So you all might remember a while back when I tried out a new style of post: a Currently Reading blog , where I examined some of my feeling...

Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson: An Ensorcellment of a Story

Alexa Mintah

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So you all might remember a while back when I tried out a new style of post: a Currently Reading blog, where I examined some of my feelings on a book while I was still in the middle of it. Well, so as not to leave you hanging, I decided to give an official, full review, tying up the ends I left dangling in my last post.

Plot:

Last time, I talked about the simultaneously swift and slow unfolding of the story and the utter uncertainty of how it would all turn out in the end. The plot was enchanting (see what I did there 😉), but I could feel something menacing hidden under every moment, some massive evil that would have to be defeated, some epic battle won before anyone could even think “happily ever after.”

And my feelings were not wrong. Once the action hits, this book keeps you in suspense all the way to the end, and the tension just RISES, swooping down only within the last few pages! It’s a romantic fantasy, so obviously I was expecting a happy ending; but then it hit about the 2/3 point, and all of the sudden, I didn’t know if it was going to end well or if it was going to end like Mockingjay. I’m not going to spoil which one it turned out to be, but I will say that it was absolutely gripping, and what a finish, gorgeously written and beautifully told. Full of deadly uncertainty, you wonder how it’s possible for this story to end in happily-ever-after, but you wait with bated breath, praying that it will.

Plot: 4 stars out of 5

Characters:

Even though they weren’t my favorite part of the story (unusually for me, that was actually the overall plot and storyline), the characters were pretty amazing to follow. Both of them really learned to blossom beyond their flaws: Rook, discovering what was real, what was worth his honor, what was worth sacrificing for; and Isobel, learning to balance caution and courage and to do something truly incredible with a life she thought would stay conventional. Did they both suddenly forfeit the use of their brains when they fell in love? Well, it wouldn’t be YA if they didn’t. But on the bright side, the brainless stage didn’t last nearly as long as it normally does; and when it all came down to it, I was awed by their courage and the length and the strength of their love. They were sweet and they were brash and they were beautiful, and I would follow them through another enchanted forest of a book any day of the week.

Characters: 4 stars out of 5

Writing Style/Setting:

I PHYSICALLY CANNOT GUSH ENOUGH ABOUT THE WRITING AND THE SETTING. You’ll recall my Million Writing Dreams post where I mentioned “sweeping landscapes that take your breath away”? Well, this book has those—and in abundance. It’s not even that all of them are pretty landscapes; some places, especially as you enter the dark side of the Fair Folk’s realm, are actually rather unsettling. But they’re still described with an artful hand and sweeping language that transports you right into the scene. There are moments so satisfying, they’re like dark chocolate melting in your mouth: a touch of bitter, but perfect in flavor. There are moments so intense, the characters are almost literally on a tightrope between death and ever after—you can feel it—and you have no idea which side they’re going to fall on. There’s an ending, so sweeping and majestic, it actually feels like royalty.

Honestly, it’s just too beautiful.

Writing Style/Setting: 57 million stars out of 5

And so, we come in at about 4 ½ stars out of 5 (don’t ask how that math works). This book is so captivating and enchanting, just… I loved it. If you’re looking for nobility intrigue, complex romance, twisted yet charming Fair Folk, and/or sweeping settings that will take your breath away, I think you’ll find at least one thing to love about this book. If you want to pick up a copy for yourself (and I’m planning to, because I got this one from the library and I need my own copy), you can find it here for $10.31.

So, tell me, what’s your favorite story regarding Fair Folk? (not sure this is my absolute favorite, but it’s certainly creeping its way into my Top Ten). Have you read about (or perhaps watched) any settings that just left you in awe? Can’t wait to hear from you, and I will see you in the comment section.

Notes: Content: some language, violence, disturbing descriptions of dark magic creatures.

Lessons and Values: Sacrifice. The meaning of love. Dealing with image and self-image, particularly when it’s been distorted by others. The importance of art for humanity. Seeing past facades. Inner strength and helping others find theirs. The things and the people that matters most.

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