Here is a book review for “Flock” by Kate Stewart, the first book in The Ravenhood series:
Title: A Gritty, Twisted Tale of Love, Secrets, and Sacrifice
In “Flock,” the first installment of her Ravenhood trilogy, Kate Stewart delivers a dark, gritty, and utterly captivating tale that puts a modern twist on the Robin Hood legend. This story follows a young woman who finds herself drawn into the dangerous and alluring world of the men of Triple Falls, a world filled with secrets that will demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Stewart’s writing is raw, visceral, and unapologetically real. She doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of her characters’ lives and choices, painting a vivid picture of a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. The story is told from the perspective of the unnamed protagonist, whose naivete and romantic illusions are slowly stripped away as she becomes entangled with the enigmatic men who rule Triple Falls.
The characters in “Flock” are complex, flawed, and utterly compelling. The protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and disillusionment is as central to the story as her relationships with the men who draw her into their orbit. These men, with their secrets and their mysterious agenda, are equal parts alluring and dangerous, and Stewart does a masterful job of keeping the reader guessing about their true motives and loyalties.
One of the strengths of “Flock” is the way it subverts traditional romantic tropes and expectations. This is not a story of hearts and flowers, but rather one of thorns and scars. Stewart explores the darker, more masochistic side of love and the ways in which we can become complicit in our own suffering. It’s a story that will challenge readers’ assumptions and leave them questioning their own ideas about love, sacrifice, and the nature of the human heart.
The audiobook performance by Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden is superb, bringing the characters and their intense, emotionally charged story to vivid life. Mitchell captures the protagonist’s vulnerability, strength, and growing disillusionment with skill and nuance, while Arden’s performance of the enigmatic male characters is both seductive and unsettling.
It’s worth noting that “Flock” ends on a cliffhanger that will leave readers desperate for the next installment of the trilogy. This is not a standalone story, but rather the first part of a larger, more complex tale that promises to challenge and enthrall readers at every turn.
Overall, “Flock” is a must-read for fans of dark romance, unconventional love stories, and anyone who enjoys a good Robin Hood retelling. With its raw emotion, complex characters, and unflinching exploration of the darker side of love, this book is a powerful and unforgettable start to Kate Stewart’s Ravenhood trilogy.
Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
I’d love to hear from other readers in the Tokybook community. Have you had a chance to read “Flock” or any of the other books in The Ravenhood series? What did you think of Stewart’s dark and gritty take on the Robin Hood legend and the unnamed protagonist’s journey? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below!
