Nattkorpen

Månvind & Hoff #1

by Johan Rundberg

Vintern håller Stockholm i ett järngrepp, tullarna är igensnöade och det går varken att ta sig in eller ut ur staden.

Mika har bott på Barnhuset på Drottninggatan i hela sitt liv. För att kunna överleva i 1800-talets Stockholm har hon utvecklat ett skarpt sinne för detaljer och hotfulla situationer.

En natt lämnas en nyfödd flicka till barnhuset av en skräckslagen ung man. Det blir början på en kedja av händelser som ska försätta Mika i större fara än hon någonsin kunnat föreställa sig.

Nattkorpen är den första delen i serien om Månvind & Hoff, en spännande och hisnande välskriven trilogi om barn på samhällets botten i 1800-talets Stockholm.

Johan Rundberg (1973) är författare, bosatt i Stockholm. Han har skrivit trilogin Månvind & Hoff om barn på samhällets botten i 1800-talets Stockholm: Nattkorpen, Tjuvdrottningen och Dödsängeln. Tidigare har han bland annat skrivit bilderböcker, lättläst och för 9-12 år: Kärlekspizzan och Knockad Romeo samt serien Häxknuten: Vålnadens röst, Kejsarens grav och Skuggornas ö.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery, Swedish Literature, Historical, Crime, Childrens

183 pages, Hardcover

First published January 15, 2021

About the author

Johan Rundberg föddes 1973 i Knislinge i Skåne, men bosatte sig som vuxen i Stockholm. Han upptäckte glädjen i att skriva och läsa under tidiga skolår, och var en flitig biblioteksbesökare. Så småningom läste han litteraturvetenskap och tv-produktion på universitetet. Det ledde honom till jobb på SVT och MTG. Från sin utbildningstid hade han även erfarenhet av att jobba med bildsatta manus. Därifrån hämtade han inspiration till att också prova att göra bilderböcker.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about the Night Raven when I started reading, but I decided to check it out because it was about orphans in Sweden in the late 1800s, written by a Swedish author. Having an ancestor who we think was an orphan in Sweden approximately 20 years before this book's setting, I was intrigued see a peek of his life (even if it was wrapped up in a mystery). I am happy to say, I don't regret the decision, as I ended up not only seeing a bit of what life in Sweden was like at the time, I enjoyed the book and the mystery.

Mika was an endearing character, and she seemed relatable to any middle-grade reader who feels stuck between wanting the responsibility that comes with being an adult and still sometimes needing to be taken care of. I enjoyed her skill for detail, and the fact that she has a good reason to notice details - her survival. Post-Sherlock Holmes, I appreciate authors who justify their detectives' skills.

Generally, the book seemed appropriate for teens and tweens, though some readers might find some of the gore to be a little much for them. Parents should also be ready for some conversations with their kids about the hard lives children had in the past, but might use it as a good opportunity to discuss the hardships children, especially in the foster care system, still face and how we can help.

[willow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a spine-chilling middle grade murder mystery originally written in Swedish. I would definitely say this one is upper middle grade with the content... it's about a serial killer set in 1800s Sweden, so I think that's already a naturally darker topic for middle grade! There are also some darker images, like blood and gore, but overall I think this is a well-written mystery that older middle grade readers will love.

Along with the murder mystery plot, we have Mika, a spunky and detail-oriented orphan child. She assists the detective with solving the case and their dynamic was super sweet!

I feel like the ending came together rather fast and was a bit less climactic than I was expecting, but the build up to everything was so enjoyable. I think this was a solid first book that establishes Mika's world but leaves room for so much more!!

arc received from netgalley
(swedish version has been out for a while, but this English translation will be published in later 2023)

[Edvun Trickshotmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it :)

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this easy-to-read historical fiction/mystery set in 1880's Stockholm. Mika is a twelve year old orphan, and on one chill winter night she hears a knock at the orphanage door. She opens to reveal a man with a small baby, a warning on his lips. He disappears quickly, and it is then that her adventure truly begins. Constable Valdemar Hoff pays her a visit after she and her ward register the baby, and starts to bring her along on his investigation of 'The Night Raven', a notorious murderer in the city.

Mika is sharp as a whip and hardened by her life. Her attention to detail is incredible and she helps Hoff on the case. The overall tone of the book is a bit melancholy but it's quite thrilling at the same time. Hoff and Mika have a very father-daughter type relationship in a lot of ways but it's true to the era even so. He trusts her intuition and listens when she speaks (something very few people in her life do.)

I was immediately drawn to this book because of the cover (it's so pretty), I'm becoming a fast fan of mysteries, and during the month of March I challenged myself to read more middle grades: so it checked all the boxes. I think for young readers it is an illustrious depiction of Stockholm in the 19th century and transports them immediately to the snowy streets and around the city with Mika and Hoff as they solve the murders.


The original Swedish publication was released in 2021, but the English translation releases in August of 2023. I think this would be a great addition to any library or middle school classroom.

*arc review for netgalley read

[Karla Jennings · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to netgalley I got the opportunity to read The night raven a middle grade historical murder mystery that can catch the attention of all readers, adult or child. Although this is aimed for children i don’t think this is suitable as all adults are characterised to be mean and Violent toward children. The book was good when the pace picked up but it did take a while if force reading for me to get to that point.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
Mika is the main character and she’s the most interesting individual in the book. She has a talent for noticing details which she’s developed in order to survive the streets. At twelve years old, she’s actually one of the older children in the orphanage so the other orphans look up to her. Her keen observation skills attract the attention of a police detective named Valdemar and readers will be able to follow her thinking as she collects clues to solve a murder mystery. The killing is reminiscent of a serial killer from a year ago but everyone knows the Night Raven was executed in prison. Readers will find that Mika is the smartest character in the book as she’s able to sort out the confusing evidence and eventually determine the identity of the murderer. Mika’s confidence and determination to make something of her life make her the dominant personality in the story. Some details regarding her past are revealed later in the book and it remains to be seen what will come from that part of the story.
The story is historical fiction as it’s set in 1880 Stockholm, Sweden. I can’t recall many books, if any, that I’ve read that are set in late 19th-century Scandinavia. The author appeals to all of the senses in describing the depressed conditions at this time in history. Rank odors from the latrines and slaughterhouses are stifled by the cold but the “stench of death” in the crypt is nauseating. Characters travel by carriage, horse, or by foot as they navigate the streets and bridges. The orphanage is struggling to stay warm in the winter as firewood is scarce and expensive. They eventually need to close the upper floors to conserve resources. Rats run rampant around Stockholm at this time in history as poverty has beset most of the common people.
There are several interesting subplots surrounding the orphanage, Mika, and other characters. Phoebe is awakened one night to find a newborn infant being dropped off at the orphanage. The headmistress Amelia accepts the baby even though the orphanage is full and there’s no information about the baby’s identity. In another storyline, it’s revealed that Valdemar is a loner and there’s something in his past that’s tarnished his reputation among the police. He seems to care about Mika’s welfare even though others are telling her she can’t trust the police. In addition, another orphan named Edvin has frequent nightmares and his scarred body conceals mental traumas in his head. Who is he speaking to when he calls out in his sleep and who could have inflicted this kind of pain upon a child?
What didn’t work as well:
I like the inclusion of the baby but it’s unclear how she fits into the overall plot. There are lingering questions surrounding her appearance but Mika is committed to protecting her from any harm. Almost all of the orphans are without surnames but Mika makes sure the baby gets one when the priest comes for her baptism. As it turns out, Mika discovers she actually has a surname herself.
The final verdict:
Many readers may find this book unremarkable but it really keeps me engaged and wanting to read more. Coming from a challenging childhood, Mika’s kind spirit and detective skills make this story a huge success and I recommend you give it a shot. A sequel called “The Queen of Thieves” has already been published.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With tons of tension, heart, secrets, and grit, this is a mystery to dig the teeth into while being immersed into a rougher but realistic, historical world.

At thirteen, Mika's life could be worse. She has a roof over her head, friends, and food. Usually. As an orphan in a home during an exceptionally long, cold winter, firewood has become scarce and food not much more than a grey, bowl of mush. But that's more than some in the city have. When a newborn is dropped off at the door in the middle of the night by a boy, who is terrified of a Night Angel, Mika's feels something's off, especially since a serial killer, The Night Raven, seems to be at large...although he should be dead. When police get involved, Mika's attention to details has her drawn into a mystery, which not only might cast shadows on some powerful people but will draw attention of the killer to Mika herself.

This read was even better than I hoped it be...and that's saying a lot. One thing I adore about international literature is that the tales don't necessarily step on eggshells around young readers. Life is gritty, and that's especially true in this historical setting, where workhouses, child labor, and a general survive-or-die for the lower classes exists. Mika is mature for a thirteen-year-old, but she has to be. Still, the author has written this very much for the middle grade audience. Just maybe for the upper end, since there are topics such as murder, corpses, pubs, violence, and such. These are harsh and create the cruel reality but never are graphically descriptive or out of place, either. I found it simply well done.

Mika is a normal girl, who might have a thick skin but still harbors a soft heart. In the tale, she's even accused of still being a victim-type from one of her 'friends'. She smart, not tough. Clever without being mean. When she happens across the baby and talks to the police, her edition of odd details doesn't ever come close to appearing show-off-y or knowingly alert. She simply notices things without realizing it, and that makes her easy to follow. The clues are dropped in naturally and not overly obvious, giving the reader time to wonder themselves before she clicks things together. These are surprising but well-thought out and offer interesting twists, which also might give readers some new insights on things.

There is a sense of hope in darkness, even when things are hard. This keeps readers ages 10 and up from feeling talked down to and underestimated. They can enjoy the dive into the darker world, experience a smart mystery, grab up a few historical impressions, and even learn something about heart and humanity along the way. In other words, it's a really good read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contrary to negative reviews I've seen, I believe this is a good first book for a series. I give it 4.25 stars.

The Night Raven is recommended for readers in grades 5-9, ages 10-14. I suggest those recommendations be taken seriously because it is a bit darker at times than is typically found in middle grade books. [See content warnings.]

I liked Mika and watching her grow and learn. She's had a hard life, but she cares so much for other people and I find that admirable considering the time period and all the hard times that everyone is going through. She's clever, and while that does get her into trouble at times, it also helps her.

Back to those hard times, those are where a lot of the darker elements lie. But you have to remember that the people are struggling, if not outright poor, and doing all they can to survive a harsh winter in 1880. I don't believe all of the detail was entirely necessary, especially considering this is intended for middle grade readers, but they certainly help you visualize the times and the struggles.

I do look forward to reading the rest of the series whenever they are translated. If you're into mysteries and don't mind darker elements, then I recommend reading The Night Raven. However, if you're a parent, I suggest reading this beforehand to determine whether or not your child can handle those darker moments.

Content Warnings: Graphic: Vomit, Child abuse, Injury/injury detail, Death, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Murder, and Violence

Extra: There is description of a body in the morgue that is a bit gruesome. There is a scene where Mika vomits and it's mentioned that a fight breaks out among individuals for the meat she just expelled. There is mention of eating children. It's said in jest, but is mentioned in detail. It's moments like these that others have found to be too dark and grotesque for a middle grade read. To an extent, I agree, which is why I recommend adults read this and determine for themselves whether the child in their life can handle this or not.

[Cjclib · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of middle grade but do not often find middle grade books in translation so I was really happy to find The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg, translated by A. A. Prime.

This is a murder mystery set in a freezing winter in 1880s Stockholm, where orphan Mika ends up working with police detective Valdemar Hoff to solve a mysterious murder which suggests that the serial killer the Night Raven is not in fact dead as everyone believed.

There are many twists and turns in the plot that I don’t want to spoil here but what I particularly liked about this book is the setting. The description of life in Stockholm in a particularly harsh winter, especially for the poor of the city and the children who live in the orphanage with Mika is really evocative. Life is cruel and hard, this isn’t sugar-coated at all and the addition of gruesome murders, prison visits and danger means the tone is darker than many middle grade books I read. However, I think this will appeal to a lot of young readers. I found the writing really evocative and the setting is one that felt really well-realised and memorable for me.

For mystery fans, there is some great nineteenth-century sleuthing, but no rich gentleman like Sherlock Holmes here, just Mika, with her unerring eye for detail and the gruff Detective Hoff who just wants to get to the truth. There is a real sense of menace as they race around the city to solve the murder. I found Mika a really likeable main character, resourceful and curious and kind under such difficult living conditions. At the end of the book, the main plot is all resolved (though it is not really what I would call a “happy” ending) and there are still enough tantalising unanswered questions to make the reader keen to read the rest of this series (apparently 4 books have already been published in Swedish). I’d definitely recommend to older middle grade readers (10 or 11 plus) who would enjoy a gritty, historical mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this in return for an honest review.

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg is a middle grade mystery book. The story is set in Stockholm in 1880. A notorious serial killer called the Night Raven is finally caught and the city seems to be safe again. Twelve-year-old Mika lives in an orphanage. One night she hears a knock on the frontdoor and when she opens it, there’s a boy who hands her a newborn baby girl. He speaks in cryptic messages and talks about the Dark Angel. A few days later a detective shows up, asking questions about the little girl and the boy.

Mika is a sharp and witty protagonist. We get to know her story and her personality through the book and I enjoyed reading about her. I would have liked to feel more of a connection to the other characters, such as detective Hoff. As a reader, you don’t really get to know him. All I know is that he lives with his cat and that he’s been a police officer for some time.

What I did really like about the story, is that it makes you feel like you’re traveling back in time in Stockholm. When Mika and Hoff set out on their detective work, you can just imagine them running through the streets of the city in the cold winter months. There aren’t a lot of historical details in the book, but the overall atmosphere is there.

I thought the plot is interesting and mysterious, but for me it felt a bit rushed at times. The story is fast paced and I feel like some parts lack detail. Because of this, I couldn’t always understand the connections Mika makes, the choices detective Hoff makes or why the story moved in a particular direction. That being said, this offcourse is my opinion. I think the fast paced plot would work for a lot of young readers.

For me, this was a nice and quick read. I liked the protagonist and the overall storyline. I would recommend this book to middle grade readers who enjoy a good mystery.

[Valinora Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in third person present tense, it took me several chapters to get into the story. Then I was totally immersed in the bitter cold of a Swedish winter, in the grimness of a frozen Stockholm, engrossed by the shadowy threat hanging over the characters. It’s moody and atmospheric and bleak, and I really enjoyed it.
I like Mika, she is kind and caring to the other kids, she uses humour to distract them from their miserable lot (and it is miserable!), and she is smart and loyal. . Her attention to detail is remarkable and I enjoyed her going all-Hercule-Poirot and revealing the steps only after demonstrating some part of the mystery.
I’m not sure how accurate a picture of 1880 Stockholm, but it’s certainly an atmospheric and moving story. The book has a Scandi-noir vibe, with its bleak, cold landscape, edgy darkness, and serial killer. Mika is almost thirteen, and readers will enjoy Mika telling Detective Hoff what to do. Unlike most middle grade stories, however, Mika does not share her observations with friends, Detective Hoff or the reader. Although the story is clever, the puzzle pieces aren’t really there for readers to guess. Rather it is a look at a place of hardship in an unforgiving (and uncaring) society, and how one girl strives to better her lifestyle. Its themes of are corruption and injustice, against a background of grinding poverty and bitter cold, with tragedy at its heart.
I found the story compelling, but it is bleak so probably best for teens onward. A look inside the book will give a good feel for it. It’s the first in a series so I would be interested in seeing where the story goes.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Night Raven is the first of four books (published in Sweden so far) of The Moonwind Mysteries series. This edition has been translated from Swedish to English.
The book follows a twelve-year-old orphan named Mika who lives in Stockholm in the late 1880s. A serial killer was apprehended the year before, but a new body is found that brings that conclusion into question. Mika partners with a detective to investigate this newest murder.
Overall, I'd rate this book 3.5/5 (round down to 3). The plot line is interesting and moves at a good pace. Once I was 40% of the way in, I was hooked and needed to know what happened! There were a few times where the plot seemed to jump around and I wish the characters were a bit more fleshed out. The story was good enough that I am interested in reading the rest of the series.
I'll also note that while this book is recommended for grades 5-9 on Amazon, there were a couple parts that seemed a little intense for kids under 12. For example, one scene describes poor/starving people fighting over meat that was vomited up by one of the characters. Additionally, there is a description of cooking a child to eat - the conversation is in jest, but it is pretty descriptive. There are also some mature themes discussed (abandoned children, starvation, criminal execution, child labor/abuse etc.).
Thank you Net Galley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Raven is the first in a series. This book has been translated from Swedish and there may be some language differences that cause the reading fluency to fluctuate. After the first section, I found the book a fairly quick read. I was invested in knowing the outcome. The plot moved along and didn’t hang up on too much or too little detail. I would like to read the second book in the series.

I’m having a difficult time trying to decide my rating for this book. The book is listed as middle grade, grades 5-8, but I would be hard pressed to recommend for a young age. Despite the fact the main character is in that age group, this book has some extremely difficult situations and graphic descriptions. Would my 13 year old grandson like this book? Yes. Would my 11 year old granddaughter? Definitely no. I think this book would be more appropriate listed as YA.

Mika’s story is unusual and so very scary. But her gusty attitude and determination makes her a very likable character. Overall, The Night Raven is a solid 3+/4. I would recommend for mature and upper middle grade students.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are mine alone.

[kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a sharp little cozy mystery and I haven't found anything that sort of fills the niche for kids looking for something a little more as thrilling and dark without being too adult until I read this book.

Mika is a young girl with a keen sense for observation who finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation while living at an orphanage. She is a smart and determined and I enjoyed watching her put the pieces together as she becomes more confident in herself and her abilities as a junior investigator - alongside the gruff, no-nonsense police partner!

Although at times Mika does not read a child , but that is less on the book and more on my lack of experiences reading books in third person and more that she has gone though a lot in life on the streets and has essentially been a caretaker at her orphanage (She also works in a bar..wild, right?!) ! Nontheless, this is an excellent book and I cannot wait to read more about the mystery surrounding Mika's past and her future investigations!

[Mads Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very rarely want books to be LONGER these days, as most I read are well over 400 pages and absolutely don’t need to be. But I couldn’t get enough of this book and the adventures and would have loved a bit more meat to this story.

Mika, our main character, is an orphan you can’t help but love as a pseudo-mother figure to the younger children. Not only that, but she has a mysterious past herself that it seems we will learn more about in book two. Our lovable, giant brute cop, Valdemar, as our 2nd main character is a great balance to the intelligent, young Mika and there’s something about them as a duo that just works. We most definitely don’t get enough of his story, and am hoping for more about his past in book two as well. The story was quite fast paced, especially towards the end, and I wish we could have had a bit more time to marinate in the mystery itself. We come to the conclusions and the “I know who dunnit!” realizations a bit too quickly in my opinion, but it makes for a light and easy read, while still being interesting.

Overall I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading book two!

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a middle grade student/early teen, this book is an absolute must! I could not put this story down. If your student or child has a passion for reading and enjoys mystery, encourage them to pick up this story. One that will teach them to not only appreciate what they have and those around them but will also encourage them to pay attention to their surroundings.

Rundberg does a wonderful job of keeping the reader engaged by having chapters that are the perfect length. The story moves at a very steady pace but I did find that the ending wrapped up very quickly. I found myself wishing that the story wrapped up in more than 10 or so pages, it was too fast for all the build up that was provided. It would have been nice to see the aftermath of the outcome a few months following the events that took place.

All in all, if I read this as a young tween, I would have rated this book 4 stars out of 5. Since I read as an adult, I think there is room for improvement in wrapping up this storyline with the suspect. Therefore I rate this 3.5 stars out of 5.

[Karen Reeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book. It makes me want to read more middle grade mysteries and I can't wait for what Rundberg has next. I feel like the translation was done well as I didn't ever feel confused by wording, it felt like it was written first in my language.
From the first chapter I could feel the thrill of the mystery at hand. The orphan girl, Mika is immediately likable with her inquisitive nature and determination. I loved putting the pieces of her life together as we also went with her to investigate the mystery of The Dark Angel. The detective, Valdemar, who she interacts with during her investigating, is the perfect combination of gruff and firm in the destitute town they live in and yet he has some surprising characteristics as well.
The book certainly left me with questions unanswered so I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an e-arc from NetGalley*
I feel that the characters in this book are fully flushed out. All of the characters stayed true to themselves and nothing out of character was done. I really like the main character, Mika, she's very observant and is able to put things together quite well. I think the story pulls you in and makes you feel like you're there with Mika. I believe the translator, Prime, did a great job in keeping the translated versions of some phrases (I hope that makes sense), even though those short phrases sound odd, the reader is able to decipher the meaning.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I believe my middle schoolers will like this book as well. I will be recommending this book to them and will be purchasing a copy to keep in the classroom for my students,

[Jayra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

Less than 200 pages, this book can be finished in one sitting and you will find yourself wanting to find out more at every chapter. I would suggest this book to upper middle grade as it has several mentions of gory stuffs. Love how straight-forward it is and easy to read.

Mika Moonkind, 12 year old girl who is an observer, growing up in orphanage and earning money at a bar, helps a detective to solve a mystery.

But one thing does bother me, is there any explanation what is the relation of the newborn baby and 'dark angel?'

[Blueelephant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Night Raven is filled with vivid descriptions and a gritty taste that portray the city and the mystery well. Mika's and the inspector's interactions are heart warming, and the story has an overall Sherlockian feel that makes you want more of Mika.

This story might be a little scarier for younger children (it also includes two instances of mature language).

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me reading, I just has to know what happened at the end. There was great characters and character development in this story. The author sets a great scene and you can feel the setting come alive. I could feel the cold, smell the smells and felt the pain and anguish of the characters. I will continue to read the series. I'm very curious to see what will happen to our protagonist.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic mystery novel about a girl orphan girl who joins forces with a police officer in the 1800s to solve a crime. It has all the elements to become a classic, the perfect size, and the perfect storytelling rhythm. Before I knew it, I had finished reading it. I love how the main character grows in many aspects. Great cover.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the opportunity to give my honest opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! The Night Raven had me sucked in right from the start, making it impossible to put down until I was finished. It is a fantastic YA mystery, taking place in Sweden in the 1800s. Mika, the main character, is a 12 year old who grows up in an orphanage and, to protect herself, is very observant. Her skills come in handy when she teams up with Detective Huff to find the criminal murdering people in her town.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful short story. I am looking forward to more adventures of Mika. I appreciated that the characters were well developed, the plot was never stale, and the story had such a great twist. I look forward to seeing what Johan brings up next!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The formatting of this book made it difficult to read, but other than that, it was wonderful.

This middle grade book will keep any teen hooked!

I so wanted this book to be longer. Can't wait to see what Johan has up his sleeve next. Looking forward to seeing for adventures of Mika!

[Queen Ophilia III · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better history crime middle school books i read in a long time. I will recommend this in my school library alot. Need to read the rest of the series!

[Elin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had good detective work, plot twists, tension and an interesting story line. If you like Nancy Drew and Flavia de Luce as amateur detectives then you'll love Mika in The Night Raven.

[Brenda]

Review to come

[Jaci · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Night Raven is the first in a series. This book has been translated from Swedish and there may be some language differences that cause the reading fluency to fluctuate. After the first section, I found the book a fairly quick read. I was invested in knowing the outcome. The plot moved along and didn’t hang up on too much or too little detail. I would like to read the second book in the series.

I’m having a difficult time trying to decide my rating for this book. The book is listed as middle grade, grades 5-8, but I would be hard pressed to recommend for a young age. Despite the fact the main character is in that age group, this book has some extremely difficult situations and graphic descriptions. Would my 13 year old grandson like this book? Yes. Would my 11 year old granddaughter? Definitely no. I think this book would be more appropriate listed as YA.

Mika’s story is unusual and so very scary. But her gusty attitude and determination makes her a very likable character. Overall, The Night Raven is a solid 3+/4. I would recommend for mature and upper middle grade students. I was pleasantly surprised by this story.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are mine alone.