Reviews for A Murder of Crows
"A Murder Of Crows" defies you to accurately nail it down with any category or description, and comes armed with a barrage of blindsiding surprises to defend that quality as it sails into seas entirely of its own.
In straightforward and immediately rolling storytelling, I found myself skidding to a halt on page two in time to catch onto the unexpected conceits of the world I was entering. A strange missing link third cousin of Pullman's 'The Golden Compass', and Orwell's 'Animal Farm', with possible darkly illegitimate familial relations to the worlds of Richard Adams' Sandleford Warren or Robert C. O'Brien's Nimh - but all eerily minus the pesky presence of anything-sapiens - the world of "A Murder of Crows" and its details and histories are revealed with a brilliant ignorance of attention to the fact that there is even a different world to reference. The reader is left to shock on this early and quickly, accept it, and then move on into the rich storytelling, with occasional morsels and hints about the larger world surfacing only when relevant to the story at hand. The result is a little bit of early training for the reader in a skill needed to survive this delightful novella: when you think you have settled into this experience enough to become complacent, something you will not and cannot expect will promptly set you entirely on your ear again.

Nothing is sacred to this astounding and entertaining morphing. On what part of the story's own timeline is the actual action focused? Several shifts on that front keep it from solidifying, but all with the comfortable and comprehensive style of topic-leading-on-to-topic that governs casual conversation and oral tradition. Genre and sub-genre? You still won't be sure you know what to call the story you are reading just pages before the end. Have you figured out who the protagonist(s) or antagonist(s) are? Well, then, this story will have to do something about that to remind you that you don't know anything for certain.

While it sounds like the enigmatic nature would be prohibitively complex, the overall effect is just the opposite. The story is woven together with each new twist and turn allowed just enough space to entertainingly jar you, but then to seamlessly flow right onto the rest of the narrative. In all, it feels much more comparable to a literary roller coaster, where the unpredictable curves and direction changes provide lots of fun, but do not impede on the constant rapid progress of the journey.

All this, along with a mischievously playful use of language that often hides additional gems of humor for those open to them. The triple meaning of the title is just one example of the kind of ticklish verbal trickery evident every few moments, allowing the sharp minded reader bonus giggles at similar dual meanings in clever character naming and tongue-in-cheek moments of social commentary (tempted as I am to provide an illustrating example, it would feel a disservice to take one out of context for use here, somewhat like swiping an artifact from a natural wonder to show the folks back home, only to find that it can never carry its real value out of context).

A great afternoon read, the only flaw is that it so deftly (by design) leaves the reader eager to tear into the next book in the series.
Educator, Gregory Hipius
"I was on the edge of my seat, transfixed by the fast moving action, while seduced by the intricately woven character details, and witty yet somber dialogue. Each character, from the evil and deceitful Belladonna to the tortured soul of Benjamin Nightthorn, has a distinct voice that practically jumps off the page and whispers in your ear. I read this novella twice in one sitting. The first time I was so mesmerized by the plot, I had to rush through just to find out what happens next. During my second reading, I took pleasure in the lyrical language and descriptive imagery provided by the artful author, Edward Medina. The thoughtfully crafted background stories made me feel intimately connected to each of these characters, and when I turned the last page I found myself wanting more, and there's no better feeling at the end of a great story!"
Belladonnalatte
"Once upon a time has been reborn and remade with the latest offering of Edward Medina. Murder of Crows is a classic waiting for the rest of the world to realize it. There is a lyrical quality to Medina's work that carries the reader on an unbelievable journey from a hundred and fifty year old circus to a pirate captain haunted and bent on revenge. It is one of those tales that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let you go until the end."
Lucinda Rose
"It's hard to tell you much about this story without spoiling the unique ambiance that Medina creates with his particular style of writing, so forgive me for being vague. Part fantasy, part fairytale, it's a delightfully wicked little tale about what happens when absolute evil takes over. The literary style Medina uses is reminiscent of the old-style oral storytelling that you'll want to slow down and savor, yet the story itself moves at an easy, steady pace. I read it over the space of a couple lunch hours and was loathe to put it down when I had to go back to work.Read it. You won't regret it!"
Jamie DeBree
"I read this book while on a cruise to the Caribbean and I have to say it was very interesting and made me want to hurry back to order more books by this author. If you haven't read it DO SO!"
Shelley Welch
"This story grabs you from the very first paragraph. It's full of deceit, adventure and treachery. The circus act turned pirate story line keep you on the edge of your seat! The plot is so well written it's like no other I have ever read before. The dark, malicious creatures make you hate to love them and the sweet, innocent creatures make you feel despair for them. All the characters were so perfectly crafted as were every twisting turn in the story that makes you want to keep reading. By the time you finish this story, the only question is will Captain Foxy Jack save the world from Benjamin Nightthorn evil doings? The only disappointment you will have is that you have finished! This is definitely a story you can read over and over again when your looking for a dark adventure to go on."
Samantha Maglione
"A 'dark, steampunk fantasy' featuring the 'deadliest pirate and criminal mastermind ever known,' this story is so much more than the sum of its parts. With moments of genuine tenderness and terror, there is truly something for everyone, and a good deal of imagination left over. You connect easily with the characters and are drawn into their plight. They become your friends as you travel with them through their dark story. In the tradition of Animal Farm, Mr. Medina spins a fantastic tale that draws you in from all angles and shows you how quickly evil can take hold. He hooks you at the very beginning and continues to hold you through the end of the story, leaving you with a craving for more. I am eagerly awaiting the next books in the X Pirates series and whatever else Mr. Medina has up his sleeve."
Nate
"Amaze-balls! This is my new favorite story! The characters are wicked good, the story is fascinating, and I want more! Sr. Medina has an imagination that is infinite and I can't wait for the next offering from his platinum pen."
Tracie
"This book reminds me of a modern day Aesop's fable. A quick read that leaves you wanting more. Looking forward to the next installment."
NYTeacher
"From the first sentence to the last you are swept away into a wonderful world of fantasy and excitement. Can't wait for more of these books to come out. The author has a wonderful imagination. I bet it would be amazing to hear him tell his stories. Overall a job well done."
Beacon Joe
"I read Edward Medina's first book, so when I saw he had a new one I was very excited. This book kept me wanting more. Even if I had to put the story down for a few days, I was able to get right back into it. I loved the twist and turns. He writes so vividly, every word I read was turned into a brilliant photo in my mind. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Can't wait to read more from this author."
Elizabeth McCollough
"Love the story, love the characters, love the ending. Hooked from the first line to the last line. Anyone looking for a short story with great character development needs to read this. I am excited for more. The author certainly knows how to keep your attention with unexpected twists and turns. Storytelling at it's best. A great story with read with the kids and get them hooked to reading."
TComeau
"This was probably one of the most amazing things I have read! VERY well written and definitely creates an amazingly mystifying and horrifying world. Kind of a mix of a Narnia like world but with fabulous twists to spin it to any reader. Definitely a great read for anyone who can read! I can not WAIT for the next installment to be released! I MUST know what happens!!!!"
Nicole Mutter
"A frolickingly flamboyent. flawlessly fragile tale. chock-full of every effervescent element any story could possibly offer! Passion. love. revenge. snickers. cheers and tears filled the virtual screen of my Kindle as Ed's imagination careened intravenously and curdled my blood. It is a rare and refreshing read when the plot twists and turns are so unpredictable that the next click of the page is so rife with intrigue and surprise. I am anxious to re-live in this world or whatever world Mr. Medina purports me off to in his next venture!"
Tina Mark
A Murder of Crows is available on Amazon.com