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bookish_satty's review against another edition
DNF at 50%
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Janz but I just couldn't care enough about our protagonist to keep on reading.
I am a huge fan of Jonathan Janz but I just couldn't care enough about our protagonist to keep on reading.
fratnanny's review
1.0
This book is like 2020... Horrible. Imagine the worst d-list version of a mashup between a bad western and the Avengers. Mix in the worst dialogue/monologue and the dumbest hero known to man and you have "The Raven". I paid $15.99 for this. I'm ashamed for myself.
readbyashleyd's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.5
While this isn’t my absolute favourite Janz book, it still remains a phenomenal story. It’s got just about everything you could possibly want from a horror story and more! I mean, witches and vampires and werewolves AND more fantastical creatures all in one great story? This is the very fabric that a horror fan’s dreams are made of. My only minor complaint and what stopped it from being a full five star blowout is that I just didn’t connect with the main character, Dez. Something about him just didn’t strike any chords for me and I’m a very character driven reader. I’m not left feeling disappointed though, I thoroughly enjoyed it anyways! And it was quite different than anything I’ve read by Janz before so definite bonus points for that, he has an awesome range in his writing that I really appreciate.
curiosityboughtthebook's review
5.0
One of the best book of 2020!
See full review here
I’m usually not a big fan of the whole werewolf/vampire trope. Yet, Janz made it work so exceptionally well that I couldn’t put the book down. His book is packed with action, monsters, and quite a bit of gore. Everything a horror lover like me straight up adores.
See full review here
I’m usually not a big fan of the whole werewolf/vampire trope. Yet, Janz made it work so exceptionally well that I couldn’t put the book down. His book is packed with action, monsters, and quite a bit of gore. Everything a horror lover like me straight up adores.
brandonstanwyck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
xiaodejao's review
4.0
First of all, the writing is superb. I've heard of this author before and seen his books here on bookstagram many times, but this is my first time reading one of his books. Thanks to Netgalley and to Flame Tree Press for the opportunity.
This could have been too much with all the mythical creatures involved, but, holy damn, it worked out pretty solid for me. The explanation about how they came to be is genius! Also, the fight scenes aren't that hard to follow, which is my problem with a lot of action-packed books.
I love the main character and his struggles psychologically. I thought his character is so well-written, I especially enjoyed reading the journal entries. And I wouldn't mind reading a prequel of this (before the event).
I would say, though, that this one is set up for a sequel, which is actually exciting!
Fast-paced, action-packed! Dark and graphic! I gave this one a solid four stars.
**I requested and received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
https://thebookrebellion.art.blog/2020/09/13/the-raven/
Jao.
This could have been too much with all the mythical creatures involved, but, holy damn, it worked out pretty solid for me. The explanation about how they came to be is genius! Also, the fight scenes aren't that hard to follow, which is my problem with a lot of action-packed books.
I love the main character and his struggles psychologically. I thought his character is so well-written, I especially enjoyed reading the journal entries. And I wouldn't mind reading a prequel of this (before the event).
I would say, though, that this one is set up for a sequel, which is actually exciting!
Fast-paced, action-packed! Dark and graphic! I gave this one a solid four stars.
**I requested and received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
https://thebookrebellion.art.blog/2020/09/13/the-raven/
Jao.
oracle_of_madness's review
4.0
This action packed thriller set in a post apocalyptic world follows Dez as he attempts to find someone that was taken from him. Dez is a Latent, meaning he doesn't have any powers. When the world went crazy, people everywhere developed Supernatural powers turning them into the monsters of myth. This dangerous world is not only horrifying but incredibly interesting in its structure. Little did I know when I began reading this book how much I would love it. I loved Dez's character and felt like I was part of the story, at times feeling like he was speaking directly to me particularly when he was journaling. Overall The Raven was a really fun read and a perfect fit for this creeptastic time of year!
mayhappily's review against another edition
3.0
I've read almost all of Jonathan Janz' books prior to this one, and some of them have been on the high end of the scare-o-meter (please disregard the ridiculous name; I can't think of a better one at this point), which is a rare thing for me to say about both books and movies within the genre.
When I saw that The Raven was available as an ARC on Netgalley, I was thrilled! Not only was it by one of my favorite contemporary horror authors, but the plot sounded incredibly promising - a biological weapon mutated human DNA to allow for the re-emerging of vampires, werewolves etc!
I loved that Janz drew from the fact that most (if not all) corners of the world have their own take on a lot of the same myths and combined it with bio warfare changing human DNA.
Unfortunately, this is one horror book that left me without a shiver down my spine. It read more like an action movie interlaced with gore a plenty.
Initially I found that Dez was a, if not an entirely sympathetic main character, at least very relatable. At a point his inner monologues turned repetitive and slightly annoying.
Overall, I'd say that this book rates about a 3 for me. It's not terrible, it's not great, but for the right reader (i.e. maybe someone who enjoys action/horror mixes with emphasis on the action), it's definitely enjoyable.
When I saw that The Raven was available as an ARC on Netgalley, I was thrilled! Not only was it by one of my favorite contemporary horror authors, but the plot sounded incredibly promising - a biological weapon mutated human DNA to allow for the re-emerging of vampires, werewolves etc!
I loved that Janz drew from the fact that most (if not all) corners of the world have their own take on a lot of the same myths and combined it with bio warfare changing human DNA.
Unfortunately, this is one horror book that left me without a shiver down my spine. It read more like an action movie interlaced with gore a plenty.
Initially I found that Dez was a, if not an entirely sympathetic main character, at least very relatable. At a point his inner monologues turned repetitive and slightly annoying.
Overall, I'd say that this book rates about a 3 for me. It's not terrible, it's not great, but for the right reader (i.e. maybe someone who enjoys action/horror mixes with emphasis on the action), it's definitely enjoyable.
inkslinger's review
4.0
ARC provided by Flame Tree Press and Jonathan Janz via Random Things Tours. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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09-09: 'The Raven' by Jonathan Janz is a gritty, post-apocalyptic story that follows the path of Dez McClane.
Considered a Latent, in the days after the event some call The Shift, he's a man with no special abilities trying to survive in a world full of mythological monsters.
Having believed mankind to be barreling toward the ultimate nuclear stand-off which would result in human extinction, a group of geneticists discover that werewolves, vampires, witches, satyrs, and many other creatures of legend.. really were once real. Additionally, they realize the genetic strands for these creatures are still present in human DNA, lying dormant.. and hatch a plan to trigger their re-emergence into the world.
Picking up about 2 years after the scientists make their move, the opening pages explain that the event has resulted in the deaths of most humans anyway and the transformation of others into nightmarish monsters of lore.
Janz has written a well-paced horror novel with plenty of page-turning action. From the get go, Dez's situation is dire and it really never lets up. He's survived, but lost a lot along the way. Not just those he loves, but also any real sense of self-worth due to the guilt he carries and the notion their deaths were his failures.
Despite the every human for themselves circumstance, he manages to be pragmatic.. while not really giving up hope. Constantly on the move, both to avoid predators and in search of someone he's determined to help, he runs across some of the nastiest antagonists you can imagine. Not all of whom are what one might expect.
Though the journey is mostly that of a lone wolf type character and the monsters far more varied, both genetically and psychologically, the story feels heavily inspired by The Walking Dead. Likely, if you enjoyed either the comics or the tv series, you'll also enjoy this.
It boasts a broad base of supporting characters strewn throughout the story.. some I liked and some I didn't. The author did a fantastic job of picking and choosing those for me, as some of the worst felt absolutely unredeemable, and some of the best.. still gave me conflict in many cases. Enough so, that I.. like the protagonist.. found myself scrutinizing even those who seemed to have good intentions.
All in all, it's a very fun read. The world is a brutal one, so if you're bothered by gore or references to intimate violence, you might steer clear. Otherwise, it's worth a read.
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janinepipe's review against another edition
5.0
This is the fastest ARC I have ever read because I just couldn't put it down. It was fantastic and I was actually sad to finish it. It was excellently written.and I loved all of the characters, even the naughty ones! It was violent and gory with being gratuitous and the dialogue and backstory always felt needed and never just extra words. It is safe to say that I am a HUGE fan of Jonathan Janz and will most definitelt be traling through his back catalogue to order more. I would 100% recommend this book and give it a thoroughly deserved 10/10.
There will be a full review on my blog at Janine's Ghost Stories coming soon.
There will be a full review on my blog at Janine's Ghost Stories coming soon.