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*