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A review by eantoinette285
The Raven by Sylvain Reynard
5.0
Sylvain Reynard does it again! I adored this branch off from the Gabriel series to something darker, and a bit more sinister.
Once again, we meet up with Gabriel, Julia, and their latest addition, little Clare. They're back in Florence, and aren't even aware they're being hunted by something lurking in the shadows.
We also meet Raven, a girl I could relate to.. almost too much. She restores art at the Uffizi, and finds happiness in her simple life in Florence. However, there is a sense of loneliness and invisibility when she encounters the gorgeous and elite on the streets. Like Julia, she preaches and practices kindness. Raven has been through her own personal Hell growing up, but it hasn't ruined her. She finds a voice for the homeless, the innocent, and those in need to mercy. This speaks volumes when she crosses paths with William York.
I'm not one for vampire novels, or books dealing with supernatural beings in general, but Sylvain's approach made it a different experience for me. William is an "old one", and with his age, comes a large chunk of history. This is what I love most about Mr. Reynard's novels.. the time he takes to research and incorporate culture into the text. This makes it so much more than a mystery, and a romance. It takes you away to the streets of Italy without you having to leave your own bed.
When Raven finds herself mere minutes from death, William steps in and saves her life. It's strange enough to find a vampire who rescues a human, but to have him offer his protection to her afterwards in order to keep her from future danger, just puts him at the top of the "swoon" chart. Their interactions eventually lead to something more. Raven finds she's nothing extraordinary, but she doesn't realize that she made William capable of love. For a man who has been around for centuries, and has seen more than his fair share, this girl is a game-changer. I can't wait to see what happens next with these two running Florence's underground.
As usual, Sylvain takes a love story, and turns it into pure magic. His words are lyrical and read like a gorgeous poem. By incorporating the details of fine Italian art, language, music, architecture, history, culture, etc, he elevates the initial story to another world. His ability to immerse you completely is a talent I wish I could possess.
Once again, we meet up with Gabriel, Julia, and their latest addition, little Clare. They're back in Florence, and aren't even aware they're being hunted by something lurking in the shadows.
We also meet Raven, a girl I could relate to.. almost too much. She restores art at the Uffizi, and finds happiness in her simple life in Florence. However, there is a sense of loneliness and invisibility when she encounters the gorgeous and elite on the streets. Like Julia, she preaches and practices kindness. Raven has been through her own personal Hell growing up, but it hasn't ruined her. She finds a voice for the homeless, the innocent, and those in need to mercy. This speaks volumes when she crosses paths with William York.
I'm not one for vampire novels, or books dealing with supernatural beings in general, but Sylvain's approach made it a different experience for me. William is an "old one", and with his age, comes a large chunk of history. This is what I love most about Mr. Reynard's novels.. the time he takes to research and incorporate culture into the text. This makes it so much more than a mystery, and a romance. It takes you away to the streets of Italy without you having to leave your own bed.
When Raven finds herself mere minutes from death, William steps in and saves her life. It's strange enough to find a vampire who rescues a human, but to have him offer his protection to her afterwards in order to keep her from future danger, just puts him at the top of the "swoon" chart. Their interactions eventually lead to something more. Raven finds she's nothing extraordinary, but she doesn't realize that she made William capable of love. For a man who has been around for centuries, and has seen more than his fair share, this girl is a game-changer. I can't wait to see what happens next with these two running Florence's underground.
As usual, Sylvain takes a love story, and turns it into pure magic. His words are lyrical and read like a gorgeous poem. By incorporating the details of fine Italian art, language, music, architecture, history, culture, etc, he elevates the initial story to another world. His ability to immerse you completely is a talent I wish I could possess.