Raven Flight

June 1, 2013
The second volume of Marillier's Dark Ages fantasy picks up right where the first (Shadowfell, 2012) left off. Neryn's time among the rebels has left her stronger and healthier but no closer to grasping her power and becoming a true Caller. When a potential ally sets a time limit for rebelling against tyrannical King Keldec, Neryn can no longer hide and sets off to find the Hag of the Isles and the Lord of the North. As in the first volume, the fantasy stands rooted in the folklore of the British Isles; the details of time and place ring true, and even the magical folk come across as commonplace despite being limned in power. If the first volume's thematic scope concerned how to move past the tragedies and privations of one's past, this one looks at the things one must let go of for the greater good: If Neryn and Flint love each other, they may doom the rebellion, but denying human connection is a high price to pay for peace. By the end, more pieces have fallen into place--including a hint that there's a worse villain yet to come--and the slow start has given way to a sad, satisfying ending. Marillier's many fans will be pleased to see the threads continue to unroll and will eagerly anticipate the battle to come. (map) (Historical fantasy. 13 & up)

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December 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-In this sequel to Shadowfell (Knopf, 2012), Neryn has carved out an existence among the residents of the rebel outpost. War against tyrannical King Keldec is imminent, and Neryn's Caller powers will be crucial to victory. To complete her training, the heroine must continue to seek valuable knowledge from the magical Guardians of Alban. But convincing them to help won't be easy. Moreover, Neryn continues to be haunted by both the extent of her powers and her feelings for double-agent Flint. Reluctantly accompanied by the prickly warrior, Tali, and assisted by magical beings called Good Folk, Neryn embarks on a treacherous mission that, ultimately, will change her life. Raven Flight is just as much a personal journey as a physical one in that Marillier devotes the bulk of the text to character development. The first-person narrative gives an intimate glimpse into the protagonist's inner life, and readers will appreciate how Neryn and Tali grow because of each other's company. Vivid settings and exquisite prose combine to make this novel a winner. Fans of Shadowfell will devour it and eagerly anticipate the trilogy's concluding volume.-Alissa J. Bach, Oxford Public Library, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2013
Grades 7-10 In this sequel to Shadowfell (2012), Neryn has reached Shadowfell, joined the rebel stronghold of which Flint spoke, and begun to be accepted. But though her journey is eased by having training and help, the tension and danger increase as the rebel forces continue their plotting to overthrow King Keldec. Meanwhile, Neryn and Flint grow closer, despite their distance. Neryn journeys with Tali, a serious warrior and trainer, who slowly warms to Neryn as the two women learn to work together, leading up to the dramatic and emotional ending, which will leave readers anxious for the final volume. Marillier's first-person prose is beautiful in its description of both the harsh conditions and difficult tasks, and the dialect of the Good Folk is rhythmic and warm: Dinna try tae talk. Ye're lookin' peaky. Fantasy readers looking for a well-crafted tale that unfolds slowly, with characters whose depths continue to grow along with their relationships, will be well rewarded.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)