An interesting sequel
4 steloj
There is a short time gap between the end of Natascha Birovljev's first Rocky Mountains novel, Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains, and this sequel, Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains, before the Willow Ranch story continues. I loved being back in the Alberta wilderness again! Initially I did feel that this novel seemed more fragmented than its predecessor. Different characters come to the fore and a lot of the focus is on places other than the ranch itself. However, once the new threads are fully set up, the narrative really does get quite exciting.
There is a lot of deception and communication breakdowns during Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains so characters are frequently at odds with each other. Chuck, who had a lesser role previously, is very much at the centre now which allows readers to see how the role of trappers has influenced Rocky Mountains culture. I …
There is a short time gap between the end of Natascha Birovljev's first Rocky Mountains novel, Shadow Horses Of The Rocky Mountains, and this sequel, Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains, before the Willow Ranch story continues. I loved being back in the Alberta wilderness again! Initially I did feel that this novel seemed more fragmented than its predecessor. Different characters come to the fore and a lot of the focus is on places other than the ranch itself. However, once the new threads are fully set up, the narrative really does get quite exciting.
There is a lot of deception and communication breakdowns during Shadow Crow Of The Rocky Mountains so characters are frequently at odds with each other. Chuck, who had a lesser role previously, is very much at the centre now which allows readers to see how the role of trappers has influenced Rocky Mountains culture. I was interested in how this practice is viewed differently to trophy hunting which is also touched upon. I also liked meeting Nick's mother, despite her being a pretty ghastly character, but I could understand how her influence had created part of the man he has become.
While I didn't think that Shadow Crow was quite as strong a novel as Shadow Horses, I did still enjoy the read. The Canadian perspective is distinctive and Birovljev's love for this environment really shines through.