The Crows Know

by Katrina Mackrides

After an earth-shattering first year of college in the Adirondacks, Lily and her enigmatic boyfriend Kai settle into a normal life, and Lily starts her second year as a collegiate soccer player with a great group of friends. But she is soon faced with a new challenge as a local girl named Kasa sets her sights on Kai. To make matters worse, Lily finds herself under observation by a series of ominous crows.

Then Wanda, the owner of the Salty Swan, receives an unexpected visitor. Naomi is the wicked Rosella's older sister, and she brings a warning of an even greater evil : Vadoma, their oldest sibling, who is searching for Rosella. Vadoma is ruthless and feels entitled to Rosella's wealth and power.

Faced with another dangerous situation, Lily again turns to the mystical creatures of the forest for guidance and must find the courage and strength to navigate the turmoil.

250 pages, Hardcover

Published December 3, 2025

Reviews

[Sakthika Vijay · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Crows Know, Katrina Mackrides delivers a powerful and captivating continuation of Lily and Kai’s story. This sequel to The Salty Swan doesn’t simply pick up where the first book left off—it raises the stakes, expands the mythology, and tests the very heart of its characters. Mackrides weaves together romance, folklore, and suspense with a deft hand. The crows become striking symbols of both warning and guidance, embodying the tension between light and darkness that runs throughout the novel. The natural world is described with vivid detail, grounding the supernatural elements in a setting that feels at once enchanting and real. It is a beautifully balanced novel—equal parts suspense, romance, and myth—that stays with you long after the final page

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🪶 The Crows Know by Katrina Mackrides
Book 2 in The Salty Swan Saga

After a whirlwind first year in the Adirondacks, Lily should be settling into normal college life but danger clearly didn’t get the memo. Between Kasa setting her sights on Kai 👀, ominous crows watching from the shadows, and the arrival of Naomi with a dire warning about her ruthless sister Vadoma… Lily’s strength, courage, and bond with the mystical forest creatures are tested all over again.

✨ This sequel builds beautifully on The Salty Swan, with higher stakes, richer character growth, and romance threaded through the tension. I was hooked from the very first page and completely immersed in the danger, the magic, and Lily’s emotional journey.

If you like your fantasy with:
🖤 Dark family rivalries
🪶 Ominous omens (the crows 👏)
⚽ College romance vibes
🌲 Mystical forest creatures
💔 High stakes + courage tested

…this series absolutely belongs on your TBR. Katrina Mackrides knows how to weave romance and fantasy into a story that lingers long after you close the book.

#TheCrowsKnow #TheSaltySwanSaga #KatrinaMackrides #FantasyRomance #CollegeFantasy #DarkFantasy #Romantasy #Bookstagram #NetGalleyReviewer #BookishLove

[Heather Shower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following a turbulent first year in the Adirondacks, Lily hopes for a calm return to college life, but danger is far from over. With Kasa’s attention on Kai, ominous crows watching from the shadows, and Naomi’s urgent warning about her ruthless sister Vadoma, Lily’s resilience and bond with the mystical forest creatures are tested anew.

This sequel to The Salty Swan elevates the story with increased stakes, nuanced character development, and romance seamlessly interwoven with suspense and magic. I was captivated from the first page and remained fully engaged throughout.

A compelling read for fans of dark family dynamics, high-stakes fantasy, and mystical adventure.

[Jake Stehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katrina delivers a strong sequel that deepens the world while raising the emotional and mysterious stakes in all the right ways. It balances cozy moments with a constant sense of unease, and I loved how the story slowly reveals that not everything is as safe as it seems.

The atmosphere is beautifully done, the mythology expands in interesting ways, and the tension builds naturally throughout. It kept me engaged from start to finish and left me excited for what comes next. A great continuation of the series.