World Famous Comics: Raven's Shadow (The Raven Duology, Book 1)
Raven's Shadow (The Raven Duology, Book 1)
By: Patricia Briggs Publisher: Ace Average Rating: Binding: Mass Market Paperback Label: Ace Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 352 Publication Date: July 27, 2004 Release Date: July 27, 2004
Doesn't match the quality of world building and story depth the same author created for the Mercy series Bottom Line: Try before you buy I've read all of the book in the Mercy series by Briggs. So, I ordered this book, along with Briggs 'Steal the Dragon' because I figure you find an author you like, order their other works...can't go wrong, right? Wrong. I found the quality of writing and quality of story somewhat lacking in this series, compared directly to the Mercy series. It's hard, if not impossible to read several books by the same author and not compare them to each other. I also found the lack of depth to the foundation of the magic (the explanation of magic, background, etc.) as it relates to the story, well...basic. I wanted to blown away by this other world the author created, intrigued by the magic, wowed by the variety of characters. And everything seemed, just okay. I'd recommend the Mercy series by the same author much more than this book. Or if you want fantasy adventure, The Blade Itself, Winterbirth, Boderlands series by Lorna Freeman, Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman.
Why Didn't I Pick This Up Sooner? I'm always searching for new (to me) fantasy writers and happened upon Raven's Shadow. I read the first page and decided to buy it.
And proceeded to rip through the story in about a week.
Ms. Briggs starts her tale with Tier, a battle-weary soldier wanting to get as far away from his present life back to his family. Although it will probably mean working at a job he doesn't particularly like, he figures the time spent away from the killing fields will give him a chance to reconnect with his family and decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
He comes to a village and decides to retire for the night - except that there's a pyre in the village square. A Traveler - basically, a mage that wanders about dealing with demons unleashed hundreds of years before - is being burned, but Tier decides not to get involved.
Yet. He enters the tavern, and this is where we meet the heroine of the story, Seraph. She's 16, and the tavern owner is having her auctioned to the highest bidder. Tier knows that Travelers are mistrusted and are being routinely killed, but he can't take this; he tops a lord's bid, the idea being to set her free once he has her outside the town.
As the Travelers continue to be decimated, a dark religion is rising, looking upon the Travelers orders (which distinguishes what mages can and cannot do) as gods to be worshipped. Seraph must come to terms with her Traveler background in order to help quash this "religion."
Although there were a couple of passages that were info-dumpy, I like the story and the characters; no one is perfect, yet they have human foibles.
Another plus: No cliffhanger! The major problems in this book are wrapped up at the end, with a tendril let loose that will no doubt continue into the next book.
What set this apart for me from a lot of what's out there is the writing style (nothing herky-jerky or stilted), the likable characters, and the interesting way magic is used (not to mention the "hierarchy" of the Travelers). Very enjoyable - and I look forward to picking up the second book in this duology!
Excellent Fantasy A strong young Traveler is rescued from her life of duty and obligation by a handsome young man with no magic. But she is Raven, her children are born into orders, and magic must be used, will she or nil she when her husband is taken and may be killed.
What an Amazing Book! This book was so gripping and I couldn't put it down! I love fantasy but I was tired of the same plot with a few touch ups here and there. This is a fresh and amazing take on old fantasy, and I think all fantasy lovers should read it.
Somewhat disappointed Although I haven't finished reading the novel I think I can venture an opinion. Raven's shadow was suggested to me by Amazon and since it got such good reviews I bought it. This is the first time I read a book by Patricia Briggs.
I have to say that I am a bit disappointed. The story is rather simple. Instead of a complex weave with many layers and colours like is case for example with George RR Martin or Steven Erikson, one is presented with a rather simplistic picture in few colours, if you catch my drift :) The story is interesting and the author is innovative and original, unquestionably an impressive storyteller. Unfortunately, that's not enough for me. I want more. I want some real craftmanship when it comes to writing, I want a gripping story with fascinating characters, I want to wonder about their destinies and care what happens to them. This is not the case with Brigg's book. I never had any difficulty in putting it down and it wouldn't bother me in the least to let it keep for a long time before picking it up again. I do want to know how the story ends but if I lost the book and couldn't find out it wouldn't be a big loss.
She has a way with creating interesting characters but I feel they could be more fully fleshed out.
Someone mentioned in another review an age group this book was appropriate for and that got me thinking. I think that's a good point; this book would perhaps fit best for younger audiences. As such, it deserves more than the 3 stars.
I'm not sure I'll read more books by Briggs, not unless the writing has changed quite a bit and grown more mature and complex.
So, all in all, Raven's Shadow is an ok read but nothing more. Nothing memorable and not a page-turner.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
