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savnichole's review
5.0
A forewarning— this review will have some (extremely mild) spoilers about Bones to the Wind, but that shouldn’t be an issue because why are you reading the reviews for a sequel if you haven’t read the dazzling, enchanting first book?
Tatiana Obey is a blisteringly talented author that everyone should be keeping their eye on. Her prose is funny, witty, sometimes a bit silly (but intentionally so)— but it’s more than that. When Obey writes about the desert, you can feel the heat of the High Noon sun. You can feel the sand whipping against your cheeks as you ride your windship across the sand dunes. Every region of the Grankull she describes is unique and the atmosphere is palpable. Bones to the Wind is pure fun from start to finish, and Dragon Your Bones more than carries that legacy, it builds on it.
Obey’s characterization is nothing to scoff at, either. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but Obey is so talented at defining unique voices that you’ll be baffled how many characters and backstories you know by the end of the duology. I can name at least a dozen characters, have strong feelings about each of them, and could recite their entire backstories. It’s absolutely mind-boggling how easily she makes it look to weave the tapestry of their stories in your mind. You’ll hardly know it’s happening, then think back and realize she’s created a masterpiece. It’s genuinely awe-inspiring. Even more impressive is the way her characters grow and evolve— each character has come into their own by the end and their growth is realistic. They don’t lose their identities to become better people, they evolve and develop in a way that feels completely natural and they remain unique by the book’s end.
The plot is equally as beautiful as its characters. Obey’s story tackles themes of poverty, discrimination, inequality, corruption of power, sex abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, triumph, and grief with care and precision. Dragon Your Bones tackles a whole different sort of adventure than Nico, Rasia, Kai and their kulls face in Bones to the Wind, but it’s equally as engrossing as it’s predecessor.
My only complaint— I would break a few ribs for another entry into this world. I’d love a novella that sees a few years into their future. I understand why the book ended where it did, but I can’t help but crave more. It’s been a while since a book left me so hungry for more.
Please just do yourself a favor and pick up this duology. It is so, SO good. You’re doing yourself a disservice to overlook it. It’s an absolutely stunning debut by Obey and I’m impatiently waiting for the release of her next book, Sistah Samurai!
Tatiana Obey is a blisteringly talented author that everyone should be keeping their eye on. Her prose is funny, witty, sometimes a bit silly (but intentionally so)— but it’s more than that. When Obey writes about the desert, you can feel the heat of the High Noon sun. You can feel the sand whipping against your cheeks as you ride your windship across the sand dunes. Every region of the Grankull she describes is unique and the atmosphere is palpable. Bones to the Wind is pure fun from start to finish, and Dragon Your Bones more than carries that legacy, it builds on it.
Obey’s characterization is nothing to scoff at, either. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but Obey is so talented at defining unique voices that you’ll be baffled how many characters and backstories you know by the end of the duology. I can name at least a dozen characters, have strong feelings about each of them, and could recite their entire backstories. It’s absolutely mind-boggling how easily she makes it look to weave the tapestry of their stories in your mind. You’ll hardly know it’s happening, then think back and realize she’s created a masterpiece. It’s genuinely awe-inspiring. Even more impressive is the way her characters grow and evolve— each character has come into their own by the end and their growth is realistic. They don’t lose their identities to become better people, they evolve and develop in a way that feels completely natural and they remain unique by the book’s end.
The plot is equally as beautiful as its characters. Obey’s story tackles themes of poverty, discrimination, inequality, corruption of power, sex abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, triumph, and grief with care and precision. Dragon Your Bones tackles a whole different sort of adventure than Nico, Rasia, Kai and their kulls face in Bones to the Wind, but it’s equally as engrossing as it’s predecessor.
My only complaint— I would break a few ribs for another entry into this world. I’d love a novella that sees a few years into their future. I understand why the book ended where it did, but I can’t help but crave more. It’s been a while since a book left me so hungry for more.
Please just do yourself a favor and pick up this duology. It is so, SO good. You’re doing yourself a disservice to overlook it. It’s an absolutely stunning debut by Obey and I’m impatiently waiting for the release of her next book, Sistah Samurai!
abey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
donielletonese's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.5
kileyreadsindie's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
linnym55's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
allyens's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
zana_reads_arcs's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars rounded up!
Tatiana Obey has done it again!
I was pleasantly surprised by how great the first book was, but I think this one might be even better! Tatiana Obey is now one of my favorite indie authors! I'm so glad I gave this series a shot.
While Rasia, Nico, Kai, and co. have moved on from the coming-of-age Forging competition, it'll forever follow them through their lives. Collective memory and societal prejudices get mixed, mangled, and manipulated to the point where it becomes damaging to the individual in this society. And you can see how it affects each character as they try to build their lives post-Forging and as young adults.
I also love how this is shown when a character recounts their parents' history, whether they're proud of their parent or not. And you can see how familial history affects each character, whether good or bad. I was completely fascinated and floored by how Tatiana Obey can convey such an in-depth view of a fantasy society without having to resort to the pitfalls of telling and not showing.
The characters live in such a harsh society that's based on scarcity and competition, and this affects each of them in varying degrees according to their social proximity to the Grankull and its council members.
Everyone experiences varying degrees of character growth (we already see this in the first book, but the second book really gets to the meat and bones of it), and everyone has different ways of reacting to external events and internal conflict. Each MC is their own person and they're not lumped in together as a whole. It's like looking at the inner workings of a machine to see how each part works by itself and together as a whole.
I'm only knocking down half a star because I'm not a huge fan of the numerous sex scenes, but ymmv.
I can't wait to read more of the author's work! And I'd love to read more books based on this universe! Doesn't matter if it's about the original characters or a whole new set of characters. I'd love to read about Rasia's new adventures, or even Rae's Forging when they grow up. Hell, even their tahs had interesting histories and I'd read a short story or novella about that too.
Thank you so much to Tatiana Obey for the arc!
Tatiana Obey has done it again!
I was pleasantly surprised by how great the first book was, but I think this one might be even better! Tatiana Obey is now one of my favorite indie authors! I'm so glad I gave this series a shot.
While Rasia, Nico, Kai, and co. have moved on from the coming-of-age Forging competition, it'll forever follow them through their lives. Collective memory and societal prejudices get mixed, mangled, and manipulated to the point where it becomes damaging to the individual in this society. And you can see how it affects each character as they try to build their lives post-Forging and as young adults.
I also love how this is shown when a character recounts their parents' history, whether they're proud of their parent or not. And you can see how familial history affects each character, whether good or bad. I was completely fascinated and floored by how Tatiana Obey can convey such an in-depth view of a fantasy society without having to resort to the pitfalls of telling and not showing.
The characters live in such a harsh society that's based on scarcity and competition, and this affects each of them in varying degrees according to their social proximity to the Grankull and its council members.
Everyone experiences varying degrees of character growth (we already see this in the first book, but the second book really gets to the meat and bones of it), and everyone has different ways of reacting to external events and internal conflict. Each MC is their own person and they're not lumped in together as a whole. It's like looking at the inner workings of a machine to see how each part works by itself and together as a whole.
I'm only knocking down half a star because I'm not a huge fan of the numerous sex scenes, but ymmv.
I can't wait to read more of the author's work! And I'd love to read more books based on this universe! Doesn't matter if it's about the original characters or a whole new set of characters. I'd love to read about Rasia's new adventures, or even Rae's Forging when they grow up. Hell, even their tahs had interesting histories and I'd read a short story or novella about that too.
Thank you so much to Tatiana Obey for the arc!
kefeshe's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Really really enjoyed this book. It was a cosy, exciting and inviting adventure story. It had all the nostalgia of a classic YA with the balance of more adult situations and problems, making it perfect for those who read a lot of YA fantasy growing up!
Fantastic series will definitely be recommended many times and rereading!
Fantastic series will definitely be recommended many times and rereading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Sexual content and Suicide