A review by starrysteph
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Ohhh what a brilliant little story. It’s a modern fantasy bursting with rich folklore, an unlikely trio on a journey, and conversations around belonging & bigotry.

Dymitr is a mysterious mortal with a powerful plant who keeps his secrets & emotions tucked away. Ala is a zmora, and has watched a deadly curse hop from family member to family member until it crawls into her. And Niko is a powerful stryzgon who has what both of them need.

Our trio travels through Chicago, finding themselves in mystical layers just beneath the bustling city. They meet a variety of mythological beings and challenge each other to open up about their most protected truths, all on their way to find a powerful witch. 

This has EXCELLENT pacing, great character & world development, and a compelling 36-hour plot. I would love to read more stories set in this world. 

When Among Crows captures the joy and pain of ancestry and heritage, pockets of Poland in America, and figuring out where you stand in your family’s legacy. It’s a tale of sacrifice as magic, of surviving religious persecution, of atonement, justice, and redemption.

(Also: when I first started this I was like, “hey, I know a lot of these characters from Witcher 3!” and then it turns out Witcher 3 inspired Veronica Roth, so I feel very satisfied. I mean, and we’re both Polish.)

CW: murder, death (parent/child), blood & gore, violence, body horror, grief, child abuse, self harm (in the name of religion), religious bigotry, animal death, xenophobia

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(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)