Graeme Cumming ‘Ravens Gathering’ Review

Written by: Drake Morgan

Graeme Cunning’s novel Ravens Gathering is a haunting tale of a small town with very dark secrets. The town of Ravens Gathering is a small, farming community filled with the classic “old” families, and the occasional newcomer. It has its usual fare of divorce, gossip, and backroom deals, but nothing can compare to the dark secrets that are unleashed the day of Peter’s bizarre accident.

The story is not new. Small town, hidden secrets is a well-trod path. But Cumming’s narrative and creative elements elevate this beyond the usual. His characters are well-developed and complex. They are not black and white, flat pawns to move plot. Each is a distinct, unique facet to the intriguing narrative. Cumming also uses birds as a symbol throughout the novel to give a supernatural feel to the town. As the ravens gather, we feel the town slowly tearing at the seams as secrets won’t lie buried. Old suspicions, old hatreds, and old fear simmer as the novel builds to its climax.

The tightly woven supernatural mystery only falters when Cumming begins down what I call the “cult/ order” path. He was taking us away from the evil small town trope brilliantly, and suddenly we discover a mysterious man named “Raven” who doesn’t age, a mysterious Order, Sentinals, and ancient beings. I was hoping for a little more depth than the standard “dark man” tale, and I would have preferred a less apocalyptic/ hyper-mystic conclusion. Having said that, the writing is excellent, and I enjoyed this one.

Grab this one right here.

Rating: 4/5