The Merciful Crow is an intense and unique fantasy debut that blends intricate world-building with sharp commentary on societal hierarchies. Readers praised the imaginative magic system—especially the teeth-based magic—and the richly developed caste system. Fie, the fierce protagonist, stands out with her resilience and wit, while Tavin and Jasimir add depth to the dynamic cast. The slow-burn romance and gripping tension keep the story engaging, though some found the pacing uneven and the writing style a bit challenging at times. Overall, it’s a gritty, empowering tale perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce and Leigh Bardugo.

This one was pretty good but not amazing! I enjoyed it but at the same time I'm not dying to read the other books!

The castle system in this novel was amazing! Even the way the author wrote the crow masks into the story was super intriguing. It kinda reminded me of plague masks. The plot and characters were very engaging and I could not put this book down. I ended up buying a physical copy of this book bc it was so good. I also bought my friends on my reading club copies as well

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my long overdue ARC reviews, and because of that I also purchased my own copy of this novel - which is what I read from in order to complete my review. I always like to make this distinction between reading from the ARC copy versus the finished copy in case there are/were discrepancies between the two.

This story threw me head first into a new magic system, political structure, and new spoken vernacular. I found the map, as well as the caste system graph, in the beginning of the novel extremely helpful in acclimating to this story. I love stories that include magical hierarchies, with each group having distinct specialties. This of course can lead to discrimination and oppression of groups of people, because even in a magical setting people are still people (unfortunately). 

Our main characters are part of the lowest, and in my opinion most underestimated, caste known as the Crows. They’ve survived purely on ingenuity and their abilities, while reminding the other groups (sometimes in very appropriately drastic measures) why their survival is vital. The money dance the Crows performed in the first few chapters didn’t just ensnare the queen. It also trapped me into continuing further into this book, and discovering as much as I could about their lifestyle and profession.

Fie is going to be a chief one day, and her attitude doesn’t change one iota when she realizes she’s in the presence of royalty. I loved how steadfast she is in her understanding of her position in the world, all the while working to make it better for herself and her future crew. I had some misgivings in the beginning when I realized we might be entertaining a set up for a love triangle, but was pleasantly surprised to learn that the prince himself was openly gay.

As far as the romance goes, I didn’t completely fall for this one. I personally felt so much of Fie’s internalized anger that I couldn’t allow myself to accept that she had fallen for someone who had done nothing (before meeting her) to make the Crow’s lives more humane. However this element of the story wasn’t in any way off putting, and the sweet interactions were a much needed respite from the anxiety-inducing journey this trio was embarking on.

I flew through this novel in three sittings, and really enjoyed the pacing up until the last handful of chapters. I was so fed up with them getting captured or experiencing a near death, near miss, betrayal moment. My threshold for danger around every corner had reached its limit, and I was ready for the finale.

Thankfully the finale was one I enjoyed, and I finished the novel with even more burning curiosity about this magical world and the people in it. I believe this story is a duology, and I would be interested in reading the next book. I’ll have to wait a few days and see if this story lets me move on to something else, or if I need to dive into book two immediately.

I gave this a four out of five stars I really enjoyed this story. I like the friendships that are made and the growth that the characters make. I did guess one one thing and I was right I’m glad it did.

I was incredibly bored with this one. I thought I need a break from fantasy and so I put this one down and came back to it later. No, I just didn't like it.

I couldn't bring myself to care about any of the characters, the story being told, the stakes, the mysteries. No. I just wanted the story to end. I can't even tell you what could have been done differently to make me care.


Initially, a digital copy was received via Netgalley for an honest review. This review is based on the final edited audiobook I received from my library.

While this book was a bit slow in places, the details of the caste system and the tooth magic interested me enough to keep reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy to review.

Three stars

The Merciful Crow was everything I wanted in a YA Fantasy novel. But unfortunately for me, it fell flat. It wasn’t the worst book I have read. I did enjoy several aspects of it. But it was just lacking something.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when an author tosses us into a book with too much information. I don’t mind info-dumping, but sometimes it can get overwhelming. And for me, this set the tone for the entire novel.

The magic system was a unique one. With so many YA fantasy books, it can be tough to stand out. But I think Merciful Crow did just that. The author uses teeth to showcase the magic, creepy but cool. Hands down enjoyed that bit.

With the inconsistencies in the plot and the long dragged-out parts, this book could have been more enjoyable. But I need some action on a journey and not just characters arguing.

I am not 100% sure if I will read the next book. On one hand, I don't think I would enjoy it. And the other, I hate not knowing what happens.

Excellent book! I feel in love with the series and have recommended it to several friends already. I also bought the rest of the series.

I tried multiple times to get into this novel and it just wasn’t for me. Thank you for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

DNF. I don’t know what it is but I just lost interest in this book. I might come back to it sometime in the future though!

I didn't really enjoy this book. Not sure why just didn't do it for me. I was just not captivated by this story. It was such a slow start that it made it hard to enjoy the rest of the book.

well plotted. really interesting characters. I really enjoyed the world building as well. really enjoyed the second book as well.

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This is a book based on a caste system and they are all named after birds. The Crows are at the bottom of that system. They are looking for a way to survive. When they given a job to collected the body of a royal they think things are looking up, but the prince has faked his death. Fie decides she is going to cut her loss and leave him to his own devices. Jasimar convince her to help him hide from the Queen. If she does he will protect the Crows once he takes the throne. I did struggle in the beginning to get into the book, but once I was deep in the world it picked up the pace.

I loved the characters and the setting. The world was fleshed out and the characters made me feel all types of ways. The ending left me wanting more.

This book is hands down one of the best ive read in a while. It has a unique magic system and an extra swoony love interest.
Fie is an amazing protagonist and I absolutely love Jasimir and Tavin!
I could not put this one down!

I *fought* to finish this book. The beginning was just really info-dump heavy and that carried way further into the middle than I prefer. I kept going because the world is so unique and the idea so interesting, I just couldn't give up on it. I'm not frustrated that I didn't because the ending was slightly redeeming, and I'd be curious enough to read the sequel. I also don't know how much of the fight was due to the book and how much was me, considering that I've been having a bit of a struggle with fantasy of late. However, I know for a fact that the main romantic pairing bothered me. I did not see the growing attraction between them really come from anywhere other than Fie calling him "pretty." It just wasn't believable to me and that's a huge pet peeve of mine. Still, such a cool world and idea. Just overwritten in some areas and underwritten in others in a way that was uneven enough to bug me.

This is a fantastic tale exploring the issues of a caste system within a believable world of magic and royal intrigue. The characters are engaging and believable with voices that resonate. The protagonist struggles with issues of becoming a leader and what that entails while ensuring a compassionate loyalty for friends and family. Trust is explored as is the concept of belonging. This would be a great book for a unit dealing with coming of age, leadership, heroes, and loyalty!

ADORED this book. Owen is really spectacular at world-building and making her characters feel like flesh-and-bone. Fie was such a unique and engaging character and I am so excited to get back in her head again in the sequel! Will definitely be recommending this often.

This was such a creative and fun read. The magic system was really fun and unique. The story did have many dark aspects but they were counteracted nicely by the slow burn romance. I am so excited for the second book in this duology. Fie is such a strong, badass main character and I really love her perspective. I definitely consider this book to be more of a New Adult book. I think adult and ya fantasy-lovers would both appreciate this series.