The romance is too dull to consider it as a good one and the world building is so lacking it cannot count as a good fantasy book either. I would have probably dnfed this if it wasn't for it being an arc because it was also kinda boring. I have also received this in a book box which is disappointing

This was a good read with some interesting concepts and plot twists. However, despite the improved pacing in the second half, this was no more than a solid read for me.

This book was ok, but I found the romance element quite lacklustre. The pacing in the second half picked up and made for an interesting finish, and I liked the final reveal at the end

I really enjoyed this book. I read many variations of vampire books, and I found this one to have many original ideas.
There were a few things that were predictable, but not enough to ruin the storyline for me.
I'd rate it a 4 star overall.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollinsUK, and One More Chapter for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Few Notes Before We Begin:
•This is a condensed review. I might create a more detailed video review later and post it on my socials.
•While some have referred to this book as romantasy, I’d like to clarify that it is not a romantasy.

Initial Thoughts
I was excited to dive into The Last Raven, especially after seeing glowing early reviews on Instagram. A love story between a vampire and a human? Count me in! But once I started reading, I felt like I was experiencing an entirely different book. Checking Goodreads confirmed I wasn’t alone—many reviews echoed my feelings.

Rating this book is tough. While I understand this is an uncorrected proof, it feels far from ready for publication. The story would benefit significantly from developmental editing. While some line editing (e.g., cutting repetitive “er” and “uh” phrases) would help, the larger issue lies in its structure and world-building.

The Plot
The core idea—a human destined to rule in a vampire-dominated world—is intriguing. Unfortunately, that’s where my enthusiasm ends. The plot was predictable in the least enjoyable way: boring. Familiar tropes can be comforting and fun when executed well, but this fell flat.

The story was riddled with plot holes, and critical revelations came far too late, making them feel like afterthoughts. The pacing was paradoxically both too fast and too slow, which robbed the narrative of the tension and excitement necessary to keep readers engaged.

Worldbuilding
The world had potential, but the execution left me confused. Here are just a few examples:
•The timeline is inconsistent. It’s been over 50 years since the vampire uprising, yet canonical works like Interview with the Vampire (1976) still exist. Would this book have even been published in a world ruled by vampires?
•Vampires, some of whom are over 500 years old, only decided to take over the world 50 years ago. Why wait so long?
•Vampires celebrate Halloween. Why? Wouldn’t they celebrate a harvest festival like Samhain or invent a new holiday tied to their culture? Or simply commemorate the Rising of the vampires?
•Language inconsistency: The FMC uses modern slang despite being raised in isolation. Where did she learn it? Slang evolves with new generations and specific environments, so how is it developing in this world? Does it originate from humans? If so, how does the FMC know it? The MMC’s use of slang is somewhat believable since he frequents areas where vampires and humans coexist, but for her, it doesn’t make sense given her sheltered upbringing.

The Characters
I struggled to connect with any of the characters.
•FMC: Insufferable and contradictory. Her actions and thoughts often didn’t align, leaving me frustrated. For example: “He can do anything in this moment, and I’ll let him. How would I stop him anyway?” immediately followed by “Nothing matters except his touch.” Is she into it or not?
•MMC: Equally annoying. He asks, “Don’t you trust me?” on the same day they meet. The lack of chemistry between the two made their interactions nonsensical.

The Writing
•Pacing: The book relied heavily on chapter-ending cliffhangers, which can work in fanfiction but not in this format. The tension is lost when resolutions come immediately in the beginning of the next chapter.
•Repetition: Certain words and phrases were overused to the point of distraction. How I Met Your Mother fans: remember the episode where everyone played a drinking game based on Robin saying “but, um”? That’s exactly how I felt while reading this—it became impossible to ignore.
•Tone: The writing felt more suited for a younger audience, yet it also included sexual content. This inconsistency made it difficult to determine the target audience and detracted from the overall reading experience.

Marketing (maybe spoilers ahead)
Words matter. Marketing this book as a romance (or romantasy) sets up certain expectations, and this story does not meet them. You can call it romantic, but it doesn’t fulfill the criteria of a romance novel.
Additionally, the tagline on the cover—“Her blood is all he craves”—never plays into the plot. Misleading marketing like this sets readers up for disappointment. It might help sales initially, but disappointed reviewers may sway others not to purchase the book.

Conclusion
I wanted to like this book—I’m a sucker for vampire stories—but it didn’t work for me. The worldbuilding was shaky, the plot predictable, and the characters frustrating. I doubt I’ll read the sequel.

This review might seem overly critical, but I want to explain why this book didn’t resonate with me. I tried to turn my brain off and just enjoy the ride, but it simply wasn’t enjoyable.

Rating: ⭐✨/5

Overall was an okay read. Was left a bit disappointed by the lack of enemies to lovers and felt the relationship was insta love. Did enjoy the world building and the characters though!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This is a unique vampire tale. A human girl is the child of the vampire rulers of the land. She struggles with her life as a royal in a world where humans are livestock. The romantic relationship in the book had me questioning the MC’s judgement for the first 2/3 of the book, then it finally got better. I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to leave a great review, but the last quarter of the book really helped make up for the rest of it for me.

In a world where vampires are the ones making the rules how can the human daughter of two powerful vampires expect to survive let alone lead them. Emelia is poised to take over the realm and lead the vampires. But Emelia isn't a vampire she's breakable and in danger at every turn. Forced to wear things like a spray to deter and mask her human smell.

The humans live in service to the vampires in small communitys called "safe zones" Emelia dreams of visiting and living out the life she has idealized. But the problem is the safe zones really aren't safe for anyone let alone the humans it's supposed to protect.

Emelia seeks connection with her guard and the two of them plan to run away together.

Fantasy
Vampires
Found family

I started off really liking this but then to be honest the insta love started to bother me. I then suspected what the plot twist was gonna be and ended up being right, it was a good book dont get me wrong but I dont think i would be continuing the series

Emelia is on the brink of inheriting the esteemed vampire crown of Raven, a position that is as thrilling as it is challenging. As the child of the reigning vampire rulers, her completely human nature makes her a fascinating anomaly in a world dominated by the supernatural. While some may view her uniqueness as a monstrosity, she is truly a rare gem that adds depth to her lineage. Her parents take every measure to protect her from the outside world, keeping her safe from potential threats and prying eyes.

In contrast, we have Kyle, whose vibrant energy leaps off the page and instantly captivates readers. His character is wonderfully developed, and he quickly becomes a fan favourite, bringing humour and joy that brilliantly lightens the story’s mood. His presence balances the novel’s more serious themes, making the experience even more enjoyable.

This novel is a delightful read, effortlessly drawing you into its charming universe with a fluid narrative that keeps you engaged from the first page to the last. While the depiction of vampires may remind readers of the "Twilight" series, it skillfully weaves its own unique twists and turns. This connection only enhances its originality, crafting a mesmerizing tale full of mystery and emotion that will enchant anyone who takes the plunge into its captivating pages.

#VampireLegacy #EnchantingTale #MysteryAndEmotion #KyleTheFavorite #EmeliaTheAnomaly #SupernaturalWorld #CaptivatingRead

What I liked about this book was that vampires rule and humans are seen as the lesser beings, maybe this has been done before but it wasn't a take that I had read and I enjoyed that.

The story is a very fast paced, quick read. I wouldn't say it was a favourite but it was enjoyable enough that I'll probably pick up the sequel.

I did see the twists coming from the beginning, but that didn't put me off. The characters were a little surface level and things maybe happened a little too quickly, but on the plus side, it meant there was no unnecessary filler. I didn't really buy the chemistry between the love interests, but I'm wondering if this was the author's aim now that I've finished reading.

I'm interested to see where the plot goes, how will Emelia go about trying to bring changes to their world? I'll be reading on to see how this develops.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the review copy, provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

The Last Raven is the first book in The Ravens duology. It was the first title to be ever featured in the Forbidden Wing book box. This romantasy is said to be a vampire romance, but what will this first book in the duology bring?

The story starts of really nice. I enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. Emilia doesn't want her heritage. As human, she doesn't feel like she is fit to lead a vampire coven but she will come of age soon. Can she escape her future with her new bodyguard Kyle or will she be forced to live a life she doesn't want?

What did I just read? That was my initial thought after finishing The Last Raven. The storyline is okay, but not romantasy at all. Yes, it has fantasy elements but I wouldn't say there really is a romance. And that plottwist in the end? No way. It just doesn't make any sense at all. I wished I liked the ending, but it just left me stunned and I just couldn't cope with it. I really hope part two comes soon, since we need answers!

Helen Glynn Jones has a nice writing style which kept me hooked. I am really looking forward to the next part in this duology, since I feel like too much was happening in the end of this book. I enjoyed reading The Last Raven and give it a 4 star rating.

“The Last Raven,” by Helen Glynn Jones

This was a really good book. It is everything I look for in a YA vampire royalty book. I love how the princess is human despite her parents being vampires, I loved how she was torn between the two worlds of vampires and humans. The morality of their world and how humans are treated was the main focus of the entire book. The main character is such a sheltered princess, her knowledge and thoughts about it was so naïve and innocent. I liked seeing her grow into the person she became at the end. Above all, I adored the forbidden love romance aspect. Those two characters were so good together and I loved every scene. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Vampires
-Forbidden Love
-Royalty

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

I’ll be forced to take the crown, simply because of who my parent are. Never mind that my skin, my eyes and the way I move will give me away for what I am. Human. In a world ruled by vampires. As sole heir to the House of Raven, there is nothing Emelia can’t have. The only problem is, she doesn’t want it. As rebellion and dark forces swirl around her, Emelia has a choice to make: leave everyone she loves behind, or stay and accept her destiny.

An engrossing vampire romance indeed that deftly blends elements of forced proximity and forbidden love for readers to sink their teeth into, pun intended. It’s been a while since there has been a narrative that takes on a new angle on vampire lore which includes elements of political intrigue, royal bloodlines and intriguing romance.

A plot that will leave you up a night, characters that are vividly brought to life and a world that will leave you wishing you were the next in line for the throne. Even if it may cost you your life. A hauntingly beautiful tale for fans of vampires, romance and fantasy elements within a narrative.


𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐊 | 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐲𝐧𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

Review:

I read the entire book in order to leave an honest review, but normally, I would have DNF a book like this. Books with Insta Love are not my thing, but I was definitely intrigued by the story!

pretty good but i found that the characters all felt a little flat, as did the plot. still, though, the twist was good. it doesn't feel like it needs a sequel though, more like it just works well as a stand-alone. 3.5 stars, rounded up. tysm for the arc.

I have mixed feelings on this one because I loved so much of it but a few things didn’t sit right with me too.

So I really loved the concept of the story with vampires being the leaders of the world and humans as cattle, the politics and twist on the vampire stories. I enjoyed watching the story unfold, and I’m excited to read the sequel if there is one.

My issues were with the fact that it sometimes felt rushed and could have done with more development and that also relates to the insta love part of the story <spoiler> the reveal wasn’t as surprising as I thought, as Kyle gave off bad vibes from the beginning </spoiler>

I think the book was a little confused whether it was YA or adult, because some of the content was adult but it felt like a YA book. I read both so I am not too fussed but I felt like the spicy scene was just not needed.

Overall I enjoyed the politics and world of the story but the book could have done with more development and deciding whether it was YA or adult fantasy.

The premise of this book sounded promising but it fell a little flat for me. It felt a little misleading by the front text “her blood is all he craves,” you expect exactly that. Which is the farthest thing that happens in this story. Along with it being advertised as extremely “spicy” when there’s only 1 scene. And to add it’s extremely disturbing to read about a 17 year old with an open door scene. Without that scene, this would make a great YA book.
I did read it quickly to see how it ends, Emelia’s biggest redeeming factor is her bold revenge move at the end and seeing her move on to do better.

I think this would be a great intro book for new readers to fantasy romance.

The story follows Emilia, the hesitant heir to the Raven throne, as she prepares for her upcoming coronation on her 18th birthday while contemplating her escape to the human world. Her decision becomes more complex with the arrival of her new bodyguard, Kyle, amidst rising tensions between vampires and humans. The book is fast-paced and engaging, though it may not fully captivate; the world-building raises intriguing questions, particularly regarding the rarity of a human daughter in a 500-year-old vampire lineage. The connection between Emilia and Kyle feels immediate, but the brief enemies-to-lovers trope lacks depth, resolving too quickly to leave a lasting impact. The final chapters rush through key plot developments, making the betrayal somewhat predictable, yet they do leave readers curious about Emilia's next steps.

When I saw that this book was aimed at Twilight fans, I knew I had to read it, especially since I’m a millennial who grew up with those stories!

The Last Raven follows the story of Emelia, the heir of the Raven House, one of the vampire-ruling houses on Earth. However, she has been sheltered from her world because she is human.

In a society where humans are farmed to fulfill the needs of vampires, and with a new revolution brewing, Emelia must familiarize herself with the reality outside her golden cage if she wants to survive.

I liked the premise of this book, but the execution fell short for me. The world-building is underdeveloped, the main character is spoiled and oblivious, and the insta-love plot didn’t resonate with me. However, I did enjoy the plot twist at the end.

Thank you, Helen Glynn Jones and HarperCollins UK, for the opportunity to read this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.