The Uncanny Raven Winston is the second audiobook in Tammie Painter’s Cassie Black series. Our protagonist, Cassie Black, was magic-overdosed, which is presenting a problem. One that catches Magic HQ’s attention, and she has been summoned to London in this cozy urban fantasy narrated by Samantha Desz.
by Tammie Painter
Series: Cassie Black #2
Narrator: Samantha Desz
Length: 10 hours and 17 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
There's nothing like an evil wizard to ruin a perfectly good trip to London.
Ever have one of those weeks? You've taken an overdose of magic, you've just melted a twelve-year old girl, and Magic HQ has sent a letter "requesting" you come by to discuss your magic control issues.
No? Just me then?
I don't want to go. I've got a boss in a wheelchair (my fault), a zombie cat who demands his treats on schedule, and no interest in sorting out the quirks of another magical community.
But when someone slips me information tying my parents' disappearance to HQ, I can't pack my bags quickly enough.
I'm soon destroying historical displays, befriending befuddled ghosts, and focusing more on uncovering the truth about my past than on learning how to rein in my magic. Which, since HQ has a test for me that if I fail . . . Well, best not to think about that.
If you like contemporary comic fantasy with unforgettable characters, snarky humor, and a touch of paranormal mystery—or if you've ever wondered what those garden gnomes are really up to—you'll find it hard to pry yourself away from The Uncanny Raven Winston.
While Painter does a good job of bringing the listener up to speed, I recommend listening to this series in the order of its release. You’ll want to understand exactly how our mortician assistant ends up with involved in the magical community.
After the events of the Undead Mr. Tenpenny, Cassie is spending more time in the magical community trying to train or get a handle of the power she has. The problem is our snarky, self-doubting protagonist is struggling to contain the power she accidentally harnessed.
Unfortunately, Magical HQ has got wind of her powers and she has been summoned to London for testing. If she fails, she could lose all of her powers. Cassie needs to focus, but she has questions about her parents and isn’t sure who to trust. Not to mention a certain evil villain would like his power back. The tale that unfolds was action packed and provided some answers for Cassie, but this tale is far from over.
Cassie frustrated me a little. She really struggles with trust, particularly a handsome Warlock. The two have undeniable chemistry, but fear and trust issues hinder progress. Cassie’s cynical snark is more a fail-safe to being hurt and I am hoping we see growth as her confidence grows.
This story has it all. Mystery, mayhem, and plenty of laughter. I loved the London setting and new characters we encounter, particularly Nigel, who tries to be a tour guide but mixes up all the historical facts. Secondary characters, magical battles and plenty of action kept me listening.
Samantha Desz has really captured Cassie’s personality, insecurities, and often dry humor. I highly recommend listening to the series.
About Tammie Painter
Author of humorous fantasy whodunits full of mythical misfits and magical mishaps When she's not creating worlds or killing off characters, she can be found gardening, planning her next travel adventure, concocting some sort of mess in the kitchen, or working as an unpaid servant to three cats and a guinea pig
About Samantha Desz
Samantha Desz is a classically trained actor with extensive theater experience. She also is an experienced voice actor, working on a variety of long form voice-over projects. Samantha has a passion for learning about different cultures and lifestyles. She's lived around the US and in London, England, called New York City home for nearly twenty years, and is currently living in the Midwest.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I might have to give this series a try, it does sound good. And I love the covers that are just red, white, and black. Very eye-catching. Great review!
Sophie
Despite the trust issues, that seems like a good and funny read to me! Something I would enjoy too.
Tammie
Aww, thanks for the lovely review, Kimberly! And, I’ll admit, Cassie’s defense mechanisms and mistrust frustrated me at times (hmmm… a bit too close to my own flaws, perhaps?). But the chemistry was such fun to write. Thanks again : )
Anne - Books of My Heart
It sounds like I would like it but I think I’m overbooked at the moment and can’t get myself to add it to my TBR.
Sophia Rose
This series of cozy UF do sound like a fun listen though yes, a character who holds onto mistrust overly long can get frustrating.