thattangledpeach's review
4.0
Solid 4.5 stars!
Pros: Super interesting magic system, love the crows, big fan of the main character Thia and I stan Ericen.
Cons: not a fan of Caylus (boring tbh), I felt like the romance was a bit rushed/forced (seemingly happened overnight and that annoys me)
Pros: Super interesting magic system, love the crows, big fan of the main character Thia and I stan Ericen.
Cons: not a fan of Caylus (boring tbh), I felt like the romance was a bit rushed/forced (seemingly happened overnight and that annoys me)
indigosparrow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Violence, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Torture, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Colonisation, Death of parent, Child abuse, and Death
Moderate: Infidelity and Murder
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and Misogyny
jemimaslife's review
3.0
Rating changed from 4.5 stars to 3.5.
e-ARC received via Sourcebooks Fire & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2019 so I am super thankful to these providers for granting me this ARC.
T/W: Mild-violence, Depression, Self-harm
Diverse range of sexualities
A fantasy where our main character rides on the backs of giant crows? Yes, please. Also, we can't ignore that STUNNING cover - wow!
This was really enjoyable. Things go wild from the very first chapter and what you thought to be the storyline flips completely upside down. I liked our main character, although I did have slight difficulty picturing her despite several short descriptions of her appearance. I love first person narration but I think third might've worked better in this case. I'd love to have know what was happening in the other kingdoms, not just in Anthia's head.
I loved Prince Ericen, Anthia's suitor. My only real complaint with his character was that he has a striking resemblance to Rhysand from [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] and what I predict will be a similar character arc. Here's some examples:
'Prince Ericen was one of the most attractive men I'd ever seen. With a short crop of black hair and eyes brighter than a bluebird's feathers, he was all crisp, clean edges and rich, manicured Illucian style.'
'His lips twisted into a one-sided smile. "At least mine's a pleasant sight.'
'"Are you saying you're not normally a prick?"
"Oh no, I am. Just usually a more charming one."'
'He lounged in his chair in a lithe, imperious way, as if the chair should be grateful to him.'
Adding to that, the Illucian town reminded me exactly of Velaris in [b:A Court of Mist and Fury|17927395|A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406996l/17927395._SY75_.jpg|25126749] and the word 'Illucian' itself sounds an awful lot like 'Illyrian' from that same series. Maybe _ is our Tamlin! Another thing that threw me off, which is slightly more ridiculous: the disastrous event at the beginning of the novel is referred to as 'Ronoch' and all I could think of everytime I read it was 'Ragnarok' from the third 'Thor' film. This is entirely my fault but I thought it was funny enough to share.
There is a strong female friendship in this story that I really admired. Anthia and Kiva are extremely close and I thought that their differences in station made for an interesting bond. One thing that did surprise me was the boldness Kiva treated Ericen with. Some of her comments towards him were completely out of line, especially when the kingdom of Illucia threatens that of Rhodaire so harshly. It just seemed odd that a Prince would put up with an opposing General's daughter. But then again that could be because he does not wish to offend Anthia entirely.
I admire the depression rep but I would've liked that area to have been developed on further. It is great seeing mental health represented in a YA fantasy book. It is so important, especially as our main character has been through so much, and lost so many loved ones, at such a young age.
I went into The Storm Crow believing it to be a standalone. I was mistaken. It is in fact a duology, potentially a trilogy. While I am excited for the storyline to progress in further books, I was quite looking forward to reading a standalone fantasy as they are so rare. Nevertheless, it ended on a cliff-hanger so the following book(s) is(/are) sure to have some good content!
If you love fantasy, a new plot, a fresh idea, but some more familiar characters - this is the book for you!
e-ARC received via Sourcebooks Fire & NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of my most anticipated releases for 2019 so I am super thankful to these providers for granting me this ARC.
T/W: Mild-violence, Depression, Self-harm
Diverse range of sexualities
A fantasy where our main character rides on the backs of giant crows? Yes, please. Also, we can't ignore that STUNNING cover - wow!
This was really enjoyable. Things go wild from the very first chapter and what you thought to be the storyline flips completely upside down. I liked our main character, although I did have slight difficulty picturing her despite several short descriptions of her appearance. I love first person narration but I think third might've worked better in this case. I'd love to have know what was happening in the other kingdoms, not just in Anthia's head.
I loved Prince Ericen, Anthia's suitor. My only real complaint with his character was that he has a striking resemblance to Rhysand from [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] and what I predict will be a similar character arc. Here's some examples:
'Prince Ericen was one of the most attractive men I'd ever seen. With a short crop of black hair and eyes brighter than a bluebird's feathers, he was all crisp, clean edges and rich, manicured Illucian style.'
'His lips twisted into a one-sided smile. "At least mine's a pleasant sight.'
'"Are you saying you're not normally a prick?"
"Oh no, I am. Just usually a more charming one."'
'He lounged in his chair in a lithe, imperious way, as if the chair should be grateful to him.'
Adding to that, the Illucian town reminded me exactly of Velaris in [b:A Court of Mist and Fury|17927395|A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406996l/17927395._SY75_.jpg|25126749] and the word 'Illucian' itself sounds an awful lot like 'Illyrian' from that same series. Maybe _ is our Tamlin! Another thing that threw me off, which is slightly more ridiculous: the disastrous event at the beginning of the novel is referred to as 'Ronoch' and all I could think of everytime I read it was 'Ragnarok' from the third 'Thor' film. This is entirely my fault but I thought it was funny enough to share.
There is a strong female friendship in this story that I really admired. Anthia and Kiva are extremely close and I thought that their differences in station made for an interesting bond. One thing that did surprise me was the boldness Kiva treated Ericen with. Some of her comments towards him were completely out of line, especially when the kingdom of Illucia threatens that of Rhodaire so harshly. It just seemed odd that a Prince would put up with an opposing General's daughter. But then again that could be because he does not wish to offend Anthia entirely.
I admire the depression rep but I would've liked that area to have been developed on further. It is great seeing mental health represented in a YA fantasy book. It is so important, especially as our main character has been through so much, and lost so many loved ones, at such a young age.
I went into The Storm Crow believing it to be a standalone. I was mistaken. It is in fact a duology, potentially a trilogy. While I am excited for the storyline to progress in further books, I was quite looking forward to reading a standalone fantasy as they are so rare. Nevertheless, it ended on a cliff-hanger so the following book(s) is(/are) sure to have some good content!
If you love fantasy, a new plot, a fresh idea, but some more familiar characters - this is the book for you!
books_over_everything's review
4.0
Initial Thoughts
I pre-ordered a copy of this book last June and received it July. Honestly, I was excited about reading it but since I didn’t have an ARC or commitment obligating me to read it, I think I absentmindedly bumped it lower on my TBR. So, why am I reading it today? It’s not because I’m reading backlogged books (like I should be). I am on the blog tour for the sequel and my stop is tomorrow
I pre-ordered a copy of this book last June and received it July. Honestly, I was excited about reading it but since I didn’t have an ARC or commitment obligating me to read it, I think I absentmindedly bumped it lower on my TBR. So, why am I reading it today? It’s not because I’m reading backlogged books (like I should be). I am on the blog tour for the sequel and my stop is tomorrow
irma_lonnqvist's review
4.0
I have really missed a good ya fantasy, and here I was served one on a silver platter.
I am a bit torn over the love interest and I might be more interested in the side characters love story. BUT I absolutely loved the world building in this one, absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to see how this war ends!
I am a bit torn over the love interest and I might be more interested in the side characters love story. BUT I absolutely loved the world building in this one, absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to see how this war ends!
cbaagoe's review
4.0
I must admit that it took me a while to warm up to the book. It annoyed me a bit up until halfway through the book, where it gradually became much better. I missed a little more character development on other characters than Thia, but all in all, I think the book is very promising. I was extremely hooked for the last chapters and by then I wanted more!
I find the book really original, sad, frustrating, good, and humorous! I'm in love with little Res, how he's described and interact, and a lot of the characters have an exciting twist to them.
I find the book really original, sad, frustrating, good, and humorous! I'm in love with little Res, how he's described and interact, and a lot of the characters have an exciting twist to them.
foesandlovers's review
4.0
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book!! I've seen next to no hype for it and I don't understand why. I loved the characters, really enjoyed the story and am really interested in this world.
The friendship between Thia and Kiva was awesome, I loved their dynamic.
I also really liked Caylus, he's so sweet and although I like him for Thia, I think I might prefer Ericen. I'm just a sucker for that enemies to lovers goodness, y'all. But if things dont develop romantically between Thia and Ericen, i'd still be happy if she ended up with Caylus. He's a good guy.
THE BABY CROW. MY GOD. WHERE CAN I GET ONE!??!?! They sound absolutely adorable and I freaking love their magic and the bond they have with their riders.
For a debut novel AND a first book in a fantasy series, i'd say this was a success! Hooked me in really easily, and kept me interested till the end! It sure made me want to pick up the next book right away (though it isn't out yet
I really enjoyed this book!! I've seen next to no hype for it and I don't understand why. I loved the characters, really enjoyed the story and am really interested in this world.
The friendship between Thia and Kiva was awesome, I loved their dynamic.
I also really liked Caylus, he's so sweet and although I like him for Thia, I think I might prefer Ericen. I'm just a sucker for that enemies to lovers goodness, y'all. But if things dont develop romantically between Thia and Ericen, i'd still be happy if she ended up with Caylus. He's a good guy.
THE BABY CROW. MY GOD. WHERE CAN I GET ONE!??!?! They sound absolutely adorable and I freaking love their magic and the bond they have with their riders.
For a debut novel AND a first book in a fantasy series, i'd say this was a success! Hooked me in really easily, and kept me interested till the end! It sure made me want to pick up the next book right away (though it isn't out yet
laurasbooks25's review
5.0
Got an advanced copy in my FairyLoot box and oh boy was I pleasantly surprised! Thoroughly enjoyed it, can’t wait for the sequel!
bookemkinzo's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I won't lie, this one took a few chapters to hook me... but once it clicked, wow! I really enjoyed this. Yes, it follows the typical YA plot of "girl vs evil kingdom," but there is a reason that exact plot sells and it's because people (me) eat that up. I specifically liked the nod to the struggles of depression and anxiety. Something that isn't typically mentioned in fantasy reads.
Some tropes to expect:
Some tropes to expect:
🪶 Mental Health Representation
🪶 Arranged Marriage
🪶 Cute, Magical Creatures
🪶 Political Intrigue
🪶 Love Triangle... ish?
I would think this book is a good match for people who enjoyed The Dragon Prince, How to Train Your Dragon, The Bridge Kingdom, and Throne of Glass.
I'll definitely be continuing to read the next book!
4.5/5
TW: death of animals, torture, child abuse
🪶 Arranged Marriage
🪶 Cute, Magical Creatures
🪶 Political Intrigue
🪶 Love Triangle... ish?
I would think this book is a good match for people who enjoyed The Dragon Prince, How to Train Your Dragon, The Bridge Kingdom, and Throne of Glass.
I'll definitely be continuing to read the next book!
4.5/5
TW: death of animals, torture, child abuse
readaroundtherosie's review
4.0
re-read in prep for the second book. Definitely still as good the second time!