When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

Author: Veronica Roth
Published: May 14th, 2024
Publisher: Tor books
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

When Among Crows is swift and striking, drawing from the deep well of Slavic folklore and asking if redemption and atonement can be found in embracing what we most fear.

We bear the sword, and we bear the pain of the sword.

Pain is Dymitr’s calling. His family is one in a long line of hunters who sacrifice their souls to slay monsters. Now he’s tasked with a deadly mission: find the legendary witch Baba Jaga. To reach her, Dymitr must ally with the ones he’s sworn to kill.

Pain is Ala’s inheritance. A fear-eating zmora with little left to lose, Ala awaits death from the curse she carries. When Dymitr offers her a cure in exchange for her help, she has no choice but to agree.

Together they must fight against time and the wrath of the Chicago underworld. But Dymitr’s secrets—and his true motives—may be the thing that actually destroys them.

Review

“When among crows, you must caw as one.“

“Among Crows” immerses readers in a spellbinding urban fantasy world brimming with dark emotions and enthralling folklore, with a particular focus on Polish/Slavic mythos. The narrative unfolds a mesmerizing tale of an unlikely group of characters embarking on a 36-hour quest that defies the bounds of possibility. Set against the gritty backdrop of Chicago’s paranormal underworld, the plot navigates a labyrinth of mysteries and dangers, drawing readers into a web of intrigue and suspense.

Veronica Roth’s storytelling prowess shines as she intricately weaves together the narratives of Dimytr, Ala, and Niko, offering glimpses into their pasts that intricately tie into the unfolding drama. The characters, each grappling with their own inner demons and moral dilemmas, are rendered with depth and complexity, adding layers of richness to the storyline. As the protagonist seeks redemption amidst a tapestry of mythical creatures and supernatural encounters, themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the nature of debt resonate throughout the narrative.

At the heart of the story lies Baba Jaga, a formidable presence from Polish folklore, whose enigmatic power casts a shadow over the characters’ fates. Through dealings with Baba Jaga, Roth delves into the intricacies of pain, sacrifice, and the price of magic, exploring the profound consequences of debts unpaid and promises unfulfilled.

“Among Crows” strikes a delicate balance between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection, drawing readers into a world where the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs. With lyrical prose and a keen eye for detail, Roth crafts a tale that captivates the imagination and lingers long after the final page is turned. Fans of urban fantasy and folklore will find themselves enthralled by this dark and atmospheric journey through the shadowed streets of Chicago.

Among the crow was a really fun read and I’m so happy I got to read it, I have become a big fan of Veronica Roth since reading Arch-Conspirator (which just notice I never posted that review, coming up soon).

Thank you to Tor books and the author for providing me with a finished copy in exchange for a review.