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The Raven Tales #2
Marked Raven: Raven Tales Book Two
Valentine’s Day could be the most dangerous time of the year if an angry Cupid is the hit man hunting you down.
Bram Farrell, paranormal PI, has been yanked from the pages of the novel. His author and creator brought him into real-world Detroit to do a job for her, but the job went south, and the real-world Detroit is as loaded with monsters and magical beings as the pages of her books were. And they are all out to get Bram and exact some otherworldly revenge on him.
Most guys wouldn’t mind that it’s raining females, some expected, some surprises, one he could do without. And then there is his new secretary, Naomi, who he’s falling in love with. Keeping her alive—and himself—is going to be tricky.
Outrunning an alchemist, a vampire, and a witch is going to take more than cutting wit.
Luckily, this paranormal Sam Spade has some resources besides his dry sense of humor. His dachshund Hellhound is with him and his magic is coming back. Which should be helpful considering someone has put a hit out on him.
There’s a lot on Bram’s plate this February. The question is, will he live through it this time?
Entertaining, funny and suspenseful, Marked Raven is the perfect place to pick up the Raven Tales urban fantasy series.
Bram Farrell, paranormal PI, has been yanked from the pages of the novel. His author and creator brought him into real-world Detroit to do a job for her, but the job went south, and the real-world Detroit is as loaded with monsters and magical beings as the pages of her books were. And they are all out to get Bram and exact some otherworldly revenge on him.
Most guys wouldn’t mind that it’s raining females, some expected, some surprises, one he could do without. And then there is his new secretary, Naomi, who he’s falling in love with. Keeping her alive—and himself—is going to be tricky.
Outrunning an alchemist, a vampire, and a witch is going to take more than cutting wit.
Luckily, this paranormal Sam Spade has some resources besides his dry sense of humor. His dachshund Hellhound is with him and his magic is coming back. Which should be helpful considering someone has put a hit out on him.
There’s a lot on Bram’s plate this February. The question is, will he live through it this time?
Entertaining, funny and suspenseful, Marked Raven is the perfect place to pick up the Raven Tales urban fantasy series.
- GenresUrban FantasyParanormal
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2021
About the author
J.B. Dane
30 books13 followersJ.B. Dane is the author of the urban fantasy PI mystery comedy series, The Raven Tales, which includes novels published by Burns and Lea Books, and a series of Indie published novellas that are prequels and also "between the books" adventures of her MC, Bram Farrell. The latest novel in the series is RAVEN'S EDGE. Quite a few 5* reviews have followed for the novels, in particular, singing praises that should make her blush though she’s too busy proudly polishing her nails against her lapel to do so. She also writes shorter fantasy fiction, many tales of which have appeared in anthologies, particularly her Nick Claus, North Pole Security stories. She writes historical and contemporary romantic mystery and speculative twisted 19th century fiction under two different names, just to confuse people. Or so they seem to think.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 19, 2021
Marked Raven is a paranormal urban fantasy with a slight romantic element. It is the second book in The Raven Tales series.
The concept of this series is an original one: Bram Farrell is a successful fictional private investigator until his author, witch Calista Amberson uses her magic to pull Bram into the actual world. Now, he investigates his cases in real-time, using his smarts and a little hocus-pocus.
I’ll admit that when I started reading this book, I was confused because I didn’t fully understand what was going on. I’m glad I persevered because Marked Raven is an excellent blend of magic, mystery, and humor. It had a 1930s detective feel but with magic. Bram Farrell is full of smart-arse quips as he and his offsider Beelz, a hellhound in disguise as a dachshund, investigate a missing person case. The plot moves fast with an interesting blend of characters and shenanigans. This book would make a fantastic movie.
I enjoyed this book very much, although I’d recommend reading the series from the start.
The concept of this series is an original one: Bram Farrell is a successful fictional private investigator until his author, witch Calista Amberson uses her magic to pull Bram into the actual world. Now, he investigates his cases in real-time, using his smarts and a little hocus-pocus.
I’ll admit that when I started reading this book, I was confused because I didn’t fully understand what was going on. I’m glad I persevered because Marked Raven is an excellent blend of magic, mystery, and humor. It had a 1930s detective feel but with magic. Bram Farrell is full of smart-arse quips as he and his offsider Beelz, a hellhound in disguise as a dachshund, investigate a missing person case. The plot moves fast with an interesting blend of characters and shenanigans. This book would make a fantastic movie.
I enjoyed this book very much, although I’d recommend reading the series from the start.
July 13, 2021
Thoughts: This was fun, magical, romantic, mysterious, and more all rolled into one rollicking 1930s-esque story. Bram Farrell is a detective who was brought over from the fictional world to our world where he becomes the “writer” of the stories instead of the detective. It’s a little confusing at times, but it’s still fun. He has a human police detective friend who know about him and the paranormal world. And a lot of contacts in the “unhuman” world – witches, vampires, trolls, and more. He was brought into this world by the witch Calista and inherited her vast estate.
What I liked: Raven’s hellhound dog Beelz – a dachshund! Who can morph into a Great Dane when needed. Love that. Also enjoyed that he and the human detective are friends and help each other out (even when they’re frustrated with each other). In fact, this plot is so unique, so different, there’s not much about it that I didn’t love. It’s a fast read with something happening on every page. It’s laugh out loud funny at times with the banter and the touch of romance between Bram and Niela is perfect. The mystery about who is trying to kill Bram is also well done and keeps you guessing until the very end. And there’s just enough of a thread left dangling that, even though you’re satisfied with this one, you’re going to want to read more.
So, why not 5 stars?
Because it’s a little confusing. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series and was a bit lost at the beginning even though the author explains that Bram was brought over from the fiction world. I would seriously recommend reading the first book in the series first. So much so, that I’m going to purchase a copy and read that one, then this one again.
Recommendation: Highly recommended. But I’d read the first one first, then get this one. A definite must read for anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries that are fun and have a touch of romance.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
What I liked: Raven’s hellhound dog Beelz – a dachshund! Who can morph into a Great Dane when needed. Love that. Also enjoyed that he and the human detective are friends and help each other out (even when they’re frustrated with each other). In fact, this plot is so unique, so different, there’s not much about it that I didn’t love. It’s a fast read with something happening on every page. It’s laugh out loud funny at times with the banter and the touch of romance between Bram and Niela is perfect. The mystery about who is trying to kill Bram is also well done and keeps you guessing until the very end. And there’s just enough of a thread left dangling that, even though you’re satisfied with this one, you’re going to want to read more.
So, why not 5 stars?
Because it’s a little confusing. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series and was a bit lost at the beginning even though the author explains that Bram was brought over from the fiction world. I would seriously recommend reading the first book in the series first. So much so, that I’m going to purchase a copy and read that one, then this one again.
Recommendation: Highly recommended. But I’d read the first one first, then get this one. A definite must read for anyone who enjoys paranormal mysteries that are fun and have a touch of romance.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
April 6, 2021
Valentine’s Day can be downright dangerous, especially if a ruthless hitman is on your tail. The hitman is none other than Cupid. Paranormal PI Bram Farrell is no ordinary man. He’s a character in a series whose author brought him into the real world. Now, with this author no longer among the living, he’s trying to deal with life and not fall in love with his beautiful naive secretary, Naomie, who knows nothing about the paranormal and magical creatures surrounding her. Bram, along with his trusted hellhound dachshund, dodges a hitman, scores of women, a vampire, a witch, and those who want him dead. Will Bram solve who’s behind the attacks in time or will he be known as the marked raven forevermore?
Marked Raven is, hands down, one of the most original stories I have ever read. When I started writing this review, I thought to myself, “How the heck am I supposed to express succinctly my thoughts on this book?” Never have I read a plot like this and I can confess now how much I loved it. There are loads of humorous lines, action galore, mystery, a bit of magic, a lot of paranormal, and the main character I couldn’t get enough of. Plot progression moved at a good pace with a full cast of characters. This has a film noir vibe which added to my enjoyment while reading. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Before I knew it, the story was complete. I can’t wait to read more Raven Tales. If you love paranormal with a heavy dose of comedic banter, you’ll want to read Marked Raven. J.B. Dane is a paranormal author to binge-read and see what happens next. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Marked Raven is, hands down, one of the most original stories I have ever read. When I started writing this review, I thought to myself, “How the heck am I supposed to express succinctly my thoughts on this book?” Never have I read a plot like this and I can confess now how much I loved it. There are loads of humorous lines, action galore, mystery, a bit of magic, a lot of paranormal, and the main character I couldn’t get enough of. Plot progression moved at a good pace with a full cast of characters. This has a film noir vibe which added to my enjoyment while reading. There were a few twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Before I knew it, the story was complete. I can’t wait to read more Raven Tales. If you love paranormal with a heavy dose of comedic banter, you’ll want to read Marked Raven. J.B. Dane is a paranormal author to binge-read and see what happens next. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
December 5, 2024
"Marked Raven" is a must-read for urban fantasy and romance fans! In this second book of The Raven Tales series, Bram Farrell, a magically brought-to-life private investigator, solves real-world cases with his wit and magic, alongside his hilarious hellhound sidekick, Beelz.
The fast-paced narrative combines mystery, humor, and supernatural elements, keeping you engaged as Bram delves into a missing person case amid a cast of witches, vampires, and trolls. A thrilling subplot involving an assassin adds suspense, while the budding romance between Bram and Niela provides a lovely emotional undertone.
With its imaginative world-building and charming characters, "Marked Raven" is a delightful blend of adventure and heart. Get ready to be enchanted by the magic and mystique of The Raven Tales.
The fast-paced narrative combines mystery, humor, and supernatural elements, keeping you engaged as Bram delves into a missing person case amid a cast of witches, vampires, and trolls. A thrilling subplot involving an assassin adds suspense, while the budding romance between Bram and Niela provides a lovely emotional undertone.
With its imaginative world-building and charming characters, "Marked Raven" is a delightful blend of adventure and heart. Get ready to be enchanted by the magic and mystique of The Raven Tales.
April 27, 2022
I love this series.
I wondered what you would come up with to top the first one. This did not disappoint! I love the addition of Naome. She is such a great character. I hope Raven can convince her how beautiful she is. Layered black clothing sounds awful for a young caring woman. She can try to act like she doesn't care all she wants, but her reaction to the house fire says it all. It was nice to meet her brother Mack. I knew who had hired the assassins all along. Not sure why the Ravin never considered it. Since he never got confirmation it was a pretty easy conclusion. I don't like to give clues in my reviews to the ending, but this one isn't rocket science. I was surprised there weren't more twists and turns to the story.
I wondered what you would come up with to top the first one. This did not disappoint! I love the addition of Naome. She is such a great character. I hope Raven can convince her how beautiful she is. Layered black clothing sounds awful for a young caring woman. She can try to act like she doesn't care all she wants, but her reaction to the house fire says it all. It was nice to meet her brother Mack. I knew who had hired the assassins all along. Not sure why the Ravin never considered it. Since he never got confirmation it was a pretty easy conclusion. I don't like to give clues in my reviews to the ending, but this one isn't rocket science. I was surprised there weren't more twists and turns to the story.
June 17, 2021
Wow…this book had a bit of everything. All kinds of great supernatural creatures and what a unique twist on Cupid. It was a page turner that I didn’t want to end. It actually made me laugh out loud in some places. I definitely plan to check out the first book in the series. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews