There are certain books which almost defy explanation. This is one of those books. By trying to explain the plot you'll simply give too much away or not do it justice.

So I'll just say that this novel has a monster, a great protagonist who's being kidnapped just to make babies, and it involves a dream world and history of the Knights Templer.

And this author makes all of it work in a terrifying and full speed ahead manner which makes this novel absolutely fun to read.

The monster is, indeed, loathsome and evil while the protagonist is a loner. She's also very outspoken and sarcastic as well as a bit of a badass!

Some of the scenes in this book are the stuff of action films. They're exciting, thrilling, and you never know what the outcome will be. But the meat of the story is the protagonist herself. From a traumatic experience when she was fifteen to her now lonely lifestyle, putting up so many walls that even a tank couldn't break through, to her new relationship which she believes is going to go belly up because "everybody leaves eventually".

Her life is really an out of control wreck already. Then comes the monster and the kidnappers. It just makes for a fantastic and horrifying read.

I highly recommend this book. You've never read anything quite like it.

A lot of what bothered me about this book is impossible to articulate without giving spoilers, so for a full comprehensive review, please see my link below.

The story started out strong with an autumnal atmosphere and a frightening hook but after the trip to Wales, the story swerved into territory I wasn’t expecting and kinda spiralled from there:

● I really wish there’d been content warnings so I’m adding some of the bottom of this review. Some might be a bit spoilery, just fyi. There was one thread in particular that deeply upset me that I’d wished I’d known about beforehand. I probably wouldn't have requested it if I'd known it was such a core theme of the book.

● This author has a preoccupation with overly dramatic gun shootout scenes that just don’t fit the setting or the vibe he’s going for with UK folk horror. Plus, an obnoxious overuse of the word “babe”, which I never want to hear again after this

● Jenna was really difficult to root for: she was obnoxious, facetious, and uncommunicative.

Despite all of that, for this reader, The Ravening was an improvement over The Hollows and scaled back a lot of what I felt ruined that book. I’d cautiously give Church’s next novel a read as he’s clearly developing as a writer but at the same time, I don’t think I’d seek out another one of his books in a hurry.

⚠️ Additional Content Warnings ⚠️
Death of parent, gore, violent assault and injury, forced confinement, kidnapping, imprisonment, rape, forced birth, gun violence, murder, violation of consent, attempted suicide, homophobia, bullying, violence, excessive swearing

I was privileged to have my request to read this book accepted through NetGalley. Thanks for letting me give it a go, Angry Robot! 🤖

This was not for me I afraid.
It was nearly a DNF early on due to how annoying I found the main character, but I carried on, intrigued by what could be happening.
It's fair to say a lot is happening, some of it pretty wild.
If that's your cup of tea, you will love this.
I just didn't.
I never need to hear the word "babe" again after this.

An utterly gripping and twisty thriller, that left me feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. Jenna was a great character and most unusually for me, I did not see a lot of the plot beats coming. I just need to catch my breath now!

This book has so many twists and turns , just when you think you know what’s coming NOPE twist!

The villain was awesome and done so well! Loved it

Wow, this book was like five books in one. When I thought I knew where it was going it threw me for a loop again and again. The twists were very difficult to see coming, the villain is one for the ages and Jenna is one amazing heroine. Great until the final satisfying word.

Angry robot have some amazing books coming out lately!

Jenna’s story was awesome one of the best thrillers I’ve read

It’s dark it keeps you guessing and the twists and turns you don’t see coming!