"Raven"
"It's been four years since Raven fled Baron Cutter's estate – four years since her mother, Roxaine, failed to show at their rendezvous. They were bond servants then. Now, Raven is an outlaw and a powerful mage – she can change into a bird at will. But at fifteen, Raven is haunted by the past: Did her mother abandon her, or did Raven desert Roxaine in her hour of need? Driven by a desire to know what happened that night, Raven seeks out the mother she left behind. What she discovers is beyond her imagining, and Raven is left with a choice: escape a second time or help the mother whose will is as strong as her own.
"From the author of Sky Carver comes this riveting account of an unwilling heroine's quest. Vivid details and amusing characters are skillfully woven into this fast-paced novel about a girl who must look beyond magic – and herself – to save what is most important."
–The Jacket Flap Blurb
One of my readers for the first draft of "Sky Carver" was Trina Schart Hyman, the masterful artist who also painted its cover. And the first thing she said when she handed back the manuscript was, "I want to read more about Raven. I hope the next book is her story."
Up to that point, I had no idea I would be writing a second book set in Carver's world. Trina's reaction changed my mind. Raven was one of those characters who grew in the telling. She appeared as a plot device, quickly became a sidekick, and then developed into her own person. I really liked her and wanted to spend more time looking through her eyes and speaking with her wonderful voice!
I had already put hints about Raven's past into "Sky Carver," which I proceeded to develop into a sub-plot. She had three big scenes, in fact, which dealt with her past, her passionate hatred of forced servitude, and her rocky relationship with her mother. However, when I presented them to Jennifer Greene, my editor at Clarion, she told me to save them for the next book, where I could focus on Raven.
So here it is, and the story too has grown in the telling. "Raven" takes place a few months after "Sky Carver" ends, but it's not a sequel. It is definitely Raven's own story. She is almost the only character from "Sky Carver" to reappear, but don't worry; you'll get to meet a whole bookful of fascinating people, including Fireboy's little brother, who has a magic talent of his own.
"Raven" is available now online and in bookstores. You may have to ask your bookseller to order it (I'm not famous enough yet to be in stock everywhere), but it only takes a few days. While you're waiting, you can read Chapter 1 on my publisher's Web site (the link is underneath the cover art at right), and you can CLICK HERE to download Chapter 8 in a PDF file so you can read it off line.
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Who likes to read Raven?
Librarians and booksellers, click here for some thoughts.
On Sale Now!
Wherever Books are Sold
Published by Clarion Books
ISBN: 978-0-618-70224-4
Read Chapter 1 at Clarion's on-line catalog!
"...a fast-paced, heartwarming adventure."
–Kirkus Reviews
"...those who look to fantasy for well imagined situations and settings will find an ample supply in this one..."
–Booklist
"This stand-alone book has both a powerful heroine for the girls and enough thrilling page-turning moments for the boys. A historical fantasy novel that deserves a wider audience..."
–Beth Reynolds
Bookseller and Librarian
Norwich, Vermont
"...a stunning
story of a quest for truth which will change all the lives it touches.
Young adult collections will find it an impressively compelling read."
–Midwest Book Review
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