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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a beautifully written dark but somehow still whimsical story about sisterly love. The characters were likeable and despite the dark plot and dog made out of bones it was somehow still lighthearted and even a little funny. Definitely enjoyed this one and its very on brand for Kingfisher.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
Nettle and Bone is my very first read of T. Kingfisher and whilst overall I had a decent time with this book, unfortunately I didn't fall in love with the writing or story which I had hoped for.
In terms of fairytale stories, I have come to the conclusion that they are ultimately not for me and I'm never going to love them. I just find them enjoyable and that is the word I would use to describe this reading experience. I thought nothing from this was particularly unique or done exceptionally well, and have enjoyed other novels and writers that have done this better in my opinion. I did get attached to one of the characters though, Bonedog, and this kept me picking the book up. I also thought the ending was strong so I'm still glad I read this one.
T. Kingfisher's writing was pretty well done so I think I would give the author another chance but her horror releases intrigue me more than her fantasies.
2.5 stars
In terms of fairytale stories, I have come to the conclusion that they are ultimately not for me and I'm never going to love them. I just find them enjoyable and that is the word I would use to describe this reading experience. I thought nothing from this was particularly unique or done exceptionally well, and have enjoyed other novels and writers that have done this better in my opinion. I did get attached to one of the characters though, Bonedog, and this kept me picking the book up. I also thought the ending was strong so I'm still glad I read this one.
T. Kingfisher's writing was pretty well done so I think I would give the author another chance but her horror releases intrigue me more than her fantasies.
2.5 stars
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
Okay, so this was officially my last fantasy of the year (for real this time 🤣). And honestly? I think part of why I didn’t fully enjoy it is because I’ve just read too many fantasy books lately, so I’m kind of over it for now.
That being said, this book was actually pretty good! It tackled some really heavy and interesting themes like feminism, curses, and domestic violence. I really loved the writing style and the way the characters came together, forming this unlikely friendship all driven by the same goal: saving Marra’s sister from her violent husband… who also happens to be a prince. (Yes, of course it was an arranged marriage to protect Marra’s kingdom 🙄).
You definitely get attached to the characters, and there is a little romance sprinkled in, but that’s not the main focus. So if you’re looking for full-on romantasy, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Instead, expect witches, ghosts, curses, and paranormal vibes.
Overall? I think this book deserves way more recognition than it gets. It’s well-written, layered, and it really sticks with you. 🖤
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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:
Yes
A lovely contemporary fairytale. I really enjoyed it!
The story ended nicely and I enjoyed it, but the beginning with the cannibals didn’t lead anywhere and never tied back in to the rest of the story. Same with the blistering land. The nettle cloak seemingly had no real purpose either?