Review: The Merciful Crow

Title: The Merciful Crow

Author: Margaret Own

Publisher: Henry Holt

Publication Date: July 30, 2019

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Summary

Fie is a part of the Crow caste, the lowest caste in the country of Sabor. They provide merciful deaths to those struck down by the sinner’s plague. When they’re called to the castle, Fie is ready to get a payout that will last them months.

But the royals have different ideas. The crown prince, Jasimir, has faked his own death in order to get away from his power-hungry queen. So, he strikes a bargain with the crows, a bargain that means under his rule, they’re suffer less abuse.

Fie and her family of crows are bound to this oath, desperate for a better life. But what is originally a job quickly becomes something more, especially when Jasimir’s bodyguard Tavin is thrown into the picture.

Review: The Merciful Crow

First of all, let me just say wow. This book wasn’t really on my radar until Book Con, where everyone was desperate for one of these ARCs. I’m so glad I was able to get my hands on one! I basically read the entire thing on the plane ride home, and I was not disappointed.

At first, the beginning of this book reminded me a bit of The Boneless Mercies; a group of people going around, giving people mercy killings. So, I was a bit worried. But that’s where most of the similarities stop. The Merciful Crow takes on a completely different world of its own; a world where all the castes are based on birds and magics flows through the air. It was a unique world, one that you just kept learning more and more about the further you got into the book.

Not only was the world unique, but the characters were also compelling and believable. For example, Fie and Jasimir teach other things about their separate worlds that they never would have known before, allowing them to grow as characters, and maybe even spark change in their world. Fie is a fierce female lead, taking charge in order to get her family back. This series is only supposed to be a duology at the moment, but I honestly would read anything else the author sets in this world.

All in all, not only is this a unique and diverse world, the author also includes LGBTQ representation and a cast of well-rounded characters. This is one you won’t want to miss when it comes out in July!

4.5/5 stars