2.5 stars
Sadly, this wasn’t for me. I know it is for a younger audience but I was still missing a little depth to the plot and characters.
I really liked the premise: Triplets grow up in an enchanted forest with their older brother and mother and suddently find out that one of them is the heir to the throne, a dangerous role to have. To keep them safe the mother has never told anyone which of them was born first.

I really liked this aspect of not knowing and also that they’re not sure whom they could trust. I enjoyed the sibbling relationship (not only the triplets’ but also their relationship with their older brother) and i ADORED how a plot twist was handeled. The protagonist is scared for her triplets to find out a secret and when it is revealed: their reaction ... *chef's kiss*
I have to say, my favorite character in this is Giles, one of the triplets. He is described as the heart of the family and I 100 % agree.

However, for a long time it is just them running through the forest/the land trying to escape the people who want to capture and use them. Not a lot of confrontation is happening. The villains seem more like cardboard cut-outs than real people. They are your basic "bad guy" and when it finally does come to a showdown they act so strange, it’s almost like slapstick comedy. There is just a disparity between these children having to fight actual fights with weapons and them taking on this war against adults - and then the actual interaction with anyone beside their family.

Mine seems to be the unpopular oppinion though. So check out other reviews to see why other people adored this book.

Actual Rating: 3.5

This a wonderful and magical fantasy! I loved the descriptions of the world and magic, I think it was really well done. Our main characters, Cordelia, Giles and Rosalind, were fleshed out nicely and I think their individuals strengths made for a good journey book! I felt like I was right there in the forest with them while Cordelia shape shifted (one of my all time favorite powers) and it almost felt like straight out of a fairytale (there were strong Rapunzel themes at the beginning!).

While I did enjoy this book for the most part, it felt a bit rushed to me in the second half. Even for a middle grade (I usually review YA), things were resolved much to quickly and I feel like it jumped from plot point to plot point. Which was frustrating because I was invested in the outcome of the story. I think if some of the storyline had been left for the second book, it would have worked better.

I really enjoyed the triplets relationship and character development throughout the story. It really brought everything to life. The story mostly centers around Cordelia but the rest of her family is extremely important to her and the story. The Magic system and setting are well written and it intriguing how they are tied to the main characters and how the triplets learn more about the magic and the land on their journey. The book also has some great twists and overall is a compelling adventure that is hard to put down.

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Bloomsbury for providing an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

The Raven Heir was a fun and fast-paced middle-grade fantasy full of magic, life-altering secrets, and power-hungry royals! Without giving spoilers, I didn't expect the story to look at the human impact upon a damaged and dying land but it gave the story an 'ancient' sort of vibe and I appreciated that aspect of the story! I haven't read anything by this author before but their writing style made this a very easy read that I was able to finish in a span of a few hours. It read a bit on the younger end of MG but I have no doubt it's a story many readers will enjoy whether they're part of the target audience or not!

The story is told through Cordelia's POV. Cordelia is one of the triplets but unlike her siblings, she has always felt a pull to the world outside the 'safe' and hidden bubble their mother created to protect the children. She is also a shape-shifter and I thought it was really cool to learn that she could shift into any animal she wanted! I thought it was unique the way she experienced the world differently with each animal and it was clearly depicted by the author. Part of the triplet alongside Cordelia are Giles and Rosalind, both of whom have inherited different powers of human sorcery. Of the three, I have to say that my favourite was Giles! He has such a bubbly and delightful personality and I thought his power via spoken word was really cool—it was like compulsion by song! The triplets also have an older brother Connall, who is the "good boy" who strictly follows their mother's endless rules, but for good reason, and although we only get small glimpses of him, he was a level-headed presence that brought a comforting vibe to the story, especially compared to the triplets.

There's a strong focus on family relationships in this book and I think Burgis portrayed them very well. There was a lot of squabbling between the triplets as they journeyed to uncover the truth of the land, and while at times it was a little frustrating, it was also entertaining and very relatable—I mean, I could definitely see my siblings and me squabbling in the same way! 😂 Yet despite the rough patches they experienced along the way, and their difficulties in setting differences aside, it ultimately served to strengthen their bond and increase their appreciation for each other. I loved how they stick together, bolster the other when their confidence falls and have each other's backs.

I think I would've liked this book more if the world-building was stronger, which is also why I feel it reads on the younger end of MG (which is not really an issue since I'm not the target audience). There's not much clarity on the political history of the warring families or the magic system, which is a pity because there is a lot of magic and different kinds, too! For example, the triplets are admittedly untrained in their powers but on the course of their journey they are able to easily and quickly master those powers but it's not clear how they did it or how they knew how to do it. Though I enjoyed the fast pace of the read, it also read *too* fast at times as there was more telling than showing. However, this seems to be the first book in a series, so there's potential for these aspects to be further developed in the following books! I hope that we also get to learn more about certain characters, like Connall and I'd love to even get different perspectives from the other siblings, too.

Overall, this was an action-packed and adventure-filled start to a new middle-grade fantasy series that I think many young readers will enjoy!

For the past thirty years, the land of Corvenne has been ravaged by war. Since the Raven Crown was broken into three pieces and hidden away from the people, disparate factions have clashed, each one vying for the power the throne offers. Hidden deep inside an enchanted forest are four siblings, protected from the danger found outside the boundary of their land by their mother and her magic. When enemies arrive at their front door, the three youngest siblings find themselves in the pivotal position of having to rescue both their family and their war-torn land.

Written for a confident middle grade audience, this book combines easy readability with a compelling and unique plot. Though it follows a clear and direct story arc for the most part, occasional twists in the story keep readers on their toes as they increase their reading confidence while navigating the book. Italics are used frequently to emphasize certain words or phrases, occasionally serving as a demarcation of internal reflection or storytelling, as well. While this can become tedious for older readers, newly confident middle grade children will appreciate the textual support this inclusion provides.

The overarching theme of family being about more than just a blood connection is one that will be recognized by readers of all ages. Regardless of where one originates, a true familial bond will hold no matter the pressures placed against it. As twelve-year-old Cordelia discovers in this story, sometimes sacrifices must be made to rescue those she loves. Throughout the course of the narrative, Cordelia undergoes the greatest transformation as she learns to set aside her nomadic, independent ways for the good of others. Recognizable sibling relationships are interspersed with life-or-death struggles to ground this narrative within its fictional setting.

Well-designed, this fantasy adventure examines the familiar trope of a wicked enchantress in the woods from an entirely different angle. Instead of a bloodthirsty villain, the children’s mother is acting out of an innate motherly instinct, protecting her offspring from the dangers of the outside world. Clear and concise in its delivery, this accessible story is well suited to the target audience and serves as an enjoyable diversion from everyday life.

The Raven Heir is by far the best middle grade fantasy I’ve read this year!!

Full of adventure, danger, secrets, and unraveling truths- I couldn’t put this book down once the story truly began.

Cordy isn’t like her triplet siblings. Her magic has taken a different path than theirs and she can shift into whatever wild thing her heart desires. But Cordy is tired of all the secrets her mother keeps and the questions she refuses to answer. So when two dukes and their knights show up at their home in the enchanted forest Cordy wants to know why, and who they are, and what they want. But her desire for answers puts her family at risk, and now Cordy must do whatever she can to keep her triplets safe and find out the truth to all the secrets surrounding them.

I absolutely loved Cordy and her siblings! Burgis created such a pure, well rounded, and well developed set of triplets. And while Cordelia is the main character, her triplets are just as much a part of what’s happening as she is.

Burgis also created a phenomenal magic and secret fueled world filled with an enchanted forest, a looming kingdom, and mystical mountains. I loved falling into the world of Corvenne.

The story of Cordy and her triplets starts off slow as Burgis introduces readers to their world, and their magic- but it quickly picks up with action while the triplets try to stay safe in the wild forest. The plot twists were beautiful, and honestly I didn’t see one of them coming, which was brilliant!

The story comes together with such a perfect ending too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Raven Heir and plan to see what else Burgis has available for me to read. If you love middle grade fantasy- this is a must read for sure!

I devoured The Raven Heir in 3 sittings, including one all-nighter during which I could not put the book down and sleep — against my better judgement — but I just couldn’t tear myself away from this captivating story and its endearing, entertaining, personable, relatable, and distinctly individual 3 main characters.

I was swept away from page one, right along with Cordelia, Giles and Rosalind, into an enthralling adventure, in which the stakes were high and the price of failure even higher. Cordelia discovers that protecting the earth, and its inhabitants, can only come at the price of great personal sacrifice — but is that a sacrifice she is willing to make?

I can highly recommend this book to anyone who likes magic, adventure, surprises, clever and entertaining personalities and dialogue, and friendship.

A fun fantasy adventure about Cordelia, a triplet whose sorceress mother has hidden her and her siblings away in an enchanted forest. When they're attacked, they'll need to find the Raven Crown and fix it to end the bloodshed.

Really enjoyed this middle grade fantasy!

Author Stephanie Burgis has crafted a magical world of secrets, royalty, and found family.

I love the family dynamics of the triplets and their older brother. Their intense love for each other really shown through, but was kept realistic by their annoyance with each other and little arguments. Cordelia is a fantastic heroine, and her magical powers were so interesting to read about.

I loved the bits of humor as well, especially when the younger brother would make up his ballads and sing them!

An original adventure fantasy for middle grade readers and above, with a thoughtful message of found family and sacrificing for peace.

This was incredibly unique and intricate! I loved following these children on their journey to save their family! I only wish the author had a more distinct writing style because at times this did fall flat for me. I would highly recommend this and I cannot wait to read more from this author and this universe!

I was excited to start this one as I have read other middle grade books by this same author. Although this wasn’t a favorite, I still liked the characters and the themes that were present.

The characters, especially Cordelia, were very interesting to read about. Cordelia had the ability to morph into animals. It was cool to read about it. I especially liked her being a cat, haha. I do think my daughter would really enjoy that aspect as well. I will say that it was a bit confusing from the standpoint of not understand the how and the why of it though.

Cordelia is also a triplet and has a older brother. Because of that, there is a lot of talk around sibling bonds. This includes the bickering as well. I liked seeing this because it shows everyone that it is normal but it’s how we learn and grow from the situation. Their mother is present for bits here and there and even that has its own growth from the characters. Family is big and sometimes those that we share blood with don’t have our best interest at heart.

I did like the setting which mostly takes place in the forest and there is quite a lot of action too!

Overall, this was a good middle grade fantasy. It would be one that I share with my daughter when she gets older.

Rating: 3.5 stars

• 3.8 stars

Cordelia and her family are all gifted. Her mother and protective, older/half-brother are well-versed in sorcery, and her triplet siblings have power as well but they chose to pursue music and weaponry instead. For her part, Cordelia doesn't have as much magic as the others, but she can shape-shift into different animals and always has a wild longing for living free.

One day, soldiers come knocking for the heir to the Raven Throne and refuse to leave. Cordelia, unable to bear the secrets her mother is hiding and the stifling nature of being barricaded behind doors, shape-shifts and escapes. But in the process, a family friend gets hit by a deadly spell, and to save her, her mother surrenders, telling the triplets to flee because if they become the Raven King or Queen, they won't live for much longer.

During their flight, the secrets they keep and the betrayals they face forces them to realize the true meaning of family.

The Raven Heir was a sweet book, and I loved the sibling squabbles between the triplets and their elder brother. I also loved how much their mother cared for them and was willing to do anything. And above all, I love how they show that family doesn't have to be united by blood, but rather, by love.