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klouallen's review
3.0
Found it abit all over the place in some parts.
Not with info dumping but just too much going on with the multiple pov.
The relationships in this book were intriguing, the friendships, sibling relationships and the romance.
The writing style is simple without being over flowery or boring.
The world building was nicely done
But something about the book was a little lacklustre for me and I cant put my finger on it.
Interesting enough and a great ending that makes me want to read the next book.
Not with info dumping but just too much going on with the multiple pov.
The relationships in this book were intriguing, the friendships, sibling relationships and the romance.
The writing style is simple without being over flowery or boring.
The world building was nicely done
But something about the book was a little lacklustre for me and I cant put my finger on it.
Interesting enough and a great ending that makes me want to read the next book.
slmreads's review
3.0
3.5⭐️
Very strong start for this series! It is a unique world with such amazing descriptions of the characters.
The love triangle in this book BROKE me.
I'm normally all for "true love" or "follow your heart," but my heart hurts for Lysander
Very strong start for this series! It is a unique world with such amazing descriptions of the characters.
The love triangle in this book BROKE me.
I'm normally all for "true love" or "follow your heart," but my heart hurts for Lysander
deb_is_reading's review
5.0
4.5
I absolutely adored this book. I would recommend this to any fantasy reader who's looking for a angsty romance with a bigger plot starting to bubble to the surface. Thank you so much to Kaitlyn Davis and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review this.
The story is so simple but intriguing from page one. A good part of this intrigue is owed to the world building and mythos of this fantasy book. One thing that always sucks me in, in any fantasy series, is a polytheistic religion. The setting of this book is a cluster of floating isles, our characters know nothing about what's beneath the clouds. This immediately caused warning bells to go off in my head, but good bells because I was motivated to keep on reading (more so than I already was). I personally had a sense of impending doom or dread just on how the plot pieces were laying out. Gosh I was so emotionally invested. The way the book ended...I need the next one asap.
I was also so invested in a handful of the characters. One thing I really appreciated was how many of the characters weren't the "bad guy" of the story. Each character has motivations that, while doesn't justify their behaviors, I could understand where they were coming from. I wish we got to see more of a certain character that was more hinted at before we saw more of them towards the end of the book. Xander is by far my favorite character so far.
The writing was so pretty at times. The prologue definitely was a good indication of how wonderful the author's prose can be. I could picture some of the landscapes that were described so well.
Obviously I really enjoyed this book. I was invested and I got through large parts of this ARC in a few sittings because I didn't want to put this down. This is gonna sound like a cliche review but I just wanted more from the plot that is brewing underneath the surface. This only makes me want to read the next one asap.
I absolutely adored this book. I would recommend this to any fantasy reader who's looking for a angsty romance with a bigger plot starting to bubble to the surface. Thank you so much to Kaitlyn Davis and NetGalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review this.
The story is so simple but intriguing from page one. A good part of this intrigue is owed to the world building and mythos of this fantasy book. One thing that always sucks me in, in any fantasy series, is a polytheistic religion. The setting of this book is a cluster of floating isles, our characters know nothing about what's beneath the clouds. This immediately caused warning bells to go off in my head, but good bells because I was motivated to keep on reading (more so than I already was). I personally had a sense of impending doom or dread just on how the plot pieces were laying out. Gosh I was so emotionally invested. The way the book ended...I need the next one asap.
I was also so invested in a handful of the characters. One thing I really appreciated was how many of the characters weren't the "bad guy" of the story. Each character has motivations that, while doesn't justify their behaviors, I could understand where they were coming from. I wish we got to see more of a certain character that was more hinted at before we saw more of them towards the end of the book. Xander is by far my favorite character so far.
The writing was so pretty at times. The prologue definitely was a good indication of how wonderful the author's prose can be. I could picture some of the landscapes that were described so well.
Obviously I really enjoyed this book. I was invested and I got through large parts of this ARC in a few sittings because I didn't want to put this down. This is gonna sound like a cliche review but I just wanted more from the plot that is brewing underneath the surface. This only makes me want to read the next one asap.
antagonist's review
4.0
“Love is when you find a piece of yourself in someone else, a piece you never knew was missing, but without which you'd be broken. You feel whole and complete, and accepted for exactly who you are. You can be your true self, because around this person, for the first time you have no desire to pretend to be anyone else.”
Princess Lyana is focused on winning her perfect mate, but upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a Raven Prince locked in a death match with a dragon. Little does she know that it's Prince Lysander beloved half-brother. Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart. This is a fantasy romance that uses many common tropes, while also being a totally unique story and experience.
I saw the cover of this book and I of course had to add it to my TBR. This book was very entertaining and I was really invested in the characters. Sadly there was instant love, but I was able to overlook it due to the characters personal struggles and traumas. I usually dislike love triangles but didn't mind this because I loved both Lysander and Rafe and also would struggle.
This book has great world-building with a fairly rich and diverse history. There is so much detail, which made it so much fun to imagine everything. This includes the magic system, which was so fun, I am super excited to learn more about it in the next books. The villain was great and as an antagonist appreciator, Kaitlyn did an amazing job and gave them depth and complexity.
Overall this was a great story and I enjoyed the characters, their development, the world, the magi. I am super excited to pick up the rest of the series and see how the story unfolds; especially after that cliff hanger! The writing was well done and the story was easy to follow with twists and turns I didn't expect. I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed Sarah J Mass or young adult fantasy romance, you won't regret it.
Princess Lyana is focused on winning her perfect mate, but upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a Raven Prince locked in a death match with a dragon. Little does she know that it's Prince Lysander beloved half-brother. Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart. This is a fantasy romance that uses many common tropes, while also being a totally unique story and experience.
I saw the cover of this book and I of course had to add it to my TBR. This book was very entertaining and I was really invested in the characters. Sadly there was instant love, but I was able to overlook it due to the characters personal struggles and traumas. I usually dislike love triangles but didn't mind this because I loved both Lysander and Rafe and also would struggle.
This book has great world-building with a fairly rich and diverse history. There is so much detail, which made it so much fun to imagine everything. This includes the magic system, which was so fun, I am super excited to learn more about it in the next books. The villain was great and as an antagonist appreciator, Kaitlyn did an amazing job and gave them depth and complexity.
Overall this was a great story and I enjoyed the characters, their development, the world, the magi. I am super excited to pick up the rest of the series and see how the story unfolds; especially after that cliff hanger! The writing was well done and the story was easy to follow with twists and turns I didn't expect. I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed Sarah J Mass or young adult fantasy romance, you won't regret it.
popthebutterfly's review
1.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Raven and the Dove
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Book Series: The Raven and the Dove Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Amazon Services
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess longing to be free...
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong...
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like I had read this same story before. I am NOT saying that this book is plagiarizing another work but I feel like this book is just a rehashing of the same plot points in a different manner. I’m aware it’s a Tristian and Isolde retelling, but for some reason this book just feels so old to me. The characters aren’t appealing to me and the world building is everywhere. Stuff just feels like it’s thrown into your face without warning. It’s a bit of a chaotic read and it was really slow. I made it about 38% through before I had to quit reading.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
Book: The Raven and the Dove
Author: Kaitlyn Davis
Book Series: The Raven and the Dove Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: March 9, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Amazon Services
Pages: 506
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess longing to be free...
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky waiting at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong...
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you'll never see coming, don't miss The Raven and the Dove!
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like I had read this same story before. I am NOT saying that this book is plagiarizing another work but I feel like this book is just a rehashing of the same plot points in a different manner. I’m aware it’s a Tristian and Isolde retelling, but for some reason this book just feels so old to me. The characters aren’t appealing to me and the world building is everywhere. Stuff just feels like it’s thrown into your face without warning. It’s a bit of a chaotic read and it was really slow. I made it about 38% through before I had to quit reading.
Verdict: Not for me, but might be for you!
samreads_alot's review
4.0
The raven and the dove, has been severely overlooked since its release in 2020. I'll admit I requested this book from netgalley not realizing It was a book that has already been released, but I'm so glad I did anyway!! I LOVED this YA fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde. The world building was good, descriptive enough to understand but not overly complicated. There are a few different characters to remember but as you get to know them it gets easier to remember. I've never read a book with avian? characters and I was really digging it. There's different houses and magic is forbidden. Of course there's our FMC who does have magic, and there's betrayals and love triangles, and secret villains, prophecies, and more betrayals, and family relationships, friendships, courtship trials and epic fights. I really got hooked on the story, and was deeply interested in the characters. I would like to purchase a physical copy and start reading the next ones! It is part of a quartet and im very excited to see where this goes! Also I really appreciated that it was clean, and the zesty scenes were a closed door, fade to black situation. Perfect for me! The narrator was okay, I've heard some of Sarah Sampinos books before I believe, and she's not my favorite narrator but well enough I got through the whole book, on a nice 1.25/1.5 speed without too much grief. There's some parts in the book I wish I had heard my own self narrator voice in. But that's nothing against the narrators talent. It's a great audiobook, and I can't wait to continue the story!!
Perfect for fans of Sarah j Maas (without the spice) or Kiera Cass!
Perfect for fans of Sarah j Maas (without the spice) or Kiera Cass!
illborrowthisone's review
4.0
I was over the moon to receive this eARC from Netgalley. I've been seeing this book everywhere and knew it was going to be a must read for me. The world Kaitlyn Davis built is FASCINATING! I want more. The complex relationships and politics are so intriguing and I need more history and backstory for each of these houses. I loved the characters and their relationships. I was heartbroken by several things and I cannot wait to see where the characters go next in the sequel. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
aliciareadsit's review against another edition
4.0
3.5-4 STARS
I enjoyed this new series starter from Kaitlyn Davis. I liked the story and the characters, and the writing was really immersive, and pulled me in.
The characters were really great! I love our MC Lyana, she is very similar to me and I connected with her. She is independent and kind of strong-willed, but she is always trying to do the right thing. Rafe was also a really great broody leading man. I really enjoyed the connection that they share in the book through their secret magic.
The only thing I had slight difficulty with was the world-building. I didn’t quite understand it for the first half of the book. This might have just been a total “me” issue, but I just couldn’t grasp onto it easily.
If you dive into this one, be prepared for a HUGE cliffhanger at the end. Like, I couldn’t wrap my mind around the way it ended, and I HAVE to have the second book!
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to the rest of the series, and anything else that Davis will put out.
Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review!
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IG | Alicia Reads It - Blog | Twitter
I enjoyed this new series starter from Kaitlyn Davis. I liked the story and the characters, and the writing was really immersive, and pulled me in.
The characters were really great! I love our MC Lyana, she is very similar to me and I connected with her. She is independent and kind of strong-willed, but she is always trying to do the right thing. Rafe was also a really great broody leading man. I really enjoyed the connection that they share in the book through their secret magic.
The only thing I had slight difficulty with was the world-building. I didn’t quite understand it for the first half of the book. This might have just been a total “me” issue, but I just couldn’t grasp onto it easily.
If you dive into this one, be prepared for a HUGE cliffhanger at the end. Like, I couldn’t wrap my mind around the way it ended, and I HAVE to have the second book!
Overall, I really enjoyed it, and look forward to the rest of the series, and anything else that Davis will put out.
Special thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review!
Follow Me!
IG | Alicia Reads It - Blog | Twitter
rodeorocks13's review against another edition
4.0
When all the kingdom comes together for the courtship trials, the Dove princess Lyanna meets a Raven named Rafe. Led to believe he is the crowned prince, Lyanna starts to dream of future where she no longer has to keep her secrets from her mate.
Rafe is the bastard son from the house of whispers. Unable to be matched he chooses to pose as his brother in order to do better in the tournament and find his kingdom the perfect queen. Not expecting to be saved by Lyanna after fighting a dragon, he finds out they have one thing in common. Forbidden magic.
While the trials commence and everyone above the mist in the avian world are completely unaware human prince believes Lyanna is the prophesied queen that will save them all and works on his plan to get her to him.
The Dove and the Raven is a star-crossed lover story with an adventure twist. Introducing a wide range of characters and situations. It leaves very little room to get bored.
Full of friendship, trust, love and betrayals all in one exciting story. A smooth fast pace and fantasy theme brings it together nicely. It’s also a great build up as the start of a series.
Fantasy lovers will enjoy this one and will not want to put it down.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Rafe is the bastard son from the house of whispers. Unable to be matched he chooses to pose as his brother in order to do better in the tournament and find his kingdom the perfect queen. Not expecting to be saved by Lyanna after fighting a dragon, he finds out they have one thing in common. Forbidden magic.
While the trials commence and everyone above the mist in the avian world are completely unaware human prince believes Lyanna is the prophesied queen that will save them all and works on his plan to get her to him.
The Dove and the Raven is a star-crossed lover story with an adventure twist. Introducing a wide range of characters and situations. It leaves very little room to get bored.
Full of friendship, trust, love and betrayals all in one exciting story. A smooth fast pace and fantasy theme brings it together nicely. It’s also a great build up as the start of a series.
Fantasy lovers will enjoy this one and will not want to put it down.
I received an advanced copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.