The Storm Crow (Storm Crow, #1)

by Kalyn Josephson

[Kat @ Novels & Waffles]

More than anything, The Storm Crow is a powerful book about overcoming depression and finding the strength to fight another day, because it is an everyday battle. The real selling point of the novel (GIANT CROWS), didn't get as much page time as I would've expected given the hype. But in the end, I didn't mind so much because of all the focus placed on the excellent depression representation.

Things I Liked:
-I'll always and forever be a complete sucker for the arranged marriage trope.
-The depression representation was EVERYTHING. I've often wondered why mental illness is not talked about more in the fantasy genre, and it meant so much to me to see it realistically portrayed in this book.
-Ericen is a multifaceted character who has a lot of potential, and I desperately wish we got to learn a bit more about him. Also, the way his character embodies cycles of violence and the learned need for revenge offers an important narrative.
-A solid writing style with beautiful, well-crafted imagery. There were some particularly witty banter scenes, and the author did a good job creating engaging dialogue.
-ELEMENTAL CROWS. SO COOL.

Things I Liked...Less:
-ELEMENTAL CROWS. SO COOL. BUT WE HARDLY SEE THEM AT ALL. This was a disappointment considering I was all ready for that How to Train Your Dragon vibe and for lots of magical, death-defying flights through the air. Additionally, I'm still unsure how exactly the crows and their magic work, and I would've liked to learn more about that.
-The plot is slow and deliberate, mainly revolving around political machinations, rather than tense action scenes. I didn't mind this so much, but others might.
-Overall, it's rather predictable. Much of the plot follows familiar YA Fantasy beats that I've seen executed many times before, and it doesn't necessarily twist them into anything extraordinary or new.