Tag: YA fantasy

Prepare for a luminous adventure in this highly original young adult epic fantasy novel by debut author B. D. Reeves. The Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist, 2023.

Jemma and the Raven

Release date: June 5th, 2024

Length: 10hrs 53 min

Genre: Fantasy/ Young Adult/ Teen


Synopsis

To everyone else, Jemma is nothing but a Wharf thief. She scavenges for tokens in the wrestling dens and parades along the market lanes with a raven, Edgar, on her shoulder.
 
But she and Edgar have a secret. In a land where memories fade into the Shadows without the love of a Keeper, they scour the ruins of ancient memory palaces, searching for treasure that will buy them a passage to the great city of Adocentyn.
 
When Jemma steals a map and a golden blade, she sets in motion a chain of events that will tie her destiny to the survival of all who live in the light of Memory.
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Can Jemma defeat the darkness she has unleached, without losing herself? And who is the voice she hears guiding her along the way?
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"I am with you. Follow the lights." 

REVIEW

Entranced by the cover and the story concept, I spotlighted Jemma and the Raven when it was released in print and ebook. Now, with its recent audiobook tour, I decided to join R&R Book Tours once again and review this highly recommended book.

A young adult epic fantasy adventure in the likes of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, we meet Jemma and her talking raven Edgar. Jemma, an orphan, lives the life of a wharf thief as she works the wrestling tents scraping for dropped tokens to survive. When scavenging the Scarpe ruins, Jemma finds the ruins of an old castle—deciding to loot it for treasure in the hope that she can sell the items to gain passage to the great city of Adocentyn. Only Jemma encounters a memory she is drawn to and a golden dagger that seems to glow for her. The castle is not empty either, and Jemma and Edgar begin their adventure there.

I usually do not read audiobooks, but I decided to give it another go with Jemma and the Raven. I now know why I do not listen to audiobooks. I am a more visual person, I guess. While the story is excellent, I could not get into it. Thus, my review may be less detailed or in-depth. 

Narrator Kim Heron does a lovely job, though. I loved the voice contrast she does for each character; the male and female voices are so impressive. Still, nope, I could not get into the story listening-wise.

Reeves has created a complex world using historical inspiration and using the construct of memory, making this fascinating idea of keepers of memories and being caught in a memory loop. In listening, I got a bit lost and constantly wished I had a physical or digital copy in my hands so I could re-read and dissect it all.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Jemma and the Raven is Jemma herself. I loved the character growth Reeves gives Jemma. It was so refreshing to see it done right! I really did not like Jemma at first; she seemed to me like your stereotypical street rat, but in the end, I grew to like her and respect her. That is character growth done right.

Therefore, my rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B. D. Reeves is a Melbourne-based writer who loves to explore hybrid forms in fiction. His books combine philosophical, historical, and fantastical ideas with magical elements and calls for adventure. His debut YA fantasy novel Jemma and the Raven was a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards, 2023. He is currently working on the next installment, along with two other stand-alone novels.

As the child of a diplomat, B. D. Reeves learned the joys of travel from an early age. He once camped in an old shepherd’s hut on a remote Greek island where he discovered the remnants of ancient frescos, the secrets of bees, and the friendship of a goat who followed him wherever he went. He has since adored the concept of animals in fiction. His eclectic interests have led him to study far and wide. He has completed a Philosophy degree from the Australian National University (ANU), a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing from RMIT, and a Master’s in Educational Research at the University of Melbourne. In 2020, he received the Frieda Cohen Award for best research thesis.

His work has been featured in the Sudo Journal literary magazine and the Melbourne Art Book Fair. He was shortlisted in the New Philosopher Writing Awards 2021.

Learn more about B.D. Reeves at bdreeves.com

ABOUT THE NARRATOR

Kim Heron is an actor, theatre maker, voiceover artist, and audiobook narrator based in the southwest of England. Trained in Lecoq-based acting at LISPA, she works predominantly in live theatre with an emphasis on developing new work with a playful approach to collaborative creation combined with rigour and attention to detail.

She sings, plays, and writes music for theatre. She has created and toured theatre productions with Theatre Ad Infinitum, Green Ginger, The Tobacco Factory, The Wardrobe Theatre, Ramshacklicious, Oily Cart, and Many others. She is a Co-artistic director of In Our Hands Theatre. Kim works as a voiceover artist from her home studio, creating content for podcasts, training videos, audiobooks, museum audio guides, and lots more. 

To learn more about Kim Heron and her work, visit www.inourhandstheatre.org