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Legends of the Ceo San #1
Raven Thrall
An epic fantasy adventure about friendship and doing what's right, even when it hurts
For nineteen years, Mariah has known one life—working in her father's smithy, lying about the hunch on her back, and hiding from the world.
In the land of Whitelea, the gods have given certain people the power to change form from human to animal. It's a power that the king covets almost as much as he does the surrounding kingdoms, so what would happen if the village folk find out that Mariah isn’t deformed but instead has wings? Worse yet, what if the king's soldiers find out?
Mariah hopes she'll never know the answer. But in a single morning, everything will change.
A bit like the Lord of the Rings, a bit like Jeff Wheeler’s Kingfountain Series, and a bit like Percy Jackson with a touch of Mercy Thompson thrown in. If you love these books, you'll love Raven Thrall.
For nineteen years, Mariah has known one life—working in her father's smithy, lying about the hunch on her back, and hiding from the world.
In the land of Whitelea, the gods have given certain people the power to change form from human to animal. It's a power that the king covets almost as much as he does the surrounding kingdoms, so what would happen if the village folk find out that Mariah isn’t deformed but instead has wings? Worse yet, what if the king's soldiers find out?
Mariah hopes she'll never know the answer. But in a single morning, everything will change.
A bit like the Lord of the Rings, a bit like Jeff Wheeler’s Kingfountain Series, and a bit like Percy Jackson with a touch of Mercy Thompson thrown in. If you love these books, you'll love Raven Thrall.
252 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2018
69 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
J. Elizabeth Vincent
4 books54 followersWriting, editing, designing, freelancing. Check.
Parenting, homeschooling, living. Check.
Staying sane and financially solvent. Umm ...
Note: Brother's Keeper, book 4 of Legends of the Ceo San, is in progress, but I don't have a projected date yet. I apologize for the long delay, but I write on the side, and you know, life. I will post on my website and Facebook when it is near or at completion!
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Parenting, homeschooling, living. Check.
Staying sane and financially solvent. Umm ...
Note: Brother's Keeper, book 4 of Legends of the Ceo San, is in progress, but I don't have a projected date yet. I apologize for the long delay, but I write on the side, and you know, life. I will post on my website and Facebook when it is near or at completion!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 2, 2018
This is one of my SPFBO books and it's probably the one I have most enjoyed so far, although it's a quick read. I certainly feel like this book has a lot of potential, and it surprised me how quickly I managed to connect with the characters and feel for their plight and stories.
This is the tale of Mariah, a young woman who was born in a land that does not want her to be free. Mariah is part-bird, part-human and she has always been so. In the land where she was born it was once considered a gift of the Gods to be born Ceo San, but Mariah isn't quite a full one as she cannot shift her form, she is constantly stuck between bird and woman.
When Mariah was a young girl her family betrayed her and she had to flee the Kingdom in order to stay free, she ends up starting life in a village far from all she has know and the horrors of her own kingdom far behind. There she learns about who she is and what she could become if only she would let herself understand, but it's not until a new Ceo San appears and tragedy strikes that she is forced to decide what she will do with her powers and how she will act.
What I liked about this was the fact that it's a fun story, quite light and easy to begin with, but the characters felt well-considered and their actions believable. I certainly connected with Mariah early on, even when she was being stubborn, and I found later that the new Ceo San was quite a good character too.
I definitely enjoyed the Bear character later on, and seeing different groups of Ceo San and survivors who hid in plain sight showed the power of the Ceo San and their ability to slip between the lines. I think there was a lot about them to enjoy, and I found it a very fun adventure.
In terms of pacing, I think some areas could have been expanded upon and developed further, but for the most part it moved at a good pace and I was enjoying the story throughout. I definitely enjoyed following the plot as much as the characters, and there were a few things thrown in that I didn't really anticipate :)
I do think some of the 'reveals' and 'twists' were a little predictable, but I did like the loving relationships that form and although the world itself didn't stand out I think the magic of it did and I like the concept of shapeshifting creatures who lurk on the edges of society.
Overall, a very solid read and one I recommend and liked a lot. 3.75*s from me which equals 7.5*s for SPFBO purposes!
This is the tale of Mariah, a young woman who was born in a land that does not want her to be free. Mariah is part-bird, part-human and she has always been so. In the land where she was born it was once considered a gift of the Gods to be born Ceo San, but Mariah isn't quite a full one as she cannot shift her form, she is constantly stuck between bird and woman.
When Mariah was a young girl her family betrayed her and she had to flee the Kingdom in order to stay free, she ends up starting life in a village far from all she has know and the horrors of her own kingdom far behind. There she learns about who she is and what she could become if only she would let herself understand, but it's not until a new Ceo San appears and tragedy strikes that she is forced to decide what she will do with her powers and how she will act.
What I liked about this was the fact that it's a fun story, quite light and easy to begin with, but the characters felt well-considered and their actions believable. I certainly connected with Mariah early on, even when she was being stubborn, and I found later that the new Ceo San was quite a good character too.
I definitely enjoyed the Bear character later on, and seeing different groups of Ceo San and survivors who hid in plain sight showed the power of the Ceo San and their ability to slip between the lines. I think there was a lot about them to enjoy, and I found it a very fun adventure.
In terms of pacing, I think some areas could have been expanded upon and developed further, but for the most part it moved at a good pace and I was enjoying the story throughout. I definitely enjoyed following the plot as much as the characters, and there were a few things thrown in that I didn't really anticipate :)
I do think some of the 'reveals' and 'twists' were a little predictable, but I did like the loving relationships that form and although the world itself didn't stand out I think the magic of it did and I like the concept of shapeshifting creatures who lurk on the edges of society.
Overall, a very solid read and one I recommend and liked a lot. 3.75*s from me which equals 7.5*s for SPFBO purposes!
January 25, 2018
Raven Thrall tells the story of a people, the Ceo San, who must remain hidden or they become the kings slaves in his army. The main character, Mariah, a Ceo San (Shapeshifter), leaves her hometown (no spoiler alerts here, but your heart strings will tug for her!). She finds peace and solitude in a new hometown, a friend, and a mentor. When she is urged to help another Ceo San save his mother and sisters, she resists at first, but ends up going on an epic journey through new lands, making new friends who help along the way.
I can relate to Mariah, because she likes being alone, she is uncomfortable around people, but she works through that to help her friend. In the process of the journey and learning to overcome her strong desire for solitude, Mariah grows as a person. Although she is the main character, I loved all the characters. They each had their own strength and weakness, they worked together, and I just fell in love with all of them.
I typically do not read Epic Fantasies or stories about shapeshifters, but reading Raven Thrall opened me up to a new genre that I may like, especially those written by J. Elizabeth Vincent, because the way she told this story pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me drawn till the end. Although the book is written for adults, I find it is an appropriate book for young adults, as well.
I can relate to Mariah, because she likes being alone, she is uncomfortable around people, but she works through that to help her friend. In the process of the journey and learning to overcome her strong desire for solitude, Mariah grows as a person. Although she is the main character, I loved all the characters. They each had their own strength and weakness, they worked together, and I just fell in love with all of them.
I typically do not read Epic Fantasies or stories about shapeshifters, but reading Raven Thrall opened me up to a new genre that I may like, especially those written by J. Elizabeth Vincent, because the way she told this story pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me drawn till the end. Although the book is written for adults, I find it is an appropriate book for young adults, as well.
July 31, 2018
I wish I had more thumbs, because 2 thumbs up just isn't enough for this book! Raven Thrall is a unique and engaging story that will make you feel like you are living through each scene. The plot is tight, the characters are well rounded and you will fall in love with all of them! J. Elizabeth Vincent must be some sort of wizard, because this book is no less than pure magic!
January 20, 2022
Raven Thrall is the first in the Legends of the Ceo San series by J. Elizabeth Vincent. Miriah had fled across the sea, believing that her mother had betrayed her and sold her to the King's men. She has made a new life for herself. In a world where Ceo San people (people who could shapeshift into an animal) were being hunted and enslaved by a greedy and power-hungry king, Miriah has been half changed her entire life. She was a tall, lean woman with striking silver hair and a pair of huge black and silver wings on her back.
When faced with the choice of going back to her homeland to help save the family of a fellow shifter, she is forced into a complete shift through necessity and she and a young crow eager to find his siblings take in an impossible quest.
Along the way, Miriah and Xae make some interesting friends, have some battles with foes and end up smack in the middle of the Varidian and in the reach of the KIng. Miriah has to decide whether the Ceo San are chosen for a divine purpose or cursed to be hunted down and enslaved.
Raven Thrall is one of those books that grab as you start reading/listening. It has a great opening, and the story flows easily and naturally, leaving a well-constructed world where the magical creatures fit in seamlessly. The vivid descriptions of the hawks and crow in flight are mesmerizing.
Lynn Norris does an excellent job as narrator and brings the characters to life, conveying the emotions of the characters and making each one unique and discernible,
This is a good epic fantasy that can safely be recommended to YA, with the caution that there is some violence and deaths but that it fits into the story.
When faced with the choice of going back to her homeland to help save the family of a fellow shifter, she is forced into a complete shift through necessity and she and a young crow eager to find his siblings take in an impossible quest.
Along the way, Miriah and Xae make some interesting friends, have some battles with foes and end up smack in the middle of the Varidian and in the reach of the KIng. Miriah has to decide whether the Ceo San are chosen for a divine purpose or cursed to be hunted down and enslaved.
Raven Thrall is one of those books that grab as you start reading/listening. It has a great opening, and the story flows easily and naturally, leaving a well-constructed world where the magical creatures fit in seamlessly. The vivid descriptions of the hawks and crow in flight are mesmerizing.
Lynn Norris does an excellent job as narrator and brings the characters to life, conveying the emotions of the characters and making each one unique and discernible,
This is a good epic fantasy that can safely be recommended to YA, with the caution that there is some violence and deaths but that it fits into the story.
March 12, 2018
Elizabeth Vincent crafts a magical, heartfelt story. Raven Thrall is the story of a young girl whose past is plagued by isolation and exclusion, only because she’s Ceo San, a human who can turn into an animal, in her case a hawk. After she escapes the capture by a mad king who turns her kind into slaves, she is once again pushed to put her life at risk. Meeting Xae and Shira, she embarks on a journey to save Xae’s family from the very tyrant she’s once escaped. The journey is perilous and dotted with close calls, but upon reaching her destination, she finds Xae’s enslaved relatives. But saving them becomes a lot more difficult when she herself is taken as a prisoner and a strange dream claims she’s the leader Ceo Sans have been waiting for.
Vincent does a marvelous job. Her writing is smooth, vivid, and packed with emotions. I really loved each character’s insight, and I grew close to each one , building a strong attachment to them. I especially connected with Shira and her loyalty and bravery. Vincent crafted a very detailed world and its complexity is very well thought out. Although I often go lost in too lengthy geographical descriptions, I managed to get back into the story. I would’ve liked a faster pace for the first half of the book, but the second part flowed much faster with less repetitive descriptions and more heart racing action. I’m looking forward to the second book and to finding out what the future holds for Mariah.
Vincent does a marvelous job. Her writing is smooth, vivid, and packed with emotions. I really loved each character’s insight, and I grew close to each one , building a strong attachment to them. I especially connected with Shira and her loyalty and bravery. Vincent crafted a very detailed world and its complexity is very well thought out. Although I often go lost in too lengthy geographical descriptions, I managed to get back into the story. I would’ve liked a faster pace for the first half of the book, but the second part flowed much faster with less repetitive descriptions and more heart racing action. I’m looking forward to the second book and to finding out what the future holds for Mariah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2018
I received an advanced review copy of the book, but am very, very late in posting a review for it.
Raven Thrall was an extremely enjoyable book. The premise and plot are nothing groundbreaking, but the execution is excellent.
J. Elizabeth gives a reasonably sized cast to wrap our heads around in Raven Thrall. None of the characters feel throwaway. I feel like if I followed one of them around outside of the main body of the story I would find that they all live their own rich lives independent of the main character's struggle. Mariah has a strong character arc. By the end of the story, her sense of self and her beliefs about the past have radically shifted, but it all seems like a natural progression of who she is.
The worldbuilding is excellent and consistent. The author seems to have a good idea in her head of distance and proportion for her world. The rules of the magic system - which so far really just seems to cover Ceo Sans' shapechanging abilities - are well thought out. An understanding of what they can and cannot do fairly early and the author sticks to that throughout.
I'm excited to see what direction J. Elizabeth takes the story in the next volume. The scope of Raven Thrall was fairly narrow with the goal of rescuing Xae's family, but now Mariah's whole destiny has been opened up. I expect we'll see things developer on a grander scale, and I can't wait to see how J. Elizabeth handles it.
Raven Thrall was an extremely enjoyable book. The premise and plot are nothing groundbreaking, but the execution is excellent.
J. Elizabeth gives a reasonably sized cast to wrap our heads around in Raven Thrall. None of the characters feel throwaway. I feel like if I followed one of them around outside of the main body of the story I would find that they all live their own rich lives independent of the main character's struggle. Mariah has a strong character arc. By the end of the story, her sense of self and her beliefs about the past have radically shifted, but it all seems like a natural progression of who she is.
The worldbuilding is excellent and consistent. The author seems to have a good idea in her head of distance and proportion for her world. The rules of the magic system - which so far really just seems to cover Ceo Sans' shapechanging abilities - are well thought out. An understanding of what they can and cannot do fairly early and the author sticks to that throughout.
I'm excited to see what direction J. Elizabeth takes the story in the next volume. The scope of Raven Thrall was fairly narrow with the goal of rescuing Xae's family, but now Mariah's whole destiny has been opened up. I expect we'll see things developer on a grander scale, and I can't wait to see how J. Elizabeth handles it.
December 11, 2019
This was such a nice read. The book follows Mariah and her life. She helps her father until the day that he fell and injured his leg. Her mother sent her off and when she went to tell her father goodbye he told her to get away, to not do as her mother requested and to fly. (Did I mention she has wings? Wings that no one in the town she grew up in knew about, they only knew her as having a deformed back hump).
Mariah father kept his daughter's form a secret because the king would take her, though if he willingly gave her up he would get money, but if he's found out he could be sent to his death.
The book gave a lot of character development for you to get a feel for the book.
There are a few characters that can change shape in this book, and you will get a feel for them, and be able to follow the story through Mariah's perspective.
The Narrator does a good job changing her tone to each character. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review
Mariah father kept his daughter's form a secret because the king would take her, though if he willingly gave her up he would get money, but if he's found out he could be sent to his death.
The book gave a lot of character development for you to get a feel for the book.
There are a few characters that can change shape in this book, and you will get a feel for them, and be able to follow the story through Mariah's perspective.
The Narrator does a good job changing her tone to each character. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving am honest review
June 10, 2020
This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author and I look forward to listening to the next in this series.
I enjoyed the concept of the shifter people. Mariah grows into her abilities as the book progresses. She becomes involved with a plan to rescue a young shifters family who have been taken. Things are not easy for her and young boy. They find help along the way, but it’s not enough. There is a degree of conclusion at the end, but it is also wide open to lead into the next book.
This is the first book I have listened to by this narrator ( Lynn Norris ) and I would definitely listen to another. She gives each character an individual voice and has a style that drew me into the story. It did not feel like I was being read to.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing. This book is appropriate for young teens to all adults.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
I enjoyed the concept of the shifter people. Mariah grows into her abilities as the book progresses. She becomes involved with a plan to rescue a young shifters family who have been taken. Things are not easy for her and young boy. They find help along the way, but it’s not enough. There is a degree of conclusion at the end, but it is also wide open to lead into the next book.
This is the first book I have listened to by this narrator ( Lynn Norris ) and I would definitely listen to another. She gives each character an individual voice and has a style that drew me into the story. It did not feel like I was being read to.
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing. This book is appropriate for young teens to all adults.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
March 14, 2021
Today's review is a free book I received from Amazon and the author. Thank you.
This is a new take on shapeshifters. I was drawn in by the captivating cover and the first few pages sold it. Mariah is a young girl with large hawk wings on her back. Her parents hide her and tell others she is a hunchback. The king of their country chains and enslaved them as part of his army with no more rights than an animal. One day she is forced to flee. She hides in an old volcano crater, venturing out only for supplies and to visit another of her kind who teaches her to fully change. A new arrival forces her out of hiding and sends her to rescue others like them that the king has enslaved. Good characters, good storyline and plenty of adventure. Book was well edited and had an ending as well as threads for the next volume.
This is a new take on shapeshifters. I was drawn in by the captivating cover and the first few pages sold it. Mariah is a young girl with large hawk wings on her back. Her parents hide her and tell others she is a hunchback. The king of their country chains and enslaved them as part of his army with no more rights than an animal. One day she is forced to flee. She hides in an old volcano crater, venturing out only for supplies and to visit another of her kind who teaches her to fully change. A new arrival forces her out of hiding and sends her to rescue others like them that the king has enslaved. Good characters, good storyline and plenty of adventure. Book was well edited and had an ending as well as threads for the next volume.
May 23, 2021
Fun Start to a Shifter Fantasy Series
Parents: appropriate for 14/15 and up. PG13 as a movie depending on the amount of gore shown. The language
was clean, violence consisted of animal warfare and the mention of torture, and the sexual content was a few allusions to intimate activities but no actual bedroom scenes. There is an attempted rape but no major details are given.
The story was a super interesting concept and world. An enjoyable journey where you learn along with the main character. Some things are a touch too convenient to me as a reader but overall it’s an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the next one in the series!
The narrator had a decent variety of voices but not fantastic.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents: appropriate for 14/15 and up. PG13 as a movie depending on the amount of gore shown. The language
was clean, violence consisted of animal warfare and the mention of torture, and the sexual content was a few allusions to intimate activities but no actual bedroom scenes. There is an attempted rape but no major details are given.
The story was a super interesting concept and world. An enjoyable journey where you learn along with the main character. Some things are a touch too convenient to me as a reader but overall it’s an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the next one in the series!
The narrator had a decent variety of voices but not fantastic.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 7, 2018
It has been seven years since Mariah fled across the sea to sanctuary. In her homeland all Ceo San (animal shifters to simplify) are considered property of the King and must be turned over as children to serve in his army. Mariah was born with wings, never truely human or animal. Her parents sheltered her and kept her at home, hiding her true identity until the fateful day when she fled her home for good. Lately more and more Ceo San have been seeking refuge across the sea as Mariah did years ago but great trouble is brewing and she will have to make the most difficult decision of her life, much harder than the one she faced when she fled the first home she ever had! Join Mariah and her friends, explore the political turmoil of two countries. Decide what it means to be human!
May 21, 2020
Quite slow start and i struggle to keep interested in it to begin with. The female lead was very hesitant to help anyone else to begin with but she developed over the story and became a strong female leader towards the end of the book. She meets others along the way and finds out that she can trust other people. Its a great coming of age story with a inspirational young female lead who grows in strength. The other characters add a nice depth to the story as well as some more entertainment.
The narrator was brilliant and did a goodd job on telling the story and bringing the characters to life.
I would definately look for the next book in the series and really enjoyed the start to the story.
The narrator was brilliant and did a goodd job on telling the story and bringing the characters to life.
I would definately look for the next book in the series and really enjoyed the start to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
Raven Thrall is such a treat for fantasy fiction fans! I give it five stars. Seriously, I started this book and finished it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I loved the map in the beginning of the book, as I read I discovered a great new world. The protagonist Mariah faces some challenges being part of the Ceo San world and part human, which I won't give away, but it was refreshing watching her learn to accept herself and overcome these adversities. I grew attached to each new character introduced in the book, and couldn't wait to turn each page. Please read this excellent book so that you too can enjoy an amazing adventure, and I look forward to a sequel.
January 29, 2020
Full disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written interesting fantasy novel, I enjoyed the read. I thought the magic system was interesting. In the magic system, some individuals can transform into specific animals (eg. raven, eagle, etc.), these individuals are hunted by the king to be used in his schemes. An interesting premise, and an interesting book.
I enjoyed the writing style and the narrator did a good job. There were a few plot points that I found a little bit hard to believe, however I still enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to book 2.
This is a well written interesting fantasy novel, I enjoyed the read. I thought the magic system was interesting. In the magic system, some individuals can transform into specific animals (eg. raven, eagle, etc.), these individuals are hunted by the king to be used in his schemes. An interesting premise, and an interesting book.
I enjoyed the writing style and the narrator did a good job. There were a few plot points that I found a little bit hard to believe, however I still enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to book 2.
May 3, 2020
A Charming Read
In a land where the king enslaves any San Ceo (people who can shift into animal form) for his army, a young girl is forced to forsake her family and flee to avoid capture. Years later she is asked by a young raven shifter to help her rescue his shifter family from the king who has captured them.
This gentle story is well paced throughout and never drags. The author has a good, clear writing style making it both an easy and pleasant read.
The story is obviously continued in the second book but does not contain a cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book in the series.
In a land where the king enslaves any San Ceo (people who can shift into animal form) for his army, a young girl is forced to forsake her family and flee to avoid capture. Years later she is asked by a young raven shifter to help her rescue his shifter family from the king who has captured them.
This gentle story is well paced throughout and never drags. The author has a good, clear writing style making it both an easy and pleasant read.
The story is obviously continued in the second book but does not contain a cliffhanger. I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 6, 2018
t is well written with engaging characters who you want to hear more about when the book is finished. It kept me engaged throughout the book as I rooted for Mariah to show what she could do (which she does) and for Xae to get his family back. I’m sure you’ll be like me and wanting to read the second book of the series to find out what happens next for Mariah, Xae and Shari.
This is a definite five star book you’ll want to read if you like fantasy and middle earth type books.
Reviewed by Barbara
This is a definite five star book you’ll want to read if you like fantasy and middle earth type books.
Reviewed by Barbara
October 30, 2019
This is a great story! Mariah is sort of a Ceo San (animal shapeshifter), but she is stuck in a half-human, half-raven form. She hides her wings as a deformed back, until a fateful day where she is betrayed and must flee. The characters are all wonderful, especially Mariah, who I really connected to! She faces many challenges, but together with her friends they face them, and she even learns to accept herself the way she is.
I received a free review copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free review copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 14, 2019
This was a good start to a series. Narration was excellent with each character having a distinct voice. The book was interesting with plenty of action without any lulls in the story. It didn't end in a cliff hanger exactly but just sort of an intermission before the next leg of the adventure.
This book was given to me for free by the Author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was given to me for free by the Author, narrator or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2019
I loved this story and would have given it 5 stars had Mariah not been so unnecessarily abrasive half the time. The rest of the characters were great, and the plot as well, and I especially appreciated that there were so many strong women featured. Trust, betrayal, courage, friendship, family, and inner strength were some of the underlying themes. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
I was given a free copy of Raven’s Thrall, but that did not affect my review.
I was given a free copy of Raven’s Thrall, but that did not affect my review.
December 30, 2020
Although some of the situations were predictable, I did enjoy reading this book. It's a unique concept I haven't come across before and the author kept me turning the pages.
I especially liked the H her transformation. She started as an annoying child I wanted to put across my knee and spank, but thank the heavens in all the universe that she changed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story (although it needs to be read by a proofreader and developmental editor) with some good character development.
I especially liked the H her transformation. She started as an annoying child I wanted to put across my knee and spank, but thank the heavens in all the universe that she changed.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a great story (although it needs to be read by a proofreader and developmental editor) with some good character development.
March 20, 2021
This moved slowly at first but I found my self drawn into the story as it went further along until I was rushing to get to the end. The characters were likeable, the quest moving, the action exciting. It ends completely with the ability to pull you pull you toward the next in the series. I don't feel the author is trying to force me to read the next but the story was interesting enough to make me want to read the next.
September 9, 2018
A very enjoyable story about Mariah, a girl with wings, who must flee her home when she is betrayed. I've always liked animal/shape-shifting stories, and this one was fun to read. The characters were fleshed out, there was plenty of action, and the magic system was interesting. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 16, 2020
The narrator was very good. I always knew who was talking. she had a smooth voice. I wasn't sure I was going to like this book but it was very good. I liked the characters. Mariah was my favorite. The world building was good. It was believable. I'm very happy I gave Raven Thrall a chance and will get the next book in the series to keep the adventure going!!!
April 6, 2020
While some of the situations are a bit too predictable, the overall story is enjoyable. It's a decent start to this series but I wished there would have been a resolution for at least one of the characters Mari met along the way. Everything was left open-ended and hopefully those additional "stories" won't get lost in the shuffle along the way.
July 15, 2020
Excellent Shifter Fantasy Adventure!
The writer brought me right into the heroine’s character and I felt like I was part of the story. Great characters, new breed of shifters with plenty of suspense, action and intrigue. I look forward to the next book. The narration was excellent. I received an advance audio copy and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
The writer brought me right into the heroine’s character and I felt like I was part of the story. Great characters, new breed of shifters with plenty of suspense, action and intrigue. I look forward to the next book. The narration was excellent. I received an advance audio copy and am happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
September 29, 2020
I like this book a lot. Mariah started out the book very annoying, but she underwent a transformation and I really ended up liking her character arc. I want to learn more about how the people live and about the magic system. I also hope she goes back and freeze the shape shifting children. This author also really has seems to have a feel for small-town life and close knit villages.
December 23, 2020
Raven Thrall by J. Elizabeth Vincent is an awesome story to read. This is book number one in this awesome series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading with no cliff hangers and shape shifters.
I received a free copy of this book via Story Origin and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Story Origin and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 27, 2020
Wonderful ya fantasy. You can't help getting wrapped up in these characters. An original story with a classic theme. I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2020
Overall I thought this was a great story. The characters were interesting and likable. A great shifter fantasy. The narrator did a marvelous job...great voices and inflections. I received a free copy in exchange for a review.
April 7, 2020
Really enjoyable story
Really enjoyable. Good storytelling. Strong female lead who becomes stronger as story develops. Loved the storytelling, all the characters seem to be getting more complex as story develops. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Really enjoyable. Good storytelling. Strong female lead who becomes stronger as story develops. Loved the storytelling, all the characters seem to be getting more complex as story develops. I'm looking forward to the next book.
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