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The law is sacred. But so is the truth.
In Blackwater Hills, even the gods keep secrets.
What if you were born with a secret so dangerous, even the gods wanted you dead? In the secluded forests of northern Maine, USA the tribe of Corvus the beast god guards an ancient truth: some are born with the power to change shape—and those who are must never be allowed to live.
On a cold October morning, the veil between worlds grows thin. Samuel Singleton vanishes through a portal into the Shadowlands, a realm ruled by a fearsome witch goddess and haunted by things that should not exist. When he returns, something in him is... wrong. Primal. Dangerous.
Deep within the stone walls of Blackwater Castle, newly consecrated priestess Cadie Maxwell is haunted by doubts about a brutal law that demands the death of all shapeshifting males. Questioning everything she’s been taught, Cadie flees beyond the Great Shield that hides her homeland from the world —searching for answers, and the truth about the god she once served without question.
In the quiet town of Ashland, Cadie meets Jonathan and Sarina Lance, siblings desperate to find their missing father, a famous novelist whose trail leads straight back to Blackwater Hills. But what awaits them beyond the Great Shield is not the novelist—it is Samuel, delirious and transformed, with darkness rising inside him.
As Cadie unravels a hidden history of lies and betrayal, she must choose to protect the sacred laws that bind her people—or risk everything to save the man who may doom them all.
Some secrets were buried for a reason. Some gods are better left sleeping. And some fates cannot be outrun.
Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars
One of ReadFreely's 50 Best Indie Books.
An IHIBRP 5-Star Recommended Read.
Winner of the Virtual Fantasy Con Award for Best Dark Fantasy
In Blackwater Hills, even the gods keep secrets.
What if you were born with a secret so dangerous, even the gods wanted you dead? In the secluded forests of northern Maine, USA the tribe of Corvus the beast god guards an ancient truth: some are born with the power to change shape—and those who are must never be allowed to live.
On a cold October morning, the veil between worlds grows thin. Samuel Singleton vanishes through a portal into the Shadowlands, a realm ruled by a fearsome witch goddess and haunted by things that should not exist. When he returns, something in him is... wrong. Primal. Dangerous.
Deep within the stone walls of Blackwater Castle, newly consecrated priestess Cadie Maxwell is haunted by doubts about a brutal law that demands the death of all shapeshifting males. Questioning everything she’s been taught, Cadie flees beyond the Great Shield that hides her homeland from the world —searching for answers, and the truth about the god she once served without question.
In the quiet town of Ashland, Cadie meets Jonathan and Sarina Lance, siblings desperate to find their missing father, a famous novelist whose trail leads straight back to Blackwater Hills. But what awaits them beyond the Great Shield is not the novelist—it is Samuel, delirious and transformed, with darkness rising inside him.
As Cadie unravels a hidden history of lies and betrayal, she must choose to protect the sacred laws that bind her people—or risk everything to save the man who may doom them all.
Some secrets were buried for a reason. Some gods are better left sleeping. And some fates cannot be outrun.
Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars
One of ReadFreely's 50 Best Indie Books.
An IHIBRP 5-Star Recommended Read.
Winner of the Virtual Fantasy Con Award for Best Dark Fantasy
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2017
2 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Harrison
16 books64 followersL.E. Harrison lives in a 1860s farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania with her husband and a fourteen-year-old long-haired tortoiseshell cat named Mosi. She is the author of the award-winning contemporary fantasy trilogy The Children of Corvus (Blackbird, Merula, and Corvus), Jarren and Reyna (The New Order of Corvus), Julian Cato and the Four Immortals, From the Uncollected Thoughts of: L.E. Harrison, a collection of traditionally published poems and short stories, and Letters in the Attic, a collection of poetry and flash fiction. Two short stories, “The Time Guardian” and “Tony’s Monster,” are featured in More Lore From the Mythos Volumes 1 and 2.
She loves hearing from readers. To learn more and follow on social media: https://linktr.ee/leharrison
https://leharrisonauthor.substack.com/
She loves hearing from readers. To learn more and follow on social media: https://linktr.ee/leharrison
https://leharrisonauthor.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 1, 2018
In “Merula (The Children Of Corvus Book 2)” by L.E. Harrison, relationships extend to the second generation of the Corvus tribe, expanding on “Blackbird”—the intimate and revealing memoirs of enigmatic elder, J. Lance Singleton. As his children—brother and sister twins Jonathan Jr. and Sarina, along with Catriona—a cocky young reporter, and Cadie—a Blackwater runaway, set out to find J. Lance using his journal, they cross The Great Shield and have a fateful run-in with Samuel, a young man who along with Sarina was supposedly attacked by a horrid beast and left for dead. Little do they realize that each of them has now been set upon a dangerous path that will eventually lead them to their destinies.
The tie-ins between all three novels of The Children Of Corvus series are seamless and “Merula” is no exception. Harrison’s plot line in this chapter is fierce and driven, establishing the upcoming dynasty that will rule the Blackwater clan. She holds back no punches as she presents a series of horrifying events that will leave most readers gaping with awe at the unpredictable nature of this dramatic paranormal read. Harrison has developed a fully intact and functional multi-world where each of her characters is well thought-out and independent—possessing a personality, drive, and agenda that is all their own. Full storylines on each individual wind together seamlessly, giving the reader a wider view of the panorama that contains the mystical world of Blackwater.
Like most reads involving shape-shifting werewolves and witches battling it out between tribes and clans, Harrison’s tale contains graphic descriptions of physical torture and violence, such as when shifters change form and when harsh sentencing is carried out by the heads of their communities. I recommend all three books in The Children Of Corvus series—“Blackbird”, “Merula”, and “Corvus”—only for ages 17 and up.
The tie-ins between all three novels of The Children Of Corvus series are seamless and “Merula” is no exception. Harrison’s plot line in this chapter is fierce and driven, establishing the upcoming dynasty that will rule the Blackwater clan. She holds back no punches as she presents a series of horrifying events that will leave most readers gaping with awe at the unpredictable nature of this dramatic paranormal read. Harrison has developed a fully intact and functional multi-world where each of her characters is well thought-out and independent—possessing a personality, drive, and agenda that is all their own. Full storylines on each individual wind together seamlessly, giving the reader a wider view of the panorama that contains the mystical world of Blackwater.
Like most reads involving shape-shifting werewolves and witches battling it out between tribes and clans, Harrison’s tale contains graphic descriptions of physical torture and violence, such as when shifters change form and when harsh sentencing is carried out by the heads of their communities. I recommend all three books in The Children Of Corvus series—“Blackbird”, “Merula”, and “Corvus”—only for ages 17 and up.
July 9, 2021
Merula (The Children of Corvus #2) was a great read by L.E. Harrison. This is book two about a tribe of shapeshifters who dwell within the inhospitable forest of Northern Maine. Samuel Singleton steps outside to do his morning chores on a cold October morning in Blackwater Hills. He finds himself whisked through a portal into the domain of the witch goddess known as the Shadowlands. Caddie Maxwell is a priestess who is newly sworn to the Sacred Order. She flees the only home she’s ever known to find the truth about her tribe’s Sacred Law, the law that says any male who has shapeshifting powers must be executed. `Cadie arrived at a small town named Ashland and takes a job at a local bar and grill. There she hears Jonathan and Sarina Lance discussing their missing father. Cadie, Jonathan and Sarina go on an expedition through a mysterious forest to rescue their father, with an up and coming reporter. It is there that they find Samuel naked and disoriented. Cadie discovered Samuel has shapeshifting powers and the council of priests vote her in charge of Samuel’s execution. Cadie works to expose the corruption within the priesthood, renounce her holy vows, and uncover the truth of her tribe and her gods. I enjoyed reading this book and cant wait to read more by the author.
July 25, 2021
Merula
Oh wow, Merula picked up in a place I didn’t expect 17 years or so later. It was good to see Michael and Alena’s son Samuel grow up. Along with Jonathan’s children. Introducing Cadie as the daughter of Alena’s abusive half-brother, Donall, was genius, especially since his daughter, nor indeed his sons, take after him at all. I liked how all their lives ended up intersecting even though Jonathan’s children were advena or is that avena? I am looking forward to the next book when Samuel becomes the Merula.
Oh wow, Merula picked up in a place I didn’t expect 17 years or so later. It was good to see Michael and Alena’s son Samuel grow up. Along with Jonathan’s children. Introducing Cadie as the daughter of Alena’s abusive half-brother, Donall, was genius, especially since his daughter, nor indeed his sons, take after him at all. I liked how all their lives ended up intersecting even though Jonathan’s children were advena or is that avena? I am looking forward to the next book when Samuel becomes the Merula.
January 17, 2018
This book is a fantasy, but it's certainly different most. It's easy to see why it won an Award. I enjoyed it. This is the first book by this author that I've read, and I was given the book in exchange for an honest review. It's about the Children of Corvus who I assume are part of an elite family, nobility if you will. It's an action packed adventure, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has it all, shape-shifters though one person didn't know they were a shifter, intrigue, conspiracy, and excitement.Now I need to go back and read Book 1 also.Check it out for a good read.
July 26, 2021
Great fantasy series!
The story runs smoothly and the characters are well described. I can envision this world without difficulty. Excellent writing!
The story runs smoothly and the characters are well described. I can envision this world without difficulty. Excellent writing!
August 26, 2019
Now this is the second of 3 books i received a audio of them .The story is about Katie Maxwell si the new one Sebastien is twin Katie is the new world in Pennsylvanian and she is trying be Amish
the narrator is using Amish language and if you do not like the book or the audio do not ask the author for it and give bad review.
I work at a restaurant in Pennsylvanian and making money and then i am going to see what happen The demons are haunting me again i am scared of them and i am adult the shadow land will scare you the book is about monster but they do not know if the monster was going to come .
The monster is a were wolf like to have my Katie here with me and i am trying to right the wrong now if they do not like you and will kill you if they are not careful Now they are trying to open the sphere and put you in another land. Every one is trying to leave but something keep them there, .
the audio the book is great and then i let you go with this ne
the narrator is using Amish language and if you do not like the book or the audio do not ask the author for it and give bad review.
I work at a restaurant in Pennsylvanian and making money and then i am going to see what happen The demons are haunting me again i am scared of them and i am adult the shadow land will scare you the book is about monster but they do not know if the monster was going to come .
The monster is a were wolf like to have my Katie here with me and i am trying to right the wrong now if they do not like you and will kill you if they are not careful Now they are trying to open the sphere and put you in another land. Every one is trying to leave but something keep them there, .
the audio the book is great and then i let you go with this ne
March 7, 2022
Follow Up to Blackbird that Answered Questions But Only Resolves a Few
This story begins with the children of the author, J. Lance, Sr., who accompanied his nephew, Michael Singleton into the hidden realm of the Children of Corvus, somewhere in Blackwater region of Maine - hidden from the mortal human world, otherwise referred to as Advena to the Children of Corvus 'tribe' of people there. A cult to the Advena, they had lived there for 400 years hidden by a magical shield that prevented exposure and discovery by the non-magical advena, aka, the rest of us.
The story opens with Lance Sr., having disappeared for 6 weeks and his children, Lance Jr. & Sarina determined to locate him. One of the Sacred Order Guardians, Acadia Maxwell, had escaped Corvus and gone to the world of the Advena with little more than $200 she stole from the library. It was currency used to teach the Children of Corvus about the world of the Advena. In a chance meeting with the Lance children, she agreed to take them through the portal in search of their father, who she believes she saw being escorted to the dungeon in the castle.
The tale answers a lot of questions and advances the storyline but does little to resolve the outstanding issues with other than stay tuned to the future adventures of the mad cult of the Children of Corvus against the mortal advena imprisoned.
This story begins with the children of the author, J. Lance, Sr., who accompanied his nephew, Michael Singleton into the hidden realm of the Children of Corvus, somewhere in Blackwater region of Maine - hidden from the mortal human world, otherwise referred to as Advena to the Children of Corvus 'tribe' of people there. A cult to the Advena, they had lived there for 400 years hidden by a magical shield that prevented exposure and discovery by the non-magical advena, aka, the rest of us.
The story opens with Lance Sr., having disappeared for 6 weeks and his children, Lance Jr. & Sarina determined to locate him. One of the Sacred Order Guardians, Acadia Maxwell, had escaped Corvus and gone to the world of the Advena with little more than $200 she stole from the library. It was currency used to teach the Children of Corvus about the world of the Advena. In a chance meeting with the Lance children, she agreed to take them through the portal in search of their father, who she believes she saw being escorted to the dungeon in the castle.
The tale answers a lot of questions and advances the storyline but does little to resolve the outstanding issues with other than stay tuned to the future adventures of the mad cult of the Children of Corvus against the mortal advena imprisoned.
September 18, 2022
This was a great book. I was a little confused at first. (I read the 1st book a long time ago so I needed a refresher). I didn't understand who these new characters were. But I kept going and finally, it all started to make sense. Totally worth having to listen to the book a second time! I really loved book one. Book two was close but not quite as good, in my opinion. I listened to the audible version and maybe I just didn't vibe with the new narrator. He's good. I just couldn't listen at my normal quicker speed. But still, well worth the listen! Cant wait to start book 3!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews