Plot Summary
Buried Rage Unleashed
Jacinda "Jace" Berisha is buried alive by her abusive husband, but as the dirt closes over her, the Norse goddess Skuld offers her a second life as a Crow—a vengeful, rage-fueled warrior. Jace claws her way out of her grave, her newfound power surging, and attacks her husband in front of stunned police. This violent rebirth marks the start of her journey as a Crow, a member of a secret clan of women chosen at the moment of death to serve as Skuld's agents of vengeance. Jace's rage is both her weapon and her curse, setting the tone for a life where fury is survival, and the past is never truly buried.
Crow Sisters and Clans
Jace finds herself among the Los Angeles Crows, a diverse, chaotic, and fiercely loyal group of women warriors. Each Crow is bound by death and rebirth, their powers unique but their loyalty absolute. The Crows are one of several Norse-inspired clans—Ravens, Protectors, Giant Killers, and more—each with their own gods, rivalries, and ancient grudges. Jace's closest allies—Kera, Erin, Tessa, and others—become her new family, supporting her through battles, pranks, and the daily chaos of Crow life. Their bond is tested by both external threats and internal squabbles, but their unity is unbreakable when the world is at stake.
Negotiations and Bloodshed
The Crows attempt a rare negotiation with Russian gangsters to recover a magical artifact, but the situation quickly devolves into violence. Jace's infamous temper explodes when provoked, transforming her into a berserker who tears through enemies with terrifying power. The Protectors, led by Danski "Ski" Eriksen, are also after the artifact, and the uneasy truce between clans is tested. The aftermath leaves bodies, broken deals, and a growing sense that something darker is stirring among the gods and their human agents.
The Protector's Library
Ski, second-in-command of the Protectors, recruits Jace to translate ancient Russian texts critical to the clans' survival. Jace, an introvert who finds solace in books and languages, is drawn into the Protectors' world—a haven of order, quiet, and obsessive care for knowledge. Her skills and unique perspective earn her respect, but also expose her vulnerabilities and the scars of her cult upbringing. As she works, a tentative, awkward romance blooms between Jace and Ski, built on mutual understanding and the comfort of silence.
Jace's Past Returns
Jace's traumatic history resurfaces when members of her former cult confront her, triggering both her rage and her resolve. The cult, led by her ex-husband, is relentless, and Jace's struggle to maintain control over her berserker fury becomes a central challenge. Her Crow sisters rally to protect her, but the encounter foreshadows greater dangers—both from the cult and from the supernatural forces gathering strength in the shadows.
Cult Shadows and Control
Jace's struggle with her past intensifies as her ex-husband is released from prison, and the cult's influence looms. The Crows debate how to help her, torn between vengeance and restraint. Jace's grandmother, a formidable matriarch with mysterious powers, reappears, challenging Jace's choices and reminding her of the cost of loyalty and independence. The tension between family, clan, and self becomes a crucible for Jace's growth.
Translation and Trust
As Jace delves deeper into the Protectors' library, her expertise becomes indispensable. She uncovers clues about ancient threats—particularly the return of Gullveig, a vengeful goddess whose power could trigger Ragnarok. The process of translation is both literal and metaphorical: Jace learns to trust, to accept help, and to find her place among allies who value her for who she is, not just what she can do. Her relationship with Ski deepens, marked by mutual respect, gentle humor, and the slow healing of old wounds.
Party, Pranks, and Power
The Crows throw a raucous party to welcome Kera, filled with pranks, rituals, and the ever-present threat of violence. The event is both a test and a celebration of sisterhood, as old rivalries flare and new bonds are forged. Amid the revelry, the clans' alliances are tested, and the looming threat of Gullveig's return casts a shadow over the festivities. Jace's introversion is respected, and her quiet presence becomes a source of strength for her friends.
The Calm and the Storm
In rare moments of calm, Jace and Ski find intimacy and understanding, their relationship blossoming in the quiet spaces between chaos. The clans prepare for war, researching, strategizing, and confronting their own fears. Jace's grandmother aids in awakening Betty, a powerful Crow seer, signaling that the time for action is near. The sense of impending doom grows, but so does the resolve of the Crows and their allies.
Carrion and Mara Awaken
Gullveig's machinations bring forth the Mara—nightmare demons—and Hel's Carrion, undead warriors from the Norse underworld. The clans face attacks on multiple fronts, their enemies both human and supernatural. The Crows' loyalty and ferocity are tested as they fight to protect each other and the world from annihilation. Jace's rage becomes both weapon and shield, her control over it evolving as the stakes rise.
Gullveig's Threat Emerges
Gullveig, wearing the skin of Betty's ambitious assistant Brianna, manipulates events to amass power and followers. Her goal: to trigger Ragnarok, the end of the world. The clans unite in an uneasy alliance, pooling their knowledge and resources to devise a plan. Jace's translations reveal the spells and rituals needed to trap and banish Gullveig, but the cost will be high, and the outcome uncertain.
Family, Fury, and Forgiveness
Jace confronts her mother and grandmother, finally breaking free from the emotional chains of her upbringing. Her grandmother's cryptic blessing grants Jace new strength and clarity, allowing her to channel her rage with purpose. The Crows, Protectors, and other clans rally around her, their unity forged in shared struggle and mutual respect. Jace's journey from victim to warrior comes full circle as she embraces both her power and her vulnerability.
All-Clan Reckoning
The clans convene for an All-Clan meeting, their rivalries and grievances boiling over as they debate how to stop Gullveig. Kera emerges as a natural war general, organizing the chaos into a plan of action. The Crows' unique blend of irreverence and determination inspires the others, and the stage is set for a final confrontation. Jace's role as both scholar and berserker becomes central to the clans' hopes for survival.
The Trap for Gullveig
The clans execute a daring plan to trap Gullveig in a mystical circle of gold and gems, using spells unearthed by Jace. The battle is fierce, with Mara and Carrion attacking from all sides. The Crows' cunning and the Protectors' strength turn the tide, but victory comes at a price. Jace and Ski are pulled into Helheim, the Norse underworld, sacrificing themselves to ensure Gullveig's banishment.
Helheim's Descent
Jace and Ski navigate the dangers of Helheim, pursued by Carrion and confronted by the goddess Hel herself. Their love and trust sustain them as they search for a way back, aided by the god Baldur. Meanwhile, the Crows and their allies mourn their loss and scramble to find a way to rescue them. The bonds of family, clan, and love are tested in the darkness.
Return and Reckoning
With Baldur's help and Jace's grandmother's blessing, Jace and Ski escape Helheim, returning just in time to save their friends from a final attack by Jace's ex-husband and his cult. The Crows, united and unyielding, defeat their enemies and secure their home. Jace's journey comes full circle as she chooses forgiveness over vengeance, sparing her ex-husband for a greater purpose yet to be revealed.
Aftermath and New Beginnings
In the aftermath, the clans regroup and prepare for the next threat. Jace and Ski move in together, their love a beacon of hope amid uncertainty. Kera embraces her role as war general, and the Crows' sisterhood is stronger than ever. Gullveig's return is inevitable, but the clans are ready—armed with knowledge, unity, and the unbreakable bonds forged in battle. Jace, once a victim, now stands as a leader, her rage transformed into a force for justice and survival.
Analysis
Modern myth, trauma, and the power of choiceThe Undoing reimagines Norse mythology through the lens of trauma, survival, and found family. At its core, the novel is about reclaiming agency—over one's past, one's rage, and one's destiny. Jace's journey from victim to warrior is both intensely personal and universally resonant, reflecting the struggles of anyone who has had to fight for autonomy and acceptance. The interplay of humor and horror, chaos and order, underscores the complexity of healing and the necessity of community. The novel challenges traditional notions of heroism, centering women's anger as both valid and transformative. In a world where ancient evils and modern threats collide, The Undoing argues that survival depends not on brute strength or prophecy, but on the messy, imperfect bonds of love, trust, and relentless hope. The story's ultimate lesson is that the past may shape us, but it does not define us—and that even in the face of apocalypse, laughter, loyalty, and the courage to choose can forge a future worth fighting for.
Review Summary
The Undoing is the second book in Shelly Laurenston's Call of Crows series, earning an overall rating of 4.27/5. Most reviewers praised its humor, action, and Norse mythology, highlighting introvert berserker Jace and bookish Protector Ski as a perfectly matched couple with a satisfying slow-burn romance. Readers loved the strong sisterhood among the Crows and the nerdy-yet-fierce Protectors. Some critics noted an overwhelming number of characters, while a minority found the banter irritating. Most recommend reading the series in order.
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Characters
Jacinda "Jace" Berisha
Jace is the heart of the story—a woman reborn from trauma, wielding her berserker rage as both weapon and shield. Once a cult victim and abused wife, she is resurrected by Skuld as a Crow, gaining supernatural strength and a second chance at life. Jace is fiercely introverted, finding solace in books, languages, and her loyal dog Lev. Her journey is one of self-acceptance, learning to control her rage and trust others. Her relationships—with her Crow sisters, her grandmother, and especially Ski—are marked by vulnerability, humor, and hard-won intimacy. Jace's evolution from isolated survivor to leader and lover is the emotional core of the novel.
Danski "Ski" Eriksen
Ski is the second-in-command of the Protectors, a clan of owl-inspired warriors devoted to justice and knowledge. He is calm, methodical, and deeply empathetic, providing a counterbalance to Jace's volatility. His love of books and quiet spaces makes him an ideal match for Jace, and their romance is built on mutual respect and understanding. Ski's leadership is marked by patience and a dry sense of humor, but he is also a formidable fighter when needed. His journey is one of opening up emotionally, learning to love and be loved in return.
Kera Watson
Kera is the newest Crow, a former Marine whose sense of duty and organization often clashes with the Crows' chaotic nature. She is fiercely protective, both physically and emotionally, and quickly becomes Jace's closest friend and confidante. Kera's journey is one of adaptation—learning to balance her need for order with the unpredictable world of the Crows. Her rise as a war general is both reluctant and inevitable, as her leadership skills and compassion inspire those around her.
Erin Amsel
Erin is the Crows' resident chaos agent—a tattoo artist with a sharp tongue, a love of pranks, and the power to wield fire. She delights in pushing boundaries and provoking reactions, but her loyalty to her sisters is unwavering. Erin's humor masks deep wounds, and her friendship with Jace is a source of both comfort and exasperation. She is the embodiment of the Crows' irreverent spirit, always ready to fight, laugh, or burn things down as needed.
Chloe Wong
Chloe is the formidable leader of the Los Angeles Crows, balancing diplomacy, ruthlessness, and a deep sense of responsibility for her sisters. She is pragmatic, unflappable, and often the voice of reason amid chaos. Chloe's leadership is tested by both internal conflicts and external threats, but her commitment to the Crows never wavers. Her relationship with her ex-husband Josef and her rivalry with other clan leaders add layers of complexity to her character.
Marbjörn "Bear" Ingolfsson
Bear is a Protector whose devotion to books borders on fanaticism. He is massive, physically intimidating, but emotionally sensitive and often clueless about social cues. Bear's interactions with Jace and the other Crows provide comic relief and highlight the importance of knowledge and preservation in the fight against chaos. His loyalty to Ski and the Protectors is absolute, and his gradual acceptance of Jace reflects the slow building of trust between clans.
Betty Lieberman
Betty is an elder Crow, a powerful seer, and a legendary Hollywood agent. Her coma and eventual awakening are pivotal to the plot, as her knowledge and connections are crucial in the battle against Gullveig. Betty is sharp-tongued, fiercely protective, and unafraid to manipulate events for the greater good. Her mentorship of Jace and the other Crows is both nurturing and demanding, embodying the tough love that defines the clan.
Gullveig/Brianna
Gullveig is the central antagonist—a Vanir goddess bent on revenge against the Aesir and the world. Wearing the skin of Brianna, Betty's ambitious assistant, she orchestrates sacrifices, manipulates mortals, and seeks to trigger Ragnarok. Gullveig's power is matched only by her cunning, and her ability to inhabit and corrupt human hosts makes her a uniquely insidious threat. Her eventual banishment is hard-won, but her return remains a looming danger.
Nëna (Jace's Grandmother)
Nëna is Jace's paternal grandmother, a formidable woman with mysterious abilities and a deep sense of family loyalty. She is both critical and protective, challenging Jace's choices while ultimately providing the strength and blessing needed for her survival. Nëna's presence bridges the gap between old-world wisdom and modern struggle, embodying the complexities of heritage, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Davis Henry Braddock
Braddock is Jace's ex-husband and the leader of the Patient Dove Congregation, a doomsday cult. He is manipulative, narcissistic, and relentless in his pursuit of power and control over Jace. His release from prison and subsequent attack on the Crows catalyze Jace's final transformation from victim to warrior. Braddock's defeat is both a personal and symbolic victory, representing the triumph of agency over oppression.
Plot Devices
Rage as Power and Curse
Jace's berserker rage is the central plot device, driving action, conflict, and character development. Her struggle to control and channel her fury mirrors the broader battle between chaos and order, vengeance and justice. Rage is both a weapon against enemies and a barrier to intimacy, forcing Jace to confront her own trauma and learn self-mastery.
Found Family and Sisterhood
The Crows' sisterhood is a recurring motif, emphasizing the power of chosen family in healing, survival, and resistance. The interplay of loyalty, rivalry, and unconditional support among the Crows and their allies provides both comic relief and emotional depth. The contrast between Jace's biological family and her Crow sisters highlights the transformative potential of acceptance and belonging.
Translation and Knowledge as Salvation
The act of translation—both literal and metaphorical—is central to the plot. Jace's linguistic skills unlock secrets, reveal threats, and enable the clans to devise strategies against Gullveig. The library, books, and the obsessive care for knowledge among the Protectors serve as both sanctuary and arsenal, reinforcing the theme that understanding the past is essential to surviving the future.
Inter-Clan Rivalry and Alliance
The complex web of alliances, rivalries, and treaties among the clans creates both tension and opportunity. The necessity of cooperation in the face of existential danger forces characters to confront prejudice, build trust, and find common ground. The All-Clan meeting is a microcosm of this dynamic, blending humor, conflict, and reluctant unity.
Foreshadowing and Prophecy
Prophecies, omens, and the ever-present threat of Ragnarok provide a sense of urgency and inevitability. The actions of gods and mortals alike are shaped by ancient predictions, but the story subverts fate by emphasizing choice, agency, and the possibility of change. Jace's journey is both foretold and self-determined, blurring the line between destiny and free will.
Humor and Subversion
The novel's tone is marked by sharp wit, banter, and the subversion of genre tropes. Humor is both a coping mechanism and a weapon, defusing tension and reinforcing the resilience of the characters. The blending of myth, modernity, and absurdity creates a unique narrative voice that keeps the stakes high without sacrificing levity.
