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kassiebetweenpages's review
5.0
This is a dark fantasy, and when I say dark, I mean our main character goes through a copious amount of trauma. So just check your content warnings.
I spent the first half of this book, running around, looking for other arc readers so I could talk to them about it, because it hooked me from the very beginning . Our FMC Lara grows up with an awful home life but luckily she has her childhood friends who keep helping her back up. That is until they are called to war and she is left on her own.
I love the world building, and the amount of detail that the author put into explaining what and who the long braids are, and how different hairstyles or braids mean different things in their society. I am curious to learn more about the skins and how the magic works.
The ending of this book ripped my heart out I was in tears. It hurt so bad. My hope Is that a certain character makes a come back I don’t know how or why, but it’s a fantasy book it could happen! I’m holding out hope forever
I spent the first half of this book, running around, looking for other arc readers so I could talk to them about it, because it hooked me from the very beginning . Our FMC Lara grows up with an awful home life but luckily she has her childhood friends who keep helping her back up. That is until they are called to war and she is left on her own.
I love the world building, and the amount of detail that the author put into explaining what and who the long braids are, and how different hairstyles or braids mean different things in their society. I am curious to learn more about the skins and how the magic works.
The ending of this book ripped my heart out I was in tears. It hurt so bad. My hope Is that a certain character makes a come back I don’t know how or why, but it’s a fantasy book it could happen! I’m holding out hope forever
peterparker's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Heed the content warnings this book can get very dark. While no sexual assault is described in detail it is still mentioned to have happened and has a pretty disturbing lead up scene to it. If you are not in the right mind frame do not read this book it can get dark.
I like the world building in this book and like that the given rules are never broken. There are three main characters in this book and throughout reading it you really fall in love with all of them. The main girl character Lara goes through a lot in this book and I love to see her journey through this world.
Lara as a young child is told by a mysterious women that she is worthy of the raven but has no idea what that means. From then on throughout her life whenever something bad is going to happen a raven is there. Her father wants to go to war with their enemy aka the Skin. Her best friends Nicola, Alessandro and all the men in their land are then forced to go to a war they do not wish to fight in.
While I love the world building the one thing I would like to be a little better is the pacing. It doesn’t flow at times and others it feels rushed through to get to the next point in the story. I never had a good sense of time of when things would take place and only knew because the age of the characters would change. There is another thing I had minor issues with but do not wish to get into spoilers.
Otherwise I really liked the fantasy elements to this story and thought it had pretty good world building. The romance elements to this book also do not disappoint. My favorite character was Nicola because he was very straightforward and didn’t lie or omit the truth to Lara.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like the world building in this book and like that the given rules are never broken. There are three main characters in this book and throughout reading it you really fall in love with all of them. The main girl character Lara goes through a lot in this book and I love to see her journey through this world.
Lara as a young child is told by a mysterious women that she is worthy of the raven but has no idea what that means. From then on throughout her life whenever something bad is going to happen a raven is there. Her father wants to go to war with their enemy aka the Skin. Her best friends Nicola, Alessandro and all the men in their land are then forced to go to a war they do not wish to fight in.
While I love the world building the one thing I would like to be a little better is the pacing. It doesn’t flow at times and others it feels rushed through to get to the next point in the story. I never had a good sense of time of when things would take place and only knew because the age of the characters would change. There is another thing I had minor issues with but do not wish to get into spoilers.
Otherwise I really liked the fantasy elements to this story and thought it had pretty good world building. The romance elements to this book also do not disappoint. My favorite character was Nicola because he was very straightforward and didn’t lie or omit the truth to Lara.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and War
Moderate: Rape
geogirl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed the world-building and epic storyline of this book, but overall wasn't impressed with the pacing and writing style. The characters were interesting, complex, and at times entertaining, and the romance was passionate and meaningful. The drama of the politics and war was fun at first but took far too long to reach any kind of conclusion. The ending was fabulous, setting the scene for a future book, but after struggling with the writing errors and weird dialogue cuts, I'm not sure I would seek out a sequel.
Story was interesting but overall, wasn't engaging enough for me to recommend.
I just reviewed Worthy of the Raven by Y. L. Zamora. #WorthyoftheRaven #NetGalley
Story was interesting but overall, wasn't engaging enough for me to recommend.
I just reviewed Worthy of the Raven by Y. L. Zamora. #WorthyoftheRaven #NetGalley
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Genocide, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Chronic illness
honeyandsmut's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What can I say about this book other than I truly cannot wait for the second book. However I do have to say that marketing this as a Mulan retelling in my opinion is incorrect. I can see where the author drew her inspiration from but I think that it just falls a bit short. Yes she joins disguised as a boy, but that’s about where the similarities end. This book is a lot, between the information/ worldbuilding, the storyline, and the characters you truly feel like you are in this fictional world. In this book we follow the journey of three different characters, but mostly through Lara Morinis POV (our FMC). I loved the multi-POV in this books because I am a huge fan of knowing absolutely everything regarding the MCs thoughts. It just creates a much better flow in my opinion. This book starts off a bit slow but as it builds you get addicted to the story chapter by chapter. I was a bit overwhelmed at first with the amount of information, but the way the author writes it made it less so all at once & more like sprinkled in throughout intentionally. This is also friends to lovers which I usually am not a huge fan of, but for these three I was totally for it. I did get a little annoyed by how much the MMCs kept saying how “innocent” she was. But, I loved seeing the growing relationship & eventually the budding love these characters cultivated. Please check your TW & CW thoroughly because there are many topics/situations that can cause someone to DNF this book. I was a bit upset with the way Lara’s trauma was written to not only harm her but one of the MMCs, almost in a way to further the plot. I don’t think it was necessary to prove the strength Lara no doubly could have cultivated from a more positive experience. I may have a different view on this aspect of the book than others due to personal reasons & that’s okay because reading is subjective.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
addydeejreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
From the beginning I sensed something was wrong. And it didn't really hit until maybe 100 or so pages in where I knew... absolutely without a doubt my heart was going to be torn apart. (I mean I figured earlier than that but this is in relation to a certain someone)
I was extremely invested in Lara and her journey. I felt her fear and pain, her joy and laughter...I wanted to shield her from the horrors of her world just as much as Ale and Nicola did.
To me, Nicola had the most character growth out of the three of them. Especially knowing the world in which they live and the values they had to grow up with...he really grew the most. Ale seemingly did but he's got a long way to go as well as Lara.
I loved the aspects of culture and war and how we get to see both sides of the narrative. This really showcases the muddied waters and how "just because you say they're bad doesn't mean it's true".
My heart hurts for the ending and I can't wait to see more.
Please check the author site for the CWs as this one is heavy with them and protect your mental health besties. not every story is for every one. Happy reading.
I was extremely invested in Lara and her journey. I felt her fear and pain, her joy and laughter...I wanted to shield her from the horrors of her world just as much as Ale and Nicola did.
To me, Nicola had the most character growth out of the three of them. Especially knowing the world in which they live and the values they had to grow up with...he really grew the most. Ale seemingly did but he's got a long way to go as well as Lara.
I loved the aspects of culture and war and how we get to see both sides of the narrative. This really showcases the muddied waters and how "just because you say they're bad doesn't mean it's true".
My heart hurts for the ending and I can't wait to see more.
Please check the author site for the CWs as this one is heavy with them and protect your mental health besties. not every story is for every one. Happy reading.
what_karla_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 stars
3/5 spice
Great world building, an intense love story, and a badass female warrior who survives numerous obstacles and trauma.
Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
Polyamory/why choose
Found family
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Multiple POV
This was an dark epic fantasy romance that takes you on a journey. It's important to check the trigger and content warnings because the FMC, Lara, goes through a lot of trauma throughout the book.
The story immediately draws you in and you get a clear idea of who these characters are. Lara, Alessandro, and Nicola all care very deeply about each other and try their hardest to be each other's protectors. Unfortunately Lara grows up in an abusive household and can't always be protected. When war comes to their home Lara gets the chance to finally become the warrior she always dreamed of being.
Lara's relationship with Alessandro and Nicola grow under their forced proximity in the war camp. You really see the character development with all of them at this point. But then... it's only half way into the book and SO MUCH has happened already you start wondering what awaits you in the end.
It's a lot to take in but the story doesn't feel dragged out. The ending broke my heart but also got me excited for the second book.
If you love epic fantasy that's slow burn with the romance/spice but also great characters and plot... then you'll love this book.
3/5 spice
Great world building, an intense love story, and a badass female warrior who survives numerous obstacles and trauma.
Tropes:
Childhood friends to lovers
Polyamory/why choose
Found family
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Multiple POV
This was an dark epic fantasy romance that takes you on a journey. It's important to check the trigger and content warnings because the FMC, Lara, goes through a lot of trauma throughout the book.
The story immediately draws you in and you get a clear idea of who these characters are. Lara, Alessandro, and Nicola all care very deeply about each other and try their hardest to be each other's protectors. Unfortunately Lara grows up in an abusive household and can't always be protected. When war comes to their home Lara gets the chance to finally become the warrior she always dreamed of being.
Lara's relationship with Alessandro and Nicola grow under their forced proximity in the war camp. You really see the character development with all of them at this point. But then... it's only half way into the book and SO MUCH has happened already you start wondering what awaits you in the end.
It's a lot to take in but the story doesn't feel dragged out. The ending broke my heart but also got me excited for the second book.
If you love epic fantasy that's slow burn with the romance/spice but also great characters and plot... then you'll love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Xenophobia
jennys_library's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Loved loved loved....
Worthy of The Raven by Y.L. Zamora is a grimdark, adult epic fantasy, Mulan retelling. It is ultimately about a war between two different groups of people. We have the Longbraids, who have forsaken their Gods long ago but now want the magic they feel they are entitled to. Then we have the "Skin" who have remained loyal to their Gods and hold a certain degree of magic.
The story is told in three POVs who happen to be best friends. Lara, Ale, and Nic have been friends since they were very young and have seen each other through everything. The protective relationship they had towards each other was amazing! Lara is by far the most complex character with so much growth, and I rooted for her the whole way.
Worthy of the Raven has a wonderful magic system based on connections with animals. The world building was great, the characters are relatable and beautiful, it has the chosen one vibes. We have childhood friends to lovers, and the slow burn is deliciously torturous!!!! It has the perfect amount of spice. Diverse characters, Queer cast, disability, feminism. I could go on and on about every part of this book, but I'd be doing a disservice to everyone. Amazing read overall!
Please check your trigger warnings! I will list a few, but there is an extensive list of the author site. Childhood abuse/trauma/SA, neglect, violence, murder, grief...
https://www.ravenandfoxbooks.com/content-warning
Worthy of The Raven by Y.L. Zamora is a grimdark, adult epic fantasy, Mulan retelling. It is ultimately about a war between two different groups of people. We have the Longbraids, who have forsaken their Gods long ago but now want the magic they feel they are entitled to. Then we have the "Skin" who have remained loyal to their Gods and hold a certain degree of magic.
The story is told in three POVs who happen to be best friends. Lara, Ale, and Nic have been friends since they were very young and have seen each other through everything. The protective relationship they had towards each other was amazing! Lara is by far the most complex character with so much growth, and I rooted for her the whole way.
Worthy of the Raven has a wonderful magic system based on connections with animals. The world building was great, the characters are relatable and beautiful, it has the chosen one vibes. We have childhood friends to lovers, and the slow burn is deliciously torturous!!!! It has the perfect amount of spice. Diverse characters, Queer cast, disability, feminism. I could go on and on about every part of this book, but I'd be doing a disservice to everyone. Amazing read overall!
Please check your trigger warnings! I will list a few, but there is an extensive list of the author site. Childhood abuse/trauma/SA, neglect, violence, murder, grief...
https://www.ravenandfoxbooks.com/content-warning
Content Warnings
Childhood abuse/trauma/SA, neglect, violence, murder, grief...and more. The author has a wonderful detailed list..
https://www.ravenandfoxbooks.com/content-warning
bookishnerdyjess's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I cannot articulate how much I loved this book. It was such a beautiful and complex story. It had amazing characters, setting, and dialogue. I seriously loved it so much. Mulan retelling, spice, romance and so much politics, fighting, and a unique magic system. Loved it.
acutebagel's review
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Personally, I did not enjoy this book as much as I wanted to. I thought the premise was good, and the book had a strong beginning, but it quickly fell off and never picked back up for me.
Before I continue, I just want to state that just because this wasn't the story for me, that doesn't mean it won't be the perfect story for someone else!
We're told that Lara is this bright girl, who dreams of being a warrior. She trains to fight with her best friend who is considered to be the best fighter in the village. Then she finds herself completely defenseless during a (trigger warning!) SA. This didn't sit well with me. Assualt like that is already pretty triggering, but to have it thrown in as only a plot device, and then it doesn't even fit in with the plot? A total turn off. I wanted to DNF the book there, but I continued on, hoping it would improve.
The weird love circle happening between Lara and her best friends, who are brothers, was weird. Alessandro would kill a man with his bare hands for Lara, but also hold her while she does it with his brother?? This was so strange and off-putting to me. And then to be traumatized the way she was, only to agree to aid the people that caused the trauma?? There was just too many unbelievable things about the story, and that's saying something when it's fantasy.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley.
Before I continue, I just want to state that just because this wasn't the story for me, that doesn't mean it won't be the perfect story for someone else!
The weird love circle happening between Lara and her best friends, who are brothers, was weird. Alessandro would kill a man with his bare hands for Lara, but also hold her while she does it with his brother?? This was so strange and off-putting to me. And then to be traumatized the way she was, only to agree to aid the people that caused the trauma?? There was just too many unbelievable things about the story, and that's saying something when it's fantasy.
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley.