Thanks to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: November 3rd, 2020
400 Pages
Synopsis: Kappa Rho Nu isn’t your average sorority. Their parties are notorious. Their fundraisers are known for being Westerly College’s most elaborate affairs. But beneath the veil of Greek life and prestige, the sisters of Kappa Rho Nu share a secret: they’re a coven of witches. For Vivi Devereaux, being one of Kappa Rho Nu’s Ravens means getting a chance to redefine herself. For Scarlett Winters, a bonafide Raven and daughter of a legacy Raven, pledge this year means living up to her mother’s impossible expectations of becoming Kappa Rho Nu’s next president. Scarlett knows she’d be the perfect candidate—that is if she didn’t have one human-sized skeleton in her closet…When Vivi and Scarlett are paired as big and little for initiation, they find themselves sinking into the sinister world of blood oaths and betrayals.
A modern day story about a witchy sorority written by two well-known YA authors? Count me in! And, while there were a few issues I had, I still enjoyed The Ravens. The story is told from the perspective of freshman Vivi, and senior Scarlett, and honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference between each author’s writing. I loved Vivi immediately, but it took me awhile to connect with Scarlett who comes across as your stereotypical snotty sorority girl for a good portion of the book. However, I have to give the prize for best evolution of a character to her. While Vivi is instantly likable and relatable, Scarlett kind of sneaks up on you and becomes the true driving force behind the story. I could have done without the tired tropes of insta-love and love triangles, but thankfully there were so many other interesting elements, they never really took over. While I pretty much guessed who the villain was going to be, there were a few twists before the big reveal that managed to surprise me. The ending ties everything up neatly, but according to the publisher The Ravens is the beginning to a new series. If that’s the case, I’ll definitely be picking up the next book. Overall, despite a few minor glitches, I highly recommend this to fans of Sabrina, The Craft, and American Horror Story: Coven. You’ll noticed I compared this to movies, and that’s because I could visually see this playing out in my head.
Great review, Kim. And that cover is gorgeous!
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Thanks Mae. I think you might like this.
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Another fab review Kim. 🙂
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Thanks Fraggle.🤗
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Good review as always, but it all sounds a bit ‘done before’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s definitely been done before Pete, but there’s just enough originality that sets it apart.
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Good enough then. 🙂
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Don’t you just love it when a character you initially don’t warm up to, ends up getting better in the end?😀 This one doesn’t sound bad, but do agree with Pete a bit for this sounding a bit like a been there done that kind of thing🤔 Still great post as always Kim!😊
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Thanks Michel. It does have a familiar theme, but there are a few original twists which make it different.
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This book sounds very good, Kim. I like reading stories about USA sorority houses and fraternities.
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You should definitely give this a try Robbie.☺️
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Great review! I have this one pre-ordered. Definitely looking forward to reading it.
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Thanks! I’d love to know what you think of it.
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You’re welcome!
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It makes me want to read this too Kim! I love plots around witches!
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You’ve got to read this Sophie!
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I love your review, its so detailed, and the comparisons are so helpful! The cover is gorgeous too! I can’t wait to check out think book 🙂
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Thanks. I try to express my feelings without giving away any spoilers.
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I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds very interesting. I might give it a shot! Great review!
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I think this is definitely your cup of tea!
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