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A review by tifftastic87
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
Synopsis
When Marra is 15 her sister is married to the Prince of the Northern Kingdom and Marra is sent to a convent. Marra's life at the convent is peaceful and allows her to indulge her interests in fiber arts, while ignoring politics and the requirements of being a princess. When Marra is 30, her niece dies and Marra visiting for the funeral learns that her sister is being abused by Prince Vorling. Knowing that there is nothing she can do directly that won't start a war between kingdoms, Marra turns to the dust-wife. She is given three impossible tasks and then the dust-wife will give her the tools to kill a prince.
Review
Marra, as a woman in her 30s who is not quick witted, does not find everything easy, and loves fiber crafts, was a wonderful character to follow. I loved seeing a main character in a fantasy who wasn't "just so itty bitty" and "shockingly good" at everything she tried. Marra is kind and accepting of people, while being stubborn and determined. She realizes that as a woman she has very little power in her world, but rather than the standard "we have to change everything" she uses this fact to get what she needs done.
The older women in the story, Agnes and the dust-wife, are also portrayed as capable women who both bring different things to the table. I really enjoyed seeing two different types of older women, both who love chickens - because who doesn't - that each get shit done in their own way.
Fenris, as the sole male main character, doesn't immediately show up and take over. He's willing to take instruction and help where needed, which was refreshing. We don't need all men to be controlling freaks to make a feminist point!
The pets
One of the best parts of this book was the demon chicken. I absolutely loved her and Bonedog is baby.
When Marra is 15 her sister is married to the Prince of the Northern Kingdom and Marra is sent to a convent. Marra's life at the convent is peaceful and allows her to indulge her interests in fiber arts, while ignoring politics and the requirements of being a princess. When Marra is 30, her niece dies and Marra visiting for the funeral learns that her sister is being abused by Prince Vorling. Knowing that there is nothing she can do directly that won't start a war between kingdoms, Marra turns to the dust-wife. She is given three impossible tasks and then the dust-wife will give her the tools to kill a prince.
Review
Marra, as a woman in her 30s who is not quick witted, does not find everything easy, and loves fiber crafts, was a wonderful character to follow. I loved seeing a main character in a fantasy who wasn't "just so itty bitty" and "shockingly good" at everything she tried. Marra is kind and accepting of people, while being stubborn and determined. She realizes that as a woman she has very little power in her world, but rather than the standard "we have to change everything" she uses this fact to get what she needs done.
The older women in the story, Agnes and the dust-wife, are also portrayed as capable women who both bring different things to the table. I really enjoyed seeing two different types of older women, both who love chickens - because who doesn't - that each get shit done in their own way.
Fenris, as the sole male main character, doesn't immediately show up and take over. He's willing to take instruction and help where needed, which was refreshing. We don't need all men to be controlling freaks to make a feminist point!
The pets
One of the best parts of this book was the demon chicken. I absolutely loved her and Bonedog is baby.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Child death, and Pregnancy