RAVENSCAR DYNASTY

Ravenscar #1

by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Bradford, Barbara Taylor

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Drama, Contemporary, Audiobook

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Barbara Taylor Bradford was a British-American best-selling novelist. Her debut novel, A Woman of Substance, was published in 1979 and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. She wrote 40 novels, all bestsellers in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Reviews

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some books I come across look great from the outside and the blurb is interesting, but when I finally settle down and read them, I discover that it is a heap of steaming manure. Such was the case with this one, loosely based on the Wars of the Roses, moved to the early Edwardian period and a family rivalry that ignites murder, double-dealing, love affairs and revenge. Unfortunately, the story is transformed into such lightweight drivel that I was more than ready to fling it at the wall in annoyance. The author, Barbara Taylor Bradford, widely acclaimed (and for what I have no idea), manages to suck all of the life out of an exciting real history tale, and turns it into a novel of corporate and bedroom shenanigans. Yawn. Even the names and characters are merely transferred over with little to make them interesting or fresh. I gave this one just two stars, and a not recommended. You've been warned.

For the longer review, please go here:http://www.bubblews.com/news/9739243-...

[Beanse · Rating 1 out of 5]

God almighty, what did I get myself into reading this crappy book? Now I have comitted myself to finishing the series I can only hope it does not drag on like a bad soap opera for the final two instalments.

The book itself is long winded, overly written dribble that takes way too damn long to arrive at a point. Had the writer or editor shorted it by twenty or so chapters this would have been a fine read. Instead, they let it drag on..... and on.... and wait, even more ON, until it final ends. Only to conclude in the sadest fashioned any book can, WITH NO DAMN CONCLUSION!


Geez, the next book better not suck or I am no longer listening to goodreads on suggestions for future books.

[Heather York · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very good read, slow in some parts but I shall look forward to the next installment in the trilogy

[Joe]

This is an absolutely god-awful read as this has to be one of the worst books I have ever read in my life. I would have given it a negative rating if it were possible. I picked up the audio book on a whim at the library for a recent trip and this is certainly 16 hours of my life that I will never get back. The plot line is predictable to anyone who has the least bit of knowledge about the War of the Roses. The writing is simplistic, and the characters are all one dimensional and as a consequence extremely boring. The hero, Edward, is portrayed as this 19 y/o Greek God loved by all who encounter him and who can do no wrong, including run a global trading company while having no business experience whats-so-ever. Too many story lines drag on and on, and on, while any opportunity to develop the characters is missed and one comes away not caring that much about any of them. While the reader has a nice voice he is at times overly melodramatic reminding me of an afternoon soap opera. There is just nothing redeeming about this book and I cannot recommend it to anyone.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. But I have to say I felt the ending was very rushed. Seemed to be way too much "internal" thought, just to finish it off and take us to the next book in the trilogy. I love following a family sage over a period of years and like A Woman of Substance, the author did accomplish this. I have The Heir, book 2 in the trilogy, but I'll wait awhile before getting into that one.

[Fiona Story · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was truly terrible. I kept reading because it began to amuse me how truly terrible it was. Repetitive and a storyline that went almost nowhere. I can't believe that it was popular enough to warrant an entire series. I won't be reading any more. This book had all the depth of a puddle.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweeping saga that had a lot of potential. I think too much was stuffed in and the jumps in time made it very hard to get into things. Not bad but less enjoyable than I'd hoped.

[Cormac Healy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A real turd of a book. Essentially the plot of the Wars of the Roses is transposed to Edwardian Britain, resulting in a disjointed, over-long, poorly written piece of crap.

I have literally nothing positive to say about it. The characters were all completely one-dimensional, either ridiculously perfect or comically evil. The plot was predictable and moronic. The writing was flowery and unnecessarily descriptive, adding absolutely nothing. I don't even want to talk about it any more.

Do not read this. There is quite literally no conceivable reason I can come up with to convince someone to start this book. Avoid.

1.5/5

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting great literature, and I normally enjoy family sagas and historical novels set in the Edwardian period. I'm a sucker for Downton Abbey, Upstairs, Downstairs, and The Forsyte Saga. I've read and enjoyed other books by this author, too,.so I was expecting an enjoyable read. But honestly, this wasn't it.
It's loosely based on the War of the Roses, but set in Edwardian times with business tycoon rival cousins instead of royal ones. The allusions are somewhat heavy-handed: the Yorkshire cousins, the Deravenals, use a white rose as a symbol, and Edward has a secret marriage to Elizabeth, a widow with two young sons. (I was waiting for the two boys to disappear into the Tower or its equivalent! Maybe in the next volume of this series, but I'm not reading any more books of this series!)
I was completely annoyed by the writing, and the deadly slow pace of the story. The author described Edward's handsome manliness, his business acumen, and his expertise in seducing older women repeatedly and ad nauseum. I got SO tired of reading how passersby heads turned every time he appeared in public. He is SO tall. He is SO blond. His eyes are SO blue. Etc.,etc. For the first third of the novel nothing happened except for these descriptions and oh, yes, his plans to avenge the murder of his family members - by taking over the company that was "stolen" by his grandfather 's brother 60 years earlier and which he sees as his rightful place, along with some almost as handsome relatives. There are several mistresses, a younger brother, but why go on? It took more than twice as many pages as needed to tell this tedious story. Oh, there are several gratuitous sex scenes that add nothing to the story.
This book is a clunker. Don't bother.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why many readers thought this book was lacking, but I found it very entertaining. I love a series that involve the ins and outs of family drama and this is no different.

Set in the late 1800's and early 1900's, the Deravenals are set upon a path of money, success, and family. Then one day all that changes and the oldest heir Edward, is thrust into the front of the family fold. He has to take care of his mother and siblings as well as regain control of his father's company. His cousin, Neville Watkins, comes to his aid and they both set upon a coup, in other words, of regaining ownership of the Deravenals company. Cousins against cousins in a sense.

Edward is a suave, handsome, charismatic, passionate man. He loves his blondes and his widows, preferably to be one in the same. A player if there ever was one. You get to go along the journey and meet his many mistresses and children, and see how he handles these women. And the relationship he has with his wife I know will set up for book two in the series. Elizabeth, a widow when Edward met her, is a gorgeous blonde woman with two previous sons from her first marriage. She makes Edward fight for her and then you see her become cold toward Edwards family. There wasn't too much about her in the book, other than that she is cold, judgemental, and a bitch apparently.

I liked the pace of this book. It cut quick to the relevancy of the story. The dialogue wasn't long winded, so everything written had a purpose. If you like British genteel, power hungry players, passion in and out of the bedroom, and family drama this is the book for you.

[Laurel-Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s Harte Dynasty series is one of my all-time favorites.

I had launched this Ravenscar Dynasty series by reading one out of order (“Being Elizabeth”), so I decided to back up and start at the beginning.

“The Ravenscar Dynasty” is set near the beginning of the twentieth century, in England, and sweeps across Europe at points along the journey. The Deravenel family is poised to reclaim its birthright as head of the company Deravenels.

This latest attempt to reclaim the company is propelled by the sudden deaths of several male members of the family—a father, an uncle, and two younger men—all believed to have been murdered by their bitter rivals, the Grants.

Edward Deravenel is now the logical new head of the family, and a cousin, Neville Watkins, is all set to mentor him and to assist in finding the ammunition to overthrow the company.

However, Edward is only eighteen years old and an inveterate womanizer. What chance does he have of taking control of such a huge dynasty?

Over the pages we learn of how these contenders accomplish this feat, and root for them as obstacles thrown in their path are defeated one by one.

Filled with the pursuit of power and passion, this novel takes us through a long-ago time; the ambition and treachery of this climb to power illuminates this dramatic epic saga.

Now I cannot wait to begin the next tale in this family adventure.

I deducted one star because I could not relate to the characters...but I had to admire their ambition and their persistence.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Ravenscar Dynasty by Barbara Taylor Bradford is the first book of the Ravenscar series set in Edwardian England, a family saga spanning decades of the Deravenel business empire. In 1904, Edward Deravenel learns his father, brother, uncle and cousin were all killed in a fire. Edward and his cousin Neville suspect the fire was set by a ruthless rival. They must regain control of the family business.

I loved the Emma Harte family saga (A Woman of Substance), so I expected to really enjoy another family saga by the same author. What a disappointment! The writing style seems quite different in Ravenscar. Descriptions are overly dramatic and repetitive, as if the author does not expect the reader to grasp concepts unless they are hammered in over and over. The characters in the opening chapters do not seem like real people, especially Edward, portrayed as a caricature of perfection. The style is so off-putting, I don't care to read the book or the series. Other reviews indicate the series is meant to mirror the War of the Roses, but as a soap opera. No thanks, I'll pass.

[Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

After decades, and in my retirement, I returned to Bradford because, as a teenager, I so adored A Woman of Substance. It was such a statement piece for women in a time that women were once again finding a voice. What a disappointment Ravenscar was. The main character was so incredibly unlikable. And ok, the protagonist doesn't have to be likable, I get that. But clearly this was written in the presumption that the reader would admire and follow the main character. Oh ..... he was a shocker. The greatest chauvinist beast one could imagine. Then Bradford paints the women he truly "loves" as doting fawning twits.
Look really. all that aside, there was just too much trashy unbelievable nonsense in this novel. Where only incredibly "beautiful" women are financially successful and blatant murders (this is early 1900's mind you) are ignored by police and the legal system generally.
I won't give up though. I'll drop the Ravenscar series and try another of Bradfords books. At least just one more time.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

first of 3 in the Ravenscar Dynasty series. the main character is a womanizer yet he's still charming and u still root for him to regain control of his family's company. looking forward to the next one... the heir.

[Chels · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so-so, but I don't think I'd recommend it to any of my friends. A little to many "romantical encounters", if you know what I mean.

[Ann Vanhaeren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jammer dat de beoordelingen juist waren..to easy story! Heb al beter gelezen...

[Scout Langley · Rating 1 out of 5]

❌consent is not done well. Someone is not a nice person just because they respect "NO". Everyone should respect NO. To say that he was nice because he listened, is to say that not listening and respecting her wishes was an option and within his rights. Which is not remotely accurate (or shouldn't be)

" 'I can't see you anymore...You know she would dismiss me if she found out about our liaison. And I need this position...'
So because he had a kind heart, he let go of her arm and stepped back."

❌repetitive. weak characters. The book is so repetitive when giving personality to the characters. In the first 20 pages, these are all the times where it mentions that Edward is attractive and a lady killer. Because it just keeps describing people in the same way, we never get the chance to really get to know the characters. They are just names on a page

"To Richard, and to every woman who met him, Edward Deravenel was the handsomest man alive." p. 7
"Edward Deravenel was blessed with the most pleasant nature as well as those staggering good looks." p.9
"She looked up into his handsome face." p11
"And women of all ages found him irresistible." p. 14
"And as his smile grew wider and his white teeth flashed, she thought of those women who fell all over him" (18)
"Because all the young women will be falling at your feet," George announced, "Everybody says you are a lady-killer" (20)

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Om a bitter cold day in 1904, the Deravenel family's future changes forever. When Cecily
Deravenel tells her eighteen-old son, Edward of the death of his father, brother, uncle and cousin in a fire, a part of him dies as well. Edward and his cousin Neville Watkins are suspicious of their deaths. They vow to seek the truth, avenge the wrongdoings, and retake control of their family's business empire.
As he grows into a handsome, charismatic man, Edward is torn between duty and desire. There are women in his life for whom he'll risk everything-and one woman who might destroy him. But madness and secrecy lie at the heart of the family, and Edward's enemies are far more ruthless than he knows. He will need his strength more than ever when the house of Deravenel is fully rocked by betrayal from within. Who will become the ultimate ruler of the Deravenels? Power and money, passion and adultery, ambition and treachery all illuminate a dramatic epic saga that brings to life the glittering Edwardian Era.

[Silvana Pellegrini Adam]

Ravenscar – et gods, en legende og et dynasti. På en bidende kold dag i 1904 ændres familien Deravenels skæbne for altid. Da Cecily Deravenel fortæller sin 18-årige søn Edward, at hans far, bror, fætter og onkel på mystisk vis er omkommet ved en brand, er der også noget inden i Edward, der dør.Sammen med sin rige og talentfulde fætter Neville Watkins, sværger de to mænd at hævne deres slægtninge og tage kontrol med det forretningsimperium, der blev stjålet fra familien 60 år tidligere. Sådan begynder den storslåede saga om familierne Deravenel og Watkins i Belle Epoque tidens England i årene op til Første Verdenskrig. I centrum står den karismatiske og store kvindebedårer Edward Deravenel, der må kæmpe for imperiets overlevelse, da bedraget pludselig truer med at komme fra familiens egne rækker. Ravenscar Dynastiet er første bind i trilogien om en slægts storhed og fald. En historie om magt, penge, utroskab og bedrag men også om kærlighed og livets gang i en af Englands største og rigeste familier.

[Sunnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe that The Ravenscar Dynasty was published many years ago, but that doesn't mean that Barbara Taylor Bradford is any less of a popular author. I loved A Woman of Substance and have read it many times, so I was certainly looking forward to reading The Ravenscar Dynasty. Much to my surprise I found this novel to be very slow going for the first half of the book but quickly picked up speed and then seemed to end with lightening speed. Yes, I understand that this is the first volume in a series, but that didn't mean that I was prepared for how quickly it ended, nor was I satisfied with the ends left unfinished. Yes, Bradford has a delightful knowledge of the English language, and I am always pleasantly surprised by the gems she hides within each novel. Yet, I was still left unsatisfied by this story. I will not be looking for the remaining titles in this series but will still look for other titles by this author.

[Shirley Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story from Barbara Taylor Bradford. I enjoyed all of the 692 pages of it except that if it wasn't for a few history facts thrown in, it would have been difficult to imagine that the story is set in the early 20th century, as I found it more consistent with a modern day setting.

The characters here are her usual mix of wealth, power and beauty. A trifle sickly sometimes as it is hard to imagine such people in real life. Even the child they found living on the streets ended up coming from a privileged background!

Her style of writing here is again spoilt, like in so many of her books, by the lack of 'joining' words. I find it hard to believe that the proofreaders do not pick this up. However, it was still a great read, albeit sometimes a little unbelievable, and is to be recommended.

[Karen Rufus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... not my favourite book! Not a particularly well written one either but because it's part of a trilogy I now have to read the next two books - I'm no quitter! A tale of a family - rich, entitled landed gentry of course! The lead character Ned devastatingly handsome, fit and intelligent ( not my words but the authors!) - the story of his life up to the age of 33 years. He is a completely unbelievable, irritating and spoilt character who always lands on his feet - after an initial family tragedy. No female can resist his charms, allegedly - his lack of respect for women in general and the institute of marriage in particular really annoyed me! Why am I going to read the next two volumes? Because once started I have to see books through!

[John Spann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is loosely based on the life of King Edward the fourth, and Richard Neville the Earl of Warwick. However, it is pay several hundred years later. But treachery and deceit know no timeframe. The actual storyline was not bad at all, and I could see many of the parallels between the fictional characters and the historical characters. I wasn't overly fond of the sex scenes, as I think they tended to detract from the storyline.

I've had to say I find the book reasonably enjoyable. And the reader didn't admirable job.

[Melissa Crespy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Needing a book to read over the weekend, I rushed into the library and picked up this book. I had read Bradford's "A Woman of Substance" many years ago, so I thought I would give this book a try. The story had promise - an old aristocratic British family, a dynasty, a valuable family company, murder of two of its leading lights, treachery from within, a young, attractive, charismatic 18 year old son to take over the company with his uncle. Yet, the writing was so trite, at times overdone, that though I finished the book, I felt somewhat cheapened by reading it.

[AvaNat · Rating 1 out of 5]

blleeeeeegghhhhhhh.

this book SUCKED. I thought it was going to be a cool, murder mystery book written in the early 1900’s, because that’s what the book flap said. boy was i wrong.

the plot is so predictable, and you could tell the author was just making up the plot as she was writing. had to dnf around 64% cause it just was that bad.

to those who enjoyed, good for you! unfortunately i did not. if you enjoy soap opera style books, predictable plots and nothing like it is advertised, then this book is for you!

i don’t recommend.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great and enjoyable 'easy and leisurely ' read but unfortunately although the plot ideas for the ending were great indeed it read almost like the author had been invited out for the day and, in her eagerness to go out and in haste she wrote it like a list of events to tie up lose ends.....felt a bit like the excitement you feel in pulling a magnificent souffle out of the oven only to have it unceremoniously deflate within 5 minutes!

[Birthe Andersen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never liked books written about to perfect looking people and in this book it is All about their looks and charmes. I feel like evert page was to describe how perfect they looked. The storyline itself could had potentiale but just ended up in a mess in my eyes. I Will however continoue on with the next book - just because i feel like i have to - hopefully it is better than the first one - waist of time

[HeatherMarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the Harte saga so I thought I’d enjoy this one, but I didn’t. It’s flimsy, boring. Characters are underdeveloped. I get it- the guy is handsome, but what else is he besides horny? I looked forward to the end.
Can’t really recommend to anyone. I only gave it two stars because I liked the inclusion of history.

[Yves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy on descriptives this business romance seeped in intrigue is “interesting fluff” but a genre the author refined later to success. This book was a little to flat & characters stereotyped to be a hit for me. I almost discontinued it. It gets three stars because it succeeds as escapist writing & reading.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Teen's family dies under mysterious circumstances sounds like an intriguing concept for a story. It wasn't great but was bearable for a while. Then the "she wolf" that is secretly running the company because her husband is a nutter had a confrontation with the teen and was completely flustered and gave up on the fight because said teen was hot. Please.