The Unleashing (Call of Crows, #1)

by Shelly Laurenston

[nitzan_schwarz]

I think this is Laurenston using all she learned from the Pride series and perfecting it. This was SUCH a wonderful and surprising read!

It was wonderful because, while it kept Laurenston's trademark crazy antics and dysfunctional dynamics, it also made sure to emphasize how much these Clans care for each other. They might mess with each other for fun, but they'll have your back.

It was wonderful because the romance took time to develop, and was absurdly cute. There wasn't any drama or an agonizing journey of will-they-won't-they, but instead a slow but steady growth between two people who like each other. Which I, naturally, adored.

It was wonderful because it had an adorable male main character who's viking... but not a cave man. There is no manhandling (unless his lady asks for it, of course) and crazy fits of possessiveness for this Viking. He might look fierce, he might be fierce in battle, but in his love life he is nothing but caring, nurturing, and blessedly honest. Also, a little awkward, which is also a good add to the mix.

Also, did I mention this has Nordic mythology as it's background? True, it's not really the main point of the story, but the gods and Valhalla do make appearances and it's wicked fun!

The only thing I wasn't the biggest fan of was the gore. There are a lot of bloodied scenes, but because everyone are so blase about it, I was able to kind of ignore what I was reading and skip imagining it in my head because that would've really cramped my style... Gah...

I absolutely adored this, and I'm SO glad I decided to give this a shot!