Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Crowfall by Ed McDonald Series: Raven's Mark #3
Published by Ace on July 2, 2019
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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A sorcerous cataclysm has hit the Range, the final defensive line between the republic and the immortal Deep Kings.
Tormenting red rains sweep the land, new monstrosities feed on fear in the darkness, and the power of the Nameless, the gods who protect the republic, lies broken. The Blackwing captains who serve them are being picked off one by one, and even immortals have learned what it means to die. Meanwhile, the Deep Kings have only grown stronger, and they are poised to deliver a blow that will finally end the war.
Ryhalt Galharrow stands apart from it all.
He has been deeper into the wasteland known as the Misery than ever before. It has grown within him--changed him--and now the ghosts of his past, formerly confined to the Misery, walk with him everywhere.
They will even follow him--and the few surviving Blackwing captains--on one final mission into the darkness.
The Raven’s Mark series is dark and gritty. The main character is Ryhalt and he is a soldier in a long-term war. At the beginning of the third book, Crowfall, he has isolated himself out in the Misery, which is sort of a wasteland partially caused by the war. It was a bit of a slow start with him on his own. You do need to read these books in order or you would be confused about some people and events. Even the world building aspects might be confusing without the background of the first two books.
The world has many types of magic users both immortal and mortal. The immortals are at war for power and the humans are an afterthought or tools for them. There are two major groups, the Nameless and the Deep Kings. The Nameless have captains within the humans who do work and fight to set things up for them.
Ryhalt’s is part of the Crow’s crew of Blackwings. They saved Valengrad but Ryhalt lost the woman he loved. Someone is now trying to murder all the Blackwing captains. Ryhalt goes back to civilization to take up his part in the war. This does not go smoothly, at all.
The war with the Deep Kings is coming to a head and the battle is fierce and deadly. Who will survive? Will humanity live, particularly the people Ryhalt loves? I think it ends up a bit quickly, but I’m glad it worked out that some of the humans did survive.
Giveaway:
I also received a print ARC which I did not read since I read the eARC version. So I am giving away the print one. US only. You will need to provide a US mailing address if you are the winner.
About Ed McDonald
Ed McDonald studied ancient history at the University of Birmingham and holds an MA in medieval history from the University of London. He is a keen martial artist and specializes in the Italian longsword.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
- COYER Hunt
Wow the cover is fantastic. I might have bought it just for that. I’ll have to look into the first book for sure though.
It’s a well-written grimdark series. I would have liked more information about the Deep Kings and Nameless but the not knowing is part of Ryhalt’s world. There are some strong friendships / relationships but for me I need a bit more humor / romance, it is pretty dark for me. This isn’t the kind of book to have humor of course, any more than some of the serial killer murder mysteries I read, so that is not a criticism in any way.
It could be interesting. I’ll go and check book 1 to see if it’s for me
Give it a try. It has unique magic systems and interesting characters.
i haven’t read any of ed’s books…yet. that’s why i need to win this one. LOL
Well I hope you win; I hope everyone wins. This is book 3 and you would want to read the first two before it though.
I may have to try this series. I do like dark and that cover is amazing.
I hope you will enjoy it!
I’ve been thinking of trying this author. Sounds like I should!!
Dark but very good. I’d start with the first one.
Wonderful review, Anne! I can tell you really enjoy this series and that cover is really engaging and pulls you in.
I do enjoy this series. I would just enjoy it more if I hadn’t been behind this month because of the moving.
I really need to try this series.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
It’s definitely grim dark, if you like that.
Amazing cover. Sounds great. Thanks.
I think this series does have great covers. This is the third in the series and you would want to start with book 1.