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When Ravens Fall #1
When Ravens Fall
It is the age of dreams.
When Kenna, the raven, foresees a girl in the Mist, she believes she has finally found the one to break the curse. That has always been her mission, since the day her misguided anger cast the curse than engulfed both her and Odin's son, Baldur, complicating what was already an impossible nightmare. But the girl she sees in the Mist is different than the others who have come for the Trials, than the others who have failed and returned home terrorized by their experience. This girl actually wants to be here.
Astrid, the dragon slayer's daughter, has a plan of her own. She is not interested in dreams and curses. There is only one thing that she desires, and falling in love is not it. After all, some girls were never meant to fall in love.
Baldur, the bear, inherited the gift of dreams from his mother. His dreams are consumed with the one event in his future he cannot seem to escape: his death. For years, he and the Raven have tried to find a woman capable of loving him in spite of his monstrosity, and for years they have failed. The roses are dying and the sky burns red like fire. The times tell the tale of the end. And the end is always the Dragon.
This novella, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast cleverly woven together with Norse mythology, is a quick read that's both engaging and gripping. The story will linger long after the book has concluded.
When Kenna, the raven, foresees a girl in the Mist, she believes she has finally found the one to break the curse. That has always been her mission, since the day her misguided anger cast the curse than engulfed both her and Odin's son, Baldur, complicating what was already an impossible nightmare. But the girl she sees in the Mist is different than the others who have come for the Trials, than the others who have failed and returned home terrorized by their experience. This girl actually wants to be here.
Astrid, the dragon slayer's daughter, has a plan of her own. She is not interested in dreams and curses. There is only one thing that she desires, and falling in love is not it. After all, some girls were never meant to fall in love.
Baldur, the bear, inherited the gift of dreams from his mother. His dreams are consumed with the one event in his future he cannot seem to escape: his death. For years, he and the Raven have tried to find a woman capable of loving him in spite of his monstrosity, and for years they have failed. The roses are dying and the sky burns red like fire. The times tell the tale of the end. And the end is always the Dragon.
This novella, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast cleverly woven together with Norse mythology, is a quick read that's both engaging and gripping. The story will linger long after the book has concluded.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2016
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206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 20, 2015
WHEN RAVENS FALL is full of heart-wrenching love in many forms. And, sometimes, heart-wrenching hatred. But most of all, it is about three different characters discovering how they truly feel--about others, and themselves.
All in the midst of a world about to end.
Doesn't that sound AMAZING?
Of course it does. I had the blessed opportunity to beta-read this tale, which draws its origins from Norse mythology. It's chock-to-the-brim with adventure, tragic beauty, and atmosphere.
I would go on, but I don't want to spoil anything. But let me just say: "Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!" Not to mention, dragon-slaying daughters and a romance that is both surprising and true?
It doesn't get any better than this, folks.
All in the midst of a world about to end.
Doesn't that sound AMAZING?
Of course it does. I had the blessed opportunity to beta-read this tale, which draws its origins from Norse mythology. It's chock-to-the-brim with adventure, tragic beauty, and atmosphere.
I would go on, but I don't want to spoil anything. But let me just say: "Far off places, daring sword fights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!" Not to mention, dragon-slaying daughters and a romance that is both surprising and true?
It doesn't get any better than this, folks.
December 13, 2018
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. The set up seems very much like it is aiming at a Beauty and the Beast tale, but a few chapters in you get a sense that this should (and without spoiling too much, does) take it in a different direction, which I liked.
There is a great sense of atmosphere to this book's writing, but it is a complete fast moving tale ... there are a lot of POVs for what is not a long book, and if I had one complaint it's that it could've spent a little more time in the middle developing the key relationships instead of just giving us the highlights--and as an impatient reader it is rare for me to go, "Oh, I wish that had taken longer." You're definitely given enough to understand all the characters involved, but it could've probably stretched the middle out for longer, especially considering how much page time was given to the actual climactic battle (though another reader quirk of mine is that I'd much rather read a conversation than a battle any day, so that's probably very much a personal taste thing.).
There is a great sense of atmosphere to this book's writing, but it is a complete fast moving tale ... there are a lot of POVs for what is not a long book, and if I had one complaint it's that it could've spent a little more time in the middle developing the key relationships instead of just giving us the highlights--and as an impatient reader it is rare for me to go, "Oh, I wish that had taken longer." You're definitely given enough to understand all the characters involved, but it could've probably stretched the middle out for longer, especially considering how much page time was given to the actual climactic battle (though another reader quirk of mine is that I'd much rather read a conversation than a battle any day, so that's probably very much a personal taste thing.).
November 16, 2018
If I were a writer and had got a prompt that went Beauty and the Beast + Norse Mythology, I know I'd also have chosen Baldur the fair for my "Beauty," but would've lacked the creativity to pick as my "Beast" the one Savannah Jezowski did. And probably botched the plot up a wee bit.
This is the first reinterpretation of the fairy tale that I've seen with this setting, and I'd not have guessed small bits of the Nibelungenlied/Saga of the Volsungs could be worked into a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling as well, specifically the Siegfried the Dragonslayer portion of the legend, whose treatment in this story is unusual to say the least. As the protagonists are three, at first I was wondering if there'd be a dreaded three-way love drama, which thankfully didn't, and the ending, though not entirely unexpected if you know your Norse myths, was still surprising.
The worldbuilding in this one is very compact and not that elaborate, it doesn't need much really as it's an already existing world, but the characters do beg for expansion and reappearances, mostly the Dragonslayer's daughter, who needs her own separate story in my opinion, and Ratatosk. I'd not have expected to grow fond of that rascal Tosk, he added the comical touches to the story.
This is the first reinterpretation of the fairy tale that I've seen with this setting, and I'd not have guessed small bits of the Nibelungenlied/Saga of the Volsungs could be worked into a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling as well, specifically the Siegfried the Dragonslayer portion of the legend, whose treatment in this story is unusual to say the least. As the protagonists are three, at first I was wondering if there'd be a dreaded three-way love drama, which thankfully didn't, and the ending, though not entirely unexpected if you know your Norse myths, was still surprising.
The worldbuilding in this one is very compact and not that elaborate, it doesn't need much really as it's an already existing world, but the characters do beg for expansion and reappearances, mostly the Dragonslayer's daughter, who needs her own separate story in my opinion, and Ratatosk. I'd not have expected to grow fond of that rascal Tosk, he added the comical touches to the story.
February 2, 2016
It's not often a original Norse myth is written, especially inspired by Beauty and the Beast! So it was exciting to see Savannah (one of the Five Enchanted Roses authors) rise to this challenge. Her writing voice is certainly pleasing, and the characters diverse and enjoyable...plus, the content was clean too. Romance was referred, but not intruded upon.
I just had some trouble with the plot....it was rather deceptive in ways I did not appreciate. For such a short story, explanations were more needed than last minute surprises. However some of her curious plot choices were explained by a lovely author's note in the end that you simply should not skip.
Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys Savannah, Beauty & the Beast, Norse myth, or cute talking squirrels...should definitely give this a go!
I just had some trouble with the plot....it was rather deceptive in ways I did not appreciate. For such a short story, explanations were more needed than last minute surprises. However some of her curious plot choices were explained by a lovely author's note in the end that you simply should not skip.
Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys Savannah, Beauty & the Beast, Norse myth, or cute talking squirrels...should definitely give this a go!
February 18, 2018
This book was a wild ride from start to finish. I read it in one evening, and when I finished, I felt like I'd just ripped through an entire series in one day instead of a novella. It was AMAZING. Everything was unexpected and not at all what it seemed, and the blend between Norse mythology and the core retelling of Beauty and the Beast was unlike anything I've ever read. Hands down one of my favorite books to date.
July 23, 2018
A beauty and the beast retelling (kind of) with a norse mythology twist... this is a quick read that carries a surprising amount of weight. Quite enjoyed it!
February 1, 2016
When Ravens Fall is a marvelous novella with an old Norse setting. I was reading an ARC copy on my computer screen, which I usually can't stand, but I absolutely could not put this book down.
Follow Astrid, the daughter of the town dragon-slayer as she takes it upon herself to change her own fate and attempt to change the fate of her entire town. A curse has been laid upon her village, and each year, one girl is chosen to attempt to break the curse... but each year, the girl is sent home in disgrace. Astrid's name is not eligible to be entered into this trial, due to the fact that she is not a servant, but when she willingly throws her marker in with the others, fate appears to twist to her whim.
Like everything I've read by this author, the story started out right in the middle of the action. Immersed in the moment with each character, I had to let the backstory surround me and figure things out as I went. But Ms. Jezowski unwraps her stories so well, that the mystery and lack of immediate understanding of what all is going on is well worth the read and the wait.
I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved the writing style. If you enjoyed Savannah Jezowski's "Wither" in Five Enchanted Roses, know that this is a very different type of story. There are no ghouls or zombies in this world. To some extent, this has a much more fairy-tale feel to it even than Wither. There are princesses and dragons and questions about true love: what is it? Can it truly triumph over all?
This is a beautiful tale. A coming-of-age. A fairy tale romance. A tale of self-discovery for many of the characters. All woven together into a veritable tapestry of words. It is a short, quick read, and will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.
The only negative remark I have to offer is that because it is so short, there are a few things I still don't really understand. I wish that more pages could have been devoted to the dragon and how he played into the entire story, and maybe a little bit more backstory for Baldur and Kenna so that I could understand them a bit more. But even without those things, I loved this novella and I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairy tales and dragons.
*as per FTC guidelines I must tell you that I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But, while I love receiving free books, my opinions are my own and cannot be bought.*
Follow Astrid, the daughter of the town dragon-slayer as she takes it upon herself to change her own fate and attempt to change the fate of her entire town. A curse has been laid upon her village, and each year, one girl is chosen to attempt to break the curse... but each year, the girl is sent home in disgrace. Astrid's name is not eligible to be entered into this trial, due to the fact that she is not a servant, but when she willingly throws her marker in with the others, fate appears to twist to her whim.
Like everything I've read by this author, the story started out right in the middle of the action. Immersed in the moment with each character, I had to let the backstory surround me and figure things out as I went. But Ms. Jezowski unwraps her stories so well, that the mystery and lack of immediate understanding of what all is going on is well worth the read and the wait.
I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved the writing style. If you enjoyed Savannah Jezowski's "Wither" in Five Enchanted Roses, know that this is a very different type of story. There are no ghouls or zombies in this world. To some extent, this has a much more fairy-tale feel to it even than Wither. There are princesses and dragons and questions about true love: what is it? Can it truly triumph over all?
This is a beautiful tale. A coming-of-age. A fairy tale romance. A tale of self-discovery for many of the characters. All woven together into a veritable tapestry of words. It is a short, quick read, and will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way to the end.
The only negative remark I have to offer is that because it is so short, there are a few things I still don't really understand. I wish that more pages could have been devoted to the dragon and how he played into the entire story, and maybe a little bit more backstory for Baldur and Kenna so that I could understand them a bit more. But even without those things, I loved this novella and I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairy tales and dragons.
*as per FTC guidelines I must tell you that I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. But, while I love receiving free books, my opinions are my own and cannot be bought.*
December 1, 2018
This wasn't 100% my thing, but I would still recommend reading it.
Thoughts:
- This is heavily Norse-inspired fantasy. Now, I'll be honest, I am not really a fantasy person, BUT Norse fantasy suits me far better than most other kinds, and I thought Ms. Jezowski did an excellent job capturing the particular "ethos" and aesthetic of Norse fairy tales. It's dark and grim and rough, but with flashes of flaming loveliness throughout. . . very nicely done. <333 In that way, it reminded me of my favorite Rosemary Sutcliff book, The Shield Ring. #shameless call-out to my fellow rabid Sutcliff fans :-P
- This is also a story with many different 3rd-person POVs, I think four or five? I did think that this was a little too many for one 100 page novella and that having just a single POV character, or maybe two, might've served the writing better. For example, Astrid's character is a very intriguing one, but there were some things about her motivations that left me confused and I think they would be fleshed out better if we spent more time in her head.
- I ADORED Kenna and Baldur. *explosion of heart-eyed emojis* Not at first, you understand, because they were both pretty selfish and bitter at first and made a ton of bad choices . . . but I also found myself relating to both of them quite strongly . . . AND THEN THAT ENDING. JEEPERS CREEPERS. I may have had an #emotion. To put it mildly. ;-) A+++ ship. [And y'all know how picky I am about my ships, goodness knows.]
- There was one quote that I found incredibly, incredibly powerful and I'd just like to end this review by sharing it:
"He could not control which path he had been given, but he could control how he walked it and how many lives he dragged down with him."'
CUZ THAT'S DEEP, MAN.
Thoughts:
- This is heavily Norse-inspired fantasy. Now, I'll be honest, I am not really a fantasy person, BUT Norse fantasy suits me far better than most other kinds, and I thought Ms. Jezowski did an excellent job capturing the particular "ethos" and aesthetic of Norse fairy tales. It's dark and grim and rough, but with flashes of flaming loveliness throughout. . . very nicely done. <333 In that way, it reminded me of my favorite Rosemary Sutcliff book, The Shield Ring. #shameless call-out to my fellow rabid Sutcliff fans :-P
- This is also a story with many different 3rd-person POVs, I think four or five? I did think that this was a little too many for one 100 page novella and that having just a single POV character, or maybe two, might've served the writing better. For example, Astrid's character is a very intriguing one, but there were some things about her motivations that left me confused and I think they would be fleshed out better if we spent more time in her head.
- I ADORED Kenna and Baldur. *explosion of heart-eyed emojis* Not at first, you understand, because they were both pretty selfish and bitter at first and made a ton of bad choices . . . but I also found myself relating to both of them quite strongly . . . AND THEN THAT ENDING. JEEPERS CREEPERS. I may have had an #emotion. To put it mildly. ;-) A+++ ship. [And y'all know how picky I am about my ships, goodness knows.]
- There was one quote that I found incredibly, incredibly powerful and I'd just like to end this review by sharing it:
"He could not control which path he had been given, but he could control how he walked it and how many lives he dragged down with him."'
CUZ THAT'S DEEP, MAN.
November 30, 2021
Dragons, and ravens, and bears, oh my!
When Ravens Fall boasts many notable characters tied together by a single curse. The first chapter begins with a prophecy, and who doesn't love those? I enjoy guessing how everything will fall into place. It took me a while to figure out what was going on, as we got snippets of the story from each of the characters, but once everyone was introduced, I liked how unexpected the plot twists were. The love story pulled at my heart strings, and though the dragon girl kept everyone at a distance, I identified with her sense of adventure and need to prove herself. I flew through the pages because I had to find out what happened!
If you enjoy curses, mythology, and talking squirrels, then this is the book for you! A fun, delightful, entertaining story.
When Ravens Fall boasts many notable characters tied together by a single curse. The first chapter begins with a prophecy, and who doesn't love those? I enjoy guessing how everything will fall into place. It took me a while to figure out what was going on, as we got snippets of the story from each of the characters, but once everyone was introduced, I liked how unexpected the plot twists were. The love story pulled at my heart strings, and though the dragon girl kept everyone at a distance, I identified with her sense of adventure and need to prove herself. I flew through the pages because I had to find out what happened!
If you enjoy curses, mythology, and talking squirrels, then this is the book for you! A fun, delightful, entertaining story.
November 11, 2018
I like a story that grips me on the first page; I enjoy a story that keeps me entertained before the climax; I LOVE a story that keeps me reading non-stop to the end. This book did all of this!
From the first page, I was intrigued with the smorgasbord of emotions, the sense of doom, and the defeat you knew would be. The story moved from this to a gutsy girl, determined to fight for the women of her village. I liked Astrid -all grit and fire.
The plot of this story was different for a Beauty and Beast re-telling, but beautiful in its own right.
The side characters made this story in my opinion. Who are these side characters? Animals! Blow me away that I would SO enjoy a story that features talking animals. But I really did! They were each distinct with their own personalities.
Tosk, a fun, full-of-himself squirrel, was my favorite character in the entire book. That little guy made me laugh so very much and if he were mine, I would be sure he had all the stashes his little heart could desire.
I enjoyed this story, and I will be reading more from this author.
From the first page, I was intrigued with the smorgasbord of emotions, the sense of doom, and the defeat you knew would be. The story moved from this to a gutsy girl, determined to fight for the women of her village. I liked Astrid -all grit and fire.
The plot of this story was different for a Beauty and Beast re-telling, but beautiful in its own right.
The side characters made this story in my opinion. Who are these side characters? Animals! Blow me away that I would SO enjoy a story that features talking animals. But I really did! They were each distinct with their own personalities.
Tosk, a fun, full-of-himself squirrel, was my favorite character in the entire book. That little guy made me laugh so very much and if he were mine, I would be sure he had all the stashes his little heart could desire.
I enjoyed this story, and I will be reading more from this author.
May 7, 2023
Atmospheric and unsettlingly dreamlike, this bleak Norse retelling has strong folk tale bones showing and needed a bit of work from the reader to reconstruct the plot. I don't mind that as such, but I'm not a huge fan of plots whose driving core is prophetic poetry, nor of romances that consist mostly of the characters marinating in their own loneliness and misery for most of the story. Not my thing, I guess.
February 26, 2016
Beauty and the Beast retelling, set in a world of Norse mythology? Yes! And it makes for an interesting combination of both elements and a unique setting. I especially enjoyed how many of the characters shared names and traits with actual figures from Norse myth, including Ratatosk who stole my heart right from the get go.
He’s full of pomposity and chattering exaggerations, plus he’s a talking squirrel! He’s simply too much fun. Some of my favorite scenes were those with him and Baldur and Kenna. Their interactions were fun and the translations between them often made me laugh.
I also I appreciated the different ways that love and belonging were addressed in the story and the twist on the usual romance story, while staying a clean read.
But as much as I wanted to adore this story, I didn’t.
I won’t get into it too much because I want to avoid spoilers, but there were two reasons I didn’t love it as much as I might have.
First, there were things that didn’t match up regarding the curse, the prophecy, and certain characters’ motives, which made it feel disjointed, as though it needed another draft to get the elements clearly into alignment.
Secondly, I lost my ability to empathize with one of the main characters, who went back on their word and came across as apathetic and two-faced.
As a whole, I did enjoy the story despite the issues I had with it and I would definitely pick up another story by the author. In fact, I have, and thoroughly enjoyed her story Wither in the Five Enchanted Roses collection and I look forward to more news on After.
I received this story as an ARC in return for an honest review.
He’s full of pomposity and chattering exaggerations, plus he’s a talking squirrel! He’s simply too much fun. Some of my favorite scenes were those with him and Baldur and Kenna. Their interactions were fun and the translations between them often made me laugh.
I also I appreciated the different ways that love and belonging were addressed in the story and the twist on the usual romance story, while staying a clean read.
But as much as I wanted to adore this story, I didn’t.
I won’t get into it too much because I want to avoid spoilers, but there were two reasons I didn’t love it as much as I might have.
First, there were things that didn’t match up regarding the curse, the prophecy, and certain characters’ motives, which made it feel disjointed, as though it needed another draft to get the elements clearly into alignment.
Secondly, I lost my ability to empathize with one of the main characters, who went back on their word and came across as apathetic and two-faced.
As a whole, I did enjoy the story despite the issues I had with it and I would definitely pick up another story by the author. In fact, I have, and thoroughly enjoyed her story Wither in the Five Enchanted Roses collection and I look forward to more news on After.
I received this story as an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 3, 2017
Savannah's book begins with "Frigg's Prophecy". It was brillantly written and the tale immediately drew me in.
Savannah has a beautiful writing style. She knows how to bring a world to life and she did that with her red squirrel character, Ratatosk. Savannah introduces us to her world through Tosk's eyes. The opening scene I found to be a memorable one as Savannah had us weaving about ankles dodging the hustle and bustle of busy village life. Ratatosk's journey leads us to Astrid, the damaged-yet-strong heroine of the story. She was balanced perfectly and I grew to love her as the story unfolded.
Savannah gives us a brooding bear that I wanted so badly to help mend, a nagging raven that I wanted to swat (but later wanted to hug and cry with her) and an EPIC dragon battle. I found all her characters to be charming and well developed...and that's saying a lot coming from me. I am extremely picky when it comes to characterization! It takes time to read a book, and if I can't BE with the characters and feel with them, I'll reach for the remote and find it in my favorite go-to movie.
There will be no reaching for remotes here with When Raven's Fall. It was a delightful read that my entire family devoured.
September 24, 2017
This was a really interesting Beauty and the Beast themed story. I say themed, because it kind of epicly twisted everything up in a glorious Norse tale. Norse mythology and culture is really cool, so I was super excited to dive in.
The characters were all really intriguing and I wasn't really sure who to root for in the whole matchmaking/guy has to fall in love with a girl to break the curse thing. I will say that Astrid was a little confusing as far as I felt her motives changed really abruptly .
And I was a little confused on the whole reason for the curse? I felt it wasn't really explained why Kenna and Baldur were cursed. But gods and goddesses in ancient mythology aren't really known for making much sense. :P
But that's a minor complaint. I really enjoyed it otherwise. I really want the story of Astrid and the raven brothers now. :) The author had a great style and I had to go back through and reread some descriptions or phrases every now and then because they were just awesome.
Definitely recommended!
The characters were all really intriguing and I wasn't really sure who to root for in the whole matchmaking/guy has to fall in love with a girl to break the curse thing. I will say that Astrid was a little confusing as far as I felt her motives changed really abruptly .
And I was a little confused on the whole reason for the curse? I felt it wasn't really explained why Kenna and Baldur were cursed. But gods and goddesses in ancient mythology aren't really known for making much sense. :P
But that's a minor complaint. I really enjoyed it otherwise. I really want the story of Astrid and the raven brothers now. :) The author had a great style and I had to go back through and reread some descriptions or phrases every now and then because they were just awesome.
Definitely recommended!
March 22, 2023
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There is some peril from a dragon, fires, getting knocked about etc. An old wound is depicted with little blood.
Sexual: Mild. Just kissing.
TW: One character has a father who likes to drink too much and is physically and emotionally abusive. It isn't graphically depicted, but the tone is serious and it weighs heavily on the character. There are also overbearing parents, absentee parents, and betrayal in a romantic relationship (non sexual).
First, I'll say I'm not a big fan of the shifting perspectives in this book. It went from Kenna, Baldur, Astrid, Mugin, Tosk, and I think even Frigg at one point. It was distracting, and made the focus more on the plot than the characters, which I don't like as much. That said, the characters were all very well fleshed out, and realistic (even though the majority of them are animals most of the time).
This felt more like a moral story along the lines of a parable than straight fiction. The tone was eerie and serious, focusing on the curse and how each character was affected by it. The focus seemed to be on the way the characters responded to their circumstances, both past and present, rather than where they were going or what was happening. Fate played a huge role in their choices.
It was interesting to read, to see the real-life type responses that each character had to things like betrayal, pain, shame, humiliation, and lack of control.
But I found myself rather...disconnected to the people and plot as a whole. It was told quite clinically, and I had few chances to connect to the characters because of the roaming POV as well as the short length of the book. Just as it started to touch deeper on each character, we'd switch to a different perspective.
It's written well. And well thought out, just not my cup of tea.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There is some peril from a dragon, fires, getting knocked about etc. An old wound is depicted with little blood.
Sexual: Mild. Just kissing.
TW: One character has a father who likes to drink too much and is physically and emotionally abusive. It isn't graphically depicted, but the tone is serious and it weighs heavily on the character. There are also overbearing parents, absentee parents, and betrayal in a romantic relationship (non sexual).
First, I'll say I'm not a big fan of the shifting perspectives in this book. It went from Kenna, Baldur, Astrid, Mugin, Tosk, and I think even Frigg at one point. It was distracting, and made the focus more on the plot than the characters, which I don't like as much. That said, the characters were all very well fleshed out, and realistic (even though the majority of them are animals most of the time).
This felt more like a moral story along the lines of a parable than straight fiction. The tone was eerie and serious, focusing on the curse and how each character was affected by it. The focus seemed to be on the way the characters responded to their circumstances, both past and present, rather than where they were going or what was happening. Fate played a huge role in their choices.
It was interesting to read, to see the real-life type responses that each character had to things like betrayal, pain, shame, humiliation, and lack of control.
But I found myself rather...disconnected to the people and plot as a whole. It was told quite clinically, and I had few chances to connect to the characters because of the roaming POV as well as the short length of the book. Just as it started to touch deeper on each character, we'd switch to a different perspective.
It's written well. And well thought out, just not my cup of tea.
November 24, 2020
Atmosphere. This book breathes it. From the first words — the riddling, prophetic epigraph — I knew I loved When Ravens Fall. If atmospheric writing is your thing... please, please, give this one a try.
Atmosphere wasn't the only aspect to love, despite being what swept me off my feet. For such a short read, it packs an incredible amount of characterization and poignancy into its actors. Full of bittersweetness, longing, and regret, their journeys are not the less vivid for the fairytale-esque schemes surrounding them; in fact, they may be more so.
Did I mention I unspeakably love this book?? The lingering romance, the fierce Nordic setting, the echoes of Beauty and the Beast, the simple, somber lyricism of the prose... this slim little novella is in my top 5 of 2020.
Atmosphere wasn't the only aspect to love, despite being what swept me off my feet. For such a short read, it packs an incredible amount of characterization and poignancy into its actors. Full of bittersweetness, longing, and regret, their journeys are not the less vivid for the fairytale-esque schemes surrounding them; in fact, they may be more so.
Did I mention I unspeakably love this book?? The lingering romance, the fierce Nordic setting, the echoes of Beauty and the Beast, the simple, somber lyricism of the prose... this slim little novella is in my top 5 of 2020.
September 20, 2018
Great Story Based on Norse Mythology
This is a great story of love, stubbornness, and determination. Although Astrid is our initial protagonist, she is soon joined by Baldur and Kenna. Together, they each are also the antagonist.
The story is wrapped up in Norse mythology. I have limited knowledge in that area, so it is fortunate that a key name lookups provided all I needed to know.
The author does a superb job of taking inside the heads and characters of the protagonist. While some of the story is heavy, the squirrel Tosk provides comic relief.
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down at night.
This is a great story of love, stubbornness, and determination. Although Astrid is our initial protagonist, she is soon joined by Baldur and Kenna. Together, they each are also the antagonist.
The story is wrapped up in Norse mythology. I have limited knowledge in that area, so it is fortunate that a key name lookups provided all I needed to know.
The author does a superb job of taking inside the heads and characters of the protagonist. While some of the story is heavy, the squirrel Tosk provides comic relief.
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down at night.
November 18, 2021
I don’t read enough Norse inspired stories, complete with the lore and mythos of that culture, and this one was fun to explore as a fantastical spin on a beloved fairy tale with grit and unexpected twists! Even though the book is short it explores vast themes of tragedy and betrayal, triumph and redemption, selfishness and sacrifice in a beautiful way. And now I am totally invested in Munin. And Hugin. Because brothers ᐩ raven boys = all the YES.
IN ADDITION, Well of Fate and Trickster Rising, the two short stories, are both romping adventures through Norse lore with silver tongued squirrels, daring escapes from death, and child Loki — and what’s not cool about that?
IN ADDITION, Well of Fate and Trickster Rising, the two short stories, are both romping adventures through Norse lore with silver tongued squirrels, daring escapes from death, and child Loki — and what’s not cool about that?
March 26, 2018
Beauty and the Bear?
When Ravens Fall by Savannah Jezowski is basically a Viking version of Beauty and the Beast. Only I'm not really sure which girl was beauty?
This book was a great twist on a classic story, unless this is an actual Norse legend. My knowledge of Norse lore is limited to marvel movies.
I enjoyed the romantic story. But the squirrel Tosk stole every scene he was in. Definitely Tosk was the best part.
When Ravens Fall by Savannah Jezowski is basically a Viking version of Beauty and the Beast. Only I'm not really sure which girl was beauty?
This book was a great twist on a classic story, unless this is an actual Norse legend. My knowledge of Norse lore is limited to marvel movies.
I enjoyed the romantic story. But the squirrel Tosk stole every scene he was in. Definitely Tosk was the best part.
January 2, 2019
4.5 stars for a well-written, original, and unusual combination of Norse mythology, Beauty and the Beast, and a feisty talking squirrel I first met in Jezowski's short story, "Well of Fate." The suspense was sustained at a tense level through the climactic scene, and the characters and their situation were clearly and believably written. The themes, which the author elaborates upon in her end note, shine through and strongly gird the story. Recommended!
August 8, 2021
Cute book!
I can't remember if this was rated for children or not, but it was written in a way that it could be. Not childish, just clean and interesting enough for children.
A talking, irritating squirrel. Birds and animals who were human before the curse fell.
A dragon with feelings.
A very interesting - keeps one's attention - book.
I really enjoyed it!
I can't remember if this was rated for children or not, but it was written in a way that it could be. Not childish, just clean and interesting enough for children.
A talking, irritating squirrel. Birds and animals who were human before the curse fell.
A dragon with feelings.
A very interesting - keeps one's attention - book.
I really enjoyed it!
June 28, 2018
Cute, but not what I expected
Short story, but I was hoping that Astrid would get more closure than she did. I’m annoyed when I find myself rooting for the wrong characters. Come to find out the main character was actually the squirrel...
Short story, but I was hoping that Astrid would get more closure than she did. I’m annoyed when I find myself rooting for the wrong characters. Come to find out the main character was actually the squirrel...
December 23, 2019
This was a very sweet book. The language and the basis of Norse mythology was beautiful and makes me wish I knew more of the story of Baldur.
My main issue- it was too short. There’s so much depth and richness in the novella- I can’t even imagine what this author could do with a full length book!
Different twists on the Beauty and Beast tale; so much so that I’m in debate whether it actually counts as a Beauty and the Beast retelling or not. It does meet my main criteria of qualification in that love redeemed the Beast and ended the curse- but the twist of it still has me pondering.
My main issue- it was too short. There’s so much depth and richness in the novella- I can’t even imagine what this author could do with a full length book!
Different twists on the Beauty and Beast tale; so much so that I’m in debate whether it actually counts as a Beauty and the Beast retelling or not. It does meet my main criteria of qualification in that love redeemed the Beast and ended the curse- but the twist of it still has me pondering.
January 12, 2023
Raven fall
What a thought provoking story, centered in Norse mythology this cute tale has underlying themes that resonated with me. I too have scars and have experienced loss and joy. The trick is to learn to enjoy each season and hold out hope .
What a thought provoking story, centered in Norse mythology this cute tale has underlying themes that resonated with me. I too have scars and have experienced loss and joy. The trick is to learn to enjoy each season and hold out hope .
April 21, 2018
Love! If you love Norse mythology, fairy tales, or a compelling novel with plenty of action and heart wrenching romance, I recommend When Ravens Fall
December 20, 2019
I loved the author’s use of Norse mythology in this book. A unique spin on a familiar tale, with a couple surprises at the end.
May 22, 2020
This was... Ok. It was a bit disjointed in plot and character.
January 8, 2024
Content:
This is a story that hooks you right from the start. I like how a fairy tale is weaved into Norse mythology. It brings a unique twist that allows this story to stand on its own.
Baldur, Astrid, Kenna and Tosk are fleshed out well for such a short story. We get a taste of their strengths, fears, hopes, vulnerabilities and insecurities.
I hope we get to see Astrid's journey continue.
This is a story that hooks you right from the start. I like how a fairy tale is weaved into Norse mythology. It brings a unique twist that allows this story to stand on its own.
Baldur, Astrid, Kenna and Tosk are fleshed out well for such a short story. We get a taste of their strengths, fears, hopes, vulnerabilities and insecurities.
I hope we get to see Astrid's journey continue.
June 27, 2017
This was good. I really wish it was longer. I would've liked to have seen what happens to Astrid. Can't wait to read more of Savannah's books.
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