Orin Crowfall lives on Ironhold, an island where everything is ordered and industry rules; there is very little nature except for the Eard tree whose roots provide the foundations of the island. Commander Forge is the custodian of the Eard and leads the islanders; however, when Orin discovers that she is stealing the essence of the tree for her own gains and intends to flee the island with her team and leave everyone else to die, Orin is determined to help his family so sets off with Cody his Fixie (an AI helper that Orin has adapted so she talks like us) and his best friend. Together, they flee on a boat in search of help and find themselves shipwrecked on Natura island where they meet Ferelith. Natura is the complete opposite to Ironhold: nature dominates the island and the residents work together to harvest and gather crops. They also have an Eard but this one seems to rule the islanders and, at first, refuses to let Orin leave. However, he is determined to save his family and Ferelith is keen to help. But will they make it back to Ironhold in time? What will they find there and will they be able to stop Commander Forge?
I love all of Vashtiy's books so have been excited for a while at the thought of Crowfall and when an early copy landed on my door mat, I was utterly giddy and it went straight to the top of my tbr pile (with apologies to other books!).
The worlds that Vashti builds in this book are wonderful (as I have come to expect!). Ironhold is a world of industry: tall building, engineering and very little in the way of nature; people are struggling and your wealth depends upon where on the island you live; however, by contrast, Natura is an abundance of plants, trees and natural resources. The people there seem to work in harmony and nobody seems to go hungry. The contrast between the two islands is stark and yet in both there are definite elements of control at play: in Ironhold it's Commander Forge and on Natura it's the Eard. But when does the balance of power and wanting ultimate control become too much?
As with the world building, I'm always a big fan of the characters Vashti brings to life in her books. Orin is a young man who only wants to do right by everyone. He loves his family and they are his driving force behind everything, but he also has a love of nature as we see from the very beginning of the book. As we progress through the book, we see a strength within him that I don't think he knew he had. Cody is Orin's best friend and, in my opinion, the best character in the book! A fixie who has been altered by Orin so that she speaks and behaves in a much more human way, her friendship with Orin and her loyalty to him mean that I frequently forgot she wasn't human! I am now desperate to get my own Cody! Then we have Ferelith who Orin befriends on Natura. She is a strong and determined young lady who has a thirst for adventure - I liked her and her spirit will appeal to so many young readers.
Due for release on the 1st July, Crowfall is a story of family, friendship, finding the balance between science and nature, of control and balance, but most of all, of hope and not giving up. Even before its release date, I can honestly say that this will be another big hit for Vashti and will most definitely be featuring on my July display in Waterstones Newcastle!
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