Review | A Curse of Crows by Lauren Dedroog

Review of ‘A Curse of Crows (A Curse of Crows and Serpents #1) by Lauren Dedroog. Discover the dark allure of A Curse of Crows, the captivating first book in the A Curse of Crows and Serpents series by Lauren Dedroog. This spellbinding fantasy plunges readers into a world of curses, complex characters, and intriguing plot twists. In this review, we’ll explore how Dedroog’s storytelling prowess shines through the intense character dynamics, unique representation, and intricate world-building that make this book a standout. However, with multiple perspectives and a unique narrative structure, A Curse of Crows may challenge readers to stay fully engaged. Let’s dive into the highs and hurdles of this richly layered novel.

‘A Curse of Crows’ by Lauren Dedroog is an ambitious tale of curses, complex characters, and intricate world-building, but its convoluted narrative and overwhelming cast make it a challenging read

Synopsis

Diana speaks. Gods answer.

Aedlynn strikes. Enemies fall.

In the realm where gods dance with mortals, Diana’s prayers wield unimaginable power. But when a deadly sickness threatens to consume her, she strikes a desperate bargain with an unlikely ally, invoking a journey of vengeance and deceit.

Aedlynn is a lethal weapon forged in darkness. She feels no pity, no guilt . . . no love. So when a beautiful spy finds a hidden way into Aedlynn’s heart, even the gods won’t stand in her way.

As Fate weaves its intricate tapestry, betrayal and revelation collide, plunging them all into a maelstrom of passion and peril, and a battle for power will threaten to consume them all.

Because there’s a fine line between love and hate . . .

And a woman’s heart is a dangerous thing.

Review

I received a free copy from NetGalley and Gollancz in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my review. Thank you for this review copy.

In A Curse of Crows, we’re taken on a journey through a darkly intricate world where a curse has woven itself into the lives of several characters, each grappling with their own burdens, secrets, and quests for redemption. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of these individuals as they navigate a complex web of curses, alliances, and betrayals. At its core, the book is an exploration of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths people go to protect what they love. The narrative is propelled by mysterious, sometimes deadly forces that push characters to their limits—and sometimes over the edge.

I have to start by saying how much I appreciated the inclusion of comprehensive trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. This thoughtful touch set a positive tone right away and allowed me to feel safe diving into a dark and layered tale.

In A Curse of Crows, we’re introduced to a darkly woven world where curses shape the lives of numerous characters. Each grapples with their own burdens and secrets, but as the story unfolds, the dense web of curses, alliances, and betrayals becomes overwhelming. While the book aims to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and protection, it often struggles to deliver them in a cohesive way. The multiple perspectives are intended to deepen the story, but they end up creating more confusion than clarity.

The characters are certainly varied, but the sheer number makes it nearly impossible to stay engaged. I found myself constantly flipping back to remember who was who, which disrupted the flow. The continual shifts in perspective and the hyperfocus required made reading feel more like a mental marathon than an enjoyable escape. Even with my best attempts to stay invested, the heavy backstories and layers of information left me frustrated and feeling bogged down.

While the plot had potential, the disorienting jumps between characters’ thoughts often took me out of the story. Chapters frequently shifted between one character’s viewpoint and another’s inner monologue without warning, leaving me wondering who was speaking. This lack of clarity made the reading experience jarring and, at times, even exhausting.

It’s worth noting that A Curse of Crows doesn’t feel overly long, but it does cram in so much detail that it might have benefited from either an extended format or a tighter focus on fewer plot points. Many side plots, while ambitious, felt like distractions from the core narrative, making it hard to stay invested in the main storyline.

On a brighter note, the representation of diverse identities felt genuine and affirming, and the world-building is impressively atmospheric. Dedroog’s creativity is clear in her depiction of the cursed world and its unique characters. Yet, even with these positive aspects, the story felt weighed down by its own complexity.

Final thoughts

There’s no doubt that Lauren Dedroog is a talented writer, with a strong sense of world-building and intriguing character ideas. However, A Curse of Crows falls short in execution. The overwhelming character count, disorienting narrative style, and pacing issues made it difficult to fully appreciate the book. I had hoped for an immersive and engaging experience, but instead, I found myself more frustrated than enchanted. For readers who enjoy complex narratives with a heavy mental workout, this might hold appeal. However, for most readers, it may feel more like a chore than a captivating journey.

Rating

4/10

Details

• Trigger warnings: Explicit language, explicit but consensual on-page sex scenes (chapter 6 and 22), physical abuse (mentioned and shown in a flashback scene), emotional abuse (mentioned and on-page), grooming (mentioned and on-page), history of an abusive relationship, blood, violence, torture, on-page death, punishment by whipping (mentioned and on-page), chronic illness due to magic suppression, mentions of grief, on-page panic attack, sexism (one character, to nymphs and female daemons), idolizing captor, hinted at sexual relationship with captor while under their control
• Themes: Curses, identity, redemption, betrayal, survival, power dynamics, magic
• Representation: The story prominently features a theme of LGBTQ+ representation, with diverse cultural backgrounds and characters experiencing mental health challenges
• Genre: Contemporary fantasy (adult)
• Pages: 496
• Publication date: September 19, 2024
• Publisher: Gollancz
• About the author: Lauren Dedroog is a Belgian author with a passion for writing dark and intricate fantasy worlds. Known for her detailed character development and immersive world-building, Dedroog creates stories that explore the depths of human emotion and moral complexity. A Curse of Crows is her debut novel, showcasing her talent for weaving multiple perspectives and complex narratives into a cohesive and gripping tale