A review by mallorypen
The Crow by Alison Croggon

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Within the Books of Pellinor series, I enjoyed Hem’a story most of all so far. Croggan writes his development from a small boy with a horrid childhood into a strong, older child who takes on bigger heroics than he ought to very well.

Overall, the pace of this book was a lot tighter than the first two; we’re well set into the world by now and understand all the rules.

The war in Turbansk, the chase into the mines, the children’s training in spy work, and Hem’s deep cover into the children’s army all happened at a good pace, with moments to pause but plenty of action. 

The entire concept of the children’s army is horrific and spellbinding; really good storytelling that triggered a visceral reaction, and portrayed the evil of the Nameless One better than any other description - show, don’t just tell at its finest.

I also was so surprised and heartbroken over Zelika’a death. Like Hem, I believed she was alive until the very end. It also made Hem’s foray into the children’s army even more devastating, since he couldn’t have saved Zelika either way.

And lastly, Irc is the best character. Full stop.