The Merciful Crow is one of those books that is sure to be a great. Whether it be the details in the interior, the gorgeous cover, or the characters, The Merciful Crow is one of my favorite fantasy books so far!
Summary
A future chieftain
Fie abides by one rule: look after your own. Her Crow caste of undertakers and mercy-killers takes more abuse than coin, but when they’re called to collect royal dead, she’s hoping they’ll find the payout of a lifetime.
A fugitive prince
When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie’s ready to cut her losses—and perhaps his throat. But he offers a wager that she can’t refuse: protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Crows when he reigns.
A too-cunning bodyguard
Hawk warrior Tavin has always put Jas’s life before his, magically assuming the prince’s appearance and shadowing his every step. But what happens when Tavin begins to want something to call his own?
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I knew I was going to fall in love with The Merciful Crow from page one. Whether it be the detail put into the lay out of the book, or the vivid scenery description, The Merciful Crow is phenomenal. It begins with uproar on a tidal wave that will only grow larger. It’s a book that looks at a group of people who are reviled, shunned, hunted, and absolutely necessary. Meet the Crows. A world where nothing is freely given and you will remember it. A world of slights, respect, and the necessary cogs in the machine testing their binding.
Justice and Society
There are cats, banter that will make you laugh out loud, scorching chemistry, and a plot to overthrow everything the world rests upon. The Merciful Crow s about bargaining, ferocity, and bravery, but it’s also about trying to right the wrongs. The way the law means one thing, is carried out in another way, and interpreted in a wholly different way.
What resonated with me, is how Jasimir and Tavin think, in their own sheltered ways, that the world is more just than it is. And their character development where not only do they see that the law may say one thing, but that upholding it is another thing entirely – and with Fie consistently throwing in their face how different her life is than theirs. How teeth are payment and every day is a fight for your life with undisguised blades.
Overall,
I adore the magic system, wrapping us in a world of different powers, memories of death, and the promise of chaos. If you loved The Bone Witch and The Boneless Mercies then The Merciful Crow has to be on your list of books to read. Because while our laws are crystal clear, it’s a system of rules created by people, subject to corruption, prejudice, and hatred. The way that we revile, shun, and look down upon those who do the necessary work. The ones we call when we have no other option, whom we rely upon, and hate.
Giveaway
Prize: Win a final copy of The Merciful Crow + a book-themed make-up bag (US/CAN Only)
Starts: July 30th 2019
Ends: August 13th 2019
a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the Author
Born and raised at the end of the
Oregon Trail, Margaret Owen spent her childhood haunting the halls of
Powell’s Books. After earning her degree in Japanese, her love of
espresso called her north to Seattle, where she worked in everything
from thrift stores to presidential campaigns. The common thread between
every job can be summed up as: lessons were learned.
She now spends her days wrestling disgruntled characters onto the page,
and negotiating a long-term hostage situation with her two monstrous
cats. (There is surprisingly little difference between the two.)
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The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Welcome Post
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My Fangirl Chronicles – Review + Favourite Quotes
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