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Did you know that this month is Jewish American Heritage Month? (It’s also Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, too.)
That means for this month’s WOMS posts (all two of them), I’m going to review two books by Jewish American authors, and maybe one of those books will be about Jewish characters, too!
First up is The Crow Rider by Kalyn Josephson!
Now, I realize two things:
1. This book came out in 2020, so I’m two years late;
2. It is also the second book in the duology.
I did read The Storm Crow back in…2019? Whenever it was, y’all know my WOMS took an unplanned hiatus, but in my defense I was planning a wedding at the time. As far as not reading this until now, *gestures at world and reminds you of this post*.
Did I reread Storm Crow before reading Crow Rider? No, but probably should have because there were a few details I was fuzzy on. Will this be a duology review? Ish, but you’ll just have to make do with the tweet I posted about Storm Crow instead.
Before I dive into the text of The Crow Rider, I want to first gush about its author, Kalyn.
I can’t believe I get to say this, but I actually am acquainted with Kalyn a bit because she’s a remarkable woman who helped me severely revise my query, and encouraged me to not give up on my Jewish epic fantasy series. And no, she did not ask me to write this review because she’s a selfless mensch like that. Not only is she an enthralling author, but she’s a kind soul, too. I think that makes reviewing her books much more meaningful, knowing that I can do my little bit to support an author who is also doing her part to help make the world a more beautiful place.
Kalyn also has a new middle grade book coming out this August, Ravenfall, and I’m so excited to read it!
So The Crow Rider:
You may recall I’ve been a bit bored with fantasy fiction lately, especially YA fantasy, so while it might have been difficult to dive back into her world, it was entirely my own fault and not at all a reflection on her writing. I’ve also just hit a reading slump, so that coupled with my boredom and the fact I waited too long to read the second book in this series, it’s no wonder at first reading this was slow going.
But oh, buddy, has it whet my appetite enough I’m salivating over reading the next book on my shelf. I could maybe safely say the slump is over? (Thanks, Kalyn!)
How did she achieve it? Simple: crows.
That little guy, Res, the titular storm crow steals your heart! I’m an animal lover, so it’s easy to get me excited over something if cute animals are involved, and who knew crows could be so endearing? Kalyn, that’s who.
Res makes you care about the other characters because he cares about them. Eventually, I got sucked in again because I wanted more of him, and by then it was also about seeing the villain, Razel, come to her end because I detested her cruelty. That was actually one of those facts I remembered from book one, how maleficent she is. You really hate her by the end, regardless of the painful backstory she’s supplied, so if you enjoy a good villain, Razel is your lady. She’s cunning, scheming, and ruthless.
Also I enjoy the distinct cultures within Kalyn’s world. Her worldbuilding is natural and efficient and not at all forced. The coolest aspect is, of course, the elemental magic she gives the crows, so part of me being drawn in again was getting to read how Res develops and strengthens his magic throughout the first half of the book.
What can I say? I’m a sucker for magic.
What I appreciated most about Kalyn’s series is her main character, Thia, who blatantly suffers from depression, PTSD, etc. As someone who still struggles with PTSD at times—and everything that can come with it, no matter how long its been since the traumatic event, nor how much I’ve healed—I value reading about characters whose struggle mirrors my own. Kalyn also handles her descriptions with care and sensitivity, but her imagery of how Thia’s depression manifests is so precise it left me chilled at times, knowing how the weight of it feels. Nothing I couldn’t manage, though.
The best part was the final battle sequence. I think it was one of the most precise battles I’ve read in a while, and the vivid imagery, though at times a little gory (WHY DID THE HORSES HAVE TO BE IMPALED, KALYN? WHY??), helped immerse myself amongst the characters as they fought for peace. The twists and turns the battles takes also were gripping. There were many times I gasped or had to wipe away tears so I could see the words on the page or I clutched my hand to my chest in horror. Thrilling to the end!
Overall, I highly recommend this read for anyone who is a lover of a classic fantasy story, but with a unique magic system and animal companions. I especially recommend it for teens who need encouragement about mental health and finding a path towards healing. Thia is a character I think they could effortlessly relate to, and find compassion for their own struggles within her journey.
Now—how much longer until Ravenfall?
You can learn more about Kalyn Josephson and what she’s up to here!
What about you? Have you read The Storm Crow duology? What did you think? Are there any other animal companion fantasies you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
Follow me on Twitter or Instagram for more, and Goodreads to know what I might be reviewing next!
The Quest for Holiness
Remember the Light, Find the Hope
At Last
A Loss of Innocence
