I loved this! The world was very unique while also involving real issues like racism/classism and privilege. There was one twist that I was just waiting for to happen and it didn’t but a different one did that I didn’t even see coming. I loved Fie she didn’t back down and knew she had to push through. I loved Tavin from pretty much the moment we met him. The jury’s still out on Jas but he’s learning! I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!

I will definitely recommend this title. It is very well thought out and imaginative. I can't wait for more titles by this author.

I really couldn't finish this book -- I think it just wasn't what I wanted it to be, and that's no fault of the author or the book.. I looked at other reviews to see if it was just me, but it seems like people overall either LOVED or HATED this book, I'm not sure why a YA fantasy is so polarizing. It just really didn't jive with my brain, if you know what I mean -- it didn't sit right.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love The Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen.
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The world is so well built, filled with so much vivid imagery. I fell in love with the world, but am very much obsessed with Fie.

Fie is a heroine like no other. She’s loyal and tenacious, and as badass as they come. I loved how smart, how loyal, how filled with wonder she was. And the snark? Oh my god all of the quick-witted snark that came out of Fie’s mouth. The story weaves together so seamlessly, that it was so easy to get lost in the words, the story, and the characters that told it. But overall? Fie’s path to greatness is one that we all would relate to. She’s such a tangible character that you can’t help but be invested in her journey.

This world is like no other. The caste system is multi-tiered, filled with so much intricacies. The details of each culture and group are so lifelike, brimming to the edges of their own history. There isn’t an official language, but there is a familiar sense of communication between them all. I’m just so in love with this story that I can’t stop gushing.

And finally, the writing. Love, love, love the lyrical and free flowing style of writing that Margaret has. It was so easy to just get lost within the pages of this book. It was so lovely to read, and I CANNOT wait for the next one!

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

I received this book in exchange for an honest review, which has not altered my opinion of this book.

I wanted to like this book so much. The synopsis just captured my attention and I loved the idea behind it. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be and I am left quite disappointed. While I find the actual story itself to be intersting and I love the direction that the story was going in, it felt like an outline, as though there was a lot missing mostly being details. The entire plot felt super rushed and I had a hard time picturing some aspects and I found myself glazing over when the words weren't sinking in. It felt as though there was a longer story that was stuck inside this book, if it had more description I would have felt a lot more connected to the characters and to the problem going on.

As far as the characters go, Fie is a very emotionally strong character and I really appreciated her determination to help her clan. She doesn't blindly go help someone who has never really helped her and has only caused her issues, she's a firecracker for sure. However, I think that the chip on her shoulder was a bit too much at times to the point where she didn't realize what she was saying and what was going on in the world. I found the prince to be annoying as heck and I'm guessing that's because the point of view was from a character who found him annoying. Tavin didn't seem like a traditional fantasy bodyguard, instead, I got a very strange vibe from him and felt as though he was just the perpetually annoyed and patient older brother of the prince.

I also thought that the twist at the end was not quite so difficult to see and I was not very surprised at all. Overall, it was a great start to a book, but it felt as though it wasn't explored to its full potential. I have not decided if I will be continuing, it really depends on what the next book will be about. I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, I will be giving it a 2.5 out of 5.

This book has one of the most interesting concepts I've read in a while and the execution pans out. We have a characters who do what needs to get done for their people, consequences being dealt with, an immersive world and great writing. It's complex and rich and I'm excited for the sequel.

I went between 3 and 4 stars for awhile. I concluded that it was me, and not the book that was the problem. The world building was good, and the characters were excellent. I loved the writing, and I just kept pretending that the teeth were bird teeth (which I now realize does not make sense). It could have been a bit shorter and I was a little surprised that there was actually sex in the book. I'm not a prude by any means, but I'm used to sex being glossed over or implied in YA books. I loved that sexuality was fluid and just accepted in their society. Overall, a solid fantasy/new series.

'The Merciful Crow' is the first book in a new and exciting young adult fantasy series. The author creates a world full of intricate social castes and political intrigue, and I loved learning about each of them throughout the story. Fie is our main character and she's definitely fascinating and realistic. She's a witch of the Crow caste, which also makes her chief-in-training of her people. She's smart, witty, tough, determined and strong. But she has flaws too, like her temper for example, and that made her very realistic to me. I easily connected with her right from the beginning of the story and I loved getting to really know her during the course of the book. One thing I have to mention because it's such a big deal to me personally as a reader, is the author's choice of writing style. I almost always prefer the first person point of view because I believe it allows the reader to have a much deeper and more personal connection with the narrator. However, the author chose to write this story in the third person from Fie's perspective. I still really enjoyed the book, but I think it would've been even more amazing if it had been done in the first person. That's just my own personal opinion though and lots of other readers won't have any issues with it.

Fie's world is fascinating and has lots of levels, like I mentioned before. I always love learning as much as I can about the people, their histories, their positions and power, and anything else that defines them. This book definitely allowed me to familiarize myself with the various castes of people along with the royalty and the political intrigue going on. I'm hoping that the author will continue to elaborate on both of these in the next book as well. I don't do any kind of spoilers, so I won't go into the plot that much. I'll just say that it was a great blend of several genres - fantasy, action, adventure - and even though the story line wasn't wholly unique, the author puts her own mark on it to make it stand out from others out there in the genre. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book in the series to see where the story will take us next. Highly recommended for fans of YA fantasy, action, and adventure.

This books was not like any other book I have ever read before. The world building in this book was amazing. The beginning of this book was really confusing and I had a hard time getting into the book. I am really glad I continued reading it because it just got better and better. I enjoyed the characters but especially Fie. I loved her!

The Merciful Crow kept me on the edge of my seat with its well-written story and a strong heroine that you will instantly be rooting for. Fie was part of a group called The Crows, whose job it was to come and take the bodies that succumbed from the deadly plague. Even though The Crows perform the duty that no one else wants, they are treated horribly by their fellow citizens. When Fie’s father makes a deal to protect the prince, everything changes and puts everyone she cares about in jeopardy.

This was a great start to a brand new series and I can’t wait to see what happens for Fie in the next book. She had already lost so much at the beginning of this story and by protecting the prince and his body double, she puts her own life in jeopardy. This story was well-written, suspenseful and I couldn’t keep turning the pages fast enough. I still have to process everything that happened and I know that Fie will always do what is expected of her.

This was. Phenomenal. Such incredible, unique world building and magic system. An amazing, endearing cast of characters. A complex plot. Writing with just a hint of voice - perfect for a third person POV. It was also a complete story in itself, but the set up and direction for the sequel are clear and I want to read it IMMEDIATELY.

3.5. Crows are THE It birds right now, huh?

I read this fairly quickly and thought the world-building was interesting overall, although there were some obvious plot holes and YA tropes that got in the way of me loving this fully. For instance, the Crow caste is considered the lowest rung on the ladder, but they also seem to have quite formidable powers. They're immune to a deadly disease! Their witches can use ALL the powers! So I couldn't quite figure out why they are considered so low, or why they haven't yet risen up against their oppressors. But eventually I had to just roll with it.

Fie was your typical headstrong (and hotheaded) YA heroine and I enjoyed her dynamics with her gang and Tavin and Jas. Tavin was good book boyfriend material - witty and strong with that hint of vulnerability. Jas took a while to grow on me but he eventually did. The relationships and romance were a highlight and I really enjoyed this novel's frank take on sexuality.

The plot was action-packed and nonstop, but I have to say there was a few too many points where the gang had to "hide in the trees" that quickly became repetitive. Whenever these hide-and-seek bits were broken up with dialogue it was bearable, but man, I hope the next book is a bit less of a journey on the lam. And I am excited for the next book! Especially since there's a lot of ground to cover yet in this duology. Hoping for some of that court intrigue that was hinted at.

I was drawn into this book so quickly. The narrative tone was just so interesting to me. It sort of has that feel of a country western setting, but there are no cowboys or outlaws or anything like that. I don’t know how to really describe it, but I liked that it had a bit of a traveling people setup. It really helps to introduce the reader to a lot of the world.

Speaking of the world, there is an intriguing setup with the class/caste system, and the gods, and the birthrights given to each group of people. The birthrights are pretty much the magic system, and there were people who could control fire, people who had a compelling magnetism due to their beauty, people who can sort of manipulate luck, people who can create a refuge or safe haven, etc. At the very bottom of the class system are the Crows, who have no birthright, but they are also the only ones who are immune to this Sinner’s plague that has somewhat swept across the land.

Oh, and I will also say that I believe that the romance in this one definitely qualifies as a slow burn, and I was so excited about it. I can also definitely say that there was no chance for a love triangle, which was also nice.

Fie was such a great protagonist. She was determined to do what she needs to in order to take care of her people, and to prove herself as a good chief-in-training. She is fierce and powerful and it was her journey that really compelled me to keep reading.

Tavin was my second favorite character. He was actually pretty complex, and I loved seeing his strength and his weaknesses. I especially loved that he was able to see situations from differing perspectives and that the journey really seemed to change his perspectives on issues like class privilege.

I wish I could say the same about Jasimir. Part of me wants to believe that he does want to be a good ruler and that he could change his perspective and all of that. But there were so many times when he would make offhand comments that honestly showed that he doesn’t understand the problems of the Crows at all.

That was probably one of the strongest parts of this book for me. There is such a great conversation to be had about privilege in this story, especially when discussing the topic of wealth/class disparity. There were a number of times when I had to set my phone down and try and process my thoughts after reading a passage that struck me as particularly profound.

I am definitely getting a copy of this book, because it was absolutely outstanding. I think the sequel/conclusion next year is going to be quite the wild ride.

I loved this story of a girl chief who makes a promise to some kingly people. Falls in love and tries to help her people. I enjoyed the magic aspect of it and so want the next book. I did enjoy seeing this world with hawks, crows, phoenix's, and swans .

Recommend: Sure, it was a good book.
Review:

I'm actually really sad that I can only in good conscience give this book a 3 out of 5 star rating. I put it on my TBR list pretty early on, and my anticipation only grew for it with every raving review it got. I squealed with glee when NetGalley approved me for a copy of it and dove in as soon as I could thinking I would fly through it...I was WRONG.

This book didn't necessarily do anything wrong, so I can't say my rating is due to plot errors or bad characters. The problem is just that I didn't mesh with it the way I hoped it would. Yes, I did find the romance a tad bit predictable, but not to the point that I was bored. I do also question of the Phoenix caste can go through fire because their birthright is fire, but not have their clothes catch. Are their clothes fireproof? Not an important question, just a curiosity really.

Truly, I did enjoy the characters. I like how they are so very different, yet start to fight together. I love how strong and determined Fie is; how she truly wants the best for her caste and the kingdom to finally realize how important and necessary they are, and start looking out for them. I think Tavin is a great friend to Jasimir, a good balance for Fie, and truly book boyfriend material. I love how he believes in the goodness of his caste, wants to be good, sees people for more than their caste, and also has an interesting past (HINT: plot twist/revelation at the end). Prince Jasimir took a while to grow on me, but only because I 1) didn't see much of him besides Fie noting how privileged and pompous he was, but as the story progressed, I did start seeing him for who he truly is, beyond the heir and prince.

Again, this story does nothing wrong! It has a very interesting plot, progresses nicely, and has some wonderful characters. There is action and some romance, LGBTQ and normalcy, and twists and turns. The problem, for me, lies in that it took me so long to read it. Honestly, I never found myself dying to read more or wanting to finish it; it was more of a "I have nothing better to do, so I might as well" sort of read for me.

Final thoughts: I do think this is a good book and I understand why so many people love it. I agree, this IS a good book, it just wasn't for me. I do recommend it and do think plenty of you will enjoy it.

This book was one of my favorites of the summer! Such an interesting world the author created. A sickness that kills everyone except those in the lowest caste system. Just so good, go read it NOW!

This book was absolutely fantastic and I can't rave enough about it! A unique, interesting world with real characters that you fall in love with and a captivating story from beginning to end. I read it in one sitting and then wished I had taken the time to savor it. Definitely looking forward to the next one!

Highly original world building, memorable characters that I enjoyed watching grow and develop over the course of the story. Definitely a good candidate for Battle of the Books.

The Merciful Crow is an exciting debut fantasy from Margaret Owen. We follow Fie, a sixteen-year-old chief-in-training as her group travels the kingdom dealing mercy to those infected with what is known as the Sinner's Plague. In an unusual turn of events, Fie's band ends up hiding a prince and his guard among themselves after a recent attempt on their lives. The question is: can Fie, Tavin and the Prince get over their own prejudices and class distinctions long enough to save their homeland?

This novel is so important to our current era as it deals with class distinctions in a very real way. The castes in The Merciful crow aren't necessarily race based -- instead focusing on the type of magic that they use, but the way they interact with each other is very similiar to how different races act towards one another. The Hawks are even equal to a police force, which brings up visions of police brutality and corruption that we see in the news.

I really enjoyed this book, the action was well written and the character relationships were believeable. My only real issue is that Fie does not read like a sixteen-year old. She reads like a 18 to early 20s year old especially when it comes to matters revolving around sex and diplomacy. The only time where I would consider her acting as a teenager is when she kills someone for the first time and in the beginning when she acts more childish toward the Prince and Tavin. But otherwise she just reads like someone much older.

In the Kingdom of Sabor, all Soborian society is structured on a bird-based caste system, with Phoenixes on top, and Crows on the bottom, which seems super unfair considering that crows are really super smart. Ravens and crows are among the smartest birds out there, you guys. Anyway, all the other bird-castes are known for having a birthright, or a particular type of magic about them (you can read all about them here). The Crow caste is the lowest caste because they don’t precisely have their own birthright - their magic is that they can steal magic from other castes, using the bones of the dead. Particularly the teeth.

The Crow caste is looked down upon by basically everyone in Sabor, and they’re treated like shit all the time. No place will accept them so they’re always on the move. Except for one thing: Crows are immune to a horrible disease known as the “Sinner’s Plague”, a disease that may or may not be smallpox, I’m not certain. It sounds awful, though. The Sinner’s Plague spreads like wildfire, and since the crows can’t catch it, they get to travel all around Sabor answering plague beacons. Whenever someone in a town catches the plague, the Crows come and deliver “mercy” in the form of cutting the throats of the afflicted and then burning their bodies after. This stops the plague from decimating a whole town or village, but sounds terrible for doctors attempting to study the disease or anyone attempting to find a cure or a treatment for it. Or, perhaps, for someone surviving the plague. You don’t get a chance to survive the plague, though, sorry. It’s Crow mercy for you!

Fie’s father is the chief of his own Crow band and Fie has been on the road with them her whole life. As a Crow witch, she’s destined to be the chief of her own band someday. When her Crow band answers a plague beacon in Sabor’s capitol city, it turns out the two plague victims to whom they’re meant to give mercy are the crown prince, Jasimir, and his bodyguard, Tavin. Fie doesn’t see her dad give the two boys mercy - the rest of the Crows wait outside while the chief does the job. However, once the crows are well-shot of town, Jasimir and Tavin jump out of their shrouds, very much alive, scaring the hell out of Fie, who promptly punches Tavin in the face.

Turns out the Evil Queen, Jasimir’s new stepmom Rhusana has been attempting a takeover of Sabor and she’s been trying to kill off Jasimir for months. Jasimir and Tavin concocted a scheme to fake their deaths so they can escape and flee to their allies, namely, Jasimir’s aunt, Master General Draga. With Draga’s help, Jasimir and Tavin are certain they can stop Rhusana. Getting to her, though, is a problem. Jasimir, a Phoenix and Tavin, a Hawk, are both certain that the Crows will help them, no question because they’re on the superior end of the social scale - plus, Jasimir is the prince. They gotta listen to the prince. The Crows, however, aren’t having it - they’re tired of being treated like shit everywhere they go, and tired of being routinely hunted down and murdered by Sabor’s equivalent of the Klu Klux Klan, the Oleander Gentry. So Fie convinces her dad to swear Jasimir to a magically unbreakable oath: the Crows will help Jasimir get to his allies, and, as King, Jasimir will protect the Crows. Jasimir reluctantly agrees, and he and Tavin are forced to pose as Crows, getting a lovely taste of just how terrible things are for the lowest caste.

Unfortunately, when the Crows attempt to deliver Jasimir and Tavin to one of Jasimir’s supposed allies, they’re double-crossed - The Crow band, Fie’s kin are captured, but Jasimir, Tavin and Fie manage to escape. The three of them make an odd Crow band, but they have to stick together, answer plague beacons avoid the Oleander Gentry AND Queen Rhusana’s most ruthless trackers if they’re going to make it to Master General Draga alive. Fie just wants to rescue her family - but now she’s stuck with a snobby prince and his handsome bodyguard who will just NOT stop flirting with her. Doesn’t he realize Hawks and Crows don’t go together??

The Merciful Crow is a fun read - once you make sense of the caste system and the tooth-based magic, the story moves quickly. The plot is a familiar one - the exasperated member of an oppressed, impoverished group putting up with clueless rich people who have spent their lives in a bubble - the clueless rich people learning that hey, life isn’t great for everyone and maybe everyone should be treated a little bit better, etc. etc. You’ve probably read it before, but this one comes with some pretty neat worldbuilding. And tooth magic! I wish my teeth could do magic. Alas, they cannot, or else they would’ve straightened themselves out for free, instead of making me pay three thousand dollars for braces…grumble grumble grumble…