"The Raven Key" by Harper L. Carnes is a dark and haunting tale that delves into themes of trauma, identity, and the supernatural. This gripping story takes readers on a journey through the psyche of its main character, Seth Cunningham, as he grapples with the demons of his past and a sinister presence that threatens to consume him.

The novel begins with a chilling scene from Seth's childhood when his mother attempted to drown him in a pond. This traumatic event has left him scarred both mentally and emotionally, haunted by memories and nightmares. As Seth tries to lead a semblance of a normal life, he meets Gabriel, a college student who becomes his source of comfort and support. Their budding romance provides a glimmer of hope in Seth's otherwise dark world.

What sets "The Raven Key" apart is the supernatural element woven into the narrative. Seth is connected to a mysterious presence that communicates with him through ravens. This presence exudes a malevolent aura, and its influence over Seth becomes increasingly pronounced. The author skillfully builds tension and suspense as the story unfolds, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

Carnes's writing style is engaging and immersive, allowing readers to delve deep into Seth's psyche and experience his inner turmoil. The author explores the complexities of trauma, mental illness, and the struggle for identity with sensitivity and depth.

The characters in the story are well-developed, and their relationships add depth to the narrative. Seth's journey of self-discovery is a central theme, and his character arc is both compelling and poignant. The supporting characters, particularly Gabriel, provide a sense of warmth and humanity amidst the darkness.

It's important to note that "The Raven Key" contains dark and mature themes, including depictions of mental illness, past abuse, and discussions of past sexual assault. These themes are handled with care and are integral to the story's exploration of trauma and healing.

In conclusion, "The Raven Key" is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and psychological suspense. Harper L. Carnes has crafted a gripping narrative that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche while offering glimmers of hope and redemption. This book is not for the faint of heart but is a compelling read for those who appreciate dark and psychologically rich storytelling.

I picked The Raven Key up off of NetGalley as the start to my October spooky/thriller reading marathon, and it delivered with that goal!

I’ll start by saying I appreciated the trigger warnings given by the author. I implore those who pick this book up to note them before beginning.

I think this book is a good new adult read when it comes to the romance portion. It is LGBTQIA+ and there is good representation throughout the story.

While this writing style isn’t my usual cup of tea, I did enjoy many elements of the story. I believe this is the author’s first novel, so I commend her, however, this book left me wanting. I found myself at times wanting to skip over paragraphs to get back to the plot. The pacing wasn’t great, but once the action picked up, I found myself enjoying it much more.

I sympathized with the MC, Seth, and could relate to a lot of the things he dealt with throughout the story. My only critique would be that he seemed inconsistent at times.

This was a good October, spooky season read that I would recommend to new adults who enjoy steamy romance scenes. The spice was there for sure!