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leedolee's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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 was one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while! I absolutely loved the world created within the pages and everything to do with the magic. The characters were also fun and I greatly enjoyed the plot that unfolded.
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
I eagerly look forward to the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Blood, Violence, War, Death of parent, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Cursing, and Murder
bookishmillennial's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
I don’t star rate books but I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not,. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
Pub Date: July 25th
Wren, -a bonesmith who fails her qualifying trial to become a valkyr- gets sent to the Border Wall to serve in disgrace instead.
The forced proximity situation between her and Julian the ironsmith was a lot of fun. I would say this is a bit of enemies-to-lovers situation hehe.
Wren is a bold, risk-taking, fun main character to root for, and the ending plot twist paid off for all of the relentless info dumping and world building.
I will say that for all the exposition, I did find the world really neat. The historical context, all the factions of the "smiths," and more! The vibes are reminiscent of the White Walkers from Game of Thrones.
I'm excited to see how this duology unfolds in the next book!
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
cw: dead bodies, pregnancy complications, death of a loved one, kidnapping, murder, violence, blood, genocide, gore
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy, Body horror, and Genocide
Minor: Death of parent
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
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