There’s quite a few authors and books that the #Bookstagram world has made me want to read that I may never have been interested in reading otherwise. Hearing other booklovers gush about their love of a book or series can make that book or series that is normally outside of my usual realm of reading sound a lot more interesting. The Ravenwood Saga by Morgan L. Busse is a perfect example of this.
I have always loved a good fantasy tale, but when it comes to my reading of these types of books, I’m usually pretty picky. Sometimes the world of fantasy and sci-fi can go to far into the dark and creepy for my tastes, so I am cautious of what story worlds I choose to dive into. The Ravenwood Sage originally didn’t spark my interest because I thought it may fall into that “not for me” category. But after seeing so many fellow bookstagrammers share their love for the series, especially during the recent release of the third and final book, my curiosity was piqued. When I saw that Book #1, Mark of the Raven, was available for free with Prime Reading, I jumped at the no-risk opportunity to give the series a try.
I’m so glad I decided to make that leap!
Lady Selene is the heir to the Great House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person’s dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. For the last hundred years, the Ravenwood women have used their gift of dreaming for hire to gather information or to assassinate.
As she discovers her family’s dark secret, Selene is torn between upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people–or seeking the true reason behind her family’s gift.
Her dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations, but who will also bring about the downfall of her own house.
One path holds glory and power, and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and execution. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?
Though the book didn’t have the level of action and adventure as I expected, I can get the sense that it is setting the stage for a lot more to come in the rest of the series. I’m also starting to understand the hype surrounding the series. It certainly captures your attention and imagination. From the first chapter, I didn’t want to stop reading because I was so curious to see what would happen next and, especially, to understand the secrets shrouding House Ravenwood.
Selene is cold and serious, but you get enough of a glimpse at her internal struggle and the true, sensitive heart within her that you’re still able to like her. However, Damien is the character that truly captured my love. He’s not just a handsome grand lord, he is kind, noble, compassionate, and just downright good. His light-filled life is the perfect contrast to Selene’s dark existence. His concern for her and willingness to protect her, even if it costs him greatly to do so, is so endearing. I can’t wait to see the romance unfold between these two very different but well-suited individuals. I’m sure it’s going to be one to remember!
As I said before, the action level of this book was a lot lower than what I expected since the plot was actually also a lot less complicated than I would have expected. However, it is written in a way that flows nicely and keeps you wanting to know what comes next. In the end, the story left me with that delightful feeling of anticipation. You can feel the characters have just made it through part one in a much greater journey. The promise of adventure, danger, mystery, romance, and much more is on the horizon. I’m eager to follow Selene and Damien over the horizon and discover what is waiting there!
All in all, I give Book #1 in Morgan L. Busse’s Ravenwood Saga 4.5/5 Stars. If you love an exciting fantasy tale, especially one written with the Light of Christ in mind, then you can’t go wrong with this series.
