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The Blood of Crows (The Crow's Gambit Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

Ren is a thief and a con-man. You want something stolen, big or small, he'll get it. No matter how well it's protected. All while being the only person in the city without any magical knack.

There's just one rule: He doesn't kill people.


Murder is rare in the walled city of Lenmar, thanks to the magic-eating Inquisitors that can sniff out and track any individual by their particular knack. So, when a serial killer starts killing the nobility leaving no trace for the Inquisitors to follow, Ren becomes the prime, and only suspect.

All Ren wants to do is stop a serial killer, clear his name, and protect the people he cares about.

To do that, he’ll have to pull one more high-stakes heist— And steal the proof he needs from the very people who want to catch him.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09XRBRYQP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clockwork Raven Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1778195112
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Crow's Gambit
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Alex Pierce
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Alex C. Pierce is the father of 2 wonderful children (+ 1 dog and 2 cats), Husband to another wonderful person, Writer, and Salary Man among millions.

Growing up, Alex wanted to be either a Writer or a World Renowned Thief. Deciding between a career of morally grey choices, complex planning, difficult execution, lies, and misdirection, or potentially going to jail? Alex naturally gravitated toward writing.

His debut book The Blood of Crows, a Fantasy Thriller with heists, murder, and magic eating monsters, came out May 26th, 2022, and he'd really love it if you bought a copy. The sequel, The Blood of Queens is targeting a 2024 release.

He has numerous other stories (including sequels) in varying stages of being outlined, spanning genres from Science Fiction, to Urban Fantasy, to Fantasy Thriller.

He lives in Canada and is a life-long reader and writer, and lover of all things magical.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this fantasy book, with one review highlighting its action-packed narrative and high-stakes plot. Moreover, the book features interesting characters and a well-developed magic system, with one customer particularly appreciating the magic system of knocks.

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this fantasy book, with one review highlighting its action-packed narrative and high-stakes plot.

"...There was some repetitiveness in the middle, but this was still a great story. 4.5" Read more

"This action-packed fantasy story captured my attention right away...." Read more

"Really enjoyed this book, highly recommend it for anybody who enjoys fantasy!..." Read more

"I'm a lover of fantasy and really enjoyed learning about the world in which Ren lives...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very enjoyable to read, with one describing it as absolutely captivating.

"...This is one of the best books I've read that has a thief character. Ren was funny, witty, and smart but still made mistakes...." Read more

"...the story starts, Ren tumbles from problem to problem, making a really fun story...." Read more

"Really enjoyed this book, highly recommend it for anybody who enjoys fantasy!..." Read more

"Absolutely Captivating!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one mentioning the inclusion of a thief character.

"...This is one of the best books I've read that has a thief character. Ren was funny, witty, and smart but still made mistakes...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the cast of characters, the high-stakes plot, and the magic system, which is based on elements...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the unique magic system, the interesting characters, and the fast-paced plot. Overall just a very enjoyable read!" Read more

3 customers mention "Magic system"3 positive0 negative

Customers like the magic system in the book, with one mentioning that the knock system was particularly cool.

"...The magic system of knocks was really cool and the novel kept me guessing who the killer was up until the very end...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the cast of characters, the high-stakes plot, and the magic system, which is based on elements...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed the unique magic system, the interesting characters, and the fast-paced plot. Overall just a very enjoyable read!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was certainly not what I was expecting when I picked up this book. This is one of the best books I've read that has a thief character. Ren was funny, witty, and smart but still made mistakes. The magic system of knocks was really cool and the novel kept me guessing who the killer was up until the very end. I totally wasn't expecting the twist ending. There was some repetitiveness in the middle, but this was still a great story. 4.5
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This action-packed fantasy story captured my attention right away. I enjoyed the cast of characters, the high-stakes plot, and the magic system, which is based on elements.
    With added murder mystery and heist, pacing was not a problem.
    I will pick up the next book soon to see how this series continues.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    SO GOOD

    Once the story starts, Ren tumbles from problem to problem, making a really fun story.

    Aside from some violence, it was quite clean, which I really appreciated, as it is rare to find in this genre.

    My one complaint is a minor grumble that there were A LOT of loose ends left throughout. Most of these were quite minor, so it didn't matter all that much, but I do appreciate when an author remembers to tidy up.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this book, highly recommend it for anybody who enjoys fantasy! I really enjoyed the unique magic system, the interesting characters, and the fast-paced plot. Overall just a very enjoyable read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm a lover of fantasy and really enjoyed learning about the world in which Ren lives. I was hooked from the start and read the book cover to cover in one sitting! I became very attached to this rogue and couldn't help but root for him to find the answers he sought. Following his journey was quite the experience and I can't wait to follow him on more adventures!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    This is a heist story that appeals to all kinds of fantasy readers! It has humor, adventure, and a mystery that will keep you glued to the pages (or in my case, headphones) until the very end. It reads very quickly and keeps the intrigue without being repetitive. I was hooked into what was happening and then blown away with the action. It was exciting and kept me wondering what would happen next.

    The strength of this novel were the characters. I loved the interaction between Ren and Haim, constantly enjoying the banter that would occur between the two characters. This strength also allows for a quick attachment to the characters, making you care what happens to them as they attempt their heists and adventures. It is an intriguing world, but I look to have it expanded in future installments. The reader is given just enough, but there is the potential to know so much more, allowing them to be fully immersed. The magic was very cool as well and played a huge part in the story that is told.

    This is a series and author that I will be keeping on my radar. Heist stories are some of my favorites, and this is one that I will put near the top. Full of not just the humor, but action and peril, as well as sadness at the appropriate times. This book should be talked about, as well as read and recommended. Sit down and let Ren steal your imagination as he sets out on an adventure he didn’t see coming.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    This book was so good that I had to give it a chance to enchant other reader with it's majestic. Thank you for the escape to another world.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    Interesting concept with some unusual plot twists. Characters are flat and unengaging. Terrible action sequences and poorly developed magic rules. Pass.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tom Goul
    5.0 out of 5 stars Adult fantasy at it’s finest.
    Reviewed in Canada on October 22, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Murder, mystery, mayhem, magic set in a world brought to life from a creative writer. Each chapter moves the plot forward effortlessly leaving you wanting to know more, it’s hard to put down. Pour yourself a cup of your favourite beverage and settle into comfortable chair for a journey well worth your time and effort. Buy it…read it…and pat yourself on the back for a decision well made.
  • Travis Weber
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really like this book. Great progression through out. Looking forward to the second one.

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