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blakeandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
leedolee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while! I absolutely loved the world created within the pages and everything to do with the magic. The characters were also fun and I greatly enjoyed the plot that unfolded.
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
peridot_kintsugi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The first 30 percent is pretty boring; this book, among many others in the fantasy genre, is guilty of infodumping the world building a bit. I found the characters likable and the plot interesting enough to keep reading, and it was immensely entertaining after the initial 30 percent. The plot twists were kind of predictable, but in the way that they are plausible and I simply have too much time on my hands for contemplating it.
The stakes are high, and I am very excited for the sequel.
The stakes are high, and I am very excited for the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Murder, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
Minor: Animal death, Confinement, Infidelity, Kidnapping, and Classism
lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Possibly my favorite YA fantasy since Divine Rivals.
If you like Vespertine, The Bone Houses, or the Merciful Crow duology, I am begging you to pick up this book. It has necromancy-school rivalry, a golden (bi??) prince, an exiled broody heir, a haunted landscape with treachery at every bend… and of course, the “we must cuddle for warmth” trope. What more could you ask for??
If you like Vespertine, The Bone Houses, or the Merciful Crow duology, I am begging you to pick up this book. It has necromancy-school rivalry, a golden (bi??) prince, an exiled broody heir, a haunted landscape with treachery at every bend… and of course, the “we must cuddle for warmth” trope. What more could you ask for??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Death of parent and Gaslighting
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I don’t star rate books but I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not,. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
Pub Date: July 25th
Wren, -a bonesmith who fails her qualifying trial to become a valkyr- gets sent to the Border Wall to serve in disgrace instead.
The forced proximity situation between her and Julian the ironsmith was a lot of fun. I would say this is a bit of enemies-to-lovers situation hehe.
Wren is a bold, risk-taking, fun main character to root for, and the ending plot twist paid off for all of the relentless info dumping and world building.
I will say that for all the exposition, I did find the world really neat. The historical context, all the factions of the "smiths," and more! The vibes are reminiscent of the White Walkers from Game of Thrones.
I'm excited to see how this duology unfolds in the next book!
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Body horror, Genocide, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death of parent
bettysbookishworld's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Bonesmith is a gem among YA epic fantasy novels! I loved it and I just need more of it!
The reason why I enjoyed it so much is that it's a still complex and very well though-out story with wonderfully crafted world and magic system. The story has political intrigues, mysteries and secrets to be revealed. The magic system with different branches of smiths is built and explained in a quite original way, too. The magic brings a lot of complexity to the world and is a crucial part of the story. All of these make an interesting epic fantasy for me. Also, the necromancy and ghosts gave it a sinister atmosphere that I enjoyed. On the other hand, it's written simply but immersively. The plot development is very fast-paced, that's why the book sucked me in immediately and I could stop only when I actually finished reading it.
As it's an YA fantasy, there is romance, too. Even though I usually find any romance annoying and distracting, it isn't the case for Bonesmith. A huge part of it is that I loved the main characters a lot. The tension between them was gradually built and even though it's enemies to lovers, it wasn't toxic at all. Their personalities matched and were my jam. And another reason is the romance is truly only a subplot, and the main focus is the actual story, politics, magic, worldbuilding and character development.
So if you like YA epic fantasy done right, this is a perfect read for you!
Bonesmith is a gem among YA epic fantasy novels! I loved it and I just need more of it!
The reason why I enjoyed it so much is that it's a still complex and very well though-out story with wonderfully crafted world and magic system. The story has political intrigues, mysteries and secrets to be revealed. The magic system with different branches of smiths is built and explained in a quite original way, too. The magic brings a lot of complexity to the world and is a crucial part of the story. All of these make an interesting epic fantasy for me. Also, the necromancy and ghosts gave it a sinister atmosphere that I enjoyed. On the other hand, it's written simply but immersively. The plot development is very fast-paced, that's why the book sucked me in immediately and I could stop only when I actually finished reading it.
As it's an YA fantasy, there is romance, too. Even though I usually find any romance annoying and distracting, it isn't the case for Bonesmith. A huge part of it is that I loved the main characters a lot. The tension between them was gradually built and even though it's enemies to lovers, it wasn't toxic at all. Their personalities matched and were my jam. And another reason is the romance is truly only a subplot, and the main focus is the actual story, politics, magic, worldbuilding and character development.
So if you like YA epic fantasy done right, this is a perfect read for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Genocide
leahjanespeare's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
If Pirate King Elizabeth Swann was a book, it would be this one. This edgy fantasy-adventure sucked me right in and by the end, spat my heart out along with my bones. Wren is rash and brave, qualities that often get her into trouble but also end up saving the day. I couldn't help but admire her audacity and lengths she is willing to go in her quest for the truth— about her world, but also herself. You'll be screaming, "Wren NO" as she runs into battle, bone blades slashing revenants in delight. With a unique lore and magic system, and a simmering romance like two opposing magnets, you'll fall in love with this dark nightmare. Bring on the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Violence