“The Merciful Crow” is a young adult fantasy novel written by Margaret Owen, and the first book in the Merciful Crow series. The story takes place in a fictional kingdom where people are divided into different castes based on their magical abilities and social status. The lower caste, the “crows,” are ostracized and tasked with the dangerous and dirty job of disposing of the dead. The main character, Fie, is the future leader of her crow caste and possesses the magical ability to call upon and control different types of crows. When the kingdom’s ruling class, the Kyrrh, begin to target and kill members of the crows, Fie and her group become the only ones who can protect a prince and princess who are on the run. With the help of another outcast caste, the “phoenixes,” Fie and her group journey across treacherous landscapes, encountering magical and mythical creatures, and fighting for their survival against the Kyrrh. As they confront ancient secrets that have been kept hidden from the kingdom, Fie must navigate complicated relationships and deepening romantic feelings, all while fulfilling her role as a mercy killer and leader of her people. In the end, Fie and her group are able to outsmart the Kyrrh and pave the way for a potential revolution, but not without experiencing devastating losses and challenges along the way.
The Merciful Crow / Merciful Crow Series, Book 1, Audiobook Online By: Margaret Owen
Debut author Margaret Owen crafted a powerful tale of revenge, survival and sacrifice – perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Kendare Blake – in The Merciful Crow. One way or another, we always feed the crows.
A future leader.
Fie follows one rule: Take care of your own. Her Crow caste of merciless slayers and takers suffers more abuse than money, but when they’re called to collect the royal dead, she hopes they’ll find some money. lifetime payments.
Prince on the run.
When Crown Prince Jasimir turns out to have faked his death, Fie is ready to cut her losses – and perhaps his throat. But he made a bet she couldn’t refuse: Protect him from a ruthless queen, and he’ll protect the Raven as he reigns.
Bodyguards are too cunning.
The hawk warrior Tavin always puts Jas’ life before his own, magically transforming into a prince and watching his every move. But what happens when Tavin starts wanting something to call his own?
I liked this book because it was a bit out of the ordinary when it came to the typical anti-imperial rebellion fantasy story, and I especially loved the focus on birds. I was also pleased that the novel dealt with LGBTQ and non – gender characters in a casual way that wasn’t offensive. The main character isn’t overly complicated, but it’s a good adventure that most fantasy readers will enjoy.
I liked this book because it was a bit out of the ordinary when it came to the typical anti-imperial rebellion fantasy story, and I especially loved the focus on birds. I was also pleased that the novel dealt with LGBTQ and non-gender characters in a casual way that wasn’t offensive. The main character isn’t overly complicated, but it’s a good adventure that most fantasy readers will enjoy.
