Jane and the Raven King

by Stephen Chambers

Outside the window, a squirrel in a tree popped out with a little black suitcase. At first, Jane was sure she must be mistaken, but as she watched, the squirrel opened the tiny suitcase and began arranging nuts and acorns inside... The animals clearly knew something was wrong. Even her pet iguana scrawled a warning in the sand of his He is coming. Soon all the animals are fleeing the suburb where Jane lives. But they aren't the only ones acting strange. Jane's parents seem to be hypnotized by their cell phones and the TV. And her grandma starts controlling the weather and speaking in a funny language. But when Jane meets an old blind man who can drive a car and claims Jane is the only one who can save the world, well, that's when things really start to get weird...

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy, Animals

239 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2010

Reviews

[Elza Kinde · Rating 2 out of 5]

A homeless man's ominous warning. Her grandmother's unexpected visit. Jane begins to see the signs of something changing for the worse. Dragged deeper into chaos, Jane must face trials, rivals, and puzzling clues from the past in order to stop the Raven King's evil from spreading.

Jane and the Raven King has glimmers of intrigue, apocalyptic-style tension, and familiar fantasy/questing elements with broad appeal, but overall I was disappointed with this book, especially in the passive heroine, anti-tech themes, and lazy representation of international characters. Not something I would recommend.

[Elizabet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Akkoriban imádtam

[Paula Schuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story with a kickbutt girl heroine. If I had had a character, or a book like this, when I was a preteen I would have totally enjoyed this genre. As a child I loathed fantasy or science fiction and I believe strongly that it was partly the result of not seeing females represented there well at all. I had no interest in boy books with non stop violent aggressive scenes. This one gripped me from the start and really I am loving it, as much, or more than even my kids are. Jane is, unbeknownst to her, from a family of amazing voyagers often called upon to save the earth. When her grandmother expires in a strange battle before her eyes, and her parents are somehow hypnotized by the technology in their home, it is upto Jane, a girl of 12 or 13, to embark on a quest to save the world. Part Alice in Wonderland and part Narnia.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book years ago but I've only read it today. Actually, I've read it twice but didn't continue. Today is my third attempt of reading the book and.. Voila! I finished it after an hour or two. The first part of the story annoyed me mainly because of the characters' stubborn personality. The plot also seemed like 'Alice in Wonderland' though - I would like to give the author some credit and say that - this book has its own twists.

As I was getting to the middle part, the story gradually interested me. If you're fond of 'fantasy' and 'adventure', you'll probably like this. You also need to have a wild imagination to be able to discover and appreciate the type of world the author created. This book is a quick read and I recommend it to intermediate readers. Plus, it has a pretty cover and an adventure-filled aura which could attract young readers.

[J Valentine · Rating 2 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I felt lost and unsatisfied, even looking at it for what it was, a children's novel.

The story itself had great potential, playing off a classic, but because of the lack of depth in characters and a rushed plot, I felt forced to "fill in the gaps" just to catch up after each chapter. I never really felt like the author introduced anything new to "wow" the reader or capture the spirit of the heroine. With a little more character-building, and a bit more story, this could have been more appealing and satisfying.

All in all, if you're interested in a quick read, want a touch of adventure and action, and like the idea of a farting dragon or talking upper-class cat (bobbin), give this one a go.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Originally posted http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

The first thing that stands out to me is the cover. It just spells adventure to me. At first learning the synopsis of the book I jump to the though that it is a very modern plot & thee... However on second thought an anti-technology theme is something that I have seen year after year in many a fantasy world gone awry. Then to add dragons, shape-shifting creatures & a magical world with an edgy quality, what kid would not be attracted to such a book?

*Thanks to Sourcebooks, Inc for providing a copy for review.*

[Mary Grace Nakao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this book a 3 instead of two because somehow, it redeemed itself a little in the middle part of the story. I find most of the characters unlikable and annoying. The story itself is unoriginal (I think) because while I was reading it, it feels like ive read this kind of story before. But that's just my opinion. Good luck in trying to get through the first part of the story though, cuz I admit, I was having a hard time continuing it

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting the author and his wife while I worked at Borders in Providence. Both were lovely, and I'm excited to see where Chambers goes. This novel shows his ability to create a strong protagonist and a fun, new world, if a little derivative. "Jane" is a good children's novel and entertaining, quick read.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a really awesome book. I just didn't exactly get how she defeats the Raven King with the mirror.

[Rhiannon]

Really good! : ) It freaked me out a little bit, but it was OK. It was really intense too.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is fun. Not that original. I believe a tween would enjoy it.