Raven (Carver's World) - Softcover

Whitlock, Dean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0990902587 ISBN 13: 9780990902584

Publisher: Boatman Press LLC, 2018

Synopsis

It has been four years since Raven fled Baron Cutter's estate - four years since her mother, Roxaine, failed to show at their rendezvous. They were bond servants then, trapped in a rigged system of ever-growing fees they could never hope to pay off. Now fifteen, Raven is an outlaw and a rising mage - she can change into a bird at will. But Raven is haunted by the past: Did Roxaine abandon her, or did Raven desert Roxaine in her hour of need? Driven by a desire to know what happened that night, Raven seeks out her mother. What she discovers rekindles her rage and confronts her with two bad options: keep running away or help the mother who's as strong-willed and sharp-tongued as she is.

With unexpected help from the young, impetuous, but aptly nicknamed Hero, Raven must face down the minions of two Barons, traverse highlands booby-trapped with magical wards, and learn to control her own erratic talent and temper on an unwanted heroine's quest. Vivid details and compelling characters are skillfully woven into this fast-paced novel about a girl who must look beyond magic - and herself - to save what is most important.

About this title

About the Author:

Vermont author Dean Whitlock writes fantasy and science fiction for young and not-so-young adults. His stories have appeared in Asimov's, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Aboriginal SF, as well as in anthologies in the United States and abroad. His first YA fantasy novels were originally published by Clarion Books, but now Dean publishes independently under the Boatman Press imprint. A second story collection and two other novels are in the works. An Air Force brat, Dean has lived in a dozen states and three foreign countries, a life of travel that gave him plenty of time to read in the car and now enriches his writing. You can find out more about Dean and his upcoming reprints and new titles at www.deanwhitlock.com.

Review:

This standalone book has both a powerful heroine for the girls and enough thrilling, page-turning moments for the boys. A historical fantasy novel that deserves a wider audience. -B. Reynolds, Librarian & Bookseller

An exciting, well-written fantasy. Read it! -J. Rogers, Teacher & Librarian

If you're a fan of fantasy, mages, ravens, cranky anti-heroes, and steamboats . . . give this a read. [Raven] is one of the most unwitting heroes I've ever come across, which only adds to her charm . . . this novel is also one of those rare gems where two out of the three main protagonists identify as women and are noted to be women of color. To see that kind of representation in a stereotypically male and often whitewashed genre is refreshing, in a big way. Equally as important, the characters are really well written.-Mads Whitmarsh-Jones on Goodreads

The story was all chase, and I could barely put it down!-Mirebeast, via Amazon

It's a fun tale, full of adventure, while it addresses the issue of reforming, rather than just fleeing, an unjust system. -Carolyn Cushman, Locus

A stunning story of a quest for truth which will change all the lives it touches . . . an impressively compelling read. -Children's Bookwatch

A fast-paced, heartwarming adventure. -Kirkus

Those who look to fantasy for well-imaged situations and settings will find an ample supply in this one, which can be readily enjoyed by newcomers to Whitlock's world. -Booklist

The fast-paced, easy-to-read book has a rather surprising ending. -Omaha Public Schools

Raven will leave fantasy readers spellbound and eagerly anticipating Dean Whitlock's next book. -The Norwich Bookstore

About this edition

• Publisher: Boatman Press LLC
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0990902587
• ISBN 13: 9780990902584
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 236