Ravens mascots, named Edgar, Allan, and Poe, are iconic symbols of the Baltimore Ravens football team. The team adopted these mascots in 1996, shortly after their establishment. Edgar, Allan, and Poe are the names of the famous American poet and writer Edgar Allan Poe, who lived in Baltimore for a significant portion of his life. Edgar, Allan, and Poe are typically portrayed as three large ravens with purple and black feathers, matching the team's colors. They serve as representatives of the team during games and other events. The mascots interact with fans, entertain the crowd, and generate excitement in the stadium.
Much like in my reviews of this author’s other books, I don’t know how to properly express my love for this book in words. I had to reread it just to put my thoughts in order, and even then, I’m still at a loss for how to capture what I loved about this book but I’ll give it a try.
Aurelie can do magic, which is more-or-less unfashionable in the kingdom now; she s trained in seeking, which is even more rare since it s so out-of-date. A baker s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this appealingly breezy Kirkus Reviews and deftly written School Library Journal , starred review young adult fantasy that s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
The mascots interact with fans, entertain the crowd, and generate excitement in the stadium. The choice of using ravens as the team's mascots is significant for several reasons. Firstly, Ravens are native to the region, making them a fitting choice to represent Baltimore.
Something Close to Magic (Hardcover)
A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this “appealingly breezy” ( Kirkus Reviews ) and “deftly written” ( School Library Journal , starred review) young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
About the Author
Emma Mills is the author of several young adult novels, including Foolish Hearts, First & Then, and Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on X (previously known as Twitter) and Instagram (@Elmify) or at EmmaMillsBooks.com.
Praise For…
"This novel has in-depth character development with a fantasy world that comes alive as the story progresses. . . Strongly recommended for Dungeon & Dragons enthusiasts. With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly recommended."
— School Library Journal , STARRED REVIEW
"Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. . . Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. . . Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride."
"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure."
— Kirkus Reviews
- Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
- Young Adult Fiction / Girls & Women
Publisher: Atheneum
Secondly, Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem "The Raven" references the bird and its association with death and mystery, capturing the team's fierce and intimidating image. In addition to their game-day presence, Edgar, Allan, and Poe also take part in community outreach and charity events. They visit schools, hospitals, and other organisations to engage with fans and promote a positive image for the team. The mascots aim to inspire and bring joy to the community, especially to young fans who look up to them. With their distinctive appearance and lively personalities, Edgar, Allan, and Poe have become beloved figures in the Baltimore community. They embody the team's spirit and create a sense of unity among fans. The mascots' presence adds an element of fun and entertainment to Ravens' games, enhancing the overall fan experience. Overall, the Ravens mascots, Edgar, Allan, and Poe, play a crucial role in representing the team and engaging with the community. They serve as faithful companions to fans, embodying the team's pride, passion, and excitement both on and off the field..
Reviews for "The Ravens' Mascots: An Enduring Symbol in Maryland Sports"
1. John Doe - 2/5 - I was so disappointed with the performance of the Ravens mascots Edgar Allan Poe at a recent game. The whole act felt forced and unoriginal. The attempts at humor were cringeworthy, and the interactions with the crowd lacked any kind of energy or enthusiasm. I expected a lot more from the Ravens organization, especially when it comes to entertaining their fans. Unfortunately, the mascots fell flat on their faces. I hope they reconsider their approach and come up with something better in the future.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1/5 - I have to admit that I was incredibly underwhelmed by the Ravens mascots Edgar Allan Poe. The concept itself is intriguing, and I was looking forward to seeing how they would bring it to life. However, the execution was anything but impressive. The mascots seemed unsure of what they were doing, and their performance lacked coherence. The jokes didn't land, and there was no connection formed with the audience. Overall, it was a lackluster experience that didn't live up to the hype. I would not recommend wasting your time on this particular mascot act.
3. Michael Anderson - 2/5 - As a long-time Ravens fan, I was excited to see the introduction of Edgar Allan Poe as the team's mascot. However, after witnessing the performance, I was left feeling confused and disappointed. The mascot's portrayal of Poe was shallow and didn't capture the essence of the legendary writer. Additionally, the attempts at engaging with the crowd were awkwardly executed, resulting in an uncomfortable atmosphere. I believe the Ravens organization can do better when it comes to their mascots and should consider reevaluating their approach to this character.