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vulgarbear's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Overall this was a quick and fun romp through a modern world infused with Slavic folklore. Including a refreshing take on the monsters within that puts them more at the forefront of the story and not just beings to removed. I look forward to if Veronica decides to consider expanding on the world she has built a framework around.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Murder
jenmtnbike's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
ceruleanseas's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dymitr is man on a mission. What exactly that mission is, he's not saying, but as he makes his way through the hidden parts of Chicago, filled with creatures from Slavic folklore that feed on human emotion, it becomes clear he's looking for Baba Yaga's help with it.
This is a fast-paced novella with excellent world-building and character development. The author reveals Dymitr's secrets one by one as he gets closer to his goal, sliding in perspectives of the other characters along the way,
Thanks to Tor and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
This is a fast-paced novella with excellent world-building and character development. The author reveals Dymitr's secrets one by one as he gets closer to his goal, sliding in perspectives of the other characters along the way,
Thanks to Tor and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Genocide, Suicide attempt, Violence, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Grief, Medical content, Terminal illness, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Child death
Minor: Antisemitism
esme_bonner's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When Among Crows is a little book that packs a huge punch.
Filled with Polish folklore, big emotions, and familial duty, Roth fits so much into this book, and all of it is handled brilliantly. I was consumed by this, and didn't want it to end. I don't know if this will become a bigger series, but I live in hope!
I adored Dymitr, and the relationships he built. In so little time, and with so few opportunities, Roth crafts a character who is heart-breaking, strong, sad, intriguing, and utterly beautiful. Niko and Ala, similarly, are wonderfully penned, compelling, and devastating. To create 3 characters, each with such personal and relatable sorrow, and have each of them be equally lovable is a feat by itself - Roth also manages to build an exciting and fresh quest around them.
I haven't read anything quite like this before, at once dropped in the middle of an adventure, and at the end of one, and yet, somehow, at the start of one. This felt like the liminal space before the beginning of an epic book, the parts you are spoon-fed in intense flashback, and I loved that. I would love to return to Dymitr's Chicago.
Filled with Polish folklore, big emotions, and familial duty, Roth fits so much into this book, and all of it is handled brilliantly. I was consumed by this, and didn't want it to end. I don't know if this will become a bigger series, but I live in hope!
I adored Dymitr, and the relationships he built. In so little time, and with so few opportunities, Roth crafts a character who is heart-breaking, strong, sad, intriguing, and utterly beautiful. Niko and Ala, similarly, are wonderfully penned, compelling, and devastating. To create 3 characters, each with such personal and relatable sorrow, and have each of them be equally lovable is a feat by itself - Roth also manages to build an exciting and fresh quest around them.
I haven't read anything quite like this before, at once dropped in the middle of an adventure, and at the end of one, and yet, somehow, at the start of one. This felt like the liminal space before the beginning of an epic book, the parts you are spoon-fed in intense flashback, and I loved that. I would love to return to Dymitr's Chicago.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
This book centres around supernatural creatures, and a 'Holy Order' who kill them. There is violence throughout.btwnprintedpgs's review
challenging
dark
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? No
4.0
Now I need a printed version of this book on my shelf. Atmospheric, emotional, and fantastically woven together, I need this novella injected into my veins.
In such a short time, this story built a rich, paranormal underbelly within modern-day Chicago; made me care immensely about its characters and get emotional over them; and tied together the fates of three people who seemingly have nothing in common other than being relative outsiders within their communities. I loved the writing and the depth we got from the characters despite the format of the story (or because of the format of the story?). The mythological depth was also well done - not too info dumpy, but enough that you understand each class/race so that you care and you can follow.
Am I back in my Veronica Roth era? Who knows. But I am now a huge fan of this book.
TW: death, mutilation, violence, murder, injury detail, alcohol, blood; mentions death of a parent, death of a child
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Tor Books in exchange for an honest review.
In such a short time, this story built a rich, paranormal underbelly within modern-day Chicago; made me care immensely about its characters and get emotional over them; and tied together the fates of three people who seemingly have nothing in common other than being relative outsiders within their communities. I loved the writing and the depth we got from the characters despite the format of the story (or because of the format of the story?). The mythological depth was also well done - not too info dumpy, but enough that you understand each class/race so that you care and you can follow.
Am I back in my Veronica Roth era? Who knows. But I am now a huge fan of this book.
TW: death, mutilation, violence, murder, injury detail, alcohol, blood; mentions death of a parent, death of a child
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Tor Books in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol and Blood
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
devynreadsnovels's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Drug use, Animal death, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Body horror, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Animal cruelty, Alcohol, and Toxic relationship
audelidou's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
4.75
It's a solid novella, well written, and with some interesting characters.
The romance between Niko and Dimytr is built up in a great way, with just enough tension and small clues as to what is to come. I thoroughly enjoyed these characters, as well as Ala who is all around lovely, and complex, and resilient.
The world building is well made, though it is kind of weird to have all these Polish creatures and references in Chicago. Still, it somehow makes sense and makes for an interesting backdrop for the story. The numerous mentions of spots in Chicago kind of bothered me as I know nothing about the city and could not relate to nor imagine what the author was writing about. I understand setting your story in a place familiar to you, but when the book has such a big, international reach, maybe don't put as many references as that: it will leave your reader more confused than anything.
But that's really my only gripe! I really enjoyed reading this book, the style was solid, the characters were fun to follow, and the plot was gripping. I will definitely recommend this book to others!
The world building is well made, though it is kind of weird to have all these Polish creatures and references in Chicago. Still, it somehow makes sense and makes for an interesting backdrop for the story. The numerous mentions of spots in Chicago kind of bothered me as I know nothing about the city and could not relate to nor imagine what the author was writing about. I understand setting your story in a place familiar to you, but when the book has such a big, international reach, maybe don't put as many references as that: it will leave your reader more confused than anything.
But that's really my only gripe! I really enjoyed reading this book, the style was solid, the characters were fun to follow, and the plot was gripping. I will definitely recommend this book to others!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, and Blood
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