The Crow Cycle 1

Written by Dem Mikhailov

Narrated by Roman Howell

The world of Waldyra treats its inhabitants differently. Some of them, appearing out of nowhere, suddenly receive unique achievements and quests; they become living legends and idols while basking in the limelight. And there are those who call Waldyra home. They do not play, but rather live in this colorful magic world. They do not get anything unique or legendary in return.

Perhaps they are just unlucky? Or maybe they don't need the hype, and they are content with their simple existence? Or could there be something special about a peaceful and well-planned life? Who knows . . . As the old saying goes, "Only time will tell."

At the foot of the foreboding Gray Peak lies a desolate valley. These are the backwoods of the world of Waldyra-they offer nothing valuable to players, who rarely visit as a result. Yet this is the very place where the calm and good-natured dwarf named Crow is headed. Straight after leaving the Creche, he hopes to make a living there. This hero does not crave epic battles with monsters. Quite the contrary. He wants to be a merchant and develop his blacksmithing skills, while staying far away from fighting, long voyages, and clan squabbles. But, as it often happens, if you want peace, be ready for war . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Translator: Vera Klink
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798765084106

Reviews for The Crow Cycle 1

[Madhav Deshpande · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Crow Cycle #1: A LitRPG Delight

The Crow Cycle #1 by Dem Mikhailov is a refreshing and enjoyable LitRPG novel that follows the story of Crow, a dwarf who is content to live a simple life as a blacksmith in a remote village. However, Crow's peaceful existence is shattered when he is forced to flee his home due to a bandit attack.

On his journey, Crow meets a variety of interesting characters, including a mysterious elf named Anya and a powerful warrior named Goran. Together, they must overcome many challenges, including dangerous monsters, treacherous terrain, and political intrigue.

Mikhailov's writing is engaging and humorous, and he does a great job of developing his characters. Crow is a likable and relatable protagonist, and his relationship with Anya is particularly well-written.

The plot of the novel is well-paced and full of exciting twists and turns. Mikhailov also does a great job of incorporating LitRPG elements into the story without making it feel too overwhelming for newcomers to the genre.

Critical analysis:

One of the things that makes _The Crow Cycle #1_ so unique is its setting. The novel takes place in a world where magic and technology coexist, and Mikhailov does a great job of creating a believable and immersive world for his characters to inhabit.

Another thing that sets the novel apart from other LitRPG novels is its focus on character development. Crow is a complex and well-developed character, and his relationship with Anya is one of the highlights of the novel.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. One minor issue is that the pacing can be slow at times, especially in the early chapters. Additionally, the novel's ending is somewhat abrupt, and it leaves some unanswered questions.

Overall, _The Crow Cycle #1_ is a well-written and enjoyable LitRPG novel. It is sure to please fans of the genre, as well as readers who are looking for a refreshing and unique story.