The Raven and the Banshee

Thelma and Louise meets Treasure Island in this twisty but disproportionately dark lesbian revenge tale on the high seas from Elizabeth (Zero Chill), which delivers soap-operatic beats without much concern for plausibility, historical accuracy, or character development. The 1705 prologue shows Branna Kelly and Julia Farrow in Charlestown, S.C., at the moment their budding romance is shattered. Almost immediately thereafter, the Kelly family are reported lost at sea to a pirate raid. Unbeknownst to those on the mainland, Branna survives to become the Raven, hunting her parents’ killer, Cyrus Jagger. Fifteen years later, Julia falls prey to the same villain, who leaves her alive for Branna to find. It’s difficult to call the reunion and subsequent love story “romantic suspense”—there’s sex, arguments, and love confessions, yes, but they’re overwhelmed by the violence and trauma, which includes murder, flogging, self-harm, attempted rape, and more. Viewed instead as an adventure yarn, there’s swashbuckling and plot twists aplenty, but under the shadow of such a grim atmosphere that it’s difficult to go along for the ride. Dark romance fans may find something to enjoy here, but others can safely pass. (Jan.)