Title: Ravenwood
Author: Nathan Lowell
First published January 1, 2010
Audiobook
Rating: 4.21
Overview
Age is just a number when it comes to making mistakes. Tanyth Fairport has spent the last two decades traveling and studying the medicinal plants of Korlay.
However, when she decides to aid a small village, her plans take an unexpected turn. As she delves deeper into the village’s problems, Tanyth discovers that the world is not as straightforward as she once believed.
Nathan Lowell crafts a captivating tale that combines elements of Wiccan tradition and shamanistic lore. Follow Tanyth on her magical quest, where she learns that reality is not always what it seems, and life can take unexpected turns, even when you think you have everything figured out.
About the Author
Meet Dr. Nathan Lowell, a writer with over 40 years of experience. Nathan’s journey into the literary world started with podcasting his novels.
His fascination with space opera and his experience onboard a ship in the United States Coast Guard inspired his sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper. In Nathan’s novels, he shifts the focus from larger-than-life heroes to the ordinary men and women working behind the scenes to make a living in space.
He creates a realistic world where the “hero” uses hard work and innate talents to improve their station and community, without bug-eyed monsters or galactic space battles.
Nathan holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology, an M.A. in Educational Technology, and a BS in Business Administration. His upbringing on the south coast of Maine and experience in the USCG strongly influenced his work.
Nathan currently resides in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.
Nathan’s work has received recognition, including being a finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share, Double Share, and South Coast at the 2008 and 2009 Parsec Awards, and winning the 2008 Podiobooks Founder’s Choice Award for Double Share and the 2009 Podiobooks Founder’s Choice Award for Captain’s Share. Several of his books, including Double Share, Quarter Share, Full Share, and Half Share, have also been ranked in the top 10 overall rated books on Podiobooks.com.
Editoral Review
Nathan Lowell’s Ravenwood is a fascinating novel that takes readers on a journey through a world beyond our own. Published in 2010, this book transports readers to a world filled with mythical creatures, ancient civilizations, and magic, all while exploring the themes of power, love, and loyalty.
Lowell’s writing style is simple yet effective, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Ravenwood. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique personality and reason for being in the story.
The pacing of the plot is well-balanced, with enough action to keep readers engaged but also enough time to explore the world of Ravenwood fully. The story takes place in a mythical land filled with dragons and other magical creatures, surrounded by an ever-present danger.
The main character, Seaborn, is a young thief who gets embroiled in a conflict of power and love between a powerful ruler and the last remaining dragon. One of the strengths of Ravenwood is its exploration of power dynamics.
The struggle for power between the main characters and their factions is a gripping centerpiece of the story. The characters all want something different, and the story explores the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goals.
The relationship between Seaborn and the dragon is also a highlight of the book. Lowell creates a bond between these two characters that is both believable and heartwarming.
The dragon is a sympathetic character and readers will feel invested in her fate. One of the weaknesses of the book is the lack of world-building.
While the world of Ravenwood is intriguing, there are many aspects that are left unexplained, leaving readers with questions about the inner workings of the world. Despite its shortcomings, Ravenwood is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.
Lowell’s skillful storytelling and relatable characters create a world that readers will not soon forget. The book is recommended for young adult readers and above, as it deals with mature themes.
Overall, Ravenwood deserves a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. While there may be some limitations to the book, its strengths more than make up for it, creating an unforgettable journey for readers.
