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Tales of the Ravensdaughter #1
The Beast of Basque - Tales of the Ravensdaughter #1
The Ultimate Fantasy Snack Read!
When Alerice Linden dies at the beginning of a tale, you know you’re in for something new. The Beast of Basque tracks Alerice’s descent into the Evherealme, where she becomes the champion of the Raven Queen. Assisting her is Oddwyn, the gender-fluid, impish Herald. On her quest, Alerice meets Kreston Dühalde, a former military captain.
And what task does the Raven Queen assign? Slay a two-faced beast that preys on the souls of children. Only tasks aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Nor are the reasons for them nor the comrade Alerice meets along the way.
Enjoy The Beast of Basque, Adventure One of Tales of The Ravensdaughter.
When Alerice Linden dies at the beginning of a tale, you know you’re in for something new. The Beast of Basque tracks Alerice’s descent into the Evherealme, where she becomes the champion of the Raven Queen. Assisting her is Oddwyn, the gender-fluid, impish Herald. On her quest, Alerice meets Kreston Dühalde, a former military captain.
And what task does the Raven Queen assign? Slay a two-faced beast that preys on the souls of children. Only tasks aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Nor are the reasons for them nor the comrade Alerice meets along the way.
Enjoy The Beast of Basque, Adventure One of Tales of The Ravensdaughter.
- GenresFantasy
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
34 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Erin Hunt Rado
11 books13 followersI have always loved Fantasy Adventure. I was born in 1965, and I was 12 when Star Wars came out in theaters, and I never looked back!
From Star Wars, I discovered Tolkein, and though I had already read children's versions of King Arthur and Robin Hood, I was off into Middle Earth and from there to my own realms.
As with many authors, I wasn't the most socially popular kid, but I never hesitated to create my own realities. My first novel, Gray Warrior, began as a bunch of role playing scenarios in high school - right when the original D&D first showed up.
I was also 16 when I attended my first Renaissance Faire - the original Pleasure Faire in Agoura, CA (now in Irwindale, CA), and it was so great to meet other fantasy-oriented folks. I wasn't the only one!
I began writing and writing. My grandmother gave me an amazing birthday present, and old Adler typewriter. I would play the original Star Wars soundtrack on a little plastic turntable while I typed late into the night, bugging my sister so much that she would come into my room and complain that I was sending "coded messages to overseas spies".
I would constantly scribble in spiral notebooks, creating the first draft of Gray Warrior on a multi-state field trip with a church youth group. As soon as I finished a scene, I would give it to two of the other young ladies on the trip, who would devour the pages. I remember one of them exclaiming, "What?!" when she read one of my plot twists.
I was fortunate enough to meet my soul mate early on, and I was married to him for 27 amazing years. My beloved Paul had the day job, though I ran my own costume-making business, and we loved attending renaissance fairs and SCA events. He afforded me the luxury of not having to hold a steady day job, which allowed me lots of time to write. Sometimes, ideas would hit me at 2:00am and I would creep downstairs to fire up the computer so as not to bother him, and he would still pop in his head at some point and say, “Busted…”
After I lost Paul in 2010, I wasn’t certain if I could write again. He was such a rock for me, and an inspiration. And he supported the household. But the fighter in me would not quit, and eventually I built a business out of my Celtic Art, which has become a line of Mindful Tracing Art. I also began writing again simply because that’s what I do.
In 2009, I met Mr. Pat LoBrutto, former editor of Doubleday Books, at a writer’s conference. I reached out to him in 2020, and he remembered me, and Gray Warrior, even after all that time. Pat took me on as a client to polish the manuscript and prepare it for publication.
Gray Warrior is now available for everyone to enjoy. While I have self-published this current edition, the book is now being considered by a couple major publishers and literary agents. But I invite everyone to have fun with this first draft. It’s a great example of the type of action and inter-personal psychology that makes reading fun – all set within a rich, original Fantasy world that I hope fans will grow to love.
Blessings to all.
Erin
From Star Wars, I discovered Tolkein, and though I had already read children's versions of King Arthur and Robin Hood, I was off into Middle Earth and from there to my own realms.
As with many authors, I wasn't the most socially popular kid, but I never hesitated to create my own realities. My first novel, Gray Warrior, began as a bunch of role playing scenarios in high school - right when the original D&D first showed up.
I was also 16 when I attended my first Renaissance Faire - the original Pleasure Faire in Agoura, CA (now in Irwindale, CA), and it was so great to meet other fantasy-oriented folks. I wasn't the only one!
I began writing and writing. My grandmother gave me an amazing birthday present, and old Adler typewriter. I would play the original Star Wars soundtrack on a little plastic turntable while I typed late into the night, bugging my sister so much that she would come into my room and complain that I was sending "coded messages to overseas spies".
I would constantly scribble in spiral notebooks, creating the first draft of Gray Warrior on a multi-state field trip with a church youth group. As soon as I finished a scene, I would give it to two of the other young ladies on the trip, who would devour the pages. I remember one of them exclaiming, "What?!" when she read one of my plot twists.
I was fortunate enough to meet my soul mate early on, and I was married to him for 27 amazing years. My beloved Paul had the day job, though I ran my own costume-making business, and we loved attending renaissance fairs and SCA events. He afforded me the luxury of not having to hold a steady day job, which allowed me lots of time to write. Sometimes, ideas would hit me at 2:00am and I would creep downstairs to fire up the computer so as not to bother him, and he would still pop in his head at some point and say, “Busted…”
After I lost Paul in 2010, I wasn’t certain if I could write again. He was such a rock for me, and an inspiration. And he supported the household. But the fighter in me would not quit, and eventually I built a business out of my Celtic Art, which has become a line of Mindful Tracing Art. I also began writing again simply because that’s what I do.
In 2009, I met Mr. Pat LoBrutto, former editor of Doubleday Books, at a writer’s conference. I reached out to him in 2020, and he remembered me, and Gray Warrior, even after all that time. Pat took me on as a client to polish the manuscript and prepare it for publication.
Gray Warrior is now available for everyone to enjoy. While I have self-published this current edition, the book is now being considered by a couple major publishers and literary agents. But I invite everyone to have fun with this first draft. It’s a great example of the type of action and inter-personal psychology that makes reading fun – all set within a rich, original Fantasy world that I hope fans will grow to love.
Blessings to all.
Erin
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 31, 2022
This was a fantastic novella story! I walked into this ARC review not knowing that to expect but I can definitely say that Erin you exceeded my expectations.
In this novella we follow the journey of Alerice the mistress of the good ol’ Cup & Quill tavern in Navre. Once someone takes advantage of Alerice (TW), she sets out to make it her mission to right the wrongs of the world & whether she knows it or not, that mission is about to become her mission for life & death.
This novella is one that definitely sucked me in, whilst I did predict the beast the second I met them the story still held my attention & left me wanting to see where the story would take us. I wanted to know more, see more & the great detail & beautiful penmanship definitely gave my imagination all it needed to see & understand things clearly. There are many characters along the way in this story that even though they only have a small role to play you are instantly feeling like you know & love them.
I absolutely love Alerice’s character & I really hope we get to read more of her adventures in this series. This is the fantasy novella that you’re not going to want to put down. It gives you a hint of love, sacrifice, revenge & justice! What better concoction for a fantasy novella right?
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC Erin, it’s definitely well worth the read!
In this novella we follow the journey of Alerice the mistress of the good ol’ Cup & Quill tavern in Navre. Once someone takes advantage of Alerice (TW), she sets out to make it her mission to right the wrongs of the world & whether she knows it or not, that mission is about to become her mission for life & death.
This novella is one that definitely sucked me in, whilst I did predict the beast the second I met them the story still held my attention & left me wanting to see where the story would take us. I wanted to know more, see more & the great detail & beautiful penmanship definitely gave my imagination all it needed to see & understand things clearly. There are many characters along the way in this story that even though they only have a small role to play you are instantly feeling like you know & love them.
I absolutely love Alerice’s character & I really hope we get to read more of her adventures in this series. This is the fantasy novella that you’re not going to want to put down. It gives you a hint of love, sacrifice, revenge & justice! What better concoction for a fantasy novella right?
Thanks for the opportunity to read this ARC Erin, it’s definitely well worth the read!
December 28, 2022
This is an enjoyable start to a series (yup, I'm going on to read the next ones!).
The hero, Alerice, begins with a vengeance killing and it only ramps up from there. Her backstory is quickly introduced and readers get to the meat of the matter. It's epic fantasy and, though a novella, is indeed epic.
While we're introduced to the MC quickly, the world about her is filled in slowly as reading - through seeing it and not an info dump.
I enjoy Author Rado's pacing, plot, and character interactions. Alerice may not have chosen the easiest of paths, but for this reader, it's one worth following.
I was gifted a copy and have chosen to review it.
The hero, Alerice, begins with a vengeance killing and it only ramps up from there. Her backstory is quickly introduced and readers get to the meat of the matter. It's epic fantasy and, though a novella, is indeed epic.
While we're introduced to the MC quickly, the world about her is filled in slowly as reading - through seeing it and not an info dump.
I enjoy Author Rado's pacing, plot, and character interactions. Alerice may not have chosen the easiest of paths, but for this reader, it's one worth following.
I was gifted a copy and have chosen to review it.
April 24, 2023
very cool story
Very cool FMC. She comes back from the dead to kick butt and rescue people! Like a Renaissance Batwoman, if you will.
Very cool FMC. She comes back from the dead to kick butt and rescue people! Like a Renaissance Batwoman, if you will.
September 14, 2022
A very nice introduction to a new world and characters. I read the story in a single sitting and I'll be ordering the next volume when it's released next week. Absorbing enough that scenes appeared in my head which doesn't always happen.
April 19, 2023
Trigger warnings for this book: Mentions of SA, CSA, and PTSD
I truly enjoyed this book and went in blind. In bite size books you sometimes find that prose is sacrificed for conciseness. That is not the case with The Beast of Basque, a story that kills its FMC in the first 20 pages.
The only reason I was unable to give this five stars is because the printed copy does not list the trigger warnings and I wanted more of Oddwyn.
I truly enjoyed this book and went in blind. In bite size books you sometimes find that prose is sacrificed for conciseness. That is not the case with The Beast of Basque, a story that kills its FMC in the first 20 pages.
The only reason I was unable to give this five stars is because the printed copy does not list the trigger warnings and I wanted more of Oddwyn.
October 5, 2022
Although rather short in length, this fantasy story was truly successful in capturing and holding my attention right from the first paragraph. Beginning with an action scene, the story develops into one about learning to self-forgive, while proactively dealing with an adventure that comes from passing from mortal to immortal and then back again.
As the main character, Alerice, embarks on a journey to help rid the living world of those who are deemed as wicked, she dedicates herself to an agreement she has made with the Raven Queen. Unknown to her is what exact situation she might stumble upon, or who might be the people she must find.
Not wanting to give any spoiler for this story, I shan't say what it was that was wrong, or what Alerice had to do to try and fulfill the Raven Queen's wish. I will say, however, that there is no explicit adult content in this book, so would be fine for young adults to read, although there is an underlying aspect that would make me hesitant to let anyone too young read this.
Overall, however, this is a lovely read and well worth the time to invest into it.
As the main character, Alerice, embarks on a journey to help rid the living world of those who are deemed as wicked, she dedicates herself to an agreement she has made with the Raven Queen. Unknown to her is what exact situation she might stumble upon, or who might be the people she must find.
Not wanting to give any spoiler for this story, I shan't say what it was that was wrong, or what Alerice had to do to try and fulfill the Raven Queen's wish. I will say, however, that there is no explicit adult content in this book, so would be fine for young adults to read, although there is an underlying aspect that would make me hesitant to let anyone too young read this.
Overall, however, this is a lovely read and well worth the time to invest into it.
August 24, 2022
What a perfect snack read! This novella follows the story of alerice who become the ravensdaughter. Everything about this one kept me hooked from rhe word go. The writing style was amazing it really helped to paint a picture of what was happening through out the story. The characters even if they were a small role you fell in love with them. I cannot wait to dive into more of the series !!
September 30, 2022
This is a fantastic book! It's engaging, interesting and fresh, and it inspires me to start writing my own stories! It's also a very fast read. I highly recommend this and can't wait for the next one!!
October 16, 2022
Good read !
December 20, 2022
With fresh ideas, a brief but worthy and serviceable page count, and an storyteller who knows her audience, Tales of the Ravensdaughter is a series worth looking out for. With life feeling busier than ever, there is a search ongoing for things that can entertain in bite-sized chunks. Erin Hunt Rado deftly fashions her stories of a grand saga into short-yet-exciting quests for her captivating characters to partake. The author drops you into exciting events which are already in progress, demonstrating that her world is alive, well before the first page is turned. The first book in the series, The Beast of Basque, gives readers an explosive introduction to heroine Alerice, and the revelations and the pace never really waver after that.
Right from the turn of the first page, the author ensures her readers know that this is unlike their typical fantasy experiences. The Ravendaughter tales subvert expectations and surprise in the absolute best ways, always urging eager readers on. Rado does a good enough job of making sure that each book is as self-contained as it needs to be in order to be read on its own, but it truly shines as a full series, and there’s no better place to start than the beginning.
Right from the turn of the first page, the author ensures her readers know that this is unlike their typical fantasy experiences. The Ravendaughter tales subvert expectations and surprise in the absolute best ways, always urging eager readers on. Rado does a good enough job of making sure that each book is as self-contained as it needs to be in order to be read on its own, but it truly shines as a full series, and there’s no better place to start than the beginning.
January 9, 2023
*NOTE: Spoilers Below in Separate Paragraph* This series has such an exciting concept! The plot of this first book is fairly basic so it can also lay the groundwork for the rest of the series, but it's an excellent introduction to the world, characters, and author's voice. I wish the book had more complete worldbuilding, but I understand the author is working with length constraints and I would guess we'll see more in the future. Erin Hunt Rado's voice expertly combines a mastery of language with an almost poetic flow. The main characters are constructed with an involved backstory that includes direct lines to their thoughts and behaviors, which gives them superb depth. I do hope that we see more of Alerice's flaws (and Oddwyn's sass) in the upcoming books. Overall, this novella is an excellent introduction to an interesting concept, a deep cast of characters, and a unique world.
*Spoiler/ Trigger Warning Paragraph* All of that being said, if you are sensitive to topics like rape, wartime PTSD, and child molestation, I would steer clear of this one.
*Spoiler/ Trigger Warning Paragraph* All of that being said, if you are sensitive to topics like rape, wartime PTSD, and child molestation, I would steer clear of this one.
January 9, 2023
Well I sat and read this in just one afternoon it was that good. I found myself immediately drawn to the fmc as it is revealed what has been done to her and what she does to overcome it. Alerice Is such a good character, strong, reliable and very loyal and has a great sense of right and wrong so when she finds herself in the Evherealme, left for dead and facing the King of shadows and the Raven Queen, she finds herself with a choice to make. It’s exciting, it’s gripping and does hold onto you as we journey with Alerice as she has to decide if she wants to be a realme walker and act on behalf of the Raven Queen. The world building is descriptive and draws you in, the storyline engaging and holds you tight and the main characters are relatable and likeable and i am very excited to see where their journey goes next.
September 21, 2023
An intriguing start! Like a TV pilot episode, this book struggles a bit to find the series' pacing and rhythm. But like many a pilot episode to a good show, it's made me want more. The premise and characters will definitely keep me going on this.
Alerice isn't normally a killer, but even a principled businesswoman may be driven to vengeance. Unfortunately, the consequences for vigilante justice are deadly. Alerice dies and awakens in the care of the Raven Queen, who has been looking for a new champion. In her new role, Alerice is given magical weapons, a steed, all the things one expects for a realm-walking heroine—except for any idea how to fulfill her first task.
This was an appetizer, sometimes graceful and sometimes here only to establish the facts. I'm purchasing the main course now.
Alerice isn't normally a killer, but even a principled businesswoman may be driven to vengeance. Unfortunately, the consequences for vigilante justice are deadly. Alerice dies and awakens in the care of the Raven Queen, who has been looking for a new champion. In her new role, Alerice is given magical weapons, a steed, all the things one expects for a realm-walking heroine—except for any idea how to fulfill her first task.
This was an appetizer, sometimes graceful and sometimes here only to establish the facts. I'm purchasing the main course now.
Read
September 19, 2024It's easy to tell that Rado has a lot of passion for the ideas in this novella, which feels packed with adventure, familiar fantasy tropes, and a few novelties that make the Tales of the Ravensdaughter its own unique setting. It is at its best when it aims to express its clearly progressive ideals--a story about empowerment, self-reliance, kindness, and acceptance--all worthy of exploration in fantasy. And The Beast of Basque is very much its own power fantasy.
In total fairness to the book, I struggled to keep up with how quickly the novella moves through its story beats and paces, and felt like the narrative could have worked better with less telling and more showing. But for its length, it feels content to pack in ideas worthy of expansion in later sequels--and Rado has plenty for the eager reader to explore.
In total fairness to the book, I struggled to keep up with how quickly the novella moves through its story beats and paces, and felt like the narrative could have worked better with less telling and more showing. But for its length, it feels content to pack in ideas worthy of expansion in later sequels--and Rado has plenty for the eager reader to explore.
January 7, 2023
I was debating between 2 1/2-3 stars on this one. When I first started it, I thought I didnt pick vol.1 because the way it started made me think I was in the middle of what was going on in a book. It was awkward.
I really wanted to like this more because I like the concept/plot of it, but some parts of the book just didnt flow (The beginning for example) and some things I thought were better off being omitted.
It started off like it was being rushed through. So, I couldn't submerge myself into the story.
I really hate leaving reviews like this 😕, but thank you for the opportunity to reading and reviewing your book.
I really wanted to like this more because I like the concept/plot of it, but some parts of the book just didnt flow (The beginning for example) and some things I thought were better off being omitted.
It started off like it was being rushed through. So, I couldn't submerge myself into the story.
I really hate leaving reviews like this 😕, but thank you for the opportunity to reading and reviewing your book.
May 7, 2023
ok got the chance to meet this writer at the Pleasure Renaissance Faire in Irwindale,Ca and she was really cool..my friend bought me the first book in the series and I took 2 days to read it(sometimes I am slow lol)..so this is a fantasy book about a young female named Alerice Linden who dies in this book for a good reason but not to worry she is brought back as the champion for the Raven Queen(definately along the Celtic side here lol) and then she meets the Shadow Kings Champion and they work together to take down the bad guys..each book is small which makes it nice..if you like fantasy books and far away places you will like this book
November 10, 2022
Very fun adventure. Reads quite like it could be a one shot of a tabletop RPG. There are some darker themes (rape, child abuse), but it’s not overly edgy or uncomfortable with its portrayal.
There were some phrases that came off a bit clunky, but nothing egregious. I didn’t catch a single typo or spelling error on my read, which was refreshing.
While many indie books feel like fan fiction of some more established series, The Beast of Basque is a world of its own. I’m truly happy to have bought the series, and can’t wait to read the next one.
Definitely a solid read!
There were some phrases that came off a bit clunky, but nothing egregious. I didn’t catch a single typo or spelling error on my read, which was refreshing.
While many indie books feel like fan fiction of some more established series, The Beast of Basque is a world of its own. I’m truly happy to have bought the series, and can’t wait to read the next one.
Definitely a solid read!
December 17, 2022
I'm Reading the Next One Right Away
It means a trigger warning for the rape that happens right at the beginning, but otherwise it was absolutely phenomenal. The main character, Alarice, is far from who you would expect for the role she plays in the story, but it works perfectly. I really appreciate how the story just draws you in to the point where you don't even realize it's over untill it's over. And then you find yourself going, "Wait?! It's over?! What?! No!!!" I thoroughly enjoyed this short story and will be reading the next book in the series right away.
It means a trigger warning for the rape that happens right at the beginning, but otherwise it was absolutely phenomenal. The main character, Alarice, is far from who you would expect for the role she plays in the story, but it works perfectly. I really appreciate how the story just draws you in to the point where you don't even realize it's over untill it's over. And then you find yourself going, "Wait?! It's over?! What?! No!!!" I thoroughly enjoyed this short story and will be reading the next book in the series right away.
August 22, 2025
As super short novella that does an excellent job introducing us to Alerice and what adventures lie ahead of her in service of the Raven Queen! There are a few sensitive topics that it delved into like sexual assault and child prostitution, but it does it all with a sense of empowerment and reclamation. If these were a little longer, I feel like more time could have been spent delicately going into further detail about the emotion repercussions, but otherwise, very good introduction.
December 9, 2025
I absolutely loved the story! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read it live on my TikTok stream, and my audience was totally with me—laughing and gasping along when those crazy plot twists popped up! Erin really has a knack for storytelling that just keeps you hooked. Definitely a solid 5/5 in my book!
December 30, 2022
Loved this short novella , everything was well detailed you could clearly picture everything whilst following along the storyline , it wasn’t boring at all out of all the novels I have read this year this is certainly a highlight
August 27, 2023
This was a great little book! I met Erin today at the NY ren faire and she was so sweet. I love reading fantasy so this novella had me interested right away. It was a quick read but well written and fun! I enjoyed this and can’t wait to check out the rest!
December 28, 2022
Ok I totally loved this book! It has some really uncomfortable subjects but they're portrayed in a good way and I just can't get over it.
January 3, 2023
Good start
This is an intriguing start to a new series. I look forward to learning more about our heroine and her adventures.
This is an intriguing start to a new series. I look forward to learning more about our heroine and her adventures.
February 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was short but kept me interested. I like the message that good matters and the good can become champions of good to save others from evil.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
Great quick read! This short adventure is well written and has a strong identity. A snack sized adventure.
May 31, 2024
I got it at the renaissance faire from the author herself and she signit for me....I read the book in one sitting...I couldn't put it down... im definitely getting the next one
June 25, 2024
Such a great short story! A cast of interesting characters and a heroic plot. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
October 16, 2025
This was a fun short read! I'll have to get the rest of the series now
February 11, 2025
A strong FMC, for me that's a giant plus. Although it took a bit to get invested onto the story, I really enjoyed it. Now for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews