ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited about this book and, sadly, was a bit disappointed. I just couldn't really get into it no matter how many times I set it aside before coming back. Most of the characters were interesting, but I just really, really couldn't stand the Princess. She kept acting like she was a child of five years instead of a princess about ready to change her whole life. I might try to give this book another chance again, but not until I finish my whole pile that needs to be read.

I've seen this book all over the bookstagrammer world and so I thought to myself, why not... now I'm going to read it.

When I started reading it, I was catapulted into a magical world, as the synopsis promises, a retelling of Tristan and Isolde.

The cover story knows how to get the reader's attention, tells you to buy it, and you do it.

The Raven and the Dove, despite the wonderful cover, I think it's a story easy enough to read and spend time with.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity!

The Raven and The Dove is one of those books that draws you in if you enjoy vaguely described magic systems. There is no deep dive into the magical system in the book, so the reader gets to concentrate on the actual storyline and characters. The book sports two protagonists who are both equally likable although one is a bit angst-y. I'm not a fan of magic so there where parts of the book that weren't quite for me. That said, the plot is solid, the characters are not offputting, and the storyline flows.

Star-crossed lovers, dragons, magic, a secret war, and deceit.

The story presents a well developed world in the sky filled with humans gifted with flight. Magic is banned and a dark practice reminiscent of the past. Enter Lyana, the defiant and loving Princess of the House of peace and a Dove. She desires traveling below the mist and among the other houses. And with the mating trials coming, she gets her opportunity! Accompanied by her sassy friend Cassi, a girl with secrets, the two begin a prophesied journey. Rafe and Xander are half brothers of the House of Whispers and are Ravens. Their relationship is tested throughout the story and pushed to many limits.

The flow of the story moves at a good pace with three clear distinct plots. The plot follows the standard trend of love triangle, defying orders, and the start of a war. Thus, it is fairly predictable but still engaging. The lore created by Davis for each house was well written and captivating.

I'm looking forward to the next book!

I enjoyed this title so much! I thought the plot was so intriguing, and the characterization very strong! The description used by the author was so evocative I felt transported, and I kept turning until the very last page. I think the cover is very cute - I'll be sure to purchase this for my store!

I'm not going to lie, the cover is what attracted me to the book. It is absolutely stunning. The novel itself...I'm in two minds. The first half I really liked. Lyanna is a good heroine even though she acts like a spoilt princess at times. She's vibrant and determined. Rafe is the bastard son of the dead king consort. The romance was a bit meh. I just wasn't feeling it. The brothers thing is just so overdone. I do however, like a good prophecy so I liked that aspect of the book. I enjoyed the world building. I liked the avian type species but the courtship trials was another aspect that I felt is overdone in YA. I think therein lies my issue with a lot of YA. A lot of it has been done before so for a YA series to keep my attention, the execution of various tropes has to be good. The Raven and the Dove was okay. The cliffhanger ending has made me want to read book 2 but it's not something I would wait for with bated breath.

I tried this book and I just could not get into it. I think its just not my favorite writing style but I can see how others would really like it. I kept putting it down for other books and not feeling motivated to pick it back up. I did end up DNFing around 45 percent. I think some people will really enjoy this story but its just not for me.

I had such high hopes for this book, it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020!

I found the story and world interesting. I'm really intrigued by the floating islands and would like to know more about them and explore some of the other islands. The concept of the winged bird people was something I enjoyed, the different characteristics for each were fun to learn about and I'd have happily read more about the different birds and houses.

Although this book is over 500 pages, I wished that certain parts of the story had been expanded upon. The trials for example, they were mentioned throughout the book and played an integral part of the plot, but we barely saw any of the action! I'd have rather had more time spent of the trials as they had the potential to be very interesting.

The relationship in the book between Race and Lyana felt a bit insta-lovey, which is something I'm not a fan of. I understand that they had this secret, forbidden thing bonding them, but we didn't see enough of them at the trials together for the insta love to really make sense.

The book ended on a cliffhanger and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to find out what happens in the next book. However, the last 50 pages of the book really changed my opinion on the story as a whole and has me questioning if I do want to continue with the series. I really can't get past Cassi cutting Rafe's wings off. Especially as she knows the pain that has caused her mother. I don't care how much she cares about her king (he seemed pretty dodgy to me), you don't cut a birds wings off!! I found that I really couldn't get over that and it dropped the book down to a 3 star.

If world building was the only aspect I was looking at, I would give this book all the stars. Different avian kingdoms (all birds, different kinds) come together to participate in a contest where they choose their next queen/king through a series of tests. Davis takes her own sweet time to develop these kingdoms, with their special features and nature and their standing in the entire kingdom. The Sea of Mist is well described, giving it the villainous voice it deserves. There is a spy hiding in plain sight, there's magic that exists but whose purpose cannot be ascertained and there are Dragons (you'll be disappointed, I promise).

But the whole love story fell flat. Lyanna is hot tempered and used to getting her way. She is fierce when required, takes risks and is way too excited about things for her own good. Xander is her mate (ignore him, because everyone else does). Then there's Rafe, the bastard (I'm sure that has your attention), misunderstood, broody and stubborn. Also the guy Lyanna is in love (?) with. This slow-burn romance doesn't burn at all. The chemistry is missing, there's no character development and the whole angle is absurd.

The twist and turns, however, had my attention because things truly happened (in an earth shaking manner). The cliffhanger at the end is making me look forward to the next book and I just hope that the author rectifies the problematic areas because God knows, this story has potential.

An enchanting, magical, fantasy read that retells the story of Tristan and Isolde.

Synopsis:

A princess longing to be free...

On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.

A bastard aching to belong...

Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother, Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart...
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea ten thousand feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy story. I have read a lot of ya fantasies and this is a first of its kind. It’s so, intriguing about a world that floats above the sea of fog and which avian people live.

I love how the author has also created such diverse characters in the story. It’s refreshing to read.

I am left with wanting to know more about this world and what will happen to the characters.

If you’re a fan of Sarah J Maas then you will enjoy this epic tale.

I give this book ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️‘s

Thank you to Kaitlyn Davis and Netgalley for my free copy of The Raven and The Dove for an honest review.

This book is so hyped. I read this and there are some points in the book that bore me. The story was good, unique, and lovely. That cover is a gem!

This was a bit of a slow build for me, but the imagery for the kingdoms and their subjects pulled me in. The characters and their distinctive traits and characteristics were interesting and were seemingly ornithological in nature. I could have also been distracted by how everyone had wings. Wings! The dynamic between the primary four characters, despite the overhaul of well-placed broodiness Rafe brings into the fold, shows promise for a strong loyalty in later additions to the series. This is one of those YA titles that renew my interest in the genre and provide a need to read the next book.

Book Review: The Raven and the Dove by @kaitlyndavisbooks

4 stars

I was SO excited to read this book...have you seen that cover 😍?!
The story is based in a world which is split in 2. The "god chosen" live on blocks of earth in the sky and are humans with wings. There are many different groups: angelic doves, wise owls, fast hummingbirds, strong ravens, vicious birds of prey and stunning birds of paradise. As a bird lover the imagery the writing evoked in my mind was stunning, especially during the mating trials. I also thought the research of the different bird traits was the best I've read so far.

The book follows 4 main characters and POV.
Lyana is the dove princess who is strong, passionate and excitable. I loved her spirit even though she was a little spoilt at times. She cares for others and puts them before herself.
Rafe is the Raven bastard who is the love interest with Lyana (insta love). He is dark and brooding but we see a lighter side to him too. He is loyal despite his dark past being an excuse to not be. I really liked him.
There is Xander, Rafe's half brother and the prince of the Ravens. He is an unassuming, bookish & kind guy who you can't help but like. He only has one hand and it was interesting to see how his disability affects his mental health and life in general. Finally there is Cassi, Lyana's best friend. She is an owl orphan that loves with the Doves.
Magic is a big theme in the book. Certain characters have magical skills, although I won't spoil it by saying who! There is also dragons as well!
My few problems with the book surround the pacing and detail. I found it to be way too fast paced and often wished it would slow down and show scenes in more detail.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I was engaged and there were enough twists and turns to keep it exciting. I recommend it to those that enjoy YA fantasy!
Please note that this book was #gifted from @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Before I start the quick review, I need to do something so please excuse me for a Sec...

*SCREAMS*

Ok, now that that’s done.

This book is A-flipping-MAZING! Like wow, what took me so Long to read this! So I requested for this book because of the forbidden romance element (it’s probably my second favourite romance trope) and I expected some sizzling tensions and some emotional moments...BUT I DIDN’T EXPECT IT TO BE SO HEARTWRENCHING 😭 I didn’t expect to be so torn about how I feel. The romance seriously just pulled my heart out of my chest and played with it endlessly. And I honestly couldn’t be happier because it’s been so Long since I’ve had a romance like this. 👍🏼

Also, the magic system is so unique and captivating and interesting and ... AMAZING?! The different houses and powers and symbolism - it’s seriously so good! I love it 🤩💗

Full review on my blog!

Exceptional world building. The setting is beyond unique.
Kaitlyn Davis is a new to me author and she definitely set the bar high for future installments in the series.
I really loved Rafe. He's probably my favorite character. I have a love hate relationship with Cass but I think that makes me like the book even more because you feel pretty strongly about each character.
All in all, a really great young adult fantasy novel. It's book one in a new series so the pacing is a little slower as we learn about the characters, their back stories, and the world, but this book is absolutely bingeworthy and that cover....so effing beautiful

I tried reading the first few chapters, but the writing was rough and the storyline seemed too similar to Sarah J. Maas' work.

4.5 stars.
OH MY GOSH THAT WAS INTENSE.
I really loved this gorgeous retelling of Tristan & Isolde - the characters (morally grey! sweet and sensitive! a little erratic!), the setting, the fantasy elements, the twists and turns, the relationships, everything!
I cannot wait for book 2.

Thank you, NetGalley and the author for the chance to read this book.

DNF

This is a classic case of "it's me, not you". I initially requested this book for its gorgeous cover and interesting synopsis, but unfortunately, it wasn't really my cup of tea. I definitely see why people love this but I'm not meshing with any of the characters and the world is confusing, plus there are way too many POVs. I may come back to this novel in the future, but I'm putting it down for now.

2.5-3 stars

I'm sorry to say that this book didn't work for me like I wanted it to. It had all the promise and makings of a good YA fantasy but I knew early on that it wasn't 'biting' for me. THE RAVEN AND THE DOVE was a fantasy built around human/bird beings of different species. The characters were inviting in their description and there was nothing I particularly disliked about the main characters apart from Cassi (who made me smell a rat) and the sea king. Rafe, Xander and Lyana were interesting but not exciting.

My difficulties with this book, that left me in the dissatisfied/okay zone, related to a chaotic plot. I felt like many plot devices and story lines were mish-mashed into the story and I would have preferred a little less going on; it would still have had enough happening with a little less, if that makes sense. I hated the butchery of where the plot ended up and I don't honestly know how I feel about carrying on with the series.

I did like the descriptions of the physical geography of this world, the world above and below. There were dragons (just a little), magic, gods and deceit. I read this as a buddy read with Tilly Bookish Spoonie, so I do advise checking out her positive thoughts as a comparison to my experience.

Thank you to the author for the review copy through netgalley.

What happens when you take one of the most famous love triangles in medieval literature and add a dash of fantasy with a handful of feathers? You get The Raven and the Dove by Kaitlyn Davis.

The Raven and the Dove is the tale of two starcrossed lovers: Lyana, princess of the doves, and Rafe, the illegitimate brother of the prince of the ravens. A whirlwind romance leaves them both in an impossible place, stuck between their feelings for each other and their political positions. While this is happening in the skies, in the world below, a conspiracy rages as King Malek seeks to fulfill an age-old prophecy, using whatever means necessary.

My favorite part about this whole book is the beautifully lush world-building. I love the concept of the different avian cultures and the lore behind the magic system. It's all wonderfully fantastical and makes me excited to read more stories set in this realm. I also quite liked the backstories of each of the characters and how they were shaped by the circumstances which were out of their control.

That being said, this book was certainly always going to have to fight an uphill battle. Love triangles are notoriously difficult to pull off, and this one struggled a fair bit. In the best love triangles, you feel equally torn between both options, creating an absolute maelstrom of emotions. For this triangle between Lyana, Rafe, and Xander, I couldn't bring myself to root for Lyana and Rafe, our Iseult and Tristan analogs, because I could not get fully invested in their romance. To me, it was too fueled in physical attraction and wonder without either party bonding over their own insecurities and similarities. As such, by the time the great reveal happened, I did not believe in the romance enough to quite justify Lyana's continued tolerance of Rafe with the betrayal hanging over them.

The whole time, I was rooting instead for Xander, who worked so hard to make the relationship work despite everything. He, too, is caught between a rock and a hard place, trying to be a good man despite having his happiness snatched away from him. My sympathy for Lyana and Rafe always dissipated whenever I thought about what they were doing to him, and that made this book incredibly frustrating in the worst way possible. In fact, at the climax when he gets stabbed in the heart, I feel a smidge more horror than when Rafe gets his wings cut off, just based on how attached I am to him.

You know what they say: bros before hoes.

At the very least, we have an interesting player in Cassi, who has her own fair share of secrets. The end of the first book places her in a unique position to act as her own agent for the first time in her life. But she's in for a lot once the truth comes out. Can't wait to see that whole thing unravel.

The setup for the rest of the series is intriguing enough given how many tantalizing hints about the world below we've been given. This book falls into a very predictable plot structure, but since most first books in a series do, I'll give it a pass. Here's to hoping that the plot gets more windy and complex with the rest of the series.