Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker just as the war with the Dominia Empire begins. Working with the other Great Houses, Selene and Damien use their gifts to secure the borders and save those devastated by the war. But conflict, betrayal, and hatred begin to spread between the Great Houses, destroying their unity as the empire burns a path across their lands. At … the same time, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire’s attacks.
The only one who can unite the houses and restore her husband’s power is Selene Ravenwood. But it will require that she open her heart to those who have hurt her and let go of her past, despite the one who hunts her and will do anything to stop her power.
Will Selene survive? Or is she destined to fall like the dreamwalkers before her?
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Wow, this is Good!
Good and evil clash in part three of this exciting story, and if you have not read the other two books (Mark of the Raven & Flight of the Raven), you will need to in order to appreciate this tale. How can the Great Houses hope to win when they are not all united? Trouble is brewing because Damien has begun having problems using his gift—without which, all will be lost.
Lady Selene discovers how her gift was meant to be used, and puts it into practice. Her mother and the Dark Lady team up to destroy her; can Selene defeat them when it is two against one? Others do not trust Selene, and view her every move with suspicion, will that keep her from being able to fully help with the cause?
There are revelations in this tale, and the unexpected, including what becomes of Selene and her mother.
I do not like fantasy, but I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is a captivating story that will grab you and not let you go. The drama, plus all the twists and turns, will keep you on the edge of your seat. It is told from a Christian viewpoint. The only negative? This is the last of the series. I highly recommend this 5-plus star book to everyone; it is that good. No matter what your taste, you will love this book!
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Cry of the Raven, for the purpose of review.
Cry of the Raven is a rousing finish to Morgan L. Busse’s Ravenwood Saga, as five of the seven great houses come together to fight against the invading Dominia Empire. With her mother in league with the Empire, Lady Selene Ravenwood has more than one battle to fight, as her house, her people, and her marriage to Lord Damien are endangered.
As the story builds toward the climactic showdown, Selene’s gifts and faith in the Light grow and the powers that the great houses were given are explored as gifts from the Light. While most of the story sees Damien off riding Wyverns and brooding over difficulties with his power, the scenes between the newly married couple do strike just the right notes of misunderstandings and insecurities, but ultimately of mutual support and strengthening love.
What began in the first book of the trilogy as a story of a young woman’s rebellion culminates in battles between the houses and the Empire, Dream Killers versus Dream Walker, and the Light versus the Dark Lady with some of the hardest battles within the dreamscape.
As I began this trilogy, I was unsure of it as Christian fiction. In Cry of the Raven I found a wonderful representation of who the Light is, and fell even deeper into this story of light versus dark and hate versus love. All in all, the Ravenwood Saga and Cry of the Raven are now favorite adventure filled Christian Fantasy Romances.
This review refers to a temporary digital galley I voluntarily read via NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
What an incredible finish to an incredible trilogy! I have absolutely loved this series and the ending was so perfect. There were some bittersweet moments along the way, and ones which made me cry, but there were so many moments and scenes that tugged at my heart or had me cheering. Their story might be fantasy and their battles far removed from the life I live, but their faith journey and the lessons they learn along the way were so relatable. Captivated from first page to last, I know this is a series I’ll read over and over. So good!
OUSTANDING! Cry of the Raven is a stunning conclusion to the trilogy! The whisper of spiritual truths woven among the pages is compelling. This series is excellent!
Recommend to readers who enjoy clean fantasy.
I purchased a copy directly from Mrs. Busse. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
I sat down and read this book in one day. I just had to know how this story ended. In this book we really get to see the main character grow into her full potential and learn what she is capable of. The story is also full of so many wonderful side characters. You really fall in love with the whole group and are rooting for them the entire time. The love between Selene and Damien really matures and I enjoyed seeing how supportive and encouraging they were of each other. The battle scenes sometimes got a little slow, but overall this book was great. I cannot recommend this series enough.
Cry of the Raven is the final book in the Ravenwood Saga trilogy. This series is a must read! Each story is excellent and builds on the previous story. They do need to be read in order.
I love Damien and Selene! Selene’s faith journey was so beautiful. Their relationship and how it built from book one to this final book was so good and so satisfying and the ending was perfect without being too perfect. But, my favorite part of this story/series is the wonderful allegorical faith message. It’s about trusting God. Trusting Him with your life and those you love, even in death. It also really differentiates between His light and the darkness that exists without it.
I loved this series! I’m sad that it is over. I would love to see it continue with other books about the other houses! 5 stars!
This book and this series was amazing!! I’m very picky when it comes to fantasy but I loved, loved this one! Incredible writing and world-building. I fell in love with the characters too. They were so relatable and flawed but that’s what makes them so lovable.
This is a wonderful series and I definitely recommend it!
Cry Of The Raven was a wonderful conclusion to an engaging trilogy. Although I have enjoyed all three books of this trilogy, my favorite is definitely Cry Of The Raven. Seeing Selene and Damien discover the full scope of their gifts was inspiring and beautiful. This book was a satisfying and interesting read.
One of my favorite things about the Ravenwood trilogy is the character names. As I know I have mentioned before, I find unique character names incredibly refreshing. A unique name helps to set a character apart from the hundreds of other characters hanging out in my brain. Selene, Damien, Amara, Opheliana and so many of the other names in this book are beautifully unusual.
I love Selene as a main character. Although her story arc is not particularly rare, a trained assassin who comes to the “good side”, she manages to feel unique. Selene is far from perfect and is fully human in her struggles surrounding how to use her gift. As tensions build and a war with the empire becomes inevitable, knowing that she could essentially win the war in a night, before it has even begun, is a heavy and tempting burden, but with the Light she is strong enough to stand firm.
Selene’s growth as a person is a main theme of the trilogy. When you first meet Selene, she is cold-hearted and unfeeling. As the story develops, Selene learns to open her heart and to shoulder the pain that comes with letting yourself feel and love.
All of the characters were strong, human and interesting. I am sad that we will not be getting to know any of them better. The stories of the young gifted leaders were inspiring in a way as they learned how to lead and protect their people.
Cry Of The Raven is a book I would recommend to fans of the Weaver Trilogy and those who enjoy clean YA fantasy.
Oh my goodness! This was the perfect conclusion to the series, although I didn’t really want the series to end and my review won’t do the story justice. Morgan Busse creates character relationships that are so realistic and stories that have such good and important lessons!
First before I go into that, the storyline was fantastic. It was complex. There were many things going on, many challenges to face and overcome for the characters. During all of it it never seemed absurd or unreal. Sometimes life feels like things are piled on top of you.
I love Selene and Damien, and I love how much Selene and Damien supported each other, they did so without being obsessive. Neither of them were perfect, but they were able to support each other and get past it. Their love was more of a real love, not just an infatuation love (which is what I feel like most fantasy stories are about).
Although there were many characters with powers, none of them were able to use it effectively on their own. They needed their friends, family, and the Light. They needed to work together and rely on God for what they were doing to be successful. Which is such a good parallel to real life. I enjoyed reading the reminder.
This book was a wonderful conclusion to the series. I enjoyed so much getting to see the houses use their powers to come together and defeat their enemy. Loved the redemption of the mistakes their ancestors had made.
A thrilling and heartfelt conclusion to an exciting and thought-provoking trilogy! I loved “The Ravenwood Saga” so much! From the get-go, it was totally different from what I was expecting, from both a romance and fantasy perspective. Author Morgan L. Busse surprised me with her ability to weave the two elements together so seamlessly and in a way that is sure to excite fans of both genres.
The descriptions had me immersed into the world that this author had created and the battle-scenes had me cheering the characters on. I loved Damien and Selene and found myself surprised to find I also had a soft spot for some less savory characters, lol! No spoilers, but I found myself genuinely surprised a time or two with some of the events that occurred within the story, also!
Overall, this was a terrific story and I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer!
When I started this series, I felt some trepidation, uncertain of how the premise would be handled. But from start to finish, the Ravenwood Saga turned out to be a fabulous series that I thoroughly enjoyed, and this final book in the trilogy did not disappoint, but finished the story in a very satisfying way.
I’M SO DEAD. THAT MAGNIFICENT ENDING. I’M SO DEAD.
10 billion stars.
So. It took me more than a month to recover. We’re all very surprised.
Thinking about writing this review has been driving me crazy. Words aren’t enough this time. How could they be? The pressure I’ve put on myself to write the best review ever (because Morgan L. Busse is amazing and deserves it) has made me insane.
Don’t mind my endless fangirling in this *coughs* “professional” review.
This book encouraged me. It reached beyond my mind and touched my heart. My soul. Needless to say, I cried, and laughed, and FELT THINGS FAR BEYOND WHAT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE for pretend humans.
(You honestly probably don’t want to know this so skip it and keep reading ….. but I went outside after I finished this book. I screamed at the sky and the trees and the air. And then I wept. Because Damien and Selene weren’t real and the adventure I shared with them was over.)
The gentle and yet intense weaving of this story puts me in awe. Words. They are magical creatures in the hands of Morgan L. Busse. They dance and sing from their hearts for her.
ALSO OH MY LANTA. THE ADORABLE LEVEL OF THIS BOOK IS . I CAN’T EVEN. CAN WE JUST HAVE ONE MORE CUTE KISSING SCENE??? THANK YOU.
I miss them all so much already.
Setting: gLoRiOuS. *sings gayly* The magical, wonderful, fantastical world of Morgan L. Busse’s imagination. Where all seven Great Houses have been given a gift. A gift that reflects the Light.
Plot: The pacing was amazing. Not too slow …. normally quite action packed. I guess they’re were some areas some people might consider boring. Battle planing and working out strategies. But I lOvEd it.
Description: Can I just say that I was impressed? Okay. I’m impressed. I’m very impressed. The tiniest details are important and brought to light. I love it. OMW. Everything is flushed out perfectly, all blending together. No scene was idle.
Romance: RIDICULOUSLY CUTE. THEY ARE ONE OF MY TOP OTP’s. Selene + Damien for lifeeeeeeee. (someone help me.) It was clean and absolutely a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e. I can’t stress that enough. Go read the whole trilogy. It portrayed what marriage is suppose to look like. Messy yet so focused on love. They hurt one another (with their words), they support one another, they get back up again and move on.
Content: SO. CLEAN. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. It is YA. It’s a Christian Allegorical Fantasy. There are some darker moments. Depression and loneliness. All the things we face in life. Mild kissing. Husband and Wife laying in bed with one another. Suggestive conversations. It’s all handled delicately.
Message: Learning to let go and let God. “Put all things in the hands of the Light” This touched my heart. I got goose bumps So Many Times.
Characters: AHhHahaahHahahahAhahhhhhHhHhhHh. Theywereallsoamazingandican’teverstopscreamingaboutthem. THEY WERE DEEP. COMPASSIONATE. FORGIVING. SINFUL. PEOPLE. They made mistakes. They fell down. The got back up again. Even though it hurt. Even though it felt impossible. They are an inspiration. They are all so encouraging. The things they say. The feelings they deal with. The victories they have. It teaches us we can be victorious too.
Overall: I have yet to recover. I don’t think I ever can. The impact this book has had on my life …. Thank you, Morgan L. Busse. Never stop writing.
AND YOU. Yes, you. The one I’m looking at. The one who read through this whole mess of words. GO BUY A COPY AND READ IT ASAP IF YOU ALREADY HAVEN’T. MEND YOUR MISTAKE.
**FTC DISCLOSURE** I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I request that you don’t take them personally. Thanks! 🙂
This book made me break my own rule.
I confess that a quarter of a way in I HAD to flip to the end to make sure it would have certain character(s) alive and well.
Not only that, but even with knowing a tiny piece of the ending, I caught myself praying everyone would make it.
…
*Praying.*
If that does not say how intense and engaging this story was, then neither what I have to share about the book will either. LOL!
It’s been a very long time since I have done either, and this book continued to surprise me in so many ways.
I LOVED the story as a whole. It was everything I wanted in an epic trilogy. (Like were talking I had internal music playing with scenes and breaking out in goosebumps with scenes. #sogood) Fighting, overcoming, growing, and a few other spoiler things that I refuse to mention becaue one must read it to enjoy it.
However, on a deeper level, Selene’s words and Damien’s struggle pierced me where I found myself having to put the book down and process how much I needed it. No matter how hard sometimes life might be, Jesus is ALWAYS with us. Even in the darkness, His Light shines and burns in our hearts.
And letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. <3
Damien has always been my favorite because he is beyond relatable and it was no exception in Cry of the Raven, but Selene has also become a favorite too. I loved this incredible couple and how they encouraged and loved one another. It was beautiful and fiction needs more of this.
There is soooo much more I could say about this story, but I will say that though I really struggled liking Selene in book one, this series will be a series I hold close. I have been deeply encouraged by it and for the first time, I put a sticky note in a book because it was so profound.
In summary, Cry of the Raven is so so so good!
Highly recommend to Christian fantasy readers who love a blend of action and romance and epicness!
Will dark secrets from the past destroy them all?
OK, I admit it. I almost didn’t want to start Cry Of The Raven. I mean, I was really looking forward to more of Morgan L. Busse’s stellar fantasy writing. But. This is the last book in The Ravenwood Saga and I just didn’t want to say goodbye. I wanted to see the Dominia Empire finally routed and the seven great houses actually work together but…no more Selene, no more dreamwalking, no more Damien…yeah, that makes me a bit sad.
In many ways it was wonderful to see Selene finally come into her own as she discovers exactly why The Light gifted her family as He did and as she also learns use that gift as it was intended. Damien, too, must learn some difficult things and make some even more difficult choices as he either loses or strengthens his gift.
As with the previous books in The Ravenwood Saga there is plenty of danger, intrigue, betrayal, and a seemingly insurmountable foe in Cry Of The Raven. And once again, author Morgan L. Busse’s masterful storytelling brings her world to life in vivid detail enabling the reader’s imagination to take flight, in raven form of course.
I loved Cry Of The Raven and the rest of The Ravenwood Saga and am firmly hooked on Morgan L. Busse and anything she might write, either past or future. Whether you are a part of the intended YA audience or are an adult reader, if you enjoy epic fantasy with a Christian flare I would highly recommend this book and the entire series.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
“When I walk in your dreams, your mind is open to me . . . ”
Has Lady Selene Ravenwood finally discovered who she was born to be? A dreamwalker, using her power to comfort and unite, rather than seeking to manipulate and destroy? It appears that she is about to have the opportunity to prove her metamorphisis from darkness into the light; for trouble is brewing among the seven houses as the Dominia Empire breaches The Wall that has protected them for so long.
This exciting conclusion to “The Ravenwood Saga” is riddled with war and rumors of war; strategies implemented and allegiances tested. As Selene and Damien fight to strengthen their love for each other, they are also torn apart by their kingdom’s demand for their unique gifts. In the end, it becomes increasingly clear that the Light has been, and always will be, greater than the Darkness.
“This is who she was. This is who the Light created her to be. And she would serve until her last breath, for as long as she lived.”
The only thing that grieves me about this book — this series — is the fact that it’s finished! Wow, guys! WOW!!! I cannot rave about this EPIC conclusion to this EPIC series ENOUGH! Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is a captivating finale to The Ravenwood Saga!
The conflict with the Dominia Empire — and amongst the Great Houses! — comes to a chilling climax in Cry of the Raven! The breathtaking places we (Yes, we! I was with Selene and Damien. Don’t fight me on this!) went and the heartbreaking battles we fought were spellbinding. The author’s writing style is vivid without being unnecessarily flowery, allowing us to be thoroughly swept into the unfolding story. I also appreciated how the author didn’t make everything perfect at the end. There was loss and pain and characters who are still (we pray!) coming to know the Light. It is raw, real, and right.
There are so many great messages in this book! Truly, it’s like this story is the product of the House of Wisdom (in case you are wondering, it’s House Vivek). For instance, as Selene embraces love and her calling as a Nightwatcher, she has to accept that using her gift means allowing herself to be vulnerable. Another nugget is Damien’s struggle with letting go — letting go of what he can and cannot control, letting go of grief, and letting go of his loved ones and committing them to the care of the Light. However, each nugget of wisdom works together to point to this truth:
Remember who, what, and — most importantly — for Whom we fight. Because He is always with us.
Five Stars ~ Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is phenomenal in its entirety! Cry of the Raven is the third book of The Ravenwood Saga. The previous books need to be read in order to understand the series conflict and see the fantastic character development in each book!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
War has finally come between the Great Houses and the Dominia Empire. But a dark secret from their past threatens to divide their united stand.
Picking up right where the previous book left off, Selene Ravenwood is coming into the full strength of her dreamwalking powers, and her relationship with her husband is growing stronger. This completion of the trilogy is a satisfying read, tying together threads hinted at in previous books as well as forging ahead in new ways. Ms. Busse is a skilled storyteller, with strong world building skills that immersed me into Selene and Damien’s world.
I was thrilled by the return of some of my favorite characters from the very first book, like Caiaphas who rises to the occasion to protect his family and country despite the difficult circumstances.
I admired Damien’s leadership, and how he put others first when serving his country. I also liked how he grew in his faith through the trials of war, and the burden of suffering.
I also loved how we got to see more of the other houses and how their gifts worked, as well as their friendships among each other, as they overcame doubts and fought side by side for those they loved.
Overall, a fitting conclusion and satisfying read, that expands on the groundwork laid in previous books, showcasing excellent worldbuilding, humanity, political intrigue, powers at play, and a message of hope rooted in faith. Ms. Busse strikes a sweet balance of faith without being too allegory heavy, while still conveying a powerful message. Highly recommended for fans of the series, and Christian fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Hang on to your hat when you read this one. There is hardly any “down time” in the action. But it all comes together in the end. This book is a great ending to the series. Damien and Selene face many challenges in this final episode. It’s exciting to see which house cooperates to over throw the empire.
The thing I love the most is the cover of Cry of the Raven. It reminds me so much of a Tolkien cover. That is what I thought of the first time I saw this cover almost six months ago. Cry of the Raven is the huge climactic moment in the three book series. Lots of tension and fighting. Learning to know what is worth fighting for. Learning to trust and love others. This story was wonderfully written with enough fantasy to capture the imagination. It is nice that all three are now published because I think I should go back and read them all one after another to grasp the complete storyline. That is usually my issue when it comes to fantasy. If they aren’t all available at the same time, then, as a reader, I forgot certain elements of the past stories when I return to the stories. Not that there is really anything to do about this. I know with the publishing schedules; it is hard for a publishing company to publish all three at once. Overall, Cry of the Raven is truly unique story that reminded me a lot of Tolkien’s mythology. If readers enjoy Tolkien, then they might want to try Busse’s stories.
I received a complimentary copy of Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.