Raven‘s Rise

I’ve followed the entire series so far, and I can’t put the books down! Raven’s Rise was the perfect mix of everything I could ask for in a book, I can’t wait to read the last of the series.

Rafe has been a knight on the Tournament Circuit since his actions caused a rift in the small group of friends with whom he grew up, and with whom he had fought in the war for King Stephen. Angelet is the widow of the oldest son of the Baron of Dryton Manor. She suffers from a condition that causes her to have visions occasionally, and because of it, many of the manor’s residents are wary of her.

Rafe agrees to lead a small band of young men on a mission to guard a member of Lord Otto Yarborough’s household on a journey. They discover at dinner the day of their arrival that they will be taking Angelet to a nunnery. This is not Angelet’s desire or decision, nor did she know of it before hand. Her father-in-law tells her that the physicians at the nunnery may be able to cure her condition. He also makes it clear that she will not be allowed to see her young son who is fostered with another family, unless she complies.

It was an eventful journey. There were attacks by robbers, including one of their own. And as they travel, Rafe and Angelet fall in love. After the first attack, Rafe and Angelet escaped the battle and continued with out the rest of their companions. In an attack a few days later, Angelet was injured so badly that Rafe was forced to take her to Cleobury, a place where he was sure he would be punished for past misdeeds. Angelet recovers, but their trouble is not over. Before they can move on with their lives, Rafe must confront his past – he does, all of it, and Angelet must decide what she truly wants for her future. Can they win their battles, the ones brought to them by enemies and the ones within themselves? It won’t be easy. But they won’t be alone.

Raven’s Rise is the third installment of the SwordCrossed Knights series. The story is action-packed, full of adventure, fighting, kidnapping, mystery, and romance. It’s a page-turner that keeps your interest from the beginning to the end. It is intense in places, lighter in others. There are a few surprises, two really nice ones near the end of the story. I highly recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

I liked the plot and all the intrigues. I read books 1,2 and 3. I didn’t appreciate the many and repeated erotic sex portions. One or maybe 2 would have been enough.
I hope the next series would be more historic and less erotic.