zoeelora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Animal death, Blood, Death, Kidnapping, Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Violence
literarypenguin's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
The lore of this book is the biggest draw for me, the magic system and world building was exceptional! I loved how the Bone Crier's used animal bones to give them their magical abilities. Each animal gave them a different skill from night vision to agility, it was interesting to see the different skills each animal offered. I loved how they incorporated a hunt and killing an animal honorably in order to gain their graces, very cool detail.
My favorite character was Sabine, I loved reading her parts in the book! Watching her evolve from a squeamish timid girl to a determined strong young woman was such a joy to see! Her devotion to her best friend Ailesse and determination to save her no matter what is admirable to see that kind of love between best friends like that.
I felt like Bastien's character was a bit underdeveloped to me. All we really learned about him was that he planned revenge on the Bone Crier's for the death of his father and that he was a thief. Nothing else is really learned about him and I wish we would have gotten more backstory for him.
Ailesse and Bastien's romance was a little fast and insta lovey to me but it was sweet and seeing them put aside their differences to understand each other and fall in love.
I enjoyed the plot and story even the small twist was well executed. I do look forward to reading the second book to see how this story will end and where these characters end up in the end.
Graphic: Animal death and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood, Murder, and Gore
chainsiren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Moderate: Confinement, Animal death, Gore, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
kbairbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Violence, Death, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Animal death, Blood, and Confinement
journeythroughthechapters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
At a couple points I was shocked which I love in a book because I means it's hooked me in. There were also points that were predictable but honestly that didn't matter to me. I can't wait for the second book.
Representation
POC
Content Warning
Grief, Violence, Self Harm, Animal Death
Graphic: Animal death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Self harm
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder, Kidnapping, and Animal death
booking_along's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
i went into this book basically not knowing what i would get myself into, and in some ways i think that was a benefit for me and my reading experience.
in this story we follow three different POVs, two bone criers and a “normal” human boy.
i really loved the story of the two girls, their friendship and willingness to dk what they needed to help the other be safe and happy.
bastien - the third POV- was a good one as well. first introduced as a boy looking for revenge for the death of his father, he soon learns there is so much more going on than he ever expected.
for the most parts i really enjoyed how and where the plot of this story went.
it kept up a good pace that kept me turning pages, had a good amount of surprises and even a few shocking moments.
i personally didn’t love the ending overly much but i do want to know where it’s going from that point on and how the story will end overall.
the only thing i wish would be done a bit different would be that i would have loved to get a bit lore of what exactly a bone crier is. are they human with a special something? something more? can anyone technically become a bone crier if they learn how to do that? is it only specific bloodlines, if so why?
also why can’t bone criers have more then one kid if their family’s are dwindling and need more members?
let’s just say that the entire magical thing in this book is not really explained enough for me to have an actual understand of the whys and hows as much as i would like to.
it’s defiantly an action filled adventure to read through this book.
i would recommend it for anyone enjoyed strong women, a bit of outside the system characters, revenge and unexpected moments.
Graphic: Animal death
jesshart8's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Animal death
louisegraveyard's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Religious bigotry
reads_with_lauren's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
book.
I have extreeeeeemly mixed feelings about this book. I
think I've found why but I still can't 100% place it.
I *mostly* loved the characters- I thought they were
interesting to read and had good character development.
Concept & plot execution was actually probably the best
part of the whole book. I really enjoyed the fantasy world
the author came up with. I thought it was unique but it
also kinda fit into a
"stereotypical" kind of fantasy book
feel, which was actually nice to read and didn't hinder my
experience. I thought the magic system and the rituals
were so carefully thought out and it shows.
Overall I enjoyed this but I do think this should've been
one book and not two... (just my thoughts)
Spoiler
I have to talk about Bastien and Ailesse's relationship because it was seriously captive to lovers. It could be classified enemies to lovers, but let's be real with ourselves. Ailesse tried to kill Bastien first, then he came super close to killing her, and took her hostage for a long time and drained her of her health and allowed Jules to lash out at her. I mean, yeah I know they were after 'revenge' but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be a decent person to your hostage. Bastien even notes later on how she looks so nutrient deprived and how it was probably his fault. I just hated this aspect. And then suddenly they're in love? Like actual “love". I don't get it. It's been AT MOST A MONTH BUT I'M PRETTY SURE LESS THAN A MONTH.Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Grief