Narrated by Katharine Lee McEwan, Raven Unveiled by Grace Draven is the third audiobook in the Fallen Empire romantic fantasy series. Siora & Gharek’s story delivered suspense, danger and romance as they traversed the killing fields of the collapsing Krael Empire.

Raven Unveiled
by Grace Draven
Series: Fallen Empire #3
Narrator: Katharine Lee McEwan
Length: 11 hours and 21 minutes
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.3x

A woman with the gift to speak to the dead—and the assassin pursuing her—may be the only chance a crumbling empire has of holding back true evil, in this electrifying fantasy romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Siora has been on the run for longer than she cares to remember, from her past and her gift. Born with the ability to see and speak to ghosts, she has heard their desperate pleas as an otherworldly predator stalks the dead amid the fertile killing fields of the collapsing Krael Empire. The creature’s power and reach are growing with every soul it consumes, but Siora is preoccupied with her own troubles: namely an assassin who has sworn an oath of vengeance against her.

Gharek of Cabast was once the right-hand man of the reviled empress but is now a wanted fugitive. Although his reasons for hunting Siora are viscerally personal, what Gharek can’t anticipate is that when he finally does find her, she will hold the key to saving his world, or what’s left of it. To make good on old debts and protect the vulnerable dead from a malevolent force, Gharek and Siora will both need to make an ally out of an enemy—and trust that will be enough to save each other

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It has been two years since the second audiobook Dragons Unleashed published and I felt disoriented going into Raven Unveiled. Thankfully, my review and a re-listen to the last few chapters of the previous book brought me up to speed and reminded me of Siora’s role. While each audio features its own romance, the story arc and world demand that you listen to these in the order of their release.

Once again I was pulled into this world Draven has created and found myself impressed. One of the most wanted men in the falling empire, Gharek of Cabast, the dead empress’s former cat’s paw (assassin) is ruthlessly seeking the woman who betrayed not only him, but his beloved daughter, Estred. Siora is that woman. She believes she acted in the best interest of Gharek and Estred. The tale that unfolds delivers a merry chase, battles, danger and a greater threat.

Siora can speak to the dead, and yields untapped power. She will protest that she is not a necromancer, and indeed her skill set is unique. She is clever, adores Estred and has a soft spot for Gharek, even if he frustrates her.

Their chase is set against the darkness that has enveloped all the kingdom after the empress’s fall. Others seek power, and both are hunted. Gharek for his former position and Siora by a dark phantom who is gobbling up the dead in the fields of the fallen. I found the threads concerning the dead and Siora’s own talents fascinating.

The author delivers swoons, tender moments, suspense and nail-biting battle scenes that kept me on edge. The characters are ones I connected to. I truly admired Siora and loved the growth and sacrifice we witnessed. The romance that developed felt genuine as their snark & bite was laced with chemistry.

Katharine Lee McEwan narrated and brought both Siora and Gharek to life. Through tone, accent, and pacing, their emotions and personalities shone. Her secondary character voices were spot on. Her overall narrative enhanced this well-written fantasy.

The story began slowly and build up momentum until I could barely pause as I listened to the climatic ending. Draven gave us an epilogue, one which I appreciated. I am not sure if this was a trilogy or if the series will continue. Whatever the case, I will be on the lookout for her next release.

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Raven Unveiled by Grace Draven shares Siora & Gharek's story and continues the #FallenEmpire #romanticfantasy series. #audiobook #audiobookreview #KatharineLeeMcEwan #NewRelease
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/11/raven-unveiled-by-grace-draven.html

In Gorilla In The Closet, author Frederic A Eidsness Jr. dissects and delves into the the ins and out of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide a better understand of the agency and to outline the dramatic restructuring that is needed to reestablish confidence in the agency. The author is deliberate in making this a nonpartisan issue, and develops a plan that I think both sides can get behind. Readers will see how both the Democratic and Republican parties want something for the agency that won’t enable it to properly do what it was meant to do.

The author has extensive knowledge of the EPA as he was a critical member of the agency and was involved in the ‘Sewergate’ scandal; which involved the head of the EPA at the time. The authors expertise is on full display throughout the book and provides significant insight that makes this book both informative and captivating.

There is a lot of information to take in, but readers who follow politics or government policy, even a little, will be able to understand the book. as the author does a great job of explaining things in detail. Those deeply interested in politics will be enthralled with this book as it gives readers a behind this scenes look at an agency in the midst of a scandal. Frederic Eidsness Jr. also shares a bit of history about the EPA, sharing information about its infancy back in the 70s, well before it became infused with politics.

With any book on politics I’m always wondering which side of the aisle the author falls on. The great thing about this book is that the author is able to remain nonpartisan throughout, focusing only on what will make the EPA better. I’ve learned that politics has shaped the EPA up to this point, but the author makes it clear that there is a path forward that can make the EPA better; which conveys a feeling of hope.

With the anecdotes, expert opinions, behind the scenes look, history and critical analysis of the agency the author is also giving the reader an understanding as to why the agency needs to be revamped before then delving into details on how to improve it. The guidance is clear, and the path forward is well defined in this informative book.

With climate change being a prevailing contemporary issue I feel Gorilla In The Closet is very relevant today. This is an enlightening book that provides a blueprint to make significant changes to an important agency at a critical time in history. The author tackles the subject with intelligence and a matter-of-fact tone that is refreshing.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/21/gorilla-in-the-closet/

A Portion of Malice by Lloyd Jeffries is the first book of the Ages of Malice series and presents an intriguing concept that mixes fantasy, history and religion.

Hopeless Emery Merrick is ready to end his life, but destiny has something else in store for him. At what he thought was the last moments of his life, he meets a strange and commanding man. He’s not a complete stranger though: Thaddeus Drake, famous global figure, has made a name for himself as a peacemaker and now has a once in a lifetime proposal for Emery: to write his biography. Soon Emery finds out Drake’s darkest secret, an unimaginable reality that will change the course of his life forever. When proof comes out about ancient biblical stories having truly occurred, and we find out that some of the people that were part of those stories are still alive as a punishment from God, the intrigue of the book increases exponentially, bringing something unique and enigmatic to the table.

From the beginning of this darkly alluring novel the characters introduced were intriguing, since each of them held some darkness hidden in their pasts: immortality, cruelty and power. Immortals roam the Earth, and the most vicious seem to be the ones with the most ambition. Throughout the story readers meet figures that they’ll recognize from Bible stories; and I was always excited to see them because I was interested in seeing this particular author’s take on those characters. As we see Cain himself attempt some sort of revenge against God, we see a clear representation of human greed and barbarism. Leading living members of the Roman Legion, Cain has a master plan to shape the human world as an act of defiance against God. I never knew where the storyline would go next, the creativity imbued in the plot is unparalleled in the occult thriller genre.

What is the fate of humanity? Cain has his own plan and is willing to commit the most atrocious crimes to reach it. The narration style lets the reader see through different timelines the evolution of these ruthless immortals. Jumping back and forth, we get to connect the dots, which makes for an engaging and intricate plot.

Though slow at times, the pacing of the story allows the readers to digest the depth of the ideas and the nuances of the characters. This is a visionary story with a fantastically strange aura of mystery. By the end, some reflection into the human psyche will be necessary to understand where these dark characters come from and where they’ll most likely be going in the next installments of the Ages of Malice series. I can’t wait.

Pages: 364 | ASIN: B0BG8ZPY7D

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/21/a-portion-of-malice-2/

When apprentice Tad opted to undertake his apprenticeship at the great house of Harrold and Harrold he never expected the mundane and tiresome work; much less being granted the embarrassing nickname “Tadpole” by his colleagues. But everything changes when Jack Harrold, the late Jonathan Harrold’s son, and nephew to his brother Joseph Harrold, enlists him for a vital job; to save their dying house in the wake of modern, big-name firms. After trying to solve the mystery of their client’s request to fix their spell demon, it becomes clear that something is afoot. Something sinister is attacking the house of Harrold. Can Tad, Jack, his cousin Daphne, and the other spellbinders work together to solve the mystery?

Open Sorcery is a creative and sharp fantasy novel steeped in an intriguing world where magic is the norm, and even glamorous, and spells are the name of the game. We follow apprentice Tad’s journey as he is forced to team up with Jack Harrold to complete a job that may very well save the house of Harrold and Harrold. Though not all is what it seems, and there is more to this job than meets the eye. Imminent danger threatens the brave spellbinders and their livelihoods.

I was enthralled with the enchanting and rich world that author Rob Sheely has created. It feels like a mix of Luke Arnold’s The Last Smile in Sunder City and Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series. This is a world that I can see being explored further in future novels as I felt like we are only scratching the surface of the world’s lore in this book.

Tad was a likable and adorable character with an awkward personality that will make you smile while simultaneously impressing you with his intelligence and tenacity. I liked the romance between him and Daphne Harrold, who is a smart and assertive character that you can’t help but respect. The rest of the characters were just as compelling and fleshed out with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This is most evident with Jack Harrold, an ambitious and reckless young man that is eager to prove himself worthy of the Harrold name. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Harrold brothers and how the guild came to be.

While I would have enjoyed a speedier pace I think that the story is entertaining from start to finish. Fans of fantasy mystery novels will revel in Open Sorcery‘s magical world and the fascinating details of the magical elements.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/21/open-sorcery/

Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair follows young Maggie, who absolutely refuses to have her hair brushed. When her mother tells her that spiders will make a home for themselves in her hair if she doesn’t comb her hair, the issue is resolved! This is such a delightful, sweet, and charming story. From the rhythmic writing to the whimsical illustrations by illustrator Norris Hall, readers can’t help but enjoy this imaginative story.

One of the most difficult obstacles to overcome as a parent of a child with long hair is to be able to brush their hair. At times it can feel like a losing battle. Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair, written by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt, is a must read and a fantastic tool that will help parents teach their children to build good and lasting habits.

I would recommend Maggie McNair Has Spiders in Her Hair to any parent, teacher or child because it creatively conveys the important message of keeping your hair tidy. The lesson is delivered in a fun and silly way that will capture a child’s attention and help them come to terms with it. This educational children’s book lets kids see why brushing their hair is essential to hygiene; all while entertaining them with an amusing story.

Pages: 32 | ASIN: B09B4DJ1Z5

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/21/maggie-mcnair-has-spiders-in-her-hair/

Announcing the Amazon Editors’ picks for the Best Books of 2022

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