Don't Trust the Raven Alice Brooks Review: It’s Hauntingly Beautiful

Don't Trust the Raven by Alice Brooks is a dark mystery with a deeply philosophical theme. It’s pretty much a story in dreams. Received an ARC of the book, and I think, I’m gonna be haunted forever. That's my disclaimer. That's my warning. Consider that to be my recommendation as well.

It’s a different kinda story, totally out of the ordinary. At least, among the books that I’ve read. It’s a terrifying story, and it’s hauntingly beautiful. But then, it isn’t exactly horror. This is my review as a going-to-be-haunted-forever ARC reader.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️❤️🤍

“It’s hauntingly beautiful.”

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What the Book is About

Don't Trust the Raven is a story about Ellie, a young woman stuck in a miserable life. One day, she discovers that she can control dreams – hers and others'. It's an unsettling power, you may say, but it turns out to be a lifeline Ellie didn't know she needed.

The book starts off as a conventional story of someone fighting with trauma and mental health – something familiar to many other stories. Then, with the help of Aura, a motherly kind of figure Ellie encounters in her dreams, she begins to reclaim control of her life. Towards the end, say after the 70% mark, the story starts throwing twists, and nothing feels safe anymore... not even sleep.

What Works?

Damn, it was haunting. And beautiful. Alice put in eerie details into a seemingly ordinary life. The book didn’t have any dramatic horror elements or jump scares. It just had a slow, creeping unease that seeped into me.

The writing style was tight and concise, considering it’s Alice’s debut book. No lose, dangling words as far as I could tell. It had a dark, surreal, unsettling vibe throughout its pages.

And the main character, Ellie, was a bit complex... somewhat relatable but also frustrating. You know those horror movie protagonists who willingly goes into the trap? Yeah, Ellie felt someone like that, slowing down the story for me. But then, the last few pages was entirely a dream ride.

What Falls Short?

One issue was, of course, with the main character (Ellie) itself. Her choices and decisions were annoying. Frustrating, yes. However, if you think, you’ll understand that’s how someone is who has suffered mental and physical trauma.

Then, the flow felt a little disorienting at first, until you get a grasp of the setup. It’s insanely chaotic. So, it took a little patience before the book fully grips you in its aura. Also, I would’ve loved to know more about Aura. But perhaps... it was best left ambiguous, so that the story doesn’t get more heavy and complicated than it already was.

Who Should Read It?

Don't Trust the Raven is recommended for those who love psychological thrillers or horror stories. It isn’t either a traditional thriller or horror, though. It’s strange. If you’re fine with unsettling dreams, feel free to read this. Keep in mind that its experimental style and heavy theme may not be suitable for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Don't Trust the Raven is mysterious in a good way. The story blurs the line between the real and the subconscious. It’s a dark, mind-bending story. Alice has written something that’s equal parts beautiful and equally terrifying. And I'd absolutely recommend it. It’s an adventurous read, albeit not a conventional one.

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