The Crow Box

Shadow and Ink #1

by Nikki Rae

The small wooden box is dirty, the size of a human fist, and sealed with wax. When Corbin takes it upon herself to clean it and break the seal, a voice she has tried to ignore gathers strength. Shadows play on the walls at night, and with a family history of mental illness, Corbin fears the worst. But the voice tells her it is real. That its name is Six and it will prove it in time.
Drawn to this mysterious entity, Corbin isn't sure what to believe and the line between reality and her imagination blurs more every day.
Some doors should not be opened; can this one be closed?

Genres: Paranormal

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2016

About the author

Nikki Rae is an independent author who lives in New Jersey. She explores human nature through fiction, concentrating on making the imaginary as real as possible. Her genres of choice are mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting read but I also have to say that I'm confused and not entirely sure how to rate the book.

I'm afraid that I'm the odd one out here and that I couldn't connect with Corbin who is the heroine of the book.

She leads an odd and interesting life. She is dedicated to her art and her mum is a hoarder and has some mental problems. Strange things happen to Corbin once she receives a wooden giftbox from her mother. But even before that she started to hear a voice that voice starts talking to her more and more that she signs herself into a clinic to improve her health.

The ending left me with more questions then answers and to be honest I think this is a promising series and I'm the odd one out here and really isn't for me. Therefore I won't continue with this book and when I look at all the 4 & 5 star reviews I wonder why I don't like it. Please note that this is my personal opinion and is to be taken at face value as there are so many good and amazing reviews out there.

Review can also be found at http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...

[Louise Seraphim Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I totally devoured this latest book from Nikki Rae in super quick time. But it's taken me some time, to actually try and make sense of my thoughts.

This is definitely a different and unique story. I can't even put it into 1 genre, and definitely can't compare it to anything else I have read. There is a little bit of everything in this story, and can't be put into one box. Although maybe reading the next book in the series, may enlighten us a bit more on the main genre of this book. When some of the questions are answered. And my foggy brain is a bit more clearer.

I'm not going to give a full summary or too much info on the story, as it's kind of a dark trip you need to experience on your own.
I feel like this is one of those types of books, where each reader could take something different away from it. Or comprehend it differently from someone else. I'm still not quite sure what I think is happening. I know that I literally can't wait to read the next part and have some light shed on how it ended.

This story is quite dark. It's real, brutal, quite sad and scary all at the same time. But above everything else, it's extremely hard to gauge what is real. It's quite a mind **** and I did spend most of the time going......"What????? Did that just happen?" I'm still sat here wondering what actually happened, and what was in leading lady Corbin's mind. That's probably why my review is so confusing. I am confused. lol I can't quite make sense of it all. But I know I loved it. The writing style, as always from this author, was sheer perfection. I love the way Nikki writes. You can picture everything like some sort of dark graphic novel in a way. It's so visual and beautiful in a dark and gritty way. I love that her characters struggle and deal with plenty of crap just like the rest of us. And how you never really know what is going to happen next.

I know this review is probably far from helpful. But I don't think anybody should know what happens, you should just take a jump and see what you make of The Crow Box, for yourself. I definitely recommend this, if you love to have your mind messed with, and to try and work things out for yourself. It's amazingly well written, and incredibly gripping!

**I was given a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Reviewed for SBR Blogs.

[Laura Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is the first time I've read a book that has left me perplexed on how many stars I should give it. It started a bit slow for me and then I found myself feeling sad for Corbin and her hoarding mom. From there I experienced moments of horror and confusion and just when I thought I had figured out the truth, a pebble was thrown across my path which caused me to take a detour. "We're all mad here" kept scrolling across my mind as I got deeper into the thick of it.

The story line was intrestingly written and many times poetic. I want to describe Corbin as a strong young woman who deals the best way she can with her circumstances but does she really? I can with all certainty say that readers will enjoy the complexity of this story. For now; I will have to leave this unrated until I can sort it out.
{UPDATE} May 24th: Rating has been selected.

[Mon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free through NetGalley

That cover!

I have to admit that I am a little confused as to what happened in this book. I wouldn't say it was bad in any way, it was just um...what?

Corbin is a pretty interesting character and you definitely go on a journey with her but every time something happened I had all these questions that unfortunately were never answered. This book straddles the 'is it a demon/is it all in her mind' line and to be honest, I'm still not sure what I believe. It's a bit of a mind fuck to say the least.

I would suggest checking out some other reviews if you think this is a book you'd enjoy because it is possible I am one of few who just didn't get it or read it at the wrong time.

I think I would still pick up the next book to figure out what is going on but I can't say I'm in a rush to do so.

[Sierra the Nerdgirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the hell did I just read?

[Ari Ovalle]

I was fortunate to Beta read this. However, I'm not posting my review just yet. Not until a bit closer to it's Release date. I will leave you with this picture...it was all I was left with at one point during the book.


My review:
This unique story will definitely have you questioning your own sanity. You'll be asking yourself, "Is this real? Or is it all in her head?" The story itself is intriguing and you're pushing that 'next page' button ever so fast. I love stories like this one because there's so much mystery and allure to keep you guessing even after you're finished. The story building was awesome, it's rather easy to relate to the main character. There is that one character who is an omnipresent entity that is barely making itself known, and only through time will it be revealed. And cue the straight jacket, hehe. It's a mind F*ck with a dash of romance embedded with a dark, paranormal mystery. I'm STILL baffled and maybe a little cray cray, but I know I want more. ;)

[Shaunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

struggled a bit on what I wanted to say for this review. This story prompted a ton of open-ended questions that went unanswered and yet left off with a cliffhanger. The story could be perceived as paranormal as there is an "entity" that is speaking to Corbin during the course of the story however mental illness runs in the family and she's unsure. Confusion played a part on where this being came from.. Corbin's character becomes attached to this thing and doesn't even question it much or why it keeps calling her "little crow" just demands to see it several times. For a female in her early twenties she seemed a bit naïve to me for as much stuff that she has gone through with her mother and father in her life to be ok with it as she was. Aside from this I enjoyed the artwork and the uniqueness that the story presented. Based on content I recommend this story for Young Adults. I am a reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock and am giving this 3 Hearts.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Corbin is a young college student taking care of a mother that suffers from mental illness. She begins hearing a voice, named Six. Soon after first hearing the voice, her mother gives her a mysterious box sealed with wax. At first, she worries when she hears it, but soon it becomes a part of her. She begins to wonder if she is turning crazy like her mother. 

Honestly, this book was a bit strange. It was hard to rate because it was strange, but it wasn't strange in a bad way. It was just different. This is a very perplexing book. Filled with bits of suspense and horror. It was a psychological roller coaster. The whole book is an internal debate with Corbin trying to decide if she's crazy or not. 

My biggest question....who is Six???? I don't think this was answered here.


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[Fawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with this story being well written I am still unsure what I really want to say about it. It is a very good mental all in your head sort of read. I could totally see why Corbin thought she was going crazy. What drove me super, crazy, and frustrated about this book is that you don't really find out much even when you are finished. Is this an introduction to a paranormal sort of story or just one about a poor girl who follows in her mothers footsteps? I was left with too many questions and not enough real answers to get me rearing and ready for the next one. I would read the next one out of curiosity, but if it is written in the same manner I would have to call it quits after that. I was given this story for an honest review and this is mine.

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know which would be scarier feeling like you're dancing the razors edge into madness or finding out you're not mad at all. Corbin a college art student is walking that fine line throughout this story. One minute everything is perfectly fine and the next it is the farthest thing from it and her life is spinning out of control.

For me this was an intense psychological story that had me second guessing every time I thought I understood what was going on. Rae never fails to suck me in with her writing and this book left me reeling. I absolutely loved it and absolutely need to know what happens next so in my opinion The Crow Box is definitely recommended.

[Geneva Handleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. The sort of book that makes no sense unless you consider that possibly that this is actually the way a psychotic mind works. But you keep wondering, is that what it is? Or is it real?

Probably not for everyone. I enjoyed it, but I enjoy things most people think are odd. As an independent reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock, I give this one four hearts, even though it's definitely not a traditional romance.

[Bobbie Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow. This book was so good! Absolutely addictive. It drew me in immediately and once I started, I couldn't stop! I literally couldn't put the book down. Every time I tried to do something else, the story haunted me. When I got too sleepy to keep reading and had to put it up and sleep, I dreamed about it. The plot is so original and nothing at all like what I expected. It's super easy to get lost in. The thing is, though, I'm not entirely sure I had any more answers at the end of the book than I started with. As things unfolded, I loved all of the gloriously creepy details. But none of them really came together to make as much sense as I wanted them to. I'm still not entirely sure what is real and what isn't as far as this story goes and I'm definitely not sure what to consider good, evil, or anything else at this point. Based on the "to be continued" ending, I think it's safe to say some of those answers will becoming in some future installment. I just would've liked to have a more solid idea and a few less loose ends at the end of this book!

[TDCbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crow Box by Nikki Rae

Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance

About the book: Corbin finds a box. The voice in her head that she has been ignored rang grows stronger and tries to convince her that it is real. When she closes her eyes a bird with dark wings takes shape. Is this the form form of the voice? What does it want? Suddenly she begins drawing things without realizing it a bird, a man. Why?

Review: Throughout this book I struggled between thinking Corbin was insane and things were real. It was a quick read and one I really got into. The writing was descriptive and the story felt real. I would like to read more in the series.
Author Page/Website: http://www.nikkiraeauthor.com/
Link where you can purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Crow-Box-Shado...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 5 out of 5 stars

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird. Creepy. Disorienting. Hallucinatory in places. Soft and lovely in others.

I loved the protagonist, Corbin, from the outset: she’s a little alternative, a little isolated, and possessed of an artistic temperament (which I can totally relate to: weird art school kids; we recognize each other from afar.) Six is tantalizing: he has his secrets, and while he claims to love Corbin, it’s difficult knowing that he is a monster. A spirit? A demon? A creature, for sure, in his natural state. Maybe a dybbuk, following in the tradition of Kevin Mannis’ The Possession?

At the first mention of a spirit tied to a box, I thought: this thing is malevolent. The manifestations that accompany him, that colour Corbin’s hallucinations, are all of the creepy-crawly variety, and they’re all shaded darkly.

Just what is Six, exactly? You never find out. He’s a weird specimen, from the few glimpses we get of him. Given that The Crow Box is the first in a series of books, I expect we’ll learn more in the sequel. He claims to not want to hurt Corbin, be he needs her to gather strength to keep his human form in tact; a measure of exertion, I expect, that keeps from terrifying her outright.
We know one thing’s for certain, though: Six is old, and Six has known Corbin for a very long time.

The book isn’t without problems typical of the genre, though: would your average weirdo teenager respond to an otherworldly stimulus so peaceably? If that were me, I’d chuck the box then shut my mouth about it. Something strange happened, but it’s fine. We’re good. Everything’s totally normal because I’m pretending very hard that it is. Nothing to see here. (I’d have the box magically reappear the very next day, because you know, otherworldly determination — but that’s just me.)

Corbin likes the presence of Six because she’s lonely. She invites it in because she profiles as an isolated strange-case, and in that, she’s a bit of a sucker for punishment, even as she tries to deny what’s happening to her.

There are a few angles that are blunted where there might’ve been some sharp rises in action, but those avenues weren’t explored. It’s fine for paranormal romance — and forgive me if it sounds like I’m disparaging the genre as a whole, here, but I see a tendency to be largely forgiving of the absence of suffering in the characters when we talk about those tropes of the genre as a whole. It’s still a fun little read laced with some creepy stuff, and at the end of the day, you still walk away with the feeling that things are going to go pear-shaped before they’re perfect, so I have hope for the rest of the series.

In the meantime, however, I might just try my hand at Sunshine… I hear it’s got vampires.

*This review originally appeared at Book Reviews in Horror and Dark Fiction at KiraButler.com as part of The Corw Box blog tour.

[Amy (Lost in a Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I was provided with a copy of this book from the author for review.

I think I say this for every one of Nikki Rae's books, but she is a master at telling a story. Not only are the themes and the plots intricate and unique, but her words and descriptions and vivid and evoke images and feelings, and she places you inside the mind of her characters so well, it's almost like you are experiencing things alongside them, even minor things like understanding the mind of an artist.

The Crow Box was nothing like I thought it would be, and I am not even disappointed by that. I was not entirely sure what I expected but Rae didn't let me down. Corbin's story is filled with mystery and a slow but dangerous decent and watching her struggle against it is enthralling.

When Corbin starts to hear a voice she thinks she is going mad like her mother, and seeing the way Rae introduces Six, and the way it interacts with Corbin, it's clear why Corbin thinks she is losing her mind. But the wonder of the story is how she functions alongside it, what she does to deal with it, how she reasons with it, embraces it, fears it. Rae's writing brings you into Corbin's experience and makes you understand unreservedly what she is going through. Her confusion and attempt to explain what is happening is expressed and explored beautifully.

Rae gradually pulling you into Corbin's mind is eerie and unsettling. The journey from being an outsider to her inner thoughts is amazing, and it unsettles you in all the right ways. The unanswered questions and the non answers add to the secrets. The gradual development and the mystery is intriguing, and Rae balances the pace and story flow with the not knowing and slow burn mystery very well. There is a balance between the surreal and the real which only enhances the overall feeling because it brings in the idea that the strange and unexplained could come so easily into the every day.

The writing is melodic and creative, but not overly poetic or dramatic, the right balance to convey meaning and portray a scene. Rae uses her words wisely and her descriptions are perfect for capturing just the right explanation for a sensation or a feeling. The writing teases you and taunts you, offering hope and answers like dangling a string for a cat.

After the experience Rae takes you on and after those final few chapters, the ending is one of the most frustrating things you'll endure. The 'to be continued' makes you want to pick up the next book immediately and keep reading. From the very first line until the final full stop Rae holds your attention and once you've started down this rabbit hole you won't want to stop.

A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2...

[E.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and at first I didn't know what to expect. Was it paranormal romance? A creepy tale of the supernatural? A study in mental illness? The answer is that it combines elements of all three, for a unique and fascinating beginning to what looks to be a promising series.

Corbin, the main character, is an art student worried that she has inherited her mother's problems with mental illness. When she starts hearing voices, sleepwalking, and seeing and sensing things that don't seem possible, she becomes convinced of it, and ends up spending part of the book voluntarily institutionalized. However, the truth is that everything she thinks can't be true, is. The story breaks off just as everything is being revealed, and we can hope it will be continued in the next installment.

Corbin is a sympathetic, complex character, and through her eyes we see detailed portraits of "ordinary" things: hipster/art student culture, living and dealing with the mentally ill; and less ordinary things, such as mental breakdown and supernatural phenomena. Her own experiences of possible mental illness are compelling and draw the reader in, and the revelation of what's really going on is well-handled, building tension and suspense throughout the narrative. The epigraphs and the black-and-white illustrations that accompany the text add another layer of charming depth to what is a fairly compact work.

While not gross or violent, this is a genuinely dark story with some creepy and disturbing scenes, so readers looking for a lighthearted paranormal romance will probably not be satisfied. However, if you're looking to read something with art, asylums, and paranormal love that will suck you in and maybe even send a shiver up your spine (the bit with the snakes...agh!), "The Crow Box" is an excellent choice.

[Lilivette · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free e-arc of this book from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.

The story that developed through this book was short, fast-paced, intriguing and interesting, but it was also a little bit confusing at some points. The writing, the pacing and Corbin's story was great, but I kind of felt that there was something missing. What? I don't know. But besides that, I really loved how we were able to see Corbin's relationship with her mother and her friend Jordan, and how she managed to have a pretty "normal" life, until the voice inside her head gathered some strength. At first, Corbin thought it was all inside her head, but then, after her mother gave her a strange box, strange things started happening, and there were black feathers everywhere. . .and even more.

Through Corbin's story, we don't get to meet many characters, but they're more than enough. Besides Corbin, we get to meet her mother; who suffers from OCD and schizophrenia, her best friend and art buddy Jordan, the voice that haunts her at night; Six, some doctors and Chess, who's not that important. I really enjoyed all of these characters and the way they made the story be more interesting than it already was. The only sad thing was that I would have loved to know more and see more from them, and I would've also loved to know more about Six.

In the end, I enjoyed this, but not as much as I expected to. Something was missing, but I think I'll be able to find it by the second part. If you're looking for some short novel full of mystery and a weird voice telling you how much it loves you, you should check this one out!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can understand why The Crow Box has had mixed reviews. If you like a story, even a series which gives you little bread crumbs so you know what's going on, then I wouldn't recommend this one to you. However, if you like a story that pulls you in from the get go, makes you question every action, every scene and love the journey even when you don't know where you are going or even why - then keep reading.

I demolished the Crow Box in 1 sitting, I did nothing but read about Corbin, the mysterious box and Six for the afternoon/evening. I read the last page... I re-read the last page... I looked around, looked back at my Kindle and thought, 'What the utter F***...' I then jumped on Amazon and Goodreads to see when book 2 was coming (FYI, that's end of this month I believe).

I can't say that I have any answers to what is going on in this book. What I will say is that I love Corbin, love her outlook and even her questioning her sanity. Do I think Six is mysterious, alluring and confusing.. Yes. But there is also an appeal there too. I loved that this is a NA book, that the romance is subtle if you can call it that, but the sheer allure of what is going on and the interactions of Six and Corbin just dragged me in.

I know this book won't be for everyone. Sometimes you want a book to lead you and not have to work it out and for me Nikki (Author) has created just that with The Crow Box. I can't wait to see what happens next, that last chapter really had me questioning my own sanity! I highly recommend this one although will add for those who are impatient readers, maybe it will be waiting till the whole series is available, either way I can't wait to read more! 4 stars.

[Jennifer Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this story from Net Galley. Yay books!

Spoilers possible ahead...

The hell I just read?

Demon or schizophrenia?

I kept struggling with those two. Actually...I'm not even sure those are the only two options. I'm sure if I brought out my Abnormal Psych book out, I'm sure I could make a list.

But, then again, the ending pretty much messes that up.

Unless the real Six is an actual hallucination. Which makes me both sad and happy at the same time.

Also my mind is trying to connect all this stuff together where there's nothing to connect. Like, what is the significance of the box? Was it only a "temporary vessel" like Six states...or is it more like Pandora's box? And all hell just broke loose? Then when I think about that, I think about the name "Six". It makes me think about the seven deadly sins...which his name is one number off from that, so I try to ignore that.

If you can't tell, I'm a little lost. I don't know what to think. And it ended. Just ended. No answers...just more questions. I think I'm trying to read more into thus than there needs to be, maybe?

[Jeanette Andromeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a definite READ. It’s brooding atmosphere and the cluttered history of the characters combine into the perfect setting for the provoking questions it asks. Questions of where reality and dream intersect. Questions of power, pain, and control.

It’s a mesmerizing story written with the lyricism of poetry with visuals that linger in your thoughts like a dream.

Characters:

The relationship Corbin has with her mother is a diving force in how this story plays out. She loves her, but is terrified of following her path into mental illness. It adds a very real depth to the paranormal element of the story.

What Surprised Me:

What surprised me most about this story was how ambiguous the evil entity is. Is it a demon? A ghost? A figment of a fraying mind? There’s plenty of evidence towards any of the conclusions, but it totally plays with your inner cynic.

I can’t wait to read book two and see where this story is going.

If you enjoy reading psychological mysteries, or stories that revel in their poetic language, absolutely check this book out.

[Angelspearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kinda messed with my mind a bit, it took a while for me to really get into it and understand just exactly what was happening. I wont lie, this book felt like such a big tease for me. I wanted more and just when it started to be more it ended. Talk about a cliff hanger where you cant help but scream. this is not like most of the books I have read, it is a bit dark but the author just manages to pull you into the story so deep that you just keep turning pages in anticipation of what could happen next.

What was interesting was how this book did not really give much of an inkling about what book 2 could be about but hopefully some questions will be answered. Like who is Six and what does he want with Corbin. I just hope the author doesn’t make me wait an eternity before I can find out.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another cleverly written book from Nikki Rae. She writes in a style which is uniquely hers - and kept me perpetually off balance throughout the entire story. At no point through the telling of the tale, until the conclusion, was I ever sure whether this was a modern horror story, or an astutely observed documenting of Corbin's descent into mental illness. And that uncertainty helps the reader to empathise with Corbin through a very trying period of time.

Most definitely an intriguing start to the series.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Gabby (What's Beyond Forks?) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?

What the heck did I just read? I seriously have no idea. Does she have a split personality? Is she in a coma, and this is all a dream? Is she on acid? Is she crazy? Or is something paranormal going on? It could be any number of these things. I have so many questions. None were answered. I have no idea where this book is going.

The Crow Box by Nikki Rae was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Difficult to describe...Corbin hears voices and other phenomena, and feels she is descending into madness. All of this takes place as if we are in her head, so the book is well-written in that it is authentic-feeling. But..... I am not sure if my rating represents how I feel about the book. Perhaps you should read it for yourself and make up your own mind.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**SPOILER FREE**

Uniquely written. Wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into when I took this book on for a review but I sure as heck was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it! Nikki Rae has been an author's name I have seen several times around the blogging world. A name that won't surprise you when it comes to remarkable writing skills!


*Received for an honest review*

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review also available on my blog The Shameful Narcissist Speaks.

This novel did many good things.  It established its characters really well from the start.  We know Corbin's mother is a hoarder without the MC needing to blatantly say it, and it makes it all the more real because we're shown.  She (the mom in this case) has some kind of mental health condition that allows her to collect disability (which in and of itself is a privilege), and she has her "good" days where she can put on a bathrobe, fix her hair and makeup, and cook burnt toast and runny eggs.

Corbin, being aware of how genetics work, is obviously concerned that she will wind up in the same situation, and from the beginning, it's uncertain if what she's experiencing is out of the ordinary or the beginning stages of a similar mental disorder, and that is what makes this novel so compelling.  You are never sure if Corbin is actually experiencing the strange phenomenon known as Six or if it's part of a psychological breakdown.  The lines between reality and mental trauma blur, and those always make for interesting tales.

That being said, this book made me extremely uncomfortable.  I am very triggered by manipulative and gaslighting behavior aka people who make you question your reality, and that's ALL this story was.  The entity Six was highly manipulative, and his behavior came off as grooming Corbin, especially when they starting getting more intimate.  It made my skin crawl, and I was really hoping she would stop giving into his requests/demands, but Corbin just fell deeper in.  This isn't a dig on the author's talent or the narrative's flow.  I think this is what Rae was going for.

The Crow Box is an excellent metaphor for mental illness especially those that manifest with hallucinations.  We, the readers, are left to question whether or not what Corbin experiences is reality or hallucinatory.  While the answer remains ambiguous, the fact that both her mother and grandmother had the same issues suggests her experiences with Six are part of her own mental illness.  I also didn't miss that the name Corbin is very close to the name of the genus and family containing crows: corvus and corvidae.  It's a nice touch, lending itself to the idea that the MC herself is trapped in the crow box.

There is another book after this, but I won't be reading it due to how uncomfortable the first one made me.  I know Rae is doing the "show the thing to reveal how not okay the thing is," but for me, she's doing it too well, so I'm going to pass.  This is an ironic compliment, since she's clearly a compelling enough author to garner such a strong feeling, albeit repugnance, for one of her works.

[Meghna Jain · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can also find this review on Immutable Chatter

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A paper plane.
At the beginning of its journey, it flies high in the sky, slowly losing its strength and falling to the ground.

The Crow Box reminded me of a paper plane. By use of this analogy, I am referring to the book’s ability to hold my interest and NOT the quality. Let me explain this a little further.

The story revolves around a girl who hears a mysterious voice inside of her head claiming to be more than just her imagination. A girl who is attracted to, as well as confused and maybe a little scared by the sudden appearance of the voice.

It was an intriguing story which had me captivated in the beginning because of the suspense and mystery. But, as the story progressed, I found that none of the questions that had arisen were being answered. Instead, more questions just kept popping up. When I was 60% in the book, I still had no idea where it was headed.. That’s not a very good sign.

Another thing that’s been troubling me is the relevance and emergence of the box. Maybe this is answered in the next book, maybe it is not but I just have to put it out there. The box came into the picture with Corbin’s mom finding it in a garage sale. Pretty random, right? Now, considering the voice is connected with the box, it would make sense for it to follow the object and for Corbin to start hearing the voice AFTER acquiring the object. BUT, that was not the case. Corbin was already hearing the voice without ever procuring the box. So, what if someone else had bought the box? What if Corbin had never come into contact with it?
The acquisition of the box appeared extremely random to me and I sincerely hope that it has a logical explanation given in the next book.

That said, there are also things that I love about the book. I have not randomly given it three stars.
I loved the easy flow that the story possessed, I loved the writing style (especially when it comes to romance) of the author and most importantly, I loved Corbin and Six together even though I am highly skeptical about Six’s intentions.

All in all it was a good book. Even though it has its flaws, it has successfully pushed me towards reading the next book.

[Melanie P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I had tried so desperately to stay on a clean path, one that only led to a bright future and happiness for me and my mother, but I couldn’t help but think that somewhere I had been led astray. Had some big bad wolf convinced me to pick flowers? Had birds eaten my breadcrumbs? Was I forever doomed to walk in the dark, dense woods because of one mistake that was so small I could not even remember what it was now?” – The Crow Box by Nikki Rae

(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Corbin was given a small box and she never expected to gain strange occurrences along with it. Corbin is now not only hearing a voice that calls himself Six but she’s seeing things that aren’t real and doing things she doesn’t remember. Worried that her next stop will be the mental hospital, she tries so hard to ignore it all but with Six so intent on proving his existence, will she ever be able to let go?

I loved how this book had a sort of Pandora’s Box kind of vibe. It’s what really drew me into the story because I was curious as to what might be in the box and why there’s a sudden voice and sudden illusions taking part in her everyday life. It really had its creepy and eerie moments that make you question what is and what isn’t real. There were even times where even I wondered if it was all in her mind or if these hallucinations were actually happening. I can really feel how confused she was because we’re able to see all of these things from her point of view and we have no idea if anyone else sees or hears it. I enjoyed how Nikki Rae made it so that we only know what the character knows and I’m looking forward to reading her next book to see what’s really going on and what the origin is behind the box and the mysterious Six. I'm even kind of scared to know what kind of trouble Corbin might have gotten herself into.

I gave this book a rating of 4 out of 5!

[Alec John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this book written beautifully, it also managed to keep my up most of the night last night because I was too scared to go to sleep. That never happens! Can't wait to see what happens next.