Suspense Review

Ravenstone
By Deborah Cannon
ISBN:1425146023
Review by Heather Froeschl


Archaeologist Jake Lalonde searches for the origins of the icon of the mythical raven, as depicted in an ancient carving off the coast of British Columbia. Haunting his dreams, his search finds him is so far from what is expected that it leaves him breathless and nearly distracted enough to forget a deadly threat to his and Angeline’s lives. Deborah Cannon brings legends into a new light in “Ravenstone,” the third in a series but also a stand alone novel.

Menacing messages appear on Angeline’s phone and the threat is all too real though some suspect she is imagining it. A past nemesis has returned to Angeline and Jake’s world. Once safely (not really) locked away, insanely rich Radisson again haunts their minds and hunts control over their souls. When Jake’s daughter’s presence is revealed and then threatened, action must be taken. But Angeline is already on her way to Lyell Island, and Jake is unsure of where they stand as a couple.

Danger is hidden along with the elusive answers to Jake’s questions. What seems innocent flirtation at first leads to deadly dancing with a past he had forgotten and a present situation he hadn’t been very aware of.

The writing is engaging and immerses the reader into the contrasting but beautiful locales of the coast of British Columbia and the coast of Lyell Island, a Polynesian paradise.

Digging into the habits and mindsets of archaeologists is interesting to witness, while the troublesome romance adds a delightful human interest quality to the tale. Danger, love, life, the past of characters and the subjects they study, and the possible futures of all involved wrap up into a well rounded story. Add the mystical quality of legends and you’ve got a memorable book. Not surprising coming from Deborah Cannon.

Fiction Review

White Raven
by Deborah Cannon
ISBN-10: 1412096278

When myth comes to life, no one is safe; the monster ravages. In Deborah Cannon's novel, "White Raven," the past comes back to haunt in more ways than one.

Jake Lalonde is an archaeologist who searches for the past in his own life as well as that of the Queen Charlotte Haida...his own people. It is a bad time to be stirring up old memories as there is a harsh dispute ongoing between loggers and environmentalists, involving the archaeologists who search for clues of ancient native culture. A tight society is sometimes hard to get straight answers from and Jake's inquiries leave closed mouths. One man in particular isn't to be trifled with. Thomas McPherson has brought an old myth to new light, scaring everyone into believing that the Seawolf has returned. A monster has been unleashed and Thomas has everything to do with it. Will the loggers lose their way of life? Will the Haida fall victim to big business? What will happen if Jake discovers his parentage and the meanings of his dreams of the past?

This wonderful mix of mythology, tradition, mystery and even romance is a delightful read. Deborah Cannon depicts the legend of the Seawolf, as well as her character's relationships, with the flair of a true storyteller. Her descriptive writing puts you right there in the elements of the islands on the Pacific Coast, on the water, with a gigantic sea elephant snorting mist into your face. This fast paced book is one you will not want to put down, but is also one that you will hate to see the end of.