Title: Raven
Author: Allison van Diepen
First published February 10, 2009
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781416978992 (ISBN10: 1416978992)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
Meet Nicole, a high school student who’s bored with her mundane life until she meets Zin. He’s the guy with the fire in his step, a honey-sweet voice, and eyes that seem to see beyond your soul.
Nicole’s relationship with Zin is her escape from the chaos of school and family. She’s head over heels in love with him, but why does he keep her at arm’s length?
Nicole senses that Zin is different from any man she’s ever met, and he’s guarding a very ancient secret. As she uncovers the truth, Nicole’s love may be the only thing that can save him from it.
About the Author
Many young adult novels have been written by Allison van Diepen. Her works include Takedown, Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, The Oracle of Dating, The Oracle Rebounds, and The Vampire Stalker.
Allison’s novels have been recognized as ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and New York City Public Library Books for the Teen Age.
Her latest series, ON THE EDGE, takes place in Miami and is full of suspense. The first two books, ON THE EDGE and LIGHT OF DAY, are currently available in stores.
The final book, RUN THE RISK, will be released in early 2017.
Editoral Review
Allison van Diepen’s debut novel “Raven” is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Published on February 10, 2009, the book falls under the Young Adult Fiction genre, exploring themes of gang violence, friendship, and love.
The story is set in the gritty streets of New York City and follows the life of Zinny, a tough and street-smart girl who is part of the gang called the Wolves. Raven, another gang known for their violent ways, is threatening their turf, and it’s up to Zinny and her friends to protect their territory.
But when a chance encounter with a handsome and mysterious boy named Nico introduces her to the world beyond her gang, Zinny is forced to choose between loyalty and love. Diepen’s writing style is captivating and manages to transport the reader to the heart of the story.
Her attention to detail brings the streets of New York to life, making it easy to visualize the graffiti-covered alleyways and dark corners where the gangs thrive. The pacing of the novel is also well-executed, with the action never letting up and the tension building up to a heart-pounding climax.
The characters in “Raven” are complex and well-developed. Zinny is a fiercely independent and self-assured protagonist who readers will root for to the very end.
Nico, too, is a memorable character with his brooding and enigmatic persona that will intrigue readers. The romance between Zinny and Nico is also well-written, giving the story an emotional depth and an extra layer of complexity.
One of the strengths of “Raven” is its relevance to current events and issues. The novel explores the world of gang violence, an issue that affects many urban communities to this day.
The characters’ struggles and motivations feel authentic and truthful, making the story all the more impactful. While “Raven” is an engaging and thrilling read, it is not without flaws.
At times, the plot can feel predictable, and the character development could have been deeper for some of the secondary characters. However, these flaws do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, “Raven” is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction and thrillers. Diepen’s writing style is gripping, and her characters are compelling.
The themes explored in the book are timely and important, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining read. It is a solid debut novel from an author with a promising future in young adult fiction.
On a scale of one to five, “Raven” earns a four for its solid execution of genre conventions and pulse-pounding narrative.
