Little Black Bird by Anna Kirchner | ARC-Review

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*I received this book in exchange for an honest review*

What is it about?

Magic is dying out, but it will not disappear without a fight.
Wiktoria is a seventeen year old with a secret: she has psychic powers. Her uncontrollable telekinesis hurts her and others, setting fires and throwing objects in the air, no matter how hard she tries to hold it back. All she wants to have is a peaceful, average life, but it’s difficult when you’ve been cursed to destroy the magical world.
Her carefully maintained facade of normality starts to unravel when she’s hunted down by local sorcerers and their Guardian, and accused of unleashing banished demons back into the human realm. When a murder shakes up the magical community, everyone agrees that the only way to save the world is to kill Wiktoria.
Her only ally is a boy who can read her mind, shares her dreams and makes her question her sexuality. Together, they face mythical creatures and uncover ancient legends, and they soon realize that there is no such thing as simply good or evil. Whether they break the curse or allow it to fulfil its destiny, the magical world will be forever changed. (goodreads)

Book: Little Black Bird | Series: Little Black Bird #1 | Author: Anna Kirchner | Publisher: Gurt Dog Press | Release Date: 20.06.2020 | Pages: 292 | Genre: YA Urban Fantasy | Rep: ace, questioning, bisexual, Korean-Polish side characters | TW: blood, vomiting, death

What did I think?

Where to start? What to say? I loved it. So much. Right from page one I was sucked into the story and it wouldn’t let me go until I put down the book. It still has me in its grip. Probably will have until I can read the next book. But I should probably explain why I completely fell in love with this book.

First of all: the characters. If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know how much I love well written characters. Characters that have depth and little quirks and a story and motivation. Combine them with other well written characters and voilà, I’m probably already loving every single one of them. Little Black Bird was no different. There’s Wiktoria, the protagonist. The story is told from her PoV and the reader gets to know her world with her. While she has magic, she doesn’t really know much about it and usually tries to hide it, so when she is discovered by the local sorcerers we get to explore their world with Wiktoria. She has a great narrating voice and I loved reading from her perspective.
I also loved loved loved Artur. I saw so much about him being a cinnamon roll before even reading this book but it is definitely true! What a cinnamon roll he is. Let’s keep him safe and warm. He’s just so genuinely nice and caring and warm and protective. I also loved Wiki and Artur’s relationship. They have this magical bond between them but even without it, they’re drawn to each other. They trust each other and just… care. There is so much warmth between them, so much understanding. They’re both figuring out their sexualities and how to feel for each other but they include the other one and it’s just absolutely wonderful to read. Their struggles, their friendship, possibly their romance. *deep, contented sigh*

I wished there would have been a bit more on the side characters, too. But I’m super excited to see them all again when the story continues and learn more about them.

I also loved the plot. It was fast and action packed with so many twists that often came so fast I wouldn’t have seen them if they were standing a meter away from me. But I loved it! There was so much happening, so much tension between the characters, so much action. It was an absolute delight!

And I also loved the world building. While I’m learning Polish, I don’t really know much except for a few words. But not customs or even a lot about the country itself. So it was amazing that this book was set in a Polish city (I want to visit so badly btw). I loved the mix of modern Poland and slavic mythology. I’m definitely going to have a deeper look into it. There is so much to discover.

And I really need to say it: I loved the references. I’m a sucker for references and I LOVE recognizing things I love in other books I also love. Please put all the references in books.

All of that said, I can only say it again: I loved this book. With a fast plot and wonderful characters and a wonderful mix of magic and reality, it was right up my alley.

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