The Crow

I was not expecting this book to be about Hem since book one and book two featured Maerad. At first I was kind of dissapointed because that was the appeal of the series to me - the main character was a FEMALE and not a "supportive role" character. I had nothing to fear. Maerad is still very much to main character. But her brother Hem is very important too and has something that will be needed by Maerad in --- Book Four!

I have to say that I was nervous about starting this book, knowing that it was written with a boys point of view. However, when I finally started it, I couldn't put it down. This is definately a book worth buying, and shows the strengthes and weaknesses of a young boy named Hem. Despite being an outcast he faces all odds and starts to discover himself, and also realizes that he starts to discover the true meaning of love and loss. He loves his sister, mentor, an untamed young girl, and an outcast white crow, much like himself. He feels many losses and the pains of the war surrounding him, but even with these sadnesses he can't hide who he truly is, which is a born hero, who is worth much more than he knows. To those of you who love the Pellinor series, this is a definite must buy, and those of you who already read this fantastic book, I know you are as anxious as me for the fourth book of Pellinor, The Singing, to come out.

At first I was apprehensive because of the point of view that the story was coming from. I thought that Hem would leave a boring life in the warm, sunny city of Turbansk, but I was thoroughly wrong. This story was written with such brilliance of mind and talent that it was unmistakible in the way the words just brought to life an imagine in my mind. The most compelling part of the novel was where Hem had to endure the horrible existence as part of the "cur". The author just built a horrific yet tantalizing scene that in parts just made you want to cry for the poor children and their victims, and feel furious at the world that the Nameless one had built. Alison Croggon is in my view perhaps the best fantasy writer I have ever encountered. She writes in a way that secretly captivates your mind until you can not put her book down. In any case I hope she writes more books like this in the near future.

Many reviews seem to dislike this book because it is about Hem. I liked Hem from the start and was disappointed that he was not mentioned in the last book at all. Hem really grows is this book and I think the prose is some of the best Alison Croggon has written so far. This is very interesting and well written book. The character development is really wonderful and it allows the reader to have a better idea of how the war is going and being fought around the world by a variety of people. I'm really looking forward to book 4!