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A review by clearmind_clearheart
The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was an unexpectedly great find. I loved the premise of the book, which is why I picked it up: a girl from a caste of mercy-killers becomes drawn into a political plot in pursuit of peace and safety for her people. The worldbuilding starts from the first page and it is a bit distracting at first, but once you understand how the authors caste system works, it's a bit easier to read around. Yet, even with that, the author smoothly intertwined her world building with her plot and character introductions. She draws your interest in immediately with a main character who's whole caste is responsible for dealing with those who suffer from a plague. The how for catching the plague isn't really explained, and I am curious if it will be covered more in the second book as it plays a big part in the why's of the caste system and their history, but otherwise it plays an important role of influencing the actions of the main character Fie. The fact that the first chapter covers more world building than movable plot is understandable when that world building plays such an important role in defining who the main character is and what the underlying conflicts are, both internal and external.
This main character, Fie, is relatable in her anger at injustice and her desire to act against it; there are moments where the reader gets a clear glimpse of how that anger can either rule or influence her actions. Overall, Fie is believable and relatable as she deals with the internal and external conflicts of the book. She's also kind of a clever smart ass and I love that. The supporting characters include her kin and new trouble makers, their relationships with the protagonist weaved in with the storyline in strong but also subtle ways. The author also includes changes and growth in side characters that take real time and effort to come about, and are relevant to the plot and story overall, but don't over shadow the protagonist.
The romance of the book is a bit unfounded at first, though I understand why. If the author really wanted to make it a focus they would have had to draw back on some of the plot and overall character building which would have taken a lot from the book overall.
The story itself is full of politics, classism, religion/faith, an interesting magic system based on castes and bloodlines, and a journey across a continent fraught with danger. The pace of the plot is steady, as is the characterization. There weren't many shock factors until the last few chapters and those were unexpected but well done, some foreshadowed and some you learned to fit the pieces together with the protagonist.
The book ends in a gentle manner, no heavy cliffhangers, but with a storyline that is open to continuation as the main character returns to a normal life knowing that there are things that will take time to change.
I'm definitely eager to read the next book to see how the main character gets dragged in to her next adventure.
This main character, Fie, is relatable in her anger at injustice and her desire to act against it; there are moments where the reader gets a clear glimpse of how that anger can either rule or influence her actions. Overall, Fie is believable and relatable as she deals with the internal and external conflicts of the book. She's also kind of a clever smart ass and I love that. The supporting characters include her kin and new trouble makers, their relationships with the protagonist weaved in with the storyline in strong but also subtle ways. The author also includes changes and growth in side characters that take real time and effort to come about, and are relevant to the plot and story overall, but don't over shadow the protagonist.
The romance of the book is a bit unfounded at first, though I understand why. If the author really wanted to make it a focus they would have had to draw back on some of the plot and overall character building which would have taken a lot from the book overall.
The story itself is full of politics, classism, religion/faith, an interesting magic system based on castes and bloodlines, and a journey across a continent fraught with danger. The pace of the plot is steady, as is the characterization. There weren't many shock factors until the last few chapters and those were unexpected but well done, some foreshadowed and some you learned to fit the pieces together with the protagonist.
The book ends in a gentle manner, no heavy cliffhangers, but with a storyline that is open to continuation as the main character returns to a normal life knowing that there are things that will take time to change.
I'm definitely eager to read the next book to see how the main character gets dragged in to her next adventure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Death