Book Review for "The Crow"

The Crow is a scintillating, crazy, scary, story.  The Crow is the third in the books of Pellinor.  And it is the craziest book in the series by far.


Since being swiftly parted from older sister Maerad, Hem and his guardian Saliman have been living in Turbask for the past few months. While grateful for Saliman’s assistance, Hem can’t help but get in trouble. First, his time at the School hasn’t been going well. Hem is the only northerner in class, so his appearance, his little knowledge of the local language and customs, and his knack for retaliation towards the taunts of classmates make him an outsider.

Things begin to look up for Hem, however, when he rescues a young fledgling crow being attacked by its relatives and later names him Irc. Unlike the other crows, Irc’s feathers are white. Hem’s natural affinity for birds and Irc’s curiosity is just the foundation for a unique friendship that has quite an effect on the world around them. Then, while in the marketplace one day, Hem literally runs into a young girl whose fierce disposition intrigues and repels him. Her name is Zelika, a refugee from the city of Baladh who was cruelly separated from her family after they were murdered by the Dark Army. Zelika seems determined to avenge her family’s misfortune no matter what the cost.

Meanwhile, Saliman begins hearing reports of the Dark Army and their brutal assaults on other cities and villages throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Turbask prepares to fight back, not only to protect their people but also to provide more time for other potential victims. When the true extent of the Dark Army’s deadly power is revealed through reports of a scrimmage in Il Dara, and Turbask is attacked by Deathcrows, Saliman and several members of Turbask’s council come to the grim conclusion that they have to say goodbye to their beloved city. As the war rages outside the city walls, Hem, Irc and Zelika help in the healing houses, where Hem realizes that the profession comes naturally to him. However, with the prospect of leaving Turbask and the tragic losses he has faced, Hem isn’t sure if he will ever have a relatively normal life as a Bardic healer.

The journey has just begun for Hem and his traveling companions, which now include their guide Soron. Along the way, they meet Bards in a secret underground city referred to as the Pit. Here, Hem makes a startling discovery as to what role he plays in the quest for the Treesong. Then a Bard named Hared sets a plan in motion for a mission to uncover information about the Dark’s deadliest weapon, which will change Hem’s life forever.


In a confusing and very long tale this story gripped my attention. As always though (in this series), at parts, it very much laaaagggged.  The Pros: Already gave you one :) but, it was nice for a change to have a boys outlook on things, it also had a lot action and a good story line.  The Cons: I'm very sorry to say that it had many.  It was gory, and if you don't like that sort of thing it was bad.  Also it was extremely depressing, and at times even I had to struggle through the horrific turn of events.  Truth to be told, it is a dark and sadistic book, and although vital to the plot line it was hard for me to read all that entailed. In the end, I suppose it wasn't terrible, I mean it could have been worse, but it was truly the most heartbreaking book I've read in my entire life and I would be very hesitant to read it through again. 

Pegasus Island

My mouth fell open in shock.  She was gorgeous.  She had long, brown curls and rich dark skin, tanned from many years in the sun.  She was tall, extremely built, strong and toned.  She blinked at me with hostile eyes, but she kept her face completely expressionless.

 “Oh, God.”  I said breathily.  I leaped up to my feet and tried to appear presentable, brushing the sand from my face, and tucking my hair behind my ears.  “P-p-lease, please, help me.”  I sobbed and motioned aimlessly with my hands.  She blinked never changing her present expression.  “You,” I pointed to her.  “Help me.”  I pointed to myself, pleading with her with all that had.  She just stared at me, then, she walked away.  I watched her go in disbelief.  “W-wh-wait!”  I screamed, “Don’t leave me!”  She whirled around and for the first time I noticed the spear she was now pointing at me.  Then I observed she was also carrying a crude, handmade fishing net.  “I’ll help you!”  I implored her.  “With the fishing.”  She had a warning look on her face.  Again, she turned and walked away.  I ran after her screaming, pleading, yelling, and swearing, but nothing would work.  I dived and grabbed her leg but she merely kept on walking.  I still holding on was being dragged, so I let go.  She never even turned and just kept on walking, quietly and steadily.