Review: The Raven's Revenge

The Raven's Revenge
by Gina Black

Katherine Anne Welles chafes behind a life of obedience and restraint, so when her domineering father arranges a marriage with their villainous neighbor, she flees in the arms of a wounded highwayman, even though she distrusts his offer of help. But traveling with a dashing highwayman who won't ask directions is anything but safe. Especially when his searing hot kisses awaken a yearning for something Katherine never knew she wanted.

The exiled Earl of Ashton, Nicholas Montford, returns to England determined to reclaim his family lands. As a highwayman called the Raven, he takes revenge upon the Puritans who thrived while his family suffered. But when he kidnaps heiress Katherine Welles, thoughts of revenge take second place to kissing her soft lips and teasing the mistrust from her eyes. Can he find redemption in the arms of the woman he will eventually betray?

An unquestionably engaging English historical romance, The Raven's Revenge is a lengthy work featuring some truly dynamic characters. Set in the late seventeenth century England, this features all your favorite trappings, from arranged marriages to manor houses.

Nicholas, the young Earl Ashton, struggles for his life in an oddly symbolic confrontation with a wild boar. His circumstances are mysterious, to say the least, his situation, terrfiying. From the very start, The Raven's Revenge captures its readers and binds them into its tale. (Although Black never capitalizes on the symbolism, her hero's sexuality is unquestionable.)

The main character Katherine's plight is no less desperate. She is--as was perhaps not uncommon--betrothed to one she would not have. And yet, such strength of character has our Katherine, we expect something imaginitive from her. And, Black does not disappoint: saucy Katherine goes right out and.... but that would be telling! This romance is non-stop action. Admirable courage is a shared trait of the principle characters, however, this work is peopled entirely with strong -minded characters , from the overbearing father to the stubburn stable boy. And, quite similarly, they all want their own way!

Humor also plays a role here (few dialogues could be considered livlier than Nicholas' attempt to create a story-setting for the constellations.)

If there was one complaint, it would be that the imagaginative and dramatic setting that opened the story was one of the few where the physical background was given much consideration. This long tale is very active, and is carried beautifully by characters and action, but at times, some location description would be welcome.

Occasionally, we find a cover that really goes so perfectly with the story its worth mentioning. This one hits a truly odd note, with its Amish style carriage and open fields. However, don't be put off by the cover: this is a real English historical, and a fantastic read.



review by Snapdragon