1 of 1 copy available
—GMA Buzz Pick
"In the Hour of Crows enthralls like a delicious dark spell."
—Glendy Vanderah, bestselling author of Where the Forest Meets the Stars
In a small town in Appalachia, people paint their doorways blue to keep spirits away. Black ferns grow where death will follow. And Weatherly Opal Wilder is a Death Talker.
When called upon, she can talk the death out of the dying and save their lives—only once, never twice. But this truly unique gift comes at a price, rooting Weatherly to people who only want her around when they need her and resent her unfamiliar ways when they don't.
Weatherly's cousin Adaire also has a gift: she's a Scryer and can see the future reflected back in dark surfaces. Right before she is killed in an accident, Adaire saw something unnerving, and that's why Weatherly believes she was murdered—never thinking for a moment that it was an accident. But when Weatherly, for the first time, is unable to talk the death out of the mayor's son, the whole town suspects she is out for revenge, that she wouldn't save him.
With the help of clues Adaire left behind and her family's Granny Witch recipe box, Weatherly sets out to find the truth behind her cousin's death, whatever it takes.
Imbued with magic, witchery, and suspense, Dana Elmendorf's In the Hour of Crows is a thrilling tale of friendship, identity, and love.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
June 4, 2024 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780369749871
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780369749871
- File size: 1015 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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January 1, 2024
YA author Elmendorf makes her adult debut with this witchy magical realism tale set in the wilds of Appalachia. When Weatherly Wilder's cousin Adaire dies, she doesn't believe it was an accident and sets out to find the killer, guided by her own unique gift and Adaire's spirit. With a 100K-copy first printing. Prepub Alert.
Copyright 2023 Library Journal
Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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April 15, 2024
Elmendorf’s haunting Southern gothic debut weaves a spellbinding tale of family secrets, dark magic, and murder in a small Appalachian town. Weatherly, gifted since childhood with the supernatural ability to absorb death from the dying, investigates her cousin Adaire’s suspicious death, unearthing a web of corruption and hidden agendas that threaten to tear her world apart. Elmendorf’s richly atmospheric prose immerses readers in the eerie, claustrophobic setting of Black Fern, Ga., where folk magic and religious fervor intertwine. The complex heroine, who is both stubborn and deeply vulnerable, drives the narrative forward as she wrestles with grief, family obligations, and her own burgeoning powers. While some secondary storylines and characters feel a bit thin by comparison, Elmendorf’s dexterous handling of heavy themes like child abuse and societal inequity adds depth to this moody, suspenseful novel. With its blend of supernatural elements and gritty realism, this will appeal to fans of Wiley Cash’s When Ghosts Come Home and Lauren Blackwood’s Within These Wicked Walls. Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. -
May 15, 2024
Elmendorf's adult debut draws readers into the enigmatic realm of a small Appalachian community, where 17-year-old Weatherly grapples with the shadows of her family's past. When she uncovers long-buried secrets that intertwine with local folklore, she embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery and redemption. As Weatherly navigates the treacherous terrain of familial legacies and supernatural forces, she confronts the darkness within herself and the town, seeking to prove her innocence and find her beloved cousin's killer. The inclusion of Appalachian culture and folklore enriches the story, providing a captivating backdrop for Weatherly's quest. However, while the novel excels in setting and atmosphere, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, and certain plot elements verge on predictability. In the Hour of Crows enchants with its haunting plot and vivid prose, offering a compelling exploration of the human spirit against the backdrop of Appalachia's mystique. Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Sangu Mandanna.COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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