Helpful Score: 12
Raven's Shadow has all the hallmarks of a great book - excellent writing, a storyline with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked, well though-out characters and an amazing plot.
The first in two books, Raven's Shadow is the story of Seraph, a mage and 'traveller'. She meets up with Tier and it's no surprise when they fall in love (the back cover gives it all away when it says she must find her missing husband).
I cannot stress enough about how well Briggs writes. I don't normally read fantasy (urban fantasy, yes - but not straight fantasy), but I think that's because the writing never hooks me, but I am continually impressed with Briggs. I have fallen in love with all her characters so far (from the Mercy Thompson series to Hob's Baragain) and Seraph and her family are no exception. The characters feel like real people, with the quirks and problems that real people have.
Briggs gives you just enough information to keep you hooked. She gradually builds on the world she's created, not dumping too much information on you at a time. At some point you realize that you really do understand the world the characters are living in and care about what happens to them.
I highly recommend this book.
The first in two books, Raven's Shadow is the story of Seraph, a mage and 'traveller'. She meets up with Tier and it's no surprise when they fall in love (the back cover gives it all away when it says she must find her missing husband).
I cannot stress enough about how well Briggs writes. I don't normally read fantasy (urban fantasy, yes - but not straight fantasy), but I think that's because the writing never hooks me, but I am continually impressed with Briggs. I have fallen in love with all her characters so far (from the Mercy Thompson series to Hob's Baragain) and Seraph and her family are no exception. The characters feel like real people, with the quirks and problems that real people have.
Briggs gives you just enough information to keep you hooked. She gradually builds on the world she's created, not dumping too much information on you at a time. At some point you realize that you really do understand the world the characters are living in and care about what happens to them.
I highly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 3
This one is pure fantasy and is totally different from her Mercy Thompson series. I enjoyed the magic elements the best. The world building is spectacular and the characters are so real. Without the magic, they could easily be from this time period. Book 2 of the series is [book:Raven's Strike|285206].
Helpful Score: 2
Great story, compelling characters and an entertaining sequel in "Raven's Strike."
Magic, romance, intrigue and an elusive bad guy...I liked it.
Magic, romance, intrigue and an elusive bad guy...I liked it.
