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ecwiggin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was so wonderful to read. It feels so expertly written. I feel like many authors have attempted gothic fairy tale in the past but she just NAILS IT. You can feel the elements of story taken from Faulkner but also classic fairy tales (not the happily ever after kind. The twisted original versions).
The story is so compelling. It started off a bit slow, almost to the point of "oh Lord. Is this gonna be a book with a moping protagonist?" But then it quickly takes the turn into "oh, she's gonna get shit done". Miren is such a complicated, yet straight forward character. You understand every choice she makes and ask yourself if you would do the same. Honestly, it's rare to find (female) characters as well written as Miren. Splatter harnessed gothic feminine power at it's best.
I desperately want to read more from her. This is probably one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. Easily makes my way onto my favorites list.
The story is so compelling. It started off a bit slow, almost to the point of "oh Lord. Is this gonna be a book with a moping protagonist?" But then it quickly takes the turn into "oh, she's gonna get shit done". Miren is such a complicated, yet straight forward character. You understand every choice she makes and ask yourself if you would do the same. Honestly, it's rare to find (female) characters as well written as Miren. Splatter harnessed gothic feminine power at it's best.
I desperately want to read more from her. This is probably one of the most enjoyable books I've read this year. Easily makes my way onto my favorites list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Death, Incest, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol
powellki's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Blood, and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death, Body shaming, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Stalking, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
ballgownsandbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
This... was okay? Though I'm inclined to think the parts that didn't work for me were more of a 'it's me not you' problem.
The premise was interesting and Slatter's writing is certainly beautiful - and McMahon's narration is absolutely gorgeous too! But the story didn't really hook me: I didn't particularly care for Mirren or really get a feel for her wants and motivations beyond not wanting to get married, but she's definitely capable and stubborn, so I could see fans of the stereotypically 'strong', morally grey heroines enjoying her!
The story was also kind of... rambly? It didn't feel like there was really a driving arc (there's a reason why the synopsis is so vague, I guess) so it just sort of meandered along from one plot point to another. The jumps between chapters were also weird, with a lot of the action happening off-page and us just getting the aftermath, which threw me off a few times. Again, things that definitely won't bother everyone, but since I wasn't interested in Mirren, I needed to be able to be compelled by the plot!
The folklore elements were definitely intriguing and my favourite parts were the story-within-a-story fairytales from Mirren's childhood; also the writing style, as I've mentioned, really added to that Gothic fairytale vibe. I did feel like there were a few too many types of magic at times (witches, merpeople, kelpies, and this random magic automaton who shows up twice and doesn't really add anything to the plot?).
All in all, I think a good one for people who like atmospheric dark fantasy with mystery elements, morally grey main characters, and narration in a lovely Irish accent!
The premise was interesting and Slatter's writing is certainly beautiful - and McMahon's narration is absolutely gorgeous too! But the story didn't really hook me: I didn't particularly care for Mirren or really get a feel for her wants and motivations beyond not wanting to get married, but she's definitely capable and stubborn, so I could see fans of the stereotypically 'strong', morally grey heroines enjoying her!
The story was also kind of... rambly? It didn't feel like there was really a driving arc (there's a reason why the synopsis is so vague, I guess) so it just sort of meandered along from one plot point to another. The jumps between chapters were also weird, with a lot of the action happening off-page and us just getting the aftermath, which threw me off a few times. Again, things that definitely won't bother everyone, but since I wasn't interested in Mirren, I needed to be able to be compelled by the plot!
The folklore elements were definitely intriguing and my favourite parts were the story-within-a-story fairytales from Mirren's childhood; also the writing style, as I've mentioned, really added to that Gothic fairytale vibe. I did feel like there were a few too many types of magic at times (witches, merpeople, kelpies, and this random magic automaton who shows up twice and doesn't really add anything to the plot?).
All in all, I think a good one for people who like atmospheric dark fantasy with mystery elements, morally grey main characters, and narration in a lovely Irish accent!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
montereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.
All the Murmuring Bones is a story of resilience and reclamation swathed in an eerie, gothic shroud. The novel draws up the weight of history, of story, of other people’s wants and follies and decisions, and Miren’s tale is about fighting for one’s freedom against these forces.
It has a slow start. Miren is a ghost of a character at first, but a quarter of the way through the book she shakes off the dust of a generations-long slumber and the plot picks up. I followed the story with interest, but I can’t say that it ever gripped me. The structure wasn’t particularly satisfying and the ending didn’t elicit much excitement from me because of this. Unfortunately, there were also subtle moments of fatphobia throughout that made me uncomfortable, and I’m not sure the novel succeeded in undermining the classism of the O’Malley’s, though it seemed to be trying.
With a lukewarm plot and a one-dimensional vision of freedom, what held my attention? Well, the atmosphere. While reading this, I pictured many of the places I visited in Scotland. In addition to the strong folktale elements, the feel of the landscape was grey, green, and damp, full of streams and cliffs and salt water and crumbling stone. I loved the haphazard inclusion of many different mythical creatures, the folk magic, the strange Victorian and sometimes almost steampunk glimpses we were given into the wider world. And it was satisfying to see, over and over again, how Miren could defy the expectations of the men around her.
I enjoyed and appreciated this book, though I had some criticisms. And it certainly wet my appetite for more mermaid books!
All the Murmuring Bones is a story of resilience and reclamation swathed in an eerie, gothic shroud. The novel draws up the weight of history, of story, of other people’s wants and follies and decisions, and Miren’s tale is about fighting for one’s freedom against these forces.
It has a slow start. Miren is a ghost of a character at first, but a quarter of the way through the book she shakes off the dust of a generations-long slumber and the plot picks up. I followed the story with interest, but I can’t say that it ever gripped me. The structure wasn’t particularly satisfying and the ending didn’t elicit much excitement from me because of this. Unfortunately, there were also subtle moments of fatphobia throughout that made me uncomfortable, and I’m not sure the novel succeeded in undermining the classism of the O’Malley’s, though it seemed to be trying.
With a lukewarm plot and a one-dimensional vision of freedom, what held my attention? Well, the atmosphere. While reading this, I pictured many of the places I visited in Scotland. In addition to the strong folktale elements, the feel of the landscape was grey, green, and damp, full of streams and cliffs and salt water and crumbling stone. I loved the haphazard inclusion of many different mythical creatures, the folk magic, the strange Victorian and sometimes almost steampunk glimpses we were given into the wider world. And it was satisfying to see, over and over again, how Miren could defy the expectations of the men around her.
I enjoyed and appreciated this book, though I had some criticisms. And it certainly wet my appetite for more mermaid books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage and Sexual content
Minor: Incest and Sexual assault
aliyyah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
“They cannot burn every single woman, tempting though it might be.”
This was such an interesting read!
All the Murmuring Bones is about a girl named Miren, who belongs to a family that once prospered because of a deal struck with the Mer. Over the years, however, the family has become unable to keep up their end of the bargain and have fallen into decline. Miren’s grandmother is determined to restore their glory, even at the price of her granddaughter’s freedom but Miren is determined to choose her own path in life.
I loved the plot of this book. It genuinely read like a fairytale and I highly enjoyed the way the story was told. I really liked the little secrets about Miren’s family and their history that were uncovered throughout the story as well, as it added another level of intrigue to the novel.
While we meet many characters in this book, its main focus is on our protagonist, Miren. We follow her journey throughout the novel, watching as she deals with whatever obstacle is thrown her way. I really enjoyed reading about Miren. She’s clever, determined and constantly underestimated by those around her. I love the way she takes control of her life and does whatever is necessary in order to be free. I also liked that, despite growing up starved for love and affection, she still ensures to be kind to everyone around her.
The writing, unfortunately, fell a little flat to me. One thing that I loved, however was the creatures that are scattered throughout this book. We meet Mer, Kelpies and ghosts and witches and spell craft are also constantly mentioned. This created such a magical setting and I wish we had seen more of this element. The world building fell short to me, especially as I could never even pinpoint what exact time period we were in so certain things kept pulling me out of the story. It just felt extremely surface level. In addition, as much as I loved Mirren, I still felt unable to truly connect with her and there were times in the book where I had to really push through.
Overall though, I really liked the vibes of this one and I’d certainly recommend it to fans of fairytales.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Titan Books, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was such an interesting read!
All the Murmuring Bones is about a girl named Miren, who belongs to a family that once prospered because of a deal struck with the Mer. Over the years, however, the family has become unable to keep up their end of the bargain and have fallen into decline. Miren’s grandmother is determined to restore their glory, even at the price of her granddaughter’s freedom but Miren is determined to choose her own path in life.
I loved the plot of this book. It genuinely read like a fairytale and I highly enjoyed the way the story was told. I really liked the little secrets about Miren’s family and their history that were uncovered throughout the story as well, as it added another level of intrigue to the novel.
While we meet many characters in this book, its main focus is on our protagonist, Miren. We follow her journey throughout the novel, watching as she deals with whatever obstacle is thrown her way. I really enjoyed reading about Miren. She’s clever, determined and constantly underestimated by those around her. I love the way she takes control of her life and does whatever is necessary in order to be free. I also liked that, despite growing up starved for love and affection, she still ensures to be kind to everyone around her.
The writing, unfortunately, fell a little flat to me. One thing that I loved, however was the creatures that are scattered throughout this book. We meet Mer, Kelpies and ghosts and witches and spell craft are also constantly mentioned. This created such a magical setting and I wish we had seen more of this element. The world building fell short to me, especially as I could never even pinpoint what exact time period we were in so certain things kept pulling me out of the story. It just felt extremely surface level. In addition, as much as I loved Mirren, I still felt unable to truly connect with her and there were times in the book where I had to really push through.
Overall though, I really liked the vibes of this one and I’d certainly recommend it to fans of fairytales.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Titan Books, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Misogyny, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
queenmackenzie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.75
A.G. Slatter’s debut novel is one of intrigue and mystery. I must admit that it drew me in rather slowly, because I couldn’t quite figure out what type of story I was reading, but after the first few chapters I was simply swept away my Miren, her old family stories, and the world she moves through, so like and unlike our own. A world populated by all the creatures that lurk on the edge of stories.
The tale follows Miren, a young woman who lives at Hob’s Head, a great stately home built on a cliff by the first O’Malleys hundreds of years before. They built and prospered, because of the deal struck with the mer in the seas below, but in the present, in Miren’s time, their glory has fallen. Their ships do not return, their property lies in ruin, and they no longer produce many offspring due to the years of inbreeding. Miren is the last true O’Malley left, and when her grandfather dies she is determined to find a way out of Hob’s Head and her grandmother’s schemes to rebuild the family fortune through her. Not wanting to be sold as a prize, Miren runs away, chasing a family secret she stumbled upon in her grandfather’s library, and along the way her path crosses many others, such as a troupe of performers with a surprising act, an imprisoned kelpie, vengeful ghosts, and a hidden village around a lake of salt. She is running not only from the future others have chosen for her, but also from the past she had no say in, as three mer haunt he through her journey, with the cryptic phrase: ‘When you are gone then we will be free.’
The book is narrated in first person by Miren, and she is the one the reader has most contact with – the world and all its other characters are seen through her, but I didn’t find this limiting at all. She is a fascinating character, who manages to be kind as well as independent and self-serving. She is the perfect heroine in a world in which men expect women to simply bow their heads in obedience, and I love her cunning, her story telling, and her little magics.
This book has the feel of an old folk tale in many ways, though the text itself is full of stories remembered by Miren from the old O’Malley book, which lends to its credibility and pads the world out more. I’m sure that this book will sit on my shelf, whispering its stories to me, and that when I return to its pages once more I will find even more incredible little details that I missed the first time, and I greatly look forward to anything else of this kind that A. G. Slatter might write.
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The tale follows Miren, a young woman who lives at Hob’s Head, a great stately home built on a cliff by the first O’Malleys hundreds of years before. They built and prospered, because of the deal struck with the mer in the seas below, but in the present, in Miren’s time, their glory has fallen. Their ships do not return, their property lies in ruin, and they no longer produce many offspring due to the years of inbreeding. Miren is the last true O’Malley left, and when her grandfather dies she is determined to find a way out of Hob’s Head and her grandmother’s schemes to rebuild the family fortune through her. Not wanting to be sold as a prize, Miren runs away, chasing a family secret she stumbled upon in her grandfather’s library, and along the way her path crosses many others, such as a troupe of performers with a surprising act, an imprisoned kelpie, vengeful ghosts, and a hidden village around a lake of salt. She is running not only from the future others have chosen for her, but also from the past she had no say in, as three mer haunt he through her journey, with the cryptic phrase: ‘When you are gone then we will be free.’
The book is narrated in first person by Miren, and she is the one the reader has most contact with – the world and all its other characters are seen through her, but I didn’t find this limiting at all. She is a fascinating character, who manages to be kind as well as independent and self-serving. She is the perfect heroine in a world in which men expect women to simply bow their heads in obedience, and I love her cunning, her story telling, and her little magics.
This book has the feel of an old folk tale in many ways, though the text itself is full of stories remembered by Miren from the old O’Malley book, which lends to its credibility and pads the world out more. I’m sure that this book will sit on my shelf, whispering its stories to me, and that when I return to its pages once more I will find even more incredible little details that I missed the first time, and I greatly look forward to anything else of this kind that A. G. Slatter might write.
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest and Murder
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