Raven
I would like to thank the author for providing me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my review in any way.As a child, I devoured all the classics. I couldn't wait for Halloween time to see the TV specials about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. I was draw to them, captivated by them and held them close to me all the years that followed. As an adult, I was looking at rentals, found one that didn't realize please me but almost still rented it because it was on Sleepy Hollow Rd. It's probably a good thing I didn't rent it, because knowing my imagination, I wouldn't have gotten a wink of sleep until about 5 minutes before the morning alarm went off. [a:Stacey Rourke|5309409|Stacey Rourke|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1371670689p2/5309409.jpg] has taken this classics, matured them for the older reading audience and really made the characters her own and created her own Legends series.
In this book, as hinted with the title, the author has added Edgar Allan Poe into the mix. I will warn future readers, do not start reading this book while eating and if you are eating, don't be eating chicken wings like I was. The start is a bit gruesome, but thankfully I have an iron stomach and just kept winging it as I read on. In this story, you have your main characters from the first one, [b:Crane|22423158|Crane (The Legends Saga, #1)|Stacey Rourke|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402161170s/22423158.jpg|41206437]. The Headless Horseman is as dark and devious as always, Edgar is as gothic as you would imagine, Ireland is searching for answers and of course doing so stirs everything the pot even more, and Rip, poor guy just wants some rest, in mostly the weirdest circumstances.
If you have read Crane, this book starts up right where that one left off. A very fluid continuity that at times stumps even the best authors, but Ms. Rourke takes it and runs with it. The characters all mix in a way that seals them together and the layers intertwine to make a sarcastic, fun, adventure of a story. Each character gets his or her due and the rapport will keep you glued to the story.
For me, there were times that I had a hard time getting in to the story. Some things were a bit off the wall that it just didn't seem like something that actually would have occurred. Yes, this story has a lot of paranormal things happening, but I'm talking about issues that weren't of the paranormal kind. I also had a hard time feeling some of the characters at times, but that happened sporadically, not through the entire book. Now these things could just be me. Honestly, my allergies have been kicking my butt off and on for the past couple weeks so it may be just my biology interfering.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a bigger picture on classics from the yesteryear and for those who may not know of the legends but like a paranormal thriller that is unique to what is and has been in the literary world. There are twists in the story, which keeps the reader interest and there is a definite shock and awe at the end with questions that will transfer into the next Legends book. A fast paced action thriller, that will have you wanting more.
