Reviews

Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner

readermeetsbook's review against another edition

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3.0

Both the human and Faerie world has been locked in a war. After the war ended, both sides were devastated. Liza, a fifteen year old has grown up in a small human community - one that is fearful of anything suspected with magic. When her sister was born with translucent hair and signs that marked her as magic, she watched as her father coldly left her newborn sister to die out in nature. After that, her mother suddenly disappears and her father does not seem concerned. When Liza gets signs that magic is developing in her, she sets out to leave everything she ever known to protect her town and find her missing mother. Her quest will question everything she has grown up in and take her in and out of the Faerie world.

This post-apocalypse book was a quick read. Sat down and read it in one setting. I’m definitely a fan of faerie books and this one has an interesting take on faeries. A good story but I felt it was sparse. I wanted to know more about the characters, the war and the Faerie world. It felt like the story just skimmed the surface and did not dive deeper into any of those aspects. I did like Liza and the characters she meets along her quest - they were a bit two-dimensional but fun to read about and it was great trying to unravel the mystery behind Liza’s mother.

decafplease's review against another edition

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2.0

Disappointing. Apart from the setting, nothing felt original. The writing was without merit. The characters were one-dimensional and weak. Reading this made me feel like reality was better. Still, two stars because the premise was at least full of potential.

claire_loves_mel's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ashreads10k's review against another edition

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4.0

Author: Janni Lee Simner
Pages: 256
Source: Purchased from Barnes and Noble
Series or Standalone?: Standalone

The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

* * *

This story was one of adventure, bravery, survival and courage. Bones of Faerie was original and unique, and brought something to the table that not many faerie stories do. It was very interesting how nature itself is what threatened humanity. If one walked into the forests, there was a good possibility that one would never walk back out. But Liza braved it anyway, which is why I loved her. She suffered so much loss and abuse, but she didn’t allow that to get in her way. She was determined and caring, as well as very unselfish.

The plot was great, although it lagged in some parts. But the lags could be very easily overlooked. The writing also at times grated on my nerves due to the repetition, but the descriptions of the scenery were wonderful.

I definitely recommend this novel for any fans of faerie novels, and even non-fans. Also, I love the simplicity of the cover. It conveys a certain… peacefulness.

Other books by this author:
Thief Eyes

Plot: 3.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5

upgirlcd's review

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4.0

This book really surprised me. It held completely different things than what I would have expected. It was dark and full of struggle for each character. I really rooted for Liza, Matthew, and Allie on their quest. Mostly, I was pleased with the ending. I take exception with Ian, whom I detested, especially when he is re-introduced in the story, taking matters into his own hands. I am still angry with him. There were parts and characters who were seemingly all introduced simultaneously. I got confused, not knowing who belonged to whom & what the connections were. I am still a little shaky with a few of them. The "war" is also sketchy, which may come more into focus in the remaining books in the trilogy. I am glad Liza is a girl who pushed past her pain, her fear, and her not knowing what was in store, to put her goal of what mattered most in the forefront and go for it. I will read the rest of this series. I just need a break from the dark nature of the story.

valeriew's review against another edition

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5.0

I really liked this book. I found myself thinking about it when I wasn't able to read (a good sign that it was a good one for me!) I couldn't put it down.

sandylynn's review against another edition

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2.0

Meh...needs more detail and backstory, but not a bad start

mituna's review against another edition

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3.0

This book could’ve done with a bit more developing.

zombi's review against another edition

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4.0

A very nice & different take on faerie. I really enjoyed this one; the author's writing style is the typical first person, but the language used is very well-chosen. I liked the post-apocalyptic feel of this, it took me by surprise in the beginning and it's something I'm fond of.

kamisha's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25