Head of House: Lady Idrel Garien
Industry: produced the majority of crow provisions, from riding leathers to saddles. Storm crows helped with weather control, particularly for agriculture, and also marked time for important events through thunder.
The Cyro Wing
Saint: Ciaran Cyro
Crow: fire crow
Shell Color: bright red
Head of House: Lord Ressen Cyro
Industry: food production and distribution, from restaurants to shops. Fire crows maintained the central forge, used by Turren smiths and Brynth crafters alike.
The Caravel Wing
Saint: Adeliza Caravel
Crow: sun crow
Shell Color: pale gold
Head of House: Lady Rasara Caravel
Industry: healers, production of herbs, tonics, and poultices. Sun crows worked with healers, healing the sick and injured.
Kingdoms
Rhodaire
Capital: Aris
Ruled by:
Queen Caliza Cerralté
King Kuren Rebane
Crown Princess Anthia Cerralté
Queen Alandra Cerralté—deceased (killed on Ronoch)
King Caros Cerralté—deceased (killed during the Last Crow War)
Environment
Located in the Southwest
Hot, humid weather with frequent storms and high rainfall
Dense foliage in tropical landscape
Religion
Rhodairens pray to the Saints, eight legendary crow riders said to have established Aris with the help of the Sellas, but religion isn’t highly ingrained in society
Economy
Once centered around the crows
Large exporter of raw materials, grains, fruit, and other foods
Known for their black gold, a steel-like material made from battle crow feathers
Leaders in architectural and agricultural studies
Culture
Very open, straightforward, and trusting
Family-focused with an emphasis on sharing
Illucia
Capital: Sordell
Ruled by:
Queen Razel Rulcet
Crown Prince Ericen Rulcet
King Gavilan Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War)
Queen Ranielle Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War)
Princess Kashel Rulcet—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War)
Prince Consort Celin Inastra—deceased (killed in the Last Crow War)
Environment
Located in the West
Cold, cloudy weather, with winter snowfall and frequent rain
Vast green grasslands and rolling hills with numerous lakes and small rivers
Religion
Illucians pray to Rhett, a god they worship through bloodshed and war, which is heavily ingrained into society
Many willingly give their blood during prayer as a sacrifice to Rhett
Economy
Supported by conquered nations (Jindae and the Ambriels) which provide food and raw materials and are highly taxed
Once exported weapons, armor, fine horses, wool products, and meat, but no longer trades with other kingdoms
Culture
Conniving, manipulative, and power-hungry
Very militaristic and focused on honor, status, and strength
The Ambriel Islands
Capital: Seahalla
Ruled by:
Illucia
Previously ruled by the high council, which consisted of representatives elected from the noble houses
The leader of the council, Kovan Castair, remains a figurehead
Part of Seahalla is also under the influence of the Drexel crime family
Environment
Located off the western Illucian and Rhodairen coasts
Mild weather with frequent fog and occasional high winds
Surrounded by dormant sea volcanoes
Religion
Ambriellans pray to Duren, the god who rules the sea by day, attending temple whenever they choose, often to pray for safe travels on the sea for themselves or family
They also believe in Duren’s sister, the goddess known as Diah, the Night Captain, who rules the sea at night
More superstitious than religious when it comes to daily practice, for example carrying rope tied in different knots for luck, or happiness, or safety
Economy
Exports large amounts of seafood, ships, products made from the coral surrounding the islands, whiskey, oil, and sona lamps
Culture
Very giving, with a focus on community and sharing food and belongings
Easygoing and peaceful
Korovi
Capital: Vashka
Ruled by:
An elected government of only noblewomen, led by Vokana Mirkova
Environment
Located in the North
Covered in snow almost year-round, save for the thaw during the summer months
Lots of mountains and thick pine forests
Religion
The Korovi pray to the goddess Lokane, who is served by her priestesses, which are made up of the noblewomen, believed to be daughters of the goddess
The right to lead the Korovi government is considered goddess-granted
Economy
Korovi trades very little with other kingdoms
Occasionally exports animal products, work animals, and is rumored to have recently discovered oil in their mountains
Culture
Extremely isolationist
Straightforward, unforgiving, and orderly
Jindae
Capital: Shalron
Ruled by:
Illucia
King Kycyra Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded)
Queen Seyfyer Kura—deceased (killed when Illucia invaded)
Crown Princess Elkona Kura—rumored to have survived assassination
Heavily influenced by the leaders of each Guild prior to Illucian invasion
Environment
Located east of the Ardrahan Sea
Vast golden grasslands and forested valleys
Four distinct seasons, tending toward dry and warm
Religion
The Jin believe art and religion are one; they worship creation of new, beautiful, and creative things
Economy
Divided into several guilds, such as artist, gem, hunter, agriculture
Large exporter of precious stones, jewelry, metal, wood, and glass, as well as seafood and grain
Culture
Extremely resilient, hardworking, people who are very good at dedicating themselves to something and mastering it
Trendell
Capital: Eselin
Ruled by:
King Calren Rebane
Queen Luhara Rebane
Crown Prince Seren Rebane
Prince Kuren Rebane
Princess Kashna Rebane
Environment
Located in the Southeast
Hot, dry, with golden hills and scattered woods
Religion
While the Trendellans have a vast array of myths, including many lost legends regarding the Sellas, religion plays little role in their day-to-day lives, with their focus on science and knowledge
Economy
Large exporter of wine, chocolate, and new technology, as well as rare spices, ingredients, and historical information
Culture
Very intelligent, wise, and learned
Peaceful, curious, kind
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t exist
without the help of so many amazing people.
To my mom and dad, for all the love, support, and opportunities you’ve given me. Thank you for always believing in me.
To my Guillotine Queens: Alyssa Coleman, Sam Farkas, Jessica James, Tracy Badua, Jessica Cooper, Brittney Singleton, Kat Enright, Jenn Gruenke, Amy Stewart, and Ashley Northup. I couldn’t have made it through this process without all your wisdom, love, and beautiful stories inspiring me every day. Here’s to the beginning of the Guillotine Court—I know you’ll all be here soon.
Thank you to my amazing editor, Annie Berger, for all her hard work and dedication, and for answering my constant emails and questions. Her vision for The Storm Crow took this book to the next level.
My agent, Carrie Pestritto, is a superhero for walking me through so many rounds of edits and helping me through this entire process. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done.
Thanks to the entire Sourcebooks Fire team, Sabrina Baskey, Sarah Kasman, Cassie Gutman, Travis Hasenour, and everyone else who helped make The Storm Crow a reality. A special thank-you to Nicole Hower and Tran Nguyen for my beautiful cover. You captured the heart of my story with your work.
Kyra Nelson and Elizabeth Buege, your editing early on helped shape this story. And to Amber Duell and Alexandra Overy, all your constant feedback and support through multiple drafts has been so incredibly helpful. Thank you also to my many CPs and readers, and to all of the P2P ladies whose presence has been a constant anchor.
Lastly, thank you to my family and friends for your love and support, and to my roommates for understanding when I just need to hide in my room for a bit.
I love you all.
About the Author
Kalyn Josephson is a fantasy writer living in the California Bay Area. She loves books, cats, books with cats, and making up other worlds to live in for a while. The Storm Crow is her debut novel. Visit her at kalynjosephson.com.
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