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A review by savnichole
Dragon Your Bones by Tatiana Obey
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!