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A review by aforestofbooks
Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
I am so glad I waited until October to read Bonesmith. The undead vibes were the perfect backdrop for my night-time, insomnia-driven reading. This book was creepy, fast-paced, and violent in all the best ways. Nicki has always been good at writing fight sequences–as seen in Crown of Feathers–and this book did not disappoint in the slightest. It was refreshing and unique seeing the different ways Wren and Julian fought.
Honestly, that iron sword/whip thing is my favourite weapon to ever exist now. And the scene with Wren and Julian swinging across the bridge has been imprinted into my memory. If this book was ever turned into a movie/tv show, it would be one hell of an epic scene.
The mix of magic with raw ability was also really cool. But the thing that stands out to me the most, is the historical/political backdrop to this story. It's something we saw in Crown of Feathers, and I knew we would get more of that lovely complicated mess of plots and secrets in Bonesmith. It's why I love Nicki's books so much. They have plots that remind me of adult fantasy books, but are still digestible and familiar. Also, her romance subplots do not take over the story, which I appreciate so much.
Wren is a hilarious character. She loves a fight and not following the rules. And the dynamic between her and Leo and her and Julian were honestly my favourite parts of this book. The back-and-forth was perfection. It made me laugh and squeal in all the best ways, and it really makes each of the characters endearing to the reader. They felt like a found family (almost) by the end. And I can't wait to see what happens next.
Wren's whole background with how she's treated by her grandmother and father was super frustrating to read, but created a great motivation to kickstart the plot of this book. Her need to be recognized and noticed, and to be the best, all so she could maybe receive the love she knew she should be getting anyway was so sad. Wren grows a lot as a character throughout this book. She begins by being purely self-motivated, and slowly starts to unravel a plot against her, her friends, and the rest of the Dominions, only to realize the life she thought she wanted for herself, isn't the life she wants anymore. Which is honestly such a mood.
The romance between her and Julian made sense. They definitely had chemistry, and while I don't think it was 100% squeal-worthy, it didn't make me annoyed and I do think they are kind of cute, even though they're doing the whole "this is a bad idea" trope, which tbh is fair considering everyone is trying to kill and use them and maybe focusing on the plot for now is a better idea lol
As for the plot. I did predict some of the reveals, and other reveals I got totally wrong lol. The scene we get near the end where we finally got some answers was shocking but also made complete sense. Wren's father is really something, and while I wasn't a huge fan of him for most of the book–mainly because he let his mother abuse his daughter without standing up for her–by the very end, I had a whole list of reasons to hate him. He is selfish and power-hungry, and the insight we get from Odile about his relationship with Locke was very enlightening. I do feel bad for Wren. She really is related to a bunch of awful people, but I'm interested to see where this story goes in the next book, because Nicki has a way of showing how people twist stories to suit their own purposes and I'm curious to hear the Corpse Queen's side of the story and whether she is the actual victim being played by two power-hungry men.
A special shout-out to Leo. I have yet to read a book or fic with a character named Leo who I didn't love. Leo is a charming rascal. He flirts with everyone and as a result is a very unsuspecting kind of character, who always has some trick up his sleeve. I love him. I want more of him. I can't wait for him to be a third-wheel in the next book.
Julian is the classic love-interest. Mysterious. Troubled. Dark past. You know he's hiding something or multiple somethings. He's a strong fighter. He's cool, level-headed. His trauma makes it difficult to trust people, and he's been abused my people in power, very similar to Wren in a way. I really, really enjoyed his character. He fights for his people, and it was nice to see a different perspective about the Breach and the Uprising. While the end definitely puts a strain on his relationship with Wren, I'm excited to see what happens next and maybe get to see more of the Breachlands and Julian's past.
4.75/5 stars. I anxiously anticipate the next book!
The mix of magic with raw ability was also really cool. But the thing that stands out to me the most, is the historical/political backdrop to this story. It's something we saw in Crown of Feathers, and I knew we would get more of that lovely complicated mess of plots and secrets in Bonesmith. It's why I love Nicki's books so much. They have plots that remind me of adult fantasy books, but are still digestible and familiar. Also, her romance subplots do not take over the story, which I appreciate so much.
Wren is a hilarious character. She loves a fight and not following the rules. And the dynamic between her and Leo and her and Julian were honestly my favourite parts of this book. The back-and-forth was perfection. It made me laugh and squeal in all the best ways, and it really makes each of the characters endearing to the reader. They felt like a found family (almost) by the end. And I can't wait to see what happens next.
Wren's whole background with how she's treated by her grandmother and father was super frustrating to read, but created a great motivation to kickstart the plot of this book. Her need to be recognized and noticed, and to be the best, all so she could maybe receive the love she knew she should be getting anyway was so sad. Wren grows a lot as a character throughout this book. She begins by being purely self-motivated, and slowly starts to unravel a plot against her, her friends, and the rest of the Dominions, only to realize the life she thought she wanted for herself, isn't the life she wants anymore. Which is honestly such a mood.
The romance between her and Julian made sense. They definitely had chemistry, and while I don't think it was 100% squeal-worthy, it didn't make me annoyed and I do think they are kind of cute, even though they're doing the whole "this is a bad idea" trope, which tbh is fair considering everyone is trying to kill and use them and maybe focusing on the plot for now is a better idea lol
As for the plot. I did predict some of the reveals, and other reveals I got totally wrong lol. The scene we get near the end where we finally got some answers was shocking but also made complete sense. Wren's father is really something, and while I wasn't a huge fan of him for most of the book–mainly because he let his mother abuse his daughter without standing up for her–by the very end, I had a whole list of reasons to hate him. He is selfish and power-hungry, and the insight we get from Odile about his relationship with Locke was very enlightening. I do feel bad for Wren. She really is related to a bunch of awful people, but I'm interested to see where this story goes in the next book, because Nicki has a way of showing how people twist stories to suit their own purposes and I'm curious to hear the Corpse Queen's side of the story and whether she is the actual victim being played by two power-hungry men.
A special shout-out to Leo. I have yet to read a book or fic with a character named Leo who I didn't love. Leo is a charming rascal. He flirts with everyone and as a result is a very unsuspecting kind of character, who always has some trick up his sleeve. I love him. I want more of him. I can't wait for him to be a third-wheel in the next book.
Julian is the classic love-interest. Mysterious. Troubled. Dark past. You know he's hiding something or multiple somethings. He's a strong fighter. He's cool, level-headed. His trauma makes it difficult to trust people, and he's been abused my people in power, very similar to Wren in a way. I really, really enjoyed his character. He fights for his people, and it was nice to see a different perspective about the Breach and the Uprising. While the end definitely puts a strain on his relationship with Wren, I'm excited to see what happens next and maybe get to see more of the Breachlands and Julian's past.
4.75/5 stars. I anxiously anticipate the next book!