A review by yuna
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

adventurous dark funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love how Kingfisher/Vernon writes everyday types of MCs. This is no exception, though at times Marra reads very "samey" as Vernon's other MCs--most noticeably for me in the way the humor is applied to her being rather ordinary and a little bumbling. But Marra is also very relatable in processing her biases and frustrations at an unfair world, and she's easy to root for because at heart she's a good person trying her best in an unjust world. I loved the dust-wife, and Agnes grew on me quite a bit.

The fae/supernatural element to the world and side characters was interesting, and I'd love to see another story involving the goblin market. Vernon has a way of melding creepy horror and morbid humor that is delightful. That can also end up lulling you into a false sense of security, because there are elements to this story that are really dark and sad.

My only big gripe is that I found the end confrontation a bit anticlimactic and unsatisfying, because Marra is basically a bystander to it all. I know she's not a traditional hero, but it was frustrating having her stand on the side and wring her hands. She's...more of an idea-person than an action one.
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