Five Star Science Fiction/Fantasy - According To Crow

By E. Sedia

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594143080
• ISBN13: 9781594143083
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Five Star
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A harsh, fascinating, honest coming-of-age tale

According to Crow by E. Sedia is a fascinating fantasy novel -- and a harsh one. More than anything, According to Crow is a book about the devastation of war. People die in her book who in other books would never even get wounded. War is indiscriminate. Heartbreak is widespread, on both sides. In clear, subdued prose that almost lulls you into a false sense of security, Crow tells the coming-of-age story of a boy whose mother was a war-time hero, and whose best friend holds the history of an entire world inside his head. Fascinating stuff, and no magic lightning bolts or enchanted swords to be seen. The world reminded me a lot of K.J. Bishop's Etched City. With a beautiful cover painted by Alan Clark and great design all around by the Five Star books team, I highly recommend According to Crow.

moving and memorable coming of age fantasy

Eighteen years ago, the Meran Empire went to war against the kingdom of Sium reaching the village of Fiam. It was thought that General Sefar would raze the village but Ruth, a beautiful young woman was able to get into his tent; when she left she carried the general's head, which was put in the church as a reminder of victory. Nine months later, Ruth gives birth to Josiah. While Ruth is regarded as a heroine, Josiah is treated like an outcast. A Meran missionary arrives to bring home the bones of his kinsman Sefar. When the visitor meets Josiah he realizes immediately that the teen is Sefar's son and also his kinsman. He invites Josiah to visit his paternal family in Meran before war breaks out again and is welcomed by every relative he has. War breaks out and after witnessing Sium treachery. Josiah joins the Meran army although he is still not sure what country he calls home. ACCORDING TO CROW is a coming of age story in which a young man witnesses treachery and the horrors of war. This is also a tale of choices as Josiah struggles to learn where he truly belongs and what he is meant to do. This fantasy world has only a hint of magic as it is more sword than sorcery but actually is a clash between two very different cultures. E. Sedia writes a moving and memorable tale. Harriet Klausner

I love this book!

Okay, I'm biased, but this is an excellent book. The setting and story are rich, but what makes it stand out are the characters. From the opening, when a female stranger walks into town, to Josiah and his struggle of allegiance, the altruistic but ready-to-fight Caleb, sexy and idealistic Thuraya, and countless others - each sharply defined and unique. Oh, and Crow himself, a caretaker of history that is as fragile as he is. While Josiah is the main character, the story is really about his relationships with all the others, who are afire with the conflicts of this deeply realized land. The background of war is exciting but humane - heartbreaking in its realism. Through the characters, we get a fair look at both sides. This very literate book should resonate with adults, but would also be great for teens. The characters and world linger in memory, and I am somehow left homesick after finishing it. Yes, it's another time and place, but I still feel a part of it. Or is that the other way around?