Raven’s Awakening by Ella Phoenix – a Review

Link to order Raven’s Awakening: Amazon / Smashwords / All Romance Ebooks

Description:
Since she was a child, Chloe has endured horrible nightmares about a Native American prince living in a time long forgotten. She never understood why, until she finds a stone that matches the one in her dreams. It has unimaginable powers, powers Chloe doesn’t understand. Fueled by memories of someone else’s past, she sets off on a wild quest for the stone’s birth place, hoping to also find answers to her foreboding dreams.

On the outside, Mason Green looks like a hard working, self-made millionaire, with too busy a life for romance. Very few people know the real reason for his self-imposed seclusion. It’s safer that way. But when a sexy historian shows him a supernatural stone from a forgotten tribe, Mason is intrigued – maybe the relic is the salvation he’s been waiting for. Ignoring the irrational attraction that threatens to crack the cask around his heart, Mason agrees to help Chloe.

As their wild quest becomes a dangerous mission, they must find the relic’s birthplace before Mason’s past catches up to them.

Review:

After reading the book’s synopsis I have to admit I was intrigued and knew this would be a book right up my alley.  I was right and have to say was not disappointed with Ella Phoenix and her storytelling.  Raven’s Awakening (formerly Manataka) is a quick read, full of drama, suspense, intrigue, danger, Native American Folklore, with a side of romance thrown in for good measure. The storyline is well developed, moves along at a good pace and allows the reader to settle in for a wonderful journey. 

Along this journey we meet Chloe and Mason.  Two characters who are very easy to like and connect too.  Ms. Phoenix does an excellent job of writing these two characters and merging them as a couple.  Sometimes in shorter novels I find it hard to connect with, and see two characters come together as a couple because there isn’t much background, or time to tell their stories before becoming a couple, but this doesn’t happen here.  Chloe and Mason’s characters are well balanced and easily blend together to form the core of the story. Chloe is a fun female lead you can’t help but like.  She’s feisty, strong, brave and smart.  Mason comes up with the perfect nickname for her; “his little blonde tornado”, and she is forever keeping him on his toes, all the while helping him to heal and come to terms with what happened all those years ago.  Mason, what can I say about Mason other then,(thud, picks self up off floor, settles back in her seat to continue typing), sorry where was I, oh yeah Mason, one word, swoon-worthy.  From his first description in the book I was captivated by him and wanted to learn more. The more I learned, the more I liked and became an instant fan of his. Mason’s character instantly drew me in and wouldn’t let me go till I found out everything I needed to know.

It’s through Mason and later his connection to Chloe that Ms. Phoenix weaves her tale of Native American folklore and mystery.  She seamlessly blends Mason’s past with Chloe and the present.  We learn of a Native American myth the Tula Tribe and the legend of Manataka.  Now if anyone knows me, they know how much I love a good story with a healthy dose of myth and folklore thrown in for added measure.  Thank you Ms. Phoenix for satisfying my folklore fix.  I truly enjoyed this part of the story, it was captivating, suspenseful, magical and action packed towards the end with just a hint of danger to spice it up enough. 

As I said earlier, for me this story had all the right elements.  If you are a fan of folklore/myth, drama, intrigue and a good romance then this one’s for you. Ms. Phoenix is a wonderful author with a great imagination and gift for storytelling.  I enjoyed every moment of this book, even though she leaves the book a little on the open ended side.  It looks like the legend of Manataka will continue in another book, and for me I couldn’t be happier.  I say bring it on and let the fun continue Ms. Phoenix.  Happy reading everyone. 

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author