Raven Unveiled

September 26, 2022
For the solid third Fallen Empire fantasy (after Dragon Unleashed), Draven contrasts the horror-tinged darkness of her secondary world with a sweet enemies-to-lovers story that offers a measure of redemption for the morally conflicted, emotionally bruised protagonists. Ever since shade speaker Siora betrayed Gharek, a former assassin and cat’s-paw to a now-deceased mad empress, Gharek has relentlessly pursued her across the lengths of the civil war torn Kraelian empire, all while narrowly avoiding the bounties on his own head. Meanwhile, Siora fears the growing presence of a spectral monstrosity that eats spirits. Then both assassin and shade speaker fall into the hands of would-be ruler General Zaredis, who holds Gharek’s daughter hostage. To save her, the unlikely duo must band together on a deadly mission into the empress’s summer palace in search of a magical artifact. The longer Siora and Gharek work together, the closer they become, and an attraction arises in the wake of their enmity. The chemistry comes through, the almost grimdark world feels lived-in, and Draven’s atmospheric prose ties it all together. While the story depends greatly on the events of the previous volumes, often referencing earlier characters and incidents, it’s still possible to read this as a satisfying standalone fantasy romance. Readers will be pleased. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary.