An unexpected team—a steely bouncer, cryptic librarian, unyielding rebel, nomadic drifter and exiled prince—stand as mankind's final chance in this urban spellbinding fantasy that's 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman meets Patricia Briggs' supernatural suspense.
In a gritty urban fantasy world steeped in baroque shadows, blending Indigenous myth with cosmic horror, four witches known as the Aspects are Earth’s last defense against the rapacious Outer Gods. Their blood pulses with a monstrous fusion of their essence and that of these dread entities, granting them dominion over elemental forces. This impending apocalypse, The Great War, draws ancient allies and enemies into its cosmic vortex. Gabriel Mothmann, CEO of MANN Inc., emerges as a potential yet enigmatic ally in this conflict. Even the spirit of H.P. Lovecraft remains tied to this world through a macabre relic.
As the stakes rise, hidden truths break free, and allegiances tremble, especially that of Leng—a being twisted by the Outer Gods’ malevolence. Yet, this tortured alien may be one of the fiercest champions for humanity. However, Octavia Mothmann, Gabriel’s power-thirsty sister who is hell-bent on calling forth the Deep One himself, could pose the most formidable danger. With humanity teetering on a precipice, the Aspects are faced with a dual battle—against both the monstrous Outer Gods and their own horrifying inner reflections.
Author Christian A. Brown masterfully combines the elements of classic Lovecraftian cosmic horror with a sharp YA urban fantasy pace, creating a dark, immersive world with new frights lurking at every turn of the page. The vivid descriptions are packed with atmosphere to suit the haunting tone, and there's an interesting mix of contemporary urban situations layered with baroque, gothic undertones that enhance the emotion of every scene. Brown's characters are just as complex and multi-layered as his story world, making their struggles with both external and internal forces compelling as we get to know each Aspect through distinct dialogue choices and some heartfelt interactions. I was also really impressed with the inclusion and tactful exploration of Indigenous myths alongside cosmic horror, which added originality and cultural richness, but never felt overdone or gimmicky. Overall, Raven's Cry is a brilliant start to a promising new fantasy series that I'd certainly recommend. 5/5 Stars
