The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher
Release: September 8th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Walker Books Us
Source: Netgalley
Synopsis:
Evoking the classic fantasy adventures of Joan Aiken and Eva Ibbotson, this darkly delightful new novel from New York Times best-selling author Catherine Fisher glimmers with winter magic.
Orphan Seren Rhys is on her way to a new life at the remote country mansion of Plas-y Fran when she is given a package by a stranger late at night in an empty train station. The package contains a crotchety, mechanical talking crow, which Seren reluctantly brings to her new home. But when she gets there, the happy Christmas she had hoped for turns out to be an illusion–the young son of the house, Tomos, has been missing for almost a year, rumored to have been taken by the fairies. With the Crow’s reluctant help and a little winter magic, Seren sets off on a perilous journey to bring Tomos home. An enthralling story of family and belonging set in frost-bound Victorian Wales.
The Clockwork Crow Review:
A BIG Thank You to Netgalley and Walker Books Us for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of “The Clockwork Crow” for my review.
I loved this book! This is one of those books that immediately makes you feel like you are reading a classic fairy tale. An orphan girl comes to a new town in hopes of a fresh start, but immediately lands on a mystery. The author wrote the story SO well! It is magical, atmospheric, has fantasy, supernatural creatures, a brave heroine and a funny sidekick. I loved how imaginative the story-line progresses with the idea of a simple snow-globe affecting everyone.
I liked Seren as the main character at times, but thought she could improve. In fact, I thought she was a bit annoying at times where she did things without contemplating it beforehand. Moreover, we really don’t get an idea about Seren’s past or why the Jones were willing to take care of her. Yes, there is a note that mentions the connection, but there is no details of it. We really don’t get to know much about Seren’s past. Perhaps the author reveals it on the following book. On a side note, I was also a bit disappointed when the author reveals who the mysterious person is that handed Seren the parcel. It didn’t turn out to be as memorable as I had hoped.
However, leaving Seren aside, I LOVED the crow! He is hilarious and provided the much needed humor in this other dark story. Surprisingly, I also liked Mrs. Villiers. Initially I thought she would be a villain, but I liked that she was a misunderstood character instead.
I am eager to read the second book in the series and I think it might be better than this one. I thought the author did a brilliant job in narrating this story and am eager to read her other works.
