Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
I don't know what I'm supposed to do with my life now that I've finished this book. I know I say that for every Grace Draven's book but Master of Crows was, by far, my favorite. Definitely in my top 5. God, I was happily stuck in that world for 3 days and I did not want to get out. Mrs. Draven bewitched me with her words, I couldn't stop thinking about this book, I read all yesterday at work, every time I could open my kindle and read I'd do it, even if it was just a few words. I was obsessed. I still am. I never wanted this book to end. I'm genuinely sad I've finished it, I wanna go back!!! How does she do it? At this point, I don't even want to know, I just want her to write and never stop.
Master of Crows is a masterpiece, as usual, Grace wrote flawed characters, Silhara is the Master of Crows, some despise him, some adore him but all fear him. He's not an easy man, he's harsh, unforgiving but he loves deeply in his own way. Martise is his complete opposite, she's a slave, sent to serve/spy on him by the Conclave, she will have her freedom if she succeed in her mission. Their relationship was rocky at first, Silhara is not a stupid man and knows they've sent her to spy on him, he thinks her dull, plain, and her magic doesn't want to manifest which makes it difficult for him to train her. Martise just wants to be free of her master, Silhara is not kind with her at first, he treats her harshly but underneath her timid/submissive facade, Martise is a strong woman, determined to achieve her mission.
What a ride this book was. Oh Lord, what an incredible, heart pounding, fascinating ride. I absolutely loved the relationship between Silhara and Martise. I loved how true and real it was, how, even though Silhara wasn't attracted to her at first, he became more and more so while getting to truly know her, her magical voice, her kindness, how caring and non-judgemental she was, her determination. He started to admire her and found her beautiful at the end, not because all of a sudden her face had changed but because all her qualities made her that way to him. Martise found him attractive right away, in a unusual way, but attractive nonetheless. Powerful, scary, unafraid of the Conclave, she was in awe of him, right until he started his lessons with her and became an asshole. I loved how she never cowed under him, how she found her strength and became a powerful woman on her own.
I always will be fascinated by Grace's imagination and her writing style. It's unparalleled, I would read an entire book full of land/character descriptions if she were to write it. I am fully aware I'm becoming obsessed with her but I don't want to stop. Her books have made me love high fantasy even more, without being too sophisticated, she writes about worlds full of magic, of different people with different custom, of deep consuming love, sacrifices, dangerous quests and so much more.
Master of Crows is a masterpiece, as usual, Grace wrote flawed characters, Silhara is the Master of Crows, some despise him, some adore him but all fear him. He's not an easy man, he's harsh, unforgiving but he loves deeply in his own way. Martise is his complete opposite, she's a slave, sent to serve/spy on him by the Conclave, she will have her freedom if she succeed in her mission. Their relationship was rocky at first, Silhara is not a stupid man and knows they've sent her to spy on him, he thinks her dull, plain, and her magic doesn't want to manifest which makes it difficult for him to train her. Martise just wants to be free of her master, Silhara is not kind with her at first, he treats her harshly but underneath her timid/submissive facade, Martise is a strong woman, determined to achieve her mission.
What a ride this book was. Oh Lord, what an incredible, heart pounding, fascinating ride. I absolutely loved the relationship between Silhara and Martise. I loved how true and real it was, how, even though Silhara wasn't attracted to her at first, he became more and more so while getting to truly know her, her magical voice, her kindness, how caring and non-judgemental she was, her determination. He started to admire her and found her beautiful at the end, not because all of a sudden her face had changed but because all her qualities made her that way to him. Martise found him attractive right away, in a unusual way, but attractive nonetheless. Powerful, scary, unafraid of the Conclave, she was in awe of him, right until he started his lessons with her and became an asshole. I loved how she never cowed under him, how she found her strength and became a powerful woman on her own.
Every desire, every craving, every forbidden wish—she infused into her voice. “Silhara.”One thing I love about Grace is that she makes us want it, makes us wait for it. And oh boy was it worth is. I had to wait for the first kiss, and wait even longer for more but I wouldn't have it any other way. Their relationship was a complicated one, complex and shaky, putting them together after 2 chapters would have been incoherent and weird but the fact that Grace took the time to develop their feelings, to unravel their barriers, for them to finally, blessedly, succumb to their desires, made this book ten times better. I enjoyed every word.
“Come in, Martise.” Silhara's voice was almost sibilant in the darkness as he tugged on her hand. “There are no soul eaters here.” No, she tought. Only heart thieves.Mrs. Draven knows how to write a sex scene. Every book I read of hers, the sex scenes are torrid. This one was no different. Even a kiss was making me squirm. I swear, this woman is a sorceress of her own.
“I gave her your face.” He spoke the words through tight lips, as if the admission pained him. The empty teapot clattered on the table. She gaped at him. “What?” His grip tightened, loosening just as suddenly at her pained gasp. “Gurn brought me a woman I didn’t want. For a moment I changed her, gave her the face of my desire.” His eyes opened, revealing his need. “It wasn’t enough.” Her knees buckled. She collapsed on the bench next to him, stunned. “Master…” She shook her head. “Silhara…” “Lie with me.”I also adored the secondary characters, specifically Gurn and Cael. Admittedly Cael is just a mage-finder hound, meaning he's a big dog who can sniff out people with magic but he had an important part to play. Gurn is, for sure, my favorite. Silhara's servant and friend, a mute giant with a tender heart, Gurn stole mine. I hope to see more of him in the next book.
I always will be fascinated by Grace's imagination and her writing style. It's unparalleled, I would read an entire book full of land/character descriptions if she were to write it. I am fully aware I'm becoming obsessed with her but I don't want to stop. Her books have made me love high fantasy even more, without being too sophisticated, she writes about worlds full of magic, of different people with different custom, of deep consuming love, sacrifices, dangerous quests and so much more.
Tropes:
~fantasy romance
~enemies to lovers
~enslaved heroine sent to spy on hero
~forced proximity
~forbidden romance
This is one of Draven’s older books, and I could kinda tell. While I still had an enjoyable time, this didn’t quite hit the same way newer indies like her Wraith Kings series does. And at times I found the world a bit confusing and wanted more background info. But tension between the characters was
~fantasy romance
~enemies to lovers
~enslaved heroine sent to spy on hero
~forced proximity
~forbidden romance
This is one of Draven’s older books, and I could kinda tell. While I still had an enjoyable time, this didn’t quite hit the same way newer indies like her Wraith Kings series does. And at times I found the world a bit confusing and wanted more background info. But tension between the characters was
I didn't like most of Master of Crows, although it had its good parts. I made myself finish the book because I wanted to see how it ended, but I ended up skimming some of it.
Most of the story didn't hold my interest and the book felt way longer than it actually was. A lot of things, like the magic system, weren't described in a satisfying way so it ended up feeling flat. The characters and the romance didn't work for me either. The hero was a morally grey character, but he didn't have that spark that made him likable and I didn't buy into his feelings for the heroine. The heroine had very little personality, besides being servile and being in love with the hero for some inexplicable reason.
The best parts of the book was Gurn, the mute servant, and Cael, the magic dog, and neither of them said anything. :/
I loved two other books written by this author, Entreat Me and Radiance, so I'm kind of bummed that this one didn't work for me. I'll definitely try something else by Grace Draven, but probably not for a while.
Most of the story didn't hold my interest and the book felt way longer than it actually was. A lot of things, like the magic system, weren't described in a satisfying way so it ended up feeling flat. The characters and the romance didn't work for me either. The hero was a morally grey character, but he didn't have that spark that made him likable and I didn't buy into his feelings for the heroine. The heroine had very little personality, besides being servile and being in love with the hero for some inexplicable reason.
The best parts of the book was Gurn, the mute servant, and Cael, the magic dog, and neither of them said anything. :/
I loved two other books written by this author, Entreat Me and Radiance, so I'm kind of bummed that this one didn't work for me. I'll definitely try something else by Grace Draven, but probably not for a while.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
I have to say that while I liked this book, I feel conflicted about it as well, mostly due to the nature of the relationship between Silhara and Matrise. His behavior towards her is awful--he terrifies her to the point she regards him with fear. Not that he doesn't have good reason to be angry for the real reason for her presence, his behavior is just so absolutely horrible--I don't think calling it abusive is an understatement.
Yet, as in many scenarios such as this, she ends up falling in love with him. Silhara has kept his real feelings hidden for so long it could be argued in his defense that he doesn't know what he's doing. But, all evidence points to the fact he does and is deliberately trying to drive her away. The unspoken tension between them regarding the lies and omissions they tell each other is interesting and sometimes painful to watch.
Matrise is an interesting character as she is, in some ways, smarter than Silhara. They are both incredibly stubborn. I simply believe I would have liked it better if Silhara hadn't been so harsh. She wasn't a wilting flower, though she did get stronger--she still almost never truly defied him. Despite his selfishness, he was willing to sacrifice himself for her, but should we really trust that his motivations are the truth? I think they are...
Other than that, which is something that's a personal issue but still something I don't think sets a very good example--the writing is smooth and flows well. I liked the interchanges between characters, and I also liked Gurn. It was an entertaining read that kept my attention, with an intriguing plot that was a little different than the ordinary fantasy romance. It was just some of the elements of the relationship between Silhara and Matrise that were a little disturbing to me at times.
Yet, as in many scenarios such as this, she ends up falling in love with him. Silhara has kept his real feelings hidden for so long it could be argued in his defense that he doesn't know what he's doing. But, all evidence points to the fact he does and is deliberately trying to drive her away. The unspoken tension between them regarding the lies and omissions they tell each other is interesting and sometimes painful to watch.
Matrise is an interesting character as she is, in some ways, smarter than Silhara. They are both incredibly stubborn. I simply believe I would have liked it better if Silhara hadn't been so harsh. She wasn't a wilting flower, though she did get stronger--she still almost never truly defied him. Despite his selfishness, he was willing to sacrifice himself for her, but should we really trust that his motivations are the truth? I think they are...
Other than that, which is something that's a personal issue but still something I don't think sets a very good example--the writing is smooth and flows well. I liked the interchanges between characters, and I also liked Gurn. It was an entertaining read that kept my attention, with an intriguing plot that was a little different than the ordinary fantasy romance. It was just some of the elements of the relationship between Silhara and Matrise that were a little disturbing to me at times.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A somewhat unique romance.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Grace Draven is wonderful at world building and creating characters that are more than just a pretty face. I've read two of her books and in both she really drives home that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I have to say the God Corruption was such a great catalyst to this story. The idea of a God as a star that follows you in the sky and invades your thoughts and dreams was fantastic. Well worth the $2.99
I have to say the God Corruption was such a great catalyst to this story. The idea of a God as a star that follows you in the sky and invades your thoughts and dreams was fantastic. Well worth the $2.99