Book Review: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
Intricate Slavic mythology layered on top of modern day Chicago.
When Among Crows is a quick, spooky read, perfect for autumn.
This story is an urban fantasy, with Slavic mythology layered in top of modern day Chicago. Come on!! This was so fun. I loved her exploration of how each mythological being integrated itself into modern society.
"Magic is crooked, and so are we."
The writing was intricate and romantic. Gorgeous descriptive writing that makes you feel like you're experiencing everything alongside the main characters. There's also a great thread of generational trauma woven into the story. It really fleshed out who these characters were and how they came to be who they are today.
I also really enjoyed how concise the story was. Veronica Roth knew the exact story she wanted to tell and went straight to the point.
"That kind of sacrifice creates a debt, and there's nothing magic likes better than the great hollow of a debt."
I want a lot more of this universe!! MORE I SAY. I could live in this vibe. This was a great read, long enough to tell you a good story and short enough that it's not a big commitment to read.
Rating: ★★★★.5
Book Summary
- Title: When Among Crows
- Author: Veronica Roth
- Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Mythology
- Who Should Read It? This might be for you if you enjoy mythological stories set in modern times. Gritty yet poetic.
Synopsis: 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.
