Reviews

The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg

oneanjana's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny mysterious fast-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? No

4.0

What a fast and compelling read! I finished it in a day. Just wow!

The Night Raven is a story about Mika, a 12-year-old girl who resides in Public Children’s Home (an orphanage). The story takes place in Stockholm during 1880 and revolves around the mystery surrounding the murderer known as The Night Raven, who has killed four people and been put to death. Except that now, a new murder has happened, and it has the same pattern as The Night Raven's work. Starting with her thorough and detailed testimony about a baby that was left in the children's home in the middle of the night, Mika gained the interest of a police officer named Valdemar Hoff. Eventually, they collaborate to uncover The Night Raven's mystery.

The story is fast-paced, and the narration is captivating from the start. With just over 190 pages, the author did an effective job of describing Mika's character. I found it endearing how, despite being orphaned, she grew up intelligently and has the ability to think creatively about research. Other characters such as Amelia, Rufus, Edvin, and the other orphanage children are worth paying attention to. Mika and Rufus' friendship was also something I loved. 

Some parts also have a spine-chilling vibe that makes me dread until the end for the true identity of the mysterious man. I didn't receive an answer, but I discovered that there are some sequels to this book that are still being translated into English. I'm excited to read the sequels and uncover the unresolved mysteries here. 

danlandreads's review against another edition

dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

3.75

eberschwinger's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

pacnw_jen's review against another edition

mysterious

3.0

bekkerrr's review against another edition

dark mysterious fast-paced

2.75

hiking_pages's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

milkklotz's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

Amazon prime book from several months ago, YA fiction with the "remarkable orphan" theme. It was a very engaging read 

rosyburrow's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

2.75

zoe_94's review against another edition

4.0

This is a middle grade book, but with some elements that are quite dark for the genre, so it might not be suitable for all children. That said, I thought it was a brilliant read. The writing flows really well and the story is gripping. I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

kammjs's review

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

3.5