When Among Crows

Veronica Roth

Urban Fantasy

When Among Crows is swift and striking, drawing from the deep well of Slavic folklore and asking if redemption and atonement can be found in embracing what we most fear.

We bear the sword, and we bear the pain of the sword.

Pain is Dymitr’s calling. His family is one in a long line of hunters who sacrifice their souls to slay monsters. Now he’s tasked with a deadly mission: find the legendary witch Baba Jaga. To reach her, Dymitr must ally with the ones he’s sworn to kill.

Pain is Ala’s inheritance. A fear-eating zmora with little left to lose, Ala awaits death from the curse she carries. When Dymitr offers her a cure in exchange for her help, she has no choice but to agree.

Together they must fight against time and the wrath of the Chicago underworld. But Dymitr’s secrets—and his true motives—may be the thing that actually destroys them.

-Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

Check Goodreads to see the book’s ratings.

My Opinion

(3.5 / 5) Veronica Roth is an author I’ve followed for years. I was first entranced by her Divergent series (still a favorite in my book) as many of us were. This book is a completely different type of story starting with Polish folklore in a modern human world. Monsters feed upon human emotions, especially fear. This world is inundated with these monsters that can harm humans but also the people that fight these monsters.

Dymitr and a long line of his family have given up their souls to fight these monsters. And yet, he is tasked with the impossibility of finding Baba Yaga. The only way to do this is to partner up with Ala, a monster. In return, he promises to rid her of a curse she endures daily. But their loyalties will be tested and the journey is full of danger.

The premise of this book is very original. I loved the dark gothic atmosphere with monsters in a human world. It did take me quite a bit to get used to that contrast but it fit the storyline well. For me, the characters needed a bit more development, which is common in a novella. There is just not enough time or space to develop them well enough. But I really connected with the struggle of taking long-learned beliefs and finding there is a different truth than what they previously knew. I love a character who can see beyond what they’ve known and find their own way in this new way of thinking.

I recommend this to those that love dark gothic vibes and found family!

AUDIO REVIEW: There were three narrators, two men and a woman. My only complaint is that the female voices were not as polished as the others. It made them sound fake or too young.

General content summary: F words= 14

Christian religion

Physical violence (magic causes flesh ripped off and broken bones, blood, boxing match and injuries)

Fingernail pulled off for a payment (some details, blood, pain)

Visions (murder)

M/M flirting and kisses 

Person assisted suicide (sickness)

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Tor Books through NetGalley for the copies!

The book releases May 14, 2024.

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