A novel that blends elements of steampunk and Edgar Allan Poe-inspired themes. The book explores a world where mechanical innovations and steam-powered machinery intersect with the macabre and gothic sensibilities drawn from Poe's literary works. The narrative typically revolves around a complex plot involving intrigue, mystery, and the supernatural. Characters may navigate a society where steam technology and eerie, otherworldly forces coexist, often leading to suspenseful and dramatic encounters. While the exact details of the plot can vary, the novel likely features a rich, atmospheric setting and a cast of characters whose destinies are intertwined with both human and supernatural stakes.

A Cast of Crows by Danielle Ackley McPhail is a Poe-inspired collection of short stories. Almost all the stories have the same element: a raven, which is the star of attraction. The stories are creepy, dark, and have a sense of excitement. Only some of the stories I read were incomplete, which crashed some of my hopes. But it is indeed a good start for a reader who has not read Poe's work. It will give them a fair idea of his style of writing. The authors have done a commendable job, as it is not easy to recreate a legend's work. For me, it is a 4-star read and definitely an exciting one.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the SFWA for the ARC copy they provided.

Unfortunately, I just did not feel enough of a pull to read this book, and I did not finish it in time to leave a review before the publication date.

The first story, what I read of it, had a wonderful steampunk feel, and boasted a decent mystery twist. If I finish this book in the future, I will leave a more in-depth review.

Well done, full of suspense, creepy. Enjoyed it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love short stories and anthologies. Even the best author must flex their writing skills to deliver quality short stories. In less than a usual chapter length, they must introduce us to the characters and their communities/ back stories, commit to an "event" and then solve it, all while keeping the reader engrossed and flipping pages. I often find that an author will switch genres in an anthology, which gives me an even better appreciation for their talent.
Many have a similar theme with the writers giving their story an unusual “spin” to meet the theme’s intent without copying each other. This one is an homage to Edgar Allan Poe and his cast of crows that were woven through his many tales, with a steampunk twist. It is not unusual to find a true gem mixed in with the overall excellent stories, making anthologies a triple threat/ treat.

Suspenseful, Enjoyable, great pacing, exciting settings kept me hooked. Great novel that will be the perfect to lose yourself in. Thank you Net Galley for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

This was such an enjoyable read. The common thread of the links to crows, raven and Poe himself create a wonderfully creative mix of stories that intrigue. For Poe fans, it is a definitely must in order to examine intertextuality and the enduring power of a story. Short story fan? Steampunk fan? Gothic fan? Crow fan? Poe fan? You will love these short stories. Came tot he end all too quickly.

This was such a great collection of Poe themed short stories! I love that they were steam punk, both upfront and not as much. If you're a lover of EAP and are into steam punk, please give these stories a go!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, eSpec Books, for the opportunity! All opinions are my own.

I have a soft spot for short story collections, and this one is no different.

You can tell that all of them are based of Poe’s poem, but they way that the authors have twisted it into something new and exciting is truly remarkable. All of them have a more serious tone, but the heaviness still varies, so it doesn’t get too much.

The steampunk setting really worked with the themes as well. All of them had varying degrees of stereotypical steampunk-ness, some leaning heavily into cogs and clockwork, while in some it kept more in he background, which was quite refreshing to see.

I will definitely be re-reading this in the future!