Review - Ravenstoke (Universe Unbound #2) by Augusta Blythe

Title: Ravenstoke

Author: Augusta Blythe

Series: 2nd (Winterborne)

Pages: ebook only

Published: December 4th 2011 

ASIN: B006IEXF1I

Source: sent for honest review

Description: In Winterborne, Loie and Mia's seventeenth birthdays brought more drama and surprises than they ever expected. Now, in Ravenstoke, they are adjusting to the aftermath and struggling to keep those newfound powers in check. When Andreas is called away to England under mysterious circumstances, a new guy is sent to Salcey Ridge in his place. Cian is smarmy and cocksure and Loie wants nothing more than to unleash a hellhound on him. Unfortunately, Cian isn't the only complication in their lives as the girls must also contend with the reappearance of Mr. Winterborne himself and Loie's most dreaded fear of all - a part in the school musical. Can the girls survive the rest of junior year unscathed?

I Give This ....

I don't normally have the best of luck with self published book.  But something about the first book in this series caught my attention, and I never looked back.  I was keeping my fingers crossed that Ravenstoke could carry the same punch that Winterborne did.  

I got lucky again!  If anything, I think this might have been better than the first book in the series.  At first, I was afraid it was going to be a book about Loie and her whining.  And felt bad that Andreas choose Mia over her, I really do.  But, I wanted her to get over it.  And then Andreas leaves the story for awhile and enter in Cian.  He was just what this story needed.  I loved him, even when I was convinced he was the bad guy (way before we even learn who he really is).  His intention never seemed to be aimed at hurting Cian and I loved how he called her Kitty.

I enjoyed the direction that the story is taking.  The long lost father shows up and I was proud of Loie for giving him grief, but also knowing when to stop.  I get fed up with teens that seem to think the world should bow to them.  I'm intrigued with what the ancients plan to do next, both those who are in favor of a treaty and those who aren't.  I'm also happy to see that Loie decides to spend sometime in the other world.  She's not entirely human, and I think she needs to embrace that side of her.  Plus, I think she might learn more.

Above all, I hope the next book gives us more Cian.  But, I'll be happy to read it even if it doesn't!