Reviews - Master of Crows | The StoryGraph

690 reviews for:

Master of Crows

Grace Draven

3.77 AVERAGE

rachellaurenkatz's review against another edition

3.5

medium-paced

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

I was really looking forward to this one but unfortunately, it fell flat. I never felt connected to the main characters. I hated how Silhara's inner monologue kept talking about how ugly and plain Martise is and the reveal of her magic was also disappointing. I am curious about what her voice sounds like 😂 The world was interesting and I liked the writing so I will probably try another book by this author but will not continue this series.

joselynmartin's review against another edition

2.5

dark slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Let me begin by saying that there is no way in the year of our Lord Kerrigan Byrne 2025 that we should be extolling the sexy virtues of such a man as the Master of Crows because what the hell did I just read? Let me get this straight: she's his apprentice, whom he never has a kind word for, and we're supposed to rejoice in their sexual union (which is nothing to see a chiropractor over, I assure you) for what reason? She's also apparently his servant, whom he feels free to exploit in every possible area, from agriculture to domestic, to the point that she calls him master and never contradicts a single one of his demands. Then his buddies come to visit and he treats her like a slave in front of them; she can’t talk or eat, even though she’s starving, can't even make eye contact, and this is all written off as permissible because of "their culture," in addition to taking great pains to emphasize that she's totally cool with it (“She was content to remain quiet and listen to the men talk" - I fucking cannot). And if, like me, you find yourself holding out because surely he is kind and tender to her in those sweet intimate moments, and almost assuredly her constant patience will teach him to be kind, I would advise you to fucking think again.

I'm going to get way more specific as I drive home my point, so if you don't want this book's vibe absolutely spoiled for you I'd tap out now.

No man worth his book boyfriend salt would EVER allow his woman to sit there hungry while he ate; those men can cook and they take great pride and pleasure in feeding their women. Her role in this story is quintessentially servile, right down to her magic, which only exists to augment and enhance the abilities of others. She is given no power, no agency, no real role outside of being this man's object of desire and salvation which, in addition to the isolation inherent in his circumstances, is to be her ultimate reward. And she is painted as fucking grateful for it. May such a love never find me.

In the most indignant spirit of sorry-not-sorry, I simply do not fantasize about being screamed at by a man who supposedly loves me. I do not dream of this man throwing things, breaking things, because he is so angered by me. Such a man is not worth a single synapse errantly firing in my brain, let alone the neurological feat that is 276 fucking pages worth of my time and effort and imagination.

Also, and this is a personal preference, but when a man gently cleans her up afterwards? Chef’s kiss. This book? “…she thanked him when he tossed her one of the dry cloths.” I rest my case.

fatimawright's review against another edition

3.25

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

lorisunrise's review against another edition

4.0

Fun read.

rayanriri's review against another edition

3.75

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

samip7's review against another edition

3.25

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I enjoyed this read overall! I do wish there was more worldbuilding done because the world itself is very interesting, but there was a lack of detail and plot points that were never circled back to. I liked the slow development of Martise and Silhara's relationship but felt little for them in terms of their individual selves. Kinda wish we got more about each of them. Gurn was my favorite. What an absolute legend!! The book kept me entertained, and I enjoyed the writing overall, so I'll definitely consider reading another book by this author in the future!