The Raven (Florentine series Book 1)

i have read many books that just finished the forget, this is of the few does not forget. I can not understand readers who are disappointed from this wontderful book, the style of the author is amazing

Awesome! Can't wait for the next installment. In the meantime, I need to look up all of the referenced works of art. It's always nice to learn a little something or in this case be exposed to real works of art along with the fiction. I really enjoy this author's work. Romance not raunch along with history, art and literature. Refreshing.

Once again SR delivers. With this 2nd book series Sylvain shows us that he could write any genre and deliver a well developed story, with such amazing characters, one cannot wait to see where this story will lead.

Sylvain Reynard does not disappoint with The Raven. I could not put it down. It's a fun take on the vampire genre without being cheesy. Very well-written and researched when it comes to Florence and art.

I love the Emersons. I find myself reading the Gabriel series again at least once a month so I was pleasantly surprised to fall in love with the Raven. I like Raven's Spirit. She is a SurvivorThe I am eagerly awaiting the second book

Sandro Botticelli gifted the world with his lyrical beauty through famous mythological paintings like Primavera & The Birth of Venus. Sylvain Reynard created a dangerous world not only inspired by Botticelli's paintings and his love for the city of Florence, but by the myth of Cupid & Psyche. In this first book of The Florentine Series, The Raven, Reynard's enthralling writing style and lyrical prose turns a paranormal story into a masterpiece. Lyrical beauty.

To say that I totally fell in love with this book is simply an understatement. I tried for weeks to find the right words to describe what this book was for me. The best I can do is to say that it's a meaningful, beautifully written and unforgettable love story. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I never thought I'd find a book that I liked more than any of the books of The Gabriel Series. Furthermore, in my humble opinion, The Raven is SR's best work so far.

We get to know William in The Prince, the prequel novella to The Raven. I strongly recommend to read The Prince first, not only because you'll have a better understanding of our hero, but because you'll be able to experience and appreciate more William's path to redemption and the significance of what happens at the beginning of this story. Oh! I forgot to mention! William is a vampyre. And not any vampyre. He's one of the most powerful of his kind, and he's The Prince of Florence.

“I am the darkness made visible.”

I loved Raven! She's fierce, loyal, kind, compassionate, courageous, smart and stronger than she even realizes. She breaks the stereotype of today's "conventional beauty," ensnaring a very mercurial, dangerous and sexy as hell vampyre.

"She was beautiful, she was intelligent, and she was brave. Something akin to admiration began to grow and warm in his chest."

We didn't know of any weaknesses of William while reading The Prince. At least not that I remember. But we get to know of a very particular raven-haired weakness with green eyes...

“Perhaps I’m captivated by those green eyes of yours.”

“You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice.”

But Raven is also vulnerable, with a past that still haunts her. The city of Florence brings comfort to her as it does to William. She even found happiness here.

“Please don’t make me leave,” she whispered. “This is the only place I’ve ever been happy.”

Gabriel will always be my first, but William is my last. Absolutely swoon-worthy with the ability to leave you breathless. He wants Raven. And he doesn't hide how much he craves her.

“We can’t talk here.”
“Because?”
William walked back to her so quickly he was almost a blur.
"Because your proximity to my bed reminds me of all the things I’d rather be doing with you.”

Oh, my...
Breathless...
(Parenthetically speaking, I admire Raven's ability to speak while William is kissing her neck... ;)

I took my time reading The Raven. It's so rich in descriptions that I found myself continuously looking for photos and information of the artwork and places mentioned throughout the story. SR's love for the city is obvious and he literally takes you to discover the beauty of Florence. You'll feel at the end of the book as if you've been there too. He takes the reader to the city and its underworld just by the flick of his magic pen.

Botticelli used only the best pigments available at his time to paint his masterpieces. Reynard uses his lyrical prose and captivating writing style to write a wonderful masterpiece.

I give The Raven 5 Botticelli's stars.

Countless dazzling stars for the Raven. Sylvain Reynard is a genius and I really can't wait for the next book. Amazing, one of those books that simply take your breath away and make you dream. I love it!

I enjoyed this book immensely. Simply put, Mr. Reynard is a brilliant storyteller with a sophisticated writing style. I'm really looking forward to the next two books in the Florentine series. Read it!