Reclaiming Raven by Mary Holt: Review

I’ve reviewed hundreds upon hundreds of books since I’ve been doing it professionally and publishing them on my website. And while it’s easy to review an author that you’ve heard that you’ve read multiple times, sometimes it is our duty as a reviewer to branch out and try something different.

With that in mind I was pitched a book by the author who was self marketing her book, which is definitely not an easy thing to do in this market. She’s not the first one who’s reached out to me regarding their publication. Some I have taken, read, and reviewed here. But many, many more I pass on.

There was something about this book that said “Chris, you’ve got to read it.” It’s funny the way it fell in my calendar because I had just finished reading and reviewing another book about domestic violence right before this book. Not an easy topic to write about and so odd that two authors at the same time chose to write about this topic. Not to mention, it is a hard topic to read about too!

I have to say I so happy that I took the time to read this book. This is a long intro to my review of this new release but definitely one you want to read.

Reclaiming Raven by Mary Holt
Series: Raven (Book 1)
Publisher: Solstice Publishing (June 18, 2018)
ISBN-13: 978-1625268068

ABOUT:
Murder, even in self-defense, is a preemptive act. Raven Balback’s obsessive husband demands she return to their marriage. The frightened woman, partially paralyzed from her last encounter with him, flees. Unable to locate his wife, Cole burns the buildings that sheltered her in the past and endangers lives. Raven must decide whether to sacrifice herself for strangers or grasp for a life free of her vows.

Reclaiming Raven by Mary Holt Book Review

I have to say I was captured from the moment I started this book. The author chose a very interesting intro that almost seemed like we were in the middle of the story. It was intriguing and definitely encouraged me to keep on going.

Parts of the book are difficult to read, I’m not going to discount that. The author is highly descriptive of intense situations, and because of that fact, your body is on high alert right along with the characters.

The story depicts an abuse survivor on the run. Her story and description of her manic husband has you holding your breath multiple times in the book. Your emotions will run the gambit from high to low; angry to annoyed. We even get a few glimpses of happiness and hope for the future.

I love the inventiveness and unique qualities she built into her characters. Reclaiming Raven is definitely not a main stream rubber-stamped plot or storyline!

There are a few places in the story where is seemed like Raven was recounting her abuse issues time and again. While it is something I am sure people get caught up in, it was also slowing the story from moving forward at a quicker pace.

That ending though!! The ending will catch you by surprise and leave you hanging with a crazy cliffhanger. It’s then you read the small print on the cover that says “Book One”. Ack!

All in all, for first novel, this author has done a fabulous job. With plenty of suspense and action, you don’t have time to put this book aside. Dark, violent, but yet very realistic, Reclaiming Raven is a story that will have you cheering her on and saying a few prayers along the way.

Make sure you set aside some time when you dive into this one. You are going to need it!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.