Reading this book is like racing towards the edge of a cliff, every chapter pushing you faster until you're hurtling towards your own demise, completely unstoppable. Everything about this book is gripping. I fell in love with each character and felt my heart tear as I realised they couldn't all have their happy endings. I was mesmerised by the world Kaitlyn Davis has created in such exquisite detail and curious to understand more. I was enthralled by the writing, furiously racing through chapters to dispel the tension that gradually intensified as I was sucked in deeper and deeper into the lives and relationships of the characters.

I'm devastated that I will have to wait so long to read the sequel, but I will definitely be purchasing this book for my libraries when it is released.

First of all, PLEASE tell me these is another book coming? Because it cannot end like that!

The Raven and the Dove is interesting as we get the point of view of all four main characters:
Lyana (Princess of House of Peace), Lysander/Xander (Prince of House of Whispers) Cassi, Lyana's best friend and Rafe, Xander's half-brother.

I really loved how The Raven and the Dove basically begins with action. Often in fantasy novels, there's a lot of world-building at the start before anything happens with the plot. The story starts on the day of the courtship trials where the heirs from each of the seven houses compete in a series of trials during which matches - basically, arranged marriages - are made.

As a favour to his brother, Rafe agrees to pose as his brother Lysander in the courtship trials. The plan is to swap on the last day when the matches get made so that no one will ever find out. This gets more complicated when Lyana ends up saving Rafe's life, establishes a kindred spirit connection and spends the rest of the courtship trials determined to match with the raven prince.

Can I also just add that I loved the concept of the trials and specifically the fact that BOTH the young men and women get to compete and have the chance to pick their match, rather than just the old Prince chooses the Princess trope. This felt like such a fresh take on arranged marriage scenarios that often play out in fantasy novels.

If you are looking for a series (it has to be a series!) that has a beautiful avian-inspired world with interesting characters, shocking betrayals, forbidden romance and fiery dragons, The Raven & The Dove is for you.

WOW HOW GOOD WAS THIS?!
I don’t even have any bad things to say. Great world building, characterization, atmosphere, povs, all of it! Excellent. I liked the nods to the T & I legend without it being too much. Enough was revealed to the reader that I’m satisfied and not frustrated that things moved too slowly. Im sure we’ll learn more about the world as we get more books but WOW not disappointed at all. I can’t believe how long until this is released because I need book two immediately. More coherent review to come when I’m not shell shocked by that ended. Geez.

Magic is seen as evil and those who have it are killed or keep it hidden. Love between mates does not usually exist, for it is mostly an arrangement even though the trials dictate who gets first choice, but things are always predetermined behind closed doors. Princess Lyana Aethionus of the Dove House, always does what she wants and cannot help but recognize a kindred spirit in the Raven prince, who is more than he seems, After healing him from a dragon, Lyana knows he is the one for her, yet it is a lie. Rafe is the bastard half-brother of Prince Lysander Taetanus. Rafe is dedicated to his brother and feels like he owes him. Rafe is looked upon with distrust and hatred for something that was not of his doing. Rafe and Lyana fall in love with each other. However, Lyana is hurt when she discovers his deception. Yet, she cannot stay away from Rafe. Rafe hurts Lyana, with his actions and words, for she is his brother's mate, regardless of how he feels for her. Xander lets his brother fight in the trials due to his own handicap, showing his own lack of self-confidence. Lyana cares for Xander, but does not love him as a mate should. However, there is one plotting the demise of them all, believing it is all for the greater good, regardless of the damage inflicted. Looking forward to the next novel in the series!

Holy Shizznet!!!! My mind is spinning right now! I read this in one sitting I couldn't put it down! This is a must must read!!! I already can't wait for the next one!!!

I was so excited to see this listed on NetGalley. I had added it to my tbr on Goodreads solely based on the premise. Little did I know that an artist I absolutely love would end up creating the cover. It was meant to be! I had high hopes, I mean they were through the roof. I tried to reel it in as much as I could and although I did, it didn't stop me from picking up my kindle right away to dive in.I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed this.

Let's talk about the characters. There are four main characters that are the driving force for the plot. Each one gets their own point-of-view. This always makes me happy when I come across it in a book. It helps to understand what is going through their minds and connects the dots of the plot in a lot of ways.

Lyana is a girl who wants to be free. A bird that is caged, although that's quite ironic since she has wings. Her family is always trying to set her on the right course but she is determined to make one decision solely hers. She is brave, loyal, and kind. Sometimes her heart gets in the way and it causes for some interesting plot twists. Her actions were quite childish at times but all of it makes her human.

Cassi, Lyana's friend and guard, is a real piece of work! I can't say too much about her without giving anything away but, dang! She is strong, calculating, and will do anything to make sure everything goes as planned. Such a morally grey character and it was great!

Rafe and Lysander, the half brothers. If you don't already know, I love brothers in books. It makes for an interesting dynamic and this particular one didn't disappoint. Each from the same father but completely different. I loved getting to know each one and honestly, I don't think I would be able to pick a favorite. Each has their own struggles and although its hard to lean on one another sometimes, I hope they can pull through.

The world this author created was unique and a joy to read about. The avian-inspired theme really added to the uniqueness of the world and the people in it. Each House is represented by a different god and have wings that associate with a bird. Each isle is unique to that House as well. There is forbidden magic and although that has been done before, I think that because of this new world I didn't mind. It felt fresh. 

As for the plot, it was full of betrayal, forbidden love, and political games. Although it was clear from the beginning how one plot point would go, I still didn't fully grasp what was to come. The plot twists were intense and that ending was brutal!

Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot! I am invested in this world and these characters. I don't know what book 2 has in store for me and my emotions will be all over the place but I am ready! This is definitely a series you don't want to miss.