I've read some of Morgan L. Busse's books in the past, and I really enjoy her command of allegory. Mark of the Raven, the first book in The Ravenwood Saga is another great addition to her resume.

The story follows two main characters. The first is Lady Selene who is the heir to one of the Great House of Ravenwood. On the outside they look like a normal noble family, and many of the others pity them because they lost their gifting centuries before. But they hold a great secret. Their gifting of dreamwalking was never lost at all, and they use it to whatever means necessary to help their people and keep their legacy alive, even to the point of murder.

The other main character is Damien, who is the grand lord of the Great House of Maris. He follows the Light, and his desire, as well as the desire of his late father, is to see the houses united in order to protect themselves against the Empire which tore them apart so many years before. His house doesn't have secrets, except maybe just how powerful their water gifting is, and how much they desire unity.

The opposing goals of Damien and Selene's mother pit them against each other in what could be a deadly showdown. But Selene sees something in Damiene, some light which she can't understand. She just knows she wants whatever he has. But will she be willing to give up everything, including her life, to get it?

I thought the characters were well done, and I was definitely cheering for them both. And we were given enough background information on some of the minor characters to really understand the motivation behind their actions. The storybuilding was great, and I thought the allegory was well done and not too "in your face." It seemed natural for their world.

I only had two complaints, and they're pretty minor so I'd really give this 4.5 stars. One is pretty silly in that the female assassin being named Selene reminded me of a female assassin in another book with a very similar (if spelled completely different) name. While the stories and characters were pretty different, there were enough similarities that it was jarring at times. My other problem was that I found myself skipping over paragraphs here and there. I'm not really sure why because the pacing was good, and there were enough details, but not too many. Maybe it was because I wanted to see what happened next so quickly, but in order to give the book 5 stars I probably should have wanted to read every word.

This was a wonderful book. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next one, and I plan on going back to read some of her other books again.

There are few fantasy novels that I actually love, I mean I have plenty that I like, but love. This is one that I LOVE.!!! The adventurous, spellbinding plot mixed with tension and family drama. The intriguing and interesting characters were very fascinating. It just kept getting better. What a start to a new series. I for one cannot wait until the next book in the series come out, I am fascinated to see where this story will lead us.

Some books are amazing, others spellbinding and just a rare few are perfect.

Mark of the Raven is all those things and more.

In a fast paced plot, Busse tells a story of gifted nobles houses, treacherous plots, family secrets and murders at midnight.

I love dual POVs and Selene and Damien became instant favorites (I mean, it takes talent to make me cheer and ship a twosome who might become a onesome if one party follows through with their mission off RIPing the other).

But there's something else that has me reaching for this book again and again - something unique. Sure, the story is exciting, the characters engaging and the stakes are high. But we've all read that formula before. Mark of the Raven stands a rare breed with another layer and level beyond plot and drama. This is a story with soul, one that reaches into the raw, vulnerable places of the human makeup. Busse doesn't shy away from the hard questions, the kicks to the conscience, the laying bare of the desperate search and need we all have for something Other.

" Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."

I look forward to more from this series ... like seriously, I need the next book now (actually last weekend would have sufficed) *cue pacing*

Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, an interesting tale of fantasy and intrigue. Selene comes of age and into her power of dreamwalking but the uses of her power leave her confused and desperate to not do it anymore. A contract to kill the only one who can unite the kingdom is placed into her hands, what will she do with it?

I have heard a number of good things about Morgan Busse's writings, but I haven't gotten around to reading any of her novels yet. Mark of the Raven was my first attempt at her fantasy novel. I enjoy Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Harry Potter, so fantasy can be handled well and enjoyed. Mark of the Raven had a hint of Potter with the seven houses and the word Raven, but the similarities end there. Busse goes into a completely different direction. A direction that I actually enjoyed. I really enjoyed how she created Selene as a character who had a heart and wanted more of out of her life than the gift she was supposed to use. She saw the evil in it and choose a different path, even though she knew it would upset her family. Damien carries around some heavy burdens and promises to bring light to the world he lives in. The plot does have moments where nothing really happens but watching Selene use her gifts, so it became repeatable at times, but the plot moves along at a nice pace, sweeping me along for the ride. Overall, Mark of the Raven by Morgan Busse is a different fantasy novel with sweeping and wounded characters. The novel ended on a cliff-hanger, and I anxiously await to see what happens next. Fans of Patrick Carr might enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Mark of the Raven by Morgan Busse from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

I found this book to be a very solid fantasy story. I thought all of the characters were written very well, and I was really invested in them. The actual plot for this book was fast paced, and had some unique moments. All in all this is a good read, especially if you are a big fantasy fan.

Selene is heir to her family's gift of dreamwalking, and is being trained by her mother to learn all the skills, including killing. But there is something that tugs at Selene, and she wonders if the glory her mother seeks is really her destiny. After walking in Lord Damien's dreams, she finds out that there may be something better.

Mark of the Raven is a great story in several ways. First, the characters are well developed and relatable. Morgan L. Busse did a good job in explaining the personalities and appearances of the each character so that the reader could imagine how they looked and acted. Their struggles are understandable, especially as they deal with past hurts and wanting more than selfish desires. Selene is not convinced that the hatred her mother tries to instill in her is worth it. She wonders if the Light she has heard about is what she longs for in her heart.

The plot moves along and hold your attention. As you read, you are caught up in the story and want to keep reading to find out how what will happen next.

The story as a whole serves as a good illustration of our lives. Trying to live under our own counsel, we misuse the skills God has given us. When we follow Him, He gives us gifts and wisdom to better use our skills, and to look beyond our own lives to how we can help others. Just like the characters, we struggle with making wise choices and doing what is right, even if it is inconvenient, or worse, for us.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.