This book was SO good!!!!

This had all of the whimsy of my favorite childhood fantasy books with all of the grit of my favorite adult thrillers! The relationships between the three main characters are so strong and beautifully written, we LOVE a well-written queer protag, and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you netgalley and publisher for an arc of this book.

It was a fast read but to be honest I rather it be longer so the story could be explained a little bit better you are kind of just thrown in the middle and expected to understand what's going on. At some points I found I didn't know what character pov we were in and was a little lost. The story was very interesting and all the character were really cool and i wanted to know about all the different species and monster. I really wanted to have more back story on the knights but there not even really explained. Think the book could have been longer. Will probably pick up the next book to see if we get more backstories.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback.

When Among Crows is a darkly enchanting tale that merges the urban grit of Chicago with Slavic folklore, creating a swift, fever-dream journey through one fateful night. The atmosphere is rich, from the shadowed streets to the ancient magic beneath the city. The pairing of Dymitr and Ala is compelling yet uneasy, with Dymitr's urgent mission and Ala's cursed vulnerability adding emotional stakes. Their fragile bond, filled with mistrust, lends weight to the perilous narrative. While the brisk pace and evocative worldbuilding captivate, some characters and lore feel underexplored, leaving a few crucial moments lacking emotional depth. Overall, it’s a striking, immersive read that earns 4 stars for its atmosphere and intensity, hinting at a world ripe for further stories.

If I could give this 6 stars I would. It feels to short but entirely complete at the same time. I want more but I know there is no more to give.


The lore is rich, haunting and beautifully inserted into modern day Chicago.

Dymtrs internal struggle with actions he felt forced to execute to please others is heart breaking.

The found family hits you full force in the chest yet also feels comforting.

This book did something to me but it’s too early to tell what exactly. I am forever changed.
I cannot wait for the second book.





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Thank you for Tor and Netgalley for the chance to review this book!
I really enjoyed this little novella! This was the first of Veronica Roth’s works I have read since reading the Divergent series over a decade ago. It was a really well developed short story centered in Chicago and full of Polish folklore and creatures. I loved how full this story was of the folklore and fairytales and want more! I also found myself wishing for more from the characters, but going into this knowing it’s a novella helped set my expectations. There is only so much character development that can happen in less than 200 pages. Overall, I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what the next one has in store!

Interesting. I think the length on this has pros and cons. As a positive it is very straight to the point without any fluff to fill out the story, which I can definitely appreciate. On the negative side I would have liked to delve into each of the characters a bit more given how character driven this story was. I also feel like I would have like either more from the relationship building between Niko and Dimytr or to have dropped that entirely. It's left at kind of a weird place. Overall I enjoyed it, though. I'm hoping to see more in the next book, although I wouldn't be surprised if it picks up with completely new characters given how well this one wrapped itself up. It was a satisfying ending I do have to give it that.

I really enjoy a fun, urban fantasy and that is definitely what I got from this book. I’m glad it is a duology as I wanted more world building and more of the story in general. I hope we will continue to see more of the world and get more into the characters. But it was a enjoyable time.

When Among Crows is a quick but surprisingly rich dose of urban fantasy, mixing Slavic folklore with the grit of modern Chicago. In just one night, we follow Dymitr, a man on a dangerous mission, and Ala, a cursed fear-eater, as they strike an uneasy deal that pulls them through back alleys, shadowy magic, and more than a few life-or-death moments.
For such a short book, it packs in a lot—creatures like stryga, zmory, and the legendary Baba Jaga feel vivid and real, and the story hits on themes of family, survival, and the weight of the past without slowing down the action. The pacing is snappy, the world feels alive, and there’s just enough heart between the characters to balance the danger.

I could’ve happily spent more time in this world, but what’s here is tight, engaging, and satisfying. If you like folklore, fast-moving plots, and a touch of magic in your city streets, this one’s worth picking up. Four solid stars.

<strong>fun and fast read but too short.</strong>

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Tor Books, and Veronica Roth for providing this e-ARC book for my honest review. All opinions on this book are my own.


~ <strong> Original review 11/13/2024 </strong> ~

This Novella has an interesting premise. It’s not lighthearted, but an easy read. It left me wanting more. Sad that it is a standalone. It also has some LGBTQ representation (very little).

0 🌶️


~ <strong> NetGalley reread 8/12/2025</strong> ~

I originally read this on my own last year and just reread it through NetGalley to see if my insight changed. It honestly didn’t really change my opinion upon reading again. There are a few things that I wish I included in my original review.

First, the cover is absolutely STUNNING. I read ebooks because of better disability accessibility but I would definitely display this physical book if I had it. Beautiful.
Second, I think this book has a lot of untapped potential. It being a novella and not a series (that I knew of at the time) really limited the character and world building. I feel like this book would have been a lot better if it was longer. I just wish there was more. There wasn’t enough time to get connected to the characters in the world.

Now, I know that there is a second book (maybe more coming?) and I’m hoping Roth will extrapolate on the world building. I’m also curious if there will be a continuation of the story from the first book with the same characters because I just felt unsatisfied with the ending. It felt like an uncompleted book, in my opinion. I still enjoyed it though.

Thank you to Tor publishing for an Egalley in exchange for a review. I was pleasantly surprised! I didn't really understand the atmosphere going into the book but it quickly got this 1999 Buffy the vampire slayer feel to it that I was very much viking with.

its dark, gritty and the world building is just my type. very heavy in the Slavic folklore so if you are unfamiliar with these kinds of wraiths, monsters, witches and spirits, look them up along the way.

This short format lends itself to this plot perfectly. I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much had it been a thicker than a snicker fantasy. The only part I wanted a smidgeon more development on was the intimacy between our ✨️ Queer ✨️ romance. I didn't feel emotionally invested in their relationship until the end. But I like them together so all good 👍

The magic system is dark. I enjoy body horror so when people unsheathing swords from spines and splitting apart I was like WHOA OK VERONICA ROTH I SEE YOU 💅 I really like this notion of payment system for access to magic. The Holy Knights could be compared to catholicism/Christianity with this magic through penancy ideology. Everyone has secrets that are revealed slow and juicily. Roth does a fun job of tying all the loops together in a nice bow (pun intended if you know, you know 😉)

looking forward to the second one!

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth - 4/5 ⭐️ tor books

Having received an ebook through Netgalley for the first book in the Curse Breaker series, I was like why not!

A tale honing in on Slavic folklore, it was so fun having to go research how to pronounce words and characters names. I would say at some points the story kinda takes over and you’re reading 2-3 passages without a clue of what’s going on, then bam! it all becomes clear.

I loved the central characters and their journey, and the tension 👀

I’m excited to have a netgalley eARC of the 2nd book! Out September 16th 2025!

When Among Crows was really well done. It was short but beautifully done. I was pulled in by the folklore and atmosphere. I really enjoyed this read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"When among crows, you must caw as they do."

From the very first page, When Among Crows pulled me into its haunting, folklore-filled world and never let go. Rooted in Slavic mythology and full of gothic atmosphere, this is a story that explores the weight of legacy, the complexity of forgiveness, and the question of who we become when raised in darkness.

The emotional centre of this book lies in Dymitr, a character so deeply conflicted and richly developed that his internal struggle is felt on every page. Roth skillfully shows how upbringing and blood may influence us, but do not have to define who we are. The nature versus nurture theme is especially powerful in the way Dymitr pushes against the cruel beliefs he was raised with, even as his family continues to live by them.

I loved the exploration of friendship and found family, particularly the painful truths that surface between characters and how they navigate them. The story asks how much we are willing to risk for redemption and whether forgiveness is truly possible.

Baba Jaga's presence was a personal highlight. She is both fascinating and fearsome, and I was thrilled to see her woven into this world in such a compelling way. I am also incredibly grateful to have received an ARC of book two. I finished this one and immediately wanted more.

"Eternity is long, Dymitr. Time enough for hearts to soften."

Read this if you enjoyed: The Bear and the Nightingale, The Witch’s Heart, or character-driven fantasy inspired by folklore, filled with quiet intensity and emotional depth.

Eerie. Dark. Fantastic. Heartwarming.

When Among Crows is a very immersive experience. The whole point is love. Some of it is a little convoluted, but that smooths out eventually. The three main characters are an unlikely band of friends cobbled together by their circumstances and the ties that bind them.

I enjoyed this more than I expected. It is a quick read but masterfully done.

⋆.˚✮ 4 stars ✮˚.⋆

⤿ Thank you to Tor Books for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

i didnt even realize initially when i started reading this book that it was by the author of divergent, Veronica Roth. when i did realize this, i have to admit i got a little worried because personally i was not a fan of how the Divergent series ended. i had also read another sci-fi dystopian by her later on and not really enjoyed it either. but i was determined to at least finish this novella, because it was short and the premise sounded so cool.

urban fantasy can be really hit or miss for me, but having magical creatures of all myths and magic sprouting up in Chicago? the midwest? this thrilled me! i've been to Chicago many times since i live in the midwest myself, so it was so fun to try to imagine these places the characters traveled. the way that these creatures of myth also blended into the real world was so well done, Roth really thought about how they would both manipulate the mortal world to survive and blend in. this made it really easy to believe and follow along with what was happening. my favorite piece of the magic system was how the Holy Order (people who hunt these creatures of myth) have this sword that is essentially half of their soul, and it's bounded to their spine, so it's extremely painful to sheathe and unsheathe it. i just think that's so cool and that's only scratching the surface of what made the magic system in this book unique!

considering this is a novella and is below 200 pages, i was really surprised by how connected i felt to the characters by the end, and how much plot managed to fit in between these pages. while the plot could've moved maybe a little faster, it was still lots of fun hopping around from place to place trying to find Baba Yaga. Dymitr and Ala were both interesting characters, I'm hoping that in coming novellas we are able to expand even more upon their backstories and personalities. Same with Nico, someone who eventually goes along with them on this quest of sorts. i think considering the length of the novella, the expansion of their characters was really strong, and there were definitely some twists and turns i didn't see coming in relation to their backstories. but i want even more, becuase i feel like there is definitely more beneath the surface!

very excited to continue to read more in this series, as i have an arc for the second book too, and see what else is expanded upon!

↬ trigger warnings: gore and bodily horror, death and murder, child abuse mentioned, depictions of mental health struggles, physical abuse mentioned, blood and gore

An underrated fantasy.
A quick read of a man on a mission making unlikely allies along the way.
Briberies, Betrayals, Sacrifices, a fight for survival and an ending different than what fate had in store.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

4.5 🌟

"Eternity is long ,_____. Time enough for hearts to soften."

Sometimes a novella can leave me feeling like there should be more. Not this time.

Rich with Slavik lore in a dark urban setting and a depth to the characters that I didn't expect.

I look forward to reading more of Dymitr.

I haven't read a Veronica Roth in quite awhile; the last one was "Chosen Ones," in 2020, and I...remember very little about it, to be perfectly honest. (I even had to actually look up the title, because I couldn't even remember THAT.) But this, and its sequel, showed up as requestable, so I decided to give her another shot. I'm glad I did, because this fleet little book had me hooked from the start, and was over all too soon. She's much better here than she was in "Chosen Ones," which I DO remember feeling cumbersome and plodding. Here, she dives right in, succinctly introduces us to the world she's crafted and its inhabitants, and wholly immerses us straight away. The characters are well-drawn, and I, quite simply, can't wait to get to the sequel to see what's next for Dymitr and Ala and Niko.