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The Unsylum #2
As the Crow Flies
A Feather Brain…
That’s me and a bag of chips. Ever since I started working here at the Unsylum—I’ve been running around in a haze of purple insanity.
Somehow, this job has come to mean more to me than being an overpaid maid. It's become a calling that I can’t ignore. One that leaves me constantly torn between running away like a headless chicken or opening every cell in this place and letting them all out - consequences be damned. Because right now, I’m not sure if I’m having sympathy for the devil or if the devil is having sympathy for me.
That’s enough to scare anyone.
That’s me and a bag of chips. Ever since I started working here at the Unsylum—I’ve been running around in a haze of purple insanity.
Somehow, this job has come to mean more to me than being an overpaid maid. It's become a calling that I can’t ignore. One that leaves me constantly torn between running away like a headless chicken or opening every cell in this place and letting them all out - consequences be damned. Because right now, I’m not sure if I’m having sympathy for the devil or if the devil is having sympathy for me.
That’s enough to scare anyone.
Unknown Binding
First published August 30, 2019
134 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Parker
18 books734 followersHello!!
I want to thank you for perusing!
First off, I didn't write Storage Diva--no idea who that is, lol.
Second please know that any and ALL books that are upcoming or released that I write are on my website.
Thanks for reading my word vomit and I hope you're smiling at least once a day, it's good for you.
A little monsters and mayhem is good for everyone too!
I want to thank you for perusing!
First off, I didn't write Storage Diva--no idea who that is, lol.
Second please know that any and ALL books that are upcoming or released that I write are on my website.
Thanks for reading my word vomit and I hope you're smiling at least once a day, it's good for you.
A little monsters and mayhem is good for everyone too!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 6, 2021
3.5 stars
August 31, 2019
Reading a Zoe Parker book is like coming home. This was no exception. 5 stars♥
November 7, 2019
I think this is a trilogy, and this 2nd book is a bridge between the first and the last. Bridge books don't always stand alone well. I think that's why I don't like this book. It's not a complete story - it's a means to get you from the setup to the climax, and it's way too convenient. There's a little sneaking around, but no real hardship or challenge in this book. Things just go her way. She starts winning, step by step. She's sad her love is off righting his world, but that's about it. Boring.
October 29, 2021
DNF 46%
So this book went in a completely different direction than I thought it would. After loving the first book, I was super excited to read this one, but was quickly disappointed after getting a few chapters in. The pacing is slow and the plot is uninteresting at this point. Plus Mel is being super annoying with the back and forth crap. Make up your mind and stick to it, hun. So yeah no continuing for me.
So this book went in a completely different direction than I thought it would. After loving the first book, I was super excited to read this one, but was quickly disappointed after getting a few chapters in. The pacing is slow and the plot is uninteresting at this point. Plus Mel is being super annoying with the back and forth crap. Make up your mind and stick to it, hun. So yeah no continuing for me.
October 23, 2019
Gosh, I'm this close to giving this book a 5 star. The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing, that's stopping me is how it all happened so fast. TOO fast. If Parker slowed the whole thing down, just a little bit more. Detailed the events just a tiny bit more extensively, this would be a no-brainer 5 star...
January 19, 2020
Not mutch get cleared in the story department, everything is still pretty mutch tangled and mysterious. Yes,reader gets some answers, but more gets weaved in the story.
My rating is not a reflection on how mutch I liked the book but of how high the quality of writing is. It is definitely worth reading if you like slow burning, slow revealing stories
My rating is not a reflection on how mutch I liked the book but of how high the quality of writing is. It is definitely worth reading if you like slow burning, slow revealing stories
September 1, 2019
Salt and Vinegar chips are good!
“This book is to those that smile outside and scream inside, said Zoe”!! And then Meeeee!!! Because LIFE!!
I love this world so much. What is it about Ms. Parker’s writing that makes you want to be in the book too? Yes, Mel spends a lot of time in her head in this book also but at least it’s not her dwelling on her lack of sanity. This time it’s her confusing love for the Nothing King. While other women may say: “Awwwww”, I’m screaming “ Get over him, Mel! Becoooome the BAMF PathKeeper!” That’s me though. Can’t wait for book 3! Write on Ms. Parker, Bless you and your healing journey *hugs*
“This book is to those that smile outside and scream inside, said Zoe”!! And then Meeeee!!! Because LIFE!!
I love this world so much. What is it about Ms. Parker’s writing that makes you want to be in the book too? Yes, Mel spends a lot of time in her head in this book also but at least it’s not her dwelling on her lack of sanity. This time it’s her confusing love for the Nothing King. While other women may say: “Awwwww”, I’m screaming “ Get over him, Mel! Becoooome the BAMF PathKeeper!” That’s me though. Can’t wait for book 3! Write on Ms. Parker, Bless you and your healing journey *hugs*
December 24, 2019
Great book and I would like it even more if things didn’t progress as fast as they did. If things slowed down a bit so I could savor the moment(s)for a bit longer would be amazing
July 30, 2020
4.5 The Mother of Everything Stars
As the Crow Flies is the second installment into The Unsylum series by Zoe Parker.
Vale, dear Vale. Following Mel as she falls into him is such a journey. She fights, kicking and screaming, denying the inevitable. Such is the enjoyment seeing this unconventional family fall into place.
The creep factor of humans and Runins, not the literal monstrous beings is a pivotal clarity. The juxtaposition of the innocuous looking people and their horrid deeds, to the scary faced prisoners and their simple kindness. Maybe Parker wasn’t trying to portray this eternal truth in this work? Perhaps? But it seems so obvious, it’s hard to imagine it unintentional.
Info-dump galore. Thank you. Tree of Travel, Runin, plots and worlds and caretakers, missing pieces, budding friendships, spies, magicians, a door is a door. Endless possibilities, and unfathomable truths.
As the Crow Flies is the second installment into The Unsylum series by Zoe Parker.
Vale, dear Vale. Following Mel as she falls into him is such a journey. She fights, kicking and screaming, denying the inevitable. Such is the enjoyment seeing this unconventional family fall into place.
The creep factor of humans and Runins, not the literal monstrous beings is a pivotal clarity. The juxtaposition of the innocuous looking people and their horrid deeds, to the scary faced prisoners and their simple kindness. Maybe Parker wasn’t trying to portray this eternal truth in this work? Perhaps? But it seems so obvious, it’s hard to imagine it unintentional.
Info-dump galore. Thank you. Tree of Travel, Runin, plots and worlds and caretakers, missing pieces, budding friendships, spies, magicians, a door is a door. Endless possibilities, and unfathomable truths.
January 9, 2021
I can't recommend this series highly enough!
Zoe Parker knocks it out of the park with her Unsylum series. I reread book one when this second installment came out. That's not something I usually do but I wanted to be fresh in all the character details. I enjoyed the reread of book one as much as I did the first time. And this second installment was even more captivating. Mel, our MC, is a smart, tough and very human. She's amazing. The plot is wholly original. Truly, I've read nothing like it and I read fantasy all the time. Parker is a genre leader and the genre is massive so that really says something. This second book in the series was written while she was dealing with terrible loss herself. I wish her well in her healing. Her books are such gifts to avid bibliophiles like myself. Her writing is cohesive and relatable and beautiful at the same time.
Zoe Parker knocks it out of the park with her Unsylum series. I reread book one when this second installment came out. That's not something I usually do but I wanted to be fresh in all the character details. I enjoyed the reread of book one as much as I did the first time. And this second installment was even more captivating. Mel, our MC, is a smart, tough and very human. She's amazing. The plot is wholly original. Truly, I've read nothing like it and I read fantasy all the time. Parker is a genre leader and the genre is massive so that really says something. This second book in the series was written while she was dealing with terrible loss herself. I wish her well in her healing. Her books are such gifts to avid bibliophiles like myself. Her writing is cohesive and relatable and beautiful at the same time.
April 17, 2021
Cheesy cheese of the holy cheese empire.
Instalove of doom and destruction.
Virtue signaling so blunt that a 5-year-old couldn't miss it.
Just plain unoriginal and clichée.
And it all is unsubtle to the point of being artless.
The only things I could appreciate were 1. the humor and 2. how self-aware and self-reflected the MC is. A lot of books try this but fail miserably at it.
This one ends with a big cliffhanger as well but in this case, I actually didn't mind.
It didn't feel like it's just not a completed book contrary to the first one.
Instalove of doom and destruction.
Virtue signaling so blunt that a 5-year-old couldn't miss it.
Just plain unoriginal and clichée.
And it all is unsubtle to the point of being artless.
The only things I could appreciate were 1. the humor and 2. how self-aware and self-reflected the MC is. A lot of books try this but fail miserably at it.
This one ends with a big cliffhanger as well but in this case, I actually didn't mind.
It didn't feel like it's just not a completed book contrary to the first one.
June 23, 2020
I love this series
Mel is a believable character that you root for, Vale is the brooding pale peach that you ship for and the lil Banshee is the one you watch out for 😂
It took me awhile to finally pick up the second book but I AM happy that I did. This little universe inside of the book is magical. there were some superficial things in here that bored me and the banter was kind of childish but it’s still a catching read.
Mel is a believable character that you root for, Vale is the brooding pale peach that you ship for and the lil Banshee is the one you watch out for 😂
It took me awhile to finally pick up the second book but I AM happy that I did. This little universe inside of the book is magical. there were some superficial things in here that bored me and the banter was kind of childish but it’s still a catching read.
April 29, 2021
Zoe Parker as always is amazing
Out of all the books she's written, this is by far one of my absolute favorites. It's not just the characters, which are amazing, or the monstrous males, which Zoe writes so well but the soul deep bond she writes so incredibly well that sucks you in and doesn't let go. Every one of her books is amazing but this book, this book is damn near a religious experience.
Out of all the books she's written, this is by far one of my absolute favorites. It's not just the characters, which are amazing, or the monstrous males, which Zoe writes so well but the soul deep bond she writes so incredibly well that sucks you in and doesn't let go. Every one of her books is amazing but this book, this book is damn near a religious experience.
September 4, 2019
This story had me laughing, crying and every other emotion in between. Mel is coming to grips with Vale’s revelations from book 1, and trying to figure out what it means to be the Path Keeper. I loved the shopping/cooking scene, but there are some heart -wrenching moments too. Also, I need a Marigold and Athena in my life!
September 3, 2019
I love when new books get released and then I finish it and I’m so keen to keep going and I get a cliff hanger and have to wait months, which is frustrating cause it was that good I wAnt tot keep going.
June 11, 2020
Yet again, the second book in a series proved to be the weak one. This book was much more of a mess than the first. A lot of events happened, but it didn't feel cohesive. I did like the world building, and I'll read the next book after a break.
November 8, 2020
Must read
Such a great book. Can’t wait for book three!!!! This is a must read! I’ve read a ton throughout my life and this one has me on the edge of my seat as I’ve not seen this world in a book before. I truly loved it.
Such a great book. Can’t wait for book three!!!! This is a must read! I’ve read a ton throughout my life and this one has me on the edge of my seat as I’ve not seen this world in a book before. I truly loved it.
May 3, 2021
Outstanding installment in a truly original series! Zoe Parker creates characters like no one else, and builds worlds that are different enough to be fascinating while familiar enough for you to be able to follow! Loved it!
July 25, 2019
Can't wait!
September 1, 2019
This series is very unique and well worth your time.
4 stars.
4 stars.
July 27, 2020
Still a fan.
Just want to send a thank you note for your hard work and amazing stories. I’m reading through for the second time, and can’t wait to see more.
Just want to send a thank you note for your hard work and amazing stories. I’m reading through for the second time, and can’t wait to see more.
July 31, 2020
Another great read! I actually liked this one better than the first. There are still many questions unanswered and I’m excitedly ready to start the last book in this series!!
July 26, 2021
Still a decent read. If you kinda liked the previous one, you'll like this one a little bit more.
November 27, 2022
This one was interesting. I enjoyed seeing the heroine start to change and understand things better. I was a bit frustrated with the end, but other than that I liked it.
September 2, 2019
The dedication and acknowledgement are everything in this book 😭 So heart felt. The book itself was awesome as well
January 9, 2020
Love
I am loving this series. Great characters and an awesome plot keep the pages turning. Can’t wait to start the next one.
I am loving this series. Great characters and an awesome plot keep the pages turning. Can’t wait to start the next one.
September 1, 2019
Oh Zoe it was fantastic
So I read the book twice before writing my review. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, it was that good. Second, I was pretty sure I missed things in my first read and I was correct. Lastly, I needed time to ruminate on all my thoughts and feelings. So our hero (not heroine because it's to close to heroin, and that's bad) Mel, has some low self-esteem. She's in a bad place when she gets to the Unsylum and yet she keeps going. Faced with unimaginable cruelty she offers genuine kindness. As the Queen of Everything states “The star child healed me when no other tried. She thinks that bringing the children from other worlds did it, when it was ever only her. Each time, she gave me a piece of herself, until I am whole once again.”
I thank you Zoe for pushing forward this year after everything you have faced.
Mel isn't a happy go lucky girl who's had the world at her fingertips. She tough and had her world crumble around her. She might have a cry session but then she gets up dusts herself off, puts on her big girl panties and her rubber boots and wades through the stuff to get things done. It's not easy or pretty but real stuff often isn't. I've joined the Unsylum and I invite you to do the same.
So I read the book twice before writing my review. I did this for a couple of reasons. First, it was that good. Second, I was pretty sure I missed things in my first read and I was correct. Lastly, I needed time to ruminate on all my thoughts and feelings. So our hero (not heroine because it's to close to heroin, and that's bad) Mel, has some low self-esteem. She's in a bad place when she gets to the Unsylum and yet she keeps going. Faced with unimaginable cruelty she offers genuine kindness. As the Queen of Everything states “The star child healed me when no other tried. She thinks that bringing the children from other worlds did it, when it was ever only her. Each time, she gave me a piece of herself, until I am whole once again.”
I thank you Zoe for pushing forward this year after everything you have faced.
Mel isn't a happy go lucky girl who's had the world at her fingertips. She tough and had her world crumble around her. She might have a cry session but then she gets up dusts herself off, puts on her big girl panties and her rubber boots and wades through the stuff to get things done. It's not easy or pretty but real stuff often isn't. I've joined the Unsylum and I invite you to do the same.
August 31, 2019
Cannot rave enough
I could not wait for the release of this book, and Zoe Parker, once again, surpassed anything I could've imagined.
The path Mel must take, the choices before her, require more than she may be able to give... or that she feels she is capable of accomplishing. Along the way, more lives are changed, hearts mended and broken, powers and plots revealed, and family reinterpreted and gathered.
Prepare for twists, shocks, confusion, elation, hope, sorrow, anger, and laughs. This book will "get you in the feels" as the author continues to develop the contrasting worlds and expectations of humanity and the residents of the Unsylum, reveals responsibilities of Keepers and Kings, and provides more details about the creative and engaging characters and the choices they must make.
The path is never easy, and doubt and depression swirling about adds to the challenges set before us, but everyone plays an important role - whether they understand their significance or not - and it's time to rally. Let's go, crows.
I could not wait for the release of this book, and Zoe Parker, once again, surpassed anything I could've imagined.
The path Mel must take, the choices before her, require more than she may be able to give... or that she feels she is capable of accomplishing. Along the way, more lives are changed, hearts mended and broken, powers and plots revealed, and family reinterpreted and gathered.
Prepare for twists, shocks, confusion, elation, hope, sorrow, anger, and laughs. This book will "get you in the feels" as the author continues to develop the contrasting worlds and expectations of humanity and the residents of the Unsylum, reveals responsibilities of Keepers and Kings, and provides more details about the creative and engaging characters and the choices they must make.
The path is never easy, and doubt and depression swirling about adds to the challenges set before us, but everyone plays an important role - whether they understand their significance or not - and it's time to rally. Let's go, crows.
August 31, 2019
I truly love Zoe's books
My favorite thing about Zoe's books is the fact that no matter how much her main females hurt or have been hurt they always find it in them to love others. To protect those weaker than them. To keep going, even though they are broken and depressed. I've suffered from depression for a long time and there some days that my son is the only thing that stops me from giving up so these books tend to hit me hard. I know this review isn't soli on As the Crow flies (though it is amazing and I highly recommend it) but more on the characters of all her books but I felt it needed to mentioned. Thank you for representing those of us that struggle but are still trying.
My favorite thing about Zoe's books is the fact that no matter how much her main females hurt or have been hurt they always find it in them to love others. To protect those weaker than them. To keep going, even though they are broken and depressed. I've suffered from depression for a long time and there some days that my son is the only thing that stops me from giving up so these books tend to hit me hard. I know this review isn't soli on As the Crow flies (though it is amazing and I highly recommend it) but more on the characters of all her books but I felt it needed to mentioned. Thank you for representing those of us that struggle but are still trying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews