When among crows by Veronica Roth

Dymitr comes from a long line of hunters whose souls are split in order to fight monsters. The distress of this role is hard and propels himself directly into struggle. Ala has inherited a curse that is slowly destroying her. Dymitr sets out on a quest to unburden himself, but needs the magical power of others to assist in the process. The conflict between magical forces and beings is fraught with multiple layers of pain, and Dymitr and Ala (as well as the intriguing Niko) must put themselves in danger before they can know  some resolution to their pain. 

This novella is not easy fantasy, it weaves Polish folklore and Slavic mythology (and some Polish language) in a complex dance of evil, pain and conflict, but with a tinge of compassion. The unusual nature of magical or mythical creatures and their dark powers adds some complexity to the story and this book does not have the clarity of Roth’s writing in the Divergent series. There are no true mortals or humans within this mythological world, and yet we recognise the struggle for those who feel uncomfortable in their place in their world and the way good can still rise from the mire of conflict.

This will require a reader with a heart for complex fantasy, aged 15+. There is some violence, but it is the unknowns of the mythology that create a cloudiness for understanding and thus only the persistent fantasy devotee that will appreciate this dark story.

Themes: Fantasy, Polish folklore, Curses, Pain, Submission.

Carolyn Hull