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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
An intriguing new urban fantasy series, book one of the Crow Investigations series introduces us to protagonist Lydia and the powerful magic families of London. I was sent a copy of this book by the author to give an honest review and I'm thoroughly grateful for her doing so as I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait for the sequel!
As a Londoner I'm always on the lookout for urban fantasy novels set in my home town and it was great to read one that shone with such authenticity. Lydia is a very likeable and relatable character with Painter touching on some familiar issues amongst the cleverly crafted world building. There's plenty of suspense and mystery to go around, as well as humour and a touch of romance too. It's not easy to reach that delicate balance of getting just the right amount of each and Painter has managed to do just that.
The result is a magnificent story that leaves you wanting to know what's in store for Lydia and the gang next and that is exactly what you want from a good urban fantasy novel.
As a Londoner I'm always on the lookout for urban fantasy novels set in my home town and it was great to read one that shone with such authenticity. Lydia is a very likeable and relatable character with Painter touching on some familiar issues amongst the cleverly crafted world building. There's plenty of suspense and mystery to go around, as well as humour and a touch of romance too. It's not easy to reach that delicate balance of getting just the right amount of each and Painter has managed to do just that.
The result is a magnificent story that leaves you wanting to know what's in store for Lydia and the gang next and that is exactly what you want from a good urban fantasy novel.
I read 4 chapters & did not like any of the characters. I especially did not like Lydia. So it made it hard to enjoy the book when the main character is unlikable
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was fun. It didn't take itself too seriously, but still had a sense of humour. It could have done with a more complex and refined mystery, but I like the character enough to get behind them.
However, I am not sure I will pick up the rest in this series, without having good cause.
However, I am not sure I will pick up the rest in this series, without having good cause.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reasonable, predictable fun that is a good introduction to a series. I really enjoyed it and will probably continue with the rest of the series.
It was...interesting. Maybe like a 3.5? I liked the premise (a magical family that the main character has some background in but is also learning about at the same time as the reader, AND a mystery? nice) and the fact that the uncertainty in the plot was reflected in the story (suspense! intrigue!) while I was reading.
But the specifically modern bits were a little clunky and I couldn’t get myself to focus on the pages of descriptions in the beginning. Also the characters felt like sketches, which is especially frustrating because I feel like they could be way more interesting/complex, and it’s almost like the author doesn’t understand them enough, which rationally shouldn’t be the case, but...
Will probably be checking out the rest of the series, though, and maybe it’s addressed further along.
But the specifically modern bits were a little clunky and I couldn’t get myself to focus on the pages of descriptions in the beginning. Also the characters felt like sketches, which is especially frustrating because I feel like they could be way more interesting/complex, and it’s almost like the author doesn’t understand them enough, which rationally shouldn’t be the case, but...
Will probably be checking out the rest of the series, though, and maybe it’s addressed further along.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes