Review of The Raven's Trail (Book 1)
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Brittany Slade
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Review of The Raven's Trail (Book 1)
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Raven's Trail (Book 1)" by Liz D. Marx.]
Liz D. Marx successfully delivers a well choreographed story of romance, action, and magic in her book The Raven’s Trail (Book 1). In this story, we are introduced to two protagonists, Chloe Doyle and Mason Green. Chloe Doyle is a well educated, easy going thrill seeker. Mason Green is a reserved, secretive loner. Not the makings of a likely duo. That is, until both of our character’s paths converge because of a powerful stone that is mysteriously tied to Chloe’s dreams and Mason’s regretful past. As this unlikely pair journey to find the stone’s place of origin, and to sort out their personal connections to the stone, they will come face to face with the mighty depths of greed, love and forgiveness.
There were numerous positive aspects about this particular novel. I personally appreciated the glossary of terms at the very beginning and input term definitions within. It helped, as a reader, not to have to go back and forth to define specific expressions. I was also impressed by the well cultivated vocabulary used. There were many instances where the author used uncommon words that proved her mind to be well read and increased the level of writing. Additionally, the book was fluidly composed. There were no traces of choppiness or confusion when character perspectives were changed. Bravo on the pace as well!
Along with the aspects I found positive, there were also a few negative aspects to note. There was an instance where I believe the language could’ve been more creatively descriptive and less elementary. As mentioned before, the author’s use of superior vocabulary is noteworthy. It should be consistent throughout. One last negative aspect, would be the confusion I felt towards the story’s relationship with the past and present day. Past memories are frequently referenced and although the story is fluid in its writing, the memories (mainly in the beginning of the book) take a bit of extra effort to understand in order. It might’ve been a personal dilemma, but I thought it should be mentioned nonetheless.
After reading carefully, I would give The Raven’s Trail (Book 1) a 2 out of 4 stars. I genuinely enjoyed the fresh and unique plot. This was clearly professionally edited and notably intentionally worked on. There were hardly any grammar errors and no spelling errors. Sadly, I have read over one hundred works of fiction and this will not be a memorable one. With all of its positives, it was still lacking. Nothing about this book was intense or mind blowing. I believe the author sought to present something exciting and commanding. What I received, as the reader, was lukewarm and only slightly arresting.
I would recommend this book to adults who are interested in history, love and mysteries. Based on the sexual content and violence, I would not recommend anyone under the age of 18. I mention this specifically because those themes are not highly present, but would be unfit to be read by young adults closer to the middle school range (12-14). Also, those who are sensitive to sexual assault should be cautious. With all of that in mind, it is a lighthearted book. Especially compared to dark romances and the like.
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The Raven's Trail (Book 1)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Liz D. Marx successfully delivers a well choreographed story of romance, action, and magic in her book The Raven’s Trail (Book 1). In this story, we are introduced to two protagonists, Chloe Doyle and Mason Green. Chloe Doyle is a well educated, easy going thrill seeker. Mason Green is a reserved, secretive loner. Not the makings of a likely duo. That is, until both of our character’s paths converge because of a powerful stone that is mysteriously tied to Chloe’s dreams and Mason’s regretful past. As this unlikely pair journey to find the stone’s place of origin, and to sort out their personal connections to the stone, they will come face to face with the mighty depths of greed, love and forgiveness.
There were numerous positive aspects about this particular novel. I personally appreciated the glossary of terms at the very beginning and input term definitions within. It helped, as a reader, not to have to go back and forth to define specific expressions. I was also impressed by the well cultivated vocabulary used. There were many instances where the author used uncommon words that proved her mind to be well read and increased the level of writing. Additionally, the book was fluidly composed. There were no traces of choppiness or confusion when character perspectives were changed. Bravo on the pace as well!
Along with the aspects I found positive, there were also a few negative aspects to note. There was an instance where I believe the language could’ve been more creatively descriptive and less elementary. As mentioned before, the author’s use of superior vocabulary is noteworthy. It should be consistent throughout. One last negative aspect, would be the confusion I felt towards the story’s relationship with the past and present day. Past memories are frequently referenced and although the story is fluid in its writing, the memories (mainly in the beginning of the book) take a bit of extra effort to understand in order. It might’ve been a personal dilemma, but I thought it should be mentioned nonetheless.
After reading carefully, I would give The Raven’s Trail (Book 1) a 2 out of 4 stars. I genuinely enjoyed the fresh and unique plot. This was clearly professionally edited and notably intentionally worked on. There were hardly any grammar errors and no spelling errors. Sadly, I have read over one hundred works of fiction and this will not be a memorable one. With all of its positives, it was still lacking. Nothing about this book was intense or mind blowing. I believe the author sought to present something exciting and commanding. What I received, as the reader, was lukewarm and only slightly arresting.
I would recommend this book to adults who are interested in history, love and mysteries. Based on the sexual content and violence, I would not recommend anyone under the age of 18. I mention this specifically because those themes are not highly present, but would be unfit to be read by young adults closer to the middle school range (12-14). Also, those who are sensitive to sexual assault should be cautious. With all of that in mind, it is a lighthearted book. Especially compared to dark romances and the like.
******
The Raven's Trail (Book 1)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Yesterday by Samyann
