Raven’s Shadow

Raven’s Shadow (2004) Patricia Briggs

Yes, I am gouging myself on new books. I’d been very good, about not bought myself any books for several months, so I figure I’m entitled to a small binge–especially when I can find books on sale.

Seraph, a Traveler, a mage, and the last of her clan, is saved by Tier, a solider heading home for peace and calm, years after he snuck out as a boy to join the army. The first two chapters tell of their meeting and how Tier saved Seraph. The remainder of the book tells of what Seraph does after Tier disappears.

Although Raven’s Shadow is book one of a duology, it can be read as a stand alone novel–the author resolves the issues and problems satisfactorily by the end of the book. I have a great deal of admiration for authors who can do that (and also authors who can tell a story in under a thousand pages).

I was very pleased with Raven’s Shadow. The story was fun, the characters were interesting, and the writing was good. There were several things that I particularly liked about the story: the Travelers, who were somewhat akin to gypsies, are an oppressed class, yet Patricia Briggs makes sure that they aren’t all noble, and that some react to their persecution the way that many people react–with anger and hostility. It makes them far more human than than they would have been otherwise, considering the story.

I also like the fact that for most of the story Seraph and Tier older–middle aged by the standards of the time. Not callow youths learning their skills and powers, nor aged masters with wisdom and skill, but (somewhat) regular people, comfortable with their skills and with themselves.

There were some flaws with the book. I thought that things came together a little too easy in some parts. I wasn’t sure what the limitations on a Raven’s power were, mostly she seemed to be able to do whatever she needed, but again, as she was older, she should have known the limitations of her powers, and not attempted more than she was capable of doing. The same thing for Tier, although that is also explained to some small degree.

So there was at least some explanation

But all in all, the story was engaging and well-paced, with interesting characters. It was a fun read, and although I was able to put the book down and do other things, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for a good fantasy, with strong characters, then I definitely recommend Raven’s Shadow.
Rating: 8/10

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