An easy and fast paced book to have you fall head over heels in love with Veronica Roth’s writing!

First of all let’s talk about this utterly gorgeous cover for When Among Crows. They say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but I can’t help but admit that the cover was the first thing that drew me to this book and then I saw the author was Veronica Roth, so I had to immediately request this title!

I flew through this book, I loved the world and how well fleshed out the characters were.

My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer! It’s only a 176 pages and while I loved every aspect of this book it ended up leaving me craving more!

Needless to say I highly recommend this one, especially if you love an atmospheric read.

*thank you so much to Tor Publishing, Veronica Roth and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review! It was much appreciated.

I have been loving everything Veronica Roth has been doing lately. This book is a book of monsters, however not everything is as it seems. Witches, magic and more in Chicago, along with Roth’s writing, weave an incredible tail that seems familiar but also not.

I wish this was a longer book and I hope there is more to this world. It’s a complete story but you’re left with questions so there are many possibilities for where this could go. As always, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved Veronica Roth’s Poster Girl, so I was so excited to get an eARC to review.

This is a short read. There is not a huge amount of world building, so it did take me a bit to understand everything that was going on.
I found the characters very unique and interesting. I love how folklore and actual history was interwoven throughout the story.

Overall this was different than Roth’s usual dystopian vibes, but it was still very well written and fun to read.
I would recommend this to other fantasy readers.

5 stars, 9.14 on CAWPILE

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow.
Just.... wow.
First things first, I wish this was longer. Not because it felt incomplete or because it suffered from world building or character development due to the length, but because I just want... more. I want more in this world. I want more with these characters.

The concept of this book was fascinating to me. The folklore it's inspired by magical, the atmosphere potent. The characters felt real despite not getting to spend a lot of time with them. I was thoroughly hooked on everything going on as we moved from event to event over the 36 or so hours that take place in the story.

Veronica Roth is a beautiful writer. Not too heavy handed with metaphors or allegories.. just enough. I could see baba jaga's theater. I could taste the smell of fear that Ala experiences. I winced and gritted my teeth when the bone blade was drawn.

Listen, please, Veronica, give us more!

What an absolutely gorgeous novella from Veronica Roth! I’m a simple creature, I see a beautiful cover and I immediately want to read it, and I’m so thankful When Among Crows didn’t let me down.

In a fantastical world under Chicago, fairytale and myth comes to life. The story combines Slavic lore with a fast paced, twisty plot to bring the reader an unputdownable story in under 200 pages. I really enjoyed both Dymitr and Ala (and Baba Jaga!) as characters and loved the almost cloak-and-dagger type elements of their deal and subsequent adventure. I’m a huge fan of magic systems/ plot points where actions have extreme and irrefutable consequences and Roth played into this so well. I also loved the softer moments revolving around seeking life’s purpose and redemption even when you don’t deserve it. The world felt expansive but the narrative intimate, which is the best kind of story to tell.

Overall, I’d highly recommend this novella and can’t wait to get a physical copy to fawn over the gorgeous cover art!

I ended up finding this to be a really entertaining read, creative and fantastical, brutal and sinister. I also don't read much urban fantasy, but I think the gritty Chicago setting gave the story as much vivid imagery as the enigmatic characters.

Speaking of, I enjoyed the dynamic between Dymitr, Ala, and Niko, which is the clear heart of the story. You start with these disparate individuals—enemies, in fact—who come together for a common purpose, and in doing so form meaningful connections. It's a timeless and uplifting message that we somehow keep failing to truly learn.

Recommended to those who love atmospheric fantasy.

What a deliciously dark tale.

This is the first book of Roth’s I have read and I’m scared I’ll be disappointed by the rest because this was so good.

If you’re a fan of Leigh Bardugo, VE Schwab, or Jim Butcher, you will like this.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor for early access to this title for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this. It's been a while since I have read anything from Roth and I have missed it apparently.

I would love more from this world - the characters were so interesting and the plot had me hooked. I would love to delve deeper into the history and backstory of these characters

Thank you for the early copy!

I've never experienced a shorter Veronica Roth novel and I'm glad I got to start with this one. I was hooked on the dark urban fantasy story telling and I love books that jump right into the plot. I truly appreciate a showing over telling style of writing, and that's what we have here. So even though I always want more world building and character development, I'm still so impressed by what Roth was able to convey in such a short story. I will say, I've lived in Chicago all my life and I study witchcraft, mythology, and folklore. It's hard to say if I would have enjoyed the book as much without having that background, but I'm guessing I benefited from knowing all the pronunciations and folkloric history.

It is really interesting. Chicago has a large Polish population. This book dives deep into a folklore that I was unfamiliar with and reaches deep into the roots of the Polish and Eastern European. It's an interseting book combining elements of folklore with urban dark fantasy. Fans of Holly Black's The Book of Night will find this book enjoyable.

4.5/5 stars for me.
A thought-provoking fairytale where knights in which he split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. All due to his desire to find Baba Yaga and a unexpected ally (aka a cursed Zmora) who needs a cure, and needs out knights help to get it. Dymitr (our knight) was raised to kill and in order to do so he had to (as all knights do) split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. He's killed so many... and now he's in search of Baba Yaga. This was such an stimulating read (especially considering it is just a novella.) It left me with a sort of Wizard of Oz vibe, but with an incredibly unique twist. It's the perfect read for fans of found family. Veronica Roth has once again show just how incredibly talented she is weaving such a captivating story in such a short page span.
*Thanks Netgalley, Edelweiss+ and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

Title: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

You'll Love This If You're Into:
* Dark, fantastical worlds with a paranormal twist
* Unique twists on fairytales and myths
* Quests and road trips with unexpected turns
* Exploring Eastern European lore and magical creatures

Characters: ★★★★☆
Plot Progression: ★★★★☆
Writing Style: ★★★☆☆
Memorability: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★.5
Overall Thoughts: Liked it.

Review:
When Among Crows provides a dark and captivating glimpse into the fantastical paranormal world lurking beneath the surface of Chicago. The narrative unfolds as a mini road trip and quest to seek favour from Baba Jaga, weaving together Eastern European lore, unique characters, and twists and turns along the way.

Veronica Roth's storytelling has notably improved, in my opinion (eying you #3) , from some of her previous works. This story offers a lush fairytale features Dymitr, the knight, and Ala, the cursed Zmora, as they embark on a quest with unexpected turns while exploring themes of family, destruction, and found families.

The characters are intriguing, the action is well-paced, and Roth expands on existing lore in an interesting manner. While a few moments felt forced, and some elements didn't quite hit the mark, it was an enjoyable read. Additionally, it took me a while to be invested in the characters, which, for a novella, meant that I spent a good portion of the book not invest in their journey.

Overall, When Among Crows offers a short and fun fantasy read, blending dark elements with fairytale-esque storytelling. It's a recommended choice for those seeking a unique escape into a world where pain is both a weapon and a curse.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

I love this novella! Veronica Roth really shines in these shorter novels. I loved all the characters and I thought the world building was perfect for the length of this story. I had a vested interest in all the characters and loved the portrayal of Baba Jaga in particular. Would read a whole novel based on this universe.

"When Among Crows" by Veronica Roth invites readers into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to create weapons, and witches always take more than they give. In this fantastical world, pain is not only a concept but a tangible force that shapes the destinies of the characters.

The protagonist, Dymitr, has embraced pain as his calling. To combat the monsters he faces, he has taken the drastic step of splitting his soul in half to craft a sword made from his own spine. This unique weapon comes at a cost, and every time Dymitr wields it, he stains his hands with blood.

On the other hand, Ala inherits a different kind of pain. A family curse compels her to witness the atrocities committed by the Holy Order. This curse, passed down from her mother, is a life-threatening one. Ala faces the looming threat of the curse taking her life unless she can discover a cure.

Their paths cross one night in Chicago when Dymitr approaches Ala with a proposition. He offers her assistance in finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga in exchange for an enchanted flower that might hold the key to breaking Ala's curse. Desperation leads Ala to agree to the deal, unaware of Dymitr's true nature and the complexities that await them.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a richly imagined world where magic, curses, and bargains intertwine. Veronica Roth weaves a tale that explores the intertwining themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the enduring power of hope. The characters grapple with the consequences of their choices, making the story a compelling exploration of the human condition in a fantastical setting.

"When Among Crows" promises to be a captivating journey filled with magic, mystery, and the intricate dance between light and shadow in a world where pain is both a weapon and a curse.

This was a fantastical and dark story that hooked me instantly.

With a cast of compelling characters, an array of magical and supernatural creatures, and an epic quest for the answer to an old curse, Veronica Roth unwinds a brutal and violent story with unlikely friends, some romance and a whole lot of fun!

A lush and interesting fairytale about a knight who split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine who wants to find Baba Yaga and a cursed Zmora who needs a cure and needs his help. Dymitr is a knight who was raised to kill and in order to do so he had to split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. He's killed so many... and now he's in search of Baba Yaga. This was such an interesting read and it definitely gave me Wizard of Oz vibes but with such a unique twist and turn and it even has creatures from Slavic lore. It's got a sweet story about the families we build and the ones we destroy and the three characters in this were so interesting (no spoilers on the third character so you'll definitely have fun when you read it). It's a short and fun fantasy read and I would definitely recommend it.

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*