A review by elwirax
Sofi and the Bone Song by Adrienne Tooley

emotional hopeful 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

4.0

Rep- lesbian MC, (most likely) Lesbian LI, Gay SC, mentions of non-binary characters.

"What was art if it did not come from hard work and devotion? If it was not tended to and grown in the careful pockets of one’s heart?" 

"...you don’t have to hurt yourself to be worthy of pursuing your dream. You don’t have to deny pieces of yourself in order to be good. Your songs are never better than when you let yourself go."

This has been one of my most anticipated reads this year after really enjoying Tooley's Sweet & Bitter Magic last year, and I loved it equally as much. 

Tooley has such an interesting way of weaving magic and atmosphere into her worlds it makes for a really immersive read. Her writing is beautiful and easy to get into (slightly repetitive in this book, though not glaringly so). 

In terms of characters, Sofi herself wasn't always likeable but I understood why she felt the way she did. She had a difficult childhood where her true self was constantly repressed and punished and it took time to unlearn that what she had been taught was wrong.The road trip nature of this book was a great way to develop her character and relation with Lara who encouraged her to view her opinions on art and emotions in a different light. Lara's character wasn't as developed as I had hoped but she was passionate, hopeful and complemented Sofi's character well. Although the romance between these two wasn't convincing as an enemies to lovers nor was it a big aspect of the book, it was sweet nonetheless. 

Another aspect of this book I really liked were the interludes of childhood memories, they allowed me to understand Sofi's character and her relationship with her father a lot more which in turn made me sympathise with her and her pursuit of perfection for the sake of art. The friendship and family aspects of this book were wonderful, though I wish at times they were a bit more developed as I loved the characters so much. 

The ending is truly one of my favourites in a standalone. I was afraid that given all the ideas presented by Tooley it would not end in a satisfying way. However, the book wrapped everything up perfectly. 

Many plot twists were predictable and very clear for the start and some aspects of worldbuilding were not expanded enough but in all fairness this didn't hinder how much I enjoyed the book. 

Overall, an amazing queer, fantasy, standalone with many great messages, characters and an atmosphere that enthralled me completely. I will definitely read anything else Tooley comes out with.
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