"Science Fiction with an Erotic Twist"

Rayven has always been special. She's always been smarter and stronger than most humans, and as a foundling with no parents, these traits result in her languishing in the system for years. At fifteen, finally having found a couple willing to take her in, her troubled destiny steps in and destroys everything in a fierce blaze. The only thing that saves her from certain death is the appearance of a huge bird that awakens her and forces her to safety. Thirteen years later, Rayven's on the run. She's been branded a murderer by the authorities, but she doesn't realize that people far more dangerous than Earthly police are on her trail.

For Rayven isn't just another unwanted child, she's the last hope for her people, a race thought to be completely annihilated by the evil General Karis. Within her slumbers a great power, a power to rival her strongest ancestors. It is power that can save the few remaining Aware from total extinction -- if she can learn how to use it.

RAYVEN'S AWAKENING was a great science-fiction/fantasy novel. The world that King creates is excellent, and the characters are fun. The story itself is well-written and plotted. One mentionable aspect of this book was its lack of sex. There is a wonderful romance, but the main characters don't actually consummate their relationship until the latter half of the book, and though before then there is some vivid and graphic sexual play, regular readers of Ellora's Cave's books should not go into this one expecting a boink-fest. This is a science fiction story with an erotic side to it, not an erotic science fiction story. Potential readers should not fear, however, RAYVEN'S AWAKENING is very enjoyable. Rayven's search for herself and her adjustment to a culture she never really knew is very enjoyable. No one who enjoys science-fiction or futuristic romance will be disappointed in this volume.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted September 4, 2002

Summary

Nearly thirty years ago, an infant came to Earth, sent from the stars with the hopes of many resting on her shoulders. She was an orphan alone and unaware of her legacy...of her destiny. He was a warrior, a leader of a magical people. He fought to keep the last of his once great race alive on a distant planet, while his people waited for the return of their prodigal daughter. He waited for his destined mate, the woman who would lead them all to salvation. To save herself, her people, and her true love, Rayven must search within herself for the strength to fight an evil empire. She must lead her people to victory against a foe that would see them all destroyed... She must let her power awaken.