Eyes Of Crow (Aspect of Crow Trilogy) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fresh new voice in urban fantasy. Requiem for the Devil blends fantasy, sensuality and humor in a remarkable tale." -- Bestselling author Catherine Asaro on Requiem for the Devil

Eyes of Crow lured me into its clutches by page two...Beware, reader! You may never want to return... -- PC Cast, author of Goddess of Love

Lovers of fantasy are about to embark on a great new series. -- Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars Top Pick

[A]n absolutely delightful coming-of-age story. -- Charles de Lint, Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Product Description

She was born to die . . . again and again

For Rhia was bound to the Spirit of Crow, gifted with the foresight of Death's approach and doomed to the isolation of one feared and set apart. There must always be one whose magic can ease the passage of the people of Asermos to the Other Side. But to be the guide her people require, to truly know the depth of her gift -- her curse -- Rhia must surrender herself to the wisdom of the Great Forest . . . and drink deeply of Death itself. And though two powerful men stand ready to aid her, even to love her, the Aspect of Crow demands unthinkable sacrifices from the one who walks its path.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Luna (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373802587
• ISBN-13: 978-0373802586
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #261,984 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 1 in The Aspect of Crow Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A journey of heart and mind..., November 26, 2006

By	Wooddavis (California) - See all my reviews

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This one almost slipped past me, and would have been overlooked entirely if I hadn't accidentally noticed this novel on the wishlist of another reader. Shame on Luna for keeping this release so quiet. This novel is well worth their full support, its different, captivating. Wonderful, actually.

This is the story of a girl from child to woman, very American Indian in flavor, and her emotional journey in becoming a useful member of her society (A crow woman). It's a strong love story, from first love (you remember, the one that was everything, and hurt so badly when in ended?), and mature love (the forever one that's vital enough to include children). This is also an adventure story, the clash of societies, the explosion of religious dogma, life, death, fear, hope.

Four stars instead of five because this book cries out desperately for a sequel (a trilogy is promised), and I do prefer stories that finish in one volume.

Highly recommended, you won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A fantasy romance that does both well, March 23, 2008

By	StdPudel (Somerville, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Eyes of Crow is a true example of the fantasy romance genre, with equal parts of each. Young Rhia feels the presence of the death spirit Crow within her. Smith-Ready adapts the Native American spirit guides to her medieval-style agrarian world with some flair. Rhia's people are called by their animal spirit, which guides their career and life. Spiders make good artists, Otters are healers, and so on. Smith-Ready enlarges well on the animal spirits theme. Although clearly Native American-inspired, she makes it her own. Rhia fears a life in the constant presence of death, and what her calling means for her future with her boyfriend Arcas. Rhia's village of Asermos is lovingly depicted, and details of life on her family's horse and dog farm ring true. The next village over, Kalindos, where the people dwell in tree houses, is less well thought through, as well as the Descendant bad guys. The sex scenes and romance are appealing, although some of the boy-girl dialogue could come from any bodice-ripper. Eyes of Crow is an enjoyable vacation read as long as you don't overthink it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am now a fan of this series!, July 2, 2008

By	Lupa (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

I was first introduced to Jeri Smith-Ready's Wicked Game, one of the most original vampire novels I've had the pleasure of reading. Unbeknownst to me at the time, her earlier publications included a series of novels based around a fantasy world where people bond with their totems in very dramatic and magical ways. Eyes of Crow is the first in the trilogy.

A community of people live by the abilities bestowed upon them by their totem creatures. Some are common, others less so. Rhia, our main character, fears that she may be the first Crow woman in a generation, Crow being the harbringer of death. Amid this set of growing pains, she must also navigate love, a potential war, and the loss of those around her.

While I was a little worried that this would end up being a long, dragging novel that I couldn't wait to have over with, it was actually quite a fast and enjoyable read for its size. Smith-Ready is a talented writer who has a firm grasp of both worldbuilding and character development. Both the descriptive parts and the dialogue flow smoothly, and they're well balanced.

I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a new fantasy series to read. I would also highly suggest that anyone interested in animal totems pick it up, since she does a good job of creating a fictional totemic system.