen Poe so to have that influence should make it even better! Only...the writing wasn't great and the storyline was creepy but not in ways that it should be. I ended up dnf-ing this one.
Rebekah is an outcast at her school - she is the poor kid among the rich and her mom is the school nurse. The school scenes were written so oddly for me and Rebekah felt very young so when it is obvious that the author is going to have her and her older cop neighbor get together it was really creepy. Like... she seems WAY too young for him. She is still in high school! And he is a cop! Creepy, but I don't think it was supposed to be (and I didn't remember how old she was so I did look and it says she is 18 at one point, though she doesn't feel like she is that old from the writing).
Neighbor cop Mike is also...not the best written. We get his point of view as well and it was not good. Plus I mean he is a cop and he doesn't fit in with the other cops which could make it better in this day and age where we all know ACAB, but he desperately wants to fit in with the awful cops so...not good. Not a fan. I mean I know there are lots of books with cops in, books I still enjoy because it is fiction and all, but this one? The writing is not very good so I just was put off by it. A lot.
So yeah. I didn't get that far into the book - the dream world and the Raven would have been cool if they were better written. Lots of telling not showing and well...this book wasn't for me.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book
Rebekah is an outcast at her school - she is the poor kid among the rich and her mom is the school nurse. The school scenes were written so oddly for me and Rebekah felt very young so when it is obvious that the author is going to have her and her older cop neighbor get together it was really creepy. Like... she seems WAY too young for him. She is still in high school! And he is a cop! Creepy, but I don't think it was supposed to be (and I didn't remember how old she was so I did look and it says she is 18 at one point, though she doesn't feel like she is that old from the writing).
Neighbor cop Mike is also...not the best written. We get his point of view as well and it was not good. Plus I mean he is a cop and he doesn't fit in with the other cops which could make it better in this day and age where we all know ACAB, but he desperately wants to fit in with the awful cops so...not good. Not a fan. I mean I know there are lots of books with cops in, books I still enjoy because it is fiction and all, but this one? The writing is not very good so I just was put off by it. A lot.
So yeah. I didn't get that far into the book - the dream world and the Raven would have been cool if they were better written. Lots of telling not showing and well...this book wasn't for me.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book
January 13, 2023
I want to thank #netgalley for the opportunity to read the eArc of #TheRaven.
Rebekah is an outcast. Going to school where the rich kids rule it all and never forget to remind her how beneath them she is. It doesn’t help her mom is the school nurse and everyone knows she also happens to be a drunk. Rebekah has one friend, Alice. Alice convinces Rebekah to go to a party to prove to the other high schoolers that they aren’t afraid of them and can still have fun.
The party ends with Rebekah covered in a drink, a recording and the new name piss bitch.
Michael lives next door. Just a few years older than Rebekah he has always had a thing for her and when he sees her running home from school one day he decides to reconnect. He feels like an outcast at the police department he just can’t seem to make any friends.
Rebekah takes solace in her tome of Edgar Allen Poe workings. Then one night in her dreams she finds herself in a dilapidated mansion she played in with her imaginary friend the Raven. The Raven isn’t alone with him is Scotty one of the boys from the party that is always cruel. The Raven gives her the chance to seek revenge. In the real world though those she is seeking revenge on are finding themselves hurt and terrified.
Is this Rebekah’s chance to make them all pay and is The Raven really the protector it seems to be?
Rebekah is an outcast. Going to school where the rich kids rule it all and never forget to remind her how beneath them she is. It doesn’t help her mom is the school nurse and everyone knows she also happens to be a drunk. Rebekah has one friend, Alice. Alice convinces Rebekah to go to a party to prove to the other high schoolers that they aren’t afraid of them and can still have fun.
The party ends with Rebekah covered in a drink, a recording and the new name piss bitch.
Michael lives next door. Just a few years older than Rebekah he has always had a thing for her and when he sees her running home from school one day he decides to reconnect. He feels like an outcast at the police department he just can’t seem to make any friends.
Rebekah takes solace in her tome of Edgar Allen Poe workings. Then one night in her dreams she finds herself in a dilapidated mansion she played in with her imaginary friend the Raven. The Raven isn’t alone with him is Scotty one of the boys from the party that is always cruel. The Raven gives her the chance to seek revenge. In the real world though those she is seeking revenge on are finding themselves hurt and terrified.
Is this Rebekah’s chance to make them all pay and is The Raven really the protector it seems to be?
April 6, 2023
Man!!! I kept looking at this cover and read the details and I was like 600 pages ekkk! But I kept coming back to it. I was tangled up in this book so fast! It could have been longer than 600 pages! I got through it in 4 days! Have you ever been bullied at school or felt like you just didn’t fit in? That’s Becka. She’s the outcast the weird girl! She has it rough in high school! Have you ever thought about getting even with those who have made you feel so small? Just to get some peace at school to be left alone?? Becka has a dream about getting her revenge on a school mate who embarrasses her in the worst kinda way! But it was so real feeling! The power she had in that moment! And her list is long of those who wronged her! But it was just a dream? Right? Until the next day at school and reality hits her. Was it real?? How?? This is only one of the many mysteries and twists in this book! It was a fantastic read! I highly recommend this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2023
The title alone made me want to read this book. Then as I read along, I really enjoyed the characters, the references to Poe’s literature and a serial killer was involved. Any novel involving dreams as a way to kill people is a book that I will read. I may have nightmares later, but that will not stop me from reading. The imagery the author provided at how one place looked so different was excellent. I could really feel the difference in the atmosphere of the Lee House. The house was creepy enough in our world and when the house was viewed in the dream world, the house was downright macabre. Having someone like the Raven as your personal judge and executioner, might feel justified but Rebekah soon discovered it was making her into what she was fighting against. There were definitely twists in this book. Overall, I would recommend this book.
January 19, 2023
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Warnings: None
Themes: Thriller, Mystery
The Raven is about a girl who finds a friend in a dream world that takes revenge on her tormentors, but she finds out her dreams are affecting the real world. This book had a fun twist between an Edgar Alan Poe story and Carrie. It had relatable characters and a lyrical quality to it. The relationship between a couple of the characters felt a little forced but other than that it was a really fun read.
This book is great for anyone who loves reading Poe and a good revenge story.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Plot: 4/5
Character Development: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Warnings: None
Themes: Thriller, Mystery
The Raven is about a girl who finds a friend in a dream world that takes revenge on her tormentors, but she finds out her dreams are affecting the real world. This book had a fun twist between an Edgar Alan Poe story and Carrie. It had relatable characters and a lyrical quality to it. The relationship between a couple of the characters felt a little forced but other than that it was a really fun read.
This book is great for anyone who loves reading Poe and a good revenge story.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
July 12, 2024
Rebekah is bullied in high school, and soon she starts to have nightmares of The Raven, and ultimately those who bully her will face the deathly consequences of their actions. The cover to this book had me so intrigued, and then I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it. AThis book was spooky and creepy and I loved it! If you are an Edgar Allan Poe fan I think you would definitely enjoy this one! The author does a great job with the twists and suspense throughout, and I love how she paints the eerily creepy atmosphere and characters throughout.
January 2, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I feel like this one was a mixture for me. I liked the horror elements and the mystery elements. Those who pick on Rebekah end up facing trouble in both this world and the dream world. Rebekah hopes to stop the Raven but can she? There was intrigue in the book but there was also thing I didn’t connect with. I feel like for me this one is a mixed bag. Not terrible but not the best either.
February 8, 2023
It helps to read Edgar Allan Poe's work to get the feel of the story. Rebekah dreams of The Raven, and karma inflicted on those who bully Rebekah. This makes her satisfied to see the karma translated to reality, until it no longer works in her favour. Then, along with Mike, she needs to rid The Raven from her dreams. There is a great twist and the story is pleasantly written.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.
January 20, 2024
The concept of the book intrigued me - a girl capable of avenging her high school tormentors in her dreams, with consequences unfolding in reality, kind of reminiscent of Nightmare on Elm Street. Yet, the execution left me wanting. The narrative seemed to exhaust its promises in the blurb and the characters lacked depth or I didn’t feel connected to them.
While I see potential, I believe the story could have been more suited as a novella.
While I see potential, I believe the story could have been more suited as a novella.
February 18, 2024
fun read, occasionally silly, good suspense
Liked the plot and some of the characters. Requires huge suspension of disbelief. Figurative language often overworked and out of place— no amount of flowery language can make this book great literature so I think the book would be a better read if the author accepted the limits of the story and her ability. Creative plot though with good suspense.- IVO
Liked the plot and some of the characters. Requires huge suspension of disbelief. Figurative language often overworked and out of place— no amount of flowery language can make this book great literature so I think the book would be a better read if the author accepted the limits of the story and her ability. Creative plot though with good suspense.- IVO
December 23, 2022
This book is great for any Poe fan.
It weaves a story of a young girl being bullied at school who finds a way to take back her power and get revenge against her bullies.
It's part fantasy and part horror with a twist I didn't see coming. A quick read that I flew through in order to see how the story would wrap up.
It weaves a story of a young girl being bullied at school who finds a way to take back her power and get revenge against her bullies.
It's part fantasy and part horror with a twist I didn't see coming. A quick read that I flew through in order to see how the story would wrap up.
December 31, 2022
Revenge stories go one of two ways - they're either handled well or they're not. Unfortunately, this one is a little different and falls somewhere in between the two leaving me numb and not exactly sure if it did it well or not. I liked the horror aspects, but I do feel the story could have excelled more if it had leaned more strongly into it,
March 6, 2023
This is a 3.5 for me. The story line was completely original to me. The twists, the dreams, the deaths. It was crazy! While I liked the story line, there were times that it moved slow for me and sometimes felt repetitive where the bully conversations were concerned. Other than that, it was really good! I think finding out just who The Raven is will surprise you!
January 23, 2024
It is a good book to keep you on edge and wondering. I'll honestly say I knew who "the raven" was way before, but the twist was odd. The author is a good writer. The description really helped paint the scene!
December 28, 2022
This netgalley review can be found here
February 7, 2023
This story was captivating. There were twists and turns. It held me in suspense. Such a great quick read.
February 14, 2023
Like nothing I've ever read before and definitely not what I expected. A worthwhile read, but might benefit from some trigger warnings.
February 15, 2023
This is a book the fans of Poe with its dark twists and turns. It will definitely entertain the reader that loves the dark sides of the mind.
June 12, 2023
I could not put this down.
July 12, 2023
It would have been a 4 but they killed the cat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
Good book.. lots of twists and good creep value.
September 25, 2025
Not my favorite book
February 17, 2023
I meant to finish this before it was published but it took me a minute. This is weird., Like wtf did I just read but also I liked it.
I know I have friends who look for "wtf did I just read" books. Yall will love this. The entire book is a surprise.
I know I have friends who look for "wtf did I just read" books. Yall will love this. The entire book is a surprise.
June 12, 2023
I was drawn into this book within the first few paragraphs. The descriptions captured me so thoroughly. From the get-go, it gives off a foreboding, spooky atmosphere, and Lamia doesn't hold any punches. I felt like I was in the nightmares, and the descriptions of violence were perfect.
The author did an amazing job making the characters understandable and believable. This book was incredibly well-written and engaging.
I was floored by the twist and the ending. Such a surprise. It had my jaw on the ground.
The author did an amazing job making the characters understandable and believable. This book was incredibly well-written and engaging.
I was floored by the twist and the ending. Such a surprise. It had my jaw on the ground.
Did Not Finish
March 10, 2023Thank you netgalley for providing me an arc of this in exchange for an honest review.
I DNF'd this because the way it was written pointed out every inconsistency and plot hole. The Raven is a classic, but this fell short and flat. Not for me.
I DNF'd this because the way it was written pointed out every inconsistency and plot hole. The Raven is a classic, but this fell short and flat. Not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews