Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Katharine Lee McEwan, Raven Unveiled by Grace Draven is the third audiobook in the Fallen Empire romantic fantasy series. Siora & Gharek’s story delivered suspense, danger and romance as they traversed the killing fields of the collapsing Krael Empire.

A woman with the gift to speak to the dead—and the assassin pursuing her—may be the only chance a crumbling empire has of holding back true evil, in this electrifying fantasy romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Siora has been on the run for longer than she cares to remember, from her past and her gift. Born with the ability to see and speak to ghosts, she has heard their desperate pleas as an otherworldly predator stalks the dead amid the fertile killing fields of the collapsing Krael Empire. The creature’s power and reach are growing with every soul it consumes, but Siora is preoccupied with her own troubles: namely an assassin who has sworn an oath of vengeance against her.

Gharek of Cabast was once the right-hand man of the reviled empress but is now a wanted fugitive. Although his reasons for hunting Siora are viscerally personal, what Gharek can’t anticipate is that when he finally does find her, she will hold the key to saving his world, or what’s left of it. To make good on old debts and protect the vulnerable dead from a malevolent force, Gharek and Siora will both need to make an ally out of an enemy—and trust that will be enough to save each other

It has been two years since the second audiobook Dragons Unleashed published and I felt disoriented going into Raven Unveiled. Thankfully, my review and a re-listen to the last few chapters of the previous book brought me up to speed and reminded me of Siora’s role. While each audio features its own romance, the story arc and world demand that you listen to these in the order of their release.

Once again I was pulled into this world Draven has created and found myself impressed. One of the most wanted men in the falling empire, Gharek of Cabast, the dead empress’s former cat’s paw (assassin) is ruthlessly seeking the woman who betrayed not only him, but his beloved daughter, Estred. Siora is that woman. She believes she acted in the best interest of Gharek and Estred. The tale that unfolds delivers a merry chase, battles, danger and a greater threat.

Siora can speak to the dead, and yields untapped power. She will protest that she is not a necromancer, and indeed her skill set is unique. She is clever, adores Estred and has a soft spot for Gharek, even if he frustrates her.

Their chase is set against the darkness that has enveloped all the kingdom after the empress’s fall. Others seek power, and both are hunted. Gharek for his former position and Siora by a dark phantom who is gobbling up the dead in the fields of the fallen. I found the threads concerning the dead and Siora’s own talents fascinating.

The author delivers swoons, tender moments, suspense and nail-biting battle scenes that kept me on edge. The characters are ones I connected to. I truly admired Siora and loved the growth and sacrifice we witnessed. The romance that developed felt genuine as their snark & bite was laced with chemistry.

Katharine Lee McEwan narrated and brought both Siora and Gharek to life. Through tone, accent, and pacing, their emotions and personalities shone. Her secondary character voices were spot on. Her overall narrative enhanced this well-written fantasy.

The story began slowly and build up momentum until I could barely pause as I listened to the climatic ending. Draven gave us an epilogue, one which I appreciated. I am not sure if this was a trilogy or if the series will continue. Whatever the case, I will be on the lookout for her next release.

Amazon | Audible

About Grace Draven

Grace Draven is a Louisiana native living in Texas with her husband, kids and a big, doofus dog. She is the winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice for Best Fantasy Romance of 2016 and a USA Today Bestselling author.

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About Katharine Lee McEwan

Katharine Lee McEwan is an award-winning British actress, writer, producer, and voice-over artist. Her narration has garnered her multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards. In addition to other accomplishments, Katharine’s feature film Solitary (which she wrote, produced, and starred in) won sixteen festival awards and opened both the Chelsea Film Festival and the London Independent Film Festival, where it won Best Film UK Feature.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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