Scan barcode
gummifrog's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
This book was a veritable hearty meal of spooky fantasy. Nicki Pau Preto does some heavy lifting in regards to worldbuilding for Bonesmith's unique magic system, political situation, and geography, and still manages to work in a compelling, twisty mystery and a delightfully sweet enemies-to-lovers romance. And that's only scratching the surface in regards to what Bonesmith offers.
Each character in this book is a fully realized, three-dimensional being with understandable motivations and complex internal lives. Every setting is beautifully imagined and vividly described. Bonesmith reads like a movie in your mind - there's never a question as to what's happening, even during frantic action sequences. The romance is as slow burn as can be, with both parties realizing they've been spoon-fed propaganda about each other and learning to trust and respect one another over the course of an epic adventure. And even the side characters, such as Prince Leo, are extremely lovable.
The book is chunky, about 450 pages in my ARC, but I think it's really worth the read. If you like unique magic systems, ghosts, and vivid otherworld fantasy, you'll love this one.
Each character in this book is a fully realized, three-dimensional being with understandable motivations and complex internal lives. Every setting is beautifully imagined and vividly described. Bonesmith reads like a movie in your mind - there's never a question as to what's happening, even during frantic action sequences. The romance is as slow burn as can be, with both parties realizing they've been spoon-fed propaganda about each other and learning to trust and respect one another over the course of an epic adventure. And even the side characters, such as Prince Leo, are extremely lovable.
The book is chunky, about 450 pages in my ARC, but I think it's really worth the read. If you like unique magic systems, ghosts, and vivid otherworld fantasy, you'll love this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, War, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide and Body horror
Minor: Sexual content and Pregnancy
More...