Unyielding by Shelly Laurenston
Call of Crows #3

I believe that this is a book better read after having read the previous books in the series. This was my first book by this author so my review reflects that fact.

There were many entities and ideas to remember and juggle while reading this action-packed and sometimes steamy book. The fantasy world is well created, populated with intriguing characters, has an explicit mythology, has a well-defined evil to thwart and a whole lot more going on. I had trouble getting into the story and then following it (perhaps since I have not read previous books). That said, I am sure that those who love paranormal-fantasy-romance-Viking mythology starring a quirky strong immortal female character that falls for a nice hunky immortal male will truly love this book.

I am rating this in two ways:
For me: 3 Stars
For someone really into this genre: 4-5 Stars

THE UNYIELDING is the third installment in Shelly Laurenston’s contemporary, adult CALL OF CROWS fantasy/paranormal romance series based in Norse mythology. The continuing story focuses on the upcoming battle of Ragnarok and the end of the world as we know it. This is Viking warrior Stieg Engstrom, and Crow Erin Amsel’s story line. THE UNYIELDING can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion, enjoyment and backstory I recommend reading the series in order.


For more information about Ragnarok follow this link: http://norse-mythology.org/tales/ragnarok/

Told from several third person points of view THE UNYIELDING continues to focus on Norse mythology-the birth, life, death and rebirth cycles-including the destruction of everyone and everything, known as Ragnarok. With the resurrection of the goddess Gullveig, the end was fast approaching and Erin Amsel-crazy, manic, and most hated of the Crows (the warrior clan of the goddess Skuld)-is tasked with retrieving a magical weapon to destroy the goddess before H*ll comes to Earth. Enter Stieg Engstrom, Viking warrior, and the man with whom Erin will fall in love but not before our leading couple must survive the Nine Worlds and all of the dangers wrought within.

Shelly Laurenston’s THE UNYIELDING is a story of action, suspense, adventure, humor and a mythological apocalypse with sass, snark, the Viking Clans, shifters, dragons, gods, goddesses, elves, dwarfs, giants, Maids, rotting corpses, a rabid squirrel, a dog blessed by the gods, and a goat-yep, a goat. Laurenston’s ability to weave humor, playfulness and comedy into a tale is amazing. The whimsy, wit and charm of the back and forth banter is fabulous, unique, insane and energetic. For fans of Laurenston’s Pride and Pack series, as well as her DragonKin series (written as G.A.Aiken) the humor is familiar, entertaining and seductive. You can never go wrong with a story by Shelly Laurenston !

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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~ARC via Netgalley.~

The 3rd book of the Call of Crows.

As far as 3rd book goes, this is a great read. I love the way this was written. The plot was so vastly different, that it made me unable put my phone down so that i can do other things.

I actually enjoyed reading Erin's story. I was actually shocked that she was paired to Stieg. I did not see that coming. Well, i did not really expect her to have a HEA. But this is book was really something.

I love the goat! As I write this review, I can't stop myself from laughing. Stieg, do love his goat. The things he did for it was...unbelievable. The other thing that I love about him was his love for the person who was there for him. The first time Erin and that person met, gods! I was so amuse by the convo that they were having.

This was actually a good book due to the fact that a woman, with Erin's personality was the one that need to save the world. I can clearly understand why the clans are reluctant for her to do it. But in retrospect, she is perfect one to do it. Not because of her affinity to flames, but of because of her mind set. And that is why I like her.

The love story is not much in this book, per see. But as you read, the subtlety how they fall in love is there. The way it was written really nice. Who would have thought that they have those feeling to each other?

If you want the right amount of, action, gore, laughter, true friendship, and a bit of love thrown in, this series is what you are looking for.

All the elements of a good story is here. you will be amaze by the action, cringed with the gore, hysterical laugh at the lines, and cry on some parts because of their past. but most importantly, you will fall in love in the most unexpected way.

Looking forward to the next book!

4 1/2 stars

The Unyielding reminds me why I started to read fantasy: a complex story full of historical information with a fantastical twist. Laurenston adds a wonderful enhancement to the fantasy genre: laughter. Erin Amsel was freaking hilarious. I simply loved her. Yeah, she was brutal and a bit over the top. Okay, she was totally and completely over the top. She would probably hate me in real life. No worries. I can hero worship her from afar. Stieg is the epitome of strong, silent hero with an emphasis on strong. We learn that there’s more than meets the eye, as does Erin.

I enjoyed quest aspect of the novel. Can Erin save the world? Will Stieg help her? Can they get through all the different worlds and grab the treasure they need to save the world? The story will keep you awake at night while you promise yourself I’ll just read one more chapter. But who can read only one chapter when the fate of the world is on the line?

My only complaint about this novel is the lack of romance (that's the 1/2 star I couldn't help but deduct). There isn’t any romance as such. There’s a bit of sex and definitely some confusion about what Erin and Stieg mean to each other, but not romance as such. I can forgive Laurenston because the novel was so much fun to read.

Just a note: You’ll need to read the previous novels if you want to have a chance at understanding the relationships between the characters and the background of the evil heroine.

Stieg Engstrom, Angriest Viking Ever, has got big problems. The human Viking Clans of earth are in danger of being obliterated—along with the rest of the world—and the only one who may be able to save them is a super pain-in-the-ass Crow. Most people annoy Stieg, but this is the one woman he really can’t stand…

Erin Amsel loves being a Crow! Why wouldn’t she when the other Viking Clans are so hilariously arrogant and humorless? She’s not about to let all that come to an end! She just didn’t expect to be shoulder to shoulder in battle with Stieg. Then again, he’s so easy to torment—and also kind of cute.

With the future of the world riding on them, Stieg knows he’ll have to put aside his desperate need to kiss the smirk right off Erin’s face. Wait. What? He didn’t mean that—did he? No! They have one goal: To conquer the idiots. Because nothing bugs Stieg more than when idiots win. If only he can keep himself from suddenly acting like one….

Review:

More good sarcastic, sexy, violent fun!

Just like all of the other books in the series this is a non-stop roller coaster ride action and adventure. In this third book in the series it is up to Erin to save the world and stop Ragnarok. Stieg is Erin's love interest in this story and is a good match for her. Both are strong, where Erin is sarcastic and quick to anger, Stieg is serious and more patient. Their romance is super sexy, but a little sweet too as much as it can with these characters. I think this book has the most supernatural and mystical creatures in any book I have read and from every pantheon imaginable too.

As always I can count on Ms. Laurenston to give me a exciting, action filled story. Which of course has its moments of fan-yourself sexy. Plus, I can always count on the witty and make you laugh out loud dialogue. Sorry I did not give alot away of the plot but you really need to read yourself, also if you have not read the other books in the series I would highly recommend reading them in order.

Series keeps getting better and better!

5Stars

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

This is book 3 in the Call of Crows series. If you haven't read the previous 2, I would highly recommend that you do so. Yes, this book can (and does) standalone however to understand the whole story line the previous ones are helpful. This book follows Erin Amsel and Stieg Engstrom. Erin is slightly crazy in my opinion. But I absolutely love her because of it! She made me laugh through most of the book and the reactions of Stieg to her antics were even funnier! If you have read the previous books you know they are trying to stop the end of days from happening. And Erin is asked to go and retrieve something that will help stop it. Reading them go through the tings they do to retrieve it? And what she does to do it? It was great! I LOVED this book! Start to finish I was involved with not only the story but the characters. Shelly Laurenston writes strong, mouthy, and kick a@@ women and I love every second of it! I can't wait for the next one and I highly recommend all of her books!

This is a great book; this is the third book in the Call of Crows series written by Shelly Laurenston. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

There are so many characters that I love in the Call of Crows series, but Erin and Stieg have been two of my favorites, so I was beyond excited when I saw that The Unyielding was their story! I couldn't wait to dive into this world and see what Ms. Laurenston came up for us this time and boy, was it something. The Unyielding is definitely the best book yet - I absolutely loved it! 

Stieg... what can I say about Stieg? He's quiet and serious, but not too serious as to be the complete opposite of Erin. I'm trying to figure out what to say about him, but he's just Stieg. He made me laugh, he's protective of his friends and Erin even though he thinks she's insane. He has a sweet side, he will give you warm feelings inside, and he will make you love him - I know I do! 

Of course, I love Erin! She's made me laugh a lot in the previous two books and in this one. She's just so unapologetically her - she's confident, arrogant but in an amusing way, and so sure of herself. Erin is a total smarta*s, she thinks and moves a mile a minute, and yes, she's crazy, but that's what makes her fun. Erin is completely amazing and she's by far my favorite of all the Crows! 

The Undoing made me laugh all the time and a big part of that was due to Erin and Stieg, so I was expecting to be laughing non-stop with The Unyielding, but that really wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong, it's still funny and I still laughed way more than a bit, just not as much as I thought I would. I wasn't disappointed about that at all though because the story was phenomtastic. It was elaborate, epic, fascinating, and just plain awesome! Ms. Laurenston truly knocked out of the park with this one and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

The Unyielding is the third book in the Call of Crows series and you could read it as a standalone, but I would recommend reading them in order. It's told from multiple points of view and although Stieg and Erin get their happy ending, the ending will make you eager for the next book, but I don't think it will drive you too crazy. 

~ A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia, 5 Stars

That’s why I’ve come to love and adore this series, the crazy, chaotic ^*$k%ry goodness. It didn’t start off that way, but now it’s what I look forward to when I dive into this series, just like her Dragon Kin series under her G.A. Aiken pen name. It’s over the top and at time even a bit much for me, but I love how three dimensional the characters are under all the crazy and how the romance is quite unique to this crazy fun world.

I adored Erin and Stieg. Erin is irreverent and has no edit button, at least not one that she chooses to use in most situations. Her favorite past time is irritating as many people as she can and openly admits it to anyone who will listen. But despite her penchant for going off half c#cked, she does care deeply for those she calls her own. Stieg is, well, a Raven. He is calm, collected and despite what the other Clans think, quite intelligent underneath the stern exterior. He’s more about thinking things through than going off half c*cked and is content staying home watching American Greed and drinking a beer.

Their, um, romance is crazy, chaotic, fun, smexy and even sweet ~ in a way it can only be for a Crow and Raven ~ ride as these two extreme polar opposites collide. They end up getting under each other’s skin and find that despite their best efforts to stay away from each other, they keep being put together time and time again. But as they say, opposites attract, and Erin and Stieg end up fitting together in an almost practically perfect way as they fill in each others missing pieces.

The whole Hel/Gullveig/Ragnarok crazyness is amp’d up several times over and though I thought the storyline dragged a little, it was still fun to see how it all played out and I liked where things ended up.

I was hooked from the start and laughed all the way through the book. In fact I now have put a rule into effect that states that I am never to read one of the author’s books and be on the elliptical machine at the same time because I was laughing so hard I almost huli’d over (fell in Hawaiian) it was bad enough I was laughing while working out. As with the other books, this one is told in multiple 3rd person POV’s, some may get whiplash from it, but I enjoyed it. And with what happened in the epilogue, I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in series!

Before I start gushing over the next installment in this amazing series, I have to thank Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches, Trashy Books who gushed about it a few different times on her podcast. I believe it was her interview with the author that finally tipped me over the edge into reading the first book. I wasn't sure about a series about immortal Vikings who have retractable wings but let me tell you, Call Of Crows is definitely for me because hello hot Vikings.

This series keeps getting better and better! I positively inhaled this one and enjoyed every single moment.

Call Of Crows builds on itself with each book so you'll want to start with The Unleashing and The Undoing. The Crows are the human warrior clan of the goddess Skuld composed of women who were either enslaved (or nowadays descendants of slaves) or marginalized and mistreated in their first life and then given a second chance in which they kick ass and take no prisoners. This gives Laurenston room to tackle subjects like race and privilege in such a compelling and unique way. You know that makes me geek out!

When The Unyielding begins, the Viking clans are trying to prevent the end of the world from happening. Literally. The one who holds the key to saving them is the most unlikely of candidates: Erin Amsel.

"People loved to threaten Erin Amsel, he just didn't know why. Because threatening her was a sure way of getting her to focus on you. Making you part of her life's work, which was tormenting people beyond all reason." p. 19

Erin likes getting a rise out of other people. In fact, she lives for it. Add in her short temper and even shorter attention span and it's no wonder people either love or hate Erin...and most people hate her. On the other hand, she's the person you want by your side in a battle. I had no idea how Laurenston would build a book around her, much less who would fall in love with her, but I never underestimate this author.

"She'd never met anyone so young who seemed so bitter. Something about him just radiated 'old man ordering kids off his lawn.'" p. 27

Stieg isn't like his Raven brothers, mostly because he spent most of his teen years on the streets before the clan found him. He's scrappy and he's got a lot of anger trapped inside. Cue: brooding. Cue: me swooning. He's the kind of Viking who relishes the battle. In that way, he and Erin are perfect for one another.

Stieg and Erin have always had an adversarial relationship, mostly because of the stunts Erin pulls. Because of the events around them, Stieg starts keeping an eye on Erin so she doesn't kill herself or get killed by any of the numerous people who want her dead. This isn't your traditional enemies-to-lovers romance though. In fact, the romance is really secondary (or maybe even tertiary) to the plot. I loved their banter and how working together forced them to see each other in a new light. But even then, there aren't sappy declarations of love because that wouldn't be true to either character.

Laurenston is phenomenal at world building. You get the bulk of the Viking mythology in the first book but each book adds another layer and it's truly fascinating stuff. In this novel, we learn more about the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (their characters cracked me up! Who would suspect they'd be surfers?!) and we accompany Erin and Stieg into the Underworld on their quest.

Laurenston's writing is clever and I laughed out loud a lot. Erin can be ridiculous, for one. But I also love all the interactions between the Crows, Ravens, and other clans. That's probably my third favorite thing about her writing: the friendships. As well as her marvelous depiction of Lady Rage through the Crows. I could gush about this for days!

I never knew where the plot was going to go. I mean, I hoped Erin and Stieg wouldn't die on their quest and that the clans would be able to prevent the apocalypse but I had no idea how or if it would happen. There were some truly evil beings running amok and Erin, as badass as she is, had a lot of obstacles to get through on the off chance she could get the sword that would save them all. No guarantees. And I know this plot might sound nuts but it is seriously so good. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Then the ending. I literally laughed out loud for a solid minute because the cliffhanger was so unexpected and bold. That's why I love these books so much! I can't wait to see where Laurenston takes us next. (Fingers crossed for Chloe and Josef's story!) If you give this series a chance, you won't be sorry.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to get to read about my beloved Crows and Ravens and the rest of the clans again. Ever since I started with this series I couldn't put them down for a second, I think I finished every book in less than a day, that's how good they are.

The only thing I don't like about this book is the cover, Stieg looks so much more Viking in my mind! This guy is hot, don't get me wrong but he is not savage hot, so I'll just stick to my mental image of him (mmm Travis Fimmel) Moving on...

This book takes us back to the current problem the clans are facing, "the end on times" and they seemed to have found a way to avoid it, but it's not gonna be easy.

The plot action centres around Erin, and I couldn't be happier, she is one of my favourite characters; crazy, fun and seems to be always getting on everyone's nerves, it's definitely fun to read.

Her plans take her directly to Stieg and she can't seem to shake him off, and not sure if she really wants to. He is sweet, strong, considerate and a hot Viking, What more can she ask for?
Both of them are scared of each other, more than they are of the end of times that's approaching. They are a perfect match, even though they fight it at first, they complement each other perfectly.

Watching them fight for their lives and get closer than ever was exciting and thrilling, it is as always an amazing read!

Can't wait for the next one!!!

The Unyielding by Shelly Laurenston is the third book in her Call of Crows series and the best one yet.
Ms. Laurenston's world building is amazing. Her characters are complex and "real" in spite of the fact that they are "otherworldly". Erin Amstel has to be the snarkiest pain in the ass woman that I've ever met on a page. She doesn't apologize to any one for who and what she is. Stieg Engstrom is quiet and almost shy at times but he puts Erin in her place enough that she respects him. Together they kick some serious butt as they attempt to save the human world. There are shifters, a pet goat and dragons as well as the Gods and Goddesses throughout this book that often made me laugh and cheer as they all faced Ragnarok. And the ending was "WOW". Not a cliff hanger but definitely left me impatiently waiting for the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley.

This book has everything I never knew I wanted: a mouthy, kick-ass warrior woman; a sexy, loyal Viking stud; an honest-to-Odin quest (with a dragon!); humor, camaraderie, battles--and a pet goat named Hilda.

This book was basically written for me.

My family can trace back to a Viking chieftain in the 1200s. And I had a Norwegian college roommate named Hilde (not a goat). Seriously. It's all true.

I was already a fan of the series, and couldn't believe it when I saw how many chapters this one had. So. Much. Love!

High points:
Erin
Stieg
The Crows
The rest of the clans
The deities ("Code Odin!")
Hilda the goat sleeping with Stieg
Erin's parents
Jace's grandma
Arguments with dragons about opposable thumbs
Amazing fights

Low points:
It ended. I want more

Well, and an observation about the sex (which seems to be my one consistent issue with this series): I'd like a bit more writerly finesse in the description of sexytimes. Not for the sex itself to be delicate or anything--these are Vikings, after all--but I want more to the writing of it than wham-bam-etc. Also, I wasn't sure how to feel about the first time. There seemed to be somewhat of a consent issue.

All that said, I've handed the first 2 in the series to my mother (who is 100% Norwegian, and don't you forget it!), and I can't wait to see what she has to say about them.

Any chance we'll get some Loki-love coming our way?
Pretty please with lutefisk on top?

I knew this moment was coming and I can honestly say I wasn't prepared. I wasn't sure how Laurenston was going to handle the battle of all battles. I worried it wouldn't be up to my expectations.

Silly me!

I should have trusted Laurenston better. She rocks!

I loved The Unyielding the best of all three of the stories. I just really got into it and it kept me there. And really, how could I have not liked a story that stared Erin Amsel? I mean, really? If you've read the stories before this one you know who I'm talking about. If you haven't you don't know what you're missing.

This woman, (Erin) cracks me up. She has to be one of Laurenston's best characters next Bo. Again, if you don't know who he is...why the hell not! Do yourself a favor and look up all her books. You'll love them all.

I know this review makes it sound like I'm leaving out Stieg and I'm not. He too is a great character. I just like Erin slightly more. Both characters are memorable. You won't read this story and forget about them. They are so good together even when neither wants to really deal with any emotions. They just keep going on like there is nothing going on.

You have to love a couple like that.

Of course at some time they will have to deal with what they are feeling and they do it so well. You'll really love this story, I will tell you to read the two books before it because they lead up to this one. It will make the whole story line much better.

And because some much happens in this story I find that I can't really talk about it. I don't want to ruin anything for those who haven't read the stories and are going to get them now because of my review and those who have read all but this one and is waiting for it to come out.

I really believe I owe it to you be be vague. Saying that I do want you know that this is a wonderful story with tons of great moments, wonderful one liners and many humorous moments.

It's a really good story but I wished I'd have read the first two books in the series before reading this one.

While this book started out just okay for me, it slowly picked up and got better the farther we went along. Stieg and Erin made an interesting couple, though I don't know how stable or how long it could actually last. Stieg actually didn't like Erin much at all when we started, but the more time he spent with her the more he fell for her. Especially after the first time they sleep together. He just became so attached! When they all find out that Erin is literally the world's only hope it's the first thing we see that actually terrifies her. But this is Erin and she will do what's necessary to protect those she cares about. Even travel the nine worlds and face a dragon. Thanks to Odin's meddling, Stieg gets pulled into Erin's mission without a choice. Turns out to be a good thing though because Erin never would have made it without him. During their travels and all the troubles they face there, the two of them become closer and closer. I liked how the battle against Gullveig went down and how they won, which is something that rarely happens for me. The next issue the clans will have to deal was definitely expected with who we find out has escaped, but I look forward to reading on.

Link will be added when review posts.

I am such a Shelly Laurenston fangirl. The craziness. The laugh out loud dialogue. The insane characters who put themselves in outrageous situations. I mean really, what’s not to love? The Pride series will forever and always be my go to books when I’m looking for a zany, hilarious time out from the real world. Call of Crows is Ms. Laurenston’s newest series and had me hooked after only the first release.

If you are new to this series I would recommend getting caught up by reading the first two books before you dive into The Unyielding. There is a continuing story arc that only gets more complex with each book. Also, there is background on the different clans and which Norse god they are loyal to. Erin Amsel is a Crow, and she absolutely adores being apart of such a badass group of warrior women. She’s also a bit of a dick and drives everyone around her crazy. Including Stieg Engstrom.

Stieg is a Raven, and while their clans may have had their issues in the past, lately they’ve been on friendlier terms. Stieg can’t stand Erin and the pandemonium she usually leaves in her wake. But with an evil goddess still bent on world destruction and Erin the only one who can stop her, he gets stuck playing the role of babysitter. They can’t stand each other. Or is that teasing and exasperation just a prelude to something else?

With each new release this series just gets better and better. Without giving any spoilers away, which is going to be hard, and also means this might be a short review, I can tell you that Ms. Laurentson has done her homework when it comes to Norse mythology. With each new release the world building just gets more complicated, but also more interesting and fun. Stieg and Erin go on a type of quest to acquire an object that will aid their clans in vanquishing their shared enemy, and the time they spent traveling through several of the nine worlds was probably my favorite parts to read. Erin and Stieg’s romance builds prior to the quest at a steady pace, but it’s not until they are stuck battling elves and dwarves and dragons that readers will truly see them as a couple. They are opposites, but work well together and as their relationship develops I really could see them battling side by side and driving each other crazy well into the future.

The Unyielding hit all my PNR buttons. Outrageously funny, action packed with just the right amount of  romance to make my heart smile. Final Grade- B+

Favorite Quote:

And that was it. That’s how Erin Amsel grabbed his heart. His angry, vicious, doomed heart. The heart he thought he’d encased in concrete. Never to be hurt again by anyone! That was the plan.

4.5

Gullveig's return will signal the beginning of Ragnarok, that is, unless the nine clans can figure out a way to keep this from coming to fruition - i.e. figure out a way to kill the seemingly unkillable Gullveig. They believe they've found a viable plan which would involve sending someone into the Nine Worlds to retrieve Surtr the fire giant's sword. The problem being that humans are no longer allowed in the Nine Worlds so it would basically be a suicide mission to whomever could actually be strong enough to breach the roots of the World Tree and cunning enough to get around Nidhogg, the dragon, who guards the sword. Luckily for everyone, the clans have the perfect candidate: Erin Amsel.

Besides being a certifiably crazy / insane Crow, Erin also wields the power of fire. Fire cannot harm her. The fact that she'd have no compunction about risking her life in such a way just puts her even more into the plus column. Now, it's just figuring out the how's and why's of the plan to ensure Erin actually comes back alive.

Stieg Engstrom comes from a long line of Vikings and has made a perfectly comfortable living as a Raven. Despite having some not so fun run-ins with the Crow's unabashedly craziest member, Stieg can't help but feel the need to protect Erin from all her brashness. As they continue to tangle up with one another, and as Erin's task quickly approaches, they'll both have to set aside their hang-ups to get the job done and save the world.

Erin has been a stand-out character from the very first book The Unleashing. It took that whole first book for me to be able to get her personality, but Shelly Laurenston has definitely written such a great and unique character. I was really happy when I learned that she would be the next Crow to get a featured story and the Stieg would be her romance.

I loved the way things developed between Erin and Stieg. It wasn't some huge momentous event, just a natural progression from the beginning to the end of the book. I liked that things between them didn't suddenly turn mushy with them each staring longingly into each other's eyes or some such. I think that would have been against the norm for their already established characters.

Also, I liked that Erin is just Erin. There's not really any tragic or traumatic event in her life (besides the way in which she initially became a Crow that is) that made her into this in-your-face no-holds-barred character. She just is that way. It makes her feel very genuine and, honestly, just makes the words that come out of her mouth so much more funny. I like her unpredictability. Even though I'm used to the way her character acts, I still don't know what to expect next from her. But Erin definitely doesn't hold anything back.

So instead of having this book focus on who Erin is, or who she used to be, the main conflict is of course preventing Ragnarok, and therefore seeded within Erin's quest to find the sword. That is where all the challenges lay. I liked that, despite all their varying differences and grudges, we finally get to see the clans comes together as a unit, for a common purpose. They pretty much have to, they can go back to fighting amongst themselves afterwards, but I like that the focus is on preventing the end of the world.

In that regard I think The Unyielding is my favorite of the series thus far. I thought everything was perfectly paced, the romance was spot on, the humor was fantastic, and the balance in keeping up with the other main characters all while still keeping the focus on Erin and Stieg was good.

I felt like The Unyielding is definitely the end of one story arc and, if decided, could possibly be the end of the trilogy in general, but the ending leaves things open for more adventures to continue. There are many many Crows that I'd love to see take center stage so I'm hoping we'll keep getting more books in this series. It's become one of my favorite / most anticipated series releases.

The Unyielding is the third and, I think, final book in the Call of Crows series ending the story arc of Ragnarok, or the end of the world. Erin Amstel is the only one who can steal Stutr, the flaming sword located on the Isle of Corpses. A place where crows are definitely not welcome. Up to the challenge, Erin accepts her fate and dives through the mystical door, accidentally bringing her maybe boyfriend Stieglitz Lundstrom with her. This novel, told with a kind of slapstick, frenetic humor, tells of their journey through mythological lands to retrieve this sword from a corpse eating dragon with the hope of returning in time to save the world. It reminded me a bit of Beowulf, if Jeff Daniels and Owen Wilson in their Dumb and Dumber roles were sent out to heroically save the world.

This was a romance that was more about the mythological journey, than about the relationship. The journey was fun, irreverent, and wild, and I enjoyed it a lot. The weak link in the storyline was the relationship between Erin and Stieg. I just didn’t feel the chemistry, or get the connection. at all, which is unusual with one of Shelly Laurenston’s books! However, I did like Stieg’s loyalty and friendship to Erin, even if the romance did seem to be a bit forced. Erin was a nutcase, if she weren’t a Crow, I’d think she were the daughter of Loki, the god of chaos. She was an instigator, comedian, and queen of one liners. The girl who’d start shit happening, just to sit back, watch everything play out, and laugh hysterically at the stooges she tricked. Stieg, seemed to be accidentally cast in the role of her boyfriend. More there to make sure she didn’t die before she saved the world, than to find his one great love.

It was a fun book and a good ending to this storyline, more engaging than disappointing, but not my favorite in the series. However, if you are a fan of Shelly Laurenston, and are jonesing for more of her Pride books, you can get your fix with The Unyielding.

The Unyielding, is the third book in the Call of Crows series and it follows the main plot of trying to find out what the end goal of the goddess Gulvieg is. Therefore its best that the first two books are read first to keep up with this overarching storyline. But like the previous books, there is romance abound! In this case its Stiev and Erin paired up, which basically is like an explosion waiting to happen. Since Stiev is the angriest ever Raven and Erin is the most annoying Crow. And never the twain shall meet or so everyone thinks. The Unyielding like all Ms. Laurenston books will have you amaze with its great world building, intricate and complicated plot and extreme violence plus a great romance where we die in laughter because of the odd pairing and humorous and witty dialogue without even trying.

Can't recommend this series enough!