A review by bolbo_boggons
The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin

dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love political fantasy and I love messy, broken characters, so this one was pretty much set up to be a slam dunk for me. And there WAS a lot that I loved: the character and relationship work is exquisite (really, it's a trio of character portraits first and foremost), the worldbuilding rich and layered, the prose self-assured, the plot well constructed. Something kept me at arm's length, however, and made getting through the book feel like *getting through* it rather than being pulled along--some combination of the pacing and tension just didn't quite land for me. Overall, it's an excellent debut from a really promising author, and a real standout in the unflinching way it examines abuse, grief, and the ugly parts of love. 

Many thanks to PRH Canada and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my review!