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When Ravens Fall
GOOD v EVIL FREE WILL v DESTINY
Essex isnt just about the glamour. Away from the ditzy charm, fake tan and false eyelashes, lies a hidden world of drugs, carnage, and violence run by the county's crime lords.
Is love fully understood at seventeen? Rachel didnt think so. The fixation and infatuation that two people can have for one another scared her so much she didnt just run away from it; she bolted, straight into a teenage pregnancy and numerous failed relationships in a bid to forget Sean Fergus.
She never really understood why she ran, a little voice in her head told her to and she had listened. So why had she spent the last ten years trying to replace him?
Sean however understood it fully. He knew she had to run because he knew what he was, even if she didnt.
He was a monster. There was a dark, vile evil that lived inside him. It made him do wicked things and what made it worse was that the evil force that consumed him, made him enjoy it. Women werent safe with him.
When Sean meets Rachel again, unexpectedly he sees a tiny glimmer of hope that redemption is possible. If they could just find their way through the maze of infatuation and fixation, then they just might finally stand a chance of a normal happy relationship. But can a person change?
Can good overcome evil?
Whilst Sean is forced to confront the violence of his past and take on what he sees as the demons that threaten his future, Rachel finally realises why she ran. She knows she has to run again but this time it is for her life not her heart. But will Sean let her go so easily this time?
Essex isnt just about the glamour. Away from the ditzy charm, fake tan and false eyelashes, lies a hidden world of drugs, carnage, and violence run by the county's crime lords.
Is love fully understood at seventeen? Rachel didnt think so. The fixation and infatuation that two people can have for one another scared her so much she didnt just run away from it; she bolted, straight into a teenage pregnancy and numerous failed relationships in a bid to forget Sean Fergus.
She never really understood why she ran, a little voice in her head told her to and she had listened. So why had she spent the last ten years trying to replace him?
Sean however understood it fully. He knew she had to run because he knew what he was, even if she didnt.
He was a monster. There was a dark, vile evil that lived inside him. It made him do wicked things and what made it worse was that the evil force that consumed him, made him enjoy it. Women werent safe with him.
When Sean meets Rachel again, unexpectedly he sees a tiny glimmer of hope that redemption is possible. If they could just find their way through the maze of infatuation and fixation, then they just might finally stand a chance of a normal happy relationship. But can a person change?
Can good overcome evil?
Whilst Sean is forced to confront the violence of his past and take on what he sees as the demons that threaten his future, Rachel finally realises why she ran. She knows she has to run again but this time it is for her life not her heart. But will Sean let her go so easily this time?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2012
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309 people want to read
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April 27, 2013
5 EARTH SHATTERING STARS
When Ravens Fall by Matilda Wren
"A dark gritty rollercoaster hard hitting thriller, that delves deep into the evil complex human psyche."
" What we call the beginning is often the end,
and to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from.”
T.S Elliot 1888-1965
OH.MY.GOD! i am absolutely 100% speechless!!
This book is a piece of art, i have never read anything like that. ever!
this book is so very dark,evil,wicked,filled with raw emotions.
i just finished this and i'm like "Woah"
That was perfect! absolute PERFECTION
Sean Fergus
is what this book about." He was a pimp and a drug dealer. He was an enforcer and he associated with some very dangerous people.He believed it was his destiny. He was living his life just the way he thought he should be."
He has a loving mother and father, and two beautiful sister, to anyone else they were the perfect family, but no one knew what happen behind close doors.
Sean abuse and use people without shame, he Rapes,murder,and do so many evil things. But honestly i didn't hate him. not even one bit.
i rather felt sad for him, he was a broken soul, a sick, twisted, evil soul. all he needed was help.
He did what he wanted, no one told him you can't do that or this, no one questioned his actions. He believed that "evil men do what good men only dream of." << amazing line by the way
His brain didn't work in the same way as most other people. He didn't appreciate that other people had feelings, or emotions, or
hopes or fears. He saw them as tools that were there for his use, they were a means to an end. They held no significance for him.
He didn't understand humanity. He lived by basic needs and wants. He had no empathy, so the pain and sorrow that he caused others, were a phenomenon to him. It excited him and drove him to repeat the experience. Forcing somebody to do something against their will was captivating to him"
He loved this girl Rachel. he treated her differently,gently, he loved her for real, she was his light in the darkness, just being around him stopped him from doing bad, evil things. but it wasn't healthy.
As you read the book you'll see how much he needed her.it wasn't normal, they both loved each other but sometimes love is just not enough.
Paranoia doesn't run alone either. It is accompanied by jealousy and suspicion. All these traits already encompassed Sean, but you add love and obsession into the mix and you have all the right ingredients for a very deadly cocktail of psychotic tendencies. This is rarely a good thing, at any time, but was especially bad when it came to Sean Fergus.
"There were never any choices. There is no such thing as free
will. It’s just an illusion. The universe is either determinate, where the future is set, or indeterminate, where thoughts and actions happen at random. Neither option works with free will.You live in your ownself-flagellation; a fantasy world that is governed by your rules.”
The Characters
There were a lot of characters in this book, but i didn't feel overwhelmed by this, i loved them all. their existence was necessarily for the success of this the book.I liked knowing what they were thinking, and how they felt.
One choice, one decision, affected them all...
The writing style was eloquent, beautiful, Rhetorical, flowing, questioning, inquisitive, and critical.
The ending was perfect! i really wonder how may times i used this word, but honestly this book is p.e.r.f.e.c.t!
This book blew my mind, it is really a shame that not everyone knows about it. It is to be recommended for 17+
The sequel, "Lowlands" will be published in October.
I was given a free copy by the writer in order to read and review
When Ravens Fall by Matilda Wren
"A dark gritty rollercoaster hard hitting thriller, that delves deep into the evil complex human psyche."
" What we call the beginning is often the end,
and to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start from.”
T.S Elliot 1888-1965
OH.MY.GOD! i am absolutely 100% speechless!!
This book is a piece of art, i have never read anything like that. ever!
this book is so very dark,evil,wicked,filled with raw emotions.
i just finished this and i'm like "Woah"
That was perfect! absolute PERFECTION
Sean Fergus
is what this book about." He was a pimp and a drug dealer. He was an enforcer and he associated with some very dangerous people.He believed it was his destiny. He was living his life just the way he thought he should be."
He has a loving mother and father, and two beautiful sister, to anyone else they were the perfect family, but no one knew what happen behind close doors.
Sean abuse and use people without shame, he Rapes,murder,and do so many evil things. But honestly i didn't hate him. not even one bit.
i rather felt sad for him, he was a broken soul, a sick, twisted, evil soul. all he needed was help.
He did what he wanted, no one told him you can't do that or this, no one questioned his actions. He believed that "evil men do what good men only dream of." << amazing line by the way
His brain didn't work in the same way as most other people. He didn't appreciate that other people had feelings, or emotions, or
hopes or fears. He saw them as tools that were there for his use, they were a means to an end. They held no significance for him.
He didn't understand humanity. He lived by basic needs and wants. He had no empathy, so the pain and sorrow that he caused others, were a phenomenon to him. It excited him and drove him to repeat the experience. Forcing somebody to do something against their will was captivating to him"
He loved this girl Rachel. he treated her differently,gently, he loved her for real, she was his light in the darkness, just being around him stopped him from doing bad, evil things. but it wasn't healthy.
As you read the book you'll see how much he needed her.it wasn't normal, they both loved each other but sometimes love is just not enough.
Paranoia doesn't run alone either. It is accompanied by jealousy and suspicion. All these traits already encompassed Sean, but you add love and obsession into the mix and you have all the right ingredients for a very deadly cocktail of psychotic tendencies. This is rarely a good thing, at any time, but was especially bad when it came to Sean Fergus.
"There were never any choices. There is no such thing as free
will. It’s just an illusion. The universe is either determinate, where the future is set, or indeterminate, where thoughts and actions happen at random. Neither option works with free will.You live in your ownself-flagellation; a fantasy world that is governed by your rules.”
The Characters
There were a lot of characters in this book, but i didn't feel overwhelmed by this, i loved them all. their existence was necessarily for the success of this the book.I liked knowing what they were thinking, and how they felt.
One choice, one decision, affected them all...
The writing style was eloquent, beautiful, Rhetorical, flowing, questioning, inquisitive, and critical.
The ending was perfect! i really wonder how may times i used this word, but honestly this book is p.e.r.f.e.c.t!
This book blew my mind, it is really a shame that not everyone knows about it. It is to be recommended for 17+
The sequel, "Lowlands" will be published in October.
I was given a free copy by the writer in order to read and review
April 26, 2013
When Ravens Fall completely blew me away!!!!
Sean Fergus is one of the most psychotic, dark, troubled, brutal and damaged characters I HAVE EVER READ!! He's plagued with this belief that the darkness that is eating away at him, has been there since birth, he truly believes he's born this way, and unbelievably lacks conscience, moral compass and grief or remorse for the things his dark side does.
"His brain didn't work in the same way as most other people. He didn't appreciate that other people had feelings, or emotions, or hopes, or fears. He saw them as tools that were there for his use, they were a means to an end. They held no significance for him."
The author, Matilda Wren, was able to do something I believed was IMPOSSIBLE! I have sworn off reading books with less that 300 pages, because it feels like the story is rushed, characters are not developed fully, settings, environment is poorly written, etc. NOT THE CASE HERE! From the very first page, until the last, you're delved into the psyche of each character, creating a depth of emotion, drive, intentions, despair that I've really ever come across from a book. I was so captivating by her writing, I didn't feel the need to skim through any of it, afraid I would miss the sole foundation behind the actions of the characters!
Sean & Rachel-- This book is 90% DARK. INTENSE. TWISTED. DISTURBING. I have never warred with myself over the Hero of a book before. Am I for him or against him?
Sean does things in this book which upset me, traumatized me, sadden me and conflicted me. Some of them were pretty hard to read through. BUT....yes but.., at times when he was with Rachel, this conflict would arise within him where he believes that through her love for him...HE CAN CHANGE! He can bury the darkness, and be normal, not a monster. Honestly, this is what kept me from hating Sean. I desperately grabbed onto that hope, that yearning that he felt stirring within himself to want to change, to want to be a better person, to leave his dark past behind. He seems so determined to change, and reading through his internal monologue was heartbreaking and a catalyst for what was to come in the final chapter.
"He knew it would always be her for him. No one else could do this to him; no one else could make him see a different life; life without inflicting degradation and mortification."
GINNIE--there is no possible way I could write anything about this book, without mentioning one of the most heartbreaking parts I've ever read in a book. Ginnie's story broke my heart. Everything that she went through... DEVASTATING!! The showdown between her and Sean was full of rage, strength, sadness, retribution, absolution. Just intense! I felt like i was standing in the room with them, watching this all unfold.
"You're a twisted fuck. That is the only way i can describe that fantasy you relived over and over, whilst you raped me again and again. You actually believed i was her."
If Ginnie's part broke my heart. Maisy completely shattered it! I held onto the tears through the most disturbing parts. However, when Maisy comes to the realization that the horror which started with her, might continue with her daughter. She puts into action a plan, which consequences end up taking the lives of more people than she intended.
"She could protect herself and her daughter from the hands of him, she could make sure that he could never hurt either of them again and in doing so she could bring him down; expose him for what he was; a vile revolting predator"
The way all the characters become connected was interesting! The conclusion...I'm an HEA girl, so to me, Sean hasn't reserved himself to be that dark monster, so I still have hope. However, the ending can unfold many things, which I will read!!!!!
I recommend this book to anyone who is into readers who don't mind reading about a dark, intense, and probably traumatizing hero who is searching for the light to change and become a better person
Sean Fergus is one of the most psychotic, dark, troubled, brutal and damaged characters I HAVE EVER READ!! He's plagued with this belief that the darkness that is eating away at him, has been there since birth, he truly believes he's born this way, and unbelievably lacks conscience, moral compass and grief or remorse for the things his dark side does.
"His brain didn't work in the same way as most other people. He didn't appreciate that other people had feelings, or emotions, or hopes, or fears. He saw them as tools that were there for his use, they were a means to an end. They held no significance for him."
The author, Matilda Wren, was able to do something I believed was IMPOSSIBLE! I have sworn off reading books with less that 300 pages, because it feels like the story is rushed, characters are not developed fully, settings, environment is poorly written, etc. NOT THE CASE HERE! From the very first page, until the last, you're delved into the psyche of each character, creating a depth of emotion, drive, intentions, despair that I've really ever come across from a book. I was so captivating by her writing, I didn't feel the need to skim through any of it, afraid I would miss the sole foundation behind the actions of the characters!
Sean & Rachel-- This book is 90% DARK. INTENSE. TWISTED. DISTURBING. I have never warred with myself over the Hero of a book before. Am I for him or against him?
Sean does things in this book which upset me, traumatized me, sadden me and conflicted me. Some of them were pretty hard to read through. BUT....yes but.., at times when he was with Rachel, this conflict would arise within him where he believes that through her love for him...HE CAN CHANGE! He can bury the darkness, and be normal, not a monster. Honestly, this is what kept me from hating Sean. I desperately grabbed onto that hope, that yearning that he felt stirring within himself to want to change, to want to be a better person, to leave his dark past behind. He seems so determined to change, and reading through his internal monologue was heartbreaking and a catalyst for what was to come in the final chapter.
"He knew it would always be her for him. No one else could do this to him; no one else could make him see a different life; life without inflicting degradation and mortification."
GINNIE--there is no possible way I could write anything about this book, without mentioning one of the most heartbreaking parts I've ever read in a book. Ginnie's story broke my heart. Everything that she went through... DEVASTATING!! The showdown between her and Sean was full of rage, strength, sadness, retribution, absolution. Just intense! I felt like i was standing in the room with them, watching this all unfold.
"You're a twisted fuck. That is the only way i can describe that fantasy you relived over and over, whilst you raped me again and again. You actually believed i was her."
If Ginnie's part broke my heart. Maisy completely shattered it! I held onto the tears through the most disturbing parts. However, when Maisy comes to the realization that the horror which started with her, might continue with her daughter. She puts into action a plan, which consequences end up taking the lives of more people than she intended.
"She could protect herself and her daughter from the hands of him, she could make sure that he could never hurt either of them again and in doing so she could bring him down; expose him for what he was; a vile revolting predator"
The way all the characters become connected was interesting! The conclusion...I'm an HEA girl, so to me, Sean hasn't reserved himself to be that dark monster, so I still have hope. However, the ending can unfold many things, which I will read!!!!!
I recommend this book to anyone who is into readers who don't mind reading about a dark, intense, and probably traumatizing hero who is searching for the light to change and become a better person
August 10, 2016
If you want to read this book you should be prepared for violence, crime, drug addiction and sex (consensual and forced).
The main character, Sean, is active as a drug dealer (and -consumer), pimp and thug in Essex, England and is trying to build himself a name, especially in front of the other criminals. He lives out his violent and sexual fantasies from the full.
At the same time he also has a love affair with Rachel. They get together again, not coincidentally, after she left him several years ago.
Rachel does not know about Sean's criminal career and in her presence his violent nature seems to disappear. After a tragedy that took place in Sean's family, Rachel raises doubts about his personality and it comes to the inevitable showdown.
A sequel novel (with or without Sean won't be revealed) would be possible and I would welcome it.
Interestingly enough there are no good guys (a.k.a. law enforcement) in this story, only bad guys.
One of the issues in the background is the question of free will that a person has (or has not), and that will determine our actions.
Is there a free will, or are we determined alone by fate and destiny? In other words, can we ever be held responsible for the consequences of our actions?
This book doesn't give an answer to these questions, as expected. These issues are completely unresolved, at least to me.
NB Unfortunately, the book has some spelling mistakes, at least in the Kindle edition I have read. However, these are not serious and do not disturb the flow of reading.
PS A scientific approach to the issue of free will is found in the book Das Handwerk Der Freiheit (The Craft of Freedom) by philosopher Peter Bieri, who has also written some novels under the name Pascal Mercier, which are well worth reading.
UPDATE: The Author confirmed a sequel on Twitter:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The main character, Sean, is active as a drug dealer (and -consumer), pimp and thug in Essex, England and is trying to build himself a name, especially in front of the other criminals. He lives out his violent and sexual fantasies from the full.
At the same time he also has a love affair with Rachel. They get together again, not coincidentally, after she left him several years ago.
Rachel does not know about Sean's criminal career and in her presence his violent nature seems to disappear. After a tragedy that took place in Sean's family, Rachel raises doubts about his personality and it comes to the inevitable showdown.
A sequel novel (with or without Sean won't be revealed) would be possible and I would welcome it.
Interestingly enough there are no good guys (a.k.a. law enforcement) in this story, only bad guys.
One of the issues in the background is the question of free will that a person has (or has not), and that will determine our actions.
Is there a free will, or are we determined alone by fate and destiny? In other words, can we ever be held responsible for the consequences of our actions?
This book doesn't give an answer to these questions, as expected. These issues are completely unresolved, at least to me.
NB Unfortunately, the book has some spelling mistakes, at least in the Kindle edition I have read. However, these are not serious and do not disturb the flow of reading.
PS A scientific approach to the issue of free will is found in the book Das Handwerk Der Freiheit (The Craft of Freedom) by philosopher Peter Bieri, who has also written some novels under the name Pascal Mercier, which are well worth reading.
UPDATE: The Author confirmed a sequel on Twitter:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
May 6, 2013
When Ravens Fall....Is a gritty raw story showing another side to the glamour life of Essex, England.
Its a story about Sean Fergus
What can I say, Seans a pimp, a drug dealer and a face in Essex. He doesn't want it all but he wants people to know who he is, to be afraid and respect him, he also wants Rachel
Hes been described by some as broken but I feel hes so much more complicated. Hes plain evil, a monster whose manipulative, cruel and possessive
Does he have any redeeming qualities who knows.. Hes obsessed with Rachel.
Rachel has a calming effect on him and he feels he can be a better person with her in his life but she has no idea of what really makes Sean tick.
As Sean battles with the demons that he possess, can he keep them under control long enough to hold onto Rachel forever.
There are no pretty words to describe this story. There are a lot aspects of the book that are very dark and disturbing . The secondary characters are just as consuming and suck you in from the start.
My only criticism and its only because I was so enthralled with Sean and Rachel, is that I would of liked to have seen more of them in their relationship together.
This is the first novel by Matilda Wren and with other stories from her she is an author to look out for in the future.
If your a fan of Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller then you will love this, if you like dark, raw gritty stories this is a must read.
4.5 stars
Its a story about Sean Fergus
What can I say, Seans a pimp, a drug dealer and a face in Essex. He doesn't want it all but he wants people to know who he is, to be afraid and respect him, he also wants Rachel
Hes been described by some as broken but I feel hes so much more complicated. Hes plain evil, a monster whose manipulative, cruel and possessive
Does he have any redeeming qualities who knows.. Hes obsessed with Rachel.
Rachel has a calming effect on him and he feels he can be a better person with her in his life but she has no idea of what really makes Sean tick.
As Sean battles with the demons that he possess, can he keep them under control long enough to hold onto Rachel forever.
There are no pretty words to describe this story. There are a lot aspects of the book that are very dark and disturbing . The secondary characters are just as consuming and suck you in from the start.
My only criticism and its only because I was so enthralled with Sean and Rachel, is that I would of liked to have seen more of them in their relationship together.
This is the first novel by Matilda Wren and with other stories from her she is an author to look out for in the future.
If your a fan of Martina Cole and Mandasue Heller then you will love this, if you like dark, raw gritty stories this is a must read.
4.5 stars
July 2, 2014
FUBAR!!
That was my last thought as I finished this book! Just total holy shit. Disturbing yet intriguing. That is the only way to describe this book.
Sean is definitely a lunatic asshole. He craves making people fear him. He loves to have a certain dominance over them. But around Rachel, he is completely opposite. There is something in her that is able to calm the beast in him.
Rachel struggles with her feelings around Sean. She knew when they first met that what they had was intense and would eventually lead to some sort of destruction. Once she learns that truth about Sean and everything that he has done, she battles between her heart and head.
The book is told from both Sean and Rachel's POV throughout the entire book. In the beginning it's a bit confusing but it doesn't take away from the story. These two both fight battles from their past all the way to present.
"If people have the ability to act differently from what anyone expects, then surely free will exists. Each action follows a conscious choice."
Fate and destiny vs Free Will - that is the basis of this dark, haunting book. The choices we make and the consequences of those decisions - does it matter?? Is our fate predestined?
"The problem with that idea my love, is that we may just be merely automatically reacting, to the incentives in our environment. Therefore, all of our actions are restricted by powers beyond ourselves, or by casual chance."
When Ravens Fall is a very dark and intense sociopathic read that entails incest, rape, and drug abuse. If you are able to stomach that, then you definitely want to read this. But you have been warned!
Highly recommended!!
That was my last thought as I finished this book! Just total holy shit. Disturbing yet intriguing. That is the only way to describe this book.
Sean is definitely a lunatic asshole. He craves making people fear him. He loves to have a certain dominance over them. But around Rachel, he is completely opposite. There is something in her that is able to calm the beast in him.
Rachel struggles with her feelings around Sean. She knew when they first met that what they had was intense and would eventually lead to some sort of destruction. Once she learns that truth about Sean and everything that he has done, she battles between her heart and head.
The book is told from both Sean and Rachel's POV throughout the entire book. In the beginning it's a bit confusing but it doesn't take away from the story. These two both fight battles from their past all the way to present.
"If people have the ability to act differently from what anyone expects, then surely free will exists. Each action follows a conscious choice."
Fate and destiny vs Free Will - that is the basis of this dark, haunting book. The choices we make and the consequences of those decisions - does it matter?? Is our fate predestined?
"The problem with that idea my love, is that we may just be merely automatically reacting, to the incentives in our environment. Therefore, all of our actions are restricted by powers beyond ourselves, or by casual chance."
When Ravens Fall is a very dark and intense sociopathic read that entails incest, rape, and drug abuse. If you are able to stomach that, then you definitely want to read this. But you have been warned!
Highly recommended!!
March 28, 2015
This is a classic example of a story with so much potential, but one that is poorly executed. I had a lot of issues with this book, but the main ones for me was a lack of connection to any of these characters, and the back and forth between POVs. Made it hard to visualize because I sometimes got confused as to who was thinking what. I also felt that there was way too much telling and not enough showing, which is basically taught in Writer's 101.
It got a bit more interesting toward the end, and I typically enjoy these sorts of stories that deal with the question: are monsters made, or are they born to do evil? But ultimately the execution fell flat for me and I struggled to finish.
It got a bit more interesting toward the end, and I typically enjoy these sorts of stories that deal with the question: are monsters made, or are they born to do evil? But ultimately the execution fell flat for me and I struggled to finish.
January 9, 2013
If you like deep character studies with considerable violence, mayhem, and a lusty ogre, "When Ravens Fall" might be your book. The author has crafted an interesting story in which the plot lines twist and turn, and eventually end up pulling the reader and the major players to a satisfying ending, and a well-played final confrontation. (Yeah, I got the aiming parallel from the opening to the ending. Well played.) To get there, you have to negotiate some off-putting language, the author's unique telling style, and the liberal use of head-hopping between characters. Sometimes it was quite effective; sometimes not so much; sometimes confusing.
The author has certainly created a character as bad to the bone as the 1980s song would suggest a person could be--he was born that way. His ability to manipulate people and miraculously stay out of prison was as extraordinary as the weakness of so many people to fail to see what he really was -- a psychopathic monster. It was well played most times, though I do believe it dragged a bit when psychoanalyzing some of the secondary characters.
I'm surprised that after six months on the Amazon shelves, it appears I'm going to be the first reviewer--a rarity for me. The author's publisher must be asleep, marketing-wise and editorially. There were a number of editing issues, mostly grouped in the beginning and end, but none of that affected my rating. This book straddles the fence. I'm not a fan of vast head-hopping, I think it often defocuses the story. I'm also not a fan of gratuitous violence in a vacuum of a balanced response. The police must not exist in this part of the U.K. But I must admit I liked bow tied around the plot. Raven can caw a 4, just barely.
The author has certainly created a character as bad to the bone as the 1980s song would suggest a person could be--he was born that way. His ability to manipulate people and miraculously stay out of prison was as extraordinary as the weakness of so many people to fail to see what he really was -- a psychopathic monster. It was well played most times, though I do believe it dragged a bit when psychoanalyzing some of the secondary characters.
I'm surprised that after six months on the Amazon shelves, it appears I'm going to be the first reviewer--a rarity for me. The author's publisher must be asleep, marketing-wise and editorially. There were a number of editing issues, mostly grouped in the beginning and end, but none of that affected my rating. This book straddles the fence. I'm not a fan of vast head-hopping, I think it often defocuses the story. I'm also not a fan of gratuitous violence in a vacuum of a balanced response. The police must not exist in this part of the U.K. But I must admit I liked bow tied around the plot. Raven can caw a 4, just barely.
April 5, 2013
I read this book over a weekend not long ago, and one thing that strikes me now looking back on the experience of it, is how quickly I became immersed in the world Matilda Wren has given us here - you wouldnt think that a novel with an Essex setting could be so addictive but somehow it is. The author also has an interesting writing style - the way the story spins its twists and turns is unusual and extraordinarily well done. I really don't want to tell you about the plot, oh no I don't...because really, it is a tale of its own, not one to be put in a "genre" box and certainly not one you want any preconception of. I will say, the phrase "This ain't no fairy tale" drifted through my head whilst I was reading it - and I will also say that the final confrontation is something else - I'm always a happy bunny when a book delivers its initial promise and that can happen less often than you would think. Characterisation is top notch, you will easily "see" the people that occupy this story. A slight warning, this is not for the faint of heart, it is violent and the language can be colourful, but it is not gratuitous it all adds to the ambience of the reading experience as a whole. I have been reliably informed that there is a sequel on the way. Well, I would say that falls under the "Excellent News" category. I will be one of the first in line.
September 17, 2013
Finally I read something after wuthering heights and the book thief which is worth 5 Stars
This book completely took me in, sucked the breath right out of me.... This is how I felt most of the time during reading...
It was about good and evil, right and wrong, changing paths, and SECOND CHANCES??!!!!
The main character of the book was Sean, he was the evil of the ( good and evil) the wrong in the (right and wrong), he was your worse nightmare, yet... You couldn't completely hate him.. Could he change? Can love change people? Can he be the good? The right?!!
Could people with an evil would be given a chance?
The writing was amazing, I love this style of writing, it's unpredictable which I love! And always made you hungry for more..
I wish more people could know about this, I don't know why books like these are not as well known as do many books with meaningless stories. I have Haya to thank for! And I will recommend it to all my other friends..
The ending of the book PERFECT... I don't know why but I always had a feeling this would happen, this exact same way...
This book completely took me in, sucked the breath right out of me.... This is how I felt most of the time during reading...
It was about good and evil, right and wrong, changing paths, and SECOND CHANCES??!!!!
The main character of the book was Sean, he was the evil of the ( good and evil) the wrong in the (right and wrong), he was your worse nightmare, yet... You couldn't completely hate him.. Could he change? Can love change people? Can he be the good? The right?!!
Could people with an evil would be given a chance?
The writing was amazing, I love this style of writing, it's unpredictable which I love! And always made you hungry for more..
I wish more people could know about this, I don't know why books like these are not as well known as do many books with meaningless stories. I have Haya to thank for! And I will recommend it to all my other friends..
The ending of the book PERFECT... I don't know why but I always had a feeling this would happen, this exact same way...
April 16, 2013
A well written debut novel, set in Essex, with a strong main character Sean, who will provoke many emotions. you soon come to wonder, is he bad, mad or both, with some of the shocking things he gets up to. This page turner cleverly introduces a new character in all the early chapters, & gives you a little incite into their lives & how they are a part of Sean's world, & as the old saying goes.... The plot thickens....... And builds to an exciting, & gripping climax, just when you think everything is settled & happy in Sean's life, he's got all he ever wanted, the plot twist to an amazing big reveal & secrets of the past come flooding out.
June 2, 2013
It's obvious from the very first page that "When Ravens Fall" is a first time effort. The book promises dark romance and violence, and at the end of the book I realized that it attempted to be more complex and more mindf*** that its actual execution.
I really had a hard time getting into the story, mostly because the author's writing lacks discipline and finesse and contains glaring traps amateur writers often fall into but is usually fixed in Creative Writing 101. It is clear the author has never had any training in writing, otherwise this book would not have spectacularly failed in too much telling and not at all showing. Let me put it this way: the novel feels like a B-movie made for TV, with awful acting and a script that was once promising.
The biggest problem is the characters are underdeveloped and are rife with overused tropes. So is the plotting, moving from one point to another with major scenarios and timelines covered in a matter of lines.
I think the author intended this book to be unpredictable and really dark, and maybe discuss some sociology along the way. However, given the lack of characters' complexity, dubious motivations and overall lack of insight on the author's part, the book spectacularly fails to accomplish this. The summary for the book (though in somewhat of a disarray) claims the book wants to examine "free will vs. destiny." I have no idea what this means, but I think perhaps the author meant to examine the age-old, nature vs. nurture problem, whether bad people are the way they are because of their upbringing or just how they were born. This is what the seriously screwed up Sean and average Rachel's relationship is supposed to show us. Though the book claims the author has studied psychology, I never saw and ounce of scientific or psychoanalytical insight in this book, most of the "observations" about killers and psychos made from popular conceptions misconceptions and "pop-psych" ideas of the human mind. Human psychology is extremely complex, and so are motivations behind some criminal behavior, something this book fails to communicate to the reader. (If anyone is interested in a good book about abusive young male leads, I strongly suggest Breathing Underwater.)
Anyway, the author should be lauded for her effort for trying something new and not write another Twilight ripoff, so plus one star for that.
I really had a hard time getting into the story, mostly because the author's writing lacks discipline and finesse and contains glaring traps amateur writers often fall into but is usually fixed in Creative Writing 101. It is clear the author has never had any training in writing, otherwise this book would not have spectacularly failed in too much telling and not at all showing. Let me put it this way: the novel feels like a B-movie made for TV, with awful acting and a script that was once promising.
The biggest problem is the characters are underdeveloped and are rife with overused tropes. So is the plotting, moving from one point to another with major scenarios and timelines covered in a matter of lines.
I think the author intended this book to be unpredictable and really dark, and maybe discuss some sociology along the way. However, given the lack of characters' complexity, dubious motivations and overall lack of insight on the author's part, the book spectacularly fails to accomplish this. The summary for the book (though in somewhat of a disarray) claims the book wants to examine "free will vs. destiny." I have no idea what this means, but I think perhaps the author meant to examine the age-old, nature vs. nurture problem, whether bad people are the way they are because of their upbringing or just how they were born. This is what the seriously screwed up Sean and average Rachel's relationship is supposed to show us. Though the book claims the author has studied psychology, I never saw and ounce of scientific or psychoanalytical insight in this book, most of the "observations" about killers and psychos made from popular conceptions misconceptions and "pop-psych" ideas of the human mind. Human psychology is extremely complex, and so are motivations behind some criminal behavior, something this book fails to communicate to the reader. (If anyone is interested in a good book about abusive young male leads, I strongly suggest Breathing Underwater.)
Anyway, the author should be lauded for her effort for trying something new and not write another Twilight ripoff, so plus one star for that.
August 1, 2013
Don't waste your time. Lots of being told pretty much everything and anything (and MUCH less showing), which got extremely annoying especially when you factor in the crazy amount of repetition throughout the book.
Sadly, I think the story had a lot of potential, but the execution was severely lacking. It read as a failed attempt at a dark, twisted adult contemporary. And I walked away feeling like the author was trying to delve too deeply into the psyches of the characters (and there were a lot), but most notably Sean, which really wouldn't have been bad if the reader was able to see more of these behaviors rather than being told about them in tremendous detail, over and over.
There were a lot of info dumps throughout the book as well. For example, we were given the ins and outs of the Essex rave scene back in the 1990's, which added absolutely nothing to the story. Then for some reason, the author found it necessary to offer her version of definitions:
I should have dnf’ed it, but I kept hoping it would redeem itself after reading all of the great reviews. Needless to say, that didn’t happen.
Sadly, I think the story had a lot of potential, but the execution was severely lacking. It read as a failed attempt at a dark, twisted adult contemporary. And I walked away feeling like the author was trying to delve too deeply into the psyches of the characters (and there were a lot), but most notably Sean, which really wouldn't have been bad if the reader was able to see more of these behaviors rather than being told about them in tremendous detail, over and over.
There were a lot of info dumps throughout the book as well. For example, we were given the ins and outs of the Essex rave scene back in the 1990's, which added absolutely nothing to the story. Then for some reason, the author found it necessary to offer her version of definitions:
“…negotiator. This is someone who focuses their talents in arbitrating arrangements between two or more parties. Most negotiators act for a particular party involved in the deal.”
I should have dnf’ed it, but I kept hoping it would redeem itself after reading all of the great reviews. Needless to say, that didn’t happen.
May 4, 2014
What this novel tries to be is only vaguely interesting at best: a dark alternative to glamourous, bling-filled Essex. In this novel, Essex is a “pond” (8) where the fact that “everybody knew everybody” (47) and “inadvertently paths cross” (104) is dangerous rather than charming. The story centres around Sean Fergus, who grew up in “a council house on a run down and half derelict council estate” (64) and who now “supplied half of Essex with weed and ecstasy” (93) and a whole lot more. But as violent, evil and manipulative as Sean is, he has a soft spot – or perhaps an obsession – for Rachel. I’m all for dark, psychological thrillers, but that’s not what I got here.
This book is filled with all the melodrama, repetition, awkward description, cheap lust and poor editing that are inevitable when self-publication is made accessible to the masses. I don’t know why I keep bothering to read e-books – they’re all utterly irritating.
Read my full review (and others) at: http://emilykmorrison.wordpress.com/2...
This book is filled with all the melodrama, repetition, awkward description, cheap lust and poor editing that are inevitable when self-publication is made accessible to the masses. I don’t know why I keep bothering to read e-books – they’re all utterly irritating.
Read my full review (and others) at: http://emilykmorrison.wordpress.com/2...
May 23, 2013
4.5 disturbing stars!!!! OMG this book was nuts. Plain nuts!!! When I read a book like this and have almost compassionate feelings for the "crazy" it bothers me...in a good way...just means the author really sucked me in!!! This was so dark dark dark dark. The topics are not for the squeamish. I say if you like messed up crazy reading then definitely read this. I will not soon forget this book!!! The only reason I didn't go 5 stars is probably only because it wasn't my typical kind of read and I find it hard to process how I really feel about it!!
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July 4, 2013The mention of Suffolk did NOT make this book better. I can't even bear to rate it.
I feel guilty about leaving a bad review so I tend not to do it, but this book? It was awful!
Unfortunately through this I actually questioned the sanity of this author, because most of the book was vile!
I decided to give this book a go after reading a good review of this, I thought "this sounds different, sometimes different is good right?" WRONG!!
I know I sound mean and I apologize but.. Do NOT read this, unless you're slightly twisted.
I feel guilty about leaving a bad review so I tend not to do it, but this book? It was awful!
Unfortunately through this I actually questioned the sanity of this author, because most of the book was vile!
I decided to give this book a go after reading a good review of this, I thought "this sounds different, sometimes different is good right?" WRONG!!
I know I sound mean and I apologize but.. Do NOT read this, unless you're slightly twisted.
August 10, 2013
“He didn’t understand humanity. He lived by basic needs and wants. He had no empathy, so the pain and sorrow that he caused others, were a phenomenon to him. Forcing somebody to do something against their will was captivating to him.”
July 4, 2013
I really wanted to like this book but found it had too many characters and the bit I did read was like born evil by Kim chambers. I didn't gel with any of the characters and found it more violent than my usual gangland reading
January 15, 2015
WOW!!! This different the I expected. It was a good dark read. Just WOW!!!
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