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Crow and Firefly #1
Crow and Firefly
The laws of man and nature are harsh and Unwed mothers are not allowed to raise their children, and shapehifters must wed and consummate the marriage to satisfy the magic that would otherwise render them beasts forever upon the morning of their twenty-third birthday.
With the life of his sister and newborn nephew at stake, shapeshifter Ari is trapped in a castle and compelled to accept a situation he’d he is forced to marry Lord Dagur, a man he’s never met. A man called “The Cruel.” A man he fears, and not just because he fancies someone else.
With the life of his sister and newborn nephew at stake, shapeshifter Ari is trapped in a castle and compelled to accept a situation he’d he is forced to marry Lord Dagur, a man he’s never met. A man called “The Cruel.” A man he fears, and not just because he fancies someone else.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
1 person is currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Sam C. Leonhard
17 books33 followersSam C. Leonhard is a journalist by profession who lives in southern Germany. Writing has been part of her life since age twenty, but somehow it was never enough to report the latest news about small-town politics. She wrote short stories for friends and family until a few years back she discovered the world of fandom. The Petulant Poetess is where she feels at home; slash became an addiction as soon as she stumbled over the first story.
If not writing—which isn't half as often as she'd like—Sam takes care of her son, her dog, a few cats, the madness at work, and life in general. She likes to believe she’s got some humor left after years of dealing with people who usually don’t understand what she’s talking about when she says she’s writing fantasy and gay porn on top of it.
If not writing—which isn't half as often as she'd like—Sam takes care of her son, her dog, a few cats, the madness at work, and life in general. She likes to believe she’s got some humor left after years of dealing with people who usually don’t understand what she’s talking about when she says she’s writing fantasy and gay porn on top of it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 1, 2024
1.5 stars
Tho entertaining (to a degree), this book can stand some serious editing. The characters are unhinged, the writing is ...well, just let me warn you, the author is not a native speaker and it shows. There are plenty of people out there willing to proof-read, if only asked. That authors and publishers let it slide baffles me every single time.
I liked the idea of sifters-mating-humans being - literally - a deadly affair, however, it was not the real focus of this book. This is a cinderfella story, in which the future king of the land lures a poor young starving shifter, Ari, into his castle to marry him, the shifter/human conundrum a purrr-fect excuse for the jolly event. The pair, no surprise there, turns out to be a purrr-fect match.
Ari disappointed me great greatly at the end of the book, bragging about sleeping around with pretty much every available male since he was 14. That revelation comes out of his mouth on his wedding night, while talking to his brand-new husband. What a turn on ...um, not! :/ Oh, and then there was that episode where Ari seduced his husband by turning into a cat. What the heck? O.o
The author left no incentive to read the second installment. Everything smoothed out perfectly towards the end, with a perfect neon HEA flashing gaily all over the last pages.
Tho entertaining (to a degree), this book can stand some serious editing. The characters are unhinged, the writing is ...well, just let me warn you, the author is not a native speaker and it shows. There are plenty of people out there willing to proof-read, if only asked. That authors and publishers let it slide baffles me every single time.
I liked the idea of sifters-mating-humans being - literally - a deadly affair, however, it was not the real focus of this book. This is a cinderfella story, in which the future king of the land lures a poor young starving shifter, Ari, into his castle to marry him, the shifter/human conundrum a purrr-fect excuse for the jolly event. The pair, no surprise there, turns out to be a purrr-fect match.
Ari disappointed me great greatly at the end of the book, bragging about sleeping around with pretty much every available male since he was 14. That revelation comes out of his mouth on his wedding night, while talking to his brand-new husband. What a turn on ...um, not! :/ Oh, and then there was that episode where Ari seduced his husband by turning into a cat. What the heck? O.o
The author left no incentive to read the second installment. Everything smoothed out perfectly towards the end, with a perfect neon HEA flashing gaily all over the last pages.
June 1, 2013
I wish I could give more stars to this book... I really wish, but I'm a bitch I'm fair, and when I don't like a story I can't give more than 2 stars.
The plot
It call my attention immediately. A shifter (that can assume any form, any animal he desire) must be married and consume his marriage before his 23th birthday, or... he/she will be a beast forgetting his/hers human live.
I was intrigued... and get it.
My first criticism is the right price to such short story. I will keep my campaign of WHY a short story must be priced as a long one? No, quality is not in the length of the book, I know, but I'm tired of 4$ books that are less than 100 pages.
My second (and most important to a low rating) complain is the lack of explanations. It annoyed me so much! Thing are told, not explained. It irritate me. I want to know fact, and the reason of such facts, not just the facts... if I want facts I read a newspaper, not a book. I want details, more about the characters, more about the world. People appear from nowhere, stuff happened, and nothing was explained well. Probably because it's too short, and there wasn't time to more?
The end, after such superficial story was too quick, and of course, didn't explain a thing about the situation... everything end too well, and I don't like "forced" happy endings.
For a romance, there is no romance.
For a fantasy, there is almost nothing about the world
For a shifter story, there is no details of what is be a shifter
No, unfortunately I didn't enjoy it. It would be a 1 stars book, but because I'm shallow and admit it :D I'm raising to 2 stars because I love the book cover.
The plot
It call my attention immediately. A shifter (that can assume any form, any animal he desire) must be married and consume his marriage before his 23th birthday, or... he/she will be a beast forgetting his/hers human live.
I was intrigued... and get it.
My first criticism is the right price to such short story. I will keep my campaign of WHY a short story must be priced as a long one? No, quality is not in the length of the book, I know, but I'm tired of 4$ books that are less than 100 pages.
My second (and most important to a low rating) complain is the lack of explanations. It annoyed me so much! Thing are told, not explained. It irritate me. I want to know fact, and the reason of such facts, not just the facts... if I want facts I read a newspaper, not a book. I want details, more about the characters, more about the world. People appear from nowhere, stuff happened, and nothing was explained well. Probably because it's too short, and there wasn't time to more?
The end, after such superficial story was too quick, and of course, didn't explain a thing about the situation... everything end too well, and I don't like "forced" happy endings.
For a romance, there is no romance.
For a fantasy, there is almost nothing about the world
For a shifter story, there is no details of what is be a shifter
No, unfortunately I didn't enjoy it. It would be a 1 stars book, but because I'm shallow and admit it :D I'm raising to 2 stars because I love the book cover.
November 3, 2012
I admit, I bought this book because the cover immediately caught my eye on Dreamspinner. It's very refreshing to see such beautiful cover art when most art for romance books makes me want to run screaming, and it reminds me of my favorite two Norse gods.
It's short, too short for in-depth character development. But I really love Ari and that he's not your typical male-damsel-in-distress. The take on shifters and their status in society is very interesting, I'd definitely like to read some more of that. The plot twist at the end was a bit predictable, but I don't mind tropes at all if they're well-written.
A short but satisfying read. I'm torn between three and four stars, but since the blurb said it was written by a fellow fandom person from South-Germany, it's four stars from me. I assume she's an ESL person, and writing in a different language takes effort.
It's short, too short for in-depth character development. But I really love Ari and that he's not your typical male-damsel-in-distress. The take on shifters and their status in society is very interesting, I'd definitely like to read some more of that. The plot twist at the end was a bit predictable, but I don't mind tropes at all if they're well-written.
A short but satisfying read. I'm torn between three and four stars, but since the blurb said it was written by a fellow fandom person from South-Germany, it's four stars from me. I assume she's an ESL person, and writing in a different language takes effort.
March 24, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
Though I have a few of this author's books, I've yet to read any and even though it's been a while since it's release, I haven't been able to forget this story due to it's amazing cover. Talk about marketing! A good cover can carry a book much further than the book itself would go, and in this case, it kept a story I might have forgotten about firmly in my mind. And thankfully, I enjoyed it quite a bit. This story gets an A++++ for worldbuilding, but sadly didn't carry the story through to it's natural conclusion..
The blurb for this story gives us two crucial facts that say quite a bit about the world in Crow and Firefly. First is that unwed mothers cannot raise their children. They are taken by the priestesses to give to a married couple to raise.
Second, there are regular humans and there are shapeshifters. Roughly between puberty and the age of 20, those humans who would become shapeshifters (into any animal they choose) develop differently colored eyes -- a trademark among their kind. Also, though no one knows why, shapeshifters permanently turn into an animal (again, different kinds) on their 23rd birthday, unless they're married first. For some reason, the consummation of marriage keeps those from turning to beasts and losing their humanity. A further difficulty, however, is that shapeshifters can only have sex with others of their kind. Having sex with a regular human will kill the human.
LIfe is difficult for Ari. He's a shapeshifter with a pregnant and unwed sister living on the plains, a place with harsh winters that routinely claim the lives of it's poor inhabitants. And Ari and his sister are indeed poor. They live on the outskirts of the town Farrow amid the plains, with food caught by Ari in his fox or wolf form. Our story starts with Ari only a few months away from his 23rd birthday and no one around to marry. He's made peace with the probability that he'll turn into a beast and forget his sister and nephew. That all changes when the King's nephew and heir to the throne, Lord Dagur "The Cruel" and his hunting party move through Farrow and their party, including a nasty priestess, take notice of Ari and his sister.
The worldbuilding in this story is really wonderful. It helps to have those two clear cut facts straight before the story starts (or, it did me) so that I knew a general direction this story was headed in. It also helps you to get into the mindset of Ari straight away, so that you understand what exactly it means when he and his sister are noticed by Lord Dagur's party. Though the strange shapeshifter details to me at first seemed arbitrary -- I mean, the sex causing death and strange transformation on your 23rd birthday? -- the author really grew the world around them so that they seemed to make sense. I found myself immediately drawn in and fascinated by the world and the politics between humans and shapeshifters. The only hitch I had, in the end, was that those strange shapeshifter rules I talked about never quite seemed organic to me because the story didn't provide a reason for them, only mentioning that no one understood why they were as they were.
No, though I really liked the story, my main problem was that this story really stopped right as it was getting good. You almost can't call this a romance, because we never really get to see a relationship forming between Ari and Lord Dagur, not until the very end. And Lord Dagur calls into question what we really know of him without carrying the story further and then showing what a relationship between the two of them really means. We get a good picture, but it would have been nice to see all the same.
I will make sure to take more notice of this author in the future. I do hope that Sam C Leonhard continues to write stories like this, with a strong world, because that's something the fantasy geek in my really loves. I definitely recommend this one, but mostly to fantasy lovers who want something short.
Though I have a few of this author's books, I've yet to read any and even though it's been a while since it's release, I haven't been able to forget this story due to it's amazing cover. Talk about marketing! A good cover can carry a book much further than the book itself would go, and in this case, it kept a story I might have forgotten about firmly in my mind. And thankfully, I enjoyed it quite a bit. This story gets an A++++ for worldbuilding, but sadly didn't carry the story through to it's natural conclusion..
The blurb for this story gives us two crucial facts that say quite a bit about the world in Crow and Firefly. First is that unwed mothers cannot raise their children. They are taken by the priestesses to give to a married couple to raise.
Second, there are regular humans and there are shapeshifters. Roughly between puberty and the age of 20, those humans who would become shapeshifters (into any animal they choose) develop differently colored eyes -- a trademark among their kind. Also, though no one knows why, shapeshifters permanently turn into an animal (again, different kinds) on their 23rd birthday, unless they're married first. For some reason, the consummation of marriage keeps those from turning to beasts and losing their humanity. A further difficulty, however, is that shapeshifters can only have sex with others of their kind. Having sex with a regular human will kill the human.
LIfe is difficult for Ari. He's a shapeshifter with a pregnant and unwed sister living on the plains, a place with harsh winters that routinely claim the lives of it's poor inhabitants. And Ari and his sister are indeed poor. They live on the outskirts of the town Farrow amid the plains, with food caught by Ari in his fox or wolf form. Our story starts with Ari only a few months away from his 23rd birthday and no one around to marry. He's made peace with the probability that he'll turn into a beast and forget his sister and nephew. That all changes when the King's nephew and heir to the throne, Lord Dagur "The Cruel" and his hunting party move through Farrow and their party, including a nasty priestess, take notice of Ari and his sister.
The worldbuilding in this story is really wonderful. It helps to have those two clear cut facts straight before the story starts (or, it did me) so that I knew a general direction this story was headed in. It also helps you to get into the mindset of Ari straight away, so that you understand what exactly it means when he and his sister are noticed by Lord Dagur's party. Though the strange shapeshifter details to me at first seemed arbitrary -- I mean, the sex causing death and strange transformation on your 23rd birthday? -- the author really grew the world around them so that they seemed to make sense. I found myself immediately drawn in and fascinated by the world and the politics between humans and shapeshifters. The only hitch I had, in the end, was that those strange shapeshifter rules I talked about never quite seemed organic to me because the story didn't provide a reason for them, only mentioning that no one understood why they were as they were.
No, though I really liked the story, my main problem was that this story really stopped right as it was getting good. You almost can't call this a romance, because we never really get to see a relationship forming between Ari and Lord Dagur, not until the very end. And Lord Dagur calls into question what we really know of him without carrying the story further and then showing what a relationship between the two of them really means. We get a good picture, but it would have been nice to see all the same.
I will make sure to take more notice of this author in the future. I do hope that Sam C Leonhard continues to write stories like this, with a strong world, because that's something the fantasy geek in my really loves. I definitely recommend this one, but mostly to fantasy lovers who want something short.
October 23, 2013
That mini-blow-up in the beginning...Yeah, I get it. The reader needed info. But come on. Think about it. It came off unrealistic and histrionic. I dunno. Maybe I'm just too hard on people. I'd think it'd be histrionic to start spouting off to a stranger, though.
I know someone named Lijia. I keep seeing that every time I see Lilja and then visualizing her. It's very weird.
The marriage thing...I don't get it. Unless there's some magical whatever associated with this magical marriage ceremony that makes magic happen and causes shifters to
Actually, the rest of it is kind of weird, too. Dude, these people talk a damn lot. It makes it seem like they're performing to the audience instead of just living their lives. Even the narration feels like the lines of a chorus.
I sat and stared at the word "toyboy" for a moment. A long moment.
Eh. The premise is good. It could have been interesting. The author didn't sell it though. Xe couldn't make it believable. It's like reading a play in which the characters are aware they're part of a play but trying to pretend they're not actors playing a part.
It made it annoying to read. I could see where the author wanted to take it, but it wasn't there, and the actors weren't comfortable with their roles and were too aware of the fourth wall, which made me extra aware of the fourth wall, and that made it even more uncomfortable.
There was a point towards the middle where I mourned its short length. By about 80%, I was glad I was almost through.
The lines also aren't quite there. Some of them are almost ruthless in their word economy and bluntness. They're not quite ingenuous enough to come off as organic. Certain plot points don't make much sense, such as
The last 20% was so cringe-worthy I almost DNF'ed.
I almost sighed audibly with relief when I reached the About Author page.
In short, good idea. Execution didn't quite pan out. Overall, I'm rather disappointed. Rather nice cover, though.
I'd say it's worth reading for the world-building, but the actual story was pretty bad.
I know someone named Lijia. I keep seeing that every time I see Lilja and then visualizing her. It's very weird.
The marriage thing...I don't get it. Unless there's some magical whatever associated with this magical marriage ceremony that makes magic happen and causes shifters to
Actually, the rest of it is kind of weird, too. Dude, these people talk a damn lot. It makes it seem like they're performing to the audience instead of just living their lives. Even the narration feels like the lines of a chorus.
I sat and stared at the word "toyboy" for a moment. A long moment.
Eh. The premise is good. It could have been interesting. The author didn't sell it though. Xe couldn't make it believable. It's like reading a play in which the characters are aware they're part of a play but trying to pretend they're not actors playing a part.
It made it annoying to read. I could see where the author wanted to take it, but it wasn't there, and the actors weren't comfortable with their roles and were too aware of the fourth wall, which made me extra aware of the fourth wall, and that made it even more uncomfortable.
There was a point towards the middle where I mourned its short length. By about 80%, I was glad I was almost through.
The lines also aren't quite there. Some of them are almost ruthless in their word economy and bluntness. They're not quite ingenuous enough to come off as organic. Certain plot points don't make much sense, such as
The last 20% was so cringe-worthy I almost DNF'ed.
I almost sighed audibly with relief when I reached the About Author page.
In short, good idea. Execution didn't quite pan out. Overall, I'm rather disappointed. Rather nice cover, though.
I'd say it's worth reading for the world-building, but the actual story was pretty bad.
January 23, 2014
EDIT 23.01.2014
Second read of this story. Wanted to get back into the world before reading the second installment. Loved it the same as when I first read it.
...................................................................
I liked this story very much, the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the ending, or rather the length of the book. It was a quick read but a beautiful one and there was much left to be said. Ari was a sweetheart and the dynamics between him and Dagur would have been great if explored more. Great book anyway! (18.11.2012)
Second read of this story. Wanted to get back into the world before reading the second installment. Loved it the same as when I first read it.
...................................................................
I liked this story very much, the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is the ending, or rather the length of the book. It was a quick read but a beautiful one and there was much left to be said. Ari was a sweetheart and the dynamics between him and Dagur would have been great if explored more. Great book anyway! (18.11.2012)
January 22, 2014
2.25 stars
WTF?! Short; abrupt; awkward; unfinished.
WTF?! Short; abrupt; awkward; unfinished.
November 8, 2012
3 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ari is fast approaching his twenty-third birthday and if he fails to wed and bed before then, he will forever change into one of his animal forms. Ari’s sister, Lilja, is unmarried and pregnant, if discovered her child will be taken off her and given to a couple far away from their village. In one fell sweep their world is forever changed when the kings’ nephew, Lord Dagur, passes through their village and his Priestess spots Lilja.
This is a great short story and the opening scene certainly sets the mood for the rest of the book. Ari is a shapeshifter living with his sister on the outskirts of a village; both of them are less than welcome with Ari and his two tone eyes being nearly shunned, and Lilja an unwed expectant mother barely tolerated. Lord Dagur’s nickname is well cultivated and earned and when he passes through a village while on the hunt for a husband he spots the perfect man and sets out to manipulate the situation when his priestess spots the unwed mother.
I found this book to be extremely intriguing with the shifter aspect as it was a completely new theme, nobody knowing if they are a shifter or not until their eyes change to two tone, and from then on being unable to have sex unless it is with another shifter, it’s made even worse when they have to be wed and bedded before their twenty-third birthday. I found it to be a wonderful twist, what I found stupid was the law that only married couples could have children. I also found Lord Dagur’s theatrics to be over the top, it made for a lot of unnecessary angst and drama, but it was still good.
Ari seems to be a great character with a lot of strong will, he has made up his mind what he needs to do, but he also loves his sister and will do what has to be done to ensure her safety, even marry and bed a man he has never even met and who he expects will abuse him. Lord Dagur is far from what you expect so is a really nice surprise, his explanation to Ari is quite sweet but Ari’s anger is very understandable after everything he went through. Ari and Dagur are really hot together, well when Ari’s temper dies down.
I am going to recommend this to those who love shifters with a twist and compelling story, a high positioned man who has to ensure his survival and a happy ending for all involved… oh and don’t forget the hot sex.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ari is fast approaching his twenty-third birthday and if he fails to wed and bed before then, he will forever change into one of his animal forms. Ari’s sister, Lilja, is unmarried and pregnant, if discovered her child will be taken off her and given to a couple far away from their village. In one fell sweep their world is forever changed when the kings’ nephew, Lord Dagur, passes through their village and his Priestess spots Lilja.
This is a great short story and the opening scene certainly sets the mood for the rest of the book. Ari is a shapeshifter living with his sister on the outskirts of a village; both of them are less than welcome with Ari and his two tone eyes being nearly shunned, and Lilja an unwed expectant mother barely tolerated. Lord Dagur’s nickname is well cultivated and earned and when he passes through a village while on the hunt for a husband he spots the perfect man and sets out to manipulate the situation when his priestess spots the unwed mother.
I found this book to be extremely intriguing with the shifter aspect as it was a completely new theme, nobody knowing if they are a shifter or not until their eyes change to two tone, and from then on being unable to have sex unless it is with another shifter, it’s made even worse when they have to be wed and bedded before their twenty-third birthday. I found it to be a wonderful twist, what I found stupid was the law that only married couples could have children. I also found Lord Dagur’s theatrics to be over the top, it made for a lot of unnecessary angst and drama, but it was still good.
Ari seems to be a great character with a lot of strong will, he has made up his mind what he needs to do, but he also loves his sister and will do what has to be done to ensure her safety, even marry and bed a man he has never even met and who he expects will abuse him. Lord Dagur is far from what you expect so is a really nice surprise, his explanation to Ari is quite sweet but Ari’s anger is very understandable after everything he went through. Ari and Dagur are really hot together, well when Ari’s temper dies down.
I am going to recommend this to those who love shifters with a twist and compelling story, a high positioned man who has to ensure his survival and a happy ending for all involved… oh and don’t forget the hot sex.
May 12, 2014
This was just a brief glimpse into a world I want to know more about. There was a lot of interesting world-building packed into this short story. I fell in love with Ari, who was strong and passionate but also incredibly vulnerable. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
October 31, 2012
It's short but I loved it anyway!!! Interesting take on the shifter thing. I liked Ari a lot and would have liked to read more about him :)
The cover is beautiful!
The cover is beautiful!
November 4, 2012
I really got into this book so I was disappointed when it ended, maybe there will be a sequel?
m-m-to-read
July 23, 2015Love this cover!
November 4, 2012
Super quick read but rather lovely read.
January 17, 2019
The writing is rough. Liked it anyway.
January 17, 2013
I love reading about happy endings, forced marriage or bonding stories, because the couple usually has to work on their issues and their less than optimal start, so I really wanted to read this book.
Dagur is assumed to be cruel and when he and his men pass the town, where the shape shifter Ari and his sister live, Ari is not very happy about the noble visitors, especially because of his sister’s condition. Ari is a shapeshifter and can shift anytime into every animal, which was an interesting feature to the whole shapeshifter trope; also, there is the fact, that he cannot be intimate with anyone "normal" after his abilities show themselves. Shapeshifters have to bond, marry another shifter before their 23rd birthday and consummate the marriage or they lose their humanity and live as an animal.
So it's nearly winter Ari and his sister are poor and more or less outcasts, his sister is pregnant and unwed, they are in a bad situation because there is also the law that an unwed woman cannot keep her child, it's given away. Therefore, it's unlucky for them, that the royal visitor brings with him a priestess, who recognizes their predicament and enforces the law. It is also at the same time, that Ari meets someone, who has a strange effect on him - the royal hunter.
The story begins, with Ari trying to escape the castle in a storm, as a crow on his own wedding night. It is this place the reader returns after reading all the interesting tidbits how it all came to be. There are no real revelations, because of the cover, you know who the mysterious Dagur will turn out to be and that it all ends well.
Honestly, I thought this would go differently, but Ari and Dagur didn't really need to overcome any difficulties and just married, had sex and apparently lived happily ever after. So no anticipated estrangement or angst in their relationship, I was disappointed by this development, but it was not my only complaint. Ari, well he is the next problem, I didn't understand why he couldn't work or why he was cast aside, but then again Ari seemed to be quite promiscuous. Also, it was first told that it is a small forgotten village, and there is a market where people from other villages come, which would mean the village is not really forgotten.
I did not enjoy the book as much as I hoped and one reason for it might be the length, the book might have been better if the relationship between Dagur and Ari was explored more and there was not this instant love at the end. Secondly, the dialogs didn't flow, the conversations felt stilted and I couldn't really understand why Ari was acting up, when he met the royal hunter.
The idea that shifters have to marry other of their kind to stay human is interesting and the world; the author created was also fascinating. The cover is gorgeous as well. So overall three pants off.
review originaly writen for pants off reviews.
Dagur is assumed to be cruel and when he and his men pass the town, where the shape shifter Ari and his sister live, Ari is not very happy about the noble visitors, especially because of his sister’s condition. Ari is a shapeshifter and can shift anytime into every animal, which was an interesting feature to the whole shapeshifter trope; also, there is the fact, that he cannot be intimate with anyone "normal" after his abilities show themselves. Shapeshifters have to bond, marry another shifter before their 23rd birthday and consummate the marriage or they lose their humanity and live as an animal.
So it's nearly winter Ari and his sister are poor and more or less outcasts, his sister is pregnant and unwed, they are in a bad situation because there is also the law that an unwed woman cannot keep her child, it's given away. Therefore, it's unlucky for them, that the royal visitor brings with him a priestess, who recognizes their predicament and enforces the law. It is also at the same time, that Ari meets someone, who has a strange effect on him - the royal hunter.
The story begins, with Ari trying to escape the castle in a storm, as a crow on his own wedding night. It is this place the reader returns after reading all the interesting tidbits how it all came to be. There are no real revelations, because of the cover, you know who the mysterious Dagur will turn out to be and that it all ends well.
Honestly, I thought this would go differently, but Ari and Dagur didn't really need to overcome any difficulties and just married, had sex and apparently lived happily ever after. So no anticipated estrangement or angst in their relationship, I was disappointed by this development, but it was not my only complaint. Ari, well he is the next problem, I didn't understand why he couldn't work or why he was cast aside, but then again Ari seemed to be quite promiscuous. Also, it was first told that it is a small forgotten village, and there is a market where people from other villages come, which would mean the village is not really forgotten.
I did not enjoy the book as much as I hoped and one reason for it might be the length, the book might have been better if the relationship between Dagur and Ari was explored more and there was not this instant love at the end. Secondly, the dialogs didn't flow, the conversations felt stilted and I couldn't really understand why Ari was acting up, when he met the royal hunter.
The idea that shifters have to marry other of their kind to stay human is interesting and the world; the author created was also fascinating. The cover is gorgeous as well. So overall three pants off.
review originaly writen for pants off reviews.
March 3, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
3.5 stars
A few days ago, I had a craving for a specific type of book. I went so far as to ask my friends of Facebook for recs regarding books that were fantasy themed with royalty. I was desperate for a fix and I was willing to even read a smutty one (although I asked for ones that weren’t too smutty) and they were all great recs… but then I came across this little gem. It fit my craving spectacularly and seemed perfect.
What I found was exactly what I wanted. Crow and Firefly tells the story of Ari, a man with two-colored eyes that identify him as a shape-shifter, and Roulfe, the huntsman he meets in a local pub… who’s not a shifter. In this world, if one is a shifter, they can only marry another who’s a shifter and they must do it before they turn twenty-three or else they’ll live their life out as an animal. In this tale, Ari is turning twenty-three in a few weeks and forced to marrying the crown prince, Dagur, if he wants to still live as a human. But will Ari be able to marry someone he’s never met who everyone calls “Dagur the Cruel” especially when he fancies Roulfe?
For such a short story, I really liked it. The world is very complicated and I liked the fact that there was such stipulations on who shifters could be with and how long they had to find their mates. It was interesting to see how much anguish that caused for some people. I really liked Ari, too. He had a sort of helplessness to him that I found endearing and sad but, at the same time, he’s very stubborn with a spine made of steel with an impulsiveness that gets him into more than a little trouble.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this story is that it IS so short. Not only do we not get to know Roulfe that well but the world is not properly developed enough to understand it. Also, readers should be aware that this isn’t technically a ‘love’ story. It’s a forced marriage that both parties accept and, when everything is said that needs to be said, is something both Ari and ‘Roulfe’ enjoy. So, if you’re coming into this story looking for a romance, you will be disappointed, to say the least.
In the end, however, I still really liked it. There’s a bit of a twist to it that I enjoyed immensely and it took the edge off my thirst for a fantasy with royalty in it. It’s a sweet story, though, and when all is said and done, it made me smile fondly. There’s a connection between the characters that didn’t have a chance to develop but I have no doubt it’ll be more prominent in the sequel, Crow and Crown.
3.5 stars
A few days ago, I had a craving for a specific type of book. I went so far as to ask my friends of Facebook for recs regarding books that were fantasy themed with royalty. I was desperate for a fix and I was willing to even read a smutty one (although I asked for ones that weren’t too smutty) and they were all great recs… but then I came across this little gem. It fit my craving spectacularly and seemed perfect.
What I found was exactly what I wanted. Crow and Firefly tells the story of Ari, a man with two-colored eyes that identify him as a shape-shifter, and Roulfe, the huntsman he meets in a local pub… who’s not a shifter. In this world, if one is a shifter, they can only marry another who’s a shifter and they must do it before they turn twenty-three or else they’ll live their life out as an animal. In this tale, Ari is turning twenty-three in a few weeks and forced to marrying the crown prince, Dagur, if he wants to still live as a human. But will Ari be able to marry someone he’s never met who everyone calls “Dagur the Cruel” especially when he fancies Roulfe?
For such a short story, I really liked it. The world is very complicated and I liked the fact that there was such stipulations on who shifters could be with and how long they had to find their mates. It was interesting to see how much anguish that caused for some people. I really liked Ari, too. He had a sort of helplessness to him that I found endearing and sad but, at the same time, he’s very stubborn with a spine made of steel with an impulsiveness that gets him into more than a little trouble.
Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this story is that it IS so short. Not only do we not get to know Roulfe that well but the world is not properly developed enough to understand it. Also, readers should be aware that this isn’t technically a ‘love’ story. It’s a forced marriage that both parties accept and, when everything is said that needs to be said, is something both Ari and ‘Roulfe’ enjoy. So, if you’re coming into this story looking for a romance, you will be disappointed, to say the least.
In the end, however, I still really liked it. There’s a bit of a twist to it that I enjoyed immensely and it took the edge off my thirst for a fantasy with royalty in it. It’s a sweet story, though, and when all is said and done, it made me smile fondly. There’s a connection between the characters that didn’t have a chance to develop but I have no doubt it’ll be more prominent in the sequel, Crow and Crown.
February 17, 2017
Dnf. When the priestess came to take lilja and the baby, I skipped to the last chapter and skimmed the rest of the story.
Ari was too stupid and stubborn. I couldn't emphasize with him. He was virtually unlikeable. Lilja was somewhat likeable. She didnt have much commonsense either considering she was a healer. At 92%, Ari admits to being slow finally. Too little, too late to save this tale. An unreal fairytale ending wraps up this mess.
Ari was too stupid and stubborn. I couldn't emphasize with him. He was virtually unlikeable. Lilja was somewhat likeable. She didnt have much commonsense either considering she was a healer. At 92%, Ari admits to being slow finally. Too little, too late to save this tale. An unreal fairytale ending wraps up this mess.
November 1, 2012
This is a good novella and drew me in from the very beginning. The setting is a world where unmarried mothers are not allowed to raise their children, poor people struggle to find food and shelter, and shifters need to marry and mate before their 23rd birthday or face the eventual loss of their humanity. Ari is all these, shifter, poor and with an unwed pregnant sister when he finds himself forcibly married to the King's nephew.
The story adds an interesting dimension to shifter stories and manages to create a world where rules are different. In this society the main issue is not one's sexuality, but marital status and wealth. This is also a story of surprising love and attraction and it engaged me right from the beginning.
A very good book for those who enjoy fantasy and shifter stories.
The story adds an interesting dimension to shifter stories and manages to create a world where rules are different. In this society the main issue is not one's sexuality, but marital status and wealth. This is also a story of surprising love and attraction and it engaged me right from the beginning.
A very good book for those who enjoy fantasy and shifter stories.
November 13, 2012
3.5 stars
Interesting take on shifters, parts of which fascinate me and parts of which freak me out a little.
Ari was indeed a fun character, and seeing him shift into so many different forms was fascinating. I also enjoyed that there were consequences to shifting--that he needed to eat and rest extra after each shift.
I think the thing about this new take on shifter lore that made me the saddest was that as soon as their eyes changed they couldn't even kiss an ordinary person anymore. So sad!
Interesting take on shifters, parts of which fascinate me and parts of which freak me out a little.
Ari was indeed a fun character, and seeing him shift into so many different forms was fascinating. I also enjoyed that there were consequences to shifting--that he needed to eat and rest extra after each shift.
I think the thing about this new take on shifter lore that made me the saddest was that as soon as their eyes changed they couldn't even kiss an ordinary person anymore. So sad!
December 12, 2012
4 1/2 stars!
The thing that bugged me, really bugged me, about this story, Sam, was that it was TOO SHORT!
Crow and Firefly is a wonderful shifter tale set in a harsh world where shapeshifters must marry and consummate their marriage or be turned into beasts on the morning of their twenty-third birthday. In a genre where shifter stories can be much of a muchness, Crow and Firefly is like a breath of fresh air. It isn’t the standard man meets man story. There is a real world created within the short pages and the rules are harsh.
I got taken by surprise by the ending. Normally with books I’m paying attention to how much longer I’ve got left. In this case I turned the last page, saw the words About the Author, and groaned. I really wanted more.
Please see Pippa's complete review on January 11, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
The thing that bugged me, really bugged me, about this story, Sam, was that it was TOO SHORT!
Crow and Firefly is a wonderful shifter tale set in a harsh world where shapeshifters must marry and consummate their marriage or be turned into beasts on the morning of their twenty-third birthday. In a genre where shifter stories can be much of a muchness, Crow and Firefly is like a breath of fresh air. It isn’t the standard man meets man story. There is a real world created within the short pages and the rules are harsh.
I got taken by surprise by the ending. Normally with books I’m paying attention to how much longer I’ve got left. In this case I turned the last page, saw the words About the Author, and groaned. I really wanted more.
Please see Pippa's complete review on January 11, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
August 10, 2013
This books was great. I like the concept, the worldbuilding, the characters. However, this books was way too short. I had already guessed what was going to happen at the very beginning of the book, it did, and then it just ended. It ended pretty much as soon as it began. If the story was free or part of an anthology, I could understand, but to pay for it as a book was really a RIP OFF. I would not suggest buying this story unless it is %50 off, because as lovely as it is, it's not worth the price at all. It would be great if the story could be continued and made into an actual book or trilogy rather than a half written short story.
November 24, 2013
Most of the time is really hard to me to like a book from the start, it's only when I'm around the middle that I feel like getting into the story. But with this book was different, the scene with the crow caught my interest. Even though it felt too short and was predictably in some parts I really enjoy it.
The ending was abrupt but sweet and I'm wishing to read more about this author.
The ending was abrupt but sweet and I'm wishing to read more about this author.
July 6, 2016
My major complaint with the author is that her books are just too short. With minimal use of words she paints a lovely world. It draws you in. You sympathize with their plight, you cheer them on and it ends so quickly!
I would love to see more for the characters in this book. I've already read the second book and still want more.
Yes, I'm repentantly greedy.
I would love to see more for the characters in this book. I've already read the second book and still want more.
Yes, I'm repentantly greedy.
not-yet-released
October 11, 2012I'm putting this on my to-read list for the cover alone. Of course the prospect of reluctant lovers, a family theme, and shifter characters doesn't hurt either!
But seriously, the cover is excellent.
But seriously, the cover is excellent.
December 21, 2013
What a sweet fantasy story.
It's unusual to see avian shifters - though to be fair, Ari is a true shifter who can take any animal form, he seems to like the crow one.
I suspended disbelief very easily here and just enjoyed the world and the story. The romance was lovely.
And the cover? *dies*
It's unusual to see avian shifters - though to be fair, Ari is a true shifter who can take any animal form, he seems to like the crow one.
I suspended disbelief very easily here and just enjoyed the world and the story. The romance was lovely.
And the cover? *dies*
May 3, 2013
A really enjoyable read. The world and character building was great for such a short read. My only complaint is that it was too short and I would have loved to have read more of the MC's relationship building process.
Want to Read
October 11, 2012Oh, oh! Added to my wishlist! the art cover looks pretty cool.
October 31, 2012
Short.
November 22, 2012
3.5 stars
December 13, 2012
3.5 stars
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