Review: Sylvain Reynard's "The Raven (The Florentine, #1)".

Review: Sylvain Reynard's "The Raven (The Florentine, #1)". 

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/1sVTsE7

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1C31NrK

Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

Review-Jo 

I loved, loved, loved this book. Move over Edward Cullen and Damon Salvatore, there is a new supernatural star in town and this one is going to rock your world! I am not a big fan of paranormal stories so I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one. How wrong was I? I am so glad that I took the opportunity to read this book because it is my favourite of the year so far. I loved it so much that I read it in one day, hardly putting my kindle down. 

"You've ensnared me, cassita, I've never been less eager to escape." 

Raven was a character that I instantly loved. She was warm, kind and caring, a girl with a beautiful soul. The kind of person that befriended the homeless people on the street and was prepared to defend them, even if it endangered her life. Raven had a strong and courageous side to her that I saw time and time again throughout this story. 

The Prince was not my usual type of book boyfriend. When I first read the prequel to this series my first impressions of him was that he was cruel man who I disliked. His world was dark and dangerous and I feared what he was capable of. Now, after reading "The Raven", I have completely changed my opinion. I discovered the man that was hiding in the underworld and by the end of the story I was ready to join the Prince's fan club! 

"I don't understand you." 

"What's not to understand?" 

"How you can be so harsh and kiss like that." 

With Raven's appearance in the Prince's life I saw a sexier side to the Prince. Not only was he sexy but he was also caring and protective, determined to keep Raven safe in his world. I loved getting to know him and found myself utterly fascinated by his life. 

"You are the only ray of hope I've seen since 1274. 

You're the only one who has caused my heart to beat again." 

Everything about Raven was sweet and good. She was not the type of girl that I would expect someone so dark to show interest in or so I thought. Once Raven had captured the Prince's attention there was no escaping him. The Prince saw a goodness in her. She was the light in his darkness. Raven and the Prince were not supposed to be together. They were from different worlds but somehow they were perfect for each other. 

"You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice." 

I adored watching this couple together. I loved how well they got along, how at ease they were with each other and how much he cherished her despite being from the underworld. And as for the sex, it was scorching!!! I think I need to find myself someone with supernatural powers because woah! I am missing out big style! lol. 

"You don't know the pleasure I'm capable of giving you. 

There are those who would beg to become my lover, just for one night." 

Despite Raven and the Prince being perfect for each other I knew that their relationship would be forbidden. The Prince belonged to the underworld which was a very frightening world to be in. It was a world that Raven did not belong in. I feared for the couple's future together and I was rooting for them throughout the story. I was desperate for the pair to overcome the dangers that were caused by the underworld. There were no sparkly vampires or happy families like the Cullen's in this story! 

"Raven, nothing about me is safe. But I can say that I will do 

all in my power to give you nothing but pleasure." 

As I began this story I was anxious for Gabriel and Julianne. I don't want to give away anything about their appearance except that it was brief and I am sure that this couple will return in the sequel. I am certain that their part in this story is not yet over. I thought that I'd be disappointed with their short appearance. however I was so wrapped up in Raven and the Prince's story that I really didn't mind. And Sylvain made it up to me by adding some extra scenes and outtakes involving Gabriel and Julianne at the end of the book. How delighted I was to find them! 

I have been well and truly captivated by this story. It was filled with beauty, art and romance. Sylvian's writing is always so exquisite. This author has a beautiful way of making you fall in love with their words. If you are a fan of Sylvain Reynard you will not be disappointed with this book and if you are like me, you will be eager to get your hands on the next book. Fingers crossed we don't have to wait too long. I can't wait! 

"If I lose you, I lose everything. You are the only goodness in my world." 

The Raven gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️