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A review by heddas_bookgems
Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
3.0
In Alexandra Bracken's Silver in the Bone, we meet Tamsin Lark, who’s about as magical as a potato in a world where everyone else is a firework. Her guardian decides to pull a disappearing act, leaving her to navigate Boston's magical underbelly armed with nothing but sheer stubbornness and a serious lack of patience. Oh, and her brother Cabell? He’s cursed with a problem that can’t be solved with a good night’s sleep or a strong cup of coffee. Desperate to save him, Tamsin embarks on a quest to find a legendary ring that could fix everything, if it doesn’t kill them first.
Enter Emrys, her rival who’s as charming as he is infuriating. The two are forced to team up, and you can almost hear the enemies-to-lovers trope cackling in the background. Together, they dodge Hollowers, creepy supernatural beings who have a little too much interest in collecting magical trinkets (think of them as the magical world’s version of those people who hoard vintage vinyl records, but with more ominous chanting). Along the way, they unravel dark secrets, confront a whole lot of bad decisions, and discover that the line between saving the world and wrecking it is as thin as Tamsin’s patience.
The book doesn’t waste time with hand-holding; it throws you right into the action faster than you can say, “Where’s the character development?” The pace is exhilarating, but it also means you might struggle to connect with the characters before the emotional scenes start piling up like uninvited guests at a party. So, if you’re the type who likes a slow burn, buckle up, because this one’s more like a firecracker in a windstorm.
Silver in the Bone is a treasure trove of classic fantasy tropes, enemies-to-lovers, rich vs. poor, and a healthy dose of snark, all served with a side of Arthurian legend. It’s like someone took your favorite comfort food and added a surprising new twist. The reinterpretation of Avalon is fresh enough to keep you turning the pages, even if you’ve seen these themes before.
Now, fair warning: the plot takes a bit of a nap in the middle, and things might start to feel a little stretched thin, like trying to make a blanket out of spider silk. But just when you’re about to nod off, Neve swoops in like a caffeinated superhero, adding the depth and drama you didn’t know you needed. She’s easily the best character of the bunch, the kind who makes you wish the story would focus a little more on her.
All things considered, Silver in the Bone earned itself a solid 3.5 stars from me. It’s like a ride at a slightly questionable amusement park, not quite a blast, but still enjoyable enough to be worth the ticket. It might not be the most unforgettable read, but it’s a decent choice if you’re in the mood for some magic, mayhem, and a bit of Arthurian legend sprinkled on top.
Enter Emrys, her rival who’s as charming as he is infuriating. The two are forced to team up, and you can almost hear the enemies-to-lovers trope cackling in the background. Together, they dodge Hollowers, creepy supernatural beings who have a little too much interest in collecting magical trinkets (think of them as the magical world’s version of those people who hoard vintage vinyl records, but with more ominous chanting). Along the way, they unravel dark secrets, confront a whole lot of bad decisions, and discover that the line between saving the world and wrecking it is as thin as Tamsin’s patience.
The book doesn’t waste time with hand-holding; it throws you right into the action faster than you can say, “Where’s the character development?” The pace is exhilarating, but it also means you might struggle to connect with the characters before the emotional scenes start piling up like uninvited guests at a party. So, if you’re the type who likes a slow burn, buckle up, because this one’s more like a firecracker in a windstorm.
Silver in the Bone is a treasure trove of classic fantasy tropes, enemies-to-lovers, rich vs. poor, and a healthy dose of snark, all served with a side of Arthurian legend. It’s like someone took your favorite comfort food and added a surprising new twist. The reinterpretation of Avalon is fresh enough to keep you turning the pages, even if you’ve seen these themes before.
Now, fair warning: the plot takes a bit of a nap in the middle, and things might start to feel a little stretched thin, like trying to make a blanket out of spider silk. But just when you’re about to nod off, Neve swoops in like a caffeinated superhero, adding the depth and drama you didn’t know you needed. She’s easily the best character of the bunch, the kind who makes you wish the story would focus a little more on her.
All things considered, Silver in the Bone earned itself a solid 3.5 stars from me. It’s like a ride at a slightly questionable amusement park, not quite a blast, but still enjoyable enough to be worth the ticket. It might not be the most unforgettable read, but it’s a decent choice if you’re in the mood for some magic, mayhem, and a bit of Arthurian legend sprinkled on top.