What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lords of Alekka #3
Blood of the Raven
The Lords of Alekka continues with this thrilling third volume...
We head North!
It is time to get lost in the land of the forgotten. Time to explore Alekka’s Northern realm in search of that which is missing...
Abandoned by the sun, shunned by the Father of the Gods himself, the North is a wild place; a brutally cold land, where ambitious lords keep their followers warm with tales of how they will be the one to claim the prized crown of Alekka. Stories woven on stormy nights, sung around blazing fires over cups of ale, tell of the one who will unite the two halves of the broken land. They whisper of the Bear Stone, where the prophecy of that man’s coming was etched two thousand years ago.
But who will it be?
And who will survive?
Not everyone.
Not everyone will survive the coming war...
Blood of the Raven is the third book in The Lords of Alekka epic fantasy series. Set in the world of The Furyck Saga, it features a new cast of richly woven characters and an emotionally charged, action-packed adventure to get stuck into!
We head North!
It is time to get lost in the land of the forgotten. Time to explore Alekka’s Northern realm in search of that which is missing...
Abandoned by the sun, shunned by the Father of the Gods himself, the North is a wild place; a brutally cold land, where ambitious lords keep their followers warm with tales of how they will be the one to claim the prized crown of Alekka. Stories woven on stormy nights, sung around blazing fires over cups of ale, tell of the one who will unite the two halves of the broken land. They whisper of the Bear Stone, where the prophecy of that man’s coming was etched two thousand years ago.
But who will it be?
And who will survive?
Not everyone.
Not everyone will survive the coming war...
Blood of the Raven is the third book in The Lords of Alekka epic fantasy series. Set in the world of The Furyck Saga, it features a new cast of richly woven characters and an emotionally charged, action-packed adventure to get stuck into!
707 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2021
971 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Rayne
22 books630 followersIntroducing myself
Hello, I’m Amy!
I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!
Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.
'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!
My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.
I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…
It took me a long time to become a writer.
I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.
Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.
He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.
And I haven’t stopped!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 4, 2023
I need this series to hurry up.
So much us happening but at the same time nothing.
The series is good, but it's just so slow getting to the resolutions. I have read over 1500 pages, for Reinar and Alys not to be together. Sigurd going from one awful manipulative woman to another. He deserves better. And Jonas still not reunited with his granddaughter.
There was an incestuous jump scare, at one point in the series, bit it was a false alarm. Turned out Alys remembered her mum wrong.
I need things to happen at a faster pace.
So much us happening but at the same time nothing.
The series is good, but it's just so slow getting to the resolutions. I have read over 1500 pages, for Reinar and Alys not to be together. Sigurd going from one awful manipulative woman to another. He deserves better. And Jonas still not reunited with his granddaughter.
There was an incestuous jump scare, at one point in the series, bit it was a false alarm. Turned out Alys remembered her mum wrong.
I need things to happen at a faster pace.
April 9, 2022
The third book in the series and it just keeps getting better, Alys is on my mind all the time at the moment as are all the other characters, I'm seriously invested in them all! Onto the next one....
January 19, 2023
Really a good read!!
Damn lady this is just one hell if fine read.I'm really impressed how you keep the reader on their toes. The story moves along so fast, with so much action thoughts an feelings, who to trust weather it's the gods or humans an what lies ahead for each a every character, cause they all have a part to play. Dreamers, Gods, Warriors, Humans, Lords an King's, one an all must stand up for what is right
I have never read this author before Rayne's book showed up my list of books to give a read, I did an now I'm hooked,looking forward to seeing what she decides to come up with next.
Damn lady this is just one hell if fine read.I'm really impressed how you keep the reader on their toes. The story moves along so fast, with so much action thoughts an feelings, who to trust weather it's the gods or humans an what lies ahead for each a every character, cause they all have a part to play. Dreamers, Gods, Warriors, Humans, Lords an King's, one an all must stand up for what is right
I have never read this author before Rayne's book showed up my list of books to give a read, I did an now I'm hooked,looking forward to seeing what she decides to come up with next.
July 25, 2021
No More Yelping
Loved this series…through Book 4. I love that the author appears to be a stickler for the correctness of her historical research with the result that her books come across as being non-fiction historical sagas. Excellent proofreading - as I encountered hardly any typos or errors! Her ability to “build the fictional world” really adds to the pleasure of reading this series. There are several times when I was literally on the edge of my chair reading of a battle outcome or an attempted rescue gone wrong. I have one thing about this series that really bugged me…the author’s continued and excessive use of the word “Yelp” in all it’s tenses. If someone stumbled and fell…they yelped…if someone was grabbed - they yelped. If someone was attacked and injured…they yelped. In one chapter it was used 16 times. I’m sure there are words in our language that are interchangeable with “Yelp”. But, yelping aside, I will read many more A.E. Rayne novels!!
Loved this series…through Book 4. I love that the author appears to be a stickler for the correctness of her historical research with the result that her books come across as being non-fiction historical sagas. Excellent proofreading - as I encountered hardly any typos or errors! Her ability to “build the fictional world” really adds to the pleasure of reading this series. There are several times when I was literally on the edge of my chair reading of a battle outcome or an attempted rescue gone wrong. I have one thing about this series that really bugged me…the author’s continued and excessive use of the word “Yelp” in all it’s tenses. If someone stumbled and fell…they yelped…if someone was grabbed - they yelped. If someone was attacked and injured…they yelped. In one chapter it was used 16 times. I’m sure there are words in our language that are interchangeable with “Yelp”. But, yelping aside, I will read many more A.E. Rayne novels!!
October 15, 2021
The Gods are picking their sides. They are picking their Dreamers, Lords and battles. I give AE Rayne all my respect for the imagination to create such an fabulous story.
Everything is hitting it's breaking point. Everyone is racing to protect the things or people they love. New discoveries and untold secrets are exposed. I'm really trying not to spoiler, so I just have to say that this was the best story yet. Unfortunately, Book 4, Heart of the King is not available yet but I can't wait!
Everything is hitting it's breaking point. Everyone is racing to protect the things or people they love. New discoveries and untold secrets are exposed. I'm really trying not to spoiler, so I just have to say that this was the best story yet. Unfortunately, Book 4, Heart of the King is not available yet but I can't wait!
June 29, 2021
Absolutely brilliant! Every single one of these books is a delight. The characters are so real you come to love them. From Jael in the Furyk Saga to The Lords of Alekka. I cannot wait to read the rest. I don't often say brilliant so trust me, they are the best!
I personally think these would make a great TV series.
I personally think these would make a great TV series.
January 16, 2024
Wow! I read books 1 and 2 and then of course I had to get #3. I won't repeat what all the other reviewers have said, but A.E. Rayne really writes her characters so they stay with you after you stopped reading for the night. I had a couple late nighters trying to finish book #3!
I gave it a 4 star because the story is so long. Not boring..but a lot is happening even to the very end and I knew when I was at 95% that there would be another book. Sure enough! I did not know this was a 6 book series! AARGH! When I read "The End" I was like "NOOOO!" Even the epilogue did not help really. The author ended the story with SO many loose ends. So many characters here and there and not with Alys and Reiner, Signar and the children. Epic battle and magic!
Ding dong the witch is dead! Or...maybe not! AAARGH! The ending really surprised me and had me talking out loud about Eddeth and Raf, Vik and Ulrick and Jonas, so many loose ends darn it! I might take a breather, but probably not, I want to know what happens to everyone and what is going on in Ottby where Reiner is Lord. So many characters that are inter woven and have connections.
This could be titled "Gods and goddesses VS the Dreamers". There are so many! Seems like every leader has a dreamer. Everybody can read minds, and see what is happening somewhere else.
The author does a great job of making the reader not like the bad, evil characters and you root for the Vilanders, Eddeth, Alys and Lotta. It did jump around a bunch and she added new characters,making it a bit confusing. Who is related to who, gods, dreamers and the Lords? Secrets and fights for balance of power. Alys fluctuated from strong and confident to crying and insecure. Then she was strong when she needed to be! I really like the strong confident Alys! She had her reasons, abuse history.
I loved that despite the constant peril characters faced there was still time consensual desire and intimacy.
Triggers for some will be the implied rape and sexual assault of various characters, difficult to read at times.
There is violence and blood and animal sacrifice.
The characters are COLD, like should not be still alive cold, all the time. It is snowing or raining or both thru most of this book. Most of the main characters are traversing the land be sea or by land in rain or snow storms!
They rarely get a reprieve from vengeful meddling gods, so many perils the characters meet on the way to rescue Alys and the children. Everybody is trying to find her! The gods and dreamers do bang up job of interfering and helping with their plans. It is almost exhausting to read with so much going on and all the generational connections.
But if you like magic, dreamers/seerers, fantasy action and adventure in a time similar to the vikings, then you will enjoy this series! Now onto book #4!
I gave it a 4 star because the story is so long. Not boring..but a lot is happening even to the very end and I knew when I was at 95% that there would be another book. Sure enough! I did not know this was a 6 book series! AARGH! When I read "The End" I was like "NOOOO!" Even the epilogue did not help really. The author ended the story with SO many loose ends. So many characters here and there and not with Alys and Reiner, Signar and the children. Epic battle and magic!
Ding dong the witch is dead! Or...maybe not! AAARGH! The ending really surprised me and had me talking out loud about Eddeth and Raf, Vik and Ulrick and Jonas, so many loose ends darn it! I might take a breather, but probably not, I want to know what happens to everyone and what is going on in Ottby where Reiner is Lord. So many characters that are inter woven and have connections.
This could be titled "Gods and goddesses VS the Dreamers". There are so many! Seems like every leader has a dreamer. Everybody can read minds, and see what is happening somewhere else.
The author does a great job of making the reader not like the bad, evil characters and you root for the Vilanders, Eddeth, Alys and Lotta. It did jump around a bunch and she added new characters,making it a bit confusing. Who is related to who, gods, dreamers and the Lords? Secrets and fights for balance of power. Alys fluctuated from strong and confident to crying and insecure. Then she was strong when she needed to be! I really like the strong confident Alys! She had her reasons, abuse history.
I loved that despite the constant peril characters faced there was still time consensual desire and intimacy.
Triggers for some will be the implied rape and sexual assault of various characters, difficult to read at times.
There is violence and blood and animal sacrifice.
The characters are COLD, like should not be still alive cold, all the time. It is snowing or raining or both thru most of this book. Most of the main characters are traversing the land be sea or by land in rain or snow storms!
They rarely get a reprieve from vengeful meddling gods, so many perils the characters meet on the way to rescue Alys and the children. Everybody is trying to find her! The gods and dreamers do bang up job of interfering and helping with their plans. It is almost exhausting to read with so much going on and all the generational connections.
But if you like magic, dreamers/seerers, fantasy action and adventure in a time similar to the vikings, then you will enjoy this series! Now onto book #4!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
I'm so glad I've discovered A.E. Rayne, I feel I've found an author that deserves more notoriety than has been afforded which is sad because I'm obsessed with this story.
I've now bought all 6 volumes on Kindle and later on I plan on getting the books on Hardback to display and revisit. I'm currently looking to write a novel in a similar genre and that's the downside to reading A.E. Rayne, I feel I'll never come close to such an enthralling, all-encompassing world she's so expertly weaved like a web I'm now trapped in (albeit a web I'm hardly struggling to escape from).
I'm up at night reading saying, "one more chapter, one more chapter" and before I know it daylight is breaking through the windows.
I choose not to go into the story too much as I don't want to accidentally drop spoilers, but I read fervently to find out what happened in Orvala. Who was going to come out on top? Where the gods going to play another hand resulting in yet another twist we didn't see coming?
Needless to say, only some of my questions have been answered so I unreservedly started the next instalment and I'm pleased to say I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
It's perhaps the only thing you might regret about reading a great story, the fact it will end, and you won't get to read it again for the first time, nevertheless, I'm excited to find out what happens, and I couldn't be happier knowing A.E. Rayne has written so much more for me to devour.
I know this review hasn't addressed the story or writing style, the simple fact is I'm not a literary critic. But if you enjoy a good story with twists and turns and people bettering themselves to fight for the greater good then you're going to love this whole world that introduces you to gods, magic, politics and human interests. A gem of a series.
I've now bought all 6 volumes on Kindle and later on I plan on getting the books on Hardback to display and revisit. I'm currently looking to write a novel in a similar genre and that's the downside to reading A.E. Rayne, I feel I'll never come close to such an enthralling, all-encompassing world she's so expertly weaved like a web I'm now trapped in (albeit a web I'm hardly struggling to escape from).
I'm up at night reading saying, "one more chapter, one more chapter" and before I know it daylight is breaking through the windows.
I choose not to go into the story too much as I don't want to accidentally drop spoilers, but I read fervently to find out what happened in Orvala. Who was going to come out on top? Where the gods going to play another hand resulting in yet another twist we didn't see coming?
Needless to say, only some of my questions have been answered so I unreservedly started the next instalment and I'm pleased to say I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
It's perhaps the only thing you might regret about reading a great story, the fact it will end, and you won't get to read it again for the first time, nevertheless, I'm excited to find out what happens, and I couldn't be happier knowing A.E. Rayne has written so much more for me to devour.
I know this review hasn't addressed the story or writing style, the simple fact is I'm not a literary critic. But if you enjoy a good story with twists and turns and people bettering themselves to fight for the greater good then you're going to love this whole world that introduces you to gods, magic, politics and human interests. A gem of a series.
May 11, 2021
Completely captivating! From the moment I opened the cover until the very end, I was thoroughly engrossed. This is not a book that you find yourself skimming through certain chapters to quickly get to to a more exciting scene. After finishing this book I felt strangely cognizant of the time and energy that must have gone into its creation, while I simply devoured it within hours. Truly a book that is worth reading if you enjoy a well written story that is both strong in character development and intriguing plots.
Selfishly, I can't wait to read the upcoming sequels. Perhaps Mrs. Rayne could just conjure the rest?
Selfishly, I can't wait to read the upcoming sequels. Perhaps Mrs. Rayne could just conjure the rest?
February 15, 2025
This is another tightly paced adventure with lots of action, suspense, drama, and emotion, but the location is further north, into a region of bitter cold and freezing seas, where the Gods are fighting each other.
Alyc and Magnus have been kidnapped by Arnon de Sant and taken North in pursuit of Lotta, who has been taken North with Ulrick Dyer and his wife, Bergit. On learning this, Jonas and Vik set out to get her and her children back, they are given a ship and crew by Reinar to help them achieve this. Unfortunately, some of the Gods intervene causing the ship to be lost, forcing Reinar to head North to try and rescue everyone.
This is another wonderful adventure that keeps your attention and interest from start to finish, with more than a few interesting twists and reveals along the way.
Alyc and Magnus have been kidnapped by Arnon de Sant and taken North in pursuit of Lotta, who has been taken North with Ulrick Dyer and his wife, Bergit. On learning this, Jonas and Vik set out to get her and her children back, they are given a ship and crew by Reinar to help them achieve this. Unfortunately, some of the Gods intervene causing the ship to be lost, forcing Reinar to head North to try and rescue everyone.
This is another wonderful adventure that keeps your attention and interest from start to finish, with more than a few interesting twists and reveals along the way.
June 4, 2021
Couldn't put it down!
Absolutely loved this book! I love how all the points of views of the characters lead us on such a great journey into everyone's views on what was happening. I have been reading all of this series and the previous and love how we are in the same universe. Alys progressed so much in this book and thats what I have been waiting for. I cannot wait to read the next one. Thank you A.E. Rayne!
Absolutely loved this book! I love how all the points of views of the characters lead us on such a great journey into everyone's views on what was happening. I have been reading all of this series and the previous and love how we are in the same universe. Alys progressed so much in this book and thats what I have been waiting for. I cannot wait to read the next one. Thank you A.E. Rayne!
March 27, 2025
This book has many twists and turns! There's a lot of action going on with the main characters, some whose loyalties are questionable. I was chilled to the bone reading about the ship voyage to try and find Alys and her children, while Eddeth discovers more about herself during some harrowing moments in the frozen north. This book is fantastic, and makes me anxious to read the next in the series!
May 25, 2021
Excellent couldn't put it down
WE Rayne has done it again. Another great story, brilliant world, quirky characters that you love , other characters you love to hate.
The world building is fantastic and made me feel cold so out came the spare blanket again.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
WE Rayne has done it again. Another great story, brilliant world, quirky characters that you love , other characters you love to hate.
The world building is fantastic and made me feel cold so out came the spare blanket again.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 25, 2021
Another great installment of this series. It’s a beautiful thing when several character storylines come together seamlessly. So many new revelations in this book! From Sigurd’s father to Eddeth’s new skills, to Alys’ maternal line of dreamers, I can’t wait to see what becomes of all that in the next book.
October 15, 2021
Crazy
A.E. Rayne does a great job of throwing plot twists in that you don’t see coming. She got me a couple of times in this book. The depth of the characters keeps them in my head long after the last words of the book. Her descriptions of the world around them puts you right in there with the characters. I can’t wait to start the next one.
A.E. Rayne does a great job of throwing plot twists in that you don’t see coming. She got me a couple of times in this book. The depth of the characters keeps them in my head long after the last words of the book. Her descriptions of the world around them puts you right in there with the characters. I can’t wait to start the next one.
May 24, 2021
An excellent fantasy adventure with a good storyline and a great cast of well developed characters. Contains fantastic world building and plenty of action. Very well written and quite an enjoyable page turning read. An exceptional story and series that I highly recommend.
May 25, 2021
Rayne does not disappoint in this third installment of The Lords of Alekka! If you enjoy the Game of Thrones, you will enjoy this series more! Rayne is a master storyteller and develops the most dynamic characters you will ever encounter.
Sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy!
Sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy!
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Rayne knows how to keep a reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. The world is harsh and unforgiving and the people of that land are sometimes forced to be the same. Alys is growing and changing. I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 12, 2021
Please write the ending!!!
I am disappointed with the ending just because i thought this is going to be the final book! So i hope ms rayne writes the conclusion of this epic adventure.
I am disappointed with the ending just because i thought this is going to be the final book! So i hope ms rayne writes the conclusion of this epic adventure.
June 17, 2021
Superb Norse Mythology Laden Saga
Exciting to the end and a joy to get wrapped up in. Beautiful character development and unexpected plot twists everywhere. This is the kind of series that once you start you will read past your bedtime. Wonderful!
Exciting to the end and a joy to get wrapped up in. Beautiful character development and unexpected plot twists everywhere. This is the kind of series that once you start you will read past your bedtime. Wonderful!
June 21, 2021
Love all of it, the story, the light romatic line and the characthers too. Couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to read the fourth book of this series. If somebody love light fantasy with a hibt of magic and the world of vikings and winters, it is a hihgly recomended book.
July 1, 2021
Great story line
The gods are having a family spat and Alys and family are right in the middle of it. Great story line, magic system and world building. Puts me very much in mind of the Vikings and their tribal warfare
The gods are having a family spat and Alys and family are right in the middle of it. Great story line, magic system and world building. Puts me very much in mind of the Vikings and their tribal warfare
January 29, 2022
still fun
This episode felt a little hurried - not easy to maintain the same pace as a series progresses, but I still enjoy her style and the heart she puts into her writing. On to the next installment . . . .
This episode felt a little hurried - not easy to maintain the same pace as a series progresses, but I still enjoy her style and the heart she puts into her writing. On to the next installment . . . .
July 5, 2022
Wonderful read
Suspense, surprises, and continued evolution of the story and its characters. I loved the revelation about Eddeth, and the humor of learning that her sneezing is hereditary. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Thank you, A E Rayne.
Suspense, surprises, and continued evolution of the story and its characters. I loved the revelation about Eddeth, and the humor of learning that her sneezing is hereditary. Can't wait to read the next in the series. Thank you, A E Rayne.
August 2, 2022
another brilliant story of deception magic love and battle.
Really love reading any of AE Rayners stories and this one is exceptional yet again! Highly recommended to any sword and sorcery addicts. You won’t be disappointed.
Really love reading any of AE Rayners stories and this one is exceptional yet again! Highly recommended to any sword and sorcery addicts. You won’t be disappointed.
November 7, 2023
A E Raine is pure genius and now my favourite author. I have laughed , cried, gasped and binge read Furyck saga and now The lords of Alekka. I didn’t think anything could beat the furyck saga but I was wrong. I am absolutely totally enthralled
April 8, 2025
Eeek!
Certainly keeping up the pace. New villains, dreamers and Lords. Good twists & turns. We learn a lot more about some of the characters. Am very keen to read the third in the series now.
Certainly keeping up the pace. New villains, dreamers and Lords. Good twists & turns. We learn a lot more about some of the characters. Am very keen to read the third in the series now.
May 27, 2021
The story continues to be compelling. Looking forward to the next book!!
June 1, 2021
Another great book by AE Rayne
I read this book so fast and loves every minute of it! First the Furyk saga and now the new Alekka saga and both are very good!
I read this book so fast and loves every minute of it! First the Furyk saga and now the new Alekka saga and both are very good!
June 14, 2021
A great read
Great characters, fast paced. She can really pull you in to the story. Can't wait for the next volume. Recommend for sure
Great characters, fast paced. She can really pull you in to the story. Can't wait for the next volume. Recommend for sure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews