Quick Take

The Boatwrights just won 318 million dollars in the Georgia lottery. It's going to be the worst day of their lives.When Shaw McBride and Romeo Zderko pull up at a convenience store off I-95 in Georgia, their only thought is to fix a leaky tire and be on their way again to Florida-away from their dull Ohio tech-support jobs. But this happens to be the store from which a 318 million dollar Jackpot ticket has just been sold -- and when a pretty clerk accidentally reveals to Shaw the identity of the winning family, he hatches a ferociously audacious scheme: He and Romeo will squeeze the family for half their prize. That night, he visits the Boatwright home and takes the family hostage, while Romeo patrols the streets nearby, prepared to murder the Boatwrights' loved ones at any sign of resistance. At first, the family offers none. But Shaw's plot depends on maintaining constant fear-merciless, unfaltering terror-and soon, under the pressure, everyone's sanity begins to unravel . . . At once frightening, comic, and suspenseful, RAVENS is a wholly original and utterly compelling novel from one of our most talented writers.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Ravens

Introduction

"Ravens" by George Dawes Green is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature. The story revolves around the Boatwright family, who win a massive lottery prize, and the two grifters, Shaw McBride and Romeo Zderko, who plan to con them out of half of their winnings. As the tension builds, the characters' sanity begins to unravel, leading to a heart-pounding climax.

About George Dawes Green

George Dawes Green is a New York Times bestselling author known for his captivating storytelling. He founded The Moth, a popular storytelling organization, and has written several critically acclaimed novels. "Ravens" was chosen as one of the best books of the year by the Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. Green's writing style is characterized by his ability to create vivid imagery and explore complex characters.

Analysis of Views

Page-turner: Many readers found "Ravens" to be a page-turner, unable to put the book down once they started reading. The fast-paced narrative and shifting perspectives kept them engaged throughout the story.
Well-written: The writing in "Ravens" was praised for its clarity and ability to convey emotions effectively. Many readers appreciated the author's skill in describing settings and characters, which added depth to the story.
Psychological suspense: While physical suspense was not the primary focus of the novel, readers appreciated the psychological aspect of the story. The constant fear and terror experienced by the characters added an element of suspense that kept them engaged.
Unpredictable plot: The plot of "Ravens" was described as unpredictable, with twists and turns that kept readers guessing. The author's ability to maintain tension throughout the book was commended.
Strong characters: The characters in "Ravens" were well-developed and complex, with unique personalities and motivations. Readers found themselves invested in their journeys and enjoyed exploring their inner demons.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging narrative: The page-turning nature of "Ravens" makes it a highly recommended read for those looking for an engaging and suspenseful story. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
Well-written prose: The writing in "Ravens" is praised for its clarity and ability to convey emotions effectively. Readers appreciate the author's skill in describing settings and characters, which adds depth to the story.
Psychological depth: While not all readers enjoy psychological thrillers, those who do will find "Ravens" to be a compelling exploration of human nature. The constant fear and terror experienced by the characters add an element of suspense that keeps readers engaged.
Unpredictable plot: The unpredictable plot of "Ravens" keeps readers on their toes, with twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end. The author's ability to maintain tension throughout the book is commended.
Strong characters: Readers appreciate the well-developed characters in "Ravens," each with their own unique personalities and motivations. Investing in their journeys adds depth to the story and keeps readers invested in their fates.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of physical suspense: Some readers found that "Ravens" relied more on psychological suspense rather than physical thrills, which may not appeal to everyone's taste. Those seeking a more action-packed read may find it lacking in this aspect.
Predictable plot twists: While some readers found the plot of "Ravens" unpredictable, others felt that certain plot twists were predictable or lacked surprise. This may be a drawback for readers who prefer more unexpected turns in their stories.

Conclusion

"Ravens" by George Dawes Green is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of human nature through its gripping narrative. With its page-turning pace, well-written prose, psychological depth, unpredictable plot, and strong characters, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its unique blend of suspense and character development. While some may find it lacking in physical thrills or predictable plot twists, overall, "Ravens" is a highly recommended read for those seeking an engaging and thought-provoking story that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end.