A review by bookwyrms_shelf
A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
I've been waiting for this one for a long time, and I'm happy to say that it was one of the most moving books I've read in quite a while. Calla's true identity has been hidden since birth, and she's spent her entire life protecting her twin sister Briar, so that she can marry their childhood friend Grae....the heir to another kingdom that will take the crown of Olmdere back from an evil sorceress.
When Briar and Calla arrive for the arranged marriage, it's like everything is great until it completely falls apart. With Briar in an enchanted sleep and her mate in the hands of the sorceress, Calla decides to rescue them both by going after her twin's mate. If she can just break the curse, then they can fight for the crown together.
Calla embarks on a journey of discovery, both within herself and of the world around her. Traveling with a group of mismatched humans in a musical troupe, Calla hides her true self, the Golden Wolf, and is discovered by both the troupe and none other than Grae himself! Through their journey to Olmdere they grow closer and realize what they could be to each other, Calla also realizes more about who she is now that she's out of Briar's shadow.
I really, really liked the way that gender fluidity was explained and addressed within Calla's story. I thought that the example of someone else who was completely comfortable with who they were, what they looked like and how they presented was a really powerful thing. The realization for Calla was such a relief, and the opportunity to come to terms with it before it's inevitably used as a weapon was crucial. Really, really beautifully done!
When Briar and Calla arrive for the arranged marriage, it's like everything is great until it completely falls apart. With Briar in an enchanted sleep and her mate in the hands of the sorceress, Calla decides to rescue them both by going after her twin's mate. If she can just break the curse, then they can fight for the crown together.
Calla embarks on a journey of discovery, both within herself and of the world around her. Traveling with a group of mismatched humans in a musical troupe, Calla hides her true self, the Golden Wolf, and is discovered by both the troupe and none other than Grae himself! Through their journey to Olmdere they grow closer and realize what they could be to each other, Calla also realizes more about who she is now that she's out of Briar's shadow.
I really, really liked the way that gender fluidity was explained and addressed within Calla's story. I thought that the example of someone else who was completely comfortable with who they were, what they looked like and how they presented was a really powerful thing. The realization for Calla was such a relief, and the opportunity to come to terms with it before it's inevitably used as a weapon was crucial. Really, really beautifully done!