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The Pillars of Dawn #1
Murder of Crows
On the brink of annihilation, war-ravaged, and clinging to the hope of a new dawn, the world of Aria awaits the return of the muses, Daughters of Mnemosyne, to prevent a new Dark Age.
Yet on Earth, a plot to control the muses for their inspiration claims the life of Fable Montgomery’s aunt. Fable’s protective shields collapse and she discovers, too late, that she’s the muse of a quantum story binding two worlds set to collide.
To survive she must fight. To fight she must remember. To remember she must believe.
In a surge of power she writes the Prophecy of Crows, a 240 page manuscript of the future story arc. Yet before she can read it, all but thirteen of the pages are stolen by a murder of crows. With only thirteen pages to guide her through the coming story, Fable must reclaim her power of inspiration, because the last page of prophecy foretells her death.
And if the Muse of Story dies…all stories die with her.
Yet on Earth, a plot to control the muses for their inspiration claims the life of Fable Montgomery’s aunt. Fable’s protective shields collapse and she discovers, too late, that she’s the muse of a quantum story binding two worlds set to collide.
To survive she must fight. To fight she must remember. To remember she must believe.
In a surge of power she writes the Prophecy of Crows, a 240 page manuscript of the future story arc. Yet before she can read it, all but thirteen of the pages are stolen by a murder of crows. With only thirteen pages to guide her through the coming story, Fable must reclaim her power of inspiration, because the last page of prophecy foretells her death.
And if the Muse of Story dies…all stories die with her.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2012
6 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Athena .
8 books56 followersAthena lives in a cottage in the Siuslaw National Forest where she keeps company with the wood sprites, and forest elves. She loves adventuring on the Oregon Coast where she’s always on the lookout for a delicious new wine, unpaved road, and interesting people. Storytelling, and the study of creativity has been her lifelong passion. Writing for an audience is a dream come true.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 19, 2013
I am fan girling so hard right now over Athena and this book. If I could give it ten stars, I would.
If you love fantasy or urban fantasy, or just love an excellent story well-told, you HAVE to read this.
Why did I love it?
The characters: This book is jam-packed with strong, awesome, powerful, female characters of all varieties and ages. Yes, there are men, but the women rock this book (such a wonderful change from the norm) and that made me love it all the more.
The setting: It doesn't hurt that the parts of this book set on earth take place in Portland, Oregon, my hometown and stomping ground. It was so fun to read about places I know well and love myself. And then the parts set in Aria (ie the otherworld) were modeled after Alaska, the author's homeland and my second favorite place on earth. There wasn't a point in this book that I didn't feel absolutely at home.
The story: Rich and so full of heart and soul, there really isn't a part of this story that doesn't ring true even though much of it is pure fantasy. It feels real. Always. I honestly can't believe that this is Athena's debut novel. Her craft and skill are far beyond that of a beginner. I can only conclude she is a natural- a very Muse of story herself.
The idea: The idea of the Muses personified. Love it. The role the Nine Muses play on earth, in Aria, and through human history. Amazing. The intimate way Fable's inspiration and powers play on herself and those she loves. Brilliant. And then there the 13 page story within the story and the repeated reminder to "trust the story". How could a writer or lover of story not fall head over heels with this book?
The bottom line is I loved it. It is, without a doubt, my favorite book of 2013. I can't wait to read more by Athena and in this series.
If you love fantasy or urban fantasy, or just love an excellent story well-told, you HAVE to read this.
Why did I love it?
The characters: This book is jam-packed with strong, awesome, powerful, female characters of all varieties and ages. Yes, there are men, but the women rock this book (such a wonderful change from the norm) and that made me love it all the more.
The setting: It doesn't hurt that the parts of this book set on earth take place in Portland, Oregon, my hometown and stomping ground. It was so fun to read about places I know well and love myself. And then the parts set in Aria (ie the otherworld) were modeled after Alaska, the author's homeland and my second favorite place on earth. There wasn't a point in this book that I didn't feel absolutely at home.
The story: Rich and so full of heart and soul, there really isn't a part of this story that doesn't ring true even though much of it is pure fantasy. It feels real. Always. I honestly can't believe that this is Athena's debut novel. Her craft and skill are far beyond that of a beginner. I can only conclude she is a natural- a very Muse of story herself.
The idea: The idea of the Muses personified. Love it. The role the Nine Muses play on earth, in Aria, and through human history. Amazing. The intimate way Fable's inspiration and powers play on herself and those she loves. Brilliant. And then there the 13 page story within the story and the repeated reminder to "trust the story". How could a writer or lover of story not fall head over heels with this book?
The bottom line is I loved it. It is, without a doubt, my favorite book of 2013. I can't wait to read more by Athena and in this series.
October 28, 2015
Wow. This book was amazing, confusing, sometimes frustrating, sensual but always fantastic. I've never read anything quite like it before. I don't think I can write a review for now that will do it justice. Murder of Crows will definitely stay in my mind for a long, long time.
I only hope the sequel will come out soon, because this was so beautiful.
I only hope the sequel will come out soon, because this was so beautiful.
January 5, 2015
Attacked by a cloud of crows intent on tearing holes in her and removing a prophetic manuscript pages from her person – Fable is tossed into a cross dimensional struggle that could throw two universes into a dark age at best, or apocalypse at worst.
Huh, hold on.. Lets roll this back a second…
Nondescript Fable is a mess. Her Aunt has been murdered, Her Fiance is kaput. Her job sent her packing. She crosses the country, leaving her life in New York City for rainy and dismal Portland Oregon in an effort to mourn and put her Aunt’s affairs in order.
Greeted in PDX by the FBI, the Feds advise her she is on a short list as a potential next victim in a string of disappearances. They also fear that she is in danger by the same Killer who violently shuffled her Aunt from the mortal world. A shade of her Aunt Celeste passes cryptic messages to her in daydreams and fever visions. Fable enters a trance in which she describes the future in written detailed form.
Fable is a teenager in a thirty year old’s body, slowly coming to terms with the lifetime of memories that she herself gave up to protect the world. As she learns more about her past and becomes more knowledgeable of the future, she herself becomes clearer (both mentally as well as the view of her that readers have) and more powerful. Born to be the inspiration that drives the world, this is the way of a Muse. Readers are brought into the story with zero knowledge and learn the details of a dual world history as the plot unfolds.
There are some characters I wanted to hold under water with my foot till they stop squirming. There was one or two I would drink a beer with and gladly play some shuffleboard. I even wanted to slap the hell out of the main character a couple of times, similar to that scene from Airplane where the entire plane occupancy lines up to slap sense into a hysterical woman… Fable needs some tough love, and I believe my take on this was the desired effect I believe was being pushed to readers…
–
Readers should note that I am a friend of the Author, I read this book not only for my own amusement, but as a favor to her. This does not change my review of the novel however. I am hyper critical of every self published book I read, This one is no exception. As a self-published book, readers should take it in stride that occasional typos may exist. In reading the book, I also found a couple timeline issues which were minimally distracting but would be easy for the Author to address in future revisions. In other words, it is by no means perfect, but the plot line is strong and easily held my attention.
It should also be noted that this book has a teensy bit (read: a lot) of sexual tension. If you are uncomfortable with the description of a cock under taut stretched denim, you may not be down for this novel. From the other aspect, if you are interested in a solid fantasy story that will age well as the follow up novels are released, this could be a good match.
Athena, author of Murder of Crows is planning a large scale series detailing the Story, the driving force behind human (and Centaur, Lamia, Avian and other) existence. I look forward to the follow ups.
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
Huh, hold on.. Lets roll this back a second…
Nondescript Fable is a mess. Her Aunt has been murdered, Her Fiance is kaput. Her job sent her packing. She crosses the country, leaving her life in New York City for rainy and dismal Portland Oregon in an effort to mourn and put her Aunt’s affairs in order.
Greeted in PDX by the FBI, the Feds advise her she is on a short list as a potential next victim in a string of disappearances. They also fear that she is in danger by the same Killer who violently shuffled her Aunt from the mortal world. A shade of her Aunt Celeste passes cryptic messages to her in daydreams and fever visions. Fable enters a trance in which she describes the future in written detailed form.
Fable is a teenager in a thirty year old’s body, slowly coming to terms with the lifetime of memories that she herself gave up to protect the world. As she learns more about her past and becomes more knowledgeable of the future, she herself becomes clearer (both mentally as well as the view of her that readers have) and more powerful. Born to be the inspiration that drives the world, this is the way of a Muse. Readers are brought into the story with zero knowledge and learn the details of a dual world history as the plot unfolds.
There are some characters I wanted to hold under water with my foot till they stop squirming. There was one or two I would drink a beer with and gladly play some shuffleboard. I even wanted to slap the hell out of the main character a couple of times, similar to that scene from Airplane where the entire plane occupancy lines up to slap sense into a hysterical woman… Fable needs some tough love, and I believe my take on this was the desired effect I believe was being pushed to readers…
–
Readers should note that I am a friend of the Author, I read this book not only for my own amusement, but as a favor to her. This does not change my review of the novel however. I am hyper critical of every self published book I read, This one is no exception. As a self-published book, readers should take it in stride that occasional typos may exist. In reading the book, I also found a couple timeline issues which were minimally distracting but would be easy for the Author to address in future revisions. In other words, it is by no means perfect, but the plot line is strong and easily held my attention.
It should also be noted that this book has a teensy bit (read: a lot) of sexual tension. If you are uncomfortable with the description of a cock under taut stretched denim, you may not be down for this novel. From the other aspect, if you are interested in a solid fantasy story that will age well as the follow up novels are released, this could be a good match.
Athena, author of Murder of Crows is planning a large scale series detailing the Story, the driving force behind human (and Centaur, Lamia, Avian and other) existence. I look forward to the follow ups.
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
May 26, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder of Crows (The Pillars of Dawn) and I can't wait for the next book in the series. I had a hard time putting down the Kindle once I started reading this book (but it was well worth the lack of sleep). The characters are well-developed, the storyline is engaging, and it flows smoothly. I will definitely be reading and re-reading this book and I'm excited to have a great new fantasy author to read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels, and especially anyone who likes Laurell Hamilton.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels, and especially anyone who likes Laurell Hamilton.
July 20, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book written by my good friend Athena! Other people have summarized the story better than I can, so I will skip that part.
I have been trying to write this review for some time, but struggling because it’s difficult to be at all objective. It’s impossible to categorize the book into “fantasy” or “action” or “romance”, because it IS all that - and so much more.
The “more” part is where I have a hard time with the objectivity: in addition to the fact that the book evokes so many memories of a general nature… Such as world-and magic-wise conversations with aunts of my own that changed the course of my life, strange experiences involving cats and kitchen disasters… It also brought back many of the most intense, meaningful conversations of my life I’ve had with the author, and transported me right back to the magical woods of Forest Park and Portland Oregon where I lived and hiked for several years. And I feel like the story itself mirrors the search for magic that I have chased in fits and starts my whole life.
I have a relatively monochrome, average imagination, but it’s so vividly written, I felt like the events on the page just came to life in front of my eyes. From snow angels in the flour to crows tearing apart a book - this all feels totally believable to me. I love/love/love how she captures the kind of symbolism that seems to subtly run through real life - a kind of Indian view of the world, where a Murder of Crows isn't just a flock of dumpster chickens... It might actually be a sign from a partner Universe trying to tell you something!
So I feel like the story is my story, your story, etc., and maybe what I like best - it reminds me that I'm paying too much attention to "real life" or walking too fast if I have not heard trees talking to me lately! I can’t wait for the next book!
I have been trying to write this review for some time, but struggling because it’s difficult to be at all objective. It’s impossible to categorize the book into “fantasy” or “action” or “romance”, because it IS all that - and so much more.
The “more” part is where I have a hard time with the objectivity: in addition to the fact that the book evokes so many memories of a general nature… Such as world-and magic-wise conversations with aunts of my own that changed the course of my life, strange experiences involving cats and kitchen disasters… It also brought back many of the most intense, meaningful conversations of my life I’ve had with the author, and transported me right back to the magical woods of Forest Park and Portland Oregon where I lived and hiked for several years. And I feel like the story itself mirrors the search for magic that I have chased in fits and starts my whole life.
I have a relatively monochrome, average imagination, but it’s so vividly written, I felt like the events on the page just came to life in front of my eyes. From snow angels in the flour to crows tearing apart a book - this all feels totally believable to me. I love/love/love how she captures the kind of symbolism that seems to subtly run through real life - a kind of Indian view of the world, where a Murder of Crows isn't just a flock of dumpster chickens... It might actually be a sign from a partner Universe trying to tell you something!
So I feel like the story is my story, your story, etc., and maybe what I like best - it reminds me that I'm paying too much attention to "real life" or walking too fast if I have not heard trees talking to me lately! I can’t wait for the next book!
October 30, 2014
I have read Murder of Crows twice since it published. The first time I finished reading it, I remember thinking 'No! It can't be over already! I love Fable, Liam and the Na Na's too much!' I just read it again last week - for the second time - and now I am missing the characters and their quirks and wit all over again. I am still eagerly waiting for the rest of the series to publish!
The first time I read it, I really didn't know what to expect regarding content, style, or genre for that matter. Young audiences should know that there is a heated sex scene, so if you are not okay with sexual references and tension, it may not be the best fit for you.
Otherwise, I found this book to be one of the best reads I've come across in a long time. It is engrossing, creative, witty, spattered with moments that can pull you in and feel so real that your heart hurts with the characters as if you're really friends. There are also those moments you'd like to slap the main character and yell 'Don't do it!! It's not safe!!' But of course, it's a gifted author who can reach the audience like that, making the development of the characters and their lives so convincing that you find yourself wondering how they're holding up while you're away...
While this is not typically the type of book I read, I can tell you that this is a creative story, and I love the idea of a Muse living in Portland, OR where I also live. The characters are engaging, the scenes feel like you're standing in the room with them, and it makes you feel real emotions like anticipation, compassion, relief, and victory. I also learned of mythical creatures and their abilities to change shapes, and loved the imagery of tattooed crows breaking through their master's skin and flying free.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this book and will be buying and reading all the future publications by Athena!
The first time I read it, I really didn't know what to expect regarding content, style, or genre for that matter. Young audiences should know that there is a heated sex scene, so if you are not okay with sexual references and tension, it may not be the best fit for you.
Otherwise, I found this book to be one of the best reads I've come across in a long time. It is engrossing, creative, witty, spattered with moments that can pull you in and feel so real that your heart hurts with the characters as if you're really friends. There are also those moments you'd like to slap the main character and yell 'Don't do it!! It's not safe!!' But of course, it's a gifted author who can reach the audience like that, making the development of the characters and their lives so convincing that you find yourself wondering how they're holding up while you're away...
While this is not typically the type of book I read, I can tell you that this is a creative story, and I love the idea of a Muse living in Portland, OR where I also live. The characters are engaging, the scenes feel like you're standing in the room with them, and it makes you feel real emotions like anticipation, compassion, relief, and victory. I also learned of mythical creatures and their abilities to change shapes, and loved the imagery of tattooed crows breaking through their master's skin and flying free.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this book and will be buying and reading all the future publications by Athena!
June 9, 2012
I received this book free from the Goodreads First-Reads program.
Fable Montgomery is a Muse. She lives in two worlds, ours and a place called Aria, although the latter comes as a shock even to her. Aria is comprised of fantastical creatures, most an interesting combination of human and animal.
Fable writes a story while in a trance. As soon as she finishes writing it, the events of the story start to take place in the real world, beginning with the loss of the story with the exception of thirteen pages. So begins the real heart of the story, as Fable must find a way to cheat her death as foretold at the end of her story and learn who she really is.
I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me a lot of Charles de Lint, who is one of my favorite writers. It is an epic story that sucked me in from the very beginning. Honestly, I can't believe that this is the author's first published novel---evidence that she has honed her craft well. There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but they are negligible and do not hinder the story in any way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone, especially lovers of Charles de Lint and epic urban fantasy.
Fable Montgomery is a Muse. She lives in two worlds, ours and a place called Aria, although the latter comes as a shock even to her. Aria is comprised of fantastical creatures, most an interesting combination of human and animal.
Fable writes a story while in a trance. As soon as she finishes writing it, the events of the story start to take place in the real world, beginning with the loss of the story with the exception of thirteen pages. So begins the real heart of the story, as Fable must find a way to cheat her death as foretold at the end of her story and learn who she really is.
I absolutely loved this book. It reminded me a lot of Charles de Lint, who is one of my favorite writers. It is an epic story that sucked me in from the very beginning. Honestly, I can't believe that this is the author's first published novel---evidence that she has honed her craft well. There were a few typos and grammatical errors, but they are negligible and do not hinder the story in any way.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I can't wait to see what happens next!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone, especially lovers of Charles de Lint and epic urban fantasy.
April 11, 2013
Murder of Crows is a beautiful, interesting story set in a rich, well-developed world. There's a little touch of everything fantasy in the story and the author has set it artfully alongside modern-day Earth. The characters are interesting and the story is well-paced; an overall satisfying read.
This is obviously the beginning of a series. The book works well on its own until the last few chapters which almost seem to be a preview for the next book (though are still cleverly connected with the rest of the narrative).
I do think the author devoted a tad too much time to the lust between the two main characters (and I do mean lust). Also two important characters seem to vanish about 2/3rds of the way through the book leaving those particular plots dangling (though often hinted to through mention of the two characters in conversation). But these are minor gripes that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I'm looking forward to more from this author and I'm interested to see where the series goes.
This is obviously the beginning of a series. The book works well on its own until the last few chapters which almost seem to be a preview for the next book (though are still cleverly connected with the rest of the narrative).
I do think the author devoted a tad too much time to the lust between the two main characters (and I do mean lust). Also two important characters seem to vanish about 2/3rds of the way through the book leaving those particular plots dangling (though often hinted to through mention of the two characters in conversation). But these are minor gripes that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I'm looking forward to more from this author and I'm interested to see where the series goes.
August 5, 2012
This book sorta found me as I find books tend to do and I wholly loved it so much I was sad that I was coming to an end finishing it but couldn't stop myself. I love the way that Athena writes and creates her story. Her writing is beautiful, you can see this magical world she created, smell the forest and feel the breeze running through your hair. The characters she creates are real people that you care for, feeling their pain and rejoicing in their triumphs.
The story of Fable, finding her life at a tragic crossroads, is opened to a world that she doesn't remember but is forced to jump head first into. This is the first in this series and I'm restless to read the next in the series. I hope Miss Athena continues to carry on these stories, this book is definiitly one of my favorites and I can't wait for more!
The story of Fable, finding her life at a tragic crossroads, is opened to a world that she doesn't remember but is forced to jump head first into. This is the first in this series and I'm restless to read the next in the series. I hope Miss Athena continues to carry on these stories, this book is definiitly one of my favorites and I can't wait for more!
January 1, 2013
I picked this up at Wordstock 2012 in Portland. Woo for local authors!
A really fun romp through the imagined world of Aria. Fable Mongomery has had kind of a crappy year. Her aunt was murdered, her fiance doesn't love her, and she can't write the novel she's always wanted. Her aunt left her a quirky house in Portland, so Fable decides to take up residence and reexamine her life. That's when things start getting a little...weird. Why does the fairy figurine keep moving? Who's is that weird old man who tries to get rid of the supposed rodent infestation...and what's with all the crows by the coffee house?
I hope there are more tales in this series. I thought it was good fun.
A really fun romp through the imagined world of Aria. Fable Mongomery has had kind of a crappy year. Her aunt was murdered, her fiance doesn't love her, and she can't write the novel she's always wanted. Her aunt left her a quirky house in Portland, so Fable decides to take up residence and reexamine her life. That's when things start getting a little...weird. Why does the fairy figurine keep moving? Who's is that weird old man who tries to get rid of the supposed rodent infestation...and what's with all the crows by the coffee house?
I hope there are more tales in this series. I thought it was good fun.
May 4, 2015
Wow. The universe in this book is complex. It was nothing I expected it to be, but that's okay--I didn't expect much. I certainly didn't expect a world that flourished with seas of characters (and imagery!) I'd know and love by the end. Its very nature--a story about a muse--inspires. I hope there is more soon.
A full review of Murder of Crows can be found at Caps Lock Thinks along with many others.
A full review of Murder of Crows can be found at Caps Lock Thinks along with many others.
May 8, 2012
A wonderful book, but i really hate it. Book one and i habe to wait for the other ones. I really love the story about all the mystical creatures, about muses, two different worlds, love and war. This book has everything to forget your own world and travel through Aria. Thanks for this amazing story.
June 16, 2013
Oh my goodness. This was such an awesome book. I really didn't want it to end. But you know what they say about all good things. Now I'm dying for the sequel!! This book was so romantic and beautifully written!! The artistry and the description and the dialogue were all just perfect!
Get the book! You won't regret it, I swear! It's only 3.99 on Kindle!
Get the book! You won't regret it, I swear! It's only 3.99 on Kindle!
August 29, 2012
Fable comes back to Portland because her Aunt Celeste has been murdered. And things get worse......and stranger from there. Magic. Muses. Mythical creatures that only existed in her imaginary forest playland.
I loved this book. I'm not sure why I chose it out of the 200+ books on my Kindle but now I can't wait for the next one!!!!!
I loved this book. I'm not sure why I chose it out of the 200+ books on my Kindle but now I can't wait for the next one!!!!!
December 28, 2012
It's been awhile since I read this book, and I don't entirely remember all my thoughts. Internet connection out at sea is sketchy at best.
Loved the book obviously, but it doesn't look like there is more to follow from this author. Too bad.
Loved the book obviously, but it doesn't look like there is more to follow from this author. Too bad.
January 16, 2017
Amazing book, it is one of my favourites by far. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
The book is written beautifully which captivated me early on.
I would recommend this to anyone that loves fantasy novels.
The book is written beautifully which captivated me early on.
I would recommend this to anyone that loves fantasy novels.
May 12, 2015
A very enjoyable mix of fantasy and witchcraft and interplanetary politics, with a dash of steamy romance. This story is perfectly set up for either a sequel or a prequel. I'd look forward to reading either one.
October 31, 2012
Loved this book and and excitedly awaiting the next book!
November 1, 2012
LOVED this book!
October 31, 2012
This was an amazing book and I am excitedly awaiting the next one!
March 24, 2021
I would give this book 5 stars for the incredible imagery and worldbuilding. It's a delight for the senses. Biggest problem? The female protagonist. From beginning to end, she sounds like a 14 year old and completely clueless "Valley Girl" who reacts to everything by either dropping the F-bomb (which, incidentally, is dropped by just about everyone in this world, while Icarus' Wings is the favorite in the other world,) and/or screaming. She has one very small brave bone in her body, and although presented with many opportunities for heroic actions, even small ones, she prefers to wipe her runny nose and whine over her lost memories, which, incidentally remain almost as lost on page 387 as they did on page 1.
The creatures she comes into contact with in Aria are a fabulous cast to be presented in subsequent books of this fantasy series. But although I understood clearly how the series was to be set up, and how Story affects everything in this world and apparently all others, centering the Universe as a whole on the backs of these Muses, if Fable is an example, seems to be such a travesty and blind mistake on the part of whatever gods decided to set this scenario up and let it play out, they must all been drunk and in need of a cosmic joke. This girl (because although she's of an age to be a woman, she never acts like it) prints up 214 pages of a manuscript she has been writing day and night without any breaks, tucks it under her arm and heads to a cafe, where she consumes enough food to kill an elephant and then loses all but 14 pages when there's (what I'll call here to minimize spoilers) 'an incident.'
Who in the world walks around with an entire manuscript in an age of laptops? As a writer, I might decide to print up sections of the work in progress and take those to another location to browse over or edit, but would I ever believe I was going to camp out at a cafe long enough to read through an entire book? Absolutely not.
I knew who was going to be the biggest threat to Fable halfway through the book, and indeed, that was confirmed with too many pages to go until the end. The wrap-up mostly made sense, but was lengthy and anti-climactic. This first novel could have done with another round of editing to beef up the heroine, dole out more of her memories to prevent her bumbling cluelessly through the entire book, and regretfully but necessarily, weed out some of the wonderful imagery, which could to be dropped into later books in the series to build up momentum during Murder of Crows.
The creatures she comes into contact with in Aria are a fabulous cast to be presented in subsequent books of this fantasy series. But although I understood clearly how the series was to be set up, and how Story affects everything in this world and apparently all others, centering the Universe as a whole on the backs of these Muses, if Fable is an example, seems to be such a travesty and blind mistake on the part of whatever gods decided to set this scenario up and let it play out, they must all been drunk and in need of a cosmic joke. This girl (because although she's of an age to be a woman, she never acts like it) prints up 214 pages of a manuscript she has been writing day and night without any breaks, tucks it under her arm and heads to a cafe, where she consumes enough food to kill an elephant and then loses all but 14 pages when there's (what I'll call here to minimize spoilers) 'an incident.'
Who in the world walks around with an entire manuscript in an age of laptops? As a writer, I might decide to print up sections of the work in progress and take those to another location to browse over or edit, but would I ever believe I was going to camp out at a cafe long enough to read through an entire book? Absolutely not.
I knew who was going to be the biggest threat to Fable halfway through the book, and indeed, that was confirmed with too many pages to go until the end. The wrap-up mostly made sense, but was lengthy and anti-climactic. This first novel could have done with another round of editing to beef up the heroine, dole out more of her memories to prevent her bumbling cluelessly through the entire book, and regretfully but necessarily, weed out some of the wonderful imagery, which could to be dropped into later books in the series to build up momentum during Murder of Crows.
March 22, 2018
Although this book did not seem geared toward my demographic, once I made it a few pages in there was no putting it down. With a delightful mixture of the exotic and familiar, Murder of Crows delivers a fast-paced story filled with clever foresight and delightfully wicket antagonists. If you're looking for a Gaiman-esque romp through a hidden world right beneath your nose, I highly recommend Murder of Crows.
July 13, 2019
A fantastic new take on a myth not often seen: the Muses.
This is a well written and sometimes sexy tale that mixes modern day life with classic mythology. Loved the premise, exceptionally well written, and overall an incredibly fun read! Does not disappoint!
This is a well written and sometimes sexy tale that mixes modern day life with classic mythology. Loved the premise, exceptionally well written, and overall an incredibly fun read! Does not disappoint!
October 20, 2016
This book is awesome! Quirky characters, an alternate world, mythological creatures and magic, a murder mystery, action, danger, sleuthing, humor, and romance. This book has it all and does a beautiful job of weaving it all together into one cohesive story that will leave you hard pressed to put it down. I can't wait for the next book n the series.
February 26, 2024
DNF on page 81. This was not for me.
December 7, 2015
Just like the heroine of Murder of Crows, this story has a duality to it. Two stories in one.
Fable Montgomery has always felt out of place. Not in the sense that she was raised by her aunt and gaggle of “Nana’s” in their Portland, Oregon home, or that her mother died tragically when she was young, or even that her estranged archaeologist father has not figured prominently in her life. But in the sense she doesn’t belong to this world.
She doesn’t know just how right she is until the FBI call her back to Portland away from her unfulfilling journalist job in New York to deal with the aftermath of her aunt’s murder.
Soon Fable is thrust into the adventures of two worlds...the film noir murder mystery of this world, and the Narnia-esque salvation of another. The latter being where she discovers she had made a mind-bending sacrifice that is just as troubling as her slowly returning memory. Even more troubling is the fact those who love her most refuse to help her recover her memory.
In a book market clogged with vampires, werewolves, and zombies, it is refreshing that Athena has painted us a new world where (winged) extraordinary creatures rule.
Fable Montgomery has always felt out of place. Not in the sense that she was raised by her aunt and gaggle of “Nana’s” in their Portland, Oregon home, or that her mother died tragically when she was young, or even that her estranged archaeologist father has not figured prominently in her life. But in the sense she doesn’t belong to this world.
She doesn’t know just how right she is until the FBI call her back to Portland away from her unfulfilling journalist job in New York to deal with the aftermath of her aunt’s murder.
Soon Fable is thrust into the adventures of two worlds...the film noir murder mystery of this world, and the Narnia-esque salvation of another. The latter being where she discovers she had made a mind-bending sacrifice that is just as troubling as her slowly returning memory. Even more troubling is the fact those who love her most refuse to help her recover her memory.
In a book market clogged with vampires, werewolves, and zombies, it is refreshing that Athena has painted us a new world where (winged) extraordinary creatures rule.
January 25, 2017
Well, initially I was turned off by all the references to blood dripping and such, but finally, this book revealed its other world, and the big stakes, and the wonky prophecy abilities of its heroine, and I kind of forgave all the errors, typos, inconsistencies. Except for the damn Mr. Lincoln reference which was put in very early, and never explored til like the last eigth of the book! That was frustrating.
Some very sexy stuff, some pretty funny lines. Also, intimately set in Portland, which was fun!
- 329 liam dialogue now contemporary 332 Mr Lincoln reference for the umpteenth time
Some very sexy stuff, some pretty funny lines. Also, intimately set in Portland, which was fun!
- 329 liam dialogue now contemporary 332 Mr Lincoln reference for the umpteenth time
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