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thebookorder's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
tiffani_reads's review
5.0
4.5 stars
I really hope the author writes more books in this world, and with these characters.
I really hope the author writes more books in this world, and with these characters.
teawithalibra's review
3.0
I was granted an ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In a journey of self-discovery, Toma traverses a civil war-torn world to rescue her sister from the men who kidnapped her. Though the various types of reborn and undead mark her path, and Toma befriends a village boy and the deposed Tsar, she quickly finds that the true monsters of her world are other humans. The power-hungry and vengeful men of both sides of this war will stop at nothing to get what they want, and so Toma must sink to their level before she can rise above them.
This story is full of rich worldbuilding and unique use of Slavic folklore and mythology. It was a bit of a frustrating read, though, because a lot of the magical aspects of the plot were not explained well. I think there was an attempt at showing instead of telling, but it didn't show us enough as readers to understand some of the intricacies of the undead or the war itself.
The three main characters are wonderful, and I of course adored Vanya entirely. I think that, without such good characters, I would have really had to slog through this book. But I cared about them enough to wonder about their well-being and read chapter after chapter.
I think this book felt like a prequel and not really the first book in a series (which I assume is what this is). The battles and war are the main meat of the plot and world, but we get very little of that until the end. I'm not really dying for another book, because it feels like this one was complete without actually addressing any of the major problems in the story.
In a journey of self-discovery, Toma traverses a civil war-torn world to rescue her sister from the men who kidnapped her. Though the various types of reborn and undead mark her path, and Toma befriends a village boy and the deposed Tsar, she quickly finds that the true monsters of her world are other humans. The power-hungry and vengeful men of both sides of this war will stop at nothing to get what they want, and so Toma must sink to their level before she can rise above them.
This story is full of rich worldbuilding and unique use of Slavic folklore and mythology. It was a bit of a frustrating read, though, because a lot of the magical aspects of the plot were not explained well. I think there was an attempt at showing instead of telling, but it didn't show us enough as readers to understand some of the intricacies of the undead or the war itself.
The three main characters are wonderful, and I of course adored Vanya entirely. I think that, without such good characters, I would have really had to slog through this book. But I cared about them enough to wonder about their well-being and read chapter after chapter.
I think this book felt like a prequel and not really the first book in a series (which I assume is what this is). The battles and war are the main meat of the plot and world, but we get very little of that until the end. I'm not really dying for another book, because it feels like this one was complete without actually addressing any of the major problems in the story.
rhiannonreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cemb's review
4.0
Honestly it was 4 1/2 stars i think for me. I don’t know what exactly it was, but for it was lacking something, but not enough to make it anything less than fantastic. Maybe it was that I read the entire book in one sitting, but as much as I love a quick start, I almost felt like there was a rush with every resolution. All that being said, I’m glad I read this. I loved everyone, especially Galina and Mikhail (let both of them find happiness!!!), and I enjoyed seeing everyone’s growth and development. I’ve been struggling to get back into reading and I think this book really helped. I know open endings allow for readers to have their imaginations run wild, but I was so in love with these characters I want to know what’s next for them. Literally even a tweet with their happy endings.
All in all, super enjoyable and I think any “major” faults I had were just because I’m not used to reading an entire book in one sitting anymore.
All in all, super enjoyable and I think any “major” faults I had were just because I’m not used to reading an entire book in one sitting anymore.
thegothiclibrary's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
See my full review: https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-bone-weaver-imperial-russia-inspired-fantasy/
cezanj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
apologiesforeverything's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
whatsheread's review against another edition
4.0
Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros is an engaging power struggle story that involves a rather unusual found family. Having lost her family while a young child, Toma is the most sympathetic of the characters. Somehow, despite being abandoned quite literally in the middle of nowhere by her mother after losing her father in an accident, she is not just kind and knowledgeable about hunting and foraging but also street savvy despite having not seen another human being for years. Then there is Vanya, a natural rogue who can’t help charm everyone he meets, which Mr. Polydoros ensures includes the reader. As they rush to rescue Toma’s sister and Mikhail’s throne, it becomes not just a race against time but also an exercise in sociology as our hapless group learns a little more about each other and the society they live.
What makes Bone Weaver different from other stories is Mr. Polydoros’ inclusion of magic, but not just any magic. Toma’s foster parents happen to be among the benevolent undead, a.k.a. zombies who retain enough of their previous consciousness to be able to overcome their desire for human flesh. In the ultimate definition of unusual relationships, these zombies provide a nurturing environment for Toma and much-needed affection and companionship during her formative years. Then there are the bogatyr, those unique humans born with the ability to manipulate nature. This is magic that does not involve spells, rituals, or herbs. No one knows why some people have these abilities, just as no one knows why someone raises from the dead. Not everyone has these abilities, and it becomes a have versus a have-nots scenario. Adding this aspect to the political intrigues and ongoing civil war makes for a complicated but fast-paced story that is easy and enjoyable to read.