Series: Raven’s Mark #2
Release Date: June 28th 2018
Publisher: Gollancz
Pages: 432
Find It On: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of the book to review.

Synopsis

Four years have passed since Nall’s Engine drove the Deep Kings back across the Misery, but as they hurl fire from the sky, darker forces plots against the republic.

A new power is rising: a ghost in the light known only as the Bright Lady manifests in visions across the city, and the cult that worship her grasp for power even as the city burns around them.

When Crowfoot’s arcane vault is breached, an object of terrible power is stolen, and Galharrow and his Blackwings must once find out which of Valengrad’s enemies is responsible before they have a chance to use it.

To save Valengrad, Galharrow, Nenn and Tnota must venture to a darker, more twisted and more dangerous place than any they’ve walked before: the very heart of the Misery.

Review

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2018. If you saw my top picks of 2018 or indeed my rather rambling review of Blackwing (see it here), you’ll know I absolutely adored the first book in this series. After just a few pages I was completely hooked back into this series and if it’s possible, I loved Ravencry even more than Blackwing.

Ravencry picks up four years after the events of Blackwing. The book also contains a ‘previously on’ which I really appreciated to help remind me of exactly where all the characters were. The story is action packed as Galharrow and his rag tag band discover that someone has broken into Crowfoot’s vault, stealing something that the gang desperately need to get back.

The book features some of the characters that I loved from the first book (particularly Nenn), as well as some fascinating new characters. I particularly liked the new additions of Amaira and Vailya. Ed McDonald does an excellent job creating these complex characters that you can’t get enough of. One of the things I love about this series is that there isn’t always a clear right or wrong answer, McDonald weaves a multi-layered story that I definitely couldn’t put down. It’s full of action yes, but also humour, emotion and friendship. Ravencry deserves all the stars and is without a doubt one of my favourite books of 2018.

Much like Blackwing the book is gory, full of the sights, sounds and smells of battle and living in a grimy city. This brings the setting to life and draws the reader in. Ravencry is unputdownable, and the best kind of page turner. If you read Blackwing and loved it, you’re in for a real treat with book two. This fantasy series is never predictable will keep you wanting more, your only problem will be waiting for book number three.