The Raven Heir - Stephanie Burgis

Book Summary

Triplets. One of them is heir to the throne. But which one?

Cordelia and her triplets Rosalind and Giles have lived safely in the castle at the centre of the forest all their lives, protected by the spells their mother has woven. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is when she turns into a dragonfly or a blackbird and can fly beyond the great stone walls. But then one day the outside world comes to them. Two rival dukes and their soldiers have come for the triplets - because whoever is the eldest is the heir to the throne. 

But their mother knows that since the Raven Crown was broken, no one has been able to rule the kingdom of Corvenne and live, and she will not give up any of her children to that death sentence. When she refuses to reveal which child is the eldest, she is taken prisoner, and Cordelia and her brother and sister find themselves on the run in a dangerous new world. And as they set out across Corvenne to rescue their mother, Cordelia begins to see that there is a deep magic at work, driving her towards a destiny that could tear her family apart, take away her freedom forever or, just maybe, heal a kingdom devastated by a war that has raged for generations.

Cordelia can change into any animal she wants, she can be as huge as a bear and as small as a worm. But this still doesn't give her the freedom she longs for. When she gives in to this craving she accidentally sets off a chain of reactions, separating her from half her family. She is fiercely protective and all her instincts are driving her to rescue them but she realises that the whole land is at stake, not just her family and she has to make some difficult decisions.

From the start of the book you are thrown straight into the action and it doesn't let up for a minute. I loved that despite all their magic and the way they were brought up with this huge destiny, they are still normal siblings, bickering over the slightest thing while at the same time trying to protect each other from the bad guys.

The book is full of mystery and secrets, I really couldn't guess what was going to happen. There is a wonderfully fulfilling ending but I am still extremely happy to hear that there is a book 2 on the way.

To make a Raven cocktail, shake 1 shot each of rum, vodka and blue curacao with ice. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice, then gently pour a shot of Chambord over the top of a spoon so it doesn't mix with the other ingredients. This will give a lovely layered appearance to the drink.