Raven

by S.A. Swiniarski

Awakening in a storm drain, covered with blood and with no memory of his life, private detective Kane Tyler desperately searches for his identity, only to discover that not only is he wanted for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0886777259
• ISBN13: 9780886777258
• Release Date: November 1996
• Publisher: Daw Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books I've ever read...

Why S.A. Swiniarski isn't more well-known or more prolific I'll never understand, but after reading "Raven" I've come to realize that he is truly a great talent. Literature these days is oversaturated with vampire books, many of which simply cheap knockoffs of past ideas and concepts given little to make it different or original. With "Raven," Swiniarski has created a new type of vampire story, giving us some familiar concepts, but infusing them with some new blood (so to speak) and creating an atmosphere that is as cold as the winter in which this story takes place.The story is about a former policeman turned P.I. who finds missing children, named Kane Tyler. He's somehow lost his memory and slowly learns that his wife was murdered and he was hired by a crime boss to locate his missing daughter. He also finds out gradually that he's suffered something more than memory loss...he's become a vampire. He discovers that those responsible for his transformation are also the ones behind the kidnapping and his wife's murder...or are they? Between trying to protect his own daughter, trying to finish his job, and trying to pick up the shattered pieces of his own life, Kane Tyler's case becomes more than a simple kidnapping.Swiniarski's sense of detail is very vivid. Very drawn out, but without rambling on about trivialities or boring the reader to death with insignificant factoids. He gets right to the point and gives us exactly what we need to know. There is a good combination of comedy, drama, and action, and his writing style is impressive in that it allows you to form a picture of what is happening. As I read the book, I could actually SEE the images in my head. I could see Kane Tyler, I could see what he was doing, I could see the action taking place. Books are supposed to do that, but rarely can one form so clear a picture in the mind, and this book does that. It's that well-written. Good story, good characters, good dialogue...it's good. It's very good. "Raven" is an excellent book that makes for an exciting read for anybody into a good mystery, good horror, or good action. It's one of the best vampire books I've ever read, and it's one that I keep coming back to. If you can find a copy...give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

What A Little Jewel!

I picked this book up because I liked the cover. The premise sounded good, so I bought it. I'll just about take any paperback home if it meets these two standards. I found a lot of really good and fun books like that. "Raven" is one of the best I've done this with. I didn't know where Mr. Swiniarski came from but I hope he will always grace us with a vampire story every once in awhile. This is a great book! I don't usually read vampire books and when I do they have to be special. Not your run of the mill, evil master, innocent people chased and the hero kills the vampire for the ending. This story has those elements, but the author has added many more levels to his story. Mr. Swiniarski does a fantastic job of developing characters and plot in "Raven". I read this book in January 1997 and it has stayed with me since. (I've also been hoping for another one with this hero, Kane Tyler.) If you are ever lucky enough to find a copy of "Raven" get it. Even if your are not a total vampire or horror fan. This is a great read. I did find out recently that Mr. Swiniarski has two other pen names, S. Andrew Swann, which he uses to write science fiction. Another pen name is Steven Krane, in which he has written "Teek".

This is the only vampire novel I have EVER liked

Horror and supernatural stories generally don't interest me. I bought Raven because I liked the author's other books (he writes science fiction under the pen name S. Andrew Swann, and I highly recommend all of his books). As with his SF books, Mr. Swiniarski treats the premise of vampires science-fictionally: logical, consistent, and believable. Am I waiting for a sequel? You bet!

I thought this book was great and was sorry when it ended.

I hope S. A. Swiniarski reads this review because I would love for him to write a series about this character. Kane Tyler became a real person to me and I felt like I was leaving an old friend when I closed the book. I read the book in one day because I just couldn't put it down. The book was full of atmosphere and sucked you into the story right off the bat. It is definitely a five star book, in my opinion.A man wakes up in a storm drain, bloody, cold, and with no idea of who he is or how he got there. The only thing in his pockets is a motel key. He makes his way back to the motel and starts trying to figure out who he is and who attacked him. He finds out he is an ex cop turned private investigator. He is also wanted for the savage murder of his ex-wife. Oh, and he finds out one more thing: he has become a vampire! Thus begins his journey for knowledge; knowledge that he may not want to know after all. Good stuff!

Excellent!

This book is extremely well written. It draws the reader into the dark world of the main character. You will find yourself searching for the truth right along with him. It is not just a mystery or horror, but, if you let it, can be a personal journey of self discovery. Easily one of my all time favorite books. Can't wait for the next one.