The Raven and the Banshee

By: Carolyn Elizabeth

Narrated by: Mary Sarah

It's the early 1700s and sixteen-year-old Julia Farrow, spirited daughter of a shipping company owner, lives and loves on her own terms. With a sharp mind and sharper tongue, she constantly defies family and society expectations with no regard for the consequences.

Branna Kelly, only child of an Irish immigrant sailor, is hopelessly in love with Julia and imagines their life together as captains of their own fate. Left brokenhearted after Julia's rejection, she embarks on a journey to chart a new shipping route to the Caribbean. Before Julia can explain her decision, Branna's ship is overrun by merciless pirates. All hands are presumed lost.

Fifteen years later, Julia is running the Farrow Company and sailing with the crew on her newest ship when an encounter with pirates leaves her the lone survivor to be rescued by the infamous Raven, hard-hearted captain of the mercenary ship, Banshee. Julia is shocked to discover her rescuer wears a familiar face.

The Raven and the Banshee is a passionate tale of vengeance, forgiveness, and second chance love in a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas.

Contains mature themes.

©2022 Carolyn Elizabeth (P)2022 Tantor

A disappointing lesbian pirate romance

This was an interesting book. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mary Sarah. I found the narrator tremendously distracting and off-putting. She did a good job with different accents, but that was about it. Her mannerisms were just so affected and strange. I wonder what the book would be like with a different narrator. I was so excited for a pirate book by a good author, but sadly, the author was definitely not at her best for this book. I liked the characters, but they just didn't communicate. Parts of their relationship were really interesting and compelling, but at other times, I just wanted to slap both of them. The narrator was hard to follow, so I can't really judge the writing (grammar, etc.). The storytelling wasn't terribly good at points, and some plot aspects were very predictable. And I didn't really understand Branna's job. The romantic connection between the main characters was good, both physically and emotionally. Some of the violence was much more intense and graphic than I had expected, and I didn't feel that was all really necessary. Overall, I was disappointed in the book, but the story held my interest.

Great pirate love story

I really enjoyed this story. It had intense moments and the s#x-scenes were hot. The narration wasn’t my fav but speeding it up really helped. I am listening to it for a second time.

Story was good

Story was good but the narrator either added extra sss on words or a th. It was odd as though there was a lisp going on the whole time. I finished listening to it but would not listen to again.

Annoying narration ruined it for me

I’m not usually really picky about narration, but I just could NOT get past this one. She does great voices, but the actual narration was slow and singsong-y in a way definitely not suited for the type of action packed story this is. And she had a habit of adding a “th” sound at the end of every sentence. It was all tragically too distracting for me to enjoy the story which otherwise would have been really great. I’m going to have to read it silently or wait for a new narrator. Moral of the story: great voice acting does not translate to good narration.

Sapphic Pirates!!

Interesting story of sapphic pirates! Second chance romance spanning 15 years. Lots of action and steam to keep the story flowing and engaging from beginning to end.

Nice choice

I’ve grown accustomed to a another extraordinary performer being associated with several other Carolyn Elizabeth’s books. I must say Mary Sarah did a phenomenal job with Bran, Julia and all the other side characters. Very enjoyable listen, loved the book when I read it and I’m certain this audio will get several replays.

the story

I don't really enjoy an audible book as much with AI reading. it's just not tbe same as a live person.

Something different for a change

Loved the story and the twists and turns - was well thought out - and nice to see the meaning of the title

Worst narration ever

5 min was all I could handle of the sing-song and compleyely unnatural tonation.