Scan barcode
itsnotalakeitsanocean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
After the really average books that put me in a reading slump, this book took me right out of it. Even though I've been contending with a terrible bout of insomnia, I legitimately enjoyed this book enough to want to know where it was going to go next every time I put it down.
Things I liked:
Things I liked:
- This book had a really good, consistent dark fairy tale atmosphere without being overly despairing or angsty. My heart did drop a little at
the thief wheel scene in the tombs but in a good way kept me reading to find out ifthis was the end for our protagonists . - Marra was a very believable character and protagonist. It could be argued she didn't really contribute much compared to her companions but considering she was largely sheltered for most of her life, I think it's more forgiveable for her to make stupid decisions or seem immature.
- If you like fairy tale magic systems, this is the book for you. The book never bogs you down with infodumping or exposition on said system, but takes the time to explain things concisely.
Things I didn't like:
- I feel like the demon chicken was very underutilised compared to the rest of Marra's companions, and it was never explained why the dust-wife had a demon possess the chicken to begin with.
- The romance between Marra and Fenris felt a little forced in my opinion. It was sweet enough but I feel like it was there purely to make the booktok/booktube girlies squee. We could have shown Fenris was a decent guy without having to force him and Marra into a romance.
- I feel like there could have been some more minor conflict between the main party, especially when
Agnes</spoilers> joined them or between them in the boarding house trying not to be suspicious in front of the landlady.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Blood, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, and Physical abuse
Minor: Cannibalism and War
ianreadsbookssometimes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Child death and Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape
skillyillian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
First things first a very heavy trigger warning for domestic violence. It's not pictured on the page explicitly as it happens, but it's described by the victim as well as the FMC and other characters throughout the book.
That being said:
Honestly this is SO good. The language used is so descriptive and really fits the tone of the story. I loved having an FMC that wasn't barely legal, and her determination to do impossible things was incredible. The dust-wife was awesome but I think Agnes stole the show and I would have loved to have seen and learned more from her. Honestly, I think the story would've benefitted from more character backstory and development? But it's not like they were cardboard cutouts by any means, either.
The timeline, or at least the way it's presented in the story, was a little hard to follow for a minute? But once the past caught up to the story it made sense, so 🤷🏻♀️
I think my favorite part was the humor, honestly. It balanced things out and added levity in a way that I think prevented the whole story from being too heavy. It was witty and wry and the kind of jokes that fit perfectly for a group comprised of a dog made of bones, a cursed chick, a demon hen (no relation), and two traumatized young-ish people traveling with two powerful old women who are each other's opposites in every way.
Overall, this is a great story with some really interesting characters I think we could've learned about a bit more. I loved it so much though, and jumped right into another Kingfisher book (What Moves the Dead) which I'm also enjoying so far. I'm excited to keep reading more from this author :)
That being said:
Honestly this is SO good. The language used is so descriptive and really fits the tone of the story. I loved having an FMC that wasn't barely legal, and her determination to do impossible things was incredible. The dust-wife was awesome but I think Agnes stole the show and I would have loved to have seen and learned more from her. Honestly, I think the story would've benefitted from more character backstory and development? But it's not like they were cardboard cutouts by any means, either.
The timeline, or at least the way it's presented in the story, was a little hard to follow for a minute? But once the past caught up to the story it made sense, so 🤷🏻♀️
I think my favorite part was the humor, honestly. It balanced things out and added levity in a way that I think prevented the whole story from being too heavy. It was witty and wry and the kind of jokes that fit perfectly for a group comprised of a dog made of bones, a cursed chick, a demon hen (no relation), and two traumatized young-ish people traveling with two powerful old women who are each other's opposites in every way.
Overall, this is a great story with some really interesting characters I think we could've learned about a bit more. I loved it so much though, and jumped right into another Kingfisher book (What Moves the Dead) which I'm also enjoying so far. I'm excited to keep reading more from this author :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Cannibalism
sadetanssija's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Murder, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Animal death
laurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
Nettle & Bone is a fairytale-like fantasy novel following a young princess on a quest to save her sister from an abusive king.
There were some things I really liked about this. I appreciate a good unlikely ensemble cast, and I particularly liked the dynamic between the dust-witch and the godmother; I also really liked Bonedog and Finder of course. This was my first T. Kingfisher experience and I liked the writing style for the most part – I’d definitely try another of her works on the basis of this one. The world-building was compelling and I would’ve loved to learn more about the kingdoms and the surrounding territories. Without giving anything away, there are some interesting ethical ambiguities to the ending that I can appreciate.
There were also some aspects to this story that really didn’t work for me. The protagonist, and by extension the book itself, skewed YA (which isn’t how it’s marketed); Marra definitely didn’t read like a thirty year old, particularly not given the context. Some of the dialogue felt borderline patronizing (like I was being spoken to as a reader) and the humour really didn’t land for me (it just make the tone feel very inconsistent). Most of all, though, the bits of the book I found most interesting (the magic making Bonedog possible, the Blistered Lands, the dynamics between the Kingdoms) were skimmed over and the bits I found significantly less interesting were foregrounded (particularly the emerging romance which I think would’ve been better just left out). I liked the very beginning few chapters of the book better than the rest.
Content warnings: sexism, intimate partner violence, physical abuse, violence, murder, death
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, and Murder
eestellar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? No
5.0
Wow I loved this book. The two old ladies were wonderful and reminded me of my grandmas a bit - a sassy grump and a woman with a few loose screws, loved it. I am also a big fan of bone dog. I didn't realize I needed more books with supernatural dog companions in my life but between elatsoe and this I now know better. Many times I finish a book wishing I knew more and feeling unfulfilled, but even though I'd read thousands more pages about this world I feel very comfortable with the 240 I got. What a great read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
musen_henning's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, and Violence
spookylettuce's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Bonedog, my beloved.
The characters and their interactions of Nettle and Bone were very enjoyable to spend time with and had strong found family vibes. Also not one, but TWO animal companions!
Even with the darker elements I found the found family aspect of this book heartwarming.
The bits of magic felt unique and interesting. Agnes’ and godmothers especially.
If anything maybe the beginning feels a bit expositiony but the flash forwards to the dust wife’s challenges helped keep the pace. I still found it interesting and that it provided good context for Marra and her upbringing
If you like fairytale-like books with found family, fun characters/character dynamics, somewhat darker elements, and skeletal dogs you’d probably also enjoy Nettle and Bone.
The characters and their interactions of Nettle and Bone were very enjoyable to spend time with and had strong found family vibes. Also not one, but TWO animal companions!
Even with the darker elements I found the found family aspect of this book heartwarming.
The bits of magic felt unique and interesting. Agnes’ and godmothers especially.
If anything maybe the beginning feels a bit expositiony but the flash forwards to the dust wife’s challenges helped keep the pace. I still found it interesting and that it provided good context for Marra and her upbringing
If you like fairytale-like books with found family, fun characters/character dynamics, somewhat darker elements, and skeletal dogs you’d probably also enjoy Nettle and Bone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Domestic abuse
_jamie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Marra's struggles in the novel and general seeming slow was to pick up on certain things really resonates with me - I definitely identify with her.
The tale is quick-paced and humorous, low-stakes vibe.
The tale is quick-paced and humorous, low-stakes vibe.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
apoppyinthewind's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"You came in your cloak of nettles with the dog made of bone at your side"
I can see how that imagery stuck with Kingfisher and inspired Nettle & Bone and I'm glad I got the chance to read this story. It's a fairytale of a sister trying to save her older sister from an evil prince but to do so she complete three seemingly impossible tasks: Build a dog of bones, sew a clock of nettles, and give the dust wife moonlight in a jar.
If you enjoy reading fairytales, I would highly recommend checking out Nettle & Bone. It's got a similar feel of fairytales but a bit more fleshed out and with unique world-building. I especially loved the concept of dust-wives, who are essentially graveyard witches who know much of the magical world and can talk to the dead.
I can see how that imagery stuck with Kingfisher and inspired Nettle & Bone and I'm glad I got the chance to read this story. It's a fairytale of a sister trying to save her older sister from an evil prince but to do so she complete three seemingly impossible tasks: Build a dog of bones, sew a clock of nettles, and give the dust wife moonlight in a jar.
If you enjoy reading fairytales, I would highly recommend checking out Nettle & Bone. It's got a similar feel of fairytales but a bit more fleshed out and with unique world-building. I especially loved the concept of dust-wives, who are essentially graveyard witches who know much of the magical world and can talk to the dead.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Blood, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death, Sexual assault, and Torture