House of Ravens

The Shadow Atlas #.5

by Jenny Sandiford

Something dark awoke inside him…

Sixteen-year-old Torin will be a shadow mage; it’s his destiny. But when he discovers his father’s legacy is built on lies and innocent blood, Torin’s eyes are opened to a dark new reality. And he wants no part of it.    
  
But, in a cruel twist of fate, Torin manifests a rare Shadow Magic power—killing with the touch of his hand—and becomes a pawn for his father’s vengeance.  
   
With blood on his hands and a future paved with death, Torin must make a choice—betray his father and do what is right, or take on his dark legacy and become the monster he’s been running from. . . 
   
House of Ravens is a dark, coming of age, urban fantasy, and the captivating prequel to The Shadow Atlas series. 

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Jenny grew up in small town New Zealand on a steady diet of fairytales and fantasy books. She lived in Mongolia for nine years with her husband where they spent the unfrozen months of the year living on the edge of the Gobi Desert mining gold. When she isn’t writing, Jenny enjoys hiking, meeting new animals, and loves to curl up in a sunny corner with a cup of tea, a cat, and a book. She lives in Darwin, Australia, with her husband and their two street cats from Mongolia.

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Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to start off by thanking Jenny for sending me an ARC to read and review.

This book is a prequel novel to the Shadow Atlas series, providing the back story of Torin.

I actually quite enjoyed House of Ravens, and unlike my typical reviews; I have very little to criticise.
I found the book to be incredibly palatable, and read the whole thing in less than 24 hours (Literally my quickest read ever).
Unlike other books I’d consider an ‘easy read’, this one still had substance without getting caught up in pretty, curly language. The writing was to the point, but not without detail. The plot was simple but still captivating. I think Jenny has done an amazing job of writing a balanced and enjoyable novella which holds both as a prequel to her existing series, or a stand-alone alike.

Although I hadn’t previously read The Shadow Atlas books, I certainly will be now. Sandiford’s take on mages and the magic they wield is a unique and creative one which I’m so intrigued to read more about.

[Shannon Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book - Thank you Jenny!

This was a prequel to the Shadow Atlas series providing a backstory for the character Torin.

The world building was extraordinary in such a short book! It really brought to life the magic system - which was very different to anything I’ve read before and was very interesting. Interested to see how the other books weave the rest of the story and we get the answers to the questions that are already starting to be the major plot lines.

[Hunter (bookswithbunnies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a prequel to The Shadow Atlas series and covers Torins backstory. It was a quick read and immediately jumped into action. That action never stopped! It kept you wanting to know what happened next. A little bit of it was predictable but still enjoyable.

I’m interested in reading the rest of the series!

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Ravens is a prequel novel for the Shadow Atlas Series.

After reading this book, I can't wait to dive into the series to get more of these characters. I need to learn what happens to all of them and to see more of Sandiford's fantastic world-building.

Jenny writes these characters and these places as if she knows them and has been there. The magic system is flawlessly developed and varied depending on which house the magician resides in. She is a storyteller that draws you in with exceptional writing and then holds your attention with an intriguing plot.

[David (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last Urban Fantasy book I read was Jenny Sandiford's debut book: "Initiate: The Shadow Atlas #1" which I thought was a phenomenal book. In my review I praised the world building, magic system, and great cast of characters. So I was excited to be given a copy of her prequel to this series: "House of Ravens"

This novella continues the party. Less then 200 pages long but reads like a bullet train. I started the morning of my day off and by dinner was finished so just a great enjoyable read. In her first book we are introduced to Torin: A mysterious loner mage with a dark past. This one goes back about seven years to when he was 16 and tells his story.

And it's about as epic a story as you can get in 180ish pages! There are three major action packed sequences to this one so the action is back to back to back. So good luck trying to find a spot to put this one down. It all leads to a brutal ending and a seamless transition to book #1.

The good: Action packed, dark, and violent! I love a dark book as much as the next person but even I was a little shocked at the ending of this one. Plus, IMO, better written then the first book. That is definitely not saying the first one isn't well written but this one really improves on her debut novel. So very highly recommended.

I should also chime in on what I think is the best reading order. Obviously we have a publication date order which you start with Book 1, go back to this prequel, and then continue with Book 2 (not published yet as of 2/16/23) This is what I would recommend since you get the great world building you have with Book 1 which you don't get with this one. (it literally just shoots off) Plus you meet Torin as a secondary character and then get to know him in this one and appreciate the character building. Or you could just go in chronological order and start with this one but it really changes the whole scope of how you are introduced to everyone.

Either way this is a fantastic series if you like Urban Fantasy and I highly recommend it and is my first 5 star review of the year.

I really appreciate Jenny Sandiford for giving me a copy of her book to review and it has a publication date of Febuary 21, 2023.

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an action packed story about Torin's childhood and the discovery of his dark gifts and his father's desires to use them against their enemies. It's a dark and violent backstory where secrets are uncovered and we see Torin battle with loyalty to the house of Ravens and getting revenge against his mother's killer, against the morality of what he's being asked to do and how his father is cruel and manipulative.
The magic systems are creative and there's great world building around the God's and the different houses and abilities.
This could be read as a standalone, or is an exciting prequel to the shadow atlas trilogy, and gives valuable insight into key characters and their tragic pasts.

[Olivia Gomersall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel that can most certainly stand on its own!

House of Ravens is the prequel to the Shadow Atlas series, providing the backstory of the character Torin.

I had only previously read the first book of the Shadow Atlas series, but after this one I’m completely convinced to keep going. It’s one of the most fast paced magical books I’ve read in a long time. That pacing kept me up all night hungry for more, the magic was well constructed and felt very real and thought through. That sort of attention to the fantastical aspects made me fall more in love with the Shadow Atlas world. Torin has become a much more loveable character to me because of House of Ravens and I believe all enjoyers of magical fantasy should give Shadow Atlas a try!

PS: I was fortunate enough to receive an ebook copy of the ARC for House of Ravens, which I’m incredibly grateful for, thank you Jenny!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the very end of the book feels like it should be the into to the next book, this is a good and interesting book. This taste of the world makes me want to read the other books set in it. The way people can magically travel is different from most of the books like it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots happening in this book. I have read the next book but can’t remember it all so will have to go back and read it. Interesting to see where it all happened for Torin. Great world building and characters, what a b**** his father is.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bethany Arliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torin was one of my favourite characters from Initiate, so I was super excited to read his origin story. And boy, oh, boy, does young sixteen year Torin have a time of it. He is backed into a corner and desperately tries to figure the right way out. Then fate smacks him in the face, further complicating his way forward. Torin stumbles in the dark and is pushed into making a final decision on something that he had always thought was the right choice. Now, however, doubt chews him up and he’s turned inside-out. And in his confused, emotional state, a tragedy happens ...

A great prequel to the Shadow Atlas series! Highly recommend.

[Timepassreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

'House of Ravens' by Jenny Sandiford
Genre: Fantasy

(A Shadow Atlas Novel)
(Prequel to Initiate)

This is the backstory of Torin - how he ended up in tower of london, away from his house and his father, and why everyone hates him.

This is short and good. Torin is one of my fav characters from Initiate. I enjoyed reading his story. Even though it's been months reading Initiate, I am amazed that I could remember the characters. It's unusual for me. I can hardly remember what I read a week ago🤐

Kira is clearly a suprise to me. I didn't expect her. I am more than curious to know what happened to Kira, where she is and what happens next with Torin and her.

I downloaded this and started reading right away. I loved this one. Waiting for the next one to be finished and wishing to be in the ARC team again. I am already into it, I cannot backdown now.

Thanks for providing me with the ARC. Good luck with the release and hope all the readers love it❤❤

[Madi McLure · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚✨️
Such a fun read and enjoyable read!
Adventure, love interest, magic and cliffhangers!
Basically ticked all my boxes.
Can't wait for the next one!!

Thankyou Jenny for creating such a fabulous book, and for generously sending me an ARC!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Torin as a character in Initiate so was excited to learn about his background in this prequel and it did not disappoint.

Although this is a short novella it is packed full of excitement. We learnt about Torin's upbringing and his relationship with his father as well as what brought him to where we meet him in Initiate.

I can't wait to read more when the rest of the series is released!

[Sonderous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of "The Shadow Atlas" grows ever deeper in Jenny Sandiford's newest novella, "House of Ravens". 


At the cusp of 16, Torin Dumont wants to find peace; an eye for an eye to set the scales right again. Maybe then his ghosts will find peace and his father will wake from his grief. But, now grappling with magic no mortal, much less a teenager should possess, Torin must decide if justice is blind or if the truth can be sought from the shadows.


Not all gifts are blessings; some cost the soul as they would as a curse.


Whether you have followed "The Shadow Atlas" series from its start or are just now joining the adventure with this prequel, Sandiford has created an immersive book full of magic, mystery, and gods that is easy to pick up and even easier to consume. Within moments, you will be wrapped up in Torin's life, feeling his moments of triumph and loss as acutely as you do your own. The depth of his character and past is fascinating and I'm waiting to pick up my copy of "Initiate" to continue following his story.


Warnings: This novel did contain themes such as violence, mild language, and Death. Sandiford did not disregard the gravity of such scenes and handled those scenes in ways that were not gratuitous. 


If you believe in hidden magic and worlds of adventure and intrigue within our own, you are sure to enjoy this book. You will feel like a teenager again, getting wrapped up in a good book and refusing to put it down until the sun comes up. So find your House of Magic and the magic locked away inside you before the myths become reality and the end draws nearer. The Shadow Atlas is waiting.

Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Jenny for sending me an ebook to read and review. The premise caught my attention. Even though I haven't read the first book, I'm glad I got the chance to read the second one. I'll definitely go and read the first one soon.

House of Ravens is about Torin, a 16 year old who wants to take control of his destiny. He finds out his father's legacy was built on lies and innocent blood, and wants nothing to do with him anymore. The rest of the story is about him deciding: either follow his own path and to do what is right, or to do what his father wants and join the corrupted legacy.

The story is well written, and an easy read. Some of the dialogue was basic and a little cheesy, but I don't mind that. It's only 187 pages long. I can't wait to read the first book, and I hope there will be another in this world. Torin's a great character to follow, as were the side characters like Kira. The magic system was interesting. I hope there will be more books to explore the magic and world more. I want to know more about the 8 houses and the magic they possess.

Jenny created an intriguing world, and described everything beautifully. I felt like the story could've been a little longer, but that's just in my opinion. It's a pretty good length. And it's not everyday you can find good, short urban fantasy stories.

A couple quotes/parts of the book I highlighted:

"This was the magic of the House of Ravens, one of the eight Houses of Magic and one of the four that practiced Shadow Magic."

"Necromancy might be illegal and from the House of Snakes, their enemies, but resetting the balance in life was far more important."

Date published: February 21, 2023
Author: Jenny Sandiford
Pages: 187
Stars: 4 out of 5 stars

[Ceej · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an A.R.C. from the author as part of their launch campaign.

This book was just fine. There wasn't anything egregious enough to hand it two stars, but I can't say I particularly enjoyed it either. It's a 2.5 rounded up. It was alright for a YA fantasy (though there are expletives included). I will commend Sandiford for her magic system as it is unique and interesting enough to entice me to read Initate, if only so I have some more context for the main character of this prequel, Torin. I want to figure out why I'm supposed to like him.

The plot of House of Ravens was predictable on account of the moustache-twirling "evil for the sake of evil" villain who was, of course, the main character's father. Everything about him was cardboard. It was immediately obvious that he was responsible for Torin's mother's/his wife's death and that assassinating the other House was part of a plan to instigate a war. It was glaringly obvious that the bugs he gave Torin were bombs. It was clear from the moment Licorice was introduced that she would be fridged. A flat character will do that to a plot.

It was also obvious that the thing Torin used to save Kira would be the same thing that harmed her in the end. There wasn't enough subtlety in the writing to craft the arcs organically. A lot of what Torin did or thought came across as contrived, but I guess that's a pitfall of a prologue when you know a character has to hit certain plot beats to fulfil their established arc. The other characters—the best friend/fiery crush, the two identical friends, and the romantic rival jock—were also blatant archetypes with no flavour. I wanted to like Kira, but I've read hundreds of Kiras and they're all outspoken and stubborn without a ounce of self preservation.

The writing was okay, if not mediocre in points. There were some descriptions I liked, but not enough, and I found patterns in the prose that put me off. For instance, from the last page of Chapter 1 to half way through Chapter 2, there are 6 animal similes that I counted:
• "stealth of a lionness"
• "fast as a fox"
• "big as a bear"
• "circled them like wolves"
• "like a fly in a shadowy spider's web"
• "like a raging dragon"
That's in just 9 pages on my kindle. It annoyed me the same way the info dumps did when they interjected the action. I get that we need context for these powers, but we can learn that through the action without pausing for a history lesson like we did at the beginning of Chapter 2 (in the midst of an ambush).

There is so much exposition in this book that destroyed the tension and a lot of that happened due to filtering. Things we could infer are just told to us outright, which made me feel like the author didn't trust me to understand her intent. I did, I got it the first time, please let go of my hand.

As for technical stuff, semi-colons are sprinkled throughout the prose with no rhyme or reason. It's noticeable because there aren't many initially, but once the author seems to remember they exist, they're used everywhere.

So this book was just fine. I'll read Initiate and see if it improves my perception of this book. I did go into this blind so perhaps I am missing something integral, like the reason daddy has no personality or why Torin is such a mummy's boy. The idea of shadow magic is fascinating, and I would love to see how Torin uses or abuses his inexplicable hand of death powers, and necromancy. I do really like the elemers as weapons and tools, and the void between realms is a cool visual. So there is some stuff I liked. I'm just glad this prequel was short enough not to exhaust me.

[Carolin Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Backstory

I went into this book knowing nothing about it but the title and that it’s a prequel; I hadn’t read the blurb. Though I found out pretty quick that it was about Torin Dumont, one of the love interests for Azalea in the main Shadow Atlas books. This book turned out to be about how he came to be at the Tower of London, and while it added a few things, it didn’t really share anything I couldn’t work out from the other books.

It was in limited third person point of view from Torin’s perspective, much like how the other books are mainly from Azalea’s perspective, and doesn’t change throughout; that’s okay, because it’s much shorter than the others. The style is consistent with Sandiford’s other work, a bit casual, but mostly serious and written in a way that’s great for teens and young adults. It reviews a lot about magic that we first learn in the main series, which I’ve noticed is more often in books for younger readers, to remind them of things they might’ve forgotten, or tell them what they might not know (this is a prequel; it could’ve been read before the other books instead, or separately).

I appreciate that we get more than a glimpse into Torin’s childhood. He’s fifteen-sixteen years old in this book, but a lot has to do with his mother’s death from back when he was nine or ten. Though there are no flashbacks, the insight into his thoughts and feelings is invaluable for his character, and seeing how he’s trained and treated at home grants us understanding for who he is—even if it doesn’t excuse his actions.

The quality of the book is great, as usual, though I found a single typo at the very end of the book—always annoying when they slip through all those rounds of editing, huh?

I thought the pacing was quite good. There were a few parts that felt like they dragged on and I wanted to get on with it, but overall, no scenes felt out of place. We spent time with a limited cast, all of whom played a role in this story in one way or another, and it was exciting to know how Torin met many of the characters we know from the main series. One meeting of his was a little odd, I mut admit, because it seemed to conflict with what I know from canon, but I might be mistaken.

I still firmly believe that Mind magic should be illegal as well, for the same reasons that Necromancy is illegal, but considering the amount of power the House of Owls has, I doubt that kind of law would pass anytime soon. Plus, there’s no way to prove that someone else has been prying into your thoughts, so it’s a legal nightmare at best.

If you love the main series books, you’ll love this story. It’s longer than other “free” stories I’ve seen, even, which is a treat to people who’re reading the books. Recommended for a relaxing weekend!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well let’s preface this review the the obligatory ‘ARC kindly provided from the author/publisher via BookSirens for an honest review.’
Now when I read The Initiate Book #1 in this series, I LOVED IT, so I immediately signed up to be alerted to when Jenny Sandiford’s next book comes out so that I can jump on the ARC train as fast as I could while there were seats still available. So when I got that email I have never moved so fast in my life to get my hands on this read!

This story is a prequel to The Initiate Book #1. It gives us some history, and character background to Torin whom we meet in Book #1. This prequel gave us enough of Torin’s story to better solidify who he is in from our first encounter with him and a little more about why he is the way he is. We also got to revisit younger versions of some of our favourite characters who go on to help our future heroine Azalea in the next book. As well as a firsthand look at some of the big bad villains only mentioned previously and some potential ones too come in book #2.
This is a quick read, fabulously paced magical filled book. The world Jenny so wonderfully created was easy to fall back into and enjoy. It is a nice visit back while we wait for the second book in this series to grace us. I enjoyed it and will be counting down the days until I get my hands on the next!

The one caveat I have with this book is the same as the first. I had trouble following where we were at any given moment. I kept finding myself going back through the pages to reread and or find a description of the physical locations we were at in relation to other places already visited. Maybe this is just me….but a girl needs a map sometimes….

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and heartbreaking backstory for the Shadow Atlas Series

Torin's story is dark, sad, and lonely. As he discovers the truth about his father and recognizes more and more that he's evil, he's a liar, and he literally cares about no one but himself, Torin has to figure out what the right thing for him to do is. I have to admit that I really love Torin, he's a great character, really well written in this story and though he's made mistakes, mostly because of his father, he is more than willing to admit them, pay for them, and try and make what he can right. Can't wait to read the other books in this series and see where Torin ends up!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both a continuation and a prequel of The Shadow Atlas series. In the first book Initiate we meet a mysterious shadow mage Torin. Here’s where we get his background and learn where he comes from and what made him into who he is in the present.
I was a little wishy washy on the first book. It was good but there was so much information it kind of overwhelmed me and overshadowed the plot. I liked this step back a bit to learn more about the world and in particular Torin. It’s definitely on the dark side so if that’s not your kind of fantasy maybe pass on this. But it is compelling and really well written. Definitely a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was an enjoying read. The book was exciting and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next. Torrin's story did not go the predictable route and that was refreshing. I realized after reading that this is a prequel and it felt like there were some missing connections I did not have since I have not read the series. That being said, I do want to continue the series to find out more about Torrin and their world. I would have liked a little more background/scene setting as I was not familiar with their world. It is not clear if it's present day, past, future, or some mixture. I did enjoy this novel and am looking forward to reading more in. The series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jordan Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Jenny Sandiford for providing me with an ARC copy of this book to read!

This book was my first introduction to the Shadow Atlas series, and it's very intriguing! While this book isn't as long as some of the other ones I've read, it's great for someone who might be busy but still wants to devour something new and/or familiar.

The magic system is especially interesting, as it takes certain tropes about "good magic" versus "evil magic" and turns them on head, making for a unique and engaging story. It presents the urban fantasy in a way that's easy enough to digest for someone new to the subgenre.

All in all, great work!

[Erica Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

House of Ravens is prequel to the The Shadow Atlas series, and while I enjoyed the story, it really did feel like a prequel rather than a novel in its own right. It might be that this book ought to be read after you’ve already been introduced to the Shadow Atlas universe.

Torin Is in interesting character, but the world he lives in didn’t feel fully fleshed out to me. Again, I suspect that was because I didn’t have other books from the series to draw on in order to fill in the gaps.

I enjoyed the relationship between Torin and Keira but struggled with the time jump at the end of the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Ramsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this!

I loved Torin when I read Initiate, and I was so happy when I found out we were getting a prequel book about him.

It gave us such a great insight into his back story. I'm definitely on team #protectTorin

I can't wait to see more of Torin in the coming books and just more of this world in general.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sonja Blanco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel that rips open the portal to a whole new series!

I love a good male POV and House of Ravens delivers! As a prequel to the series, this novella introduces an exciting new magical world and characters you will immediately fall for. Torin’s childhood and the tough choices he makes at the cusp of adulthood set a fascinating stage for the series.
Looking forward to reading more of The Shadow Atlas saga!

[Lyra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Booksirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have to be honest, I didn't super enjoy this.
I didn't like any of the characters, and the story was boring to me, despite the dark magic and necromancy. I'm kinda sad I couldn't get into this.
I think if you like dark magic and necromancy and a YA-romance-ish setting, you should give this a try and see if maybe it just wasn't for me!

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenny tells us a bit more about Torin's life and how he went to London Tower. We thrill with him in this moment of his life, where he needs to deal with the pain of his mom's death, a aquicsion of new great power, emotions in conflict about his childhood girlfriend and discover a lot of things of his father.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lucy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ for this awesome novella! Torin was my favourite character in The Shadow Atlas Initiate book so I was super excited to read a book about his back story. The book was super fast paced and exciting from start to finish I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for her next book to come out to find out what's next

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark and intriguing prequel! This is Torin’s story and it’s a little dark, a little sad and is full of secrets and lies. It’s a fantastic coming of age story as we follow Torin on his journey of self discovery as he tries to be good and tries to break free of his evil father. With incredible World building the author does a fantastic job of introducing us to this magical world.

[Azshure Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequels can be difficult. The fore knowledge that some readers will have can make it harder to convey certain twists. That being said, House of Ravens pulls off new one well, while keeping what is known in tact. As well as adding new questions for the series at large.