Susan Cunningham

‘The curious flight patterns of crows lead a teen computer programmer down a path of mystery and romance.

Gin trusts logic a little too much. She even designs programs to decide what to eat and how to spend her time. All that changes when she's paired with a new transfer student, Felix, on a computer modeling assignment to explain certain anomalies in the behavior of crows.

Speaking of anomalies, why is Gin so disappointed that Felix isn't a match for her in the dating app she’s designing with local gamers?

As she enters Felix's world and digs further into the data behind crow behavior, Gin uncovers a terrible secret. And the wrong decision could equal disaster squared . . .’

Cunningham's Crow Flight was a captivating read! I love crows and ravens in general, so this was an especially fun read. The crows Gin gets to interact with each have different quirks and personalities. I especially loved Catherine, a matriarchal figure of the group. Corvids are exceptionally intelligent creatures, and the Gartners’ crows are no exception. I figured out their purpose when we first learned they were trained with shiny, yet silent, blue bells. My exact theory wasn't verified, but I'm feeling pretty confident. I'm not gonna spoil that mystery though!

Gin got on my nerves sometimes, but I think it was because she reminded me of myself- shy, not necessarily popular, and with low self-esteem that made her feel unworthy of Felix's affections, and unable to believe someone like him could ever love her. Her anxiety and uncertainty rang true to me though. Felix, I adored. I thought he was kind and sweet, and I felt so bad about how his father must have treated him. Mr Gartner just seemed too aloof. Not that he was physically abusive, but he certainly seemed capable of neglect or emotional abuse. The fact he shut Felix away from contact with the outside world and all technology doesn't help that impression.

I enjoyed learning about computer modeling, which wasn't something I was familiar with. I'm glad Gin finally realised that it wasn't necessary, or even healthy, to rely so heavily on the programs she used to help determine when and what to eat, what to wear, and when to do certain things, like call Hannah. I felt so bad for Hannah, who had developed the habit of asking Gin if the only reason she was calling was because Decider prompted it. Hannah was a good, patient friend, and I don't think she deserved the silent treatment from Gin for weeks. She tried to apologise and make up, but Gin rebuffed every try, until Hannah simply gave up. I'm glad Gin's mom helped fix that, but maybe Hannah deserves better. I can be forgiving, but generally if someone treats me like that I prolly wouldn't still be their friend.

Overall, an awesome read with an interesting mystery. And crows! Recommended for those who like nifty mysteries, computer modeling, or animal training stories.

***Many thanks to the author for providing an ecopy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for JBN Blog Tours.… (meer)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

DNF @ 50%

I wanted to love this book so bad, I'm so disappointed I didn't.

When I read this synopsis I was like: "Now, this is a book for me!" I mean an MC who's into CS and modeling? I was sold.
I was so excited when I got the email saying I was accepted to get an ARC of this book.
But unfortunately it just didn't do it for me.

When I first started this book I was quite meeeh with it but I was waiting for it to get better, which -in my opinion- it did not. I felt no connection whatsoever to the MC despite her sharing my love for CS and everything related to it, I didn't really like her that much; she was a pretty forgettable character and I just did not feel her passion I guess?
Felix was a teeny tiny little bit more interesting than Meg; but that doesn't say much since saying that is the equivalent of saying a tiny black dot is more interesting than the whole white paper.

The story line felt kinda boring to me, I wasn't attached, I was not gripped nor was I interested in what would happen next and the more I read the more indifferent I felt toward the whole thing.

In general, I felt like this book promised too much but failed to deliver even half of it. It was unfortunately not for me, and I overall did not enjoy it.

I do however suggest for whoever finds the synopsis interesting to give it a shot, you may enjoy it far more than I did.… (meer)