This Slavic folklore tale, set in urban Chicago, was absolutely brilliant. Novellas always leave me wanting a bit more, but this one does a wonderful job packing a punch. I absolutely loved the characters, mythos, and pacing. 4.5 stars. Highly recommend the audiobook, it was fantastically narrated.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for an audio-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The great news about this audiobook is that it avoids some of the challenges I tend to experience while listening to fantasy while driving. I think the fact that it's a novella means the world building doesn't get excessively deep in a way that makes it hard to follow — it's nice and direct! On the other hand, while I liked the characters and found them interesting, I didn't find myself super invested in their stories. I thought the plot was a bit predictable overall, but that doesn't mean it wasn't pleasant to follow along. I'd recommend this for casual fans of Slavic folklore, witches, and other similar "monsters" looking for a quick, decent audiobook to fill an afternoon.

This is such a a thrilling urban fantasy novella. I love the Slavic folklore inspiration and the setting in Chicago. I'm always so impressed when authors are able to write a relatively short story and still make it feel complete, and Roth did exactly that.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

The only crime this book has is it was not a full novel! I want to read more of this world and Roth has just teased me! The mythology was fascinating to read and I liked the urban setting. I haven't read a book by Roth since her YA Divergent series when I was a teenager. I think Roth has found her lane in writing and I would definitely read more if she wrote about this world.

The plot is refreshingly unique compared to many contemporary fantasy novels, beautifully weaving Slavic folklore into a gripping narrative. Roth quickly immerses readers into this atmospheric world, filled with magic and mystery. Though the novella is packed with intriguing hints, the final revelations still managed to surprise me.

The characters are engaging and relatable, and the narrators brought them to life, despite some minor accent confusion. Roth skillfully blurs the lines between good and evil, challenging traditional moral dichotomies and reinforcing the complexity of these concepts.

By the end, I was left wanting more in the best possible way. I had grown so attached to the characters that I longed to continue their journey and explore their future adventures, especially given the found family dynamic and budding romances.

Roth’s ability to create such a vivid and compelling world in just 176 pages is remarkable. For those interested in visual inspiration, her Pinterest board for the book perfectly captures its essence.

I experienced this story via audiobook, and the narrators did a fantastic job. Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

“When among crows, you must caw as one”. That saying hooked me right at the start. I wish the story kept up that momentum.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader Copy.

This novella has ample mystery, fantasy, folklore and special appearances from the one and only Baba Yaga. On paper those features are a recipe for an instant buy in my opinion. If this was a full length novel with fleshed out characters we are given the time to love or even care about this could have been a five star.

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When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advance audio copy for review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Dymitr is a Knight of the Holy Order, sworn to hunt the monsters that prey on humans. He comes to Chicago and meets Ala, a zmora, cursed to a life of fear, pain, asnd an early death. He offers her a cure in exchange for her help finding Baba Jaga. Niko is a rare male strzygon who gets pulled into their quest along the way.

Set in Chicago and drawing heavily from Polish folklore, this novella tells a story og grief and loss, guilt and redemption. I loved all three main characters and the story itself. The folklore that weaves through the story was unfamiliar to me, but I was given enough info to understand what was happening. The narrators were excellent in bringing the story to life. This tale will live with me for a very long time, and I suspect i will reread it more than once or twice.

I'm intrigued by this book, but I'm struggling to keep up with the audiobook version. I think if I could physically read this novella, I'd be fully invested. I really liked the world Roth was creating and the premise of the story that she was telling, but I couldn't remain present with this narrator.

Title: When Among Crows
Author: Veronica Roth
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Narrator: Helen Laser, James Fouhey, and Tim Campbell
Rating: 4 stars

I’m thrilled to have been selected as a Macmillan Audio partner and elected to receive When Among Crows as one of my picks for the month of May. Thank you to Veronica and Mac Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy of When Among Crows.

Dymitr is a hunter, but being a hunter comes with a price. He must sacrifice his soul in order to slay monsters and keep the world safe. His newest mission is to find Baby Jaga, but to accomplish this he will have to join forces with one of those who is typically his target.

Ala is cursed and has nothing to do but wait to die. Until Dymitr comes along and offers a cure in exchange for her help - an offer she cannot refuse.

As they form an unlikely alliance, secrets come out and everyone’s risk of demise increases.

This is a quick hit of a book, clocking in at just under 200 pages and took me just under 2 hours to listen to at the speed I use, however don’t let that turn you away because this book packs a punch. A lot of information and what feels like a very complete story is achieved in such a small span of time. I typically shy away from novellas as they leave me wanting more and feeling unfulfilled. This one did leave me wanting more, but that’s because I feel like Veronica built us such a cool world with so many possibilities to explore. The story she told us was definitely fulfilling.

Chicago is always a great setting, especially as a dystopian setting (hey Veronica, I see what you did there! Gave us a little fond memory of Divergent). You can tell that she really knows the setting she’s chosen and any liberties she’s taken are carefully considered and fit well within the idea that readers already have of a place. The combination of Slavic folklore and modern Chicago sounds like an odd combo, but she wove them together very well.

The audio was performed well and I do believe that it will add to the experience for someone who may be a little hesitant to read a story with folklore roots (I know that can be a daunting task for some readers).

This book/novella is AMAZING! As someone who lived in both Poland and Chicago in the span of a year, this book was an amazing nostalgic trip for me. I loved revisiting the city I love with creatures from Polish folklore living the shadows and running amok.

I was graciously given the audiobook arc from @netgalley and I was so impressed by the cast and the Polish pronunciation- although one narrator mispronounced words in the prose, which I couldn’t tell if it was on purpose or not since her character would mispronounce the words in dialogue since the character didn’t grow up speaking it.

My Polish excitement and nostalgia aside, the story was wonderful. The bookstagrammer/booktoker @emmaskies recommended not reading the synopsis going into it, and I agree. The book has beautiful reveals and turns, and asks the question of whether monsters and humans are all that different. The ending is very satisfying and I didn’t expect it at all.

When Among Crows earns 5 stars from me.

Wow! For a novella, this little baby packs a punch! The incredible world-building takes shape immediately. Roth doesn’t overcomplicate this fantasy realm set in modern-day Chicago. Instead, she methodically layers creatures, monsters, magic, and Polish Folklore that’s easy to follow. Throughout the urban fantasy, Roth’s vivid imagery ignites your imagination as morals live alongside otherworldly beings. As a Chicagoan, I love all the Chicago details Roth embedded in the story - the Uptown Theater scene is absolute perfection!

Unlike most novellas, the story is not all plot-driven. Roth’s character development is quite impressive. She skillfully weaves backstories, making it impossible not to empathize with these morally grey characters. The three MCs forge such strong friendships that it feels a bit like a found family trope.

I paired the physical book and the audiobook. The narration was fantastic! The narrators did great with the accents and emotions, bringing the adventure to life.

Did Roth leave the door open for a sequel? I certainly hope so! I wasn’t ready to leave these characters or this world. I’ll read volumes 2, 3, 4, 5, or as many as she writes!

Dymitr is a monster hunter who must find the legendary witch Baba Jaga in order to fulfil his mission in the Chicago underworld. This one surprised me. I'm not the biggest urban fantasy stan, but I like to pick one up from time to time. Luckily, this one gave me all the feels I'm looking for-- specifically the "tortured soul giving everything and being utterly lovable in the process" feels that I'm a total sucker for. Basically, I adored Dymitr. I actually liked all of the characters-- they managed to feel quite fleshed out despite the very short length of this story. Also, just look at that cover, will you?

Going into this audiobook I wasn't sure what to expect, I had heard such mixed reviews but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance.

Now I will admit getting used to a magical modern Chicago took me a while to get into but the amazing talents of our narrators brought this alternate world to life.

While there were moments I felt like this was a little rushed, but I can hope that just leaves room for a second book in this wonderful world I've fallen in love with.

While yes this world is full of dark magic and pain, it's also full of hope and possibilities that are beyond amazing.

Speaking of amazing let's talk for a moment about our narrators. Recently I've found hust how much I enjoy multiple narrators in a fantasy setting and this is a perfect example, Helen Laser, James Fouhey, and Tim Campbell are a brilliant trio to bring our characters to life, I thuroughly enjoyed what each of them brought to the experience of this audiobook.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of this Audiobook, I have voluntarily listened to it and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I haven’t read Roth’s adult work so this was decidedly different. It’s well written but in a stark, almost cold way I wasn’t expecting. It’s a very grown up type of book (which sounds ridiculous to say) but had me trying to place it in my own “categories” for some reason.

I was most reminded but Lani Taylor’s Daughter or Smoke and Bone (for some odd reason?) but more adult and with less feeling.

I think, due to its length, things were cut that could have enhanced the book so much. There was a rush, an urgency, that left me wanting more but not getting it.

I did enjoy the light twist at the end but wanted more from the story. However, for what it was, there was a lot to it that I did enjoy I such a short span.

Note: Language

My rating: 3.5*

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC Copy!

There was so much about this book that I enjoyed but I just wish there had been more of it.

Slavic folklore, modern fantasy with high fantasy elements, an unlikely cast of characters, and Baba Yaga, what more could you want.

I really enjoyed the way that all the different folklore characters were sprinkled into the story while we follow our main characters on their different journeys.

This was a satisfying read. For a such a short novel, the author masterfully makes quick work of introducing the characters and magical world. The magic felt fresh to me (emotional vampires, borderline-cultish bone swordsmen, Polish mythology, blood curses). I’m torn between loving that this was a quick stand alone fantasy, and hoping the author will continue these characters’ stories in another book, or at least write something else set in the same world.

(Okay, but the fingernail removal… I’m not okay)

Dymitr is on a quest to find Baba Jaga, and enlists (well bribes) the aide of Ala, a cursed witch, to help him find her with the promise of a curse breaking flower he carries in his jacket.
I had really hoped to enjoy this more, as anything involving Baba Jaga is right up my alley, but it just felt very slow moving and difficult to get engrossed in. The world building was nice, I just never felt like there was enough time spent getting to know to world and characters to truly immerse myself in their journey. Always a bit hit or miss with novellas.

I love when a multiple-perspective audiobook uses different narrators for each character. The experience is heightened so much and it makes it easier for me to keep track of which character is which, something I occasionally struggle with in audio form. The opening chapter hooked me right in, and I was locked for the rest of this short, fast-paced adventure.

For anyone who believes a fantasy book has to be long to have captivating world building, this is proof you are dead wrong.

I wish I could read a book like this a day. Sadly, this is on another level and most novellas don’t quite make it here. I devoured every minute of this short, but enchanting story of love, redemption, and transformation!

Plot - 5
Writing and Editing - 5
Character Development - 5 (for a novella)
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 5
Final Score - 5

Thank you Macmillan audio, Veronica Roth, and NetGalley for my advanced copy audio review. My opinions are my own.

When Among Crows is out now!

3.75 Rounded Up

Okay, so I went into this one kinda blind. Got the audiobook from netgalley and I've enjoyed work from the author before and fortunately this one didn't disappoint. You have a few mystical beings in, what I think is, an urban setting who are on a mission to find Baba Jaga. It was a super quick read and it had a lot of fun elements introduced without it feeling too overwhelming or busy. That being said I wasn't gripped in the way that I like, but since it was so short that ended up not being an issue, but it does mean its not a favorite even though I did like it. The story was an enjoyable and quick to read, the characters were interesting although I didn't have enough time to really connect with them, and the world building was pretty cool. I would totally recommend this to anyone who likes urban fantasy.