A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Walker Books Us for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of “The Clockwork Crow” for my review.

I loved this book! This is one of those books that immediately makes you feel like you are reading a classic fairy tale. An orphan girl comes to a new town in hopes of a fresh start, but immediately lands on a mystery. The author wrote the story SO well! It is magical, atmospheric, has fantasy, supernatural creatures, a brave heroine and a funny sidekick. I loved how imaginative the story-line progresses with the idea of a simple snow-globe affecting everyone.

I liked Seren as the main character at times, but thought she could improve. In fact, I thought she was a bit annoying at times where she did things without contemplating it beforehand. Moreover, we really don’t get an idea about Seren’s past or why the Jones were willing to take care of her. Yes, there is a note that mentions the connection, but there is no details of it. We really don’t get to know much about Seren’s past. Perhaps the author reveals it on the following book. On a side note, I was also a bit disappointed when the author reveals who the mysterious person is that handed Seren the parcel. It didn’t turn out to be as memorable as I had hoped.

However, leaving Seren aside, I LOVED the crow! He is hilarious and provided the much needed humor in this other dark story. Surprisingly, I also liked Mrs. Villiers. Initially I thought she would be a villain, but I liked that she was a misunderstood character instead.

I am eager to read the second book in the series and I think it might be better than this one. I thought the author did a brilliant job in narrating this story and am eager to read her other works.

I absolutely loved this title. Imaginative and highly entertaining and left me hungry for the next title in the series. I can’t wait to see what adventures await.

ARC Copy...best I describe in a sense, a fantasy version of "Secret Garden" in regards to an orphan English girl from colonial India staying in a vast manor house complete with a grump house keeper and a missing boy hidden somewhere. However the fantasy elements and imagery is fantastic...for example, the clockwork crow does feel like a visual life of its own and personality.

Cozy read for a snowy day. Accessible to reluctant readers without being too simplistic. Characters a bit flat, and no explanation as to why Seren was adopted.