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The Shadow #3
Malice of Crows
The sequel to Conspiracy of Ravens and third novel in Lila Bowen's widely-acclaimed Shadow series.
The Ranger known as Rhett has shut down a terrible enterprise running on the blood of magical folk, but failed to catch the dark alchemist behind it. And now the Shadow refuses to let him rest.
Rhett must make the ultimate transformation if he has any hope of stopping the alchemist or fulfilling his destiny; he must become the leader of a new Rangers outpost.
But to save his friends, and the lives of countless others, Rhett will first have to lead the Rangers on a mission more dangerous than anything they've ever faced.
The ShadowWake of VulturesConspiracy of RavensMalice of Crows
The Ranger known as Rhett has shut down a terrible enterprise running on the blood of magical folk, but failed to catch the dark alchemist behind it. And now the Shadow refuses to let him rest.
Rhett must make the ultimate transformation if he has any hope of stopping the alchemist or fulfilling his destiny; he must become the leader of a new Rangers outpost.
But to save his friends, and the lives of countless others, Rhett will first have to lead the Rangers on a mission more dangerous than anything they've ever faced.
The ShadowWake of VulturesConspiracy of RavensMalice of Crows
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
41 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
About the author
Lila Bowen
10 books285 followersLila Bowen is the writer of Wake of Vultures and its sequel, Horde of Crows. As Delilah S. Dawson, she writes the Blud series, the Hit series, Servants of the Storm, and a variety of short stories and comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 19, 2018
I feel like this series should be much more popular than it is! It’s a weird west tale with a diverse cast, a trans main character, and a great adventure. It reimagines the Wild West as a land filled with monsters: sand wyrms, sirens, vampires, chupacabras, and shifters. This is such a vivid series. The author is a mast of voice! She’s got that down perfectly in these books!! And that ending!!! Definitely going to keep with this series!
July 5, 2025
Malice of Crows (The Shadow #3) by Lila Bowen is a fantastic installment in what has become a favorite series. Honestly, it should be a crime that this series isn't more well known because this was brilliant - and brutal. If you're looking for a fantasy western, you can't miss with this series. I need book four, Treason of Hawks, asap.
December 7, 2017
As always this review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Malice of Crows is the third book in Bowen’s The Shadow series and follows on directly after the conclusion of the second book, Conspiracy of Ravens. The sinister alchemist and necromancer Trevisan was defeated but he managed to escape in the body of Meimei (Cora’s younger sister) and thus, elude justice. Malice of Crows finds our group hot on his pursuit. Of course, as readers of the previous books will already know nothing is ever that simple for the Shadow who has to follow the direction that the ‘pull‘ in his stomach points him in and there will be distractions and detours along the way.
In the previous books Rhett (the Shadow and our main character) struggled with gender, identity and his own sense of self (I’m not going to go into his struggle over identity, suffice to say it’s an integral part of the previous books and is subsequently a journey that you need to take along with Rhett as it will give you a deep appreciation for the complex character that Bowen has created). He knows who he is, Rhett Walker, Durango Ranger and though he still struggles with aspects of his character throughout Malice of Crows we see him become far more comfortable with who he is as learns more about himself both in his guise as the Shadow and as Rhett, the person.
Rhett’s posse consists of Dan and Winifred, siblings and shifters who can change into coyotes. Earl, an Irishman who can change into a donkey. Cora (Meimei’s older sister who wants nothing more than to get her little sister back) a Chine who can change into a dragon and Sam Hennessy, a Durango Ranger and just a plain old human, they are an eclectic mix of personalities that make for interesting and at times complicated group dynamics. This is one thing that Bowen does really well, fleshing out her characters as each of them all have individual personalities adding something extra to both the book and the group (it’s a stereotypical thing of me to say but they are a group that you really do come to care about).
The book moves along at a great pace, it’s fast-paced but never overly rushed and Bowen gives both her story and characters time to grow. There are lots of great scenes and moments during the course of the book but for me personally, my four favourites were, firstly, a reunion for Rhett (no spoilers from me so I can’t mention who but it’s something I hoped would happen since book 1). Secondly, a scene that features Earl and Rhett and is really poignant (it actually made me put down the book for a minute and contemplate). Thirdly, when the group arrive at a monastery on the way to San Anton, the following couple of chapters after that are just tremendous. And, fourthly, the book itself is a hunt for Trevisan as our group chase him across Durango and when we finally catch-up with the necromancer the circumstances that we find him in are the polar opposite of what you’d expect, slightly surreal but fucking hilarious and it’s a masterstroke by Bowen that subverts the normal and really is ingenious. Hell, I’ve listed my favourite moments but thinking back and a late addition to this review as I draft it up, I have to say, the whole book is chock full of quality moments from the beginning through to the end.
On the surface, the amalgamation of fusing together fantasy and western seems rather strange but it works surprisingly well in Bowen’s more than capable hands. I’m a fan of westerns and back in the day, my Dad was big on the old Clint Eastwood films. As such, I was brought up watching them as a child and until this day I still enjoy a good old western be it a film (True Grit, Unforgiven, 3:10 To Yuma, Blazing Saddles, Young Guns I and II and The Dollars/Man with no Name trilogy are all classics) or a video game (Gun on the PS2 and Red Dead Redemption on the PS3 are both amazing games) but you would be right to call them old-fashioned, it’s not an insult, it just is. That western type frontier setting gives Malice of Crows an old flavour to it but when you add in the fantasy, myriad monsters and diverse elements it also makes it into something unique and something new too and the end result is a weird yet completely wondrous read.
There’s lots to like in Malice of Crows (it’s actually my favourite in the series so far) it’s a fantastic addition to The Shadow series that Bowen has created and it will appeal to a variety of readers. Fantasy fans? Check! Western fans? Check! Diverse book fans? Check! Readers, who enjoy a good book? Check! And, finally, readers looking for something different? Check!
Malice of Crows is a diverse read that displays its diversity proudly like Rhett wearing his Ranger badge and gives you a book that is full of action, emotion and captivating characters. If you’ve already read Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens then it goes without saying that you need to read Malice of Crows and if you are yet to join up with Rhett’s posse then saddle on up and ride out for a wild time.
Malice of Crows is a high calibre fantasy western hybrid that’s a damn good roller-coaster of an adventure.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Malice of Crows is the third book in Bowen’s The Shadow series and follows on directly after the conclusion of the second book, Conspiracy of Ravens. The sinister alchemist and necromancer Trevisan was defeated but he managed to escape in the body of Meimei (Cora’s younger sister) and thus, elude justice. Malice of Crows finds our group hot on his pursuit. Of course, as readers of the previous books will already know nothing is ever that simple for the Shadow who has to follow the direction that the ‘pull‘ in his stomach points him in and there will be distractions and detours along the way.
In the previous books Rhett (the Shadow and our main character) struggled with gender, identity and his own sense of self (I’m not going to go into his struggle over identity, suffice to say it’s an integral part of the previous books and is subsequently a journey that you need to take along with Rhett as it will give you a deep appreciation for the complex character that Bowen has created). He knows who he is, Rhett Walker, Durango Ranger and though he still struggles with aspects of his character throughout Malice of Crows we see him become far more comfortable with who he is as learns more about himself both in his guise as the Shadow and as Rhett, the person.
Rhett’s posse consists of Dan and Winifred, siblings and shifters who can change into coyotes. Earl, an Irishman who can change into a donkey. Cora (Meimei’s older sister who wants nothing more than to get her little sister back) a Chine who can change into a dragon and Sam Hennessy, a Durango Ranger and just a plain old human, they are an eclectic mix of personalities that make for interesting and at times complicated group dynamics. This is one thing that Bowen does really well, fleshing out her characters as each of them all have individual personalities adding something extra to both the book and the group (it’s a stereotypical thing of me to say but they are a group that you really do come to care about).
The book moves along at a great pace, it’s fast-paced but never overly rushed and Bowen gives both her story and characters time to grow. There are lots of great scenes and moments during the course of the book but for me personally, my four favourites were, firstly, a reunion for Rhett (no spoilers from me so I can’t mention who but it’s something I hoped would happen since book 1). Secondly, a scene that features Earl and Rhett and is really poignant (it actually made me put down the book for a minute and contemplate). Thirdly, when the group arrive at a monastery on the way to San Anton, the following couple of chapters after that are just tremendous. And, fourthly, the book itself is a hunt for Trevisan as our group chase him across Durango and when we finally catch-up with the necromancer the circumstances that we find him in are the polar opposite of what you’d expect, slightly surreal but fucking hilarious and it’s a masterstroke by Bowen that subverts the normal and really is ingenious. Hell, I’ve listed my favourite moments but thinking back and a late addition to this review as I draft it up, I have to say, the whole book is chock full of quality moments from the beginning through to the end.
On the surface, the amalgamation of fusing together fantasy and western seems rather strange but it works surprisingly well in Bowen’s more than capable hands. I’m a fan of westerns and back in the day, my Dad was big on the old Clint Eastwood films. As such, I was brought up watching them as a child and until this day I still enjoy a good old western be it a film (True Grit, Unforgiven, 3:10 To Yuma, Blazing Saddles, Young Guns I and II and The Dollars/Man with no Name trilogy are all classics) or a video game (Gun on the PS2 and Red Dead Redemption on the PS3 are both amazing games) but you would be right to call them old-fashioned, it’s not an insult, it just is. That western type frontier setting gives Malice of Crows an old flavour to it but when you add in the fantasy, myriad monsters and diverse elements it also makes it into something unique and something new too and the end result is a weird yet completely wondrous read.
There’s lots to like in Malice of Crows (it’s actually my favourite in the series so far) it’s a fantastic addition to The Shadow series that Bowen has created and it will appeal to a variety of readers. Fantasy fans? Check! Western fans? Check! Diverse book fans? Check! Readers, who enjoy a good book? Check! And, finally, readers looking for something different? Check!
Malice of Crows is a diverse read that displays its diversity proudly like Rhett wearing his Ranger badge and gives you a book that is full of action, emotion and captivating characters. If you’ve already read Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens then it goes without saying that you need to read Malice of Crows and if you are yet to join up with Rhett’s posse then saddle on up and ride out for a wild time.
Malice of Crows is a high calibre fantasy western hybrid that’s a damn good roller-coaster of an adventure.
November 16, 2017
Me gusto el primer libro por la combinación oeste, paranormal, personajes y la forma de escribir.
Pero según avanzaba la saga ha empezado a flojear. Se ha centrado más en romance y menos en luchar contra monstruos.
Y el final del libro me ha dejado bastante mosqueada.
!!Cómo nos puedes dejar así!!!
Obviamente leeré el siguiente para ver que narices pasa con mi dulce Sam (TT)
Pero según avanzaba la saga ha empezado a flojear. Se ha centrado más en romance y menos en luchar contra monstruos.
Y el final del libro me ha dejado bastante mosqueada.
!!Cómo nos puedes dejar así!!!
Obviamente leeré el siguiente para ver que narices pasa con mi dulce Sam (TT)
April 21, 2020
This is my favourite series at the moment. Everything is great: storytelling, worldbuilding, character development (although not for each character), it all fits together.
On to part 4.
On to part 4.
May 27, 2020
I thought this was a trilogy for a second and was EXTREMELY UPSET at the ending.
June 12, 2019
Just not working for me. Character development feels contrived --because it should be happening instead of an organic situation. Becoming a repetitive series of travel, get attacked, fight, injury, heal, travel...Feels like just a shadow of an idea that didn't really develop into such a long story. The wit is getting tedious as monthly rags.
November 18, 2017
*Source* Library
*Genre* Fantasy, Western
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
Malice of Crows is the third installment in The Shadow series by author Lila Bowen. Bowen's western landscape is home to some really strange supernatural beasties (Gila
monsters, gorgons, giant scorpions & spiders) as diverse as the human inhabitants. Malice picks up right where Conspiracy of Ravens left off. Rhett Walker (formerly Nettie Lonesome) is the Shadow, as well as a Durango Ranger scout who is pulled to fight evil where ever it might be.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Fantasy, Western
*Rating* 3.0
*Thoughts*
Malice of Crows is the third installment in The Shadow series by author Lila Bowen. Bowen's western landscape is home to some really strange supernatural beasties (Gila
monsters, gorgons, giant scorpions & spiders) as diverse as the human inhabitants. Malice picks up right where Conspiracy of Ravens left off. Rhett Walker (formerly Nettie Lonesome) is the Shadow, as well as a Durango Ranger scout who is pulled to fight evil where ever it might be.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
July 3, 2021
Before I say anything else: the last third of this book is some of the best writing in this entire series. I rated the first book, Wake of Vultures, 5/5 stars, and this was just as good if not better than anything from that book. So that should tell you just how much I enjoyed the last act of Malice of Crows, despite the 3/5 rating.
It's the first two thirds of this book that brought it down by two stars. The repetitive, cyclical nature of Rhett Walker's posse's arguments and travels really grated on me. It felt like they were, for a long time, doing nothing new or particularly interesting. They cycled in and out of the same arguments they've been having since the first book in the series, which truly grated on me. Travel, fight, recover, argue, repeat. I would be so much happier with this book if most of the characters seemed to like each other, even slightly; they all seem to respect one another, but this found family feels more like the dysfunctional sort than anything.
However, a certain death that comes at the end of the book's first act hung over the rest like a dark cloud. Spoilers, and trigger warnings for suicide incoming.
Again, the third act is good. The stakes were high, the tension was palpable, there were even some surprisingly hilarious moments when the posse meets back up with Trevisan. As always, these characters are deep and interesting and diverse, and I love them all -- I just wish they got along better, and stopped having the same two arguments over and over and over and over and over and over again.
It's the first two thirds of this book that brought it down by two stars. The repetitive, cyclical nature of Rhett Walker's posse's arguments and travels really grated on me. It felt like they were, for a long time, doing nothing new or particularly interesting. They cycled in and out of the same arguments they've been having since the first book in the series, which truly grated on me. Travel, fight, recover, argue, repeat. I would be so much happier with this book if most of the characters seemed to like each other, even slightly; they all seem to respect one another, but this found family feels more like the dysfunctional sort than anything.
However, a certain death that comes at the end of the book's first act hung over the rest like a dark cloud. Spoilers, and trigger warnings for suicide incoming.
Again, the third act is good. The stakes were high, the tension was palpable, there were even some surprisingly hilarious moments when the posse meets back up with Trevisan. As always, these characters are deep and interesting and diverse, and I love them all -- I just wish they got along better, and stopped having the same two arguments over and over and over and over and over and over again.
November 15, 2017
that ending though.
January 22, 2018
Oof, that ending
May 25, 2021
Content warnings: Vomiting, animal violence, gore, gun violence, suicide, surgery, poison, fungus
Trans cowboy Rhett Walker is on the hunt for the alchemist who had run off with Cora’s sister across an alternate version of the U.S. West full of monsters and shifters. The battle to come is the fiercest yet. During his travels, Rhett ponders where boundaries between himself and The Shadow, especially as his found family grows closer together, despite their individual heavy baggage and destinies to come.
This book’s pacing is exquisite and I read it in two sittings. The cliffhanger at the end, however, was so cruel, I immediately requested the fourth and final installment from the library.
From a story craft perspective, Bowen does a phenomenal job balancing the pieces of the first two books while moving the plot of this third book ahead. I never felt lost at any point, nor did it feels like most of this story suffers for it. The plot continues ever forward, which makes it such a quick read.
As far as the trans rep goes, I think it’s continued to be handled respectfully. I was a little worried during one moment where someone from Rhett’s past comes into play. That scene, however, is so touching and is such a welcome moment of softness between all the ugliness and near losses throughout.
My favorite character in the series gets introduced here, and I never thought I would love a gorgon so much. Relationships definitely shine more during the quieter moments, as the world-building really got its grounding in the second book. That being said, there is plenty of action and monsters, including further exploration of the social and economic disparities among different faction. One of them comes into play during the final set piece. Consequences really push the story action forward, making this series a wild ride. I am not ready to get off just yet.
Trans cowboy Rhett Walker is on the hunt for the alchemist who had run off with Cora’s sister across an alternate version of the U.S. West full of monsters and shifters. The battle to come is the fiercest yet. During his travels, Rhett ponders where boundaries between himself and The Shadow, especially as his found family grows closer together, despite their individual heavy baggage and destinies to come.
This book’s pacing is exquisite and I read it in two sittings. The cliffhanger at the end, however, was so cruel, I immediately requested the fourth and final installment from the library.
From a story craft perspective, Bowen does a phenomenal job balancing the pieces of the first two books while moving the plot of this third book ahead. I never felt lost at any point, nor did it feels like most of this story suffers for it. The plot continues ever forward, which makes it such a quick read.
As far as the trans rep goes, I think it’s continued to be handled respectfully. I was a little worried during one moment where someone from Rhett’s past comes into play. That scene, however, is so touching and is such a welcome moment of softness between all the ugliness and near losses throughout.
My favorite character in the series gets introduced here, and I never thought I would love a gorgon so much. Relationships definitely shine more during the quieter moments, as the world-building really got its grounding in the second book. That being said, there is plenty of action and monsters, including further exploration of the social and economic disparities among different faction. One of them comes into play during the final set piece. Consequences really push the story action forward, making this series a wild ride. I am not ready to get off just yet.
October 9, 2021
Huh..
That was a fun read.
This picks up right after the end of book 2 (Conspiracy of Ravens Trevesan the alchemist has possessed the body of Minmei and they Rhett Walker's posse has to chase him down. But there are a few things to take care of on the way - like how the hell to kill a body-hopping alchemist/magician anyway?
I enjoyed this third entry in the Shadow series. Rhett Walker is finally "comfortable" in who he is and who he loves. Better yet, his "Shadow" is trying to help him - leading him away from the confrontation with Trevesan and towards some new strangeness that will let him learn how to finally kill the Alchemist (rather than just the body he's inhabiting.)
We get some closure with the Durago Rangers, meet a new character (Ines the nun, tragic past, but very sensible and learned) and do a little travelling.
When the posse caught up to Trevesan I found the challenges they faced to be hilarious! I mean when a evil monster takes over the body of a 6 year old, well, it faces a few troubles in that it is a tiny child...
The only thing i didn't like was the ending was so sudden, and tragic.
That was a fun read.
This picks up right after the end of book 2 (Conspiracy of Ravens Trevesan the alchemist has possessed the body of Minmei and they Rhett Walker's posse has to chase him down. But there are a few things to take care of on the way - like how the hell to kill a body-hopping alchemist/magician anyway?
I enjoyed this third entry in the Shadow series. Rhett Walker is finally "comfortable" in who he is and who he loves. Better yet, his "Shadow" is trying to help him - leading him away from the confrontation with Trevesan and towards some new strangeness that will let him learn how to finally kill the Alchemist (rather than just the body he's inhabiting.)
We get some closure with the Durago Rangers, meet a new character (Ines the nun, tragic past, but very sensible and learned) and do a little travelling.
When the posse caught up to Trevesan I found the challenges they faced to be hilarious! I mean when a evil monster takes over the body of a 6 year old, well, it faces a few troubles in that it is a tiny child...
The only thing i didn't like was the ending was so sudden, and tragic.
November 10, 2017
I really dig this series, but this book got a bit too romantical (that should totally be a word) for me.
That being said: .
That being said: .
August 27, 2022
Love the characters still. The pacing of these books are really weird but I don’t mind it since the characters are interesitnf
April 20, 2019
I found this to be the strongest of the three novels in the series so far. I loved the concept when I started reading it, a Western Fantasy with Monsters set in Texas in the 19th century, just wild. I think I liked the concept more than the actual story of the first two books, there were parts in both that I felt dragged. Perhaps enough of the world and characters are established in this entry to let the wild weird world continue on its course, and I love it.
November 28, 2018
This book summarized.
"Hey don't be an asshole!"
Is an asshole.
"Hey don't do what I tell you not to do!"
Does it.
"Hey, everyone treats me like shit!"
Treats everyone like shit.
Rinse and repeat.
"Hey don't be an asshole!"
Is an asshole.
"Hey don't do what I tell you not to do!"
Does it.
"Hey, everyone treats me like shit!"
Treats everyone like shit.
Rinse and repeat.
April 11, 2018
Another fun read that has lots of cool happenings. These books just keep getting better! I'll need 2 fingers of Rye for the next book.
June 12, 2022
After really enjoying the first book and being kind of dissapointed with the second book, I was hoping this third book would not have the same things I dislike about the second book. It ended up somewhere in-between.
September 26, 2018
Yet another wonderful (if gutting) outing to the world of Rhett Walker and his band of rogue rangers. Words are insufficient to express how much I love this series. The writing is both gorgeous and tough, the characters are vividly drawn, and the plotting twists the screws tight so I was always on the edge of my seat, wanting and dreading to find out what happens next. I'll be buying the final volume of this series on the day it's released, I can tell you that.
December 19, 2017
You win some, you lose some. This book has more relationship development, more fighting necromancer created monsters, more hunting down the necromancer. On a personal level, many of the characters are dealing with their destiny. And then at the end, the thing you were afraid might happen... happens.
November 7, 2017
Well, that was a gut-punch at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
Oh my god--the cliffhanger at the end of this book is going to torture me until the next in the series is out. So good but so frustrating!!!
November 2, 2017
I'm grateful to the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
Following directly on from Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens, Malice of Crows picks up Rhett Walker's story immediately after Conspiracy ends. He's defeated the necromancer Trevisan, who was using gruesome magic to control monsters like Rhett - ordinary men and women with the ability to transform into animals, both mundane and esoteric - and compel them to labour building his railroad.
Yes - Trevisan was defeated, but fleeing he possessed the body of six year old Meimei, sister to Cora the healer (who is able to become a dragon when she wishes). Now Rhett - in his persona as The Shadow, avenger of wrongs and slayer of what needs to be killed, must track down Trevisan and free Meimei. Thus the story is really one long chase through the barren wastes of Durango Territory, with Rhett's posse confronting ever more daunting threats (not going to give details because spoilers).
Walker is a Durango Ranger and proud of it. It's his identity, given to him by his beloved Captain. But we learn more in the course of this book about what that means. Rhett's pride in this status takes a hammering: it seems the Rangers aren't all he believed. Not just slayers of monsters, they are a weapon of the 'civilized' world, driving out the native people - and Rhett happens to be one of those himself. In many dialogues with Coyote Dan and his sister, Winifred, Rhett seeks to come to terms with who he is and what his destiny will be. In another sense, he is learning who he is from Sam. Beautiful, golden haired Sam, who he has loved since Rhett was called Nettie Lonesome. The story of Rhett and Sam gives the book a whole different dimension though there are some heart stopping moments when it seems Rhett may give away his former identity. What will happen if Sam discovers how old Monty, his (and Nettie/ Rhett's) former mentor, actually died?
There are secrets here, and complicated identities jostling against each other: in other hands it could all seem overcomplicated but Bowen (Delilah S Dawson) knows just what she's doing and she makes Rhett, Sam, Winifred, Cora, Earl so alive, and drives them along through such a pacy series of fights, flights, escapes and puzzles, that characters and story just leap from the page.
Gradually Rhett becomes more comfortable with his identities both as man and as monster. Bowen animates her story by making the 'outsiders' into so-called 'monsters' who are at the same time the most human of the characters. At one point a frustrated Rhett shouts out that he's 'unnatural': his friends help him see that isn't true at all. But Rhett is a monster and Trevisan, for all his necromancy and murder, isn't a 'monster', he remains just a man. Being able to pass in polite society, wield power and money and claim the protection of sheriffs - and Rangers - is no guarantee of a good heart.
I loved this book. As a continuation of Rhett's story it has the same epic storytelling as the earlier volumes, but I think it explores his personality more throughly and shows him growing. The book is proudly, obstinately diverse, on a number of different dimensions while at the same time being a sharply written, exciting and in some ways endearingly old-fashioned Western, albeit one set in a slightly parallel world with magic - and monsters - acknowledged. Whether you like action, fantasy, a bit of tender romance or just a well-written, entertaining story, you'll find them - and more - here.
Following directly on from Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens, Malice of Crows picks up Rhett Walker's story immediately after Conspiracy ends. He's defeated the necromancer Trevisan, who was using gruesome magic to control monsters like Rhett - ordinary men and women with the ability to transform into animals, both mundane and esoteric - and compel them to labour building his railroad.
Yes - Trevisan was defeated, but fleeing he possessed the body of six year old Meimei, sister to Cora the healer (who is able to become a dragon when she wishes). Now Rhett - in his persona as The Shadow, avenger of wrongs and slayer of what needs to be killed, must track down Trevisan and free Meimei. Thus the story is really one long chase through the barren wastes of Durango Territory, with Rhett's posse confronting ever more daunting threats (not going to give details because spoilers).
Walker is a Durango Ranger and proud of it. It's his identity, given to him by his beloved Captain. But we learn more in the course of this book about what that means. Rhett's pride in this status takes a hammering: it seems the Rangers aren't all he believed. Not just slayers of monsters, they are a weapon of the 'civilized' world, driving out the native people - and Rhett happens to be one of those himself. In many dialogues with Coyote Dan and his sister, Winifred, Rhett seeks to come to terms with who he is and what his destiny will be. In another sense, he is learning who he is from Sam. Beautiful, golden haired Sam, who he has loved since Rhett was called Nettie Lonesome. The story of Rhett and Sam gives the book a whole different dimension though there are some heart stopping moments when it seems Rhett may give away his former identity. What will happen if Sam discovers how old Monty, his (and Nettie/ Rhett's) former mentor, actually died?
There are secrets here, and complicated identities jostling against each other: in other hands it could all seem overcomplicated but Bowen (Delilah S Dawson) knows just what she's doing and she makes Rhett, Sam, Winifred, Cora, Earl so alive, and drives them along through such a pacy series of fights, flights, escapes and puzzles, that characters and story just leap from the page.
Gradually Rhett becomes more comfortable with his identities both as man and as monster. Bowen animates her story by making the 'outsiders' into so-called 'monsters' who are at the same time the most human of the characters. At one point a frustrated Rhett shouts out that he's 'unnatural': his friends help him see that isn't true at all. But Rhett is a monster and Trevisan, for all his necromancy and murder, isn't a 'monster', he remains just a man. Being able to pass in polite society, wield power and money and claim the protection of sheriffs - and Rangers - is no guarantee of a good heart.
I loved this book. As a continuation of Rhett's story it has the same epic storytelling as the earlier volumes, but I think it explores his personality more throughly and shows him growing. The book is proudly, obstinately diverse, on a number of different dimensions while at the same time being a sharply written, exciting and in some ways endearingly old-fashioned Western, albeit one set in a slightly parallel world with magic - and monsters - acknowledged. Whether you like action, fantasy, a bit of tender romance or just a well-written, entertaining story, you'll find them - and more - here.
September 9, 2019
What an unparalleled pleasure, finishing a book one has been reading for approximately four months, in the midst of getting 20% through every book one starts and then beginning something new.
Oh, the book itself.
I found myself trying to look up a list of books that were Westerns, but those that didn't have so straight a moral narrative, AND ones that didn't paint everyone in the same morally grey light. I wanted some reactions to the mythic west that center the uneasy tension of colonization, prizes native voices, and allows for a diversity of viewpoints. Then I remembered I had this book checked out and was halfway through a series that was doing (some of) what I wanted, and even queerer than I would have dared ask.
There's monsters and magic in this world, and the names and the history may be a bit different, but this is a fantasy that's firmly grounded in rewriting/reacting to the "Western," and I'd love to read more books in this vein.
Also, Rhett's growing up in this book! The ongoing reckoning with responsibility and consequences for his actions/tom cat ways/decisions/understanding relationships with other people has been a pleasure to watch grow. Can't wait to finish the series.
Oh, the book itself.
I found myself trying to look up a list of books that were Westerns, but those that didn't have so straight a moral narrative, AND ones that didn't paint everyone in the same morally grey light. I wanted some reactions to the mythic west that center the uneasy tension of colonization, prizes native voices, and allows for a diversity of viewpoints. Then I remembered I had this book checked out and was halfway through a series that was doing (some of) what I wanted, and even queerer than I would have dared ask.
There's monsters and magic in this world, and the names and the history may be a bit different, but this is a fantasy that's firmly grounded in rewriting/reacting to the "Western," and I'd love to read more books in this vein.
Also, Rhett's growing up in this book! The ongoing reckoning with responsibility and consequences for his actions/tom cat ways/decisions/understanding relationships with other people has been a pleasure to watch grow. Can't wait to finish the series.
March 24, 2020
I figure I've gone on enough about gender and sexuality and how it's discussed in the narrative in the previous two books for this series, so I won't loop back around and bring up things I already brought up (click here and here for my review of Wake of Vultures and Conspiracy of Ravens). There's not as much to go off on a tangent about in Malice of Crows, but I probably still will since Bowen has proved over and over again that she's going to make Rhett's story chock-full of the conversations and issues that should be more present in YA fiction and she sure hasn't backed away from that in this third book.
So, anyway, Lila Bowen continues to be my new favorite author and has even potentially set a new standard that I'm going to judge the YA industry by.
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Buddy read with Kirsten.
So, anyway, Lila Bowen continues to be my new favorite author and has even potentially set a new standard that I'm going to judge the YA industry by.
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Buddy read with Kirsten.
December 7, 2018
In brief: The Shadow is calling Rhett Walker back to the Rangers and away from the immortal alchemist he’s vowed to kill—to the displeasure of Rhett’s friends and entourage. However, where the Shadow goes, trouble will always follow. Third in a series.
Thoughts: This is another solid installment in a series I wish more people were talking about. It delivers everything I’ve come to expect—a cracking good western full of gun fights and desert treks, a great fantasy adventure with cool monsters and magic, so much diversity in terms of queer rep and characters of colour*, Rhett continuing to unlearn gender stuff and be kinder to people and be more confident in himself, tension of all kinds, heartbreaking moments… and of course, Bowen expands on the world again, with more creatures and characters and settings that flesh out the whole of the American frontier.
There’s not a lot I can say about this book beyond that, because going into detail will just spoil it, but there’s canon ace rep now on top of the gay, bi, pan (?), and trans rep, which was a personal yay. Also, I assumed this was the last of a trilogy and it is not, so I’m very excited to see what happens next!
Warnings: Suicide. Child abuse. White people who want pats for being “nice” to brown people. Mentions of non-consensual past sex. Chinese dragons who are a bit less than accurate.
7.5/10
Thoughts: This is another solid installment in a series I wish more people were talking about. It delivers everything I’ve come to expect—a cracking good western full of gun fights and desert treks, a great fantasy adventure with cool monsters and magic, so much diversity in terms of queer rep and characters of colour*, Rhett continuing to unlearn gender stuff and be kinder to people and be more confident in himself, tension of all kinds, heartbreaking moments… and of course, Bowen expands on the world again, with more creatures and characters and settings that flesh out the whole of the American frontier.
There’s not a lot I can say about this book beyond that, because going into detail will just spoil it, but there’s canon ace rep now on top of the gay, bi, pan (?), and trans rep, which was a personal yay. Also, I assumed this was the last of a trilogy and it is not, so I’m very excited to see what happens next!
Warnings: Suicide. Child abuse. White people who want pats for being “nice” to brown people. Mentions of non-consensual past sex. Chinese dragons who are a bit less than accurate.
7.5/10
March 2, 2022
I think this is the weakest book in the series, so far. Most of this book feels like a road trip to nowhere. They can't go after Trevisan because the have to get back to the Rangers. They finally get there and the Captain makes Rhett the new Captain before he dies, but it doesn't end up meaning anything because they have to kill everyone anyway. Then there is more moody road trippin before they finally find Trevisan and the book gets actiony for like the last fifth and then it's all over. There wasn't enough plot for a whole book in this one and most of the stuff that happened didn't matter except as FORESHADOWING!!!
I was so excited that Rhett and Sam finally got together but I could see the end coming a mile away because of course queer couples can never be happy. It's damn disappointing. I did really like Ines though, she was an awesome new character. I've come this far so I'll finish the series since there is only one book left but my enthusiasm is pretty low.
I was so excited that Rhett and Sam finally got together but I could see the end coming a mile away because of course queer couples can never be happy. It's damn disappointing. I did really like Ines though, she was an awesome new character. I've come this far so I'll finish the series since there is only one book left but my enthusiasm is pretty low.
February 5, 2025
2.5/5
One of my criticisms of the last book was that the side characters felt flat and underdeveloped- that they didn't get really fleshed-out motivations of their own outside of the main character. I felt that this book did a much better job with the side characters and felt closer to an ensemble cast- which I appreciated. Finally (finally!) Dan was given thoughts outside of how he can help 'the shadow.' I thought the author went in an interesting direction with Earl's character. I'm not sure if I like what she decided to do with the Ranger Outpost- I felt like more could have been done with it if she had chosen to keep it around.
I think I am a little fatigued with this series- I was not wholly captivated by this book and kind of slogged through it to finish. However, that may be my own fault for reading the first three back-to-back-to-back. I'll definitely be taking a break to read other things before (maybe) returning to the fourth book.
One of my criticisms of the last book was that the side characters felt flat and underdeveloped- that they didn't get really fleshed-out motivations of their own outside of the main character. I felt that this book did a much better job with the side characters and felt closer to an ensemble cast- which I appreciated. Finally (finally!) Dan was given thoughts outside of how he can help 'the shadow.' I thought the author went in an interesting direction with Earl's character. I'm not sure if I like what she decided to do with the Ranger Outpost- I felt like more could have been done with it if she had chosen to keep it around.
I think I am a little fatigued with this series- I was not wholly captivated by this book and kind of slogged through it to finish. However, that may be my own fault for reading the first three back-to-back-to-back. I'll definitely be taking a break to read other things before (maybe) returning to the fourth book.
June 20, 2018
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This book is AWESOME, and it's absolutely HILARIOUS! It's not often that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud like that. I love the author's sense of humor.
I didn't like the ending, but I won't talk about why and give up the book.
This was such a unique concept, and it shed a light on how people who weren't white were treated during the gold rush and when the railroads were being built.
It also explores the topics of gender identity and sexuality in a very unique way.
I can't say enough good things about this book. The only bad thing I can say is that I am not happy with the way it ended. I was kind of freaking out because I thought this was a trilogy and that was it for Rhett and Sam and their little posse.
However, I just found out that the author wrote 1 more book for this series, Treason of Hawks! I'm so excited that I get to see what happens next with them! I am just disappointed that I have to wait until October to read it!
This book is AWESOME, and it's absolutely HILARIOUS! It's not often that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud like that. I love the author's sense of humor.
I didn't like the ending, but I won't talk about why and give up the book.
This was such a unique concept, and it shed a light on how people who weren't white were treated during the gold rush and when the railroads were being built.
It also explores the topics of gender identity and sexuality in a very unique way.
I can't say enough good things about this book. The only bad thing I can say is that I am not happy with the way it ended. I was kind of freaking out because I thought this was a trilogy and that was it for Rhett and Sam and their little posse.
However, I just found out that the author wrote 1 more book for this series, Treason of Hawks! I'm so excited that I get to see what happens next with them! I am just disappointed that I have to wait until October to read it!
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