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The Crow Box
(Shadow and Ink #1)
by
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 i
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Kindle Edition, 164 pages
Published
January 14th 2016
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Start your review of The Crow Box (Shadow and Ink, #1)

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 t ...more
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 t ...more

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 som ...more
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 som ...more

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 int ...more

Original review
First of all I want to thank Nikki Rae for the ARC copy, you're the best!
The Crow Box is a book about Corbin and Six. Since Corbin's mom gave her a box, Corbin's been hearing a voice named Six. She thinks she's insane because her mom and grandmother both are struggling with mental issues.
When Corbin's not hearing the voice, she actually misses it. But is the voice real?
There was a new color I loved, and it technically wasn't a color at all. Black I drew in the heaviest charco ...more
First of all I want to thank Nikki Rae for the ARC copy, you're the best!
The Crow Box is a book about Corbin and Six. Since Corbin's mom gave her a box, Corbin's been hearing a voice named Six. She thinks she's insane because her mom and grandmother both are struggling with mental issues.
When Corbin's not hearing the voice, she actually misses it. But is the voice real?
There was a new color I loved, and it technically wasn't a color at all. Black I drew in the heaviest charco ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

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 t ...more

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 t ...more

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
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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 ...more
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 ...more

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
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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 he ...more
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 he ...more

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. ...more
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. ...more

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 th
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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 ...more
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 ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

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 n ...more
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 n ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

*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 m ...more
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 m ...more

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 b ...more
I demolished the Crow Box in 1 sitting, I did nothing but read about Corbin, the mysterious b ...more

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 al ...more
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 al ...more

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 terri ...more
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 terri ...more

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 coul
...more

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 star ...more
Most definitely an intriguing star ...more

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. ...more

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.
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.

**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* ...more
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* ...more

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 ...more
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 ...more

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 h ...more
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 h ...more

“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 h ...more
(I received a copy from the author in exchange for an h ...more

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.
...more
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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.
Other books in the series
Shadow and Ink
(2 books)
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