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A review by queer_bookwyrm
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: violence
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson is a standalone fantasy that is a sweeping romance between a mortal and a Fair One (faerie). This is the third book by this author I've read, although enjoyable, it wasn't my favorite of her work. This one was heavier on the romance side of things.
We follow Isobel, a master in the Craft of painting portraits for Fair Folk in the village of Whimsy, a town permanently experiencing summer. In this world, only mortals have the ability to create things (art, writing, clothing, food, etc.). If a human is good enough at their Craft, sometimes the Fair Folk will offer immortality to them by inviting them to drink from the Green Well. Isobel is so good at her Craft that Fair Ones seek her out to do their portraits. When the Autumn Prince, Rook, is referred to her by one of her most loyal patrons, she is struck by him right away. When he finally sees the portrait of himself, he is infuriated, and snatches her away in the hopes of putting her on trial at his court in order to regain his reputation. Things do not go as planned.
This was a beautiful, sweeping story, full of opulent descriptions of nature and the seasons. With Isobel 's perspective as a painter we get some wonderful ways of seeing emotion and color described. Isobel's Craft seems to have a profound and unexpected effect on the Fair Folk that could turn out to be a blessing or a curse. Rook and Isobel are forced to rely on each other for survival, and they develop a bond that could potentially break the Good Law.
I really enjoyed the magic of the Fair Folk with their glamours and illusions. They are terrifyingly beautiful. I also loved the juxtaposition of all the verdant imagery with the putrid and rotting imagery. Both are essential parts of nature. I absolutely loved March and May, Isobel's twin sisters. I wish we had gotten to see more of them. Lark was also a wonderful side character. To be honest, I wasn't 100% sold on the romance between Rook and Isobel, it just felt like it was there to be convenient to the plot.
You should read this if you love lush descriptions, fairies, and doomed romances.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson is a standalone fantasy that is a sweeping romance between a mortal and a Fair One (faerie). This is the third book by this author I've read, although enjoyable, it wasn't my favorite of her work. This one was heavier on the romance side of things.
We follow Isobel, a master in the Craft of painting portraits for Fair Folk in the village of Whimsy, a town permanently experiencing summer. In this world, only mortals have the ability to create things (art, writing, clothing, food, etc.). If a human is good enough at their Craft, sometimes the Fair Folk will offer immortality to them by inviting them to drink from the Green Well. Isobel is so good at her Craft that Fair Ones seek her out to do their portraits. When the Autumn Prince, Rook, is referred to her by one of her most loyal patrons, she is struck by him right away. When he finally sees the portrait of himself, he is infuriated, and snatches her away in the hopes of putting her on trial at his court in order to regain his reputation. Things do not go as planned.
This was a beautiful, sweeping story, full of opulent descriptions of nature and the seasons. With Isobel 's perspective as a painter we get some wonderful ways of seeing emotion and color described. Isobel's Craft seems to have a profound and unexpected effect on the Fair Folk that could turn out to be a blessing or a curse. Rook and Isobel are forced to rely on each other for survival, and they develop a bond that could potentially break the Good Law.
I really enjoyed the magic of the Fair Folk with their glamours and illusions. They are terrifyingly beautiful. I also loved the juxtaposition of all the verdant imagery with the putrid and rotting imagery. Both are essential parts of nature. I absolutely loved March and May, Isobel's twin sisters. I wish we had gotten to see more of them. Lark was also a wonderful side character. To be honest, I wasn't 100% sold on the romance between Rook and Isobel, it just felt like it was there to be convenient to the plot.
You should read this if you love lush descriptions, fairies, and doomed romances.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence