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Raven Calls (Walker Papers #7)

by C.E. Murphy (Goodreads Author)

4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 · rating details · 1,365 ratings · 145 reviews

Something wicked this way comes…

Suddenly, being bitten by a werewolf is the least of Joanne Walker's problems.

Her personal life in turmoil, her job as a cop over, she's been called to Ireland by the magic within her. And though Joanne's skills have grown by leaps and bounds, Ireland's magic is old and very powerful….

In fact, this is a case of unfinished business. Because t...more

Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Published March 1st 2012 by Luna (first published February 21st 2012)

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Apr 07, 2012 Justine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, supernatural

Netgalley Review:

I may have been at a little disadvantaged as I haven’t read the series from the beginning, however I still enjoyed the book. The 'Walker Paper' series follows Joanne Walker, a mechanic and ex-police officer (after being bitten by a werewolf), Irish Shaman, with gifts that she will only use to survive.

Raven Calls opens with Joanne having a 'need' to travel to Ireland; where she has to confront her past and face her future. However, she won’t be alone as her former police boss and...more

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Jan 12, 2013 Margaret Mcgaffey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the seventh book in The Walker Papers, so it says a lot that I, and the rest of my family, eagerly awaited its arrival. I’m the slowest reader of us all, so I got my hands on Raven Calls last. All I can say is that it was worth the wait. Well, that’s not all I can say…

Raven Calls wraps up a lot of the long-term storyline, enough so that I was starting to worry (yes, worry) that this was the last of the series after all, but it’s not. Joanne has much more coming down the pipe to deal with...more This is the seventh book in The Walker Papers, so it says a lot that I, and the rest of my family, eagerly awaited its arrival. I’m the slowest reader of us all, so I got my hands on Raven Calls last. All I can say is that it was worth the wait. Well, that’s not all I can say…

Raven Calls wraps up a lot of the long-term storyline, enough so that I was starting to worry (yes, worry) that this was the last of the series after all, but it’s not. Joanne has much more coming down the pipe to deal with than can be tidily wrapped up in a single volume. However, this novel is somewhat of a changing of the guard, not in the people, but in the understanding Joanne has of her world and her family. C.E. Murphy does a wonderful job of keeping Joanne human. She’s got phenomenal cosmic power (TM), and yet rather than it going to her head, she blusters and stomps her way through trouble after trouble, always doubting she has what it takes to be what the universe expects of her.

She’s both right and wrong.

In Raven Calls, Joanne faces personal and real demons time and again. She calls on old friends (?) for aid, and learns both her limits and her strengths. It’s a powerful story both for avid Walker Papers readers and in a larger sense with what it reveals about the way people undercut themselves without admitting to that fact. It’s complicated and tangled in the way I love, while still carrying on the character of the Joanne I’ve grown to love even though her world is changing around her (sometimes literally).

And that’s not even touching on her steadfast friend Gary, the cabby turned adventurer who will grumble and moan whenever his life draws him from Joanne’s side, not because he is clingy but because her life is full of the adventure he misses in his own. She tries her best to keep him safe and distant from her chaos, but more than ever before, she fails in this case, and he’s loving it. Now I get to read the kick starter story of Gary’s side of this novel, something C.E. Murphy warned us was better read after, not before, Raven Calls.

Anyway, be prepared to enjoy a romp through Ireland and Irish mythology as Joanne comes face to face with her false assumptions about her mother, her father, and even who and what she is becoming.

Oh, and one last note: I enjoyed how C.E. Murphy slipped in somewhat of a pronunciation guide for the Gaelic names and terms. It was beautifully done, with one character saying the term, another repeating it visually and being corrected, then Joanne trying to figure it out phonetically. It sounds long-drawn out, but you’ll have to see for yourself. It is smoothly done and felt very real to the situation.
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Nov 03, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

SPOILER ALERT: It's impossible to discuss this book without referencing events from the previous novel, SPIRIT DANCES. Please don't read this post unless you're all caught up or don't mind spoilers from previous novels. (There's a bit of a give away in the blurb.)

As you may have guessed from me daring you to read URBAN SHAMAN, the first book in the Walker Papers, I'm a big fan of the series. Seven books in, I'm still completely hooked.

At this point in the series, Joanne's quite different from th...more SPOILER ALERT: It's impossible to discuss this book without referencing events from the previous novel, SPIRIT DANCES. Please don't read this post unless you're all caught up or don't mind spoilers from previous novels. (There's a bit of a give away in the blurb.)

As you may have guessed from me daring you to read URBAN SHAMAN, the first book in the Walker Papers, I'm a big fan of the series. Seven books in, I'm still completely hooked.

At this point in the series, Joanne's quite different from the Jo we met in URBAN SHAMAN. She's come into her own and accepts her shamanic gifts, though she's still not a master. She's also explored her roots on both her mother and father's sides of the family. On a romantic front, Jo and Morrison have finally taken steps in the right direction (squee!), thanks to Jo quitting the force. Unfortunately, not everything is roses. Jo learns best by making mistakes and her latest mistake was getting bitten by a werewolf.

One of the best parts of the Walker Papers is the cast. Joanne's one of my favourite urban fantasy protagonists. She's grown so much over the course of the series, both in terms of her powers and on a personal level. Her growing acceptance of her gifts and her heritage has been lovely to watch and I am so stoked that Jo and Morrison have finally acted on their feelings. And the series would be nothing without Gary. I love that old man. He's the heart of the series in so many ways and I love his relationship with Joanne. There are also a host of amazing secondary characters but most of them aren't in RAVEN CALLS because the book takes place in Ireland not Seattle.

Another great part of RAVEN CALLS? The story. It ties in so nicely with threads from previous novels. We get to explore Joanne's Irish ancestry and delve even more deeply into Celtic mythology, which is amazing because the world building in the series is fantastic. We get to explore Tara and watch Joanne fight banshees and werewolves and a mysterious force known as the Master, which instantly had me thinking about Doctor Who. =) C. E. Murphy presents a very different take on werewolves and their origin. It's thoroughly original and I can't want to see what the ramifications will be for Joanne and company.

Once again, the author has delivered an exciting urban fantasy tale filled with mythology, action, and humour. Readers unfamiliar with the series will the Walker Papers will want to go back to the beginning since the novels build on one another but you won't be disappointed if you decide to invest the time. C. E. Murphy knows how to build engaging characters and layered worlds. You're sure to enjoy the ride!

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Jun 28, 2012 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've been following the Walker Papers series for a very long time. Since the first book (Urban Shaman) came out. It's really nice to see Joanne really start to grow and develop as a character as the series has gone on, but in Raven Calls she really makes some headway.

The story is that Joanne Walker is a half Native American half Irish shaman who is the daughter of two magic users as well. Over the series she's gone up against several different enemies, from zombies to gods. Over the last couple...more

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May 26, 2012 cecilia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I would have passed on Raven Calls if I had any inkling that it was Book 7 in a series. That’s right –7?! This is when I wish I do a little bit more research before I decide to pick up a book, but sometimes jumping in the middle of a series can work out okay. And it sounded SO good that I wanted to jump in! Well… Raven Calls would have welcomed me more completely if it had time to backtrack, but I think the story had a lot on its plate to keep track of all the time traveling. Joanne even got con...more

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Apr 04, 2012 Rhonda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Raven Calls by C. E. Murphy
3 STARS
Raven Calls is the first book of the series that I have read and I got lost an confused sometimes in this book. It mentioned time after time of somthing that had happened in another book. I think if you are a fan and follow the series you will like it more.
The plot is very twisty jumping into different time lines and different plains of existance. Everytime I think everything will just wrap up now more twists and turns to go.
Joanne at the begining as quit the p...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Sharon Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Raven Calls by C. E. Murphy is the most recent addition to Murphy's Walker Papers series. This just might be the best book in the series thus far, with action and character growth far exceeding even what this fan expected. Raven Calls picks up right on the heels of Spirit Dances. Joanne is tired, hungry, and suffering from a werewolf bite. She also quit her job, and solidified her relationship with her former boss, Morrison. Her encore performance includes flying off to Ireland to follow the mys...more Raven Calls by C. E. Murphy is the most recent addition to Murphy's Walker Papers series. This just might be the best book in the series thus far, with action and character growth far exceeding even what this fan expected. Raven Calls picks up right on the heels of Spirit Dances. Joanne is tired, hungry, and suffering from a werewolf bite. She also quit her job, and solidified her relationship with her former boss, Morrison. Her encore performance includes flying off to Ireland to follow the mystical pull that tells her that she has some unfinished business in her late mother's homeland. While Joanne has made some serious strides, the werewolf bite that is plaguing her just might be the least of her problems. Even with the unexpected help from Gary, her powers and skills might not be enough to deal with the ancient powers that reside in Ireland.

Raven Calls chronicles Joanne's mission to wrap up the unfinished business she has with her late mother, and the evil force that everyone simply calls The Master. While struggling to stay non-furry; Joanne encounters gods, goddesses, and beings that she can not quite classify. Her mission is to battle the darkness, The Master, while setting her mother's essence free from his influence. Her efforts take her, and those she encounters along the was, slipping through time and closing some complicated time loops. While the journey takes some turns that Joanne does not expect, and sets the stage for further adventures. However, although her path might not be a straight line, Joanne comes a long way in accepting herself and the world around her for all of its light and dark.

I highly recommend Raven Calls to fans of the Walker Papers series. For those that have yet to read the first six books in the series, I do not recommend starting here. Without the previous knowledge of Joanne, her issues, her friends, and her family you will simply not understand the significance of most of the story line and the growth that Joanne's character makes. I do recommend the entire series, it is a great example of urban fantasy that balances the action, personal growth, and romance plot lines of the characters well. This is one series that I refuse to fall behind on. (less)

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Mar 11, 2012 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

There was a buzz of excitement in me when I saw there was a new Joanne Walker book. I have been sitting and waiting about what was going to happen next with Morrison.

Sure there was the (view spoiler) from the previous book but Morrison...that's what I wanted.

Instead I got him in phone calls where they declared they loved each other. Wait. What? Phone calls? Hell. I got Joanne turning into a ginormous snake (squick factor much), I got what had to be the band of most...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, favorites

"WHAT...?"

Okay I'm not going to say exactly what came out of my mouth when I finished this book, but some might get the point.

Honestly I have to say I did enjoy this book and really, it was good. I'm just being stubborn and grumpy because I think with the way things have ended it is going to be a long while before we get some Morrison. I'm not talking about a stupid phone call either!

Joanne going off to Ireland made sense and caught my interest. Gary meeting up with her there was great. But the...more "WHAT...?"

Okay I'm not going to say exactly what came out of my mouth when I finished this book, but some might get the point.

Honestly I have to say I did enjoy this book and really, it was good. I'm just being stubborn and grumpy because I think with the way things have ended it is going to be a long while before we get some Morrison. I'm not talking about a stupid phone call either!

Joanne going off to Ireland made sense and caught my interest. Gary meeting up with her there was great. But the werewolf bite... hmm.
I was eager for Joanne to discover more of the mysteries from her Irish side and it was non-stop action and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way. But the werewolf bite...hmm. I loved Jo meeting up with her family and working things out with her mom. I'm looking forward for more of her father.
The time travel thing didn't bother me, though I can see where others might get confused but I waited for this to come out on audio cause I didn't want to waste my time trying to read Gaelic. I wanted to get right to the story and loved how Jo had her own issue's with Gaelic. Gabra Zackman does an excellent job at narrating. I went and got the whole series in audio because I think Gabra really hits Jo's character and the rest of the cast very well.

I was very excited about this book, even knowing I was going to miss Morrison and Billy, and I truly was enjoying it except one flaw kept coming at me again and again. The werewolf bite! After 6 books, 15 months in Joanne's world, this supposed action and reason for her to run off to Ireland to find a cure for herself made no sense to me. Jo defeated the werewolf, literally altering the woman's DNA and cured her breast cancer on top of that. But for some reason she couldn't heal herself. After all in each of these books Jo keeps getting things thrown at her and she's growing but she doesn't remember that one thing about herself that she can WILL her own body, that her thoughts and will have power over her OWN body, not just everything around her. That was the one true flaw for me. Thinking about where the series is going to go from here.. might be another.

I've been hoping, at some point in Demon Hunts that Jo might reconnect with her dad and have some heart to heart, or smack down with Sarah and Lucas. But with 2 books left in the series I have this feeling that Morrison is going to be the end result. That the next two books in the series are going to keep Joanne busy and when she finally gets back to Seattle and Morrison it will be the end. In my head I kinda pictured Morrison and Jo having more. Him being there to wrap his arms around her and stand up with her to face the demons in her past. I guess we'll see what happens. I know I'm committed to the last book. (less)

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Mar 06, 2012 Laurie: Almost Faemous rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally Posted http://ufreview.com/2012/03/06/raven-...

Review:

When I was looking through the available arcs on NetGalley and came across this one I jumped all over it, I have loved this series from the beginning and couldn't believe my luck when I got an email saying "here's your copy go read and review" ok I paraphrased a little but I was really excited! I was not disappointed unlike the previous six books this story takes place in Ireland and most of the minor characters you come to expect...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Bookmom rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shaman Joanne Walker heads to Ireland to look for a cure; she’d been bitten by a werewolf in the last book and doesn’t want to become a monster. She’s surprised to find Gary waiting for her when she gets off the plane, having been contacted by Morrison, asking him to keep an eye on her. But instead of focusing on finding a cure she gets drawn into having to fix history that was messed up when another character was taken out of existence in another book, causing a chain reaction of problems.

I enj...more Shaman Joanne Walker heads to Ireland to look for a cure; she’d been bitten by a werewolf in the last book and doesn’t want to become a monster. She’s surprised to find Gary waiting for her when she gets off the plane, having been contacted by Morrison, asking him to keep an eye on her. But instead of focusing on finding a cure she gets drawn into having to fix history that was messed up when another character was taken out of existence in another book, causing a chain reaction of problems.

I enjoyed the goddess and fae characters Joanne deals with in this book; many I’ve only read as “existing” from other author’s books. This was an up-close-and-personal with some of them and it’s cool to see how closely they are described from what others have said. And you’ve got to like Gary and her relationship with the guy. Joanne also learns more about her heritage from both sides of the family and this information adds a new dynamic to the mix.

But I found much of the story to be confusing. Some of that is most likely because I haven’t read all of the other books. I’d read the first three and gave up because I have trouble following what’s described in Joanne’s dreamscape segments. I did pick up the last book as an ARC and loved it, so I’d given this one a try. Many of the important things being dealt with come from prior books and I’m not sure if I’d read some of it and forgotten it since it’s been years or if they were from books I hadn’t read. So now add in the time loops (and I believe many would find this confusing all on its own) and dreamscape sequences and for me it was too easy to put the book down and do other things.

Joanne’s constant chip on her shoulder and verbally lashing out at everyone comes across as rather juvenile, although thankfully it appears that she does some personal growing in this story. It’s too early to tell if this will still be such a strong aspect of her character in future books as she understands more about herself.

Overall I found it to be an interesting, albeit a somewhat confusing story. I like the concept of Joanne’s situation, the regular characters and the folks from mythology that we meet. By the end I was glad I picked up the book.

I strongly recommend only picking this up if you’ve read most of the prior books in the series.

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Apr 11, 2012 Beth Cato rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: walker-papers, urban, fantasy, 2012

The Walker Papers Series wasn't just my introduction to the urban fantasy genre, but it remains one of my very favorites. Joanne Walker is realistic, brash yet good at heart. That said, I had a harder time getting into this book. First of all, the other books in the series are set in Seattle--where I lived for several years. This one is in Ireland. I also missed several of the old familiar characters here. Morrison isn't present physically, just as an inspiration and a voice on the phone, and Ga...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Larisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own, won

slight disclaimer: I managed to win a copy from a giveaway. The only bias this gives me is the sheer pleasure of reading an autographed copy before the release date. (Think ferret style happy war dance at the mailbox) That alone is a rush of lush proportions. It also means if the book hadn't lived up to the rush I'd be snarling and gnashing my teeth in despair rather than gushing all over the place.

I wish there were more stars to award a book. A symbol or number of them that would convey - Just...more slight disclaimer: I managed to win a copy from a giveaway. The only bias this gives me is the sheer pleasure of reading an autographed copy before the release date. (Think ferret style happy war dance at the mailbox) That alone is a rush of lush proportions. It also means if the book hadn't lived up to the rush I'd be snarling and gnashing my teeth in despair rather than gushing all over the place.

I wish there were more stars to award a book. A symbol or number of them that would convey - Just GO get the Book. If you haven't read the series, hurry, you have time to gobble down the previous six by March 1st. The book can stand alone, but not enjoying the how Walker ends up on this adventure is simply cheating yourself as a reader of quite a tale. This series started perfect and manages to keep getting better with each book...Every Time, no exceptions or maybes. Rarely are the twists and turns foreseeable, beyond Walker kicking herself as she gets knocked tail over tea kettle and girding herself to get back up and grow, and that is plain admirable.

CE Murphy has the ability to notch tension up to a fever pitch sending characters and readers right over cliff's edge. Then leave them there, begging for more instead of grabbing pitchforks and torches to go find her. This is an unusual talent and she uses it with precision. Jim Butcher is her only equal in this regard. For all the careening the characters do to save the day there isn't a wasted word, moment or unnecessary rabbit-hole side trip. Even when, like the characters, we can't see the full implications of it at that second.

The cast of characters is a tight core group with each character growing, revealing subtle nuances or jaw-dropping details with equal realism. The book is an ensemble piece, and yet is all Walker's story. Most of the supporting cast sits this book out or plays out their role within Walker's mind. Save Morrison who manages to steal a couple scenes long distance while being simply Morrison.

While the previous six books were set in Seattle, this one has Walker in Ireland, all over Ireland in concise, beautiful detail. Each place becomes vivid in the mind's eye, crisp, no uncertainties and all the more real for it. The nuances of same, yet different, between American culture, Irish culture and mythic culture are deftly woven without snags.

Would I want to be Walker? Goodness, No. Her life now is the epitome of one wild, crazy, EPIC ride, but I will wait with baited breath for every single adventure of hers to read. Am also now desperately hoping the young Irish Mage is rattling the author's equanimity demanding her own series, even if it takes another KickStarter campaign.

My last thought before I go back and excerpt read bits of the book again is if you aren't one of the Kickstarter patrons for No Dominion start making offerings to your God/desses that a print copy becomes available to buy. Otherwise by page 88 you will be kicking yourself instead feeling slightly smug while overwhelmingly anxious for that tale to be waiting in your inbox.

Enough gushing - Read or miss out on some of the best adventures in Urban Fantasy, in Fiction.
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Apr 23, 2013 Starfire rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy, 7-5-10

Yep, I think overalll that I enjoyed this instalment - albeit maybe not as much as Book 6.

Maybe it was being back in Ireland, but Jo did seem to be returning to her annoying running-off-at-the-mouth-itis from the earlier books - especially at the beginning of the story, which irritated me a tad.

Gary, however, was as awesome as always, and the whole Mojojojo thing made me grin. And the linguistic geek in me enjoyed Jo absorbing the Irish brogue into her vocab without realising she was doing it.

Me...more

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Mar 13, 2012 Shay Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dark-fantasy, urban-fantasy

When I read the dedication in this book, I was rather worried that it was the last in the series. And this is a series that I have fallen with since the first book which was set in Seattle. RAVEN CALLS is set in Ireland but it has the same magic to the writing that holds sway over me.

What really sets this book apart from the rest of the series is the growth that Joanne does. She has always fought herself and others when it comes to learning and accepting herself. Now to keep Gary alive and to g...more

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Jan 13, 2012 Caitlin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh ya Gary is back in all his charming glory! After going away for the weekend in the last book, Spirit Dances, he was not going to miss all the action this time so he flys all the way to Ireland to join Joanne on this next big adventure. And what an adventure it is.

Literally, none stop. I did miss the other characters, Billy, Morrison, the other officers, and the daily life stuff that was in the other books. Because this book was set in Ireland there was really none of the mundane, it was all...more

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May 15, 2013 Kim rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: has-read

To say I was disappointed with this book would be an understatement.

It picks up right where we left off, with Jo leaving to go to Ireland with the thought of getting the werewolf bite healed. Of course way more things go awry.

The pros about this book.. Gary. Actually for that was really the only pro.

After we had gotten so far last book with the relationship between Morrison & Jo. With her accepting her powers and finally embracing them.. Well this story took a huge leap back.

Not only is Morr...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: galleys-arcs

Raven Calls – C.E. Murphy

All I can say is ---WOW. What a book. This has to be the best that C. E. Murphy has produced in this series yet. While I normally hate books that deal too much with history, (history of a religion, pantheons, witchcraft …anything) in this book the ‘teaching’ was absolutely painless, It was actually fun learning the’ history’ of these Legends and about the Fey.
In this book Joanne has to find out how to stop from turning into a were-wolf, find her best friend Gary who has...more

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Mar 11, 2012 April rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook

*Possible spoiler alert*

Yee gods does this girl never get a break? All I wished for half way through this book was for Jo to actually get some sleep... does she?.... noooooo... wicked, wicked Murphy has to end on another cliff hanger that will not give her a chance to sleep. I hope to hell it gives her at least a couple of hours with Morrison... I mean seriously... and WTF?.... I almost choked during the final battle scene... OMG.... Gary.... s'all I can say.

I have loved this series from the beg...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the first e-books I ever purchased was Urban Shaman the first Walker Papers book. I’ve since purchased a paper copy as it is easier to share and I don’t have to worry about whether or not it will work on my next device. My first e-reader was a Palm PDA. I’ve been hooked on this series ever since and it just keeps getting better. Ms. Murphy has grown as a writer and Jo Walker has grown as a character.

Warning Raven Calls is not a stand-alone book. If you haven’t read the other Walker Paper...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Jessie Potts rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shifter, paranormal, sci-fi-fantasy

Raven Calls is the latest book in the Walker Papers series. Murphy has created an imaginative, complex world revolving around Native American mythology and, in Raven Calls, a bit of Irish lore. I wouldn't recommend reading it out of order, but the first book, Urban Shaman, is a ride in and of itself, and if you are a fan of urban fantasy, paranormal romance and strong heroines, then you might want to pick it up and see just where Joanne will lead you.

Joanne's life is a mess. Since the beginning,...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

RAVEN CALLS picks up directly where SPIRIT DANCES left off: Joanne suffering from a werewolf bite, and being pulled by the visions she saw while in her battles in that book to Ireland. The action starts immediately, with her best friend showing up - surprisingly, but very welcome - just as she gets off the flight. Teaming up, she and Gary follow her metaphysical nose to the beginning of her latest adventure. And it is a doozy - time travel, Irish mythology coming to life, and lots of fights - oh...more

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May 02, 2012 Reese Bradford rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I like this series but I felt like this book was a big misstep. For one, Joanne was ridiculously immature, abrasive, and dumb. It's not like she's ever fully had her shit together but it's like she took about a thousand steps back from the progress she'd made in the first six books. Additionally, part of my love for this series is the ensemble and their relationships with Joanne. For the most part Gary and Coyote were absent for the action, Morrison only popped up in a couple of phone calls, and...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Shanna Hurd rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-crush, favorites, fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 10, 2012 Kt from A Book Obsession.. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: received-for-review

Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..

After quitting her job and professing her feelings to Morrison, Joanne is in a race against time (literally) as she travels to Ireland to fight the werewolf infection brewing inside of her. However, once she arrives, she finds that infection to be nothing in comparison to the rest of the issues she must face. The magic she will be facing is older than she can imagine and is tied directly into The Master that has had a hand in all the turmoil...more Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..

After quitting her job and professing her feelings to Morrison, Joanne is in a race against time (literally) as she travels to Ireland to fight the werewolf infection brewing inside of her. However, once she arrives, she finds that infection to be nothing in comparison to the rest of the issues she must face. The magic she will be facing is older than she can imagine and is tied directly into The Master that has had a hand in all the turmoil thus far. Now she must save the very woman who gave her life to save Joanne, even if it means risking everything herself, for failure may give The Master the last foothold he needs to come into this world. She'll need all the help she can get as she travels through time as there will me more than a few obstacles in her path.

Raven Calls had a much different feel to it than the previous books, more in the realm of regular fantasy rather then urban. This had a lot to do with the setting being in Ireland and all of the time jumping. I also missed the dynamic between Joanne and all of the other characters we have come to love. Thank goodness at least Gary tagged along. It just wouldn't have felt the same without him. Although, even he wasn't around for a large portion of the book. However, once I got over my character withdraw and made myself focus on Joanne, I really started to get into Raven Calls. The main theme of this series has been Joanne's growth from being a pain in the rear, to slowly starting to accept the magical "woo-woo" stuff. In Raven Calls, she took that growth one step further and started to finally have confidence in herself and abilities. And let me tell you, that has made all the difference. Although it does have me a little worried because that may mean she is almost ready for the final showdown and the end of the series.

When I finished the previous book, Spirit Dances, I wanted to throw a temper tantrum of epic proportions. Seeing as I have two small children, trust me, I have learned from the best. I was just so devastated after all that build up between Joanne and Morrison and then a tiny carrot was dangled, but taken away so quickly. I mean, it was a write and complain to your senator type of ending. (Yes, I realize that wouldn't have made a lick of difference, and really doesn't make much sense, but considering how anti-political I am, it just shows how much I was impacted by that ending.) For all of two seconds I had plans to boycott the following book, Raven Calls, but that idea was quickly thrown out the window once I realized I wouldn't get to find out what would happen next if I did that. Even so I went into reading Raven Calls more than a bit petulant and convinced that I wouldn't enjoy it due to the lack of Morrison. Well, I am now humbly admitting I was wrong, at least in part. The book was very good. Now, would I have enjoyed it even more if Morrison could have somehow come on the journey? Probably, but the few phone calls and interactions between the two of them gave me just enough relief to tide me over. However I will say this, if the two of them do not get some face time in the next book, well, it is game on!

While I enjoy reading urban fantasies, I vastly prefer the ones that have a romantic sub-plot as well. So, it really says something that Raven Calls was easily able to get past my petulance due to frustration in the romance department. The world C.E. Murphy has created is so vast and rich, with characters that suck you right in, and Raven Calls only continued that trend. Between the epic world building, character growth and a killer plot, Raven Calls is one heck of a read. Major kudos!(less)

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Mar 02, 2012 ♆ BookAddict ~ La Crimson Femme rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: free-read, netgalley-reviews, urban-fantasy, magic, shifters, fae, werewolf

Riddle me this, why does Joanne have to learn everything the hard way? At this point, I'm just as tired as Joanne. Reading through all the trials and tribulations she goes through makes me weary and I'm just the reader. In this new installment of Walker Papers, Joanne is in Ireland. She felt a pulling in her gut and races over to there to do what she feels she must do. She wrecks havoc.

The short summary of this story is she fought, won and lost. People died. I want to discuss Joanne. This is one...more Riddle me this, why does Joanne have to learn everything the hard way? At this point, I'm just as tired as Joanne. Reading through all the trials and tribulations she goes through makes me weary and I'm just the reader. In this new installment of Walker Papers, Joanne is in Ireland. She felt a pulling in her gut and races over to there to do what she feels she must do. She wrecks havoc.

The short summary of this story is she fought, won and lost. People died. I want to discuss Joanne. This is one messed up woman. Between her self esteem issues and Mommy didn't love me abandonment issues, I want to slap her hard. Ever meet the person who seems to always be in the position of "saving" the world at work? They are so busy and bad things seem to happen to them? Then as you get to know this person, you realize, the "bad things" are because they caused it themselves. This is Joanne. I'm torn. I feel bad for her but as I get to know her more, I want to beat her. Her troubles literally stem from herself. The newest revelation about her ability to time travel explains so much. What Joanne assumed to be "truths" were not exactly right. That's the problem with people who focus on the "truth" and "right or wrong". They are subjective. They don't deal in facts. They are not self aware. They are self centered. The amount of collateral damage is beyond calculation. I think the better question to ask is, "who didn't die and who isn't damaged by Joanne?"

The only version of Joanne I can respect is her younger self she stole from. That Joanne is self aware, confident and logical. The Joanne we are treated to can be explained best as - self saboteur. Joanne doesn't need enemies. She's doing a great job of getting herself killed by her lack of planning and self defeatist attitude. I loved when she received a kick in the ass by her younger self.

This world Ms. Murphy creates is complex with many pieces of mythology integrated into a magical world. I have very little knowledge of Irish and Native America mythology. As far as I'm concerned, it was fascinating and so well designed. I liked it! There was one thing that broke my heart in this story. It wasn't the different people dying or being tortured. It was Joanne's message from her younger self to Coyote. It was a hot mess train wreck. I felt sorrow and longing for Coyote. He deserves better.

I highly recommend this book to Urban Fantasy readers who enjoy pain, sorrow, anguish and a bittersweet ending. (less)

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Apr 02, 2013 April rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This seventh novel in the series was the first I had read by C.E. Murphy, so maybe that is why the characters felt a little flat to me. Murphy tries to do the wisecracking heroine with a heart of gold and she mostly succeeds, but I think other authors do it a bit better (e.g., Seanan McGuire). Clearly, the heroine's relationship with the mother had been closely examined in previous books. I did like her close friendship with her older kick-ass friend Gary, though he seemed to have more energy th...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Gwyneth Stewart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of urban fantasy

This is the seventh book in the Urban Shaman series. In this one Joanne Walker (nee Siobhan Walkingstick) heads to Ireland looking for a cure for being bitten by a werewolf. She goes back in time to Tara, and meets, works with or fights against Brigit, Maebh, the Morrigan, banshees and other creatures out of Irish mythology, in order to save herself from becoming a werewolf, and to save her dead mother from becoming a servant of the evil creature known as The Master. In this book, Joanne finally...more

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May 06, 2013 Araceli Schlosser rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this book was amazing.

From the beginning, this book is fast paced, high action and high emotion and doesn't let up.

Joanne goes to her Irish roots and starts working herself through her own doubts and insecurities. With a lot less whining, and a lot more call to action, Joanne starts to embrace her more warrior side. By straddling the lines between healer and warrior, she begins to realize that not all wars are won by violence and not all broken souls can be healed. By learning the va...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Claire rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: grownup-books, high-school-and-beyond, thrillers

Joanne is back in the soup. She was bitten by a werewolf over the weekend, solved the Spirit Dancer mystery, exposed her love for Morrison and now, following a vision of a mage in Ireland who might help her heal, she is on a plane really hoping she doesn't shape shift because of her bite.
This is a breakneck adventure facing non stop mortal challenges to bind evil forces, make peace with her mother, resolve her past with Coyote, oh, and kick Lower World evildoers to the curb. Alternatively sweet...more

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About C.E. Murphy

C.E. Murphy is a writer of fantasy novels and short stories. She also writes "action-adventure romance" novels under the pseudonym Cate Dermody, which was her grandmother's maiden name.

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Quotes from Raven Calls

“You went back in time,” he repeated, “and you expect his cell phone to work?”
“Well, no, I just, I mean, I came back and he hasn’t! Shouldn’t he have?”
Morrison, very steadily, said, “Were you together?”
“No! I just said he went to fight the Morrigan!”
“I see.” There was a pause. “The man is seventy-four years old, Joanie. He can take care of himself. If you were,” a great and patient pause filled the line before he went on, “time traveling. If you were time traveling and got separated, then I can’t think of any reason he would necessarily come back to the present at the same time you did.”
“Except I was the focal point, it was my fault, it --!”
“Joanne. Siobhan. Siobhan Grainne MacNamarra Walkingstick.”
I didn’t think anybody had ever said my name like that before. I gulped down a hysterical sob and whispered, “Yeah?”
Morrison, with gentle emphasis, said, “I love you. Now pull yourself together and go find the bad guy,” and hung up.” — 10 people liked it

“Nobody who loved life and new experiences that much was ever going to get old, not really. Wiser and eventually dead, maybe, but not old.” — 2 people liked it

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Raven Calls (Walker Papers #7)

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