Woods of the Raven

By: Mary Calmes

Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Something wicked this way comes…and it might be too late to stop it.

Xander Corey lives simply, sustainably, on the outskirts of Osprey, a small, quaint town in Upstate New York. He’s a librarian when the town’s budget can afford him, a good friend, kind neighbor, and also, a witch. And while that’s of no concern to anyone around him, there are others, non-humans, who have a vested interest in Xander’s family land. Xander knows something dark and dangerous is brewing. He’s just not quite sure what.

And that’s not the only mystery he’s dealing with. The new chief of police is, by turns, giving him heart palpitations and homicidal thoughts. Xander can’t decide if the gorgeous yet infuriating Lorne MacBain is on his side, or trying to drive him insane. Added to that, the man doesn’t believe in magic, and since that’s who Xander is, their future looks anything but bright.

But Lorne is not the unimaginative, stick-in-the-mud Xander thinks he is. And a rock to anchor him as his life is turning upside down is just the thing Xander needs. Now if only the two of them can stay alive….

©2023 Mary Calmes (P)2023 Mary Calmes

Too much sex

(As posted in Goodreads)
The title _Woods of the Raven_ didn't keep me from assuming that it was anything but a standard mystery - my son corrected me; "the Woods" Is a standard fantasy trope, and " Raven" Was a Dead Giveaway. SIGH, I'm clearly just old and out of touch. So whereas I was expecting a classic mystery, it is actually A total fantasy--complete with magic and witches and demons.
That being said, it's OK, But not totally great. There's way too much sex, and the importance of feelings, whereas it's an interesting addition, does not really add to the story.
Overall, ho hum.

Warning

I could have done w/o the sex visuals but the overall book is fun.

So, so good

This book was a perfect blend of modern fantasy, ancient magic, and great characters. A threat against the home of generations of powerful mages and witches brings together a new police chief and the current witch (with an endearing man bun), to fight a bloodthirsty god looking for a new world to conquer. Lots of fascinating details, a great romance, and a thrilling final confrontation. A great read, and an audio book so good I am sure I will listen to it again. Greg Tremblay did a superb job voicing the characters.

Delightful story!

We have Xander, small town librarian, living a simple life with nature. Oh, and he's also a witch. And we have, Lorne, the grumpy new Chief of Police, who has his eyes on Xander. Lorne is constantly catching Xander doing (what Lorne views as) wrong. Throw in teenagers, animals in disguise, ghosts (both of the two and four legged kind) and add dark magic encroaching on Xander's beloved land and it makes for one heck of an entertaining read.

I found this gem in an Audible sale. First time 'reading' this author, will look into her other books. Great narration.

A fun supernatural story

I liked the new world building. I do wish this was a series that follows mysteries.