Eyes of Crow — November 2006, Luna Books
Her Spirit carries the darkest wisdom...
Enter a world where humans and animals meet in magic, where one woman's strength must conquer Death itself.
Every character in Eyes of Crow wields magic bestowed by his or her totem animal or Guardian Spirit—sort of X-Men meets Clan of the Cave Bear.
The Crow Spirit has given our heroine, Rhia, the power to see the approach of Death. This ability doesn't exactly make her the most popular girl in the village, but her rare talents just might save her people in a time of impending war.
Other books in the series:
- Voice of Crow — October 2007
- The Reawakened — November 2008
Tie-in Short Stories:
Awards/Nominations:
- Winner, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Best Fantasy
- Winner, Write Touch Readers' Choice Award, Best Paranormal
- Winner, Third Place, PRISM Award, Best Fantasy
- Finalist, Rita Award, Best First Book and Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
- Finalist, Award of Excellence, Best Paranormal
- Finalist, Golden Quill Award, Best Paranormal
- Finalist, Aspen Gold Award, Best Paranormal
Words about Eyes of Crow (Click links for full review)
[A]n absolutely delightful coming-of-age novel...There's an abundance of riches in this book, and Smith-Ready handles them all so well. The cultures and customs are well thought out and rendered, the connections with the spirit guides are wonderfully magical and filled with Mystery, and the complicated relationships of the tribes people are handled with a realistic flare.
[A]ny fantasy fan who enjoys their novels strongly influenced by mythology and folklore will enjoy this genre-blending hybrid, which is so much more than just another romantic fantasy. The allegorical use of paganism and animism in particular underscores all-too-timely themes like religious prejudice, intolerance, environmentalism, etc...Smith-Ready's Eyes of Crow is just the first installment in what could be an entertaining and profoundly moving series. Jean M. Auel meets Mercedes Lackey.
A spellbinding plot and smooth-flowing narrative draw the reader into a world of myth and magic...lovers of fantasy are about to embark on a great new series.
—Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4.5 stars Top Pick
The story had me hanging on every word and it was one of those books that made me want to call in sick, stay at home and devour it in one go...Eyes of Crow is a story that will touch everyone with its delicate mix of fantasy and romance and it is something worth keeping to read again and again.
Smith-Ready is a talented writer who has a firm grasp of both worldbuilding and character development. Both the descriptive parts and the dialogue flow smoothly, and they’re well balanced. I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a new fantasy series to read. I would also highly suggest that anyone interested in animal totems pick it up, since she does a good job of creating a fictional totemic system.
—Pagan Book Reviews, 5 Pawprints out of 5
The world that Jeri Smith-Ready has created is wonderfully realized in EYES OF CROW. Intricate in detail, yet still easy to understand, the mythology comes together flawlessly, lending to the story in rich detail...EYES OF CROW was a fantastic Fantasy Romance, one of the best I've come across. Grade A+.
Jeri Smith-Ready builds an absorbing world and populates it with fascinating characters.
—The Plot Thickens, newsletter of Mysterious Galaxy bookstore (PDF format)
Mystical, magical, romantic, suspenseful and action packed, Eyes of Crow is an excellent example of what a fantasy novel should be.
The first installment in this magical series is an emotional, engaging, and appealing fantasy. Smith-Ready is a born storyteller.
EYES OF CROW is a powerful tale and one that will leave readers begging for the other two books in the trilogy.
This is a novel that catches your attention and rarely refuses to let go. A unique novel with very universal themes. I would definitely recommend this to all who are interested and I can't wait to read the next two in the series.
The detail of the world and the Spirits was well thought out and wonderfully put together. There were some tearful moments and those are always a plus for me. Definitely a great fantasy and a recommended read!
This was a beautiful story, and I was warmed by its gentleness, love and compassion.
Jeri Smith-Ready's lyrical prose brings to life unforgettable characters and a poignant story that haunted me long after I finished the novel. She has a remarkable gift for making the reader care about her world and its people. Highly recommended.
–Catherine Asaro, bestselling and Nebula™ award-winning author of The Ruby Dice
Eyes of Crow lured me into its clutches by page two. Smith-Ready has woven an exquisite tapestry of a world, filled with texture and richness. Beware, reader! You may never want to return...
–PC Cast, bestselling author of Divine by Blood
Fantasy and romance blend to create a wonderfully organic novel. Neither element is predictable, the story woven with a deftness that enhances the power of Smith-Ready's take-no-prisoners style in both love and war.
–C.E. Murphy, bestselling author of Urban Shaman
From the back cover:
She was born to die . . . again and again.
For Rhia was bound to the Spirit of Crow, gifted with the foresight of Death's approach and doomed to the isolation of one feared and set apart. There must always be one whose magic can ease the passage of the people of Asermos to the Other Side. But to be the guide her people require, to truly know the depth of her gift-her curse-Rhia must surrender herself to the wisdom of the Great Forest . . . and drink deeply of Death itself.
And though two powerful men stand ready to aid her, even to love her, the Aspect of Crow demands unthinkable sacrifices from the one who walks its path.
