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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Empire of Ravens by Victor L. Lockwood begins with Valora Rhen, the Lightwielder, who sets out to protect Nathan, whose gem makes him a target of the Dark Coven. Valora joins Dinah White and Kairo Zunae, traveling across Fenirion and nearby lands to investigate Coven activity and gather intelligence. In Dryandales, Nathan’s gem shatters during a palace event, leaving him unconscious, and the group works to restore him with a new Dragon’s Gem. In Fuertepenas, Dinah learns the Coven’s plans, which include her cousin. Dinah undertakes an Ordeal in the Tower of Babel, leading to a transformation. Together, Valora, Dinah, Nathan, and allies track Coven corruption, purify those under its influence, and prepare to protect Fenirion and its territories from the Matriarch, who seeks to manipulate realms and summon a god to dominate the world.
Victor L. Lockwood’s Empire of Ravens makes starting a new fantasy journey easy, diving in headfirst without the usual deluge of backstory dumps. This is a wonderful fantasy chock-full of adventure and massive imagination. The crew’s journeys through landscapes like Fuertepenas, the Fenirian Highlands, and beyond offer breathtaking glimpses of Lockwood’s world. The story thrives on the teamwork of unique characters, all of whom are immediately distinct in who they are and what they add to the overall plot progression. We do get magical artifacts; the standout to me is the Naraka blade, and the novel’s mix of the mystical, political, and antagonism of the Coven is brilliant. With finely tuned pacing that shifts effortlessly between daily maneuvering and action, Empire of Ravens is an unforgettable read, and I'm excited to see what comes next in the Chronicles of Fenirion series. Very highly recommended.
