What Amazon says
As she let her gaze drift around her, she saw that there were more birds. Perhaps a dozen or so, perched among the trees that stood on the edge of the clearing. And yet more were arriving, swooping down through the gap overhead and landing on branches that overlooked them. The birds weren’t threatening, yet the sight of them all coming together in this dark and isolated spot was unnerving. Tanya reached a hand out towards Martin, and was relieved to feel him take it. She felt him move in behind her. After the uncertainty she’d experienced with him in a similar position only a few moments ago, she recognised the irony of her reaction. His closeness offered security.
“You know what they are, don’t you?”
A stranger’s arrival in a small village coincides with a tragic accident. For the Gates family in particular it’s more than a coincidence, but unease increases following a brutal attack. As tensions rise, a dark past returns to haunt them and others, while newcomers to the village are drawn into a mystery with terrifying consequences.
And only a select few know why the ravens are gathering.
My review
Martin Gates suffers from a recurring nightmare. In the dream his 8-year old self is awoken by the call of the drums. He follows the sound to a clearing in the woods in his home village where he is confronted by a horrific and traumatic sight. Unfortunately, Martin is never able to identify the source of his horror. He has experienced the dreams, on and off, throughout his life but recently they have become more and more frequent. Martin feels he is being called back to his home village.
Martin travels home and is not given a hero’s welcome by either the people of the village or his own family. In fact, he is actively rejected by his family who do not want to see him. His unexpected arrival coincides with a terrible accident by a physically disabled member of the community and he becomes a suspect in the case.
Martin meets Tanya, the attractive but bored and resentful wife of an older man who bought one of the local farms and is building houses to sell on the land. Tanya invites Martin to stay in their guest accommodation. Martin’s presence in their home has the unfortunate result of drawing the unhappy couple into his investigation into the source of his dreams and the reason he felt compelled to return to his home town.
Martin is not the only recent arrival in the village. Someone far more evil has arrived and he is determined to carry out his own agenda and make the villagers suffer as much as possible.
I loved this book of just over 500 pages. I thought this was a well-written, entertaining and unique storyline and I was impressed that I did not get bored or skip pages throughout my reading of this book.
Martin is an interesting character and the author certainly leads the readers on a bit of a song and dance before revealing Martin’s more admirable character traits. I grew to like Martin more and more as the book progressed. Tanya was a spoiled and silly woman but, when the chips were down, she responded most sensibly and showed loyalty and love for her estranged husband.
This book is not for people who are sensitive as there are parts of this story that are very brutal and almost depraved. All in, I thought this was an excellent read and would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good horror story.
I rated this book five out of five stars on Amazon.
Lovely review Robbie!
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This is a very creepy book, Ritu. The ending is quite shocking.
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I’ve read the blurb…
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Ooooo, sounds like an awesome read. Plus, I like ravens.
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If you like a dark this is a great read. The ending would be disturbing for some people. I think ravens are quite creepy. Thanks for visiting, Priscilla.
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Who doesn’t like ravens?!
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Thank you very much for this kind review, Robbie. And for sharing it so widely
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My pleasure, Graeme. A terrific book. When is the next one coming out?
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I’d love to give you an exact date, Robbie, but it’s currently undergoing yet another rewrite. I’m hoping it’ll be worth the wait, though.
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Excellent!
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You have me hooked.
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I really enjoyed this book, Bryan.
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It sounds like a great story, Robbie. But thanks for your warning about it getting brutal. Some people might say that is just a part of horror, so I don’t see it as a bad thing in a horror book. However, because of that part it’s probably wouldn’t be the book for me. I appreciate this mindful review. Happy Valentine’s Day hugs!
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I loved this book, Teagan, but the ending could be quite disturbing to some people.
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That’s why it’s important for readers to pay attention to the genre. For me to complain that this story was horrifying would be like someone complaining that my urban fantasy Atonement stories have magic.
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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I have always meant to read this book, as I love the cover. Reading your review, Roberta, has clinched it!
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This is a great review – I am suitably scared and compelled!
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There’s just something about a conspiracy of ravens that creeps me out. Insightful review, Robbie, thanks!
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Sounds like a scary story Robbie… great review..hugsx
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