"I was a storm.
Adrenaline ripped through my veins like lightning as I leaned
close to the body of my crow, preparing to execute a dive."
I think my love for this book probably equals my rage towards it. Did I grab your attention? I hope so, cause you need to read it, and I need someone to talk to about it. You know when a book is so good you get invested in the story. And then, the plot twists in a way that is not at all what you hoped for? There you go. The ending ripped my heart. I need the sequel. Now. And I hope I'm not going to cry throughout the whole book (and I mean scream).
Let's begin with the crows. Kalyn Josephson created a wonderful magic system, consistent and fascinating. The elemental crows are more similar to dragons than birds and are divided into Wings, each with a different task related to its magic. Every year, during Nengoch, eggs are hatched, and new Crow riders are chosen. Our protagonist, Tia, has been waiting this moment her entire life, but then something goes wrong, and she's left with pain and ashes. Until she finds the last Crow egg, hidden in one of the rookeries.
"I shot along the gardens, through the castle gates,
and into streets filled with thick green trees and climbing
vines trickling down buildings like rivulets of rainwater."
I liked best the first part of the book, partly because of how the story develops but mostly because it takes place in Rhodaire, the protagonist's kingdom. When I read the synopsis, I didn't give much attention to the first phrase, which clearly states that Rhodaire is a tropical kingdom, so when I started reading I was pleasantly surprised to find a lush and diverse setting, gorgeously described by the author. The vegetation, buildings, and weather make for a beautiful ambience that's original and alluring, full of life just like it's inhabitants.
Illucia, the other kingdom, has its beauties as well. The Colorfalls are my favourite place, they remind me of Amsterdam, but the city and castle are a bit dull and pompous, just like their inhabitants! The majority of the book takes place in Illucia, but I hope to see more of the other kingdoms in the sequels, especially Jindae.
"Be careful. You're dangerously close to sound like this girl
I used to know. Tongue as sharp as a crow's talon,
menace to authorities everywhere."
I love how the author mixed fantasy features with characters and behaviours so near to us and our everyday lives. The friendship between Tia and Kiva is purely perfect, as are most of the dialogues. They're partners in crime and the proof that with a friend by your side you can overcome even the worst situations. The book starts with Tia suffering from depression, but Kiva is always there ready to support her and kick her ass out of bed. On the other hand, there's Ericen, that with his arrogance fuels Tia to take action, and reminds me a lot of another YA character (which may or may not be a prince too). I personally found all the characters compelling and three-dimensional, with just one exception.
Another thing I loved was gender representation. Not a single character was admittedly gay or bi. It was just normal, which is how it should be.
"Crow or no crow, one way or another, you will fly.
You were always meant to rule the sky."
The way Tia recovers from Ronoch and fights depression is one of my favourite aspects of the book. I've never seen this topic covered in YA fantasy, and it adds to the story and complexity of the character. Tia is a strong woman, but she is human. Her fight is our fight. Not every one of us suffers from depression, but we can all relate to her struggles. She reminds us that whatever life throws at us there's a light at the end of the tunnel, and we need to walk towards it, even if it means two steps forward, one step back.
Now onto the good stuff. I designed these bookmarks featuring some of my favourite quotes from the book, you can download them here. I'd recommend to print them on cardboard paper and, if you feel it, you can print two copies and lightly glue them together. To make them even more resistant, you can also plasticise them.
I hope I've persuaded you to put The Storm Crow in your TBR, and if you've already read it, please let me know what you think in the comments (keep it spoiler-free), or you can send me a DM on Instagram.
Till next Sunday, have a lovely week!
Now onto the good stuff. I designed these bookmarks featuring some of my favourite quotes from the book, you can download them here. I'd recommend to print them on cardboard paper and, if you feel it, you can print two copies and lightly glue them together. To make them even more resistant, you can also plasticise them.
I hope I've persuaded you to put The Storm Crow in your TBR, and if you've already read it, please let me know what you think in the comments (keep it spoiler-free), or you can send me a DM on Instagram.
Till next Sunday, have a lovely week!
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