Title: The Crow Rider

Author: Kalyn Josephson

Pub. Date: July 7, 2020

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Princess Thia, her allies, and her crow, Res, are planning a rebellion to defeat Queen Razel and Illucia once and for all. Thia must convince the neighboring kingdoms to come to her aid, and Res’s show of strength is the only thing that can help her.

As the rebel group prepares for war, Res’s magic grows more unstable. Thia has to decide if she can rely on herself and their bond enough to lead the rebellion and become the crow rider she was meant to be. 

This will be a spoiler free review. Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read The Storm Crow last year, and thought it was okay. You can read my whole, non-spoiler thoughts here, but the gist was that it felt like a typical YA “take back the throne” fantasy and I couldn’t stop comping it to Eragon. I wasn’t necessarily impressed to say the least.

I honestly wasn’t entirely sure I was going to read this book, but then I got approved for it on NetGalley. This book surprised me, in the fact that I really liked it. I thought it was a pretty strong way to end Thia’s story. I’m actually kind of bummed that it’s only a duology and there won’t be another book.

I don’t know if I enjoyed this book more, because I barely remembered what happened in The Storm Crow and therefore didn’t remember it was comped to Eragon, or if maybe I was too hard on the first book. But whatever the reason may be, I’m actually glad I read this book. I’m actually tempted to buy physical copies of the series, because I thoroughly enjoyed this final installment.

I liked Thia’s journey, the ups and downs, and learning to trust herself. I liked how even when all hope seemed lost, she stood up for herself, for her people and fought back. She made herself be heard. I freaking love Res and want a giant bird that acts like a mix of a cat and a dog. I loved Ericen and their back and forth. That boy has a mind that goes straight to innuendo at every chance. It’s hysterical.

I loved the new friendships and bonds made along the way. Really the whole cast of this book is wonderful. OH, I almost forgot my love for Caylus. I’m thrilled with where that boy ends up at the end of this book. I wanted to hug him the entire time he had page time. I’m a sucker for an emotionally vulnerable male character.

I do think the plot felt a tad rushed. But I think maybe that’s just my desire of wanting more, wanting another book. It’s funny how my opinions of this duology have changed – from not knowing if I even wanted to read book 2, to wanting a book 3. I really want more time with Ericen and Thia and Res. I can only imagine how their futures would play out.

If you haven’t yet, go read The Storm Crow so you can be prepared for The Crow Rider when it releases on July 11. You have time, so go read!