**Disclaimer: I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.**
Preorder Campaign
If people who pre-order TCR submit their receipts, they can choose a bonus scene from either Kiva or Ericen’s POV, and be entered to win a TSC bookmark + character cards. Open US and CAN only.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKAtn7VR_2l2y_oW6h6Zxst5XJbQLRJbmtLksneThz9ioddg/viewform
Also, if they order TSC (hardcover OR paperback) or TCR from Kaylyn’s local indie store, Keplers Books, before July 7th they can get a signed, personalized copy. Readers need to say in the order comments if they wanted it personalized through.
https://www.keplers.com/pre-order-your-copy-crow-rider-0
Title The Crow Rider (The Storm Crow #2)
Author Kalyn Josephson
Release Date July 7, 2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Fire
Description from Amazon
Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in the kingdom of Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul’s mark is what caused her parents’ murder at the hand of King Lohar’s ruthless soldiers and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when a group of rebel women called the Sisters of the Golden Lotus rescue her, take her in, and train her in warrior magic, Gul wants only one thing: revenge.
Cavas lives in the tenements, and he’s just about ready to sign his life over to the king’s army. His father is terminally ill, and Cavas will do anything to save him. But sparks fly w
Princess Thia, her allies, and her crow, Res, are planning a rebellion to defeat Queen Razel and Illucia once and for all. Thia must convince the neighboring kingdoms to come to her aid, and Res’s show of strength is the only thing that can help her.
But so many obstacles stand in her way. Res excels at his training, until he loses control of his magic, harming Thia in the process. She is also pursued by Prince Ericen, heir to the Illucian throne and the one person she can’t trust but can’t seem to stay away from.
As the rebel group prepares for war, Res’s magic grows more unstable. Thia has to decide if she can rely on herself and their bond enough to lead the rebellion and become the crow rider she was meant to be.
Initial Thoughts
I actually just finished reading The Storm Crow right before I read The Crow Rider. I had purchased a copy of the first book almost a year ago but just didn’t have a chance to read it. Being part of the tour gave me the perfect opportunity to dive into this series.
Some Things I Liked
- The romance. I was so happy to see the outcome of the romance plot. Yes, one could argue that it felt a bit rushed, but overall, I was quite pleased with it.
- Abraxos vibes. I can’t stand how much I loved the fact that Res is a crow version of my favorite Wyvern. The way he’s lazy and loves to snack, I just loved him. Also, he reminded me a pinch of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon and I really liked that.
- Fast paced plot. This was a super quick read. I actually finished both books in one day and that didn’t feel daunting. The story was well paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to stop reading.
- Mental illness representation. It wasn’t as prevalent in this story, but again, I applaud the realism in the characters’ struggles. Estrel, for example, is a complicated character and her role in the fire that killed Thia’s mother led to more than just physical scars.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
- Some of the elements of the story were not explained fully and I found that the pieces fit together almost too nicely. Given the length of the novel, I can sort of understand this, but I think I would have been a little happier with a longer novel and more fleshed out details.
Series Value
I enjoyed this series. While I don’t think it has super high re-read potential for me, I do believe there is a lot of sequel / spin-off value. There are several interesting characters that I’d like to know more about as well as some open ended plot points that could be explored further.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this series. I am so glad I was chosen for this tour. I figured I’d like it but I was pleasantly surprised with all of the hidden gems this duology had to offer. I was especially pleased with the resolutions of the romance plots.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen – if you liked the crow or avian inspiration behind this book, try this duology, the sequel is coming out in August.
- Throne of Glass (specifically, book #3 Heir of Fire) by Sarah J. Maas – if you liked the relationship between Res and Thia, you will love Manon and her Wyvern.
- Furyborn by Claire Legrand – if you liked the alliance and various kingdom set up of this story as well as the idea of a people locked away in a magical prison, try this series by Claire Legrand.
Author Bio
BOOK LINKS
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42374300-the-crow-rider
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2zFEFY5
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crow-rider-kalyn-josephson/1133879176?ean=9781492672968
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/the-crow-rider/id1501434657
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Crow-Rider-Kalyn-Josephson/9781728226385
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-crow-rider
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kalyn_Josephson_The_Crow_Rider?id=5C_UDwAAQBAJ&hl=en_US
AUTHOR LINKS
Website: https://kalynjosephson.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kalynjosephson
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17673530.Kalyn_Josephson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalynmjosephson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalyn.josephson
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