Nevernight meets Reign of the Fallen in this dark saga where assassins wield not blades, but death itself.When the mortals want someone dead, they contract a Reaper of Veltuur, an assassin born from the underrealm, with fatal magic coursing through their veins.Sinisa is one of them.For three years, she’s served the underrealm and slain her targets dutifully with the aid of her crow familiar. She … her targets dutifully with the aid of her crow familiar. She only needs one more kill to ascend as a Shade, a coveted status of power. And when the King of Oakfall requests a Reaper to execute his daughter for an unforgivable crime, Sinisa is first to volunteer for the job.
It should be easy.
But when the Prince of Oakfall discovers his sister is in danger, he flees the palace with her, leaving Sinisa with only two options: journey through the mortal realm to find and slay her mark, or face the consequences of returning to the underrealm empty-handed.
It’s no choice at all. She has come too far and is too close to earning her title to let it be taken away from her now.
Besides, no one can outrun a Reaper of Veltuur.
Or can they…
Soul of the Crow is a dark high fantasy adventure with reapers/assassins, bandits, prophets, and enough death magic to keep the entire mortal realm quaking with fear. If you loved Throne of Glass, Dark Maji, King of Scars,The Shadows Between Us, or books by Jenna Moreci, Jay Kristoff, Kel Carpenter, and Laura Thalassa, you will devour this epic, gothic saga!
Come. Walk through the forest of the underrealm and discover what’s lurking there in the shadows.
This book contains themes of death, grief, trauma, and discrimination not suitable for the faint of heart. It is a dark fantasy series. You have been warned.
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(I am updating my review, because I apparently missed a lot key details the first time around. Still worth the 5)
There are some themes that may be triggering such as grief, trauma, killings/death (because Reapers, of course).
Our FMC is a reaper, who was sent to carry out an order on a royal member. This happens to introduce our 2nd MC, a prince. His sister was the target. He was willing to save his sister at all cost, even if it meant escaping the castle. The Reaper and Prince end up forming an unlikely alliance.
All Reapers have crows to help them carry out their bidding. At first, the bond was undeniable and initially thought “okay, they are like familiars, protectors…it’s kind of adorable”, boy was I wrong…and that’s all I am saying.
I loved the unlikely friendship between the reaper and prince. They had a understanding of each other. Sometimes friends help you through tough times.
Soul of the Crow was beautifully written and Jessaca did such an amazing job with the world building. I was hooked from the very beginning. There were twist and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat. Also, I would suggest reading the prequel, Assassin’s Reaper, a few characters show up. Can’t wait to see what happens next in book 2. Also, the cover is stunning and really fitting with the story!
I received an ARC and voluntarily gave my honest opinion and review
Before I begin my review for Soul of the Crow I would like to personally thank the author, Jessaca Willis, for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest opinion.
An incredibly relatable, socially awkward and anxious prince and an impassive reaper become reluctant acquaintances in this epic introduction to the Reapers of Veltuur Series. With an exciting and unique tale, Soul of the Crow by Jessaca Willis will appeal to fans of Scythe and Shadow and Bon
Soul of the Crow features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
Reapers
Death/killing
Anxiety
Prince
Pursuit and escapes
Revelations
Animal companions
Trigger warnings for some readers
My overall rating for Soul of the Crow is…
4 stars!
The Prince in this story was ridiculously relatable with his social anxiety and muddled up words. It’s not often I find an author who can put anxiety to page but Willis found a way! This story was epic and heartbreaking, the perfect beginning to what I believe will be a highly anticipated series. Please be aware this book includes some scenes that may disturb some readers.
Soul of the Crow (Reapers of Veltuur Book 1) is expected to be released on 26 August 2020 and can be preordered now on Amazon!
“Soul of the Crow” the first volume in the “Reapers of Veltuur” Trilogy by Jessaca Willis is an exceptional gem that shine by its own in a at times over-saturated fantasy genre and offers the reader a breath of fresh air.
In a world with death is sanctioned and carried out by Reapers, every human who wrongfully kills another being, becomes a Reaper. Sinisa is one of them, a young girl without any recognition whatsoever of her former human life. A seasoned Reaper on her way to promotion, as after five thousand sanctioned deaths a Reaper earns the right to become a Shade. All Sinisa needs is one more death, today’s assignment should be the last.
Prince Acari of Tayaraan is still mourning the loss of his mother and brother a couple of years ago. Today should be a day of rejoicing for him, of preparing for his own blessing ceremony, but Acari’s life is about to take a wrong turn as his sole remaining sibling is marked for death.
Acari’s and Sinisa’s destinies become entangled, each in pursuit of an objective that is the exactly opposite of that of the other. As the story unfolds, and some flaws in the apparently perfect system are unearth, both Acari’s and Sinisa’s destiny would change forever.
This is an exceptionally good written and captivating book, with a beautiful crafted world that encompasses Veltuur and Tayaraan, two very different realms, each of them distinct enough to stand by itself, while connected through one all encompassing narrative and a cohesive description. While Tayaraan is a bright, apparently happy world, where every suffering is negated and hidden, deaths are commissioned and Reapers are both feared and ignored, Veltuur is a eery realm, where death is the very fabric that keeps the realm together, a wonderful scenery of forest, crows, Reapers, Shades, all hold together by the Spirit Council.
The book is highly original, interweaving Sinisa’s and Acari’s storylines’ into a delightful gothic tale, with elements of fantasy, folklore and mythology that helps to build a credible tale and touches the very core of human nature. Willis uses her storytelling gift switching between realms and characters to build an interconnecting plot, while preserving the continuity of both realms and their unique feeling and descriptions at all times. The story captivates the reader with a mix of unexpected twists, a very good plot and incredible high-quality writing. Willis’ main characters (Sinisa & Acari), despite being part of a gothic fantasy setting, are fully fleshed out, utterly credible, and feel familiar and real at all times, turning the plot into an adventure that captivates the reader and lingers long after the last page has been turned. That is an exceptionally good star to a very promising trilogy.
Soul of the Crow review
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much to the author for this wonderful read!
This book honestly went so above my expectations. I wasn’t fully sure what this book was going to be like but I’m so happy I read it! Actually, I more devoured it.
It is written in duel perspectives, switching between the prince Acari and the Reaper Sinisa. Reapers are who a mortal turns to when they want someone or some type of life dead. This includes animals and insects. Mortals put in a request with a Reaper who works for the underworld and carry the souls through passing. If a mortal takes a life, they then become a Reaper. This story follows Sinisa as she is contracted to kill the secret princess. Acari, her older brother, refuses to let this happen and runs away with his toddler sister. Sinisa must follow and complete her contract or face her own punishments in the underworld.
The world building of this novel was so well done. I feel like I was so immersed in this world and the characters were really well fleshed out! I was in love with Acari and all his goofy flaws. It made him a really fun character. It really makes his character as a 16 year old prince who was never supposed to be a ruler believable!
Pros and Cons: MAY HAVE MINOR SPOILERS
Pros:
1. I loved Sinisa’s story. Having it all fall together and realizing why she is in the position she is was absolutely heartbreaking and eye opening. It really brings into question if a life ever deserves to be taken.
2. Princess Gem and Prince Acari’s little speech differences really add an almost comical but sad feeling to the story. The fact that even royals can be unwanted and this uneducated is so sad.
3. The world building was absolutely amazing in this novel. It was really well thought out and every time I questioned something, it was answered within the next few chapters.
Cons:
1. Sometimes the dialect was a little off. For example, Sinisa would say something and it would seem weird or like it did not quite match her usual tone. It could be distracting every now and then.
2. I wasn’t all too surprised with the ending. The story could be a little predictable at times but overall it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story! I think all stories have their areas of being predictable.
3. It was a bit of a slow start for me. I wasn’t fully sure where the story was going or what exactly was happening. But everything really came together nicely! Just let yourself be confused for a little while.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading what happens next! I highly recommend it to any YA fantasy lovers.
I loved this book! First of all, the cover is amazing. The story drew me in from the start with an intriguing world. After reading Sinisa’s first few chapters, Acari’s voice threw me off as he is very rambling in his thoughts and in his words, but it provided a great contrast between the characters. I liked that a main male character wasn’t traditionally brave and snarky and flirty for once, but stumbled over his words and found the strength to do scary things in spite of his fear, for the love of his sister.
I loved Sinisa’s journey and her realization about accepting her past instead of forgiving (for her, the difference is enormous), and I can’t wait to find out more about her character in the coming books. That ending! I’m so ready for the next book!
I would like to know more about the Altuyur, and hope we get deeper into that lore and tradition in the next books. When there are any sort of divinities involved in a book’s world/culture, I want to know more about them and how it affects people’s lives. I feel like there is more to the story, there!
There are some trigger warnings to be aware of: mention/depiction of rape (although the act itself doesn’t happen in the book), death, murder, a cultural aversion to those born with deformities (though the main character is fighting against it).
I am a fool for a good high fantasy so when I started Soul of the Crow (SotC), I wasn’t the least bit surprised when I couldn’t put it down! SotC has the dark elements that I love in a fantasy! World building that is literally out of this world – pun is so intended – and characters that made me root for them, even the ones that were a bit on the darker side of the morally grey!
The world that Jessaca created is stunning and vivid with a fascinating concept: no mortal can kill any living thing without becoming a Reaper. Reapers are feared because they are responsible for bringing death to the mortal world. If you need an animal slaughtered for meat, a Reaper must do it & they only get their orders from the Council of Veltuur. The Realm of Veltuur is so intriguing, a place of death where the Spirit Council reigns and the Reapers live along with their soul-eating crows and the Shades, it is a dismal existence and is the complete opposite of Tayaraan, light, bright and pleasant but also where all is not as it may seem.
The characters, especially that of Acari, the Prince of Oakfall, are emotive and well-honed. Acari is absolutely & perfectly real in all his awkwardness with a kind, compassionate & loving heart. He. Is. Charming.!!! The relationship he has with his sister, Gem, is endearing and his protectiveness over her fierce! When their father, the King, requests a Reaper to dispense of her because she has a cleft lip, a deformity that is, indeed, punishable by death, it’s up to Acari to save her. Add in super motivated Reaper, Sinisia, who’s trying for her 5000th kill so she can ascend to a Shade and you have the making of a fast-paced fantasy with plenty of action, unique magic and hairpin twists. But that cliffhanger, though! Now for the wait until October 26th when Heart of the Sungem comes out!
Fantastic start to what I know is going to be an epic series!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Before I begin my review for Soul of the Crow I would like to personally thank the author, Jessaca Willis, for the opportunity to read this e-arc in return for my honest opinion. Thank you Jessaca Willis! All opinions are my own.
“Soul of the Crow” is the first book in the “Reapers of Veltuur” Trilogy by Jessaca Willis. I read this book from beginning to end in one single day. I basically went into this book blind. I had no idea what to expect, except it’s a story about a Reaper, but what it truly was so much more than that.
Soul of the Crow introduces readers to an interesting new world where killing is punishable not with death, but with becoming death. A Reaper in essence. Our main character, Sinisa, has been turned into a Reaper after committing murder. Her position as a Reaper demands that she fulfill death contracts.
This story is truly original and unique. Jessaca has the ability to draw you in from page 1 and totally dominate your attention so you want to continue reading.
And also, isn’t this book cover truly spectacular? Whoever designed this book cover captured the true essence of the story and wrapped it all up into the cover concept. Wow
I don’t want to spoil the joy this cook will bring you, so all I’ll say is this: the twists and turns have still left me reeling!!! No spoilers will be made, but that ending left me dying to know what happens in book two. Well done, Jessaca Willis, extremely well done!!
Please do yourself a favor. PREORDER THIS AMAZING BOOK!
What just happened!!??
Jessaca Willis is what!!!
Exceptional writing!
Great characters.
Still have chills!!!
*** I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.***
ONE REFRESHING TREAT
Dirty demons! Jessaca just dialed my number and rang my bell with this engrossing little jewel, laying out one action packed, heart pounding, pulse racing, nail biting, block buster, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Trudging through a minefield of daring drama, unveiling revelations, damning secrets, tumultuous intrigue, intense situations, escalating danger and spiraling suspense, maneuvering through the cunning manipulations of vicious intent and malicious deeds, shifting this jewel into overdrive, slamming it into a tizzy with an astonishing culmination. A raging tempest of vexing exigency and perplexing events, observing the formidable trials and hard fought triumphs, stumbling through the deadly twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Restrictions are heightened and stretched, baring all the harsh facts, ruthless deals and fleeting fiascos, igniting a fierce determination with such intensity and vigor, propelling this jewel to a whole new level. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add diversity, transforming into formidable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that’s so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Jessaca, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Okay, wow, I was not expecting that!
I loved this book! Way more than I thought I would. From the very beginning I was completely sucked in. The use of imagery and world building made me feel like I was actually immersed in the story and it made it hard for me to put down.
I loved the characters and as a mother of a child with a disability, I appreciated the story line so much more because of that. I don’t want to give too much away, so I won’t say more about it, but I loved the relationship here.
Overall, this was a great read and I will be not so patiently waiting for the second book because I NEED to continue this story and find out what happens.
Boy I was not expecting that ending. Can’t wait for book 2 because of that cliffhanger.
I really loved the premise of this book. It’s so interesting how the world and fantasy elements were set up. I would love to know more about the rune system and specifics about each rune and how the people “earn” them.
I feel like this book was really empowering. Accepting the past without giving in to it was such a great message.
I wish, however, that more emphasis was placed on explaining the law of the mother’s love and what not. I feel like the explanation was rushed a bit over such a drastic law. Also, i really wanted to know more about Sinisa’s past and also why Acari kept needing to eat the memory leaves and more about the guardians (though this can most certainly happen later in future books).
All in all, i thought this was a great start to a new series and am looking forward to more world building and character development to come.