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
Awards/Nominations:
- Winner, Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Best Fantasy
- Winner, Write Touch Readers' Choice Award, Best Paranormal
- Finalist, Rita Award, Best First Book and Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements
- Finalist, Award of Excellence, Best Paranormal
- Finalist, PRISM Award, Best Fantasy
- Finalist, Golden Quill 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
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 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.
