Scan barcode
A review by monetp
The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
4.0
4.5 stars
"I might be queen, but you were meant to be so much more." ~ [b:The Storm Crow|38330596|The Storm Crow (The Storm Crow, #1)|Kalyn Josephson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1540301055l/38330596._SY75_.jpg|59987150]
So glad I listened to Jesse the Reader's recommendation in this video: click here to watch. Or else I would've known about this book which is criminally underrated! This series has quickly become my favorite YA duology. The series concept is so original like I have trouble comparing it to any other series! There are no annoying YA tropes, no forced romances between the characters, and no predictable plot points. What it does have is amazing diversity, an empowering feminist message, and the greatest representation of mental illness in the YA genre. I can't say enough positive things about this book!
As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I found Thia's struggles to be relatable and comforting. I never like my favorite characters to suffer, but I appreciate the accurate depiction of mental illnesses. Thia's struggles only make her stronger and I love that! Thia is a brilliantly written female heroine for every possible reason. She's independent, empathetic, and hardworking. Her connection with the crows is so fascinating, especially how she works so hard to protect them.
What I love the most about this character is that she isn't focused on falling in love with the prince in this story. I loved that this author took the enemies to lovers trope and turned it on its head! I mean, I love that trope, but I liked seeing a new kind of story too. It felt so right for Ericen and Thia's relationship to be enemies to friends to...yeah we don't really know what they are right now, but so far it's enemies to friends and that's so wholesome! I loved everything about this magnificent novel and it's ideal for fans of [b:An Enchantment of Ravens|30969741|An Enchantment of Ravens|Margaret Rogerson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY75_.jpg|51586838] and [b:Among the Beasts & Briars|50622362|Among the Beasts & Briars|Ashley Poston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581362704l/50622362._SY75_.jpg|60423336].
Some of my favorite quotes:
"I didn’t have the energy to get out of bed, and lying there made me lethargic until my limbs became weights holding me down. My head would hurt, turning my thoughts slow and difficult, each one taking more effort than it was worth, until all I wanted was to fall asleep again. But sleep made it worse."
"I’d been depressed. I still was. The hard edge in Caliza’s eyes softened. How long had I yearned for that sympathy? Now that I had it, I wanted it to go away. It made me feel pathetic."
"Welcome to the life of a woman. Men say stupid crap to us all the time."
"'Darkness spreads quickly,' I replied. 'Quicker than light.'"
"I held the papers up. 'So which am I? Proud warrior or despondent thinker?' He tapped the one of me in the chair. 'I was actually going for excessive tea drinker in that one.'"
"I might be queen, but you were meant to be so much more." ~ [b:The Storm Crow|38330596|The Storm Crow (The Storm Crow, #1)|Kalyn Josephson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1540301055l/38330596._SY75_.jpg|59987150]
So glad I listened to Jesse the Reader's recommendation in this video: click here to watch. Or else I would've known about this book which is criminally underrated! This series has quickly become my favorite YA duology. The series concept is so original like I have trouble comparing it to any other series! There are no annoying YA tropes, no forced romances between the characters, and no predictable plot points. What it does have is amazing diversity, an empowering feminist message, and the greatest representation of mental illness in the YA genre. I can't say enough positive things about this book!
As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I found Thia's struggles to be relatable and comforting. I never like my favorite characters to suffer, but I appreciate the accurate depiction of mental illnesses. Thia's struggles only make her stronger and I love that! Thia is a brilliantly written female heroine for every possible reason. She's independent, empathetic, and hardworking. Her connection with the crows is so fascinating, especially how she works so hard to protect them.
What I love the most about this character is that she isn't focused on falling in love with the prince in this story. I loved that this author took the enemies to lovers trope and turned it on its head! I mean, I love that trope, but I liked seeing a new kind of story too. It felt so right for Ericen and Thia's relationship to be enemies to friends to...yeah we don't really know what they are right now, but so far it's enemies to friends and that's so wholesome! I loved everything about this magnificent novel and it's ideal for fans of [b:An Enchantment of Ravens|30969741|An Enchantment of Ravens|Margaret Rogerson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY75_.jpg|51586838] and [b:Among the Beasts & Briars|50622362|Among the Beasts & Briars|Ashley Poston|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1581362704l/50622362._SY75_.jpg|60423336].
Some of my favorite quotes:
"I didn’t have the energy to get out of bed, and lying there made me lethargic until my limbs became weights holding me down. My head would hurt, turning my thoughts slow and difficult, each one taking more effort than it was worth, until all I wanted was to fall asleep again. But sleep made it worse."
"I’d been depressed. I still was. The hard edge in Caliza’s eyes softened. How long had I yearned for that sympathy? Now that I had it, I wanted it to go away. It made me feel pathetic."
"Welcome to the life of a woman. Men say stupid crap to us all the time."
"'Darkness spreads quickly,' I replied. 'Quicker than light.'"
"I held the papers up. 'So which am I? Proud warrior or despondent thinker?' He tapped the one of me in the chair. 'I was actually going for excessive tea drinker in that one.'"