Title: Crane
Author: Stacey Rourke
Series: Legends Saga #1
Publisher: Anchor Group Published: May 26th, 2014
Genre: Horror, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 298
Format: eBook
Source: Author via Quirky Blind Date
Reading Challenges: COYER
Buy: Amazon
The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.
Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.
What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?
Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.
But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?
I heard many stories surrounding the legend of sleepy hollow, but I never read the actual book. I got my first real taste, of the story behind the legend when I watched the Sleepy Hollow television series, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
When I received this book as part of the quirky blind date program and realised it was a retelling of the legendary sleepy hollow, I was ecstatic and could not wait to get into the story.
What the story is about.
Crane tells the story of Ireland Crane a descendant of the infamous Ichabod Crane. She moved to Sleepy Hollow as she needed a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City. What she did not know was her decision to relocate to Sleepy Hollow would set in motion a series of events that would turn her life upside down.
A murderer is on the loose and due to the nature of the killings, the community wonders if the headless horseman rides again. However, when the evidence points to her, Ireland with the help of the stranger she discovered in her home rushes to uncover the truth. Will they discover who is behind the murders before anyone else loses their head?
The Story
I enjoyed the author’s take on this legendary tale. The story was told simultaneously in the past and the present. Although both threads were different, they had a direct impact on each other. The narrative from the past was narrated from Ichabod Cranes POV while story from the present was provided from Ireland Crane’s perspective.
I enjoyed how both story threads were narrated. However, I thought the story narrated in the past was more befitting of the Sleepy Hollow legend due to its creepy atmosphere.
The twists and turns kept me guessing while keeping me on the edge of my seat at each page turn. The portrayal of the headless horseman went beyond my expectations. I found it intriguing and captivating.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters and I could not help but laugh at their actions and dialogue. I thought the romance was unnecessary as I do not believe it added any value to the story. It moved quickly for my tastes. I loved how the story ended as most of the questions I had regarding the plot were answered. I still had questions, but I guess will get those answers in the sequel. I also liked the peek I got regarding the next book in the series.
The Characters
I loved how the characters are featured in both threads. However, if I were to choose a favourite, it would be Rip Van Winkle, who was featured in both threads. I enjoyed his attempts in navigating the 21st century and loved that he pulled it off beautifully.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Crane is an exciting and well-written story. It is hilarious, refreshing and unique. If you love the story behind the legend, then you will love this retelling.
Nadene's addiction to reading began at an early age, when a family friend gifted her a copy of Wuthering Heights. From that moment she was never without a book.She will read anything as long the material is compelling enough to hold her attention. She gained many experiences through the pages of the books she had the opportunity to read.She created this blog to share her love of books with like minded individuals hopes that in sharing reviews of the books read visitors to the blog will discover their next addictive read. When not reading, Nadene enjoys cooking, listening to music and watching television.
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Ooh creepy cover and the story sounds fun and unique.
For What It’s Worth
Wow, seems like you had a lot of fun with this read! The cover looks familiar, so I must’ve seen it somewhere before. I love reading about old legends, and possibly retellings, so I’ll keep this one in mind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
You are welcome. I hope you get the opportunity to read it. Thanks for visiting.
I remember this book when it came out because a friend of mine was in love with the cover, and I honestly thought the premise was quite interesting, but I never read it. I’m really glad it worked well for you, I confess I’m still intrigued and that’s why it’s still on my list!
Creepy cover!
OMG! I’ve read another book with the same character as this one. It’s setting was in Sleepy Hollow and I really enjoyed it. My! Haven’t read any horror stories this year yet but I think I already have something in mind. Great review Nadene 🙂
Thanks Vanessa. What is the name of the book?
I guess it was called Sleepy Hollow. It’s written by Dax Varley 🙂
I remember hearing a lot about this one but I confess that I haven’t tried it! I think I should!
The most I know about Sleepy Hollow is the movie Johnny Depp was in. So, needless to say, it’s not a whole heck of a lot. However, this does sound like an intriguing story.
I never watched the movie, but the tv series was good while it lasted.
It tried to love the Depp movie as well as the tv series based on this legend but both managed to lose me. Maybe it’s not me for but now I kind of want to read this book. The hilarious bit is what got me!
I enjoyed the show too (for a couple of seasons at least lol) and the movie from the 90s as well; it’s just such an interesting tale.
This book sounds good, I might have to add it to my list. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You should. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh how fun! I love that this is a Sleepy Hollow retelling and the cover is amazing. You have definitely got my attention with this review!
I loved the show to and hate that it was canceled. The actor was downright yummy..but we were speaking of book. *wipes drool* This sounds good and I would probably like the past thread better. I will add this to my list 🙂
Yea he is yummy indeed. And the accent oh my! ,☺
That’s my favorite legend and I loved the tv show too. Too bad they cancelled it. This sounds like my kind of book.
I was disappointed when Fox cancelled the series.