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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
If I had to give decimals, I’d probably give this a 3.8. It was thoroughly entertaining despite being confusing at times, and the initial 2/3 of the book were nicely paced. The last third needed to resolve a lot of plot, to the point that I wondered if there would be a sequel to address the loose ends. Nevertheless, it was an interesting premise and a fun read.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An incredible story with complex characters, political plots and supernatural abilities. In terms of tone I'd say it was similar to Kendare Blake's Three Dark Crowns series, which I haven't come across often in books and enjoy. A couple of times there were moments which weren't clear, but overall I'm very impressed with Mueller's complicated plot and how it all came together. She juggled lots of characters, their motives, connections and interactions beautifully.
The story also addresses traditional patriarchy's treatment of women and male entitlement, which towards the end was violently expressed, and the characters also directly discuss, which I appreciated.
There haven't been many books which have characters that have experienced mental health issues, and that was also valuable in this book.
I'd definitely read more of Mueller, if she writes again!
The story also addresses traditional patriarchy's treatment of women and male entitlement, which towards the end was violently expressed, and the characters also directly discuss, which I appreciated.
There haven't been many books which have characters that have experienced mental health issues, and that was also valuable in this book.
I'd definitely read more of Mueller, if she writes again!
I went into this book expecting bone necromancy and a murder mystery. I did get that, but also so, so much more.
The Bone Orchard is a brilliant tapestry of story telling. Mueller puts you straight into the world of Borenguard, which takes on more of a steam-punk/gas-lamp aesthetic than a typical fantasy one. Our main character is actually one with psychic abilities which have been dampened by a "mindlock" -- a medical device surgically implanted into her brain. This mindlock also allows the Emperor to control her, and give her commands, and the final one is to solve his murder, and see to it his sons do not take his throne. And thus, she obeys.
I scarcely want to give any more of the plot away, because most of the brilliance I experienced in this book came from everything I did not expect upon opening it. Using the mindlock and psychic abilities as a conduit to discuss trauma response, dissociation, survival by any means necessary, and the innate power that comes from being a woman, Mueller expertly crafts a story that is so far beyond a fantasy/gothic murder mystery.
I will say that this book does not spell things out to you. It wants you to be confused, and you should be confused, in my opinion. This might turn some people off from the book, thinking Mueller is simply a poor craftsman in storytelling, but the payoff is immense when the pieces are all falling together, and the bits and details from all of our main character's personalities collide.
Truly a masterpiece.
The Bone Orchard is a brilliant tapestry of story telling. Mueller puts you straight into the world of Borenguard, which takes on more of a steam-punk/gas-lamp aesthetic than a typical fantasy one. Our main character is actually one with psychic abilities which have been dampened by a "mindlock" -- a medical device surgically implanted into her brain. This mindlock also allows the Emperor to control her, and give her commands, and the final one is to solve his murder, and see to it his sons do not take his throne. And thus, she obeys.
I scarcely want to give any more of the plot away, because most of the brilliance I experienced in this book came from everything I did not expect upon opening it. Using the mindlock and psychic abilities as a conduit to discuss trauma response, dissociation, survival by any means necessary, and the innate power that comes from being a woman, Mueller expertly crafts a story that is so far beyond a fantasy/gothic murder mystery.
I will say that this book does not spell things out to you. It wants you to be confused, and you should be confused, in my opinion. This might turn some people off from the book, thinking Mueller is simply a poor craftsman in storytelling, but the payoff is immense when the pieces are all falling together, and the bits and details from all of our main character's personalities collide.
Truly a masterpiece.
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was excited to finally crack open this story but ultimately struggled to enjoy it. The reader is dropped into a complex world that unfolds in a foggy and confusing way. Charm is an interesting and refreshing main character but her story is overly complicated and obtuse. The political intrigue was difficult to follow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore
Wanted to like this but I was just thoroughly confused through a good portion of the book.
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5 stars
"Sorry, mistress, but I'm not much interested in ghosts. I have enough of my own."
I had some trouble getting into this book. There were a lot of different characters to follow and personalities to uncover, which made the beginning a bit overwhelming. It took me a while to understand some of it, but once I did, the story pulled me in.
By the time I had reached the end, at the last part, I had settled into the flow of it and was more invested in where things were headed. The concept itself was really interesting, and I liked the dark, layered atmosphere that ran through the story. It had a unique feel, even though it took some time to get used to.
"Sorry, mistress, but I'm not much interested in ghosts. I have enough of my own."
I had some trouble getting into this book. There were a lot of different characters to follow and personalities to uncover, which made the beginning a bit overwhelming. It took me a while to understand some of it, but once I did, the story pulled me in.
By the time I had reached the end, at the last part, I had settled into the flow of it and was more invested in where things were headed. The concept itself was really interesting, and I liked the dark, layered atmosphere that ran through the story. It had a unique feel, even though it took some time to get used to.
" You'll find what you can bear increases a great deal, when you are not given any other choice. "
Charm presides over a popular gentleman's club; she is also the mistress of the emperor. When on his death bed he commands her to figure out which one of his sons killed him sets off a complicated mix of investigation, political plotting, romance, and more assassination.
I really wanted to like this, it sounded really good and there were pieces of the story which I found interesting... but found it overall to be overly complicated and confusing.
The ending felt especially juvenile, everything abruptly wrapped up too easily considering the heart of the plot is murder. I cringed at some of the little speeches from Charm in the last chapter of the book.
Charm presides over a popular gentleman's club; she is also the mistress of the emperor. When on his death bed he commands her to figure out which one of his sons killed him sets off a complicated mix of investigation, political plotting, romance, and more assassination.
I really wanted to like this, it sounded really good and there were pieces of the story which I found interesting... but found it overall to be overly complicated and confusing.
The ending felt especially juvenile, everything abruptly wrapped up too easily considering the heart of the plot is murder. I cringed at some of the little speeches from Charm in the last chapter of the book.
Dark, gothic fantasy with bits of horror and necromancy + politics dash in female rage and resilience
Loved the premise of Charm and her boneghosts, everything about the magic system and world was fascinating. For vibes… I consumed this hella fast.
Some cons… I feel like the mystery wasn’t propped up as well as the mysteries of Charm and I had trouble being engaged to it. Some of the reveals are clunky and don’t feel earned as a reader. Thought I love a book that tosses me in headfirst, I think the way the story unfolded could’ve been better so that I could understand the depth of some the character interactions between Charm, The Lady, and the other boneghosts. These didn’t hit as hard because of it.
I loved Pain, Oram, and the rest Firedrinkers tho <3
Charm was such an interesting and refreshing fmc. Ultimately she’s a survivor and isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to live in this world. I was more enthralled by her and her backstory than anything else.
Need fluff after the end of the book of just the Orchard House shenanigans 💓
Loved the premise of Charm and her boneghosts, everything about the magic system and world was fascinating. For vibes… I consumed this hella fast.
Some cons… I feel like the mystery wasn’t propped up as well as the mysteries of Charm and I had trouble being engaged to it. Some of the reveals are clunky and don’t feel earned as a reader. Thought I love a book that tosses me in headfirst, I think the way the story unfolded could’ve been better so that I could understand the depth of some the character interactions between Charm, The Lady, and the other boneghosts. These didn’t hit as hard because of it.
I loved Pain, Oram, and the rest Firedrinkers tho <3
Charm was such an interesting and refreshing fmc. Ultimately she’s a survivor and isn’t afraid to do whatever it takes to live in this world. I was more enthralled by her and her backstory than anything else.