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jdougherty88's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jrayereads's review against another edition
3.5
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Format: E-book, Audiobook
Genre: Fantasy
When you tell me that a book is “Gideon the Ninth (one of my fave books of all time) meets Game of Thrones” I’m going to have insanely high expectations. Aside from the bone magic, I wouldn’t really compare Bonesmith to the Locked Tomb. Bonesmith has a much more straightforward fantasy vibe with its themes and conflict. I think I ended up being a bit impatient at the beginning because of this comparison, so that’s my fault.
This book had a mix of good and not-so-good for me. The characterization, magic system, and atmosphere are all solid. I went back and forth on whether or not I liked Wren or found her annoying, but by the end I think her characterization and growth worked well. I liked Leo and Julian a lot, also. It was unfortunate that their POVs weren’t introduced until about halfway through the book. I enjoyed both of them and would’ve liked to have had more of an equal split between our main characters’ perspectives. The magic system for the different smiths and elements was very cool and a unique take on necromancy. The atmosphere of the Wall and the ghost-infested forests was immersive and I felt like I was there in the midst of danger alongside Wren.
Now for the not-so-good. There is a solid amount of lore-dumping in the beginning that hurt the pacing and made me struggle to get invested. Again, having Julian and Leo’s POVs earlier might have let us be shown more of different aspects of the world instead of just being told. I also didn’t really buy into the romance. The majority of the book takes place over the course of about a week, so the romance moved too quickly for me. I think that we could’ve spent the whole book just building relationships and maybe have the romance culminate in the second book.
I was pretty conflicted on how I felt throughout most of the book but around the 70% mark things started to fall into place and I was excited to see the stakes start to ramp up. The twists??? The threads that came together??? I was SAT for the ending. Based on where things left off, I will definitely be reading the second book. This was a flawed book, but it wasn’t bad at all. There is a lot to enjoy here, especially for YA fantasy lovers.
Also, I swapped between the e-book and the audiobook and the audiobook narrator SLAYED. I loved her accent and delivery. Highly recommend the audio.
siobhanthebookworm_'s review against another edition
4.0
4
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I loved it! This is one I’ve been looking forward to since I received it in a book box last August, but I hadn’t heard much about it. I think that worked in the book’s favour! I went into this book completely blind, and was so surprised in the best of ways!
This book is so unique, with such a great concept! What really wowed me with this book was the worldbuilding, which was so original and rich. I adored the magic system and found the different varieties of smiths so intriguing, so I hope we get to see more of this incredible worldbuilding in the second book!
This book had such great protagonists too, and I hope the multi-POV elements are utilised even more in book 2. Wren was a really great leading character, and I really enjoyed her development. I really liked Julian too, and he was a much more gentle character than I was expecting, which I loved. I liked the relationships - whether they be romantic, friendly, or familial - that started to emerge in this book and am looking forward to how these - along with the characters - will continue to develop in the sequel.
I did guess almost all of the major twists, but that didn’t really dampen my enjoyment. This book, a refreshingly unique dark yet easy to read YA fantasy, truly was an unexpected delight, and I’m really looking forward to book 2’s release! I definitely recommend checking out this one!
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I loved it! This is one I’ve been looking forward to since I received it in a book box last August, but I hadn’t heard much about it. I think that worked in the book’s favour! I went into this book completely blind, and was so surprised in the best of ways!
This book is so unique, with such a great concept! What really wowed me with this book was the worldbuilding, which was so original and rich. I adored the magic system and found the different varieties of smiths so intriguing, so I hope we get to see more of this incredible worldbuilding in the second book!
This book had such great protagonists too, and I hope the multi-POV elements are utilised even more in book 2. Wren was a really great leading character, and I really enjoyed her development. I really liked Julian too, and he was a much more gentle character than I was expecting, which I loved. I liked the relationships - whether they be romantic, friendly, or familial - that started to emerge in this book and am looking forward to how these - along with the characters - will continue to develop in the sequel.
I did guess almost all of the major twists, but that didn’t really dampen my enjoyment. This book, a refreshingly unique dark yet easy to read YA fantasy, truly was an unexpected delight, and I’m really looking forward to book 2’s release! I definitely recommend checking out this one!
robbishreads's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed the magic, action, and it's truly great when all three primary characters are together, Bonesmith feels very in-line with what you would expect in a young adult fantasy, including a romance that's neither awful or compelling, just sort of there. Plot-driven and fairly fast-paced, it politely asks its reader not to think too hard about the details- did no one have a crossbow? Did they forget about this power? Why couldn't they just...etc.- so if those sorts of details bother you, I don't think you'll enjoy this book.
In all, I liked it fine and it had plenty of fun moments. Strong world-building, engaging magic, and it makes good on the promise of necromancers in a satisfying way- but Preto's work is nothing I'd say needs to be on a must-read list. Pick it up if you're intrigued, and if you're not, skip it. You won't miss it.
In all, I liked it fine and it had plenty of fun moments. Strong world-building, engaging magic, and it makes good on the promise of necromancers in a satisfying way- but Preto's work is nothing I'd say needs to be on a must-read list. Pick it up if you're intrigued, and if you're not, skip it. You won't miss it.
agigliotti758's review against another edition
5.0
A wild ride of a book. I loved each and every complicated and messy character so much. Wren, with her determination to be the best just to prove herself to her father, grows so much through what she learns while on her journey to save Leo. Julian, initially stubborn, determined, and brutal, grows as well following the betrayals he experienced and the places the journey takes him. I hope to see more of Leo, Inara and Vance in the next book, as everyone attempts to defeat or use the undead.
rosehillenart's review against another edition
5.0
Did homegirl fall one last time before I finished the book? Kinda… lol. She used a rope to climb down and the wind played with her like a cat with a feather toy.
ANYWAY. Really good book. The magic and world building is something tangible. I really felt immersed in this world. And the backstory that is revealed later in the book… the betrayal (because of course there’s betrayal) was **chefs kiss.**
Onto book 2. Thank god for libraries.
ANYWAY. Really good book. The magic and world building is something tangible. I really felt immersed in this world. And the backstory that is revealed later in the book… the betrayal (because of course there’s betrayal) was **chefs kiss.**
Onto book 2. Thank god for libraries.
chillysea's review against another edition
5.0
Holy shit. Best YA I’ve read all year at least. Necromancy, interesting magic system, and packed with adventure. Unique characters with strengths and flaws. The only thing I would ding it for is that the big end revelation I guessed from the very beginning, but that did not take away from my enjoyment.
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.