The Violet Raven offers a dark and imaginative start to the Warriors of the Raven Queen series. E. E. Star presents a unique world filled with shadowy magic and mysterious lore, and the concept of warriors tied to a death goddess is refreshingly different.

While the story has some pacing issues and certain plot points could use more development, the core ideas are strong, and the main character shows promise. Some moments felt rushed, but others really pulled me in and left me curious about what’s next.

It’s a solid debut that lays the groundwork for what could be an exciting series. I’m hopeful that the next book will build on this foundation and take things even further.

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing Publishing group for the eARC..

The Violet Raven is available May 27, 2025!

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and E. E. Star for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Buckle up, because the violet raven will take you on a LONG ride. If you love high fantasy, insanely detailed world building, and a romance slow enough to send you to a nursing home, this one is for you.

I honestly really, really enjoyed this book. I am not a huge fan of any miscommunication tropes but I have to admit, I was still hooked. This is a SLOW BURN romance and you will not receive any kind of instant gratification from the FMC + MMC. And good lord does the romance send you on a winding path.

You will use the glossary so helpfully included in the beginning of the book. You will, I know you will. If you are a native English speaker, you might be largely unfamiliar with the Scottish and Irish terminology. There is a LOT included in the book. The author is incredibly thorough with her glossary which I personally appreciate.

The beginning did not hook me, but the story was good enough for me to push through. Things did eventually pick up, but the first few chapters are very dense and difficult to read in my opinion. Of course, this is the first in a series and there are a lot of unanswered questions towards the end. I’m not sure if I’ll immediately pick up the second book when it releases but I will eventually read it.

🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇 6-Bat Review: Violet Raven (Warriors of the Raven Queen, Book 1) by E.E. Star

Some books don’t just whisper to you — they seize you by the soul and drag you willingly into their world. Violet Raven was one of those rare treasures. It’s been far too long since I gave a 6-bat review, but E.E. Star left me no choice. From the very first breath of this story, I was devoured whole — and that dedication? It shattered me in the most beautiful way.

The magic here isn't just woven — it’s branded into every page. The character arcs are alive, breathing, aching — and don't even get me started on Finn, who stole my heart and refused to return it. This isn’t just fantasy; it’s folklore, myth, and memory bound together in ink and blood.

I desperately need a physical copy to press against my heart... and the second book? I’ll be standing at the gates, howling, clawing, waiting for it.

If you crave books that taste like moonlight and sorrow, victory and old spells, Violet Raven will ruin you in the best way.

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⭐️5/5 Stars — “A Stunning Adventure Full of Heart!”⭐️

The Violet Raven feels like stepping into a dream you never want to wake up from — mysterious, a little wild, and absolutely unforgettable. E.E. Star has created a world that’s beautifully bizarre, with characters who are just the right kind of wonderfully weird and a plot that twists like ivy around a crumbling tower. The unbreakable bond of family running through every chapter. It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it gives the wild fantasy a grounding, emotional core that makes everything hit even harder.
And Finn — oh, Finn! His fierce loyalty, hidden softness, and the way he calls her “little doe” completely stole my heart. Their bond is the kind that lingers long after you turn the last page.
If you love your stories a little poetic, and a lot unforgettable, The Violet Raven is one you won’t want to miss.

~this was an ARC read for an honest review. Thank you to the author and NetGalley!~

The violet raven

I’ll start with what I really enjoyed.
I thought that there was some truly beautiful descriptions in this book, that created some amazing imagery in my mind.
I also think the use of Irish and Scottish Gaelic in the dialogue throughout was really well done.

Onto our FMC, Triona, I loved our first introduction to her as a child. She was cheeky and inquisitive. As we jump forward to 19 year old Triona, there are glimpses of the cheekiness, but she’s also a little naive and full of love.
Our MMC, Finn, was intense, and emotional. Even though I liked him I was frustrated at his refusal to tell Triona how he felt about her even though it was very obvious! Very Slow burn romance here.

Speaking of slow burn romances, the plot felt slow in the beginning too. For the first half of the book Triona’s only goal was to not marry and become a house wife which was what was expected of her. However there was a sense that something more important was at play, we just had no idea what that was until we reached the half way point. Luckily there was fun banter and chuckling laughter to keep us readers entertained, as we got more familiar with her family and albeit, normal life.
After a turn of events at that half way mark, the story did get moving.

By the time I got to the end, I was happy to see some things click in to place, but there’s definitely many questions left hanging for us to think about before book 2 is released.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC of The Violet Raven.

Two sentences into this book and I was already hooked by the storytelling. This book made me shed actual tears..
The worldbuilding is amazing, the characters are all fleshed out and the story is great.
For the first half of the book everything is really idyllic but you know something will happen so there is also this sense of doom that the author has you feeling. Which is skilfully done!
I also adored the little hints and not so little hints to myths and legends. I would have loved some more of that! But I get the feeling the next book will have it!
After that the story slows down a bit.
And then came that final part of the book. Those final chapters which made sure I need the next book.. now? Pretty please?

Ooh and I would love to read some more about Bran and Casey!

Let me preface this by saying: I'm not a huge fantasy reader. The premise of this story and the fact that it is steeped in folklore grabbed my attention and ran with it!

E.E. Star's writing is lyrical and beautiful, her descriptions paint a vivid picture in the reader's head, and her dialogue reads really nicely. It's evident throughout that she has done her research regarding the Gaelic language, as well as the folklore and fantasy elements. Including the glossary of terms and phrases used in the book makes for a more seamless read and keeps the reader from being left guessing. The story contains romance, fantasy elements, folk tales, twists and turns, adventure, and a sprinkling of spice.

Our FMC, Caitriona, is a multifaceted character. She's very strong and opinionated, yet at the same time has her moments of doubt and weakness, especially when certain aspects of her life start to change rapidly. She is young and confronted with massive life changes, one after another, and manages to maintain her composure through most of challenges thrown her way.

Our main MMC, Finn, is a big, gooey cinnamon roll of a man. He has been secretly pining for his friend's little sister for years, and will do everything in his power to protect her. He is loyal, sweet, and good in every sense, and the love that he has for Triona is the stuff of book boyfriend dreams.

Casey, Bran, and Callan are like a merry band of misfit sidekicks, and I love all of them. They are each loyal to Triona and to each other in their own ways, and the way that they band together when times get tough is the test of true friendship. Also worth noting is the relationship between Triona and her parents, James and Ellen. Though they're not perfect, I really enjoyed reading their interactions with each other, and the descriptions of Triona's idyllic childhood.

The book is on the longer end, but the journey is worth every word. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!