Justice Calling, Murder of Crows, Pack of Lies

I suppose it's not the worst complaint to say that a book as too short. Normally when I hear that, I assume it's someone putting their own expectations on what a book should be instead of enjoying it for what it is. In this case, however, I think the book suffers somewhat for it. This could have been a much better introduction to the series, but instead it brushes past the MC's backstory, it leaves many of the characters underdeveloped and flat, and awkwardly tacks on a love-at-first-sight romance.

The writing itself was good, and the plot, while not expansive, moved along without a hitch. A solid 3.5 stars, rounded up for giving us a much better representation of nerd culture than other books I've read.

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.

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What’s Justice Calling About?

In the college town of Wylde, Idaho (which I’m guessing is inspired by Moscow more than anything else—definitely not Wilder, Idaho, but isn’t anywhere near any actual college), the residents are essentially college students or some kind shape-shifter. And those who are neither are likely associated with the supernatural somehow. Like our protagonist/narrator, Jade Crow.

A Justice comes to town, convinced that Jade is going to do something to kill several shapeshifters. At about the same time, the mother of Jade’s best friend is found in her animal form—apparently after a taxidermist. Which is pretty disturbing no matter what—the fact that this is someone she knows makes it all the worse. With the law enforcement arm of the supernatural world (the Justice) considering her suspect number one, Jade’s life has gotten very complicated.

She’s able to get the Justice to step down (momentarily) while she and her friends start looking into things. What they find is terrifying—but it does get the Justice to start trusting Jade. Sadly, she has to expend enough power to draw attention to herself—old enemies are probably going to come looking for her.

Jade has to decide—is it time to leave and save her skin, or does she stick around and try to stop whatever dark thing is afoot in Wylde?

Jade Crow

Jade Crow strikes me as a variation on Atticus O’Sullivan with a little bit of Ree Reyes thrown in. Her past makes you think of Atticus—she used to throw around a lot of power and was a force to be reckoned with—but then she stopped using her power, changed her name, and did all she could to stay under the radar to save her life.

Her attitude and interests make me think of Ree.

I’m obviously not suggesting that Bellet ripped off Hearne and Underwood—or anything like that. I’m just saying as a reader, those are things I was reminded of.

So, what did I think about Justice Calling?

This is a fast read. A breezy introduction to this world and the magic in it.

I thought everything felt a little rushed—the action, as well as Jade’s need to leave town (and her budding relationship with Kirov). But most of that occurred to me after the book was over—in the moment it worked really well.

I’m curious about where the series goes from here—the fact that there are 9 more is a little on the intimidating side. But if this is anything to go off of, there’s a lot of reason to keep going.