Review - The Raven’s Tale by Cat Winters

Title: The Raven's Tale

Author: Cat Winters

Pages: 368

Publisher: Amulet Books

Release Date: 16th April 2019

Blurb from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Edgar Poe counts down the days until he can escape his foster family—the wealthy Allans of Richmond, Virginia. He hungers for his upcoming life as a student at the prestigious new university, almost as much as he longs to marry his beloved Elmira Royster. However, on the brink of his departure, all his plans go awry when a macabre Muse named Lenore appears to him. Muses are frightful creatures that lead Artists down a path of ruin and disgrace, and no respectable person could possibly understand or accept them. But Lenore steps out of the shadows with one request: “Let them see me!”

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My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley*

Seventeen-year-old Edgar Allan Poe can't wait for the day he leaves home - and his foster father - for university. However, Edgar doesn't want to be away from his beloved foster mother and the girl he intends to marry.

Edgar's chance to escape Richmond is put into jeopardy when a horrifying Muse appears to him. He has been told that Muses are foul beings that lead people into disgrace. The Muse, who Edgar names Lenore, wants only one thing - to be seen.

Can Edgar keep Lenore hidden?

Will she ruin Edgar's one chance of attending university?

Going into The Raven's Tale, I didn't know much about Edgar Allan Poe and I hadn't read many of his poems, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.

I liked Edgar as a protagonist - I felt sorry for him at times, and wanted him to follow his dream of being a writer.

Lenore was an interesting character and I felt sorry for her too at times - she just wanted to be seen, but Edgar worried that her appearance would frighten people.

The plot was good overall, but nothing that happened surprised me particularly.

My favourite thing about this book was the concept of Muses. I really liked the idea of having one following you around and inspiring you.

The setting of the 1800s was also interesting.

The writing style was easy to follow, but I wasn't gripped.

Reading The Raven's Tale has made me want to find out more about Edgar Allan Poe. I didn't realise that he also wrote comedy pieces.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.