The Raven Song by Luanne G. Smith

The Raven Song (A Conspiracy of Magic, #2)

by Luanne G. Smith

Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils—both mortal and immortal.

Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents’ disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister’s questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can’t get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina’s sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she’s only beginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it’s Edwina’s to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic—in this world or the Other—will tell.

Reviewed by annieb123 on

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Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Raven Song is the second book in a lush and engaging historical fantasy mystery series by Luanne G. Smith. Released 11th Oct 2022 by Amazon on their 47 North imprint, it's 269 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The first book in the series, The Raven Spell, is also currently available on KU. 

This is a non-linear story, full of side trips and impressive world building. Despite having a curse/ruthless killer subplot, there's not a huge amount of dramatic tension, and I found it a relaxing and enjoyable read. The author is adept at storytelling and there's also a significant romance subplot. The book is a fantasy mystery, and there's shifter/witch/supernatural/fae content. 

There are two books available in the series now, this is the second (and it's currently available on KU), making it a good bet for a short weekend mini-binge read. Some of the word choices were a bit iffy, and the book would have benefited from being worked over by a ruthless editor, but it's eminently readable and enjoyable in its current form. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours and 46 minutes and is capably narrated by Susannah Jones. She has a well modulated light/neutral American accent and does a good (mostly unobtrusive) job with the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four stars. Readers who enjoy Deanna Raybourn, Anna Lee Huber, Tasha Alexander, et. al., will likely enjoy this book. It's got more fantasy/magical elements than the aforementioned, but sits largely within the same subgenre. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

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Reading updates

  • 3 April, 2023: Started reading
  • 3 April, 2023: Finished reading
  • 3 April, 2023: Reviewed