Master of Crows

What readers think

Readers consistently praise Silhara as one of the most compelling anti-heroes in fantasy romance — a crotchety, morally grey hermit-sorcerer whose vulnerability and wit emerge slowly and rewardingly. The banter between Silhara and Martise draws high marks for being genuinely funny and charged with tension. Reviewers also highlight the atmospheric dark-fantasy worldbuilding — ancient gods, corrupt priests, demonic possession — as a strong differentiator from lighter romantasy. On the critical side, reviewers frequently note that the opening chapters are slow and that Silhara's initial hostility toward Martise can feel unmotivated or excessive before the chemistry clicks. Some find the romantic and sexual scenes underwhelming given the dark premise, describing the intimate content as more vanilla than the brooding atmosphere promises. Overall ratings cluster around 4 stars, and the book is widely credited as an underrated gem of early indie fantasy romance.