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Storm Raven #1
Storm Raven
YA Fantasy with Pirates!
Captain Nereyda and her first mate, Brynja, lead a band of pirates as they seek out grand adventures and loot vulnerable merchant ships. However, when they attempt an overly ambitious raid, Nereyda and her crew are captured by Commander Erhan of the Imperial navy and separated. Nereyda is pressed into service aboard a ship to patrol the treacherous waters of the Shattered Sea. Meanwhile, Brynja and the rest of the crew are sent to a life of hellish labor deep in an Imperial mining prison camp.
While serving her sentence, Nereyda is shipwrecked on an unknown island. As she explores it, she stumbles into some ancient ruins and finds…something. Whatever it is, it wakes a part of Nereyda that she had not felt before. Something that could help her free the rest of her crew and return to life on the sea, if only she can learn to control it. Unfortunately, Commander Erhan is also on the island. Nereyda must escape him, get off of the island, and rescue her crew before the commander can stop her and before her crew withers away in the oppressive mines.
Read the first three chapters here: http://www.khansonbooks.com/storm-rav...
Captain Nereyda and her first mate, Brynja, lead a band of pirates as they seek out grand adventures and loot vulnerable merchant ships. However, when they attempt an overly ambitious raid, Nereyda and her crew are captured by Commander Erhan of the Imperial navy and separated. Nereyda is pressed into service aboard a ship to patrol the treacherous waters of the Shattered Sea. Meanwhile, Brynja and the rest of the crew are sent to a life of hellish labor deep in an Imperial mining prison camp.
While serving her sentence, Nereyda is shipwrecked on an unknown island. As she explores it, she stumbles into some ancient ruins and finds…something. Whatever it is, it wakes a part of Nereyda that she had not felt before. Something that could help her free the rest of her crew and return to life on the sea, if only she can learn to control it. Unfortunately, Commander Erhan is also on the island. Nereyda must escape him, get off of the island, and rescue her crew before the commander can stop her and before her crew withers away in the oppressive mines.
Read the first three chapters here: http://www.khansonbooks.com/storm-rav...
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2017
56 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
K. Hanson
7 books93 followersK Hanson is the author of the Storm Raven pirate fantasy series, along with the Kayla Falk thriller series. He's currently working on a new mature urban fantasy series.
K Hanson lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he works as a software developer. In his spare time, when he isn't writing, he enjoys reading, working out, playing video games, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Bobbi.
K Hanson lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he works as a software developer. In his spare time, when he isn't writing, he enjoys reading, working out, playing video games, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Bobbi.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 4, 2018
Storm Raven is my first pirate story! What fun! Robin Hood meets pirates of the Caribbean with a fantasy twist. Adventure, treasure hunting and some badass pirates. Plus Storm Raven is available for Kindle Unlimited readers.
The story is told from multiple points of views enhancing the storyline. First, we have Captain Nereyda and her ship Storm Raven. She is loyal to her crew, brave and a true sailor. She knows how to handle the sea and sail her ship through the dangerous waters. Her first mate, Brynja is equally as loyal and brave. Together they look after their crew. Nereyda decides to risk a job to acquire a big loot. Unfortunately, the last storyteller Commander Erhan is hot on their tale. The pirates are captured and punished for their crimes. Brynia is sent with the crew to perform hard labour living as slaves. Erhan wants Nereyda as part of his crew. He wants her sailing knowledge to help navigate a secret map.
This is a gritty story with harsh consequences. Not everyone will make it.
The fantasy element to this story is discovered part way through so all I will say is it's more than mundane.
This is an interesting start to a series and I will definitely look out for the next instalment. Storm Raven is an adventure novel, not a romance book (my usual). I discovered this book via YA Bound Book tours, however, I read it using Kindle Unlimited. This is a continuous pirate storybook one is just the first mission and this series has so much potential.
5 out of 5.
The story is told from multiple points of views enhancing the storyline. First, we have Captain Nereyda and her ship Storm Raven. She is loyal to her crew, brave and a true sailor. She knows how to handle the sea and sail her ship through the dangerous waters. Her first mate, Brynja is equally as loyal and brave. Together they look after their crew. Nereyda decides to risk a job to acquire a big loot. Unfortunately, the last storyteller Commander Erhan is hot on their tale. The pirates are captured and punished for their crimes. Brynia is sent with the crew to perform hard labour living as slaves. Erhan wants Nereyda as part of his crew. He wants her sailing knowledge to help navigate a secret map.
This is a gritty story with harsh consequences. Not everyone will make it.
The fantasy element to this story is discovered part way through so all I will say is it's more than mundane.
This is an interesting start to a series and I will definitely look out for the next instalment. Storm Raven is an adventure novel, not a romance book (my usual). I discovered this book via YA Bound Book tours, however, I read it using Kindle Unlimited. This is a continuous pirate storybook one is just the first mission and this series has so much potential.
5 out of 5.
March 23, 2018
*2.5/5 stars*
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you K. Hansen!
Storm Raven tells the story of a pirate called Nereyda and her crew of the Storm Raven. They attempt on raiding a big ship but get captured by Commander Erhan of the Imperial Navy. Nereyda gets separated from her crew and has to help Erhan with his trip to the Shattered Sea. Her crew has to work in the mines, but Nereyda doesn’t forget them. She does everything so she can rescue her crew.
Storm Raven is only the second book I read about pirates and it was okay. It was an interesting story and I really wanted to know how the story was going to end. I do have to say that it seemed like everything was really easy for the main characters. It seemed like they had to say or do a few things and then immediately got what they wanted.
The characters of Storm Raven were likeable but not that in depth. They were more or less stereotypes and it was a bit obvious how they were going to react. The same goes for the story of the book. It was often a bit hard to get through the book, not only because it was obvious but also because it was somewhat boring. You read in the perspective of Nereyda, Brynja (Nereyda’s first mate) and Erhan. I only enjoyed reading Nereyda’s perspective because Brynja’s and Erhan’s perspective were a bit boring. I do admit that it was nice to know what everyone else was doing, but it was just not that interesting.
Storm Raven was, overall, an okay book for me but I’m still interested in how the story will continue.
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you K. Hansen!
Storm Raven tells the story of a pirate called Nereyda and her crew of the Storm Raven. They attempt on raiding a big ship but get captured by Commander Erhan of the Imperial Navy. Nereyda gets separated from her crew and has to help Erhan with his trip to the Shattered Sea. Her crew has to work in the mines, but Nereyda doesn’t forget them. She does everything so she can rescue her crew.
Storm Raven is only the second book I read about pirates and it was okay. It was an interesting story and I really wanted to know how the story was going to end. I do have to say that it seemed like everything was really easy for the main characters. It seemed like they had to say or do a few things and then immediately got what they wanted.
The characters of Storm Raven were likeable but not that in depth. They were more or less stereotypes and it was a bit obvious how they were going to react. The same goes for the story of the book. It was often a bit hard to get through the book, not only because it was obvious but also because it was somewhat boring. You read in the perspective of Nereyda, Brynja (Nereyda’s first mate) and Erhan. I only enjoyed reading Nereyda’s perspective because Brynja’s and Erhan’s perspective were a bit boring. I do admit that it was nice to know what everyone else was doing, but it was just not that interesting.
Storm Raven was, overall, an okay book for me but I’m still interested in how the story will continue.
March 21, 2018
I LOVED this book!! If you are a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean, Throne of Glass, and Daughter of the Pirate King, this is THE BOOK for you! Storm Raven by K. Hanson is a fantasy story full of action, pirates, magic, sword fights, shipwrecks, and corrupt governments. It’s as epic as it sounds, and I LOVED it!!
I was sent this book to read and review for a blog tour, and this review is full of my honest opinions. Sometimes books written by small authors like this are nowhere near as good as book published by large publishing companies. But, in my opinion, this book should have been picked up by a large publishing company! It was that good.
Like I said, Storm Raven, is a fantasy novel as epic as any high fantasy story! It’s full of grey characters, adventure, and intense action scenes. Even during the slow parts, I was on the edge of my seat!
Nereyda herself is feisty, raven-haired, and amazing at sword fighting. I LOVED her character. She was completely devoted to her ship and her crew, and she was willing to do anything to save her crew, which I loved about her!!
Another main character was Nereyda’s first mate, Brynja. While Nereyda was often reckless and rash, Brynja reasoned and thought, which is what made them such great partners!
Commander Erhan of the Cambisian Empire was an interesting character. He was sort of the villain, but I understood his actions. I do wish we’d gotten more of a personality out of him. But for the most part, he was a great addition to Nereyda’s adventure.
I loved the world that K. Hanson created. The war and politics between the Cambisian Empire and the Stalstan Empire really intrigued me. It was very complex and well-developed, which isn’t something you always see.
The plot of this book was AMAZING. I can tell the author really outlined and planned everything out, as every chapter flowed together perfectly. Third-person was the perfect POV to use in this story, as it allowed the reader to see from Nereyda’s, Erhan’s, and Brynja’s perspectives at different times in the story.
I really enjoyed K. Hanson’s writing. The action and fighting scenes, especially, were FANTASTIC. Everything was realistic (as realistic as a fantasy novel can be, anyway), and I could see everything happening in my head as it happened on page. The author also did a great job at immersing his readers in the story, so that they felt the same anger, hurt, urgency, and triumph as the characters. I felt for each character.
The ending of this story was SUCH A CLIFFHANGER! I need the next book!! I need to read about what happens to Nereyda, Brynja, Erhan, and the two warring empires. I need to know more about the small amount of magic that was introduced in the story. I need to know everything.
As you can tell, I loved this book!! The outstanding writing and complexity of the high fantasy world took me completely by surprise, and I loved every single character! Nereyda is a kick-butt heroine, and you do not want to miss out on her pirate adventures!!
I was sent this book to read and review for a blog tour, and this review is full of my honest opinions. Sometimes books written by small authors like this are nowhere near as good as book published by large publishing companies. But, in my opinion, this book should have been picked up by a large publishing company! It was that good.
Like I said, Storm Raven, is a fantasy novel as epic as any high fantasy story! It’s full of grey characters, adventure, and intense action scenes. Even during the slow parts, I was on the edge of my seat!
Nereyda herself is feisty, raven-haired, and amazing at sword fighting. I LOVED her character. She was completely devoted to her ship and her crew, and she was willing to do anything to save her crew, which I loved about her!!
Another main character was Nereyda’s first mate, Brynja. While Nereyda was often reckless and rash, Brynja reasoned and thought, which is what made them such great partners!
Commander Erhan of the Cambisian Empire was an interesting character. He was sort of the villain, but I understood his actions. I do wish we’d gotten more of a personality out of him. But for the most part, he was a great addition to Nereyda’s adventure.
I loved the world that K. Hanson created. The war and politics between the Cambisian Empire and the Stalstan Empire really intrigued me. It was very complex and well-developed, which isn’t something you always see.
The plot of this book was AMAZING. I can tell the author really outlined and planned everything out, as every chapter flowed together perfectly. Third-person was the perfect POV to use in this story, as it allowed the reader to see from Nereyda’s, Erhan’s, and Brynja’s perspectives at different times in the story.
I really enjoyed K. Hanson’s writing. The action and fighting scenes, especially, were FANTASTIC. Everything was realistic (as realistic as a fantasy novel can be, anyway), and I could see everything happening in my head as it happened on page. The author also did a great job at immersing his readers in the story, so that they felt the same anger, hurt, urgency, and triumph as the characters. I felt for each character.
The ending of this story was SUCH A CLIFFHANGER! I need the next book!! I need to read about what happens to Nereyda, Brynja, Erhan, and the two warring empires. I need to know more about the small amount of magic that was introduced in the story. I need to know everything.
As you can tell, I loved this book!! The outstanding writing and complexity of the high fantasy world took me completely by surprise, and I loved every single character! Nereyda is a kick-butt heroine, and you do not want to miss out on her pirate adventures!!
December 3, 2023
dnf at 73% I'm just not invested in the story At All. The writing just kinda fails to swoop me into the story and once I realised I didn't care about the MC and frankly, the entire story, I decided to move on to other things. Which sucks, because you'd think that since it's a pirate book I'd love it. But alas. This one's not for me I guess
March 18, 2018
Storm Raven was fierce, feisty, and fast paced! It was engaging and jolly good fun! It was Pirates of the Caribbean meets Throne of Glass with a Daughter of the Pirate King twist!
Despite the comparisons, this one held some unique aspects all its own. It was a refreshing take on a pirate's attitude. It had a bad ass, female pirate captain with a Robin Hood conscience!
I loved the excitement and atmosphere of the story! I felt like I was on the high seas, dodging ferocious storms with Nereyda at the helm! I was shipwrecked right along side our pirate captain, and imprisoned in the mines with our crew, and first mate Brynja!
Nereyda reminded me a bit of Alosa from Daughter of the Pirate King, but also of Captain Jack Sparrow. She had pride and confidence, and was full of wit and sarcasm. She was a fierce pirate, but also held a few morals, and gave respect when it was due.
Brynja stood out to me the most. She could become the next Celaena. She reminded me of Celaena from Throne of Glass because of her experience in the mines, and her will to survive.
Erhan could have used a little more personality. I couldn't get fully invested in his character. He felt like he was just there to annoy Nereyda a little bit, but I felt like he had potential that will come too fruition in the next book.
Though the story was a little predictable at times, it had several surprising moments. I enjoyed the writing and only found a couple places that felt awkward in regards to repeating words or phrases. The story definitely took a turn I did not expect, and I really enjoyed it.
Storm Raven was daring and bold! K. Hanson didn't try to draw readers in with cheap tricks of "hate to love" romance, or the usual "rape and pillage" pirate attitudes. What he did was create a unique story that offered some nicely developed characters, an intriguing world, and a typical YA plot with several enjoyable twists and some grittiness!
Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review and as part of the book tour!
Despite the comparisons, this one held some unique aspects all its own. It was a refreshing take on a pirate's attitude. It had a bad ass, female pirate captain with a Robin Hood conscience!
I loved the excitement and atmosphere of the story! I felt like I was on the high seas, dodging ferocious storms with Nereyda at the helm! I was shipwrecked right along side our pirate captain, and imprisoned in the mines with our crew, and first mate Brynja!
Nereyda reminded me a bit of Alosa from Daughter of the Pirate King, but also of Captain Jack Sparrow. She had pride and confidence, and was full of wit and sarcasm. She was a fierce pirate, but also held a few morals, and gave respect when it was due.
Brynja stood out to me the most. She could become the next Celaena. She reminded me of Celaena from Throne of Glass because of her experience in the mines, and her will to survive.
Erhan could have used a little more personality. I couldn't get fully invested in his character. He felt like he was just there to annoy Nereyda a little bit, but I felt like he had potential that will come too fruition in the next book.
Though the story was a little predictable at times, it had several surprising moments. I enjoyed the writing and only found a couple places that felt awkward in regards to repeating words or phrases. The story definitely took a turn I did not expect, and I really enjoyed it.
Storm Raven was daring and bold! K. Hanson didn't try to draw readers in with cheap tricks of "hate to love" romance, or the usual "rape and pillage" pirate attitudes. What he did was create a unique story that offered some nicely developed characters, an intriguing world, and a typical YA plot with several enjoyable twists and some grittiness!
Thank you to YA Bound Book Tours for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review and as part of the book tour!
December 15, 2017
This is no typical pirate adventure story. I loved that the female lead is a pirate captain! The character of Nereyda is smart, feisty, strong willed, yet compassionate and even somewhat ethically inclined in a twisted “piratey” sort of way. The obstacles she and her crew encounter seem insurmountable and even tragic at times, but seeing how Nereyda navigates through it all is really an exciting ride and one might even say "magical" (but I don't want to give anything away). This is a fun read! The only negative is that I have to wait for the next book in the series to read more about this pirate captain.
December 15, 2017
Part fantasy, part action adventure this novel is non-stop action! It is easy to read and difficult to forget. The quirky humor and vivid imagery enhance the unique world of Storm Raven. If you are looking for a fun jaunt in a fantasy world this book is for you! It did seem a shame to have a book with a sexy lady pirate and no sex though!
April 16, 2018
This was a fun, action-filled fantasy read with a sassy female lead.
Pirate captain Nereyda, her first mate and friend Brynja, and her crew man the over the seas, wreaking havoc on the wealthy ships of the Empire and trying their best to avoid capture. Of course, capture can't be avoided forever when you lead such a life!
Commander Erhan of the Cambisian Imperial Navy has his sights set on bringing her and her crew to justice. While her crew are sent to toil away in the mines, she accompanies Erhan on a dangerous mission, where she continuously plots her escape and the rescue of her crew.
Fate has other ideas, and she and Erhan end up deserted on a mysterious island. Nereyda uncovers the magic the island holds and acquires it for herself, though she doesn't quite understand it. The magic, however, comes in useful, as Erhan can't see Nereyda as anything but evil and tries at every turn to recapture her, though he'd agreed to work with her to find a way home.
Leaving Erhan to his own devices on the island, Nereyda escapes and starts on her mission to rescue her crew. Along the way, she encounters a number of allies and learns what the war between the Cambisian Empire and Stalsa has done to the people around her.
Always crafty, Nereyda formulates a plan to rescue her crew and uses her feminine wiles to make it so. But the one person she believed she could rely on ends up betraying her, and she finds herself a slave in the mines. Nereyda being Nereyda, she doesn't let her new slave status hold her back from being her badass self. Those who try to keep her down always end up learning their lessons!
Action starts immediately in this book and doesn't end as Nereyda is constantly embarking on another quest, no matter how small. It reminded me of a role playing game I used to play, and I really got a kick out of that! This made me want to play again!
My only real complaint about this book is the character development. We get a little information about the three whose points of view we are told the story from--Nereyda, Brynja, and Erhan. I feel like a bit more about their pasts and how those pasts affect the characters' current behavior could have given them more depth.
Pirate captain Nereyda, her first mate and friend Brynja, and her crew man the over the seas, wreaking havoc on the wealthy ships of the Empire and trying their best to avoid capture. Of course, capture can't be avoided forever when you lead such a life!
Commander Erhan of the Cambisian Imperial Navy has his sights set on bringing her and her crew to justice. While her crew are sent to toil away in the mines, she accompanies Erhan on a dangerous mission, where she continuously plots her escape and the rescue of her crew.
Fate has other ideas, and she and Erhan end up deserted on a mysterious island. Nereyda uncovers the magic the island holds and acquires it for herself, though she doesn't quite understand it. The magic, however, comes in useful, as Erhan can't see Nereyda as anything but evil and tries at every turn to recapture her, though he'd agreed to work with her to find a way home.
Leaving Erhan to his own devices on the island, Nereyda escapes and starts on her mission to rescue her crew. Along the way, she encounters a number of allies and learns what the war between the Cambisian Empire and Stalsa has done to the people around her.
Always crafty, Nereyda formulates a plan to rescue her crew and uses her feminine wiles to make it so. But the one person she believed she could rely on ends up betraying her, and she finds herself a slave in the mines. Nereyda being Nereyda, she doesn't let her new slave status hold her back from being her badass self. Those who try to keep her down always end up learning their lessons!
Action starts immediately in this book and doesn't end as Nereyda is constantly embarking on another quest, no matter how small. It reminded me of a role playing game I used to play, and I really got a kick out of that! This made me want to play again!
My only real complaint about this book is the character development. We get a little information about the three whose points of view we are told the story from--Nereyda, Brynja, and Erhan. I feel like a bit more about their pasts and how those pasts affect the characters' current behavior could have given them more depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2019
Amazing pirate story featuring ladies instead of men. The Captain and her mate are off to sea for lots of adventures. Couldn’t get enough of the story.
July 31, 2018
Yo-ho-ho, how is it already the end of July? I love summer, but it calls for some exciting reads. I have been in a pirate mood lately (anyone for sailing?), so please read on for my book review of Storm Raven by K Hansen. Please note that I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Storm Raven is a thrilling, action-packed pirate adventure! A mix of Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Miserables, and a bit of one of my favorite pirates series growing up, Bloody Jack! Storm Raven holds its own and will become a series to watch progress.
Neredya is most at home on a ship at sea. A young captain of the ship the Storm Raven, she her days stealing from the rich, only fighting if necessary. Unfortunately, Neredya bites off more than she can chew with one heist and ends up captured by the government, torn away from her crew, to navigate to the Shattered Sea. Her crew, on the other hand, gets sent to the mines, where they will toil away for the rest of their days. Here, the story splits between Neredya and her first mate Brynja, who seems a little more than bitter at not having the title "Captain." Neredya promises to save her crew, no matter what, and undergoes unexpected changes in doing so. Without spoiling the book, we are left at the end of a beginning of a war in which Neredya and her crew want to not be a part of, but in order to save the innocent people of their land and to escape Commander Erhan's constant following and promises to defeat them (Javert complex, anyone?), they may just have to battle it out in the upcoming sequel!
Storm Raven was not what I expected. Once started, it grips you until the very end. The characters focus on two strong women, who can hold their own, no matter the circumstance. I was curious if there was going to be any romance, but there was none in this book. Only adventure, piracy, and a bit of the supernatural, which makes Storm Raven a really fun read. The level of detail and descriptions really add to the scenes. Add a bit of the Pirates of the Caribbean score and the beach, and you will feel right at home. I highly recommend reading this first book in the series--I know I cannot wait to read what happens next. I guess it is a pirate's life for me!
Storm Raven is a thrilling, action-packed pirate adventure! A mix of Pirates of the Caribbean, Les Miserables, and a bit of one of my favorite pirates series growing up, Bloody Jack! Storm Raven holds its own and will become a series to watch progress.
Neredya is most at home on a ship at sea. A young captain of the ship the Storm Raven, she her days stealing from the rich, only fighting if necessary. Unfortunately, Neredya bites off more than she can chew with one heist and ends up captured by the government, torn away from her crew, to navigate to the Shattered Sea. Her crew, on the other hand, gets sent to the mines, where they will toil away for the rest of their days. Here, the story splits between Neredya and her first mate Brynja, who seems a little more than bitter at not having the title "Captain." Neredya promises to save her crew, no matter what, and undergoes unexpected changes in doing so. Without spoiling the book, we are left at the end of a beginning of a war in which Neredya and her crew want to not be a part of, but in order to save the innocent people of their land and to escape Commander Erhan's constant following and promises to defeat them (Javert complex, anyone?), they may just have to battle it out in the upcoming sequel!
Storm Raven was not what I expected. Once started, it grips you until the very end. The characters focus on two strong women, who can hold their own, no matter the circumstance. I was curious if there was going to be any romance, but there was none in this book. Only adventure, piracy, and a bit of the supernatural, which makes Storm Raven a really fun read. The level of detail and descriptions really add to the scenes. Add a bit of the Pirates of the Caribbean score and the beach, and you will feel right at home. I highly recommend reading this first book in the series--I know I cannot wait to read what happens next. I guess it is a pirate's life for me!
June 3, 2018
Read this review (and others) at: https://literatureislife.com/2018/06/...
Storm Raven was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Storm Raven is a fun book. It is a story that makes for a good summer afternoon read. As a young adult book, there are some darker moments but nothing too extreme. It is gritty but not on the level of something like the Broken Empire trilogy. Characters make mistakes and do suffer for it, just not in a grisly level of detail. Author K. Hanson knew what needed to be done to keep the book YA and did it well.
The main focus of the book is the characters, particularly the pirate Captain Nereyda. She is the loveable scoundrel, somewhere in-between Han Solo and Jack Sparrow. A fun-loving adventurer with a heart of gold despite a life of hardship, her skill at sea is only matched by her unwavering resolve. Nereyda is not the only point of view we get to see either. Some chapters focus on Brynja, Nereyda’s first mate, after the crew becomes separated. Other segments are through the eyes of Erhan, a commander of the Cambisian Empire who is a bit disillusioned when it comes to right and wrong.
Setting-wise the book followed a lot of your standard fantasy world rules. In here there is “the Continent” and surrounding islands. It is a bit reminiscent of The Earthsea Cycle’s geography, but also with a continent. Granted this is also only a part of the world instead of a global map. Essentially, there are two Empires who are on bad terms following a war. Pirates are a thing and the world seems to be at an early-1700’s Europe level of technology and culture. Maybe a bit more tyrannical on the culture part.
For the plot, Storm Raven is a little basic but that is to be expected for a starting story. There were not really any moments where you think, “I did NOT see that coming.” But the story does an excellent job of setting things up for future installments. By the end of the book, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and problems the characters need to resolve. After this first action-packed, swashbuckling adventure, it will be fun to see where the Storm Raven series goes from here.
Storm Raven was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Storm Raven is a fun book. It is a story that makes for a good summer afternoon read. As a young adult book, there are some darker moments but nothing too extreme. It is gritty but not on the level of something like the Broken Empire trilogy. Characters make mistakes and do suffer for it, just not in a grisly level of detail. Author K. Hanson knew what needed to be done to keep the book YA and did it well.
The main focus of the book is the characters, particularly the pirate Captain Nereyda. She is the loveable scoundrel, somewhere in-between Han Solo and Jack Sparrow. A fun-loving adventurer with a heart of gold despite a life of hardship, her skill at sea is only matched by her unwavering resolve. Nereyda is not the only point of view we get to see either. Some chapters focus on Brynja, Nereyda’s first mate, after the crew becomes separated. Other segments are through the eyes of Erhan, a commander of the Cambisian Empire who is a bit disillusioned when it comes to right and wrong.
Setting-wise the book followed a lot of your standard fantasy world rules. In here there is “the Continent” and surrounding islands. It is a bit reminiscent of The Earthsea Cycle’s geography, but also with a continent. Granted this is also only a part of the world instead of a global map. Essentially, there are two Empires who are on bad terms following a war. Pirates are a thing and the world seems to be at an early-1700’s Europe level of technology and culture. Maybe a bit more tyrannical on the culture part.
For the plot, Storm Raven is a little basic but that is to be expected for a starting story. There were not really any moments where you think, “I did NOT see that coming.” But the story does an excellent job of setting things up for future installments. By the end of the book, there are still a lot of unanswered questions and problems the characters need to resolve. After this first action-packed, swashbuckling adventure, it will be fun to see where the Storm Raven series goes from here.
February 6, 2020
Before Reading: I have such low expectations for this book. Honestly, I was waiting for when I got rid of it. It’s going to be terrible writing and have no plot.
Currently Reading: (in response to Nereyda getting magical powers) I thought this was realistic historical fiction...but we’re adding magic to make it interesting?
(Switching characters)
I feel like the commanders POV was unnecessary. All his character did was spoil the fun ahead of when it was necessary. It would be nice to get that information from him telling it to Nereyda.
(Bryna)
This is a terrible character. She didn’t keep to her word when she said that she would tell Nereyda when she was acting crazy, purposely fought the guards even though the best way to survive would be to get on their good side, and she is now basically a slave again and won’t tell her crew about it.
(Jorvan or whatever his name his)
You obviously see that Nereyda is hurt by his death, but once she’s on that ship, she rarely thought or was affected by it. We only get that one time we’re she saves all the slaves for Jorvan.
(The other enemy)
I forgot this person’s name, but after he dueled Nereyda and set the warehouse ablaze (we never know if he did that) what happened to him? Is he in debt to the kingdom? Was he a slave that Nereyda just freed?
(The random crew mates)
I don’t need your names. The one with a C, you confuse me with the commander. I think there was one with an L...or was it a K? The one that was hurt by Bryn whipping her even though it was under her control. The add nothing to the story, so don’t include them please.
(The map in the beginning)
The nice thing is that I didn’t have to flip back to the map like I have in other books. This map is incompete. Yes, I understand that they don’t know everything in the Shattered Sea, but they don’t know the sea around it? Yeah right.
Currently Reading: (in response to Nereyda getting magical powers) I thought this was realistic historical fiction...but we’re adding magic to make it interesting?
(Switching characters)
I feel like the commanders POV was unnecessary. All his character did was spoil the fun ahead of when it was necessary. It would be nice to get that information from him telling it to Nereyda.
(Bryna)
This is a terrible character. She didn’t keep to her word when she said that she would tell Nereyda when she was acting crazy, purposely fought the guards even though the best way to survive would be to get on their good side, and she is now basically a slave again and won’t tell her crew about it.
(Jorvan or whatever his name his)
You obviously see that Nereyda is hurt by his death, but once she’s on that ship, she rarely thought or was affected by it. We only get that one time we’re she saves all the slaves for Jorvan.
(The other enemy)
I forgot this person’s name, but after he dueled Nereyda and set the warehouse ablaze (we never know if he did that) what happened to him? Is he in debt to the kingdom? Was he a slave that Nereyda just freed?
(The random crew mates)
I don’t need your names. The one with a C, you confuse me with the commander. I think there was one with an L...or was it a K? The one that was hurt by Bryn whipping her even though it was under her control. The add nothing to the story, so don’t include them please.
(The map in the beginning)
The nice thing is that I didn’t have to flip back to the map like I have in other books. This map is incompete. Yes, I understand that they don’t know everything in the Shattered Sea, but they don’t know the sea around it? Yeah right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2018
The captain of the Storm Raven, Nereyda and her first mate and adopted sister Brynja along with the rest of their crew like sailing the high seas in hopes of finding other ships to rob. They are a bit choosy in which ships they attack. They only steal from the people who have more than they need and can afford to lose some. They don’t attack to kill or hurt people. They give them a choice to lay down their weapons and live or fight and die.
The crew of the Storm Raven picks the wrong ship to rob one day and it cost them their freedom. Brynja and the crew are sent to work in the mines as slaves and are barely kept alive while Nereyda is taken by Commander Erhan aboard his ship as a prisoner to help him navigate through the rough waters of the Shattered Sea.
While serving her time aboard Commander Erhan’s ship Nereyda plays her role well doing what is asked of her hoping to have Erhan trusting her until the day she can escape and then she can make her plans to go rescue Brynja and her crew from the mines.
Doing a bad storm Nereyda and Erhan are stranded on a desert island together. Nereyda finds something on the island that she doesn’t know how to handle or if she even believes it. She picks up some magical powers on the island but she doesn’t know how to control them nor can she use them when she calls upon them. But she hopes to be able to use them to save her friends from the mines.
I have been into reading books about pirates lately and have really enjoyed reading about lady pirates. The Storm Raven is filled with action around every corner that will keep you glued to the pages and not wanting to put it down but of course, life does get in the way sometimes.
Nereyda is one tough character. She is fierce and a very loyal friend one that would do whatever it took to save her friends even if it meant giving up her own life and she would never stab a friend in the back. Nereyda is someone anybody would love to have as a friend.
The Storm Raven has been one rough and wild ride that I have enjoyed tremendously. I can’t wait to read more about Nereyda and her adventures sailing the high seas.
If you like The Pirates of the Caribbean you are going to love Storm Rave. Pick up your copy today!
The crew of the Storm Raven picks the wrong ship to rob one day and it cost them their freedom. Brynja and the crew are sent to work in the mines as slaves and are barely kept alive while Nereyda is taken by Commander Erhan aboard his ship as a prisoner to help him navigate through the rough waters of the Shattered Sea.
While serving her time aboard Commander Erhan’s ship Nereyda plays her role well doing what is asked of her hoping to have Erhan trusting her until the day she can escape and then she can make her plans to go rescue Brynja and her crew from the mines.
Doing a bad storm Nereyda and Erhan are stranded on a desert island together. Nereyda finds something on the island that she doesn’t know how to handle or if she even believes it. She picks up some magical powers on the island but she doesn’t know how to control them nor can she use them when she calls upon them. But she hopes to be able to use them to save her friends from the mines.
I have been into reading books about pirates lately and have really enjoyed reading about lady pirates. The Storm Raven is filled with action around every corner that will keep you glued to the pages and not wanting to put it down but of course, life does get in the way sometimes.
Nereyda is one tough character. She is fierce and a very loyal friend one that would do whatever it took to save her friends even if it meant giving up her own life and she would never stab a friend in the back. Nereyda is someone anybody would love to have as a friend.
The Storm Raven has been one rough and wild ride that I have enjoyed tremendously. I can’t wait to read more about Nereyda and her adventures sailing the high seas.
If you like The Pirates of the Caribbean you are going to love Storm Rave. Pick up your copy today!
March 25, 2018
I recived this book in a goodreads giveaway and I was left very 50/50 with it I liked the badass female based leader/pirate character and I usually don't care for pirate books but this one was very packed with adventure and humor its a quick easy read however for me I also found it lacking a bit I feel like the beginning of the book works you up so much just to be brought down with a ok ending maybe the author did that so you will be anxious for the second part but it just didn't have that affect on me the writing was good the cover was ok would I recommend it yes if you like pirate books yes!
August 12, 2018
Storm Raven starts off great with a thrilling intro to the pirate life. Nereyda is a strong main character that fights for what she believes no matter what. However, the plots end up multiplying, people die for no reason without a care, and things happen just for the plot. If the book were to have finished sooner, I think that this book would have been perfect. But there was just too much going on and I was lost along the way.
* Copy in exchange for an honest review *
To see my full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/twisti...
* Copy in exchange for an honest review *
To see my full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/twisti...
December 23, 2018
Original review can be found on my blog at this link.
I would like to give a huge thank you to the author, K. Hanson for giving me an opportunity to review his novel. 🙂
The synopsis of ‘Storm Raven’ piqued my interest and I decided to give it a go. I’ve never read a fantasy novel from a pirate’s perspective before so I was pretty thrilled when I first started reading it. I love losing myself in a fantasy world and especially those who catch me off guard.
I was hooked initially. The world is breathtaking and the characters are one of a kind. I was having a blast with the storm raven crew and their adventures to rob the nobles. They have a noble clause so I couldn’t really disagree with where they are coming from.
With that said, the plot took a turn after around 70% into the novel. I started to get confused at some of the events which occur and I couldn’t see the link between the previous and the current events. It feels like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces which can’t seem to fit. Do note that this is just my own personal opinion. I’m sure some readers out there who have read this novel thinks otherwise. I feel that the story could be better elaborated and portrayed.
My favourite character would be the storm raven’s captain, Nereyda. She is a female protagonist who follows her heart more than her head most of the times. That is not a flaw about her, however. I would like to see it as her being responsible for her crew’s safety. Moreover, she is a comrade which you can be 100% confident that she will have your back in a battle. Such a person is hard to come by. That is what I admire about Nereyda the most and that might just be the reason why her crew members trust her so much.
All in all, I enjoyed reading ‘Storm Raven’ but it didn’t blow my mind away. I would still recommend readers to give this novel a shot as it might just be a read which you truly enjoy.
I would like to give a huge thank you to the author, K. Hanson for giving me an opportunity to review his novel. 🙂
The synopsis of ‘Storm Raven’ piqued my interest and I decided to give it a go. I’ve never read a fantasy novel from a pirate’s perspective before so I was pretty thrilled when I first started reading it. I love losing myself in a fantasy world and especially those who catch me off guard.
I was hooked initially. The world is breathtaking and the characters are one of a kind. I was having a blast with the storm raven crew and their adventures to rob the nobles. They have a noble clause so I couldn’t really disagree with where they are coming from.
With that said, the plot took a turn after around 70% into the novel. I started to get confused at some of the events which occur and I couldn’t see the link between the previous and the current events. It feels like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces which can’t seem to fit. Do note that this is just my own personal opinion. I’m sure some readers out there who have read this novel thinks otherwise. I feel that the story could be better elaborated and portrayed.
My favourite character would be the storm raven’s captain, Nereyda. She is a female protagonist who follows her heart more than her head most of the times. That is not a flaw about her, however. I would like to see it as her being responsible for her crew’s safety. Moreover, she is a comrade which you can be 100% confident that she will have your back in a battle. Such a person is hard to come by. That is what I admire about Nereyda the most and that might just be the reason why her crew members trust her so much.
All in all, I enjoyed reading ‘Storm Raven’ but it didn’t blow my mind away. I would still recommend readers to give this novel a shot as it might just be a read which you truly enjoy.
October 12, 2018
This is an amazing story writen by a brand new amazing author for me. This story has a lot of action, surprises and ups and downs threw the whole story. I highly recmmend this story to everyone who loves pirates and if you buy this story you will not be disappointed at all.
This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story.
This is my honest and unbias opinion of the story.
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February 6, 2020Good Book
The book had some slow parts and a lot of waiting around. The Author paints the picture of a compassionate pirate but other times ruthless. I understood why the book ended the way it did but don't agree with it. I would like to think I would read the next but but more then likely won't.
The book had some slow parts and a lot of waiting around. The Author paints the picture of a compassionate pirate but other times ruthless. I understood why the book ended the way it did but don't agree with it. I would like to think I would read the next but but more then likely won't.
January 3, 2019
It was quite tangled
I'm not sure if I liked it... I was seethingly angry the whole time for all the unfortunate things conspiring against the main character. It was certainly packed to the brim with action. If day my ire is a sign of a very well written story.
I'm not sure if I liked it... I was seethingly angry the whole time for all the unfortunate things conspiring against the main character. It was certainly packed to the brim with action. If day my ire is a sign of a very well written story.
January 2, 2020
Was a good story plot. I enjoyed the main characters especially Raven. Took a long time to get the story moving and just seemed to take forever. I guess I was looking for a more romance type of story but I did enjoy the book.
May 12, 2018
Review to come!
July 7, 2018
4.5, review to come.
October 9, 2018
This book was so much fun to read, who doesn't like snarky pirates, crazy situations and high seas adventure.
March 17, 2019
OMG
This book was very fun, the main character was a sassy thing! I would recommend it to people who like adventure!
This book was very fun, the main character was a sassy thing! I would recommend it to people who like adventure!
August 30, 2019
Needs romance.
December 24, 2020
Hated the ending (because it wasn't an ending at all,) but found it to be an entertaining read for the most part.
November 4, 2021
A great tale of the life of a female pirate and her crew following them through raids and capture. A well written plot with strong characters.
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