Ever since I was introduced to A Court of Thorns and Roses, I have been obsessed with fairies and have searched for any stories featuring fairies in an almost ravenous fashion. An Enchantment of Ravens certainly did not disappoint. From the moment I laid eyes on the cover I fell immediately in love. It didn’t hurt that the book is only three hundred pages long – perfect for a single sitting!
The story opens with the main character, Isobel, painting a member of the fair folk, a group of beings who are immediately known to be immortal magic users. From the moment I began reading the interaction between Isobel and a member of the fair folk named Gadfly, I was hooked. It was immediately obvious that, in this world, there is a disconnect between the humans and the fair folk. Yet, at the same time, there was a symbiotic relationship. The fair folk are fascinated with human craftsmanship but if they attempt anything of the sort themselves, they will instantly turn to dust. Isobel herself is a well-known painter in the human village of Whimsy. Fair folk seek her out from all over to have their portraits done and in return, they grant her with all matter of wishes and enchantments. Eventually, word of her talent reaches the ears of Rook, the Autumn prince. When they meet, there is an instant connection between the two. After the completion of his portrait, Rook returns and steals Isobel away to the fairy lands after accusing her of painting human emotion in his eyes, ruining his reputation as a prince.
Despite their rocky beginning, this is the start of a great love story which will keep readers enthralled and rooting for the couple as they slowly realize their feelings for one another. It will also fill the reader with dread when they remember that according to The Good Law, a human and a fair one are not allowed to fall in love with each other. The penalty is death. Isobel and Rook must hide their feelings for each other as they navigate through the fairy lands and outsmarting the prince of Spring as well as the ruler of the four fairy kingdoms himself – The Alder King.
If readers are looking for a fairy tale with romance, adventure, and literal fairies, this is the novel for you! This is a quick easy read which celebrates the beauty of humanity and all that we humans are capable of.
