Last year with The Storm Crow, I felt its theme of depression due to my own past. This year, re(3.5 ★’s)
“You only fail if you stop trying.”
[image]
Last year with The Storm Crow, I felt its theme of depression due to my own past. This year, reading the sequel, I feel it because I’m experiencing it this very moment.
Depression is a funny thing (pardon my insensitivity) because in every single person it haunts, it brings a different battle; an ocean of self-doubt, a blanket of exhaustion, a mist of loneliness, a well of pointlessness, suffocating, suffocating, always suffocating you. And it never, ever really leaves. You feel better, you feel worse. You win, but you feel it there every once in a while, poking its head in, luring you with bitter words.
“Some cracks couldn’t be mended; they only became a part of you instead, forever places that left you unsteady. “It feels impossible,” he said. “Like trying to reform shattered glass.”
And what I’m most thankful for when it comes to this duology, is Kalyn Josephson’s acknowledgement of this trickster and its tricky nature. So. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
[image] (there is a map now!)
This is an action-packed second installment (the opposite of its predecessor) peppered with moments of fresh air, bonding, friendship, self-discovery, unity, doubt, guilt, and forgiveness, with a gem named Ericen and only one true hero aka Res, my precious magical crow—no one can convince me otherwise.
I loved this sequel, and I wish, oh I wish I could give five winged stars to The Crow Rider, but sadly it could’ve done so much more, been so much more. I feel like this series could’ve easily been a trilogy and should’ve been a trilogy. It’s no secret that I prefer slow-paced to fast-paced, but I can love the latter too, as long as it doesn’t sacrifice its potential for in-depth development just to put you on the edge of your seat. Sadly, The Crow Rider does just that.
“Decisions take courage. It’s so much easier to just let things happen.”
There is so much happening in these 350 pages that certain parts start to feel rushed, underdeveloped, and out-of-the-blue. Namely three things which each took away half a star for me: the beginning, Caylus, and Ericen (I’ll talk about them separately).
[image]
Beginning: How About You Take A Breath?
Even your very heart is armed, Auma had said. It must have peace before you can expect to bring it to others. But I didn’t want peace right now. I wanted war.
The Crow Rider hits the ground running and does not slow down, and while that in itself is a good thing, it can also take away from the book if written in a rushed manner. It’s not that Kalyn isn’t good at action scenes (the ending battles were very well written and I loved the strategies and descriptions), it’s only that the beginning fights and chases were happening too fast, finished in a blink, the next one quickly dumped on you.
Starting the book, I was slightly put out, thinking I would not end up loving it. I am truly glad that it got better as the book progressed, and I hope the author works more on developing all scenes in her future novels (which I’m looking forward to).
[image]
Caylus: Where Did THAT Go?
“When they asked him whether he was lost, he said he was. When they offered to give him directions, he said he knew the way home. ‘Well then,’ the ship’s captain asked, ‘how can you be lost?’ And the man replied, ‘Because no matter where I am, it’s never where I should be.’
I’d said in my review of the previous book that Thia and Caylus’s romance felt more like a temporary reprieve and solace, confined to four walls, and I didn’t see it as solid enough to hold strong. So I completely understand why it took the path it took in the sequel BUT, it was barely explored and explained. I’d have especially loved more on the aromantic angle.
[image]
Ericen: What Are You Doing?
“Love doesn’t make you weak.” He looked at me, his piercing eyes pinning me to the spot. “It makes you stronger.”
By now everyone knows Red Queen is one of my favourite series and one of the reason that is so is because of the extraordinary and thoroughly developed character arcs; like Cal’s. And since Ericen’s circumstances and struggle constantly reminded me of that of Cal’s, I was hoping for a similar slow path—if not three books of doubt and and questioning your beliefs, then at least one! I don’t know, maybe Victoria Aveyard has raised my expectations of YA, but I was left extremely unsatisfied with the sudden shift in belief.
I believe The Crow Rider would’ve benefited much from being split in half into two books, then spending more time working on the twists and giving time for scenes to brew before moving past them. And to prevent a long drawn out plot in case of the split, more subplots could’ve done wonders, perhaps laying the groundwork for the ultimate reveal.
[image]
“You cannot be afraid to see what you see,” Auma replied. “If you are, you only end up lying to yourself.”
Criticisms aside, I still did love this novel.
I loved it for the even stronger female friendships. For Res the magical crow’s charm and bravery and naughtiness. I loved it, because of the bird and rider’s relationship. Ericen’s arrogance and teasing. And because of the way he pushed Res in all their similarities (and no wonder they are my faves, I do have a type it seems). I loved it for Kiva’s developed romance and her precious presence and support. And the cat ruining her intimating image. I loved the myths and stories sprinkled throughout. The easy LGBT+ representation. The light politics and strategic talk. I loved the banter and bonds and Elko’s fierceness. And I lovednd Thia’s growth and attempts to be a leader, making me feel like a proud parent.
Books in series: ➴ The Storm Crow (The Storm Crow, #1) ★★★★☆ ➴ The Crow Rider (The Storm Crow, #2) ★★★✯☆
Merged review:
(3.5 ★’s)
“You only fail if you stop trying.”
[image]
Last year with The Storm Crow, I felt its theme of depression due to my own past. This year, reading the sequel, I feel it because I’m experiencing it this very moment.
Depression is a funny thing (pardon my insensitivity) because in every single person it haunts, it brings a different battle; an ocean of self-doubt, a blanket of exhaustion, a mist of loneliness, a well of pointlessness, suffocating, suffocating, always suffocating you. And it never, ever really leaves. You feel better, you feel worse. You win, but you feel it there every once in a while, poking its head in, luring you with bitter words.
“Some cracks couldn’t be mended; they only became a part of you instead, forever places that left you unsteady. “It feels impossible,” he said. “Like trying to reform shattered glass.”
And what I’m most thankful for when it comes to this duology, is Kalyn Josephson’s acknowledgement of this trickster and its tricky nature. So. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
[image] (there is a map now!)
This is an action-packed second installment (the opposite of its predecessor) peppered with moments of fresh air, bonding, friendship, self-discovery, unity, doubt, guilt, and forgiveness, with a gem named Ericen and only one true hero aka Res, my precious magical crow—no one can convince me otherwise.
I loved this sequel, and I wish, oh I wish I could give five winged stars to The Crow Rider, but sadly it could’ve done so much more, been so much more. I feel like this series could’ve easily been a trilogy and should’ve been a trilogy. It’s no secret that I prefer slow-paced to fast-paced, but I can love the latter too, as long as it doesn’t sacrifice its potential for in-depth development just to put you on the edge of your seat. Sadly, The Crow Rider does just that.
“Decisions take courage. It’s so much easier to just let things happen.”
There is so much happening in these 350 pages that certain parts start to feel rushed, underdeveloped, and out-of-the-blue. Namely three things which each took away half a star for me: the beginning, Caylus, and Ericen (I’ll talk about them separately).
[image]
Beginning: How About You Take A Breath?
Even your very heart is armed, Auma had said. It must have peace before you can expect to bring it to others. But I didn’t want peace right now. I wanted war.
The Crow Rider hits the ground running and does not slow down, and while that in itself is a good thing, it can also take away from the book if written in a rushed manner. It’s not that Kalyn isn’t good at action scenes (the ending battles were very well written and I loved the strategies and descriptions), it’s only that the beginning fights and chases were happening too fast, finished in a blink, the next one quickly dumped on you.
Starting the book, I was slightly put out, thinking I would not end up loving it. I am truly glad that it got better as the book progressed, and I hope the author works more on developing all scenes in her future novels (which I’m looking forward to).
[image]
Caylus: Where Did THAT Go?
“When they asked him whether he was lost, he said he was. When they offered to give him directions, he said he knew the way home. ‘Well then,’ the ship’s captain asked, ‘how can you be lost?’ And the man replied, ‘Because no matter where I am, it’s never where I should be.’
I’d said in my review of the previous book that Thia and Caylus’s romance felt more like a temporary reprieve and solace, confined to four walls, and I didn’t see it as solid enough to hold strong. So I completely understand why it took the path it took in the sequel BUT, it was barely explored and explained. I’d have especially loved more on the aromantic angle.
[image]
Ericen: What Are You Doing?
“Love doesn’t make you weak.” He looked at me, his piercing eyes pinning me to the spot. “It makes you stronger.”
By now everyone knows Red Queen is one of my favourite series and one of the reason that is so is because of the extraordinary and thoroughly developed character arcs; like Cal’s. And since Ericen’s circumstances and struggle constantly reminded me of that of Cal’s, I was hoping for a similar slow path—if not three books of doubt and and questioning your beliefs, then at least one! I don’t know, maybe Victoria Aveyard has raised my expectations of YA, but I was left extremely unsatisfied with the sudden shift in belief.
I believe The Crow Rider would’ve benefited much from being split in half into two books, then spending more time working on the twists and giving time for scenes to brew before moving past them. And to prevent a long drawn out plot in case of the split, more subplots could’ve done wonders, perhaps laying the groundwork for the ultimate reveal.
[image]
“You cannot be afraid to see what you see,” Auma replied. “If you are, you only end up lying to yourself.”
Criticisms aside, I still did love this novel.
I loved it for the even stronger female friendships. For Res the magical crow’s charm and bravery and naughtiness. I loved it, because of the bird and rider’s relationship. Ericen’s arrogance and teasing. And because of the way he pushed Res in all their similarities (and no wonder they are my faves, I do have a type it seems). I loved it for Kiva’s developed romance and her precious presence and support. And the cat ruining her intimating image. I loved the myths and stories sprinkled throughout. The easy LGBT+ representation. The light politics and strategic talk. I loved the banter and bonds and Elko’s fierceness. And I lovednd Thia’s growth and attempts to be a leader, making me feel like a proud parent.
I was promised a weird, suspenseful psychological thriller assessing crime and tackling dark themes, and I was not disappointed! I honestly co4 STARS!
I was promised a weird, suspenseful psychological thriller assessing crime and tackling dark themes, and I was not disappointed! I honestly could not put it down.
Sure, the mystery could've been handed better so that the reveal would be more satisfying, but it wasn't about the mystery, it was about chaos and faith and control and the grey logic of murderers. Though I do believe the author could have made the arguments even more convincing, and generally developed the ideas more, made the book more. Alas, it was not to be, but I still got it (probably to everyone's horror) and enjoyed it thoroughly.
You'd probably call this book sick, I'd just call it daring—in a creepy way. And creepy, my friends, is my middle name.
FRTC.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Atria Books!
Merged review:
4 STARS!
I was promised a weird, suspenseful psychological thriller assessing crime and tackling dark themes, and I was not disappointed! I honestly could not put it down.
Sure, the mystery could've been handed better so that the reveal would be more satisfying, but it wasn't about the mystery, it was about chaos and faith and control and the grey logic of murderers. Though I do believe the author could have made the arguments even more convincing, and generally developed the ideas more, made the book more. Alas, it was not to be, but I still got it (probably to everyone's horror) and enjoyed it thoroughly.
You'd probably call this book sick, I'd just call it daring—in a creepy way. And creepy, my friends, is my middle name.
FRTC.
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Atria Books!...more
I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, (4.5 ★’s)
I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, someone-save-me-cos-I-think-I’m-addicted good.
This issue specially was adorable just as much as it was intense. We really got a glimpse of the original fencing team’s friendship and awww, cuteness overload. Not to mention the humour, ah, that wall of forbidden sentences never gets old.
Merged review:
(4.5 ★’s)
I think I’m really getting the hype now. I can’t gush enough over how good the dramatic writing is. Like, super-nervous, can’t-stop-reading, someone-save-me-cos-I-think-I’m-addicted good.
This issue specially was adorable just as much as it was intense. We really got a glimpse of the original fencing team’s friendship and awww, cuteness overload. Not to mention the humour, ah, that wall of forbidden sentences never gets old....more
(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely ter(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely terrified because he plays with emotions and minds as a lil baby boy does with his toys.
[image]
Two. If you remove noses (and no not the way Voldemort wore it) and make everything and everyone round, you’d achieve unprecedented cuteness in your drawing to match the mood as you switch from refined to omg-why’s-this-so-adorable. And y’all know how I stan creativity and thus I can do nothing but stan Johanna the Mad because damnnnn her growing creativity in emanating the matches is mad. But also the hilarious cuteness.
“Aiden beat Seiji. If I beat Aiden that’s like...I beat Seiji.” “Ah! An indirect win. The same concept as an indirect kiss!”
Three. I’m sure I’ve already said this by I feel obligated to say it again: Nicholas is an unstoppable, adorable, clueless dork and Seiji an insufferable, suffering, emotional hedgehog and how they mutually rile one another up and are the other’s motivation for trying harder makes them the perfect match while providing me with the best servings of humour.
Four. Coach has practically called dibs on shipping Nicholas and Seiji oh boy, this clever clever woman is a mastermind and totally that one friend who stays up late plotting how to set up two of their gay friends together.
Okay you can now shoo. The days lessons are over and yes I loved this even though it wasn’t add layered as the previous one it still thoroughly monopolies my attention and that’s what I call good entertainment. Moving on.
(4.5 ★’s) There are four things you need to know or else your life is forfeit:
One. Aiden is the devil and my love and yes you should be absolutely terrified because he plays with emotions and minds as a lil baby boy does with his toys.
[image]
Two. If you remove noses (and no not the way Voldemort wore it) and make everything and everyone round, you’d achieve unprecedented cuteness in your drawing to match the mood as you switch from refined to omg-why’s-this-so-adorable. And y’all know how I stan creativity and thus I can do nothing but stan Johanna the Mad because damnnnn her growing creativity in emanating the matches is mad. But also the hilarious cuteness.
“Aiden beat Seiji. If I beat Aiden that’s like...I beat Seiji.” “Ah! An indirect win. The same concept as an indirect kiss!”
Three. I’m sure I’ve already said this by I feel obligated to say it again: Nicholas is an unstoppable, adorable, clueless dork and Seiji an insufferable, suffering, emotional hedgehog and how they mutually rile one another up and are the other’s motivation for trying harder makes them the perfect match while providing me with the best servings of humour.
Four. Coach has practically called dibs on shipping Nicholas and Seiji oh boy, this clever clever woman is a mastermind and totally that one friend who stays up late plotting how to set up two of their gay friends together.
Okay you can now shoo. The days lessons are over and yes I loved this even though it wasn’t add layered as the previous one it still thoroughly monopolies my attention and that’s what I call good entertainment. Moving on.
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we st(4.5 ★’s)
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we stan only one king and that is the adorable, manipulative playboy Aiden Kane fight me.
[image]
YES LET HIM. I absolutely support it because he’s not just a privileged rich kid, he’s also an observant, exploitative genius and that’s truly all I care about and no that’s not problematic and yes I thank Ms. Pacat from the depths of my haunted heart for showing us how utterly he slays in action—it was delightful.
Honestly, I’m surprised to be shelving an issue of this series as a fave, but this one was undoubtedly the best so far—and no, that has nothing to do with the fact that it focuses on Aiden the talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before hot rich guy I adore. Nope, whatever do you mean?
Merged review:
(4.5 ★’s)
“I always look at these old faces and think...how many of them achieved the dreams they had when they were at school?”
In this house we stan only one king and that is the adorable, manipulative playboy Aiden Kane fight me.
[image]
YES LET HIM. I absolutely support it because he’s not just a privileged rich kid, he’s also an observant, exploitative genius and that’s truly all I care about and no that’s not problematic and yes I thank Ms. Pacat from the depths of my haunted heart for showing us how utterly he slays in action—it was delightful.
Honestly, I’m surprised to be shelving an issue of this series as a fave, but this one was undoubtedly the best so far—and no, that has nothing to do with the fact that it focuses on Aiden the talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before hot rich guy I adore. Nope, whatever do you mean?...more