Review: When Among Crows

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Dymitr is a killer … of monsters.  This is such a part of who he is, he had to split his soul to make a sword … out of his spine!  Ala has inherited her mother’s curse.  This curse will kill her too, if she isn’t able to break it.  When Dymitr offers Ala a chance at a cure, she accepts without knowing what she is getting into.  With such a time crunch on the possible cure, will they be able to complete both tasks in time? 

When Among Crows is a stand-alone urban fantasy that sounds amazing but does not follow through.  I even restarted the book thinking that my mind must have wandered too much and the second time through was just as painful.  I’m sure there will be readers who love this story, but I found the tale flat and lifeless.  I won’t give up on Roth as a writer, but this is not one of her best.

View all my reviews

Review: Beastly Beauty

Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Arabella’s mother has plans for her.  She will be sweet and quiet.  She will also marry whomever her mother tells her.  To do this, she must hide her real thoughts and dreams from everyone around her.  She is doing her best but learns she can no longer stand quietly and let others be abused.  When her anger is released … a curse is put upon her.  After a time, Beau has been captured in Arabella’s castle and the servants think he may be able to break the curse.  Beau only wants to get away.  He believes there is no such thing as love.  Is there a chance that Beau and Arabella can break the curse? 

Beastly Beauty is a stand-alone fairy tale re-telling where the main characters' genders are reversed.  Most readers will be familiar with the popular reincarnations of Beauty and the Beast and this version has everything a fairy tale fan would want.  Donnelly did a wonderful job switching the roles and putting a fresh spin on a beloved tale.  Beastly Beauty will be a hit for everyone who enjoys a good re-telling.

View all my reviews