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Feast of the Raven
Torn between ancient magic and the new Christian order In 782 AD, a beast prowls the forests of northern Germany. He is wulfhedinn, wolf demon-scourge of the Christian Franks. He is also Gerwulf, the man, a scorned outcast and bastard of a Christian woman and pagan father. Gerwulf emerges from the shadows to escape his demons and seek deliverance. To save his mortal soul, he battles for God, serving the legendary Charlemagne in a savage Holy War against the pagan Saxons. His journey leads to his greatest battle-reclaiming humanity in a dark age when beasts lurk inside all men. ...and the Raven Te Eater of Souls She soars above Hungering to feast on the bloodguilt of all...
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2016
About the author
Catherine Spader
7 books28 followersCatherine (Meier) Spader is the author of the award-winning dark fantasy Wulfhedinn series. Her first novel, Feast of the Raven, won a first place EVVY award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Her second novel in the series, Return of the Wulfhedinn, was released in 2017. Both novels have received critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews and BlueInk Review. Book three in the series will be published in 2018.
As owner of Quillstone Press, Catherine is an editor, writing coach, and ghostwriter. She is also a Registered Nurse who specialized in emergency and trauma care for twenty years and has published over 1,000 articles in healthcare journals, trade magazines, and medical websites.
Catherine feeds her inner wolf spirit by playing men's ice hockey. She and her husband Craig enjoy prowling the wild forests and historic sites of Europe and the American West to research and find inspiration for her novels.
As owner of Quillstone Press, Catherine is an editor, writing coach, and ghostwriter. She is also a Registered Nurse who specialized in emergency and trauma care for twenty years and has published over 1,000 articles in healthcare journals, trade magazines, and medical websites.
Catherine feeds her inner wolf spirit by playing men's ice hockey. She and her husband Craig enjoy prowling the wild forests and historic sites of Europe and the American West to research and find inspiration for her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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November 25, 2019Gerwulf is Wulfhedinn the demon wolf warrior. He seeks the Christian relics to calm the darkness inside him, to give him back peace and his humanity.
Brother Pyttel- Monk and ordained priest convinces Gerwulf to fight for God by joining King Karl in his campaign against the Pagans.
***
This looked to be the start of a really different styled story and it was a very quick read to get to the 30%. Mostly because the story has what I thought were in-world poems, but as the story continued, I realized these were actually kind of like an inner battle of wills with the beast within himself that Gerwulf was trying to keep tamped down. I found it odd at first, but once I got used to the cadence, I didn’t mind them so much and I kind of liked the ballad feel it gave the story. I even thought to myself a few times that this might make a great play.
The beginning though was a bit to muddle through for me- especially at the garrison feast where we meet all the king’s people, and where we were just starting to get an idea what’s going on by then with the verses.
I did think the story might get stronger as it goes because it takes some mad skills to write in verse, and match it to the tone of the story or vice versa. I’m just not sure if it worked for me as well as it would others. I did find myself skimming through them a bit until I realized how they were part of the story and that they weren’t just there to give it an old-world/ballad feel.
spfbo score 4/10
Brother Pyttel- Monk and ordained priest convinces Gerwulf to fight for God by joining King Karl in his campaign against the Pagans.
***
This looked to be the start of a really different styled story and it was a very quick read to get to the 30%. Mostly because the story has what I thought were in-world poems, but as the story continued, I realized these were actually kind of like an inner battle of wills with the beast within himself that Gerwulf was trying to keep tamped down. I found it odd at first, but once I got used to the cadence, I didn’t mind them so much and I kind of liked the ballad feel it gave the story. I even thought to myself a few times that this might make a great play.
The beginning though was a bit to muddle through for me- especially at the garrison feast where we meet all the king’s people, and where we were just starting to get an idea what’s going on by then with the verses.
I did think the story might get stronger as it goes because it takes some mad skills to write in verse, and match it to the tone of the story or vice versa. I’m just not sure if it worked for me as well as it would others. I did find myself skimming through them a bit until I realized how they were part of the story and that they weren’t just there to give it an old-world/ballad feel.
spfbo score 4/10
February 17, 2019
This was a great read for people who love to get lost in medieval Germany.
January 23, 2018
I didn't care for this book.I found it confusing and just un intsresting.The narrator,Richard Rieman, was ok.“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”
July 7, 2017
In Feast of the Raven Catherine Spader draws us into a world of conflict. In late 8th Century northern Germany, pagan Saxons are being subdued and brought into civilization by the dominating and Christian King Karl. The king roves the wilderness intent on stamping hierarchical order upon the darkness. To do so, he must defeat the Wulfhedin—wolf creatures who roam the darkness.
To aid in the battle is Gerwulf, the bastard son of a Christian mother and pagan father, and a Wulfhedin himself. Gerwulf’s conflict embodies the world’s conflict. He seeks to save his own soul by aiding to King Karl’s quest, but without shedding his wolf skin, a constant reminder of how far outside civilization he stands.
Feast of the Raven is an adventure, a magical fantasy, and an historical allegory. The characters are richly drawn. Particularly Gerwulf’s sidekick Brother Pyttel, haunted by the demons of his own struggle between God’s sanctity and a Dionysian calling. Spader keeps us guessing not only at who will prevail, but who should prevail? Throughout the book we see the ruthless side of civilization and the compassion that lives within all beasts.
A wonderful read, with a sequel on the way. I cannot wait.
To aid in the battle is Gerwulf, the bastard son of a Christian mother and pagan father, and a Wulfhedin himself. Gerwulf’s conflict embodies the world’s conflict. He seeks to save his own soul by aiding to King Karl’s quest, but without shedding his wolf skin, a constant reminder of how far outside civilization he stands.
Feast of the Raven is an adventure, a magical fantasy, and an historical allegory. The characters are richly drawn. Particularly Gerwulf’s sidekick Brother Pyttel, haunted by the demons of his own struggle between God’s sanctity and a Dionysian calling. Spader keeps us guessing not only at who will prevail, but who should prevail? Throughout the book we see the ruthless side of civilization and the compassion that lives within all beasts.
A wonderful read, with a sequel on the way. I cannot wait.
August 16, 2017
An excellent read. There's definitely action, but also, an honest depiction of the spiritual struggle of Gewulf the hero between Christianity and Paganism. Just like the war of Charlemagne to conquer and convert the Saxons. Given the portrayal of the characters, I suspect Spader's sympathies lie with the Pagans. One of the interesting things about the book is the way she intersperses the prose narrative with poetic fragments. It took me a while to figure out just what the fragments were for, but I finally decided that, for the most part, they show the wolf side of Gerwulf and/or his emotions. This works and makes this more than just an action story. However, one thing I wish she had done, and that would be to have had some sort of afterward or epilogue giving some of the history and myths involved. For instance, Gerwulf is a "werewolf" in the Medieval sense, i.e. someone who becomes a terrible bloodthirsty warrior when he puts on the skin of a wolf. I know that the "berserkers" of Scandinavia were supposed to have done this by wearing bearskins. But did the Saxons believe the same thing could be done with wolf skins? Maybe Spader thought it would interfere with what she wanted the book to be. Oh well.....
January 16, 2017
Excellent read! Very action packed with fascinating characters and a complex plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I can't wait for the sequel!
September 5, 2021
When I received my copy of Mask of the Soul Eater, the third book in the Wulfhedinn Series written by Catherine Spader, I realized I needed to reread Books One and Two. This afternoon I finished the exciting first book, Feast of the Raven.
Wulfhedinn or Christian? Gerwulf, the hero of this historical fantasy tale set in Charlemagne’s Europe, struggles with the vulnerability that both halves of his soul generate. Considering them opposites, he can’t run far enough or kill enough to fill the hole left by the other. Spader masterfully creates a savage foundation for Gerwulf’s exploration of self and his mindless following of both a Christian guide and a pagan guide. The first time I read this book I was captivated by the story as an outsider watching from the cheap seats. Now, after working on my own journey and explorations of self, I watch the story from the side of the stage, far more interested in the how and why than the what.
This book transformed me into a fan of Spader’s writing. Soon I will open Book Two and finally dig into Three. If you enjoy historical fantasy or stories set in medieval times, I recommend you start this series, too.
Wulfhedinn or Christian? Gerwulf, the hero of this historical fantasy tale set in Charlemagne’s Europe, struggles with the vulnerability that both halves of his soul generate. Considering them opposites, he can’t run far enough or kill enough to fill the hole left by the other. Spader masterfully creates a savage foundation for Gerwulf’s exploration of self and his mindless following of both a Christian guide and a pagan guide. The first time I read this book I was captivated by the story as an outsider watching from the cheap seats. Now, after working on my own journey and explorations of self, I watch the story from the side of the stage, far more interested in the how and why than the what.
This book transformed me into a fan of Spader’s writing. Soon I will open Book Two and finally dig into Three. If you enjoy historical fantasy or stories set in medieval times, I recommend you start this series, too.
July 24, 2026
This book was really interesting! It’s written in a completely unique and unfamiliar way, which made it extremely refreshing to read, if not slightly confusing at times. This book takes a look at the religious indoctrination, peasant vs nobility conflict, and harsh brutality of the time period.
Gerwulf is half Saxon, half Frank, and battles internally with his religion throughout the book- his devotion to being Christian, despite having “demon blood.” His internal monologue, as I interpreted it, is the italicized, poetry like lines interspersed in the book, which comes across as animalistic, instinctual, and highly metaphorical. Gerwulf is a werewolf who dons the literal pelt of a wolf to channel wolf like senses and strength, more akin to a barbarian rage than an actual werewolf transformation. All the while, he searches for his place in the world, aided by a not-always-mentally-lucid monk, and haunted by the image of a mysterious woman in the form of a raven.
TW: gore, violence, rape, child abuse, sex
Gerwulf is half Saxon, half Frank, and battles internally with his religion throughout the book- his devotion to being Christian, despite having “demon blood.” His internal monologue, as I interpreted it, is the italicized, poetry like lines interspersed in the book, which comes across as animalistic, instinctual, and highly metaphorical. Gerwulf is a werewolf who dons the literal pelt of a wolf to channel wolf like senses and strength, more akin to a barbarian rage than an actual werewolf transformation. All the while, he searches for his place in the world, aided by a not-always-mentally-lucid monk, and haunted by the image of a mysterious woman in the form of a raven.
TW: gore, violence, rape, child abuse, sex
August 13, 2018
Fight For Your Soul
Pagan or devout, man or beast, Gerwulf struggles with a past that has damned him and a future that may yet offer salvation. In Feast of the Raven, Catherine Spader has crafted an enthralling story set amidst a fascinating era of history. Richly complex characters clash over their way of life, caught between the ambitions of an uncompromising king and the allure of an insatiable spirit of the wild.
At once lyrical and visceral, taut and epic, Feast of the Raven captivates. A wonderful first novel from a very promising new author.
Pagan or devout, man or beast, Gerwulf struggles with a past that has damned him and a future that may yet offer salvation. In Feast of the Raven, Catherine Spader has crafted an enthralling story set amidst a fascinating era of history. Richly complex characters clash over their way of life, caught between the ambitions of an uncompromising king and the allure of an insatiable spirit of the wild.
At once lyrical and visceral, taut and epic, Feast of the Raven captivates. A wonderful first novel from a very promising new author.
August 12, 2018
I am not usually a fan of historical fantasy, however the cover and the blurb attracted me to this book and I am glad I read it. I was fascinated by Gerwulf and the history of northern Germany, which I was not that familiar with. I particularly liked the dream-like poetry that runs through Gerwulf's thoughts throughout the book. The plot is compelling and at the end of the book this tory had me hooked. I went on to purchase and read the second book in the series Return of the Wulhedinn.
June 14, 2019
Gerwulf is a tortured soul who balances precariously between two worlds. He has a strong sense of wrong and right, at the same time wars with where his loyalties should lie. Step into a time warp to the early years of the Viking age, where superstition, mystic legends and a war of beliefs clash. Historically authentic, and keeps you wanting to know what is going to happen next. Interesting read.
January 24, 2021
Good one
Good book one that is a much need difference suspense unexpected parts . I am Looking forward to see how this story ends
Good book one that is a much need difference suspense unexpected parts . I am Looking forward to see how this story ends
September 30, 2016
Being a science fiction fan, I don't typically read fantasy. However, I grew up reading Madeleine L'Engle and the like, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to read fantasy once more as an adult. Feast of the Raven is well-written and engaging. I tend to like books much more when they have well-developed characters I really like and even get attached to. I really liked Gerwulf, and Pytell too, and their interactions were some of my favorite scenes in the book. The book's plot moves along quickly and takes a few unexpected turns. It wraps up a few mysteries while creating new ones, making me eager to read the next book in the series.
October 19, 2016
This is the first in a series set in Dark Ages Europe as Christian and Pagan battle for supremacy. The story follows Gerwulf, a warrior who is fighting the same battle within him. He is an exiled Christian who is struggling to restore his birth faith while the spirit of the Wulfheddin, the wolf warriors of the Saxon god Wodan, seethes in his blood.
This is a clever and unusual story with all characters acting towards their own unseen ends, and offers a lot of promise for the next book.
This is a clever and unusual story with all characters acting towards their own unseen ends, and offers a lot of promise for the next book.
January 1, 2017
If you like the show Vikings this series is perfect. Catherine pulls readers in from the first page. I can't wait to see what lies in store in book two!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews