Scan barcode
jayclaw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
interestingtimes's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was certain that this book was getting a 3 by the time I was 20% through, so the fact that it pulled out a 3.5 is a significant improvement.
The good: I love the idea of this world, and the mysteries it laid out weren't immediately easy to solve. I do think I will try the second one whenever it comes out, though it didn't feel like this one left a ton of mysteries to solve.
the bad: First, I cannot remember the last time I read this much exposition in such a concentrated form as the first 20% of this book. Second, our FMC has classic FMC syndrome. she's different from other girls, she doesn't follow the rules, she's spunky. I still don't like her, even admitting I'll read a second book. Third, the romance was meh at best, and unbelievable at worst. As far as I can tell she just threw herself at the nearest available hot man and one time he was into it, kind of. Give me some yearning, guys.
The good: I love the idea of this world, and the mysteries it laid out weren't immediately easy to solve. I do think I will try the second one whenever it comes out, though it didn't feel like this one left a ton of mysteries to solve.
the bad: First, I cannot remember the last time I read this much exposition in such a concentrated form as the first 20% of this book. Second, our FMC has classic FMC syndrome. she's different from other girls, she doesn't follow the rules, she's spunky. I still don't like her, even admitting I'll read a second book. Third, the romance was meh at best, and unbelievable at worst. As far as I can tell she just threw herself at the nearest available hot man and one time he was into it, kind of. Give me some yearning, guys.
carsonfaircloth's review against another edition
3.0
I am on my KNEES, CRYING SCREAMING AND BEGGING Goodreads to implement a more nuanced rating system. Bonesmith fell short of a 4 star read for me, but 3 stars just feels…wrong.
I loved the concept of this book. The lore, the magic, the houses. But the villain(s) came across a bit flat, the twists somewhat predictable. And the info-dumping throughout the first hundred or so pages? Shoot me.
BUT but but. The characters are endearing and the pacing kept me glued to my seat, and I have a lot of faith in this author after Crown of Feathers, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
I loved the concept of this book. The lore, the magic, the houses. But the villain(s) came across a bit flat, the twists somewhat predictable. And the info-dumping throughout the first hundred or so pages? Shoot me.
BUT but but. The characters are endearing and the pacing kept me glued to my seat, and I have a lot of faith in this author after Crown of Feathers, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
julenka_reads's review against another edition
Dnf at 10% . I can't get over the constant infodumping and detached writing style. It feels like I'm listening to a documentary, but with a slice of YA tropes. Unfortunately nothing for me, I really don't understand the hype and won't be around to find out if the book gets any exciting eventually, if the writing style continues like this.
gaelleis's review against another edition
2.0
It was so boring. The characters do not have any charisma, everything is so convenient, the writing is bad, I forced myself through this book.
lellebel27's review against another edition
5.0
I really loved this book!!! Such a new and fun type of magic. I was hooked from the first line.
I absolutely recommend this book and I can't wait till book 2.
I absolutely recommend this book and I can't wait till book 2.
kaladry's review against another edition
4.0
4.25/5
I received an ARC of this from YallWest and I’m really glad I did!
This book was so much fun. Just the first chapter had me roiling with anger for what other people did to our main character, Wren. Then when the adventure started it got so much more interesting and fun! There is only a hint of romance, probably leave more of that for book 2 b ht I enjoyed the little bit we got. It was nice to see some romantic manipulation too, i.e. kissing someone to distract them from the fact that you were tying them up in their sleep.
I received an ARC of this from YallWest and I’m really glad I did!
This book was so much fun. Just the first chapter had me roiling with anger for what other people did to our main character, Wren. Then when the adventure started it got so much more interesting and fun! There is only a hint of romance, probably leave more of that for book 2 b ht I enjoyed the little bit we got. It was nice to see some romantic manipulation too, i.e. kissing someone to distract them from the fact that you were tying them up in their sleep.
cinnamonrollbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
Well the Locked Tomb comparisons were as incorrect as expected (the only similarities are necromancy and face paint) but this was a really fun YA adventure story. A little shaky in parts, but the enjoyable main trio made up for it - I do wish we got more Leo POV chapters though because he was funny and my favourite!
Looking forward to the sequel.
elijahs_bookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
If you know me, I'm a sucker for necromancy--and this book delivers on this front solidly, even if the magic didn't feel outstandingly special. The author seems to have spent her time developing the social worldbuilding to be unique, rather than introducing anything particularly special about the magical worldbuilding (apart from the one noteable plot twist/reveal the book seems centered around).
To me, the character relationships were probably the highlight of this book. Wren has such a dynamic personality, so all of her interactions and opinions about the other characters come with a nice kick. This is really a book all about how Wren's developing relationship with Julian, and it's paced and plotted with care.
A final thing I'll mention is that the writing style is simple but effective. I would love to emulate a similar sort of prose in my own writing--something that's enjoyable to read, infused with subtle personality, and straightforward enough to not get in the way of the literal storytelling either.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in picking up a new necromantic read or any fan of Nicki Pau Preto's writing!
To me, the character relationships were probably the highlight of this book. Wren has such a dynamic personality, so all of her interactions and opinions about the other characters come with a nice kick. This is really a book all about how Wren's developing relationship with Julian, and it's paced and plotted with care.
A final thing I'll mention is that the writing style is simple but effective. I would love to emulate a similar sort of prose in my own writing--something that's enjoyable to read, infused with subtle personality, and straightforward enough to not get in the way of the literal storytelling either.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in picking up a new necromantic read or any fan of Nicki Pau Preto's writing!