A refreshing departure from cut and paste fantasy
"What an amazing read, truly 5 stars for so many reasons! I highlighted so many passages! -He falls first -Slow burn -Irish Mythos & Folklore -Best friends sister -Dual POV -Found family -Soul bound This isn't a fast-paced adventure, but rather a richly woven tapestry of world-building that sets an incredible stage for an epic fantasy series. The fact that this is the author's debut makes the whole experience even more thrilling! Set against the backdrop of the 1800s and steeped in Irish mythology and lore, the storytelling feels poetic and slow, yet it captivates the reader with the mysterious hints sprinkled throughout."
—Tracey Mele, Amazon Review
Top Fantasy Book of 2025
"This is one of my favorite books of the year!!!! I highlighted so many quotes in this book I had a difficult time choosing which ones to include in my review!
The writing is phenomenal. E.E. Star is now an auto-buy author. I would absolutely read her grocery lists. Her writing is captivating, emotional, engaging, and poetic. I can't wait to read this all over again!
The characters were my favorite. There was so much depth to each character, and the cast was so well-balanced. We always know, not just what they are doing, but what they are thinking in every moment. A subtle movement, a shadow of the eyes, or a flicker of some emotion will pass over their faces. The way Star writes this into the story is exquisite."
—Zephyr, Amazon Review
One of my top reads of the year~
This review is difficult to write as I have so many thoughts and felt many emotions so deeply as I read The Violet Raven. The last 10% of the book left me absolutely breathless.
Rather than point out my thoughts about specific characters (which were all fantastic btw), I was mostly overcome with the depth of love in the book. Not only with the slow burn romance of Triona and Finn, but the deep familial love of the Sinclair family. They have such a strong connection and fierce love that you know they would go to great lengths to protect one another. And the banter was enjoyable too!
Watching the evolution of the relationship between Triona and Finn was remarkable as you begin to realize they were made for each other- soulmates in every sense of the word. They’re so passionate about one another but not just in a romantic way… it goes far beyond that. I felt their relationship so deeply because it mirrors much of the passions and emotions of my relationship with my husband. It was easy for me to be drawn into these character’s lives both before and after their relationship was established.
I felt the world building and character establishment/development was done very well, and it laid a strong foundation for future books- which I will be waiting for book two with bated breath! The pronunciation guide and the glossary/key terms was especially helpful in the immersion as well.
—Shannon, Amazon Review