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Raven Flight (Shadowfell #2)

by Juliet Marillier (Goodreads Author)

4.04 · Rating Details · 4,807 Ratings · 468 Reviews

Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil ...more

ebook, 416 pages

Published July 9th 2013 by Knopf Books for Young Readers (first published July 1st 2013)

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New YA July 2013

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Oct 24, 2015 Jessica ❁ ➳ Silverbow ➳ ❁ Rabid Reads rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fae, fantasy, ya, some-kinda-magic, favorites-ya, best-of-the-best, the-book-boy-is-mine, favorite-secondary-characters, rabid-reads-reviews, i-cried, cover-whore, that-bastard, it-burns-us-precious

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads

4.5 stars

I wasn’t very impressed with the first installment of this trilogy . . . BUT I’m a big enough fan of Marillier, and I saw enough glimpses of the excellence I’ve come to expect from her, that it wasn’t too difficult to make myself continue with the series.

I. Am. SO glad.

Raven Flight was everything I expected Shadowfell to be. Ominous foreshadowings, beautifully imagined Fae creatures (and by “beautifully” I don’t mean pretty—I mean convincingly alien creatures to ...more

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Jul 22, 2013 Khanh (the Grinch) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorites, ya, alternate-universe, on-the-run, fairies, magic, action, kick-ass-heroine, quest, siblings, fantasy, awesome-guy

"Let there be a time in the future, I prayed, when he laughs with his children, and plays on the shore with them, and spends all his nights in loving arms. Let us have that. To whom I was praying I did not know. The future was in our own hands. If we wanted a world where such things were possible, it was for us to make it."

I have read a number of sequels this year that have let me down. Second book syndrome, third book syndrome, you name it. Generally, if I like the first book in the series, t

"Let there be a time in the future, I prayed, when he laughs with his children, and plays on the shore with them, and spends all his nights in loving arms. Let us have that. To whom I was praying I did not know. The future was in our own hands. If we wanted a world where such things were possible, it was for us to make it."

I have read a number of sequels this year that have let me down. Second book syndrome, third book syndrome, you name it. Generally, if I like the first book in the series, the subsequent ones will be lacking in some sense. Usually the fault lies within characterization. The first book generally develops the character, and all the development stops as soon as the second book begins. A good plot is always more than welcome, but it takes a hell of a lot more than that to develop a good story. I have been a long-time fan of Juliet Marillier; she has always a masterful storyteller and writer, and I am pleased to say that this book is an excellent continuation of this series. I don't think I need to say much on the quality of her writing; if you have read any of her previous books, you will know that Juliet Marillier's writing is beautiful, evocative, while avoiding the trap of being Dickensianly verbose. Her dialogue is believable, her dialects beautifully done, and written so well that despite their pervasiveness, I have no cause for complaints.

Let me digress for a bit while we're on the topic of dialects; in a lot of romance novels involving Irish or Scottish characters, the local dialect is more often than not, intolerable. Laughable. A mockery. They're of the Willie-the-Groundskeeper bent, if you need a little The Simpsons reference in your day. Ach! Ye ken, lassie. Ah, dinna fash yerself, laddie., and so on, and so forth. More often than not, such portrayal of Celtic dialects have me wincing and wondering why the collective countries of Scotland and Ireland do not issue some sort of ultimatum to romance writers everywhere involving the portrayal of their people's speech.

While the dialect of the Little People, the Good Folk, the Fey Folk, whatever you want to call them, is almost aurally transcribed, it is so well-done and so consistently done, that I find no reason to roll my eyes at all. The speech, the accent, the distinctive ways of speaking all feels completely in tune with the book's setting and characters. For example:

"'Guards?' Steep spoke with derision. 'Ye mean them in the ha'? Just for show, they are, save for the Twa. The real fighters, we're a' doon below. We're the strong backbone o' this place; wi'oot the likes o' us, wha'd keep the Southies in check?'"

Back to the meat of the book itself. This book is about learning, bravery, sacrifice. About overcoming your own principles and morals for the greater good. About surrending your own short-term wishes and dreams for the chance at a brighter future. About hope, about holding on to that hope when all seems lost. Lest I give the wrong impression about this book because of my high praises, this book is not saccharine sweet. There is no such thing as saccharine sweetness in a Juliet Marillier novel. The events in this book is harsh, unforgiving; life is difficult, people die, friends and strangers alike. There is no such thing as a "safe" character in this series. Beware to whom you get attached, because you might lose them. Still, life goes on, and the living must continue to live and fight and save the mourning for another day. There is no time for mourning, no time for weakness, because the enemy will use that weakness against you, given an iota of a chance.

This is not a standalone book, it is very much a continuation of a series, and while there is a small bit of summary of previous events, you will be hopelessly lost if you have not read the first book. In Raven Flight, Neryn continues her life with the rebel, but her training does not last long. As a Caller, her role is bigger than that. She has to seek and summon a number of Guardians, among them the Master of Shadows, the Hag of Isles, the Lord of the North. She has to travel quickly and lightly, so her sole bodyguard and companion is the imminently capable (albeit pricklier than a cactus), Tali. Along the way, they meet old friends, as well as the Good Folk, and encounter plenty of trouble along the way. The pacing is quick, the plot moves quickly and rationally. In other sequels, the action-packed plot still manage to bore me to tears because of the lack of character development. Not so here.

The most prominent characters in this book are the traveling companions of Neryn and Tali. Neryn is still weak, still overly soft. She is very human, despite what she has seen, despite what she has suffered, with high morals that bothered me at times. Neryn is powerful, but she is soft. She is reluctant to join the fight, even if she knows that's what is needed to win the war.

"It's going to be a long, hard fight, and people are going to die. You should know that, Neryn. What's needed here isn't soft dreams of true love. It’s anger—the anger that drives a person forward. The fury that keeps them fighting right up to the moment the knife goes in. In our world there's no place for love."

Her rebel friends constantly remind her that she cannot afford such crises of conscience, that death is a necessity, that her gift is meant to be used, but Neryn is still frustratingly reluctant to use it, because she remembers how her power can kill as well. She has killed before, for the greater good; if she had not done what she did, even more rebel lives would have been lost, but Neryn is so stricken with her guilt that she can hardly bear to use her power of calling on the Good Folk in times of need.

"'Still weighed down by conscience? Even though what you did saved both our lives? Neryn, the rebellion depends on your gift. Without you, there's no chance we can do it in the time we have. You need to put these scruples behind you; if you can't, they'll become a burden too heavy for you to carry.'"

In the previous book, we met the prickly, antagonistic, permanently angry Tali. I didn't like her very much at first then, but her character is built up so much more in this book. It seemed to be a bad idea to throw Tali and Neryn together at first, and I questioned Regan's decision of assigning her to be Neryn's guard...so did Tali. She has been training Neryn, but in her mind, Neryn is still a weak, incompetent girl, ill-equipped to do what she must do to save them all. Her first impression of Neryn is not a positive one, she thought Neryn was "a wee girl wandering where she didn't belong, trying to do a job that was far too big for her. A girl who hadn't the first idea what kind of life she'd need to live if she became one of Regan's Rebels."

Tali is still strong, but she shows her more vulnerable side as we get to know her, and I came to love her as a foil for the oftentimes weak, soft-hearted Neryn. Tali is straightforward, she speaks her mind, she takes no prisoners, there is no bullshitting her. She does not coddle Neryn at all, she cuts Neryn no slack for her physical and mental weakness, and she is exactly what Neryn needs. She became my favorite character in this book. Tali has feelings, she loves deeply, but she knows to keep her emotions under wraps, because that is just hoping for too much. All she can hope for day by day is survival. Anything else is just a pipe dream.

"I have no children. I never will. I have no husband, no lover, no family. Only fellow rebels, others like me. All of them understand how it has to be. Hard. Cruel. Brutal. Full of choices like the one Andra had to face. That makes it all the more vital to keep what we do under strict control."

I have gone on for so long in this review, gushing about this book for a reason. Read this series. Read this book. ...more

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Aug 15, 2013 Carla *Jen7waters* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorite-heroines, favorite-authors, 2013-read, no-love-triangle

*waiting, waiting, having lots of anxiety attacks in the meantime*
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EDIT: guys, July 9th!!!

EDIT 2: actual review to come

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May 29, 2016 Melanie rated it really liked it

Shelves: fae, magic, read-in-2016, romance, fantasy, young-adult

1.) Shadowfell ★★★★

Um, did that ending just happen?

Can I sue for emotional distress, because this book just sort of ruined me?

Well, before the heartbreak, this book starts off where Shadowfell left off; Neryn is at Shadowfell, but needs to leave to start seeking out the other three Guardians before the impending war.

She has already encountered the Master of Shadows (located in the south) in Shadowfell, but she still has the Hag of the Isles (located in the west), the Lord of the North (locate ...more

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Jul 22, 2013 Kate Forsyth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: children-s-fantasy, ya-fantasy, aww2013

Juliet Marillier is one of my all-time favourite authors and a new book from her is always reason to celebrate. So when Raven Flight appeared in my mailbox, I gave a little jump of joy and read it straightaway. Raven Flight is Book 2 in the Shadowfell series. I loved Shadowfell and it made my List of Best Books 2012 - the books are classic old-fashioned high fantasy with a quest at its heart. The writing is beautiful and limpid, the setting is an otherworldy Scotland, and the story mixes danger, ...more

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Dec 07, 2014 Angela rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya, 2013-read, 2013-read-sequels, edelweiss, kindle, review-books-done, 2014-read, favorites

August 2014 Re-read: Just as good as last time. I'm so freaking invested in these characters and this world. Gah! I need the next book! Thank goodness I finally have it.

Be warned, spoilers for Shadowfell abound below.

Map of Alban from Juliet Marillier's website

Last year I read my very first Juliet Marillier book, Shadowfell. It was one of my favorite books of the year and single-handedly saved the YA genre for me. Immersive, smart, peopled with characters I cared about – it drew me in and kept ...more

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Dec 22, 2015 Renu rated it liked it

[3.5 stars] Raven Flight follows Neryn and Tali as they venture across Alban to seek out the elusive Guardians that are essential in Neryn's training as a Caller. The unlikely duo are opposites, but both are admirable in their own right. Neryn has a sort of quiet strength about her, she never complains or whines when things get tough. Tali on the other hand is tough and outspoken. They are the epitome of strong female characters, and the blossoming friendship between the pair is beautiful.

Howeve ...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Leonor (Ner) marked it as wishlist

EDIT (21/12/2012):
OH MY GOD.... IT HAS A COVER!!!!

PS: The world cannot end today 'cause I still need this book!

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Mar 28, 2015 Cat rated it it was ok

Shelves: ebook, read-in-2015

Dear Juliet,

I hope you don't mind me addressing you like this. I have been reding your books for more than ten years, so I feel like we have this kind of bond. Not quite like friends, something that can only exist between the writer and his/hers readers.

So, my dear Juliet, I have to ask you: what was this?!

I still remember a time when your books told breath-taking, adventurous, stories, with female characters full of courage, ready to sacrifice themselves for their families and their beliefs. I Dear Juliet,

I hope you don't mind me addressing you like this. I have been reding your books for more than ten years, so I feel like we have this kind of bond. Not quite like friends, something that can only exist between the writer and his/hers readers.

So, my dear Juliet, I have to ask you: what was this?!

I still remember a time when your books told breath-taking, adventurous, stories, with female characters full of courage, ready to sacrifice themselves for their families and their beliefs. I still remember devouring The Sevenwaters trilogy (when it was still a trilogy) and feeling swept away. That was some awesome fantasy! Then, of course, I had to read the Saga of the Light Isles, and I was sorry that the Bridei Chronicles were just a trilogy. Because I liked them that much! Even those two books, 'Wildwood Dancing' and 'Cybele's Secret', were really cool. And they were for young readers.

Then there was a decline. Come on, 'Heart's Blood' was nice, but nothing particularly great. And from the last three Sevenwaters books outside the trilogy, only 'Flame of Sevenwaters' seemed to have returned to old-time splendour.

This Shadowfell Series is disappointing me as I go on reading each book. The first one was ok, but this one was too boring. I can't bring myself to like Neryn, and her relationship with Flint is just eye-rolling. For me, the best about this Series is the Good Folk. They are the best characters you could have come across for these books. Maybe, Juliet my darling, you should have though of writing a series with otherworldly characters only. No complicated and lame human relationships. Just quirky and mysterious creatures going on, maybe, a great adventure.

But not all was bad in this book. It was very interesting to see more of Keldec, especially his relationship with Queen Varda. Who rules who? Everyone says that it is the King who's afraid of gifted subjects. But that Queen is clearly a very disturbed (and disturbing) woman.

Apart from this, and the presence of those funny Good Folk creatures, I can't point out more positive things. It was boring and very uninteresting. I don't think I will be reading the third book, 'The Caller'. I usually like to finish a series, since I started it, but it is high time that I stop doing that. It is enough that I finish the book. Besides, I don't feel like wasting money on something that's probably be a disappointment.

All this said, I must ask you if I should read 'Dreamer's Pool' from the new series. I am always curious about your books, Juliet, but I don't want to end up feeling disappointed as I had these past books. And trust me when I tell you that I waited a lot to be able to put my hands on Shadowfell.

So, I think I said what I had to say. Not all nice, but I firmly believe that some things are best not left unsaid. And I hope you keep on writing. I also hope I will read another great book from you in the future. Because I know you can. You have it inside of you.

Kind regards from a once-very-big-fan of yours,
Catarina ...more

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Jul 21, 2015 Jo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, hard-copy-owned

This is an incredible book. I have no words but those to say. Juliet Marillier always entertains, evokes emotion and delights her readers. There is no second book woes here. In fact, I think I like this one better than the first one. The first one built a perfectly wonderful world, but Raven Flight added so much more to the world. I have been raving to anyone who will listen about this author since I picked up Daughter of the Forest by accident at the library. I very rarely make purchases of boo ...more

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Sep 12, 2014 Tania rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

3.5 stars. I love Juliet Marillier, and have read all her books. I appreciate how she writes fantasy, but includes real issues and real emotions. I also like the fact that she always creates strong female characters, unlike many other fantasy books. Although I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was not as strong as the first in the series. I can't wait for the final installment coming early 2014.

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Nov 05, 2013 Patrícia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-of-all-time, meus, fantasy, foreign-literature, ya, leituras-2013

Opinião do blogue Chaise Longue: http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...

Muito já foi dito sobre Juliet Marillier. Ela é a autora mais amada da Fantasia e os seus livros apaixonam todos aqueles que têm a honra, o prazer de os ler. Um séquito imenso de fãs segue-a desde a publicação de A Filha da Floresta, e todos os seus livros, sem excepção, provocam sentimentos nos seus leitores, sejam bons ou maus, mais intensos ou menos. Se as coisas têm andado mais agrestes com a publicação dos últimos três Opinião do blogue Chaise Longue: http://girlinchaiselongue.blogspot.pt...

Muito já foi dito sobre Juliet Marillier. Ela é a autora mais amada da Fantasia e os seus livros apaixonam todos aqueles que têm a honra, o prazer de os ler. Um séquito imenso de fãs segue-a desde a publicação de A Filha da Floresta, e todos os seus livros, sem excepção, provocam sentimentos nos seus leitores, sejam bons ou maus, mais intensos ou menos. Se as coisas têm andado mais agrestes com a publicação dos últimos três livros de Sevenwaters, a verdade é que uma nova série, uma nova história, tem voltado a agarrar os seus leitores senão da mesma forma, pelo menos de uma forma muito própria, demonstrando o seu mérito, o seu brilho.
Shadowfell virou a maré e encheu os corações com a sua história de Bem e Mal, de criaturas fantásticas, de heroínas predestinadas, de amores condenados que refulgem contra tudo e todos e, agora, a sua continuação chega para nos continuar a contar a história de uma das protagonistas mais fortes do Mundo Marilliano.
O Voo do Corvo foi publicado no primeiro dia deste ano e já está traduzido para a nossa língua e para holandês.
Apaixonei-me por Shadowfell logo na primeira página. Fui transportada para dentro da sua história com uma intensidade que só os livros de Marillier conseguem. Senti na pele todas as dores, as alegrias, as dúvidas das suas personagens e, um ano depois, todas estas sensações voltaram a dominar-me enquanto me perdia na leitura de O Voo do Corvo. Voltar a rever este mundo, fez-me apaixonar por ele outra vez, com mais intensidade, com mais dedicação e isso deve-se muito à voz única de Juliet. Já lhe chamei bardo dos tempos antigos em muitas outras opiniões e volto a fazê-lo, porque a sua escrita é mágica, a sua forma de contar uma história única e avassaladora, a sua voz é inigualável. Ler um livro seu é um doce tormento, é perdermo-nos nas palavras e sermos conquistados uma e outra vez com um sorriso nos lábios.
Como todas as histórias de Juliet, também esta é um eco das histórias de embalar contadas por tempos imemoráveis, destinadas a encantar e a ensinar, cheias de mensagens de coragem e bondade, de verdade e companheirismo, de amor e tormento, histórias que nos fazem sonhar enquanto a dura realidade nos coloca à prova. Ao longo deste livro vamos encontrar tudo isto e muito mais num enredo cheio de lições e obstáculos, perdas e pequenas alegrias, que nos vai agarrar na primeira palavra e deixar-nos a desejar ter o próximo livro já à mão na última. Como qualquer história de assim ser digna de ser chamada, esta tem uma demanda que irá colocar as forças do Bem contra as do Mal brevemente mas, para isso, é preciso aprender, é preciso crescer, é preciso encontrar a força e a coragem que só os heróis têm. Por vezes doce, por vezes cruel, esta é uma história maravilhosa, cheia de criaturas fantásticas, lendas vivas, duras aprendizagens e amores condenados, que se vai desenrolando frente aos nossos olhos de uma forma apaixonante e encantadora onde o mal não pode ser evitado mas torna as convicções ainda mais fortes, mais ardentes, mais desejosas de um final feliz.
Ao longo dos vários acontecimentos deste livro há duas forças que se degladiam momento a momento, através de actos e palavras. Estes dois sentimentos tão opostos estão presentes ao longo de toda a narrativa e cimentam toda a história. A esperança é uma luz por vezes forte, outras vezes quase apagada, que vive na coragem, na amizade, nas recordações, nos sonhos daqueles que lutam por uma vida melhor. Mas o desespero também está sempre lá, na impotência, na incompreensão, nas perdas por um bem maior. Há um equilíbrio sempre presente, um equilíbrio necessário não só na Natureza como nos actos humanos que tornam esta história tanto senhora de boas memórias como de lágrimas abundantes. Somos atormentados em vários momentos de perda e quase derrota, naquele final inesperado. Atormentados numa miríade de situações que nos colocam o coração na boca mas, também há momentos em que somos adoçados, em que tudo parece melhor nem que seja fugazmente, em que nos sentimos capazes de acreditar em tudo.
Com laivos de tempos antigos, de tradição e magia, O Voo do Corvo vai buscar os temas habituais de uma história marilliana mas dá-lhe uma alma própria, a alma dos heróis de Shadowfell, um grupo único de personagens pelos quais é impossível não sentirmos um grande carinho. Neryn cresceu neste livro, mais, mostra-se mais sábia, mais adulta, mais forte até, conseguindo cativar-nos, conseguindo mostrar que afinal pudera estar à altura do que se espera dela. Acompanhá-la na sua demanda faz com que apreciemos mais, principalmente quando percebemos que o seu modo desconfiado e fugidio já lá vai. Mas Flint continua a ser a personagem adorada nesta história mesmo que não apareça tanto. De cada vez que ele aparece apenas faz com que o leitor o adore mais e mais. Contudo, a grande surpresa deste livro foi Talli, a preciosa guerreira que se vai mostrando ao longo da história e que nos toca o coração em vários momentos, principalmente quando nos faz lembrar uma das minhas personagens mais queridas de Sevenwaters, Ciarán.
Depois de uma longa espera, este livro foi muito mais do que me atrevi a esperar, ultrapassando as minhas expectativas, deixando-me desejosa de saber o que se segue. Como sempre, Juliet encanta-nos em mais uma história que deixará os fãs da Fantasia rendidos. O Voo do Corvo é a continuação que Shadowfell merecia e muito mais do se poderia antecipar. Preparem-se pois não sabem o que vos espera. Ou talvez sim, afinal, é mais uma história da Senhora mais amada da Fantasia, a maior contadora de histórias do nosso tempo. ...more

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Jul 05, 2013 Heidi rated it liked it

Shelves: wonders-from-down-under

There is a long winter to be spent at Shadowfell for Neryn to figure out who she will be to the people there and their rebellion. A long winter to become something more than the waif of a girl she arrived as and bring the Good Folk to Regan’s cause. A long winter followed by a very short few seasons in which Neryn must travel to the far reaches of her land to gain the training necessary to succeed as a Caller.

If I was disappointed in the first installment of Shadowfell, I can no longer say it wa There is a long winter to be spent at Shadowfell for Neryn to figure out who she will be to the people there and their rebellion. A long winter to become something more than the waif of a girl she arrived as and bring the Good Folk to Regan’s cause. A long winter followed by a very short few seasons in which Neryn must travel to the far reaches of her land to gain the training necessary to succeed as a Caller.

If I was disappointed in the first installment of Shadowfell, I can no longer say it was a result of reading it at the same time of one of Marillier’s superior novels. In fact, I haven’t read another Marillier since finishing Shadowfell, and I still found myself let down by the story therein. I had so dearly hoped that the fledgling confidence I held in Neryn at the end of Shadowfell would bloom into a full-throttled love in Raven Flight, but of course falilng in love isn’t that easy. It finally struck me that my continued grating with Neryn isn’t because of her faults, it is because of her lack thereof. She is, quite frankly, a bit of a Mary Sue. She’s a chosen one, and though inexpert in the use of her power is unfailingly kind, thoughtful, and generous to those around her. I do appreciate the internal struggles Neryn goes through with the thoughts of using her gift, but I, like Tali, get so utterly fed up with her being so unwilling to cause harm to anyone that she would instead stand aside and let Kaldec trample over scads of innocent souls.

As Flint was Neryn’s balance in book one, here Tali–the canny woman warrior from Shadowfell–provides us with a foil for our heroine and makes the story of Raven Flight one I was able to get into. Tali comes with a harder mind and a sharper edge, very willing to remind Neryn of the power a Caller holds. It is she that becomes Neryn’s prime companion for this story, and through her that we see the more subtle truths of rebellion. By Raven Flight’s close, there is no longer a question as to whether love makes us weak, or gives us hope.

Again we are given the very smallest snippets of the story from Flint’s point of view, and quite frankly, it was not enough for me. Not enough Flint period. Marillier cleverly steps back from the slow-burn relationship she wrought for us in the pages of Shadowfell, making Flint’s presence more brief and desperate in book two. I may whine for wanting more Flint, but in this way Marillier keeps us, and Neryn, from taking his position among the rebels for granted and reminds us consistently of the deadly game at which he plays. The scenes between Neryn and Flint here are so fleeting and urgent, filled with a longing for things they cannot show or do not yet have, and they did very successfully make me ache for more.

What made Raven Flight a stronger installment in this series, for me, was not only the emergence of Neryn as a strong-willed (if too-perfect) character of great endurance, but moreover the plot in which she and Tali journey to obtain her training from the Big Ones. I greatly enjoyed the further understanding of the relationship between Good Folk and humankind, and of Neryn’s power to bring them together. The trials she endures make Raven Flight more fairy-tale esque, and I very much enjoyed the imagery Marillier constructed throughout these sequences. That said, the chapters preceding this journey dragged for me. I found this book quite difficult to get into before finally some action broke and I was able to take in the last 80% or so in two long gulps.

I continue to wish this series were written in third person as my dislike of Neryn makes it difficult to enjoy this story directly through her interpretation, but I do feel as if this installment was stronger plot-wise than the first. The plot is becoming more complex, and while it tips its hat to many traditions of folklore or rebellion, it weaves the threads cleverly to create a unique but traditional fantasy. I missed the tension between Flint and Neryn that had crested by Shadowfell‘s close, but I also recognize the impossibility of continuing this slow-burn in the same way, and tip my hat to Marillier for inserting Tali in the begrudging friend slot to fill Flint’s place. Raven Flight was a story of friendship, love, survival, and most of all hope; I will certainly be there to cheer on Regan’s rebels in pages to come.

Review originally posted at Bunbury in the Stacks. ...more

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Apr 02, 2016 Giota Bourha rated it it was ok

Shelves: fantasy, samrecs

Raven Flight was a disappointment, there was minimum action, the plot was very-slow paced and unnecessarily repetitive, there was too much telling and little showing, serious issues were being resolved too easily, and Neryn’s training was a farce.

Neryn wasn’t a strong enough character with exciting enough adventures to carry this book on her own. She is in constant need of help and carrying, her overwhelming angst over killing was annoying and hypocritical, she’s joined the rebellion for God's ...more

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Jul 24, 2013 Steph Su rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-nz-lit

RAVEN FLIGHT was not as engaging for me as Shadowfell—but the thing is, they’re not all that different from one another. Neryn is still this can-do-no-wrong protagonist who, if not liked instantly by all she meets, at least can quickly win them over with her earnest naivete. The plot is straightforward quest involving long distances traveled and new characters met.

In RAVEN FLIGHT, we learn more about what exactly makes Keldec so evil. And boy is the man frightening! In one of the most riveting s ...more

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Aug 24, 2016 Susana rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasia, emprestados, neo-zelandeses

(review in english below)

3,5*

A escrita da Juliet continua maravilhosa, mas só nas últimas 140 páginas conseguiu agarrar-me a sério. O facto de Flint quase não aparecer neste livro foi uma questão importante, pois é a personagem mais interessante desta história.

Surpreendeu-me bastante o nível de violência e crueldade de algumas cenas que a autora incluiu neste segundo volume da trilogia, sobretudo tendo em conta que é supostamente dirigida a um público mais jovem. Mas, pensando bem, depois de ter ...more

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Oct 11, 2014 Louisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: re-reads

Yeah, so enjoyable to reread this, I'd forgotten about Regan's death, and that Hollow was fine, and yeah, now to read The Caller!

*First read May 24th 2013*
Man, oh, man, I loved this book! I wish there'd been more Flint and Neryn time together, but the times that were were in Flint's head! Can't wait for Caller!!!

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Feb 16, 2015 Kira rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, 4-stars, read-in-2015

2015 Reading Challenge - Read a book

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Jan 27, 2016 Jaclyn rated it liked it

Shelves: teen-fiction, fantasy, mythology, magic, fae, assassins, historical-fantasy

Raven Flight is the second in Juliet Marillier's Shadowfell trilogy. In book one, Neryn discovered she was a Caller, one who possesses the gifts to call the Good Folk forward to fight on the side of the humans. It was a rough go for Neryn. She didn't know who to trust or even if she wanted to be the Caller.

In Raven Flight Neryn has come to terms with her role as the Caller and it's now time for her to hone her gifts. She's used her ability in the past, but her lack of training makes her a danger ...more

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Jul 24, 2013 Liviania rated it really liked it

Juliet Marillier's fantasy novels have long had a crossover audience. Unlike some adult authors, she seemed like a perfect fit to write YA. SHADOWFELL, the first novel, was mostly well received and beautifully written. Common complaints were that it was a bit slow, not much happened, and somewhat generic.

Much the same could be said about the recently released RAVEN FLIGHT. Marillier's writing is wonderful. She lays out the setting and the action beautifully. But while I would defend SHADOWFELL f
Juliet Marillier's fantasy novels have long had a crossover audience. Unlike some adult authors, she seemed like a perfect fit to write YA. SHADOWFELL, the first novel, was mostly well received and beautifully written. Common complaints were that it was a bit slow, not much happened, and somewhat generic.

Much the same could be said about the recently released RAVEN FLIGHT. Marillier's writing is wonderful. She lays out the setting and the action beautifully. But while I would defend SHADOWFELL from accusations of being slow - I enjoyed Neryn's flight across the country - I wouldn't do the same for RAVEN FLIGHT. Neryn has learned she has powerful magic and needs to be trained. Thus, RAVEN FLIGHT covers her finding teachers and getting training. There are some moments of peril, and the Gathering is a riveting bit of horror, but there's a lot of introspection and there are those who don't have the patience for it. I enjoyed it quite a bit, though I wish I hadn't read it during a drive.

Now there's the problem of being generic. Marillier is a terrific traditional fantasy author. But the Shadowfell trilogy is truly traditional fantasy. It doesn't bow down to the subversive trend. It's technically and artistically well done, but there's not a lot of flair. It's a quiet book, on that differentiates itself through character. Reading it is slightly nostalgic, like rediscovering a fantasy novel from my childhood.

The romance between Flint and Neryn continues to be a highlight - it is all slow smolder. They want each other, but their other duties come first. And consummating their relationship could have long-term unfortunate consequences. Thus, Flint is off proving his loyalty and the two barely interact. The biggest relationship in RAVEN FLIGHT is the growing relationship between waifish-but-determined Neryn and Tali, the fiercest warrior in Shadowfell. Tali is steadfast, yet impulsive, and she's much more willing to kill than Neryn. It's a good counterpoint, because Neryn struggles with how she'll contribute to the war effort. Her powers could be devastating, but she has no desire to devastate.

Fans of traditional fantasy looking for a work with a female friendship front and center will enjoy RAVEN FLIGHT. In fact, most fans of traditional fantasy will enjoy RAVEN FLIGHT. It's a good book with a female protagonist who relies on communication, empathy, and her own sense of purpose rather than physical or mental strength. Neryn reminds me strongly of Aang, from Avatar: The Last Airbender, albeit more mature. This series would definitely appeal to fans of that show. ...more

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Mar 15, 2016 Lauralee rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, adventure, young-adult

Neryn is now the secret weapon for the rebel army against King Keldec. The army plans to strike a surprise attack against the king in midsummer, and Neryn must be ready. To help the army, Neryn must find the Guardians of Alban to complete her training as a Caller. She is accompanied by a female guard named Tali. During her training, Neryn realizes the true cost of what it means to be a Caller.

Neryn is a girl who still has little self-confidence in herself. She has not fully come to terms with h Neryn is now the secret weapon for the rebel army against King Keldec. The army plans to strike a surprise attack against the king in midsummer, and Neryn must be ready. To help the army, Neryn must find the Guardians of Alban to complete her training as a Caller. She is accompanied by a female guard named Tali. During her training, Neryn realizes the true cost of what it means to be a Caller.

Neryn is a girl who still has little self-confidence in herself. She has not fully come to terms with her powers. They still terrify her because she has the power to do horrible things to her enemies. Over time, she realizes that not only does she learn to trust herself, but she needs to trust nature and the world around her. Neryn also becomes wise and learns much through her training. She is very concentrated and her mind is focused on her task.

I also like her friendship with Tali. At first, they don’t like each other, but over time, they come to an understanding. Tali is a strong fighter, and I like how stubborn she is. While Tali is caring, I also like how she is focused on her duty and does not let her emotions cloud her judgement. She is also willing to risk her life to save her friends.

Overall, this book is about love, friendship, loss, and redemption. It is a about a woman trying to find her self-identity. There are a few drawbacks to this story. Flint, who was one of the main character in Shadowfell, made little appearances in this book. Because of this, there was very little character development. I would have liked for him to be in this book more. The other drawback is that the magical creatures have an Irish derelict, and it slowed the pace of the my reading down as I tried to decipher what they were saying. Still, this book is filled with adventure and action that kept me glued to my seat as I was reading. I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy, The Caller. This book will appeal to not only long-time fans of Juliet Marillier but also J.R.R Tolkien, Terry Brooks, and Sandra Waugh.
...more

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Feb 06, 2016 Jo rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, netgalley

Raven Flight
By Juliet Marillier

Summery courtesy of goodreads.com
Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Raven Flight
By Juliet Marillier

Summery courtesy of goodreads.com
Neryn has finally found the rebel group at Shadowfell, and now her task is to seek out the elusive Guardians, vital to her training as a Caller. These four powerful beings have been increasingly at odds with human kind, and Neryn must prove her worth to them. She desperately needs their help to use her gift without compromising herself or the cause of overthrowing the evil King Keldec.

Neryn must journey with the tough and steadfast Tali, who looks on Neryn's love for the double agent Flint as a needless vulnerability. And perhaps it is. What Flint learns from the king will change the battlefield entirely—but in whose favor, no one knows.

Review

Firstly let me say I love Juliet Marillier, shes writes with a simple yet very emotive voice that can bring a reader to tears in just a few beautifully put together words.
I first discovered her writing in 1999 when I read Daughter of the Forrest, it was a gem, full of magic and mysticism, love and romance. One the most beautifully crafted books I've ever read.

Needless to say I was really excited when I found Raven Flight available on Netgalley, thank you Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this book and post an honest review.

Raven Flight brought me right back, where Shadowfell left off, Neryn has finally found a place to call home with fellow rebels in King Keldec’s Alban kingdom. She begins her training as a Caller, a person with the ability to call upon all fairy-like creatures called the Good Folk, to save Alban from destructive rule, she must meet with the four Guardians before she can help her rebel cause in this war.

Neryn is brave and a true and compassionate person and her relationship with Flint is strong and true, and it shows even in their few actual moments together. There is action, there is suspense, there is magic and mythology, I love the relationship between Neryn and Tali, I loved the bonds of friendship that grew between Tali and Neryn.

A very satisfying read
4 Stars ...more

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Oct 05, 2014 missART rated it really liked it

10/4/14 - READ IT AGAIN. And enjoyed this sequel just as much!

Wow, I don't think I've read a sequel that has been this strong since Catching Fire and Insurgence! The editing in this book was manifique and kept the plot moving, where in less experienced hands it might have dragged. I enjoy spunky fighter Tali as a rising character and it was great to see the creative variety of Good Folk, something which has always been so fun for me in this series. It was interesting to learn about the two Guard ...more

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Dec 03, 2015 Debbie Gascoyne rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, kindle, 2015

This was a welcome follow-up to Shadowfell and one that managed to avoid "middle book" bloat or idling. Some have commented that it was slow, but I enjoyed the excursions for Neryn's education. I also found that this one seemed to get deeper into the world-building: it felt more organic and less derivative, though in tone it still owes a lot to Celtic myth. I was glad in the end that I'd already purchased the third book in the trilogy, and I'm eager now to see the resolution of this story.

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Sep 07, 2014 Rosanne Hawke rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya, historical-fantasy

Just read Raven Flight by Juliet Marillier on my iPad and enjoyed it just as much as the first called Shadowfell. I have now downloaded the third called The Caller and already read the prologue. This series is coupled by interesting characters, smouldering love, a quest to win Alban back to its former glory and peace. Not to mention the setting is inspired by the Scottish countryside -- a Celtic high fantasy yarn.

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Jul 04, 2013 Ellie rated it really liked it

Shelves: book-revels, arc, kindle

Overall impression:
Raven Flight is an engrossing follow-up to Shadowfell. With a surprising development at the end of the novel, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Read the full review on Book Revels.

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Jan 10, 2014 Iceanna rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. Must read.

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Jan 11, 2017 Cait • A Page with a View rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This plot definitely has more potential than is currently being used, but I still enjoyed this book! It's so well written and the characters have the most realistic accents I've ever seen.

If you like fantasy worlds with a Celtic or medieval feeling, fae, and rebels who live in caves then you'll probably like this story too! The pacing is REALLY slow (think Frodo walking one step across Middle Earth at a time) but everything is so pretty that it never bothered me.

Neryn is building her skills as ...more

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Nov 21, 2013 Elphaba J rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recordo bem que para mim, que nunca tinha tido o prazer de ler Juliet Marillier, Shadowfell foi como o abrir de uma janela para um novo mundo, um mundo onde reinava a beleza da simplicidade, onde a bondade se encontrava a florescer timidamente mas com raízes fortes entre o mal e onde a partilha era exposta como lição primordial, numa terra consumida, mirrada pelo egoísmo do seu rei. Agora, finda a leitura de O Voo do Corvo e após ter tido a oportunidade de conversar com a autora, a sua história ...more

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Nov 16, 2016 Ashley Daviau rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I quite enjoyed the first book in the series but this one lacked a bit of the spark that the first one had. I can't put my finger on exactly what it was, but there was just some oomph missing. I did still very much enjoy this book though, it was just a bit of a slower read for me. I really enjoyed the progression of the story and seeing Neryn explore and learn about her gift. I also thought the character growth from the first book to this one was excellent! I loved seeing how they changed and gr ...more

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About Juliet Marillier

Juliet Marillier was born July 27, 1948 in Dunedin, New Zealand and grew up surrounded by Celtic music and stories. Her own Celtic-Gaelic roots inspired her to write her first series, the Sevenwaters Trilogy. Juliet was educated at the University of Otago, where she majored in music and languages, graduating BA and a B Mus (Hons). Her lifelong interest in history, folklore and mythology has had a ...more

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“There's a light shining in him, moving him forward: the light of freedom. That's what draws all of us to follow, to take risks, to keep on fighting when we see our comrades fall beside us. But there's no light without shadow.” — 7 likes

“I like your anger,' the Hag said mildly. 'I like your resistance. It makes you less than courteous, but altogether more interesting.” — 7 likes

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