Book Review: The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson is a brilliant, beautifully written story with fantastical elements, strong characters, and a captivating plot. It is about Princess Anthia of Rhodaire. She is training to be a crow rider, a warrior of the sky, when the Illucian empire invades and kills all of the crows and Thia’s mother and mentor. Thia is thrown into a deep depression and she struggles to navigate her emotions and save her kingdom from Illucia at the same time. 

Josephson tackles the issue of mental health openly, which is another reason why this is one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. Thia becomes severely depressed after the death of her mother and mentor, and she keeps mourning the loss of the crows. Thia’s emotional battle is written so well, it feels like you are experiencing her depression along with her as she does. The depression, though, is not written as something that is slowly killing Thia-on the contrary, the depression carves out her character and paves the way for the spark of rebellion that will ignite in her. 

I loved the countries and how you could see they were all different, each with their own customs and culture. The storm crows also add a great touch of fantasy and magic to the story, and I liked how Josephson portrayed how important they were to Rhodaire. 

Thia’s friends and family relations are also an integral part of the story. Her sister, Caliza, becomes queen after their mother’s death, and yet she still tries to help free her sister from depression. Thia’s best friend, Kiva, becomes Thia’s confidant and the two have a sister-like bond, with the two always fiercely protecting each other and supporting one another no matter what. Thia even manages to find love with an intelligent, bookish boy named Caylus who helps Thia hatch the last remaining storm crow egg. And Ericen…well, he’s not what he seems to be. 

I loved reading The Storm Crow. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. If you want to read a great fantasy adventure that addresses love, friendship and grief, as well as LGBTQ+ characters, then The Storm Crow, and its sequel, The Crow Rider, is a must read.