Pages: 276
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publication Date: 13th July 2009
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4/5
Master of Crows is an engaging fantasy detailing a battle of wills between a mage and the God who wants to possess him. No man is a match for a God, but with one very special woman standing beside him, he may just stand a chance.
Silhara of Neith is the Master of Crows, a powerful mage living in a secluded ruin with his servant Gurn and his mage-finder dog, Cael. Silhara has an uneasy relationship with the mages of the Conclave, and with the High Bishop, Cumbria of Asher in particular. The mages of the Conclave fear his power, and the appearance of the God Corruption in the sky above Silhara's home has infinitely deepened their suspicions about him.
Martise of Asher is sent into Silhara's home by the Conclave. To all appearances she is there to help Silhara with translations and research in his attempts to rid the world of Corruption, but she is also Cumbria's slave, and has been sent in as a spy with the promise of her freedom in exchange for Silhara's downfall. Silhara, of course, is under no illusions as to her real purpose, though he is unaware of her motives.
As Silhara and Martise work together, poring over manuscripts, and seeking to unlock Martise's 'Gift' (her magic), each falls under the others spell. Martise is not beautiful, but her voice is unlike anything Silhara has ever heard, and something about her draws her to him. She is quiet and polite, but underneath her studied subservience, she is strong minded, and capable of meeting any challenge. He begins to admire her, as at the same time, she starts to see through the coldness of his exterior.
As their relationship heats up, Silhara is running out of time in his quest to defeat Corruption. The God shows him visions of the power and glory that will come from his submission, and torments his dreams and his waking hours. Silhara has been able to resist these temptations, but the God is determined, and more than capable of taking over Silharas body by force.
There is real drama in the final battle between Silhara and the God Corruption, and the scenes of that conflict are absolutely cinematic. I must admit however, that I did find them less powerful on an emotional level than when Martise's abilities were first unlocked, because that was just beautiful. Some of my favourite parts of the novel however were the earlier interactions between Martise and Silhara-- particularly a scene long before either makes their feelings known where Silhara stands up for Martise's honour in a fight at the marketplace. I also really liked some of the secondary characters, particularly the servant Grun, who communicates only through gestures. He warms to Martise very early on, and gives her an ally in the house, keeping his master in check.
My only criticism of this book is that I wish it had been longer! Some of the little touches that I enjoyed could have been expanded on more (Grun's romantic relationship; the antagonism between Sihara and Cumbria), and parts of the main story also felt a little rushed. Overall though, this was a really great read with memorable characters, some vivid settings (the kitchen at Neith stands out in particular), and a lovely, sexy romance.
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