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froschsinn 's review for:

The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
2.0
adventurous slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A really good premise, but from the first couple chapter onwards everything else became painfully predictable. 😬 I found no joy or excitement in any of the plot points, because I saw them coming from miles away. Nothing new or unique here.

Also, frankly, as a queer reader, the "diversity" is... laughable. I saw this advertised as a "queer normative world" somewhere, but other than a throwaway comment about someone's sexuality there's nothing about this that feels queer. Really disappointing. It's just diversity points for the author.

The plot itself was okay, the main character had a strong drive and everyone had good reason to do as they did.
I just wish the plot hadn't followed the same structure again and again and again.
I feel like they did nothing all book except run away, nearly get caught, run away again, escape--
Made everything feel super repetitive and boring.