The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very, very interesting.

On the one hand, it really feels like it's nothing--or almost nothing--like the previous novels, despite it being firmly couched in the histories and the after-times.

On the other, it's a perfectly natural progression of life, especially family life, after some of the most harrowing previous events. Indeed, the whole structure of the novel revolves around meeting extended family and having a full family revival--in the form of witches--and just learning to be a more powerful weaver of shadows.

I can't fault it for being what it is. And at least for me, I actually really enjoyed the almost laid-back pacing, the focus on comfort, love, and the unearthing of old mysteries. It's equal parts nostalgia and attempting to build a new, beautiful foundation. You know--building a family, or in this case, a blood-tied coven going back generations.

As for the oracle bits, very little is forced or even revealed. There is actually some bit of plot in this novel, including even a nice little heist, but none of that is really the real purpose.

I was entertained and I was comforted. I can't really ask for more from it.

Of course, the reveal at the end is going to welcome a WORLD of hurt and pain that my OWN little oracle can predict quite well. And I sincerely hope we get the next book PRONTO. This book was pretty much a nice calm before a storm.

My synesthesia hears the caws of the ravens, the smell of old ghosts, and sees witchlight behind my eyes.


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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