In the kingdom of Ríocht na Meon, magic is forbidden-and those who wield it are hunted. The First Order's armies scour the land for druids, elemental mages who once walked in harmony with nature. Sorcha, a seamstress raised in comfort within the outer districts, has always been content with her quiet life with her closest friend, Fiona. But when her world begins to unravel, Sorcha's peaceful existence shatters. Fiona, daughter of a farmer and servant in the royal keep's kitchens, works tirelessly to provide for her family. Bound by duty and loyalty, she never imagined her life would change-until she receives an unexpected offer of marriage that could upend everything. And Nemain-the Reaper-haunts the shadows. A feared druid cloaked in mystery, her name alone sends tremors through the kingdom. Few know her story. Less survive her shadows touch. As secrets twist through the royal court and rebellion brews in the kingdom, these women's paths collide in ways that will alter not only their own fates but the fate of the Ríocht na Meon.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
T.L. Tyner's Dawn of the Raven is a sapphic fantasy adventure inspired by Irish myths and folklore, set in a world where druids are persecuted. First in a series, it follows three women as they contend with their fate and with persecution.
Fiona and Sorcha are old friends and maybe more; when they get separated, they struggle to survive against societal constraints and people in power. They go through much over the course of the book, and change for better and worse. Nemain has a darker story, and a history of abuse that the author doesn't shy away from. It's seen especially in how quickly she latches to Fiona when they cross paths.
While the general plot, the characters, and the worldbuilding are intriguing, with mature themes like torture and abuse, the writing is somewhat simplistic, while also moving too fast when it ought to stop and let the story breathe.
Dawn of the Raven is a queer tale of resilience.
✨ 3.5 stars