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A review by evitaveda
The Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin
4.0
“Who are we but two people who loved each other to the point of destruction?”
Ever since I heard about this book, I’ve been dying for it to be published! I’m happy to say I was not let down. Laura Samotin has absolutely written a wonderfully queer and magical debut inspired by Jewish folklore and 19th century Eastern Europe.
This book definitely gave me “Shadow and Bone but make it adult and more traumatic”-vibes. There were three MCs, Vasily, Dimitri and Alexey, and the book jumped between these POVs for each chapter. Their voices were all distinct, and I think the constant changes in POV showed the characters’ feelings and memories in a way that made me want to keep reading to discover more about them. I also found it interesting seeing parts of the story through the eyes of Alexey (who was a pretty creepy villain).
The Sins on their Bones is a dark fantasy (I wouldn’t call it romantasy), so please check the trigger warnings before going in. This book does not shy away from blood and gore. There was one scene in particular that had me cringing. In addition, The Sins on Their Bones tackles a series of sensitive subjects. It truly dives into partner abuse, trauma, and the long journey towards healing. Not to mention more joyous themes of chosen family, and finding someone who makes you feel safe.
The ending had me curious about the next book and I’ll absolutely be picking it up when it comes out. Overall, a brilliant debut!
Ever since I heard about this book, I’ve been dying for it to be published! I’m happy to say I was not let down. Laura Samotin has absolutely written a wonderfully queer and magical debut inspired by Jewish folklore and 19th century Eastern Europe.
This book definitely gave me “Shadow and Bone but make it adult and more traumatic”-vibes. There were three MCs, Vasily, Dimitri and Alexey, and the book jumped between these POVs for each chapter. Their voices were all distinct, and I think the constant changes in POV showed the characters’ feelings and memories in a way that made me want to keep reading to discover more about them. I also found it interesting seeing parts of the story through the eyes of Alexey (who was a pretty creepy villain).
The Sins on their Bones is a dark fantasy (I wouldn’t call it romantasy), so please check the trigger warnings before going in. This book does not shy away from blood and gore. There was one scene in particular that had me cringing. In addition, The Sins on Their Bones tackles a series of sensitive subjects. It truly dives into partner abuse, trauma, and the long journey towards healing. Not to mention more joyous themes of chosen family, and finding someone who makes you feel safe.
The ending had me curious about the next book and I’ll absolutely be picking it up when it comes out. Overall, a brilliant debut!