A review by hannahleelovestoread
Raven's Cry by Christian A. Brown

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Admittedly, this novel was difficult for me to get into. The beginning is gory and convoluted, and it did not immediately capture my interest. But I am exceedingly glad that I stuck it out, because this book is a masterpiece truly crafted in the vein of that complicated and mysterious literary legend, H. P. Lovecraft. It is written from the perspectives of various societal misfits—my favorite of whom is the indigenous Canadian “raven,” Malachi—who are laden with irreversible knowledge of dark, apocalyptic forces and seemingly impossible but unavoidable tasks. Author Christian A. Brown’s greatest strength is perhaps his character development, as shown by his elegant balance of tension and comfort between forced companions in a desperate setting. The book’s Lovecraftian inspiration should fool no one into thinking Brown lacks his own distinct voice, however. Raven’s Cry is a work of art, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the remainder of this series or on the rest of Brown’s work. 

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