by Kaitlyn Davis
narrated by Sarah Sampino
A new take on Tristan & Isolde
This book begins an epic YA retelling of Tristan and Isolde within a new and interesting world. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Initially, I adored the concept behind this book, and the mating trials gave it an interesting spin that wasn’t so much sexist as the original, “I’m going to win the woman for the bride,” premise. So, I thoroughly enjoy that the world is not quite as female-oppressive as the original tale.
I adore how the choice in mate is made–even though it doesn’t work out great for the characters in whole.
The villain/anti-hero in this tale took a larger role than I was anticipating. I liked Cassie, but I’m a little reserved on the full arc because it extends beyond this book.
The love-story side of this fell apart in the middle, but I liked how it started coming back together through the healing powers Lyanna and Rafe are beginning to better understand. When it began to sag, I almost dropped my rating to 3*, but the excitement of the twist at the end brought it back up to 4.
Yes, this is a cliffhanger, but it’s also a good place to break into the next book. Since this one is already 512 pages, that’s probably good.
I, unfortunately, have other books in the way before I can complete this story, but I do look forward to the next in series.
Plot & Characters
The plot in this novel could be a bit tighter. I feel like the author tried to bring the secondary plot to the forefront enough to extend the original premise of the story into a series. Unfortunately, it has the side affect of taking away from the premise of Tristan being the central character whose misfortune brings down a kingdom.
Fortunately, the other aspects are strong enough that it makes me want to continue the journey.
Romance Elements
Swoonworthiness
The romance here is definitely a secondary thought to the worldbuilding, politics, and service to the gods in this story. For me, that was less than what I expected going in, and I’m hopeful that it will change in the next in series.
Part of what I loved so much about Tristan and Iseult was the strength of the attraction between T&I and the evolving affection of Iseult toward King Mark. Yes, it’s a love triangle, but it explores how one person can be truly torn in love. Perhaps this aspect is coming in the subsequent books. In one story, T&I also explores the evolution of love as a person matures. These aspects are absent so far in this story. But again, I will reserve final judgement until after I’ve read the others.
Heat
Very little. The characters clearly have relations, but it is all off screen / implied.
Fantasy Elements
Worldbuilding
The floating isles and aviation aspect is really intriguing and I believe it goes deeper into the next months. The story unfolds slowly, but there is a lot there to digest, so I think the pacing is fairly appropriate to really get immersed in the world.
Magic & Magic Systems
There is very little unique in the magic system. It seems that healing powers are granted by the gods and the main characters have bird wings and certain traits related to the bird wings they have.
Writing & Narration
What’s really nice about this book is that the writing fades to the background in favor of the story. That, to me, shows nice skill.
The narration was good, not my favorite, but solid. My only preference would have been to have some of it be a little less high-pitched.
Synopsis
Four fates collide in this avian-inspired, epic fantasy retelling of Tristan and Isolde, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Sabaa Tahir, and Leigh Bardugo!
A princess longing to be free…
On the dawn of her courtship trials, Princess Lyana Aethionus knows she should be focused on winning her perfect mate, yet her thoughts wander to the open sky at the edge of her floating kingdom. One final adventure calls. Upon fleeing the palace, the last thing she expects to find is a raven prince locked in a death match with a dragon.
A bastard aching to belong…
Reviled son of a dead king, Rafe would do anything for his beloved half-brother Prince Lysander Taetanus, including posing as him in the upcoming courtship trials. When a dragon interrupts their secret exchange, he orders his studious sibling to run. After suffering a fatal blow, Rafe is saved by a beautiful dove who possesses forbidden magic, just like him.
Fate brought them together, now destiny will tear them apart…
Unknown to the world above, on the foggy sea 10,000 feet below, a young king fights a forgotten war. He believes Lyana is the queen prophesied to save the world, and with the help of his favored spy, hidden deep in the highest ranks of the dove royal house, he will stop at nothing to have her.
Three shocking betrayals. Two star-crossed lovers. One unforgettable journey. If you like fierce heroines, brooding heroes, forbidden romance, and action-packed magical adventures with twists you’ll never see coming, don’t miss The Raven and the Dove!
My Ratings
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About the Author
Kaitlyn Davis is an indie author who writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, “Davis writes with confidence and poise.”
Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon. When she’s not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, she can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with family.