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motherhorror's review against another edition
5.0
Blurb:
"It’s my opinion that Janz has found a new niche genre for himself with THE RAVEN. I’m pleased that ending leaves this story and this universe, wide open for more. I’m a fan."
Full review coming to Cemetery Dance close to the release date.
"It’s my opinion that Janz has found a new niche genre for himself with THE RAVEN. I’m pleased that ending leaves this story and this universe, wide open for more. I’m a fan."
Full review coming to Cemetery Dance close to the release date.
biblio_beth's review against another edition
3.0
NetGalley provided ARC.
Here's the weird thing about this book. I wasn't crazy about it but I really, really want to read the next one (and there better be a next one) so I can find out the rest of the story.
Here's the weird thing about this book. I wasn't crazy about it but I really, really want to read the next one (and there better be a next one) so I can find out the rest of the story.
brennanlafaro's review against another edition
4.0
Well, it was inevitable. Jonathan Janz has paid a visit to pretty much every sub-genre of horror literature imaginable. Eventually he would have to hit post-apocalyptic. As soon as I got a few chapters in, The Raven made me say, Boy I wish I’d thought of that. Janz sets the table for a post-apocalyptic wasteland based on an act of terrorism (seemingly a staple of the genre) that unleashes monsters from folklore all over the world (less of a staple). Don’t worry, I didn’t spoil much, I left the part I wish I’d thought of for you, future Raven reader, to discover for yourself.
The main character, a perfectly normal human being awash in a sea of horrifying beasts, is Dez McClane. There are parts where he comes across as almost superhuman in areas like weapons training, fighting, planning, but it’s competently explained that in this new world, any latent (normal human) that makes mistakes, doesn’t survive. Dez’s motivations are clear enough, searching for his lost wife, kidnapped by Keaton, the main antagonist. Such clear-cut reasoning allows the reader to back off when Dez does something like enter a bar full of horrific creatures. While it might seem like it goes against the careful character who has somehow survived in this world, it also speaks of a man who is desperate to get back the only person left making it worth staying alive.
There is an aspect to this book that I can see not working for some people. An unwritten rule states that a post-apocalyptic book should be sprawling and epic. It should span 500 plus pages and even something thinner, like The Road, should explore a variety of different locales. By comparison, The Raven is relatively self-contained. Not counting some flashback scenes, we spend a very short period of time exploring about three different locations, all in close proximity to each other.
Forgive the minor spoiler, but the way this novel ends sets up future stories to be told in this world. The argument could be made here that exploring just this small corner of the newfound world actually contributes to Janz’s world-building. Let me explain. The exposition at the beginning names some of the more common creatures the narrator has had to contend with. Some of these characters make up a large part of the story, some make brief appearances, others are never heard from at all. Add to that, Dez discovers new monsters alongside the reader. My point is The Raven shows us the potential this world holds and leaves up to our imagination what some of the other corners might look like. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Dez does the first time he encounters Satyrs with us along for the ride.
I’m throwing in here for good measure that while Dez’s motivations served his actions and portion of story in this book well, readers will need to go deeper to see what makes him tick in future installments. It’s going to be vital for investment in the character. That being said, I can’t imagine Jonathan Janz allowing a main character to fester in one-dimension land.
I enjoyed the story told here, but admittedly might feel unsatisfied if this were the extent of the world Janz created as opposed to the tip of the iceberg. I would recommend this novel not necessarily to fans of typical post-apocalyptic faire, but to fans of folklore, Janz’s work with werewolves, or even just Janz fans in general. I have my favorites when it comes to his books, but I have yet to find a novel of his that doesn’t leave me satisfied when all is said and done.
I was given a copy by the publisher for review consideration.
The main character, a perfectly normal human being awash in a sea of horrifying beasts, is Dez McClane. There are parts where he comes across as almost superhuman in areas like weapons training, fighting, planning, but it’s competently explained that in this new world, any latent (normal human) that makes mistakes, doesn’t survive. Dez’s motivations are clear enough, searching for his lost wife, kidnapped by Keaton, the main antagonist. Such clear-cut reasoning allows the reader to back off when Dez does something like enter a bar full of horrific creatures. While it might seem like it goes against the careful character who has somehow survived in this world, it also speaks of a man who is desperate to get back the only person left making it worth staying alive.
There is an aspect to this book that I can see not working for some people. An unwritten rule states that a post-apocalyptic book should be sprawling and epic. It should span 500 plus pages and even something thinner, like The Road, should explore a variety of different locales. By comparison, The Raven is relatively self-contained. Not counting some flashback scenes, we spend a very short period of time exploring about three different locations, all in close proximity to each other.
Forgive the minor spoiler, but the way this novel ends sets up future stories to be told in this world. The argument could be made here that exploring just this small corner of the newfound world actually contributes to Janz’s world-building. Let me explain. The exposition at the beginning names some of the more common creatures the narrator has had to contend with. Some of these characters make up a large part of the story, some make brief appearances, others are never heard from at all. Add to that, Dez discovers new monsters alongside the reader. My point is The Raven shows us the potential this world holds and leaves up to our imagination what some of the other corners might look like. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Dez does the first time he encounters Satyrs with us along for the ride.
I’m throwing in here for good measure that while Dez’s motivations served his actions and portion of story in this book well, readers will need to go deeper to see what makes him tick in future installments. It’s going to be vital for investment in the character. That being said, I can’t imagine Jonathan Janz allowing a main character to fester in one-dimension land.
I enjoyed the story told here, but admittedly might feel unsatisfied if this were the extent of the world Janz created as opposed to the tip of the iceberg. I would recommend this novel not necessarily to fans of typical post-apocalyptic faire, but to fans of folklore, Janz’s work with werewolves, or even just Janz fans in general. I have my favorites when it comes to his books, but I have yet to find a novel of his that doesn’t leave me satisfied when all is said and done.
I was given a copy by the publisher for review consideration.
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