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Stacey Rourke
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Crane (Legends Saga Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Stacey Rourke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 410 ratings
The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?

Cover by Najla Qamber Designs
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Legends Saga
  2. Print length
    299 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    9 Nov. 2016
  6. File size
    3.6 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N03B51G
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 9 Nov. 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 299 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Legends Saga
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 410 ratings

About the author

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Stacey Rourke

Stacey Rourke

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PennedCon Award Winner Author of the Year 2020

PennedCon Award Winner Best Book Blurb 2020

TopShelf Award Winner Best Science Fiction 2019

Utopia Award Winner Author of the Year 2018

Utopia Award Winner for Best Villain 2018 for Ursela in Rise of the Sea Witch

Readers' Favorite YA Fantasy Bronze Medal Winner 2017

Readers' Favorite Fantasy Silver Medal Winner for 2015

Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013

RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012

Stacey Rourke is the award winning author of works that span genres, but possess the same flair for action and snarky humor. She lives in Florida with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two sweet pups. Stacey loves to travel, has more sunglasses than any one person could ever need, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.

Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com

Facebook at www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor

or on Instagram @Rourkewrites.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
410 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's story quality, with one review describing it as a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure. They find the book easy to read.

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Story qualityReadability
6 customers mention ‘Story quality’6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of the book, with one describing it as a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure, while another notes it's a fantastic dark fantasy.

"...The story has action and adventure, death and murder, but there is also romance. Noah and Ireland are a great couple...." Read more

"...can only be really successful if they are good and add an ingredient to the original story. Stacey Rourke achieves this with Crane...." Read more

"...I was amazed at how quickly I read it. Ireland was funny as hell with her sarcastic sense of humor and tough ass manner...." Read more

"...I also hate the cliché of a douchey ex. Though the fridge story was funny...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Readability’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one describing it as a great couple story.

"...Noah and Ireland are a great couple. They have a chemistry that smolders on the page...." Read more

"...No matter what I saw as the minuscule shortcomings of this book, it was amazing. If I could rate it higher than a five I totally would." Read more

"Great read!..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Lynn Worton
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Riveting Read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 June 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is the first book in a new series by this author. I absolutely LOVED it!

    Ireland Crane is twenty four years old. She has just moved to Sleepy Hollow, where her relative, Ichabod Crane, had once lived. She is the new school Councillor. I liked this stubborn, witty woman. She gets thrust into a living nightmare, and she finds herself having to embrace her destiny. However, can she change her fate?

    I have been wanting to read this book from the first moment I heard it was being written. I was introduced to the legend of Sleepy Hollow when I read a children's version of it in school - the headless horseman terrified me! However, this is a modern take on the story, which took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion and adventure. It is told through different points of view - mainly Ireland's, Ichabod's, Irving Washington's and Rip Van Winkle's - and flicks between the past and the present. I wasn't sure at first whether I liked Rip. He was a rake and a rogue in the past, but the Rip in the future didn't act in the same way. I don't know if it was the spell that he had used which created the change, or having stress induced narcolepsy, but he felt like a completely different character. However, the story kept me hooked from start to finish. Ireland has to make a terrible sacrifice to be able to break the curse; if I was in her shoes, I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to make it. The story has action and adventure, death and murder, but there is also romance. Noah and Ireland are a great couple. They have a chemistry that smolders on the page. The characters' are very lifelike and her heroines tend to be full of wit and sarcasm, which I like. There are several twists and turns that surprised me in places, and I am now looking forward to reading the next book, Raven, as soon as possible.

    Stacey Rourke has written a fantastic dark fantasy, which is slightly darker than her YA Gryphon series. I love her writing style, which is fast paced, and the story flows wonderfully. I was worried that the scenes between past and present would make it seem jumpy and disconnected, but I'm glad to say that it wasn't. I am a huge fan of this author, and she is near the top of my Favourite Author's list.

    Although this is not really a YA story, I highly recommend this book to teens aged 15+ and adults who love dark fantasy. - Lynn Worton
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  • kirstyb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Crane
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 October 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Retellings can only be really successful if they are good and add an ingredient to the original story. Stacey Rourke achieves this with Crane.
    Many readers know the legend of Sleepy Hollow, whether they have read the book, seen the 1999 Tim Burton film, the Disney cartoon or the more recent TV series. Stacey Rourke cleverly combines all these media versions in Crane and Ireland is even heard to say, with sarcasm,
    ' "I've heard the stories, read the book and even seen the Johnny Depp movie" '
    However, the author is careful not to alienate any newcomers to the story because her strong narrative alternates between Ichabod Crane's nineteenth century Sleepy Hollow and the present day town which Ireland lives in.
    Her arrival here coincides with the decapitation of a local man, Charles Van Tassel and she is questioned by police. Scanning through the book again I have realised that the officers are named Potter and Granger; an indication of how Stacey Rourke injects humour into her story.
    Headless Horseman attacks continue in the town and the name 'Crane' is linked to these, resulting in Ireland being suspended from her position as the school counsellor.
    During this time Rip Van Winkle is introduced and not only does he link Ireland directly to Washington Irving, but he adds much of the witty repartee because of his innocence about modern-day society. In between his naps it is Rip Van Winkle's responsibility to help Ireland stop the Horseman and he does everything in his power to shed light on the mystery, even eating coffee and communicating with a ghost! Initially, Ireland feels Rip is a nuisance but a familial tenderness develops between them which we happily observe.
    Crane's events are often unexpected and I particularly liked how Stacey Rourke connects the romance between Ichabod and Katrina, to Ireland and Noah.
    This is a really good start to the Legends saga and I am now going on to read Raven.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Araba
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2018
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    First of all I must mention how brilliant the writing is. This story was the perfect example of what ‘show not tell’ was all about. I could see everything happening as if it was a movie rather than words on a page. Ms. Rourke is incredible with her descriptions, scene setting, and dialogue.
    I’m not normally a mystery or thriller reader, but this book made me do a one-eighty. I was amazed at how quickly I read it. Ireland was funny as hell with her sarcastic sense of humor and tough ass manner. Let me tell you that she goes through a lot in Sleepy Hollow, but it was all so cool. The gore and the pain wasn’t so appetizing, but everything else was. Especially how she embraced her curse- I didn’t see that coming at all and yet if fit the story so well.
    I had two issues with this story, which didn’t take away from me loving the book. First of all it flopped back and forth between Ireland and Ichabod’s stories, which was frustrating because I wanted to see what happened to both of them. I would almost hold my breath when a chapter ended because I didn’t know whose story would be told even though I knew whose story I wanted continued. It was a tad bit frustrating.
    My second issue, very minor, was that I didn’t understand the purpose of the first death in the story. I don’t recall the guy being mentioned again, but maybe I was so enthralled with everything else going on that I missed it.
    No matter what I saw as the minuscule shortcomings of this book, it was amazing. If I could rate it higher than a five I totally would.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Horseman
    Reviewed in the United States on 31 May 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Nice take on the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

    What happens when folklore is real and comes riding for a 21st century descendant or two? Terror rides a black horse, witchcraft comes alive, an old man wakens, and blood flows as Ireland Crane comes to terms with something within.
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  • Holly
    4.0 out of 5 stars Snarky and Mysterious
    Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2014
    Verified Purchase
    What a delightful NA full of mystery, snark, and the paranormal.

    This book was told in dual POVs, but the catch? The two "main characters," so to speak, are from different time periods. Ichabod in the past, Ireland in the present. They are simultaneously telling the story in the third person narrative, and the paths they are going down are surprisingly similar and intertwine to bring the readers toward an epic conclusion that transcends time.

    The writing was very wonderful. Detailed, both the past and present flowed together to create an imaginative story. Though, at times, it could get too wordy. Too heavy. Sometimes I had to reread sentences to understand what was going on.

    But one of my favorite parts of this book were the characters! I loved them! I actually prefer 3rd person narratives, especially in a story such as this. It wasn't hard for me to like the characters, and it was great that all of them played such major roles in this story. But my favorite was, by far, Ireland! Sassy, tough, bright. She shined on the pages, and I loved her personality. She moved to Sleepy Hollow after catching her ex with someone else, determined to move on with her life and find the identity she lost over the duration of their relationship. Little did she know she'd get swept up into a past and legend that has never truly went away.

    In the sleepy town, Ireland meets two very sweet guys who help her figure out the mystery behind what's going on. Rip, who is in fact, the very same Rip Van Winkle who was friends with Ichabod Crane and Washington Irving. He's been asleep for over a hundred years, but Ireland's sudden appearance wakes him up. And stirs up the dormant beast that likes to chop off heads. But Rip won't let her do it alone. This dude, I loved him! In both the past and present, he was one of the most lovable characters (more so in the past). He was hilarious, charming, and utterly adorable. I actually thought he would be Ireland's love interest, but that was not the case (and I'm totally okay with that).

    No, her love interest was the very arrogant and sexy Noah Van Tassel. He's charming, rich, and not a huge believer in the paranormal. But he likes Ireland, and he gets swept up in the mystery surrounding her. Not just swept up, but pulled into it. The romance was not a heavy part of this story, and for that, I was grateful. I loved that it was more subtle and slow-burning. They became friends who cared for each other a great deal, and that made their relationship that much deeper. Though, I hope it develops much more in the sequel and has a little more focus.

    The plot was fantastically mysterious and intriguing! I never had any inkling as to what was going on (which, in hindsight, makes me feel stupid because it was a little obvious). The plot, aside from the sometimes heavy writing, was actually pretty fast-paced. I loved how the past and present intertwined with each other and how both played an important role. And that ending was majorly interesting, and I can't wait to dive into the sequel because Edgar Allen Poe is joining this hodgepodge cast of characters.

    Crane was a very well-written, engaging story that puts a new spin on the legend of the Horseman and the town of Sleepy Hollow. It was full of laugh-out-loud moments, wonderful characters, and a paranormal mystery that leaves you desperate for the sequel.
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  • Kayla West
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hooked on Crane
    Reviewed in the United States on 30 October 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I thought it very fitting that I read this last week, considering it was the premier week for the second season of ABC's Sleepy Hollow. And with a cover like that, and a title to match, the story itself did not disappoint one bit. In fact, it made me even more curious to want to read the original story from which this book is based.

    The story of Crane follows two different times. We have the past, where we meet Ichabod Crane and two of his "buddies", Rip Van Winkle and Washington Irving, men who fought together in war and who have become, well, close isn't really the word for it. Rip and Irving have a sort of respect for Ichabod, considering the war had an impact upon him, causing uncontrollable tremors from an injury he sustained. We first meet the group of fellows as they make their way to Sleepy Hollow. It seems they had an agreement that whoever and wherever employment was gained first, that is where they would go. Rip and Irving are not really ecstatic over heading to the town of Sleepy Hollow, that is the first thought in their heads and out their mouths, and it seems the town of Sleepy Hollow isn't exactly ecstatic over having them there either.

    From the moment they arrive, or shortly thereafter, people begin to die. The first victim being Selena Van Tassel, wife of Baltus Van Tassel, a man who does not like Ichabod whatsoever. Thankfully, though, one of Ichabod's friends, not knowing of this man's dislike of Crane uses his name as their. Still, though, Ichabod cannot shake the man's hatred. So when Ichabod meets his daughter the day after the terrible incident, he attempts to shoo her away, you know, without truly offending her, but alas, his name is revealed and she responds, surprisingly, with a smile.

    Crane and Katrina Van Tassel get to know one another, but throughout their growing bond, bodies are being scattered like flies. Bodies of people who just happen to have connections to Katrina. The subtlety is perfect, but as the plot moves along, we find that her life could also be in jeopardy.

    The story of the Headless Horseman, as each body falls, riles the town up more and more, and Ichabod desperately searches for a way to put this threat to the town, and possibly his love, to rest. But the task will not be easy. And it could mean certain death.

    In present time, it seems Ireland Crane has just appeared in Sleepy Hollow in time to find bodies dropping around her as well. But the cause of the deaths will hit closer to home with her than it ever did with Ichabod. As danger rears ever nearer, its axe blade gleaming sharply in the moonlight, she will find herself fighting to keep the demon from killing again.

    Crane involves love, loss, sacrifice, and an old man with stress-induced coma who, I must say, makes the story what it truly is. Both main characters, from past and present, will find their stories intertwining in more ways than one. There is humor, darkness, and just a satisfying ending that will have you wanting so much more. Thankfully, this is the first in a series, because Ireland's story is definitely not done yet.
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  • TheMorganFamily
    3.0 out of 5 stars If you enjoy Retellings - then this is your book...
    Reviewed in the United States on 11 October 2015
    Verified Purchase
    My Review:
    Crane (or this entire series really,) is one of those books that I picked up mainly because of the amazing cover. In fact, I’m pretty sure that regardless of how I feel at the end of all of them, I’m going to want hard copies of all of these books. The covers are dark, and beautiful. I love them! This series is one of those I really, really want to judge by its cover.
    I have read a few books by Stacey Rourke and I really enjoy her work. Her characters are fun and just make me want to continue reading, couple that with the fact that on her birthday she gave us all of her books for $.99 each….it was a steal, so I got the entire series.

    ***Please know - there is minor spoilery type content below...***

    What I Loved: I am a huge fan of retellings. I love it when authors take a famous story line and carve their own path into it. There are many retellings that I actually like better than the originals. This book is a great retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hallow, and it includes several ‘characters’ you will recognize. I really liked this version of Ichabod; instead of the scared wimp you get in some of the cartoon versions of this story – you have this handsome, socially inept hero. There is something sweet about a strong man who is also shy.

    In Crane, Rourke took a fun method of taking us back and forth between timelines, blending the original story with a modern-day take. I don’t always like it when books jump back and forth like that, however it really worked for this book. It was never confusing, but I’m sure that had a lot to do with the fact that the “voices” of the two POV’s were very different – even if the stories were parallel(ish).

    Not So Much: I had a hard time connecting with our modern-day main character, Ireland. I loved her voice, she was funny, sarcastic and all the things that I like in a character, but I don’t really feel like I got to know her all that well. I also had a very difficult time with the Ireland/Noah relationship – probably for the same reasons. Noah, quite honestly, wasn’t really IN the story as much as you would like him to be. He seemed like a great guy, but again I couldn’t really tell. Then the two of them together – well, they were just playing at the edges of ‘together’ in this book…I imagine that is rectified in the future installments, however the fact that they were truly together by the end of the story (sorry minor spoiler) – I just wasn’t ready for it yet.

    And if I’m going to pick on the relationships, I did kind of feel the rush of Icabod and Katrina’s relationship as well. Perhaps my problem is I like to see people’s feelings unfold rather than having this insta-attraction turn into love. Life rarely works that way – so I think I enjoy books where the characters have to work at it a bit, too. Spend some quality time together, you know.

    Finally, there is the parallel of the legend; in the old version you have a reason the horseman showed up and the events transpired, but in modern-day it I believe the reason it was happening again was because all the right people in all the right place. That felt flimsy as a story-line, in my opinion. WHY did it happen again when all of the people were in the right place? Just because it was foretold, and that’s it?

    The Verdict: I really, really wanted to love Crane. I was looking forward to reading it, and felt this was (is) the perfect season to read it in; however while I liked it, I didn’t love it. I have been told by mega-fans to keep reading. I do have Raven and Steam on my iPad, and I will likely continue with the series. Perhaps by the end this will be one of those series I re-read over and over again and discover all the things I missed in this first book and how they relate to the following – who knows.

    I do think it’s worth your time, especially if you’re like me and enjoy a good retelling. Give it a chance, because you know – my opinions are my own, and there are many who loved this book!

    Rated: 3 Stars

    Rating: PG-13 – some sexual content, mild cussing
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  • Kristina Snyder
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique Twist on the Headless Horseman Legend!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on 1 June 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Crane was an enthralling read that had me captivated from the very first page. This story is full of romance, action, mystery and suspense. I seriously did not want to put this book down. It was a real page turner. Each chapter left me wanting more so I had to keep going. I loved how Stacey alternated between the present with Ireleand Crane and the past with Icabod Crane. It was nice to see the story unfold and how the past intertwined with the present. What I also loved about this story was its unique twist on the whole Headless Horseman legend. Stacey Rourke's writing pulls you in like no other. As I was reading this story, I felt as if I was there. I was able to picture everything going on around me.

    I loved the characters in this story. Ireland is a character that I think most us van relate to pretty easily. After catching her fiance cheating, she moves to a new town to start over vowing to never date again. Things change very drastically in Sleepy Hollow though. People start dying and something shifts with her as well. I love how strong she becomes especially with the power she wields. She literally has to fight with whats inside her and fight it. She becomes a kick-butt character!!! Rip has to be one of my favorite characters in this book. The way he kept falling to the floor every time something scared him was outright hilarious!!! I also loved how he had to take in all the changes from his time to the present. Everything changed so that was fun to watch. The banter between Ireleand and Rip was also very funny. I couldn't quit laughing because of those two. Noah seems like a great guy. I wish that I got to see more of him, learn more about him. I also wanted their to be a little more romance or something between Ireleand and Noah.

    Nothing is as it seems in Sleepy Hollow and that is the truth. Crane took me on an exciting adventure from beginning to end. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time waiting to see what happens next. I loved how the story played out and I can't wait to see where it goes next especially with what happened at the end of the epilogue. Let's just say the ending definitely left me wanting more. I must say that Stacey Rourke has done it again!!! All her stories are imaginative masterpieces. Crane is a story that I will definitely reread and I highly recommend it!!!!
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