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aayushimybookishbanter 's review for:
The Bone Shard Daughter
by Andrea Stewart
The Bone Shard Daughter is easily one of my favourite fantasy book releases of 2020 so far. And to think it is a debut! Also, can I have the next book ASAP?!!!
Before I begin, let me list down a compact list of reasons you absolutely need to read this book!
A unique magic system powered by bone shards
An established, honest and very real f/f romance
Variety of intriguing magical creatures, ranging from adorable to fatally dangerous
Powerful, bold and fiery female protagonists
Themes of revolution and justice
Now that I have gotten you interested (I hope), lets about the plot! The Bone Shard Daughter is complex tale of an empire run by constructs, which are magical creatures created and controlled by the Emperor and fueled by the bone shards and life energy of the general public. Faced with the emperor’s apathy for his people and the widespread social injustice, Lin, his daughter, tries to win his respect and approval and ascend to the throne. At the same time, Ranami, a xx, is trying to do her part in helping the destitute farmers and making her partner Phalue, the Governer’s daughter, understand their plight, while somewhere in the endless Sea, Jovis is trying to find his wife. On yet another island, Sand is unsure about what she is doing collecting mangoes on the lonely island of Maila in the first place…
As you can see, this intricately carved tale has multiple characters exploring and bringing forth many facets of the ‘Drowning Empire’. Though it medium-paced and highly character-oriented, there is not a single dull moment in the plot. The tension and intrigue built by Stewart keeps the atmosphere taut with suspense makes you constantly wanting to know more. There are good number of twists and turns, many that made me gasp in surprise! In spite of having five PoVs, the narration is crisp, lucid and confusion-free, the characters and their stories fleshed out in a detailed manner.
Lets talk about the characters (literally the make-or-break parameter for me in any high fantasy)! If you haven’t noticed yet, the diversity quotient among characters is admirable. While Lin and Jovis’ storyline had more action and adventure, the relationship between Ranami and Phalue provided a very thought-provoking insight into the inevitable effect of social class and economic background on the world-view and relationship between two people. I laud Andrea Stewart for presenting such a balanced viewpoint to the entire conflict.
While the world-building is not as extensive and detailed as one would expect from a high fantasy, the entire bone shard magic system is extensively written about and very interesting to read. There is a perfect balance of magic, mystery, suspense and emotion. Andrea’s prose does perfect justice to the stunning plot, breathing life into each scene, be it the sights and smells of a coastal village or the opulence and infinite mysteries of the Emperor’s palace.
The ending is satisfying and neatly wrapped up without any pesky loose threads, but with more than enough potential for a glorious sequel. Overall, The Bone Shard Daughter is a must-read, especially for fans of high fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance review copy of this book from the publisher (Orbit) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Before I begin, let me list down a compact list of reasons you absolutely need to read this book!
A unique magic system powered by bone shards
An established, honest and very real f/f romance
Variety of intriguing magical creatures, ranging from adorable to fatally dangerous
Powerful, bold and fiery female protagonists
Themes of revolution and justice
Now that I have gotten you interested (I hope), lets about the plot! The Bone Shard Daughter is complex tale of an empire run by constructs, which are magical creatures created and controlled by the Emperor and fueled by the bone shards and life energy of the general public. Faced with the emperor’s apathy for his people and the widespread social injustice, Lin, his daughter, tries to win his respect and approval and ascend to the throne. At the same time, Ranami, a xx, is trying to do her part in helping the destitute farmers and making her partner Phalue, the Governer’s daughter, understand their plight, while somewhere in the endless Sea, Jovis is trying to find his wife. On yet another island, Sand is unsure about what she is doing collecting mangoes on the lonely island of Maila in the first place…
As you can see, this intricately carved tale has multiple characters exploring and bringing forth many facets of the ‘Drowning Empire’. Though it medium-paced and highly character-oriented, there is not a single dull moment in the plot. The tension and intrigue built by Stewart keeps the atmosphere taut with suspense makes you constantly wanting to know more. There are good number of twists and turns, many that made me gasp in surprise! In spite of having five PoVs, the narration is crisp, lucid and confusion-free, the characters and their stories fleshed out in a detailed manner.
Lets talk about the characters (literally the make-or-break parameter for me in any high fantasy)! If you haven’t noticed yet, the diversity quotient among characters is admirable. While Lin and Jovis’ storyline had more action and adventure, the relationship between Ranami and Phalue provided a very thought-provoking insight into the inevitable effect of social class and economic background on the world-view and relationship between two people. I laud Andrea Stewart for presenting such a balanced viewpoint to the entire conflict.
While the world-building is not as extensive and detailed as one would expect from a high fantasy, the entire bone shard magic system is extensively written about and very interesting to read. There is a perfect balance of magic, mystery, suspense and emotion. Andrea’s prose does perfect justice to the stunning plot, breathing life into each scene, be it the sights and smells of a coastal village or the opulence and infinite mysteries of the Emperor’s palace.
The ending is satisfying and neatly wrapped up without any pesky loose threads, but with more than enough potential for a glorious sequel. Overall, The Bone Shard Daughter is a must-read, especially for fans of high fantasy.
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance review copy of this book from the publisher (Orbit) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.