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eesh25's review against another edition
2.0
An Enchantment of Ravens has a beautiful cover but a low rating average, so I went in with moderate expectation. I still came out of it disappointed but not for usual reasons.
Right off the bat, you have to suspend your disbelief to some extent because of the premise. Isobel is a painter. She lives in the town of Whimsy, one often visited by the Fair Folk because they love Craft (a.k.a. art) but are unable to create their own. Isobel's Craft is highly coveted and, one day, the prince of the Autumn Court comes to commission a painting. Isobel sees something in him that she never expected, human emotion. When she paints his sorrow into the portrait, his reputation is threatened and he takes Isobel to Faerie to stand trial.
There are a few things about this synopsis that I wanna discuss. First off, if you didn't understand all the things in it, maybe because you've never read stuff related to the Faeries, then I suggest avoiding this book for now because it doesn't take the time to explain how the fae work. Second, the fact that her act of painting emotion on his portrait starts the whole charade should tell you enough about plausibility.
Moving on to the reason I was disappointed by the novel, it's because of the potential. I so badly wanted to like it. Near the end, I just wanted to get it to three stars somehow but I failed. One thing I really liked were the fae. I mean, I always love Fair Folk but I'm talking about the ones in this book specifically. They have some features that matched the norm, like not being able to lie and the nature thing. But there were also differences. For one, they turn to dust on performing Craft. Like, they can't even write their own names. They're immortal but they lack the animation that would be needed for a fulfilling life. I liked the balance that was created between the fae and humans. One is not better off than the other, even if it might seem that way.
But except for this one thing, I'm having difficulty coming up with many redeeming qualities. The writing was fine, I guess, but the visual imagery and action were lost in the attempt to make things "magical". Fantasy writing 101 should be to not compromise the important stuff for pretty prose.
The character development was also minimal. Isobel... there's not much to her. She's not annoying, thank god but the author makes her too composed. Nothing seems to phase her and she's always wise. Her narrative sounds like it belongs to an old woman who's telling the tale of her youth (think Rose in Titanic). Rook, the Autumn prince and the love interest, is pretty much useless. He's supposed to be one of the most powerful creatures in the world and hundreds (if not thousands) of years old, but you would never be able to tell. He has no clue what he's doing, ever, and his so-called power is highly inconsistent through the novel. I didn't buy him as a powerful faerie for a second.
Another things I didn't buy for a second: the romance. This novel relies on the romance a lot. Supposedly, Isobel and Rook fall in love during the sessions in which she makes his painting. Afterwards, many complications arise because of their feelings for each other since it's against fae law for a faerie and a human to fall in love (no clue as to why). You could say that the romance was the main plot. But there was no chemistry. It never once felt like they had feelings for each other, much less strong feelings like love.
The believability factor was flimsy at best, because the characters motivations were very weak. Not just for Rook and Isobel's feelings or for why he wanted her to stand trial, but for the villains too. There were a few bad guys thrown in but why they were doing what they were... not very clear on that.
Finally, the plot is supposed to be the answer to the question "why am I reading this book?" and, in this case, the answer was "to finish it". I didn't care about the events or the characters enough to read for them. There were gaps in world-building, story and characterization and the few good things weren't able to balance them. I would've liked having a level-headed protagonist but Isobel was one-dimensional instead. Her and Rook were the biggest disappointments and because of them, alone, I don't recommend this book.
Right off the bat, you have to suspend your disbelief to some extent because of the premise. Isobel is a painter. She lives in the town of Whimsy, one often visited by the Fair Folk because they love Craft (a.k.a. art) but are unable to create their own. Isobel's Craft is highly coveted and, one day, the prince of the Autumn Court comes to commission a painting. Isobel sees something in him that she never expected, human emotion. When she paints his sorrow into the portrait, his reputation is threatened and he takes Isobel to Faerie to stand trial.
There are a few things about this synopsis that I wanna discuss. First off, if you didn't understand all the things in it, maybe because you've never read stuff related to the Faeries, then I suggest avoiding this book for now because it doesn't take the time to explain how the fae work. Second, the fact that her act of painting emotion on his portrait starts the whole charade should tell you enough about plausibility.
Moving on to the reason I was disappointed by the novel, it's because of the potential. I so badly wanted to like it. Near the end, I just wanted to get it to three stars somehow but I failed. One thing I really liked were the fae. I mean, I always love Fair Folk but I'm talking about the ones in this book specifically. They have some features that matched the norm, like not being able to lie and the nature thing. But there were also differences. For one, they turn to dust on performing Craft. Like, they can't even write their own names. They're immortal but they lack the animation that would be needed for a fulfilling life. I liked the balance that was created between the fae and humans. One is not better off than the other, even if it might seem that way.
But except for this one thing, I'm having difficulty coming up with many redeeming qualities. The writing was fine, I guess, but the visual imagery and action were lost in the attempt to make things "magical". Fantasy writing 101 should be to not compromise the important stuff for pretty prose.
The character development was also minimal. Isobel... there's not much to her. She's not annoying, thank god but the author makes her too composed. Nothing seems to phase her and she's always wise. Her narrative sounds like it belongs to an old woman who's telling the tale of her youth (think Rose in Titanic). Rook, the Autumn prince and the love interest, is pretty much useless. He's supposed to be one of the most powerful creatures in the world and hundreds (if not thousands) of years old, but you would never be able to tell. He has no clue what he's doing, ever, and his so-called power is highly inconsistent through the novel. I didn't buy him as a powerful faerie for a second.
Another things I didn't buy for a second: the romance. This novel relies on the romance a lot. Supposedly, Isobel and Rook fall in love during the sessions in which she makes his painting. Afterwards, many complications arise because of their feelings for each other since it's against fae law for a faerie and a human to fall in love (no clue as to why). You could say that the romance was the main plot. But there was no chemistry. It never once felt like they had feelings for each other, much less strong feelings like love.
The believability factor was flimsy at best, because the characters motivations were very weak. Not just for Rook and Isobel's feelings or for why he wanted her to stand trial, but for the villains too. There were a few bad guys thrown in but why they were doing what they were... not very clear on that.
Finally, the plot is supposed to be the answer to the question "why am I reading this book?" and, in this case, the answer was "to finish it". I didn't care about the events or the characters enough to read for them. There were gaps in world-building, story and characterization and the few good things weren't able to balance them. I would've liked having a level-headed protagonist but Isobel was one-dimensional instead. Her and Rook were the biggest disappointments and because of them, alone, I don't recommend this book.
ravenslanding's review against another edition
5.0
What a delightful book! I laughed, I was gripped with fear and suspense, and I will 100% read this again. Possibly immediately.
I love books with a hero and heroine whose regard for one another is easy to understand. And a good balance of plot, adventure, tenderness and humor.
I love books with a hero and heroine whose regard for one another is easy to understand. And a good balance of plot, adventure, tenderness and humor.
sierraxwriterland's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
phoenix2's review against another edition
1.0
An Enchantment of Ravens is a Fae fantasy story with an adventurous journey to its core and a love story to piece everything together.
Right from the start, the book starts giving glimpses of the romance that is to come. And yes, this story is full of romance, eye rolling, cheesy overthetop confession romance. A romance that often overshadowed the adventure that the story was promising and led everything to a more predictable, boring path.
On the other hand, the fantasy world was intriguing and had enjoyable and compelling elements, like the Fae myths.
Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated.
Right from the start, the book starts giving glimpses of the romance that is to come. And yes, this story is full of romance, eye rolling, cheesy overthetop confession romance. A romance that often overshadowed the adventure that the story was promising and led everything to a more predictable, boring path.
On the other hand, the fantasy world was intriguing and had enjoyable and compelling elements, like the Fae myths.
Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated.
illusie's review against another edition
2.0
This book wasn't for me. I didn't feel really connected to any of the characters. May and March made me laugh though. The plot was a bit slow at times. I didn't like that most of the book was about Rook and Isobel traveling. From the beginning it was clear what would happen between them. I was slightly disappointed by this book, but atleast it was a quick read.
gauriraut's review against another edition
3.0
I am so mad at this book. Because it's so good. But it's so short. I wanted more!
I wish the world was better developed. I wished there was a plot (without the 'he kidnapped her and then decided to un-kidnap her so now they're on a journey because of plot' reasons). I wish it had a sequel because I have so many questions.
What was the night hunt? What was the deal with her living in Whimsy? Why couldn't she and her aunt leave and go to the outside world? What even was that world? How did her sisters get turned? What is the Autumn court like? What is the deal with the Good Law or whatever? Did it get tired after making a single law and stop? What is up with all these various courts and do they all like just live in the forest? If the fairy guys can't make Craft what in the world do they do with their time?
Maybe all this is easily known to people who've read fairy books, but this was my first one and I don't understand!
The writing is beautiful and lyrical. Even if I might've been a bit tired of the endless forest and tree descriptions, I'm okay as long as I get something! I liked the way her paintings were described. The fluff is fluffy and cute. Rook and Isobel are funny together. It's sweet without unnecessary smut (it's YA I realise now). It's simple. The climax is great and the end is super satisfying.
On one hand, I want to give it one star because it feels incomplete, but on the other hand, I want to give it five stars because whatever we got is great!
I wish the world was better developed. I wished there was a plot (without the 'he kidnapped her and then decided to un-kidnap her so now they're on a journey because of plot' reasons). I wish it had a sequel because I have so many questions.
What was the night hunt? What was the deal with her living in Whimsy? Why couldn't she and her aunt leave and go to the outside world? What even was that world? How did her sisters get turned? What is the Autumn court like? What is the deal with the Good Law or whatever? Did it get tired after making a single law and stop? What is up with all these various courts and do they all like just live in the forest? If the fairy guys can't make Craft what in the world do they do with their time?
Maybe all this is easily known to people who've read fairy books, but this was my first one and I don't understand!
The writing is beautiful and lyrical. Even if I might've been a bit tired of the endless forest and tree descriptions, I'm okay as long as I get something! I liked the way her paintings were described. The fluff is fluffy and cute. Rook and Isobel are funny together. It's sweet without unnecessary smut (it's YA I realise now). It's simple. The climax is great and the end is super satisfying.
On one hand, I want to give it one star because it feels incomplete, but on the other hand, I want to give it five stars because whatever we got is great!
alexan13's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 stars
My night summed up: Twitter: Hey, you can read this book for free today only.
Me, knowing perfectly well I have finals next week: OBVIOUSLY
So, while I did not study I did read and thoroughly enjoy this book! I probably would have liked it more if I hadn't been rushing through it but that being said, there were parts of this book I really liked and parts that really didn't work for me.
What I liked: Isobel and Rook! All of their interactions! I want to read approximately 50 AU fanfictions about their relationship right now so someone get on that and write those for me! That being said, Isobel and Rook in a slow burn romance would have been everything I ever wanted but wasn't in this book. So if you don't like instalove elements, you might be turned off by the romance. This element did bother me, but I loved the characters' interactions too much to really care.
Also! The fae in this book! The worldbuilding! This was a faerie world I loved to read about and could totally believe -- creepy and ultimately not-quite-right. I would love to spend another book exploring it. It was one of the more imaginative takes I have read recently as well. And the lyrical language in this book was perfectly suited to the eerie atmosphere of the courts. I wish I could have read this book slower to enjoy it more.
What didn't work for me: I already talked about the instalove element. And while I already said it didn't ruin the relationship for me, it did cheapen the romance a bit.
I also wasn't as invested in the plot as I wanted to be, but this may have been a product of my speed-reading more than a fault in the plot itself. Still, the plot had problems with pacing and as a result I never felt that the stakes were particularly high.
A general conclusion I've drawn from this reading experience is that no matter how much I want to love faerie books, and no matter how enthralled I was with faeries as a child, YA fae books don't seem to be working for me as well as I expect them to. But though this wasn't the perfect book for me, I did enjoy it and it was a lovely -- if creepy -- escape from the reality of finals. And my quest for faerie content I click with will continue.
My night summed up: Twitter: Hey, you can read this book for free today only.
Me, knowing perfectly well I have finals next week: OBVIOUSLY
So, while I did not study I did read and thoroughly enjoy this book! I probably would have liked it more if I hadn't been rushing through it but that being said, there were parts of this book I really liked and parts that really didn't work for me.
What I liked: Isobel and Rook! All of their interactions! I want to read approximately 50 AU fanfictions about their relationship right now so someone get on that and write those for me! That being said, Isobel and Rook in a slow burn romance would have been everything I ever wanted but wasn't in this book. So if you don't like instalove elements, you might be turned off by the romance. This element did bother me, but I loved the characters' interactions too much to really care.
Also! The fae in this book! The worldbuilding! This was a faerie world I loved to read about and could totally believe -- creepy and ultimately not-quite-right. I would love to spend another book exploring it. It was one of the more imaginative takes I have read recently as well. And the lyrical language in this book was perfectly suited to the eerie atmosphere of the courts. I wish I could have read this book slower to enjoy it more.
What didn't work for me: I already talked about the instalove element. And while I already said it didn't ruin the relationship for me, it did cheapen the romance a bit.
I also wasn't as invested in the plot as I wanted to be, but this may have been a product of my speed-reading more than a fault in the plot itself. Still, the plot had problems with pacing and as a result I never felt that the stakes were particularly high.
A general conclusion I've drawn from this reading experience is that no matter how much I want to love faerie books, and no matter how enthralled I was with faeries as a child, YA fae books don't seem to be working for me as well as I expect them to. But though this wasn't the perfect book for me, I did enjoy it and it was a lovely -- if creepy -- escape from the reality of finals. And my quest for faerie content I click with will continue.
staticmemories's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
chelseamguy's review against another edition
5.0
I love the worlds she spins, I want to live in them. Book was very entertaining and I'll be thinking of that world for a while! Both her books that are out right now would make excellent movies!