Customer Reviews

Voice Of Crow (Aspect of Crow Trilogy)

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4 star:		(2)
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I received my copy of 'Voice of Crow' this afternoon after its long-awaited release. Just as I predicted, I finished it today as I had done with Jeri Smith-Ready's previous installment, 'Eyes of Crow'. The author has an amazing ability to keep those pages turning, creating an environment that you just can't seem to shake until its through. Magical and filled with wonder, it's hard to tear your eyes and thoughts away for even a moment.

For those of you who have not read the first installment in the 'Aspect of Crow' series, I highly recommend you pick it up before reading 'Voice of Crow'. Not only is it a marvelous first effort in a series, it also contains everything you need to know about the world you are about to enter with Rhia, her family, friends and enemies.

In the same vein as 'Eyes of Crow', 'Voice of Crow' proceeds with the continuation of our strong, yet troubled heroine, Rhia. Without giving much away about this story, Rhia has reached the second phase of her aspect (Crow, a guardian spirit affiliated with death, and in a strange way, life) in bringing her child into the world with her new husband Marek, a man of the Wolf aspect. Unfortunately all is not well in Rhia's world. The Descendants are hot on the Reawakened's heels with a precise vindication. The Reawakened must come together to face another strain of tragedy and fear. In doing so, they find not only a stronger sense of community but a sense of self.

While the focus is often not on Rhia in this second installment, Jeri Smith-Ready introduces a few new faces, presenting the reader with mixed emotions about the outcome of these perceived antagonists. A page-turning experience, indeed. Reuniting with old 'friends' such as Alanka, the Wolf, Arcas, the Spider, Lycas, the Wolverine and even old foes left me with sense of completion when I had finished. We get to have a more fulfilling glimpse into these supporting characters, learning the intricacies of their emotions and connecting them with the past events that still linger fresh in their minds.

My final thoughts upon reaching the end of this book were mixed. I was sad to see it 'go', and yet, I felt as though the author had brought things full-circle. It has left me hungry for the final chapter of this trilogy. The doubtful youth of Rhia's past is no more; where she once stood is now a woman with wants, needs and a purpose that must be fulfilled.

Another spell-binding environment padded with magical endeavors and emotional triumphs speaks volumes of Jeri Smith-Ready's abilities. Definitely continue this triology and follow this woman's work! You will not be disappointed.

Smith-Ready's "Aspect of Crow" books take place in cultures permeated by animal spirits which guide and assist us through trials. I'd not have earlier thought myself a fan of genre fiction, but the first book "Eyes of Crow" caught me. I went to www.jerismithready.com and took the survey and found out I'm under the Aspect of Spider, which automatically made the rest of the book more interesing (Yes, I recemmend reading "Eyes" before reading the current "Voice of Crow")

The main characters are sufficiently developed as are all of the more minor ones in such a way that the reader really does get to customize their importance a bit. It's alot of action, some romance (something for everyone, mostly!) but mostly plots and twists all too human and familiar to those of us in workaday jungles.
You'll absolutely care about the characters, follow the plot with maybe a couple of fingernails at risk, and make no mistake you'll want the next book in the series right away.

I suggest geting the first in the series first, but also recommend signing up for news on her website (it's nothing bothersome at all, and you get updates on new books). I'm even going to start her next trilogy!

Witt Pratt
Winchester, VA

Plot Summary: Rhia and Mareck are mated, married, and expecting their first child. In the aftermath of the Descendants' attack on the village of Asermos, nearly everyone is wounded and heartsore, but there are more horrors in store. When the Descendants raid the village and make away with several infants, including Rhia's newborn son, Mareck is taken captive and Rhia must travel to the Descendants' stronghold to rescue her husband and son.

The first book, Eyes Of Crow (Aspect of Crow Trilogy), blew me out of the water. It was that good. This follow up didn't have quite the same magic, but it was a thrilling adventure nonetheless. There was very little down time in Voice of Crow, and halfway through I was truly afraid that Jeri Smith-Ready was going to leave us readers dangling at the end, but she was kind. The truly critical crisis was resolved (thank you, I can breathe again), but the final struggle in book three, The Reawakened (Aspect of Crow, Book 3) must reach epic proportions. I can't wait.

At the beginning of this book Ms. Smith-Ready has a note for the reader. She says, "An intriguing challenge of writing a trilogy with a core love story is how to continue after the happy ending of book one... In Voice of Crow Rhia and Mareck's world takes them to the end of their strength and makes them grow and change in ways they couldn't have imaged a year ago. But their bond will never break..."

I wish more authors would tackle this particular challenge, and feature a single couple beyond `happily ever after.' This story was wrenching at times, but Rhia and Mareck prove the true depth of their feelings, and the ending had me smiling and sniffling back tears. This isn't the only love story to be found either, and I was very touched by two other characters who were both broken inside and out, but are healed by each other.

The action and danger pretty much starts with chapter two. It's like Ms. Smith-Ready has shifted this car into fourth gear, floored it, and she rarely lets up. I'm very interested to see where this goes in the third and final book, The Reawakened (Aspect of Crow, Book 3), and I highly recommend these books to anyone who loves romantic fantasy stories.

Books like this one is the reason I love to read. I wish every book I read left me with the same feelings, but then again, if they all did, this one wouldn't stand out and hold a special place amongst my books.

This is the second book in the Aspect of Crow trilogy and it picks up where the first one, Eyes of Crow, left off. Jeri's imagination is amazing! She is a truly talented author and writes with such emotional depth. I loved every scene with the budding romance between Filip and Alanka and a lot of them brought tears as did the scenes with Marek after he was captured. His scenes were so full of sadness and hurt and disgust toward his slave master, Basha. When the time approached for Marek to be rescued she had gripped my emotions so tightly that it was difficult to read through the blur of tears during those chapters, wondering how he would react to Rhia and how she would react to him. She handled it perfectly! Whew, and then rescuing the Kalindons and Asermons when they went after Nilik. So many great and emotion filled scenes at the end. It was amazing. This is a series that will stay with me forever!

If you like Fantasy with romance and strong emotions then I highly recommend this trilogy. It's one not to be passed up!

"Voice of Crow" resumes the "Aspect of Crow" trilogy ten days after "Eyes Of Crow" by exploring more character perspectives within masterful writing of beautiful descriptions and excellent action sequences. The tale and the world inside are exceedingly well-developed; the plot flows effectively and provides quality entertainment for both fans of fantasy and romance.

Aside from Rhia and Marek, Alanka the Wolf and Filip, an injured Descendant from the Battle of Asermons, offer different points of view and bring additional variation to a clever story about surviving cultural changes. There are a few experiences concerning the Ilion culture which clarifies the reasons behind the atrocious attacks. The bestowed powers from each Aspect along with the different phases are sound; the balance of magic is reasonably fair with nothing akin to army leveling magic. Many more Aspects are explained but sadly only one more novel in the trilogy is expected.

A detailed map of the significant terrains and comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

I recommend this series to any fan of the romance/fantasy genre.

Thank you.

This book, the second in her aspect of crow series and really
delivered. It could stand alone as a coming into adulthood novel
but also compells the reader forward to the next novel. If you have not read the first book-Eyes of Crow, however I strongly
recommend that you do.
This tale is set in a Post Apocolyptic time period when the Spirits
of Animals, similar to Native American Beliefs have come to guide
and direct people in their lives both daily and spirtually. Every
person gains a magical animal aspect. The heroine of the story has
the aspect of Crow. This second novel deals with a group of
invaders who have lost magical abilities (or maybe never recieved
them) due to living in cities which may have been the fall of
mankind in the first place.
Exciting, page turning and romantic, this was a great read!

Jeri Smith-Ready follows up the spectacular EYES OF CROW with VOICE OF CROW. Once again, step into a world where magic is alive and animals are Guardian Spirits....

The battle with the Descendants has left behind survivors in Asermos, such as Filip and Kiril. Meanwhile a grim fate has practically decimated Kalindos, a fate that will either unite or destroy the villages. The Descendants aren't yet done with the Asermons or the Kalindons, as Rhia and Marek's own child is at stake. And just what is this vision of the Raven?

If you haven't read EYES OF CROW yet, stop and immediately read that book first. Jeri Smith-Ready has created a beautiful, haunting world and these first two books in the trilogy should be read in the correct order so that the reader can fully appreciate it.

As in EYES OF CROW, atmosphere plays a critical role in VOICE OF CROW. Jeri Smith-Ready ensures that the mood, whether festive, somber, or angry, is easily visualized. The symbolic imagery of the animals and the various Aspects add another layer of depth to the overall ambiance of this tale.

Jeri Smith-Ready continues to develop her characters as they are beginning to show growth from the deep life lessons they are all facing. In VOICE OF CROW, Rhia and Marek are entering the second stages of their powers during a time of great turmoil. One would expect that Rhia, with her Aspect of Crow and her gift at hearing the deceased, would be a somber character but she is instead full of life. Marek faces many challenges in this story and Jeri Smith-Ready sensitively addresses a very delicate, often forgotten or overlooked issue, with his character. I couldn't help but cry at Marek's anger and Rhia's love, the love that ultimately saves him.

VOICE OF CROW is a powerful second novel in a trilogy that has solidified Jeri Smith-Ready as a true force in the genre. Her powerful tale of magic and heroism is both poignant and unforgettable. The characters in the Aspect of Crow series are heroic in their flaws, as each one works through their difficulties, ultimately leading to further growth. VOICE OF CROW is an absorbing and captivating tale that is a definite hit!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

THE DEAD CRY OUT TO HER . . .

In pain, in fear, and in longing-with every passing Rhia hears the cries of the departed. This "gift" from the ancient and mysterious Crow gives Rhia an intimate connection to death. One that holds her soul hostage to enemies from the Other Side, even as her people are threatened by the enemies they call Descendents. But a new prophecy offers hope: Rhia's infant son may hold the key to freedom.

And then he is stolen from her.

To save her family, protect her home, and reclaim her soul, Rhia will travel as far as she must. To the Descendants' towering white city . . . or even to the Land of the Dead itself.


After reading Eyes of Crow, I couldn't wait to read this book. I was immediately sucked into the story from the first page. Smith's writing is so rich and simply elegant. And I'm so glad to say, this is one of the greatest book I've read in a long time. It's a powerful and addicting story and I can't wait for The Reawakened coming November 2008.

- Wendy.

I just finished Voice of Crow and I can't wait to read it again. It picks up right where we were left at the end of Eyes of Crow. I recommend everyone go out and get both books! Voice of Crow was not mainly fixed on Rhia. It showed other characters that we loved from the first book and one new character that I rooted for through the whole book. Not only can Jeri Smith-Ready get me hooked on one character, I am now hooked all of the characters. What a great read and I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out.

Voice of Crow, the second book in the Aspect of Crow Trilogy, was good, but not quite as good as the first book. The book begins right where the first book left off, so I would highly recommend reading the first book before trying this one! The writing style is very easy to read and enjoy, and the characters are still interesting and realistic. The reason I say this book is not as good as the first is because the second book is basically all adventure and action, surrounding the events that take place. The first book had action too, but it seemed to include other elements as well, like more details about relationships, people in the town, feelings, etc. etc. I felt like there were parts of Voice of Crow that seemed kind of rushed, or just background details to move the storyline along. Overall, I did enjoy it, and I plan on reading the Reawakening, book three.