Many thanks to my friends at @macmillan.audio for the free #gifted copy of this book. 

 

Short and sweet?  That’s not my usual go-to when it comes to reading.  I prefer to sink my teeth into something with substance.  So, color me surprised to find that Roth delivered a vividly depicted-- short and sweet-- novella that I could sink my teeth into and feel fully satisfied. 

 

There was no easing into this storyline.  Immediately, Roth placed us within this magical world and amongst the richly drawn characters.  I was easily captivated by the vivid storytelling and vibrantly painted imagery.  

 

The sinister underbelly of modern-day Chicago felt a fitting setting for this hidden world full of mythical monsters.  It also made the world building easily accessible for those, like me, not readily familiar with Slavic folklore.    

 

At times the storyline takes on an intensity full of violence and terror with mythical beings fighting for control and determined to dominate.  But there are also notes of tenderness as the unlikely partnership embraces connection and friendship.  

 

For me, When Among Crows was a lesson learned.  Apparently... less can be more sometimes.  

 

🎧 This was a binge listen for me!  Narrators Helen Laser, James Fouhey, and Tim Campbell had me in the palm of their hand perfectly depicting this tale and breathing life into the characters.  The amazing accents and proper word pronunciations are an added bonus.  A phenomenal listen!