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Raven #2
Raven's Strike
Centuries ago, the wizards of Colossae unleashed an unimaginable force of destruction: the Stalker. Only the sacrifice of their entire city could contain the menace they had wrought—but even then, the Stalker was only imprisoned, and it can still find conduits for its evil power...
Seraph is among the last of the Travelers, those who strive to destroy the dark magic released by their ancestors' mistakes. Seraph tried to escape her people's duty and live a quiet life, until evil found her...and her family.
A cunning new force for darkness called the Shadowed stalks the land, feeding on death, destruction, and the sleeping Stalker's power. He plans to wake the Stalker, wreaking untold havoc, but he needs those who bear the Travelers' magic to release the dark god... and he has his sights set on Seraph and her family.
Now Seraph must use all her cunning and ability as a Raven mage to track down the Shadowed and strike against him before it is too late...
Seraph is among the last of the Travelers, those who strive to destroy the dark magic released by their ancestors' mistakes. Seraph tried to escape her people's duty and live a quiet life, until evil found her...and her family.
A cunning new force for darkness called the Shadowed stalks the land, feeding on death, destruction, and the sleeping Stalker's power. He plans to wake the Stalker, wreaking untold havoc, but he needs those who bear the Travelers' magic to release the dark god... and he has his sights set on Seraph and her family.
Now Seraph must use all her cunning and ability as a Raven mage to track down the Shadowed and strike against him before it is too late...
381 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2005
403 people are currently reading
3168 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Briggs
118 books29.8k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
Patricia Briggs was born in Butte, Montana, to a children’s librarian who passed on to her kids a love of reading and books. Patricia grew up reading fairy tales and books about horses, and later developed an interest in folklore and history. When she decided to write a book of her own, a fantasy book seemed a natural choice. Patricia graduated from Montana State University with degrees in history and German and she worked for a while as a substitute teacher. Currently, she lives in Montana with her husband, children, and six horses and writes full time, much to the delight of her fans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
December 31, 2023
Tired of young super-heroes who save the world single-handedly? This series offers a family of valiant hearts and their close comrades.
I want another sequel, with the whole gang! This is fantasy, with light romance, wizards, gods, demi-gods, trolls, vampirism, ghosts, shapeshifters, etc. Lively and lovely characters cemented this heartwarming and sometimes action-packed adventure story. Themes of redemption, coming of age/ growing into one's gifts, and love conquers all: brotherly love, familial love, and romantic love. A few nasty villains. Some nicely surprising plot twists. Some tense sections, several fabulous heroines kicking ash, several totally likable heroes, and a vivid storytelling session describing Shadow's Fall.
So heartwarming, as a family of gifted farmers -- including a farmwife/witch and a valiant 10-year-old girl -- team up with a young Emperor Phoran and his few true friends. Together, they defeat the "shadowed" one.
More positively, I enjoyed the love story for Jes, the empathic warrior (shapeshifter guardian), and Hennea, raven Mage. I appreciated the special relationship that develops between Lehr the young hunter and Brewydd, a very old healer. Also liked the heartwarming scenes with the emperor Phoran and little Rinnie. I found myself interested in Phoran's character development, and enjoyed the bonding between this emperor, his imperial guards and Tier's family of UNcommon farmers.
Good times! Will definitely listen again (already did, in fact). Book one was better in some ways: paced more fluidly, with fewer info-dumps.
Excellent narration by Jennifer James Bradshaw. Wishing for a third book in the series.
Sequel ideas: To be thorough, Seraph and her family need to destroy all the Shadowed’s properties and investigate his family and associates, just as in the first book, Raven’s Shadow, where, according to Tier’s song in chapter 7, the victorious Army of Man pulled down every stone in the Shadowed King’s palace, after they killed him.
Also...Lehr the Hunter Falcon could go map the maze-like palace. Maybe he’ll find something hidden and dangerous, or somehow special.
And...Maybe a lark baby is born to Jes and Henaya. Another idea...Travelers are tasked with a special assignment from emperor, which they accomplish and people start to trust them.
Phoran still needs to deal with the scept of Gorash
Why not five stars?
Some inconsistencies: Tier the bardic truth-detector should have been able to detect the big lie that resulted in a sudden savage attack. (or maybe not, given his deteriorating bardic order). Lehr the Hunter butchered a deer, but then two days later they were eating rabbit stew. Also, the Guardian's reluctance to kill didn't jive with the prequel, when he was ready (eager) to rip open that raptor's throat at the battle in the palace.
Also, I grew somewhat annoyed when -- while two dying characters need urgent first aid -- the action stopped while characters told each other what had just happened, in their absence. What for?! I had just read it! Redundant, and bad timing.
Some drawn out info-dumps as characters discuss magic workings, the Weaver and the Stalker, the Orders and how to make and break them, and the difference between spirit, order (gifts) and soul.
After all that talk about the Stalker and we never got closure. Did Seraph put the memori stakes in their place in the city, to repair the holes in the veil? Is Stalker’s power still leaking? Will the Travelers ever be safe from racism?
I want another sequel, with the whole gang! This is fantasy, with light romance, wizards, gods, demi-gods, trolls, vampirism, ghosts, shapeshifters, etc. Lively and lovely characters cemented this heartwarming and sometimes action-packed adventure story. Themes of redemption, coming of age/ growing into one's gifts, and love conquers all: brotherly love, familial love, and romantic love. A few nasty villains. Some nicely surprising plot twists. Some tense sections, several fabulous heroines kicking ash, several totally likable heroes, and a vivid storytelling session describing Shadow's Fall.
So heartwarming, as a family of gifted farmers -- including a farmwife/witch and a valiant 10-year-old girl -- team up with a young Emperor Phoran and his few true friends. Together, they defeat the "shadowed" one.
More positively, I enjoyed the love story for Jes, the empathic warrior (shapeshifter guardian), and Hennea, raven Mage. I appreciated the special relationship that develops between Lehr the young hunter and Brewydd, a very old healer. Also liked the heartwarming scenes with the emperor Phoran and little Rinnie. I found myself interested in Phoran's character development, and enjoyed the bonding between this emperor, his imperial guards and Tier's family of UNcommon farmers.
Good times! Will definitely listen again (already did, in fact). Book one was better in some ways: paced more fluidly, with fewer info-dumps.
Excellent narration by Jennifer James Bradshaw. Wishing for a third book in the series.
Sequel ideas: To be thorough, Seraph and her family need to destroy all the Shadowed’s properties and investigate his family and associates, just as in the first book, Raven’s Shadow, where, according to Tier’s song in chapter 7, the victorious Army of Man pulled down every stone in the Shadowed King’s palace, after they killed him.
Also...Lehr the Hunter Falcon could go map the maze-like palace. Maybe he’ll find something hidden and dangerous, or somehow special.
And...Maybe a lark baby is born to Jes and Henaya. Another idea...Travelers are tasked with a special assignment from emperor, which they accomplish and people start to trust them.
Phoran still needs to deal with the scept of Gorash
Why not five stars?
Some inconsistencies: Tier the bardic truth-detector should have been able to detect the big lie that resulted in a sudden savage attack. (or maybe not, given his deteriorating bardic order). Lehr the Hunter butchered a deer, but then two days later they were eating rabbit stew. Also, the Guardian's reluctance to kill didn't jive with the prequel, when he was ready (eager) to rip open that raptor's throat at the battle in the palace.
Also, I grew somewhat annoyed when -- while two dying characters need urgent first aid -- the action stopped while characters told each other what had just happened, in their absence. What for?! I had just read it! Redundant, and bad timing.
Some drawn out info-dumps as characters discuss magic workings, the Weaver and the Stalker, the Orders and how to make and break them, and the difference between spirit, order (gifts) and soul.
After all that talk about the Stalker and we never got closure. Did Seraph put the memori stakes in their place in the city, to repair the holes in the veil? Is Stalker’s power still leaking? Will the Travelers ever be safe from racism?
March 27, 2023
💀 DNF at 29%.
Why this book has a 4.11-star rating is and forever shall be one of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Also, not sure what the people who gave this story such despicably high ratings were smoking at the time but it's obviously high-quality stuff and I want some.
Bye now.
· Book 1: Raven's Shadow ★★★
April 6, 2019
My pick for the first task in the Vampire Wars.
Go Team Lestat!!
2.5 stars
I admit I had high expectations for this book as I loved Raven's Shadow. Instead, I found myself counting pages till the end, constantly checking to see "How much more of this is left?!!" And waiting to be finally done with it so I can move on to something else!
Despite being full of action, it was boring and could have been a lot better.
Go Team Lestat!!
2.5 stars
I admit I had high expectations for this book as I loved Raven's Shadow. Instead, I found myself counting pages till the end, constantly checking to see "How much more of this is left?!!" And waiting to be finally done with it so I can move on to something else!
Despite being full of action, it was boring and could have been a lot better.
April 6, 2025
I loved it so, so much that I actually slowed down a bit at the end because I didn't want it to end.
The family was amazing. The magic and mythology was wonderful and fascinating. I adored all the characters. I so wish there was more.
Reread April 2025
My original review made me laugh because I did the same thing in this reread: slowed waaaaay down from the 60% point onward, because I just didn't want it to be done. And then couldn't put it down, so here I am at 3:30am having just finished.
This is just wonderful fantasy. I love it utterly.
The family was amazing. The magic and mythology was wonderful and fascinating. I adored all the characters. I so wish there was more.
Reread April 2025
My original review made me laugh because I did the same thing in this reread: slowed waaaaay down from the 60% point onward, because I just didn't want it to be done. And then couldn't put it down, so here I am at 3:30am having just finished.
This is just wonderful fantasy. I love it utterly.
May 11, 2016
I wish there was a third book. I know the story is done but I want a 500 page gratuitous epilogue about who the kids grow up to be and see what the Empire shakes out to be.
April 7, 2019
Seraph is among the last of the Travelers, those who strive to destroy the dark magic released by their ancestors’ mistakes. Seraph tried to escape her people’s duty and live a quiet life, until evil found her…and her family.
Ok, so I really enjoyed the first book in this duology. I liked that it included a whole family that worked together to defeat evil. I liked the different personalities of the children and their different abilities. I expected to like this one just as much, but this book fell pretty flat for me. Mostly it was just boring. There wasn't enough happening besides a lot of research on how to defeat the Shadowed. There were some good moments and I came to really like the relationships that were built between certain characters, but it wasn't enough to carry the book and make me want to keep reading. Mostly I slogged through this anticipating when it would be over, and I could move onto the next book, which is never a good thing.
I wouldn't say that I regret reading this duology, especially since I really liked the first book, so if you are really into Patricia Briggs and want to read everything she has written, then I would definitely read it. Just keep in mind that this is one of her earlier works and it could have used some improvement.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Ok, so I really enjoyed the first book in this duology. I liked that it included a whole family that worked together to defeat evil. I liked the different personalities of the children and their different abilities. I expected to like this one just as much, but this book fell pretty flat for me. Mostly it was just boring. There wasn't enough happening besides a lot of research on how to defeat the Shadowed. There were some good moments and I came to really like the relationships that were built between certain characters, but it wasn't enough to carry the book and make me want to keep reading. Mostly I slogged through this anticipating when it would be over, and I could move onto the next book, which is never a good thing.
I wouldn't say that I regret reading this duology, especially since I really liked the first book, so if you are really into Patricia Briggs and want to read everything she has written, then I would definitely read it. Just keep in mind that this is one of her earlier works and it could have used some improvement.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
September 14, 2021
Raven's Strike is the second book of the Raven duology by Patricia Briggs. Patricia Briggs is best known for her wildly popular Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series. This book was written before those series and is high fantasy instead of urban fantasy. I came across it and the first book, Raven's Shadow, recently in a used book store and because I really like Patricia Briggs's books I decided to give them a chance. I was not disappointed. This book is very well written and a great continuation of the first book, Raven's Shadow.
In this one Tier and Seraph have returned home and desire nothing more than to settle down with their family and friends on their remote farm. That however is not to be. They soon learn that an entire village not too far away has been destroyed by a magical plague. They also learn that their Traveler friends died trying to save the people who lived there. It soon becomes apparent that the dark being known as the Shadowed is the cause and he intends to harm Seraph and her family next. It will be up to Seraph and Tier and their family and friends as well as the Emperor himself to find and destroy this evil once and for all.
This book is a fine conclusion to this duology.
In this one Tier and Seraph have returned home and desire nothing more than to settle down with their family and friends on their remote farm. That however is not to be. They soon learn that an entire village not too far away has been destroyed by a magical plague. They also learn that their Traveler friends died trying to save the people who lived there. It soon becomes apparent that the dark being known as the Shadowed is the cause and he intends to harm Seraph and her family next. It will be up to Seraph and Tier and their family and friends as well as the Emperor himself to find and destroy this evil once and for all.
This book is a fine conclusion to this duology.
March 10, 2012
This is the second half of the Seraph and Tier story which picks up right after Raven’s Shadow finishes. Seraph and her family are on their way home with their new-found Traveler (sic) friends, but it soon becomes apparent that beating the secret society – The Path – wasn’t the only battle they had to win. There are still shadowed creatures becoming ever more bold and the one who escaped them at the end of Raven’s Shadow is still very much active and an increasing danger. When it becomes apparent that Tier didn’t escape magical damage after all and that his magic is gradually being stripped away (leaving him prone to epileptic type fits and ultimately likely to be fatal) Seraph must do something to confront the Shadowed. This becomes even more pressing when Emperor Phoran shows up at the farmhouse door with four of his loyal guard. He’s still having problems with a strange creature called The Memory, a vengeful vampiric spirit that was supposed to have been laid to rest when the path fell. Unfortunately there’s a complication. The Emperor must take a test to show he is no magic user and with the Memory feeding from him, he’ll fail that test giving his enemies a legal reason to have him beheaded. Phoran, being none too keen on this calls on Tier and Seraph again.
They decide the answers for both Tier and the Emperor lie in the ruined city of the Wizards and thus begins a quest to find the city and find the answers within it. The plot twists round itself as Seraph and Tier’s three children and the other characters have their concerns addressed, Phoran and his men plus Hennea, Jes’s Raven sweetheart all become part of Tier and Seraph’s extended family as they travel together.
This book did answer a lot of concerns that I had after finishing Raven’s Shadow, but the convolutions of magic that explained how and why this or that was able to exist and wield power were muddled and convoluted. Unusually for Briggs she spent a lot of time (several pages at a time) with one character explaining things to another in terms of stories of the past or lectures on how magic worked. That part of it was less than elegant and less than I’ve come to expect from such a talented writer. However what did work for me was the interaction between characters: the young Emperor gradually falling under the spell of ten year old Rinnie, herself a weather-witch; Hennea gradually being pulled back to remember who and what she was and the way these revelations affected the troubled Jes; the different characters of the Emperor’s four guards (two from Book #1 and two new ones); Tier coming to terms with the fact that he might lose his wife back to the life of a Traveler now that she was using her magic again.
It was refreshing to have the main character of a novel as being not only a wife in a settled relationship, but also the mother of three children who were given page time as characters contributing to the plot. Seraph had her first child very young, of course, but she and Tier must be at least late 30s and late 40s respectively, (Tier being at least a decade older than Seraph who was 16 at the beginning of Book 1).
They decide the answers for both Tier and the Emperor lie in the ruined city of the Wizards and thus begins a quest to find the city and find the answers within it. The plot twists round itself as Seraph and Tier’s three children and the other characters have their concerns addressed, Phoran and his men plus Hennea, Jes’s Raven sweetheart all become part of Tier and Seraph’s extended family as they travel together.
This book did answer a lot of concerns that I had after finishing Raven’s Shadow, but the convolutions of magic that explained how and why this or that was able to exist and wield power were muddled and convoluted. Unusually for Briggs she spent a lot of time (several pages at a time) with one character explaining things to another in terms of stories of the past or lectures on how magic worked. That part of it was less than elegant and less than I’ve come to expect from such a talented writer. However what did work for me was the interaction between characters: the young Emperor gradually falling under the spell of ten year old Rinnie, herself a weather-witch; Hennea gradually being pulled back to remember who and what she was and the way these revelations affected the troubled Jes; the different characters of the Emperor’s four guards (two from Book #1 and two new ones); Tier coming to terms with the fact that he might lose his wife back to the life of a Traveler now that she was using her magic again.
It was refreshing to have the main character of a novel as being not only a wife in a settled relationship, but also the mother of three children who were given page time as characters contributing to the plot. Seraph had her first child very young, of course, but she and Tier must be at least late 30s and late 40s respectively, (Tier being at least a decade older than Seraph who was 16 at the beginning of Book 1).
September 24, 2015
well, with Patricia Briggs you never now where the story will go. I was so certain that I had it all figured out, when bom in just one page she flips everything upside down. So many surprises, you're just sitting there and thinking "how did you just come up with that, and I didnt expect anything" Just bloody amazing. Loved the development of the characters and how they grew through the book.The story was amazing. There was alot of talk about magic and how it worked, and why can somebody do that and wy somebody not, and this Order that, and that Order this, that was a bit tiring, but acceptable. I have to buy this book and have it on my shelf so I can read it when ever I want.
June 17, 2008
Even more exciting than the previous book. What I loved most about this book was the great bond between Seraph and her husband Tier. They would truly do anything for each other, although they don't always agree. Seems pretty realistic to me.
January 24, 2017
finished off strong. this book was harder for me to get into but was worth the finish. my last book gave me a hangover so the opening chapters of this one were hard for me to get through. lots of recap from the last book with some new character development. I don't think I'll read it again but if you're looking for a fun fluff space filler, raven's shadow and raven's strike are good.
January 10, 2016
Oh, my this was a wonderful story. Five stars even though it can't stand, really, without the other half of the series - and one might be able to read the first half as a stand-alone, but would miss so much. Awesome good read.
April 17, 2019
Completely unnecessary sequel. Didn't feel like much happened in the first 80% of the book, then all the action happened and it was over. Sad, considering how great the first book was.
February 23, 2019
I came to this book only gradually realising it was book two in a series. It has the most convoluted and muddled magical system I have ever come across and in the first half characters actually deliver long explanations of various aspects and the exceptions etc to other characters which is never a good sign. In fact the book was heading for a 2 star review when it picked up in the second half once the character of the Emperor was introduced. He was far more engaging and the book then switched to becoming more of an action based story, plus some of the confusion was eventually sorted out and proved to be due to the machinations of the chief villain.
I did like the fact that the two main protagonists are a mature couple with children although there are also adolescents with unusual powers and a more than usual struggle with the issues of growing up, but given the confusion is the first half can only award this 3 stars.
I did like the fact that the two main protagonists are a mature couple with children although there are also adolescents with unusual powers and a more than usual struggle with the issues of growing up, but given the confusion is the first half can only award this 3 stars.
February 16, 2021
I was really excited to continue with this series to find out what was next on the agenda and happening with Tier's family. Book 1 was a great introduction to this new world of magic and we got to meet and begin to adore Tier, Seraph, Lehr, Rinni and Jess. Also, we get to see more of Hennea and Phoran, the unlikely likeable Emperor. Now, Phoran has come to Tier with his request for help and Seraph and Tier have figured out who the Shadowed really is. But, more importantly, Tier is sick and he is in grave danger. We have seen the kids grow into their abilities and it is great to see how Jes is maturing.
This book was a delight. I listened to most of it on audio and had absolutely no problems with the narration. The character development was furthered in this book as the gang heads out on a quest to help Phoran and to try to heal Tier. There was a great build up in the action that culminated in a dramatic event. I will admit that there was a certain reveal that I had a hard time with. No spoilers but someone was a lot more than we initially thought and that was a bit hard to wrap your mind around.
But, for the most part, this had everything you need for a great adventure. Exciting characters who were "good" at their core, a REALLY bad bad guy, a person who ended up betraying the group....and it ends with a completed story arc and a HEA. What more could you want?
This book was a delight. I listened to most of it on audio and had absolutely no problems with the narration. The character development was furthered in this book as the gang heads out on a quest to help Phoran and to try to heal Tier. There was a great build up in the action that culminated in a dramatic event. I will admit that there was a certain reveal that I had a hard time with. No spoilers but someone was a lot more than we initially thought and that was a bit hard to wrap your mind around.
But, for the most part, this had everything you need for a great adventure. Exciting characters who were "good" at their core, a REALLY bad bad guy, a person who ended up betraying the group....and it ends with a completed story arc and a HEA. What more could you want?
December 23, 2024
I put off reading these books thinking they wouldn't be nearly as good as her later UF series. But I was wrong. This one, especially, is an excellent story with good pacing. As usual the characters are strong, likable and imperfect enough to identify with. The odds they face are overwhelming, and one point I like about this series is that it takes all of them to overcome the evil, no single person holds most of the power. In fact, seeing family and friends work together to defeat the shadowed one is wonderful and a nice twist on the usual tale of one lone hero and a sidekick.
Also, unlike in the first book, some good people suffer here and pay the price for their victory, which makes it sweeter. This would have been a perfect series to read when I was a girl. It's still fun today. 4.5 happy reading stars. I wish she'd written more of these.
Also, unlike in the first book, some good people suffer here and pay the price for their victory, which makes it sweeter. This would have been a perfect series to read when I was a girl. It's still fun today. 4.5 happy reading stars. I wish she'd written more of these.
June 27, 2019
Five Super Amazing Stars! I need to repeat that Patricia Briggs is one of the most amazing story teller! This has been the most satisfying conclusion to such a fantastic tale! Sure, I got bored with the long explanation/background of how the bad magic came to be, the Origin of the Stalker, why the Shadowed could never be killed, . . .etc! But, Oh, man! Nothing could compare to the scene the Powerful Evil got defeated! Sharing one of my favorite scenes:
"I cannot kill him," said the Memory. "That task is yours, Guardian."
"I'll do it" said Lehr.
The Guardian smiled at his brother, then met Hennea's gaze briefly.
"No," he said. "Death is my gift." And he snapped the brittle neck.
July 31, 2016
Well written and fun; natural dialogue and well-made worlds for interesting characters to play in: that is what Patricia Briggs is all about. The duology of Raven's Shadow and Raven's Strike, with a really interesting and I think unique structure of magic. My only issue with these books at all is that she always uses the word "quit" - "He quit talking"; "She quit asking". It always seems too modern an idiom to me, and nudges me out of her world a little; just once I'd love her to say "stopped" or "ceased" or anything else in the thesaurus...
Regardless, I love Patricia Briggs.
Regardless, I love Patricia Briggs.
January 2, 2015
What an amazing read!
I'm all for this kind of fantasy genre now. How is it called exactly? Straight forward fantasy? Epic fantasy? Not sure, I usually call it boys' fantasy, but I'll add it in the genres I'm interested in. It's settled!
I have to congratulate Patricia Briggs for the world building and the amazing characters. The Travelers' history and abilities were very interesting. I enjoyed this book better than the first but this might be because I was not much in a mood for reading at the time. I had enjoyed it nevertheless and I'm glad I decided to read the next one.
I'm all for this kind of fantasy genre now. How is it called exactly? Straight forward fantasy? Epic fantasy? Not sure, I usually call it boys' fantasy, but I'll add it in the genres I'm interested in. It's settled!
I have to congratulate Patricia Briggs for the world building and the amazing characters. The Travelers' history and abilities were very interesting. I enjoyed this book better than the first but this might be because I was not much in a mood for reading at the time. I had enjoyed it nevertheless and I'm glad I decided to read the next one.
August 7, 2018
I found these less engaging than her later books (and the reissued Aralorn series), and a little dry in style. The characters just didn't quite resonate with me till well into each book. I kept reading though, even when jet-lagged, which has got to be worth something.
Edited later: They stand up better on reread, even reading out of order.
Edited later: They stand up better on reread, even reading out of order.
September 15, 2018
Amazing
Though it didn't have as much romance as I usually like, I still love this duet of books. The world Ms Briggs created is simply amazing and the characters so well crafted, they feel like friends. I really liked that we got the pov of everyone and not just one or two characters. I wish it was a longer series, I'd especially loved to read more of Pharon and his guard.
Though it didn't have as much romance as I usually like, I still love this duet of books. The world Ms Briggs created is simply amazing and the characters so well crafted, they feel like friends. I really liked that we got the pov of everyone and not just one or two characters. I wish it was a longer series, I'd especially loved to read more of Pharon and his guard.
February 20, 2025
During this reread I got a little bored in the middle and set it down. Came back to finish and I enjoyed it a lot, but I need to be in the right mood I guess.
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I love this duology. Great little adventure fantasy. With lots of action and likeable characters.
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I love this duology. Great little adventure fantasy. With lots of action and likeable characters.
November 12, 2018
Enjoyed the characters and magic concepts. Storyline more of a pleasant stroll than action packed but it does not get to the point of boring (looks like most negative reviews want more action & romance).
February 5, 2010
Like the first book in this series, Raven's Shadow, this book is well plotted and has many interesting characters. I always enjoy Patricia Briggs' fantasy writing. This is no exception.
May 27, 2018
Despite the 3 stars, I really enjoyed this series. It's rare to see an adventure involving a whole family of protags.
November 1, 2017
4/5; 4 stars; A-
Part two of a duology. Really good fantasy adventure. Well narrated by Jennifer James Bradshaw.
Part two of a duology. Really good fantasy adventure. Well narrated by Jennifer James Bradshaw.
July 3, 2014
Uhm, rather different than the first one, the "adventure" took place in the last quarter of the book really but maybe that's more the "action" i still felt the characters weren't ever really fleshed out. the bad guy was obvious but i don't think he wasnt supposed to be, there was another bad guy though that slipped through the cracks for me.
Seraph and her family are returning safely home to recoup and regroup knowing that the Shadowed one will be coming for them. Hennea chooses to stay with the Raven and her family rather than sticking with Rogien the Librarian's clan. Jes/the Guardian is pleased since now everyone he cares about will be back together again. Upon arriving home they discover the whole town huddled on their farmstead safe(ish) behind the wards while on the other side paces an angry Troll. The power of the Orders all unite and dispatch with the ancient and shadowed creature. Seraph discovers that since she and Hennea cleared Volis' temple the Shadowed One came to town and scrawled a dark glyph which began to draw evil and fay creatures to harrass the town. So who is the Shadowed One? signs are beginning to point that it might be a Rederni... Soon after the family settles back into routine, Tier takes a bad turn so Lehr goes to find the Traveler's and beg Brewydd to come help out. Phoran also shows up also in need of some Traveler assistance. Needless to say lots of adventure ensues, ultimately leading Seraph and her new found clan all the way to the mythical town of Collosae and the stories ulitmate reveals and resolutions. All in all a nice conclusion to the duology.
Seraph and her family are returning safely home to recoup and regroup knowing that the Shadowed one will be coming for them. Hennea chooses to stay with the Raven and her family rather than sticking with Rogien the Librarian's clan. Jes/the Guardian is pleased since now everyone he cares about will be back together again. Upon arriving home they discover the whole town huddled on their farmstead safe(ish) behind the wards while on the other side paces an angry Troll. The power of the Orders all unite and dispatch with the ancient and shadowed creature. Seraph discovers that since she and Hennea cleared Volis' temple the Shadowed One came to town and scrawled a dark glyph which began to draw evil and fay creatures to harrass the town. So who is the Shadowed One? signs are beginning to point that it might be a Rederni... Soon after the family settles back into routine, Tier takes a bad turn so Lehr goes to find the Traveler's and beg Brewydd to come help out. Phoran also shows up also in need of some Traveler assistance. Needless to say lots of adventure ensues, ultimately leading Seraph and her new found clan all the way to the mythical town of Collosae and the stories ulitmate reveals and resolutions. All in all a nice conclusion to the duology.
October 10, 2021
Series: Raven #2
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Seraph and her family are finally headed home after saving Tier and the Emperor. But things in Redern are not how they left them. Evil has been attacking and new issues arise from the damage done to Tier’s order.
This was just as enjoyable as the first book. This family is so fascinating and wholesome. I love how they just keep adopting other people and are always taking care of others. All of them have really started embracing their abilities and it really shows in this one, especially with Seraph. She is a force of nature and I loved watching her kick ass.
This book also gives us the true history of the Travelers, the Orders, and Hennea, which was all fascinating. This is just a fascinating world of magic and I really loved learning more about it. Also, I really enjoyed the love story between Hennea and Jes. It was cute, and just the right amount of love to go with all the danger and action.
I wasn’t expecting who the bad guy behind everything was, which is great. I love when I don’t figure it out until the big reveal. As for the rest of this book, I enjoyed every minute of it, especially with all the great characters. Phoran especially was a character that I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did. Overall, this was a wonderful fantasy world and a wonderful bunch of characters. I highly recommend this duology if you are looking for a magical fantasy world.
Trigger warnings: brief discussion of a child's death and of a stillborn.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Seraph and her family are finally headed home after saving Tier and the Emperor. But things in Redern are not how they left them. Evil has been attacking and new issues arise from the damage done to Tier’s order.
This was just as enjoyable as the first book. This family is so fascinating and wholesome. I love how they just keep adopting other people and are always taking care of others. All of them have really started embracing their abilities and it really shows in this one, especially with Seraph. She is a force of nature and I loved watching her kick ass.
This book also gives us the true history of the Travelers, the Orders, and Hennea, which was all fascinating. This is just a fascinating world of magic and I really loved learning more about it. Also, I really enjoyed the love story between Hennea and Jes. It was cute, and just the right amount of love to go with all the danger and action.
I wasn’t expecting who the bad guy behind everything was, which is great. I love when I don’t figure it out until the big reveal. As for the rest of this book, I enjoyed every minute of it, especially with all the great characters. Phoran especially was a character that I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I did. Overall, this was a wonderful fantasy world and a wonderful bunch of characters. I highly recommend this duology if you are looking for a magical fantasy world.
Trigger warnings: brief discussion of a child's death and of a stillborn.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
March 13, 2012
I liked it, but at the same time I was really confused. It seems that some books I can pick up years afterward and just go with the flow. But this one suffered even though it had only gone a year since I read book 1. It was like I was trying to find my way to the dark, and the same thing happened throughout the entire book. So I would say that if you read book 1 then read book 2 fast, that could have saved it for me.
Still, I liked it cos it is Briggs. Sure it is not my kind of epic fantasy. It is very light, but sweet can be nice too. The world is not as built as it could be, she focused more on the orders and magic.
I guess there had to be something about it if I liked it even though I was lost a few times. The people were just so nice. I liked Jes, I liked that the Emperor was a new kind of man. Seraph seemed harsher though, and Teir softer.
And of course I only read it cos it was by Briggs ;) her earlier stuff is fun too
Still, I liked it cos it is Briggs. Sure it is not my kind of epic fantasy. It is very light, but sweet can be nice too. The world is not as built as it could be, she focused more on the orders and magic.
I guess there had to be something about it if I liked it even though I was lost a few times. The people were just so nice. I liked Jes, I liked that the Emperor was a new kind of man. Seraph seemed harsher though, and Teir softer.
And of course I only read it cos it was by Briggs ;) her earlier stuff is fun too
October 29, 2011
Much too complicated for me- new magic rules kept coming up changing the outcomes. The constant reminders that magic and emotions don't mix got old; I knew who the bad guy was about the first time he was introduced about 1/3 of the way through. I skipped about 1/4 of the book after I got halfway through and didn't seem to miss anything. She is best at character development but short on the action I expect in fantasy. I love her Mercy Thompson series which seems to keep getting better so will go back to that.
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