Ray Nayler’s 2022 novel The Mountain in the Sea was a huge hit in Seattle, and now, his latest novel seems poised to surpass it in this market. Why? Well, because it’s about highly intelligent crows.

We love our corvids in Seattle, but these crows are extra special. Set in Lithuania during World War II, Nayler's The Palaces of the Crow follows four young people caught between the Nazis and the desperate remnants of the Red Army. Their survival is dependent on their own cleverness and that of the crows they befriend, crows who have their own secrets to keep. Look out, Seattle, this might be your favorite novel of 2026.

Join the KUOW Book Club at kuow.org/books. 

Help keep KUOW's local podcasts going strong! Donate now at kuow.org/meet. 

Ray Nayler&rsquo;s 2022 novel <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250872272/themountaininthesea/">The Mountain in the Sea</a> was a huge hit in Seattle, and now, his latest novel seems poised to surpass it in this market. Why? Well, because it&rsquo;s about highly intelligent crows.
We love our corvids in Seattle, but these crows are extra special. Set in Lithuania during World War II, Nayler's <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374620752/palacesofthecrow/">The Palaces of the Crow</a> follows four young people caught between the Nazis and the desperate remnants of the Red Army. Their survival is dependent on their own cleverness and that of the crows they befriend, crows who have their own secrets to keep. Look out, Seattle, this might be your favorite novel of 2026.
Join the KUOW Book Club at <a href="https://www.kuow.org/series/books/">kuow.org/books</a>.&nbsp;
Help keep KUOW's local podcasts going strong! Donate now at <a href="https://donate.kuow.org/donate/meet">kuow.org/meet</a>.&nbsp;

Meet Me Here is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. In each episode, we’re fighting the freeze and meeting you around the region for art shows, concerts, author talks, geeky get-togethers, and more. There’s a lot to do in this region, so let’s make some plans and go experience it together.

Meet Me Here&nbsp;is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. In each episode, we&rsquo;re fighting the freeze and meeting you around the region for art shows, concerts, author talks, geeky get-togethers, and more. There&rsquo;s a lot to do in this region, so let&rsquo;s make some plans and go experience it together.

Meet Me Here is your podcast guide to the most exciting arts and culture events in Seattle. 

Meet Me Here

Ray Nayler’s 2022 novel The Mountain in the Sea was a huge hit in Seattle, and now, his latest novel seems poised to surpass it in this market. Why? Well, because it’s about highly intelligent crows.