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Enlil & Aris #1
The Man and the Crow
Some witches curse, others are cursed. And sometimes, the cursed want revenge.
This short story was previously published in Spellbinding: An Anthology of Magic (2019).
This short story was previously published in Spellbinding: An Anthology of Magic (2019).
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2019
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107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
April 20, 2022
A short but interesting story about love, witches, and magic.
November 18, 2021
This was a fun, witchy short story that starts off with a case of roommate mismatch, some creepy behavior (think weird cooking and animals hanging about the apartment of the non-Disney variety), and a murder by a super polite knife-wielding dude who apologizes for the inconvenience of having left a dead body on your carpet. After that, the story shifts perspective to Enlil (our male witch) and his snarky crow Aris, to whom there may be more than it seems. This short story was delightfully woven, with changelings and faeries, curses and witches. It’s the perfect 30-minute read if you’re looking for something spooky! 🧛♀️🎃🦇👻
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February 26, 2023// a note from the author //
I had so much fun writing this magic-filled story! The Man and the Crow was originally part of Spellbinding: An Anthology of Magic, which I co-edited with a dear friend of mine. The anthology was ultimately unpublished, but I wanted to have The Man and the Crow out there, so here it is on its own. I hope you enjoy it!
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
I had so much fun writing this magic-filled story! The Man and the Crow was originally part of Spellbinding: An Anthology of Magic, which I co-edited with a dear friend of mine. The anthology was ultimately unpublished, but I wanted to have The Man and the Crow out there, so here it is on its own. I hope you enjoy it!
☆ Blog | Twitter ☆
July 31, 2022
I enjoyed this short story and look forward to a sequel.
November 22, 2022
A short sharp enjoyable tale of magic and the unexpected…
Having just read this book in one sitting I found myself enthralled by page 4 where the story unexpectedly flips and takes the reader on a journey of folklore, witchcraft and murder.
With darker tones and a magical theme that merge together well, Rebecca Crunden delivers a well-written tale that might only be twenty four pages long, but it represents hundreds of years of history and lore for the title character. Throughout, the addictive writing style carries a humour that is both fun and perfect for the genre while the imagination is also given plenty of room to work alongside that history and lore suggested here – as the ending promises, that’s the start of the next story!
For anyone looking to be whisked away only for a short time but through some imaginative literature, this is the one for you.
‘Screaming would have been the sensible thing to do; it also proved impossible. Screaming would mean she’d be able to unlock her jaw and at the moment it felt like her jaw had rusted shut…’
Having just read this book in one sitting I found myself enthralled by page 4 where the story unexpectedly flips and takes the reader on a journey of folklore, witchcraft and murder.
With darker tones and a magical theme that merge together well, Rebecca Crunden delivers a well-written tale that might only be twenty four pages long, but it represents hundreds of years of history and lore for the title character. Throughout, the addictive writing style carries a humour that is both fun and perfect for the genre while the imagination is also given plenty of room to work alongside that history and lore suggested here – as the ending promises, that’s the start of the next story!
For anyone looking to be whisked away only for a short time but through some imaginative literature, this is the one for you.
‘Screaming would have been the sensible thing to do; it also proved impossible. Screaming would mean she’d be able to unlock her jaw and at the moment it felt like her jaw had rusted shut…’
June 12, 2022
Fascinating worldbuilding wrapped in a tiny package. It raised the question of shifting morality in an immortal being who has lived through different "normals"; or can one be decent from the start and stay that way? I loved the main pair, providing remedies and saving people from witch trials throughout history. It feels like it leads into a series so I'd definitely read more.
July 29, 2022
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
I cannot believe how much plot Crunden has managed to put into such a short story!
Honestly I loved everything about this. The way it started was so mysterious and creepy. I almost felt like I was reading a murder mystery then it took a shift into fantasy in such a fluid way I wasn’t jarred at all.
I don’t want to spoil anything but the whole curse and the main characters relationship was so well revealed. My only complaint is that I want more of this! This story was so impressive that I wish it was longer.
Kudos Crunden. I will definitely be reading more of your works very soon.
I cannot believe how much plot Crunden has managed to put into such a short story!
Honestly I loved everything about this. The way it started was so mysterious and creepy. I almost felt like I was reading a murder mystery then it took a shift into fantasy in such a fluid way I wasn’t jarred at all.
I don’t want to spoil anything but the whole curse and the main characters relationship was so well revealed. My only complaint is that I want more of this! This story was so impressive that I wish it was longer.
Kudos Crunden. I will definitely be reading more of your works very soon.
December 15, 2022
Such a great short story!
I've been in a witchy mood for a while, so I was really excited for this witchy short story. It is my first one by Crunden. I follow her on Twitter and have been eyeing a number of her book. I was really excited to read this one and it does not disappoint!
I really enjoy her voice and style and the humor. The descriptions were phenomenal and character reactions were completely realistic. I enjoyed the way the author builds the backstory over the course of the story, rather than telling everything up front. For such a short story, the characters and their relationships are well fleshed out, as is the world building!
Aris is my favorite character, but I absolutely love his relationship with Enlil!
I look forward to reading more of Crunden's books!
I've been in a witchy mood for a while, so I was really excited for this witchy short story. It is my first one by Crunden. I follow her on Twitter and have been eyeing a number of her book. I was really excited to read this one and it does not disappoint!
I really enjoy her voice and style and the humor. The descriptions were phenomenal and character reactions were completely realistic. I enjoyed the way the author builds the backstory over the course of the story, rather than telling everything up front. For such a short story, the characters and their relationships are well fleshed out, as is the world building!
Aris is my favorite character, but I absolutely love his relationship with Enlil!
I look forward to reading more of Crunden's books!
December 12, 2022
If you don’t have time to indulge in a lengthy reading session but can’t imagine a day without reading, “The Man and the Crow” by Rebecca Crunden is a read for you. I read it in one sitting between dozens of things I had to do this weekend. And it has provided me with a much-needed escape from the hectic running and planning.
The short story is full of magic, tension, unexpected twists, and characters outside the accustomed scope. I really enjoyed the twist on the very first pages of the story that took the plot in a direction the reader in no way could predict.
Although short, the story felt multi-layered and well-thought-out. It ignited my imagination and I definitely would like to read more about the world the author has introduced us to. Still, at the same, time, the storyline felt complete and the ending satisfying.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but I can definitely say it won’t be the last.
The short story is full of magic, tension, unexpected twists, and characters outside the accustomed scope. I really enjoyed the twist on the very first pages of the story that took the plot in a direction the reader in no way could predict.
Although short, the story felt multi-layered and well-thought-out. It ignited my imagination and I definitely would like to read more about the world the author has introduced us to. Still, at the same, time, the storyline felt complete and the ending satisfying.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, but I can definitely say it won’t be the last.
January 25, 2022
Crunden has packed a tantalizing arc into a compact short story, delivering what I love most about shorts. It takes skill to execute character and story arc in this form, and she has succeeded marvelously. Well done!
June 11, 2023
I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this story, but I've read a handful of Crunden's work and enjoyed every one, so as I sat on the train with a tedious journey ahead of me, I picked up The Man and the Crow to pass the time since I'd left my physical book that I'm currently reading at home, and I made a pretty good choice.
This was a very fun and mystical story. It had me hooked from the start with a murderer who only had interest in the victim and not the poor, probably traumatised roommate, even going as far as to apologise for the mess and leaving her money towards the clean up! You quickly realise that something isn't quite normal about the man and his crow, and that there's magic involved in the revenge they're planning.
This short story is full of magic, romance, and fantasy that draws you in, and before you know it, you've finished the story! The worlds Crunden creates in so few words are so in depth and full of lore, and honestly I wish this had been a full novel. It at least needs a sequel, because I have to know how Enlil and Aris' story continues!
Overall, a good read. If there's ever a sequel, I'll be the one of the first people to grab a copy.
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This was a very fun and mystical story. It had me hooked from the start with a murderer who only had interest in the victim and not the poor, probably traumatised roommate, even going as far as to apologise for the mess and leaving her money towards the clean up! You quickly realise that something isn't quite normal about the man and his crow, and that there's magic involved in the revenge they're planning.
This short story is full of magic, romance, and fantasy that draws you in, and before you know it, you've finished the story! The worlds Crunden creates in so few words are so in depth and full of lore, and honestly I wish this had been a full novel. It at least needs a sequel, because I have to know how Enlil and Aris' story continues!
Overall, a good read. If there's ever a sequel, I'll be the one of the first people to grab a copy.
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May 5, 2022
Intriguing!
This was a quick look into a world that I suspect to be quite fascinating to read about. Well-written and held my intersection throughout. Particularly liked Aris the crow.
This was a quick look into a world that I suspect to be quite fascinating to read about. Well-written and held my intersection throughout. Particularly liked Aris the crow.
February 2, 2022
Shorter fiction is something that I have come to appreciate very much later in my reading life. I like how there is a little world shining in a nugget of a story. The Man and The Crow is a story that has been on my Kindle for a while and I have just been waiting for an opportunity to read it.
Well, as Morrissey says ‘How Soon is Now’ – pretty damned soon, I’ll tell you Mozzer!
The Man and The Crow is my Gateway into Rebecca Crunden’s writing and I have to say – I like it!
The story starts out as any good story should – with a Murder!
All good stories start with a murder, it brings that little bit of p’zazz to a story! Gets it off the ground with a bang!
However, the trajectory that this little firecracker takes from there is ace!
At the begining of the story, we meet Jessica, a part time store assistant at a hardware store who also has a room mate, who is a bit strange and a little bit annoying. She regularly brings home stray animals that don’t like Jessica. Even the rabbits that her room mate bring home don’t like Jessica.
And whilst Jessica’s room mate might be a bit of an oddity, Jessica quite OK with that. However, her sharing with Clara is cut short when she comes home to find a man standing over Clara’s dead body, a knife in his hand and a Crow on his shoulder.
She’s a bit shocked to say the least, but at least he has the common decency to offer some financial recompense for the cleaning bill!
The story then shifts perspectives to follow the Man, Enlil and the Crow, Aris, the main stars of the show.
In a small amount of time, we get to learn that Enlil & Aris have an agenda, and what follows is a tale of witchy goodness that won’t spoil your reading appetite.
In this short little tale, Rebecca Crunden writes a wonderfully dark tale of witchcraft and revenge that leaves you wanting more of these two characters.
The story is skillfully done, as in a short space of time, you get back story, motivation, world building all wrapped up in a bundle of wry wit. I loved it!
In fact, I want more of these two as they are such a good double act and I would love to see what they get up to next, especially as Rebecca Crunden leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Well, as Morrissey says ‘How Soon is Now’ – pretty damned soon, I’ll tell you Mozzer!
The Man and The Crow is my Gateway into Rebecca Crunden’s writing and I have to say – I like it!
The story starts out as any good story should – with a Murder!
All good stories start with a murder, it brings that little bit of p’zazz to a story! Gets it off the ground with a bang!
However, the trajectory that this little firecracker takes from there is ace!
At the begining of the story, we meet Jessica, a part time store assistant at a hardware store who also has a room mate, who is a bit strange and a little bit annoying. She regularly brings home stray animals that don’t like Jessica. Even the rabbits that her room mate bring home don’t like Jessica.
And whilst Jessica’s room mate might be a bit of an oddity, Jessica quite OK with that. However, her sharing with Clara is cut short when she comes home to find a man standing over Clara’s dead body, a knife in his hand and a Crow on his shoulder.
She’s a bit shocked to say the least, but at least he has the common decency to offer some financial recompense for the cleaning bill!
The story then shifts perspectives to follow the Man, Enlil and the Crow, Aris, the main stars of the show.
In a small amount of time, we get to learn that Enlil & Aris have an agenda, and what follows is a tale of witchy goodness that won’t spoil your reading appetite.
In this short little tale, Rebecca Crunden writes a wonderfully dark tale of witchcraft and revenge that leaves you wanting more of these two characters.
The story is skillfully done, as in a short space of time, you get back story, motivation, world building all wrapped up in a bundle of wry wit. I loved it!
In fact, I want more of these two as they are such a good double act and I would love to see what they get up to next, especially as Rebecca Crunden leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger.
May 9, 2022
Short, entertaining, and imaginative, The Man and the Crow is a memorable read.
Okay, okay, I’ve been sitting here for a while trying to think of a way to describe the beginning of this book. The best thing I could think of is this: Imagine you are quietly enjoying your morning coffee and step outside to grab the newspaper. You open the front door and — BAM! A runaway freight train smacks you in the face. But it also happens to be a very polite runaway freight train. And you’re just delighted that it smacked you in the face.
The rest of the story doesn’t miss a beat. It is a short one. Amazon says it’s 24 pages. But if you’ve read my spotlight on the Rebecca Crunden’s A Touch of Death, you’ll know that I said the world in that story feels big. The same is true here. This story feels bigger than its page count. The writing remains fantastically readable. There is plenty of humour and some touching moments as we find out more about the curse and the quest for revenge.
Okay, okay, I’ve been sitting here for a while trying to think of a way to describe the beginning of this book. The best thing I could think of is this: Imagine you are quietly enjoying your morning coffee and step outside to grab the newspaper. You open the front door and — BAM! A runaway freight train smacks you in the face. But it also happens to be a very polite runaway freight train. And you’re just delighted that it smacked you in the face.
The rest of the story doesn’t miss a beat. It is a short one. Amazon says it’s 24 pages. But if you’ve read my spotlight on the Rebecca Crunden’s A Touch of Death, you’ll know that I said the world in that story feels big. The same is true here. This story feels bigger than its page count. The writing remains fantastically readable. There is plenty of humour and some touching moments as we find out more about the curse and the quest for revenge.
November 6, 2023
Brilliant
I loved this story. The beginning was fascinating and it just kept getting better as the intrigue increased. A definite recommend.
I loved this story. The beginning was fascinating and it just kept getting better as the intrigue increased. A definite recommend.
March 18, 2023
short but packs a punch and i need more asap
October 24, 2021
The Man and the Crow is my first time reading Rebecca Crunden and has introduced me to her as an author. I'll definitely be checking out her other books as I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style and characters. This is a tale of two warlock boyfriends who have been cursed by witches, and one even turned into a crow, forcing them to communicate telepathically through ~magic~! The story begins with murder, as all good stories do, but evolves into a wholesome tale of revenge and more murder! This was a short read and seems like an introduction to a larger story, but I'd love to read more of these characters!
January 19, 2025
This is the first of Rebecca’s books I have read and what a way to be introduced to an author! This short story is about a pair of warlocks seeking revenge for a terrible curse. Enlil and Aris are an adorable couple. They have the best witty banter paired with a sweet love for one another. It’s hard not to giggle when Aris gets flustered in his crow form because he reminds me of the owl Merlin had in The Sword in the Stone!
A fantastic quick read and I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series.
A fantastic quick read and I can’t wait to continue the rest of the series.
Read
November 4, 2021Goes for the Jugular!
Rebecca Crunden wastes no time slapping her readers in the face with the action in this story. One minute, you're wondering what is going on with the crazy roommate, and the next you're knee-deep in murder, magic, and mayhem. I hope the sequel to this is already available!
Rebecca Crunden wastes no time slapping her readers in the face with the action in this story. One minute, you're wondering what is going on with the crazy roommate, and the next you're knee-deep in murder, magic, and mayhem. I hope the sequel to this is already available!
December 29, 2022
I read this short story as part of my last ditch attempt to reach my goodreads reading goal for 2022 and I’m really glad I did! It is a really original quirky little tale with a gruesome yet intriguing beginning. Filled with witches, magic, friendship, a crow who is not quite what he seems at first look and a centuries long quest to find a certain witch, a whole host of story is packed into a very small number of pages! I discovered Crunden’s writing this year as part of the BBNYA competition and am really enjoying her style - luckily she has written plenty of books which I am excited to dive into!
November 14, 2021
I had to reread this when I saw that it had been republished on it’s own. I LOVE this story, and I live the characters and I will be dedicating my life to pestering Rebecca to write more XD
September 15, 2023
Magic, paranormal mystery, and touching, patient romance await anyone who decides to pick up this story. I, for one, am very much excited to see the next step in the journey for these characters.
January 14, 2023
another home run
So good. Another fantastic short by Rebecca. I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
So good. Another fantastic short by Rebecca. I highly recommend this one. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
November 29, 2024
Short and sweet, I liked it a lot! I'm surely going to read the whole series!
July 11, 2022
A short read guaranteed to have you invested in the MCs
Crunden’s ability to develop characters in such a short amount of time is such an incredible feat. We are first introduced to two roommates, one a bit peculiar, but in a few small paragraphs you feel like you’ve known them forever.
You quickly realize neither are the MCs of the novel either when we are introduced to the man and the crow! Crunden does a great job weaving backstory into the plot so we learn their complex history in a short time frame.
I was invested in our MCs journey and the bond they share from the get go that was only strengthened with every page of this tiny novel. The fantasy world building was great and left me wanting more stories in the same universe perhaps with the same MCs!
Crunden’s ability to develop characters in such a short amount of time is such an incredible feat. We are first introduced to two roommates, one a bit peculiar, but in a few small paragraphs you feel like you’ve known them forever.
You quickly realize neither are the MCs of the novel either when we are introduced to the man and the crow! Crunden does a great job weaving backstory into the plot so we learn their complex history in a short time frame.
I was invested in our MCs journey and the bond they share from the get go that was only strengthened with every page of this tiny novel. The fantasy world building was great and left me wanting more stories in the same universe perhaps with the same MCs!
Read
December 5, 2023I devoured this tale of magic and murders in less than half an hour. The ending is slightly open, so I hope there’s more!
The two main characters are compelling, and their banter is plenty of fun, with how different they are!
The starting sequence sets the stage for tension and mystery in a way that captures, and then the transition into magic is a pleasant surprise.
One small thing I found was that some of the backstory could have been left unexplained to leave more space to build up tension for the present events. It could just be my personal preference though, I love a bit of mystery. 😄
Overall, strongly recommend! ✨
The two main characters are compelling, and their banter is plenty of fun, with how different they are!
The starting sequence sets the stage for tension and mystery in a way that captures, and then the transition into magic is a pleasant surprise.
One small thing I found was that some of the backstory could have been left unexplained to leave more space to build up tension for the present events. It could just be my personal preference though, I love a bit of mystery. 😄
Overall, strongly recommend! ✨
July 9, 2022
Short read that is just what I needed. I like what Rebecca did within twenty four pages, I felt like everything was explain in a way that wasn’t over explained and where I wasn’t lost at the same time. (I really read this in 30 mins, so it is a nice quick read.)
Spoilers below!
If people turned my partner into an animal, I would totally commit murder to return them to form as well. True love.
Spoilers below!
If people turned my partner into an animal, I would totally commit murder to return them to form as well. True love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
I was in the mood for something fun and quick, and I enjoyed this so much. The dialogue was so natural, and even though it was short, the characters were vivid with personalities that jumped off the page. I loved the way history and lore were woven into the background and didn't feel heavy or bogged down. I fell in love with Enlil and Aris the moment I met them, and I want to read more about them and their exploits.
May 20, 2022
In this short story, what starts off as a seemingly ordinary evening for Jessica, a part-time sales clerk at a hardware store, takes a shocking turn.
Jessica arrives home to the flat she shares with Clara, the odd roommate she barely tolerates, and makes her way through Clara’s various housepets. Jessica stumbles into a horrific scene.
Following Jessica’s peculiar encounter with the perpetrator, the book quickly pivots to the story of Enlil and Aris, who have a connection to Clara and the events that transpire.
Saying too much more would spoil the plot. Suffice it to say that Crunden makes the most of every word and scene in this 24-page, century-spanning story. With witches, warlords, wit, and wry references to contemporary topics, I couldn’t ask for anything more as a reader.
I will definitely be reading more works by Crunden.
For more reviews of novels, short stories, and other written works, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
Jessica arrives home to the flat she shares with Clara, the odd roommate she barely tolerates, and makes her way through Clara’s various housepets. Jessica stumbles into a horrific scene.
Following Jessica’s peculiar encounter with the perpetrator, the book quickly pivots to the story of Enlil and Aris, who have a connection to Clara and the events that transpire.
Saying too much more would spoil the plot. Suffice it to say that Crunden makes the most of every word and scene in this 24-page, century-spanning story. With witches, warlords, wit, and wry references to contemporary topics, I couldn’t ask for anything more as a reader.
I will definitely be reading more works by Crunden.
For more reviews of novels, short stories, and other written works, visit www.bookpicksandpics.com.
October 13, 2021
Witchy short story that's dark but humorous
This was great read that hooked me in from the start - what an opening scene! (Does it involve the MC murdering someone? Maybe...)
I loved the relationship between Enlil and Aris and their snarky back-and-forth had me chuckling to myself. I mean a sarcastic talking crow, what's not to love? (Aris would probably disagree about the crow bit *shrug emoji*)
The ending suggests there could be more to come and I hope there is!
This was great read that hooked me in from the start - what an opening scene! (Does it involve the MC murdering someone? Maybe...)
I loved the relationship between Enlil and Aris and their snarky back-and-forth had me chuckling to myself. I mean a sarcastic talking crow, what's not to love? (Aris would probably disagree about the crow bit *shrug emoji*)
The ending suggests there could be more to come and I hope there is!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews