I originally hadn't planned on reading this book. Mostly because it didn't seem like my thing. But in the end i'm really glad I read it. I enjoyed it very much,more than I thought I would. Jeri Smith-Ready has created a wonderfully unique world. Rhia's journey in accepting the crow is an amazing emotional ride. I teared up few times while reading it. Rhia's relationships between both Arcas & Marek were both intense. But I have to say I like Marek alot better than Arcas. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book especially if you love Fantasy. ( )

Lately I've been in the mood for fantasy, but not just any fantasy. I've wanted something with a strong protagonist (female), understandable mythology, a little romance, some action, and a good book--all wrapped into one. Mostly, I've come across books with some of those qualities but not all, until Eyes of Crow.

In a world with a culture somewhat reminiscent of early Native American, where animal aspects are bestowed upon each of the people of this culture, Rhia of Asermos has been given the rare aspect of crow. Rhia's aspect is a hard one to bear, for the crow ushers in death. Rhia has a hard time dealing with her aspect and she struggles with knowing too much about the eventual deaths of those around her. This takes a toll on her and Rhia delays her bestowing and the first phase of her gift, fearing what full use of her powers will entail. But when her decision proves to be a hurtful one, Rhia realizes that she has to now face her bestowing and all that will come with it in order to be helpful to her people.

Since the crow aspect is rare and there are no other crows in Asermos to train her, Rhia has to travel to Kalindos to learn under the tutelage of a third phase crow woman. This change isn't that easy for Rhia, as the cultures of the Ascermons and the Kanindon's differ vastly, but she is able to find a friend and lover in Marek, a troubled wolf aspect. Still, it is Rhia alone who must face the gift she is reluctant to embrace. And with the foreign Descendants preparing for war against her people, Rhia and her gift are needed now more than ever.

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. The relationships between the characters, especially those between Rhia and the men in her life--her brothers, father, her childhood sweetheart, and the poignant romance between Rhia and Marek--all leap from the pages. Though the third person narrative is inclusive to only Rhia, none of the other main characters come off as less than three dimensional.

Eyes of Crow is very much about Rhia's journey in finding herself. She starts out timid and afraid of her aspect and as the story progresses she becomes stronger and more self assured. Through reading about Rhia, her fears became my own, as well as her achievements. I wanted her to succeed and find strength in her aspect. As I clung to the book hoping for an outcome worthy of the character Rhia grew to be, I was not disappointed.

The book ends on a bittersweet note that fit in line perfectly with the story as a whole. Eyes of Crow was a fantastic Fantasy Romance, one of the best I've come across. ( )

Review located at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com/2008/0... ( )

okay this book was so much more that I thought it was going to be. The character was so riddled with issues. I like people with issues, it makes the book more real.

**Courtesy of CK2S Kwips & Kritiques**

As Rhia comes of age, her Guardian Spirit becomes apparent. Terrified by the Aspect of Crow and what it means to her life, she denies her totem animal, refusing to accept the inevitable.

But soon tragic events in her life make it all too clear how important her role is to her clan, and she can no longer ignore her destiny.

Aspect of Crow, Book 1: Eyes of the Crow splendidly exhibits author Jeri Smith-Ready’s writing talent and imagination. In the first story of this series, she begins the spiritual journey of the young Rhia, starting from early childhood and ending in young adulthood. Smith-Ready ably builds a multi-dimensional world with compelling characters.

I started reading this book while on the road, travelling to a business trip in Memphis. I had to put the book away until the return trip - the very first few chapters had me fighting back tears! Knowing red, puffy eyes would not be ideal for a meeting with a potential client, I put it down until the ride home that afternoon. I think my tears made the men I was travelling with a little nervous, and I had to assure them that the tears were simply due to the intensity of the story I was reading! LOL I don't think these guys normally read anything that moves them to waterworks...

I have to confess, the story was a little difficult for me to get into, simply because I do not particularly care for stories whose theme is ‘animal guides’ or ‘spiritual guides’. Had I realized that this was the premise that Eyes of the Crow was built on, I would not have selected it to review, but the synopsis on the back didn’t make it apparent to me that this was what the book was about. Even though the story itself doesn’t suit my taste, I was very impressed with Jeri Smith-Ready’s writing skill, and am confident that readers who enjoy this theme will find a new must-read in this series! I know that I will certainly be revisiting this author when she releases stories more suited to my own interests.

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