The Merciful Crow

Starred review from May 27, 2019
In this visceral fantasy, a young woman from the land’s lowest caste must protect Phoenix Prince Jasimir and his Hawk bodyguard Tavin from the murderous machinations of a queen in order to secure survival for her people. Fie is chief-in-training of a band of Crows, who are as reviled as they are necessary; they alone can safely dispose of plague victims and grant mercy killings to them when appropriate. But when a pair of corpses turns out to be nobility on the run, Fie and her crew are drawn into a desperate scheme that pits them against a host of enemies. Pursued throughout hostile territory and gradually stripped of allies and resources, Fie must learn to trust her newfound companions while mastering her Crow-given ability to channel magic through the bones and teeth of the deceased. Owen’s debut is a passionate blend of adventure and intrigue wrapped around strong worldbuilding and a unique magic system. Fie is prickly, adaptive, and fierce, the perfect foil for both privileged prince and increasingly sympathetic guard Tavin, for whom she develops feelings. Memorable and filled with diverse characters with fluid sexualities and identities, this tale is both a satisfying standalone and the first half of a planned duology. Ages 14–up. Agent: Victoria Marini, Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

June 1, 2019
A low-caste girl takes on a high-risk quest in this series opener. Only the Crows can dispatch and dispose of Sinner's Plague victims, but they are shunned, abused, and murdered by Sabor's other castes. A witch with "bone" (tooth) magic, 16-year-old Fie will one day succeed her Pa as chief of a band of itinerant Crows. But that day comes too soon when a rare retrieval from the royal palace delivers two corpses...who ain't dead yet. Often furious Fie instantly dislikes Phoenix Prince Jasimir and his Hawk bodyguard, Tavin, but soon finds herself head of the trio as they outrun and outwit ambitious Queen Rhusana and her night-riding Oleander Gentry--white-clad and masked (recalling the KKK)--relentless skinwitch trackers, and monstrous ghasts. Facing death and deprivation, Fie's companions also encounter Sabor's insidious violence toward Crows. Debut author Owen offers well-balanced worldbuilding and a propulsive plot and excels at tender, intimate moments and complicated, realistic romantic and familial relationships. Lacking an overt historical or geographic parallel, the tale instead features a cast spectacularly diverse in class, gender, sexual orientation, and race--Fie's skin is "terra-cotta," Jas' and Tavin's are "dark gold," while a villainous northerner is described as "pork-pink." Rich, harrowing, and unafraid to tackle discrimination--perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Tomi Adeyemi. (caste legend) (Fantasy. 12-18)

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July 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-In a fantasy kingdom with strict castes, the bottom-rung Crows are relentlessly persecuted. The only people immune to the plague capable of wiping entire towns off the map, Fie's small band of Crows are tasked with visiting stricken households, disposing of the dead victims, and showing mercy to those near their end. When the Crown Prince and his bodyguard fake their own deaths by plague, Fie extracts a promise of greater equality for their caste from the prince in exchange for restoring him to power. Although she's been preparing to lead her own band one day, she has to assume leadership after a sudden betrayal leaves her alone with the prince, his bodyguard, and the promise they've made to one another. Debut author Owen's rich world-building is tight and logical, integrating various magical gifts, memorable characters, and timely and relevant themes of prejudice, persecution, and social justice. One especially nice touch is the baseline assumption that queer characters are so normal in this world as to be a nonissue-one background character, for example, uses they/them pronouns with no fanfare or explanation. Many readers wouldn't notice this detail, but queer readers and their allies likely will appreciate it. VERDICT An excellent next read for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Kristin Cashore, and Moira Young.-Erin Downey, Boise School District, ID

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