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A review by monalyisha
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Marra, who is not-quite-a-nun and barely a princess, learns that her eldest sister was killed by her husband, the prince. Her middle sister is now married to the same man, crowned king. She stays pregnant on the chance that he’ll refrain from beating her — or at least hold back a little. Marra vows to save her sister, loosening the political noose around her neck, by killing the monster. She assembles a band of not-so-merry, magical misfits to aid her in her quest.
This was my first T. Kingfisher. It won’t be my last. Two words: “tooth. dancer.” That fantastically discomfiting imagery won’t soon be forgotten. Amara Jasper’s audiobook narration is pretty fab, too (with the exception of the way she pronounces, “Eh?”).
At first, I griped about repetition & Marra’s immaturity but any complaints were soon quelched (though I could’ve done without the “cursed child” character; evil puppets have never really done it for me). Soon enough, I yielded to total immersion in the story.
While not shying away from darkness, the tale somehow maintains a cozy vibe. And, as an added perk, the words Kingfisher chooses to end with are perfect. She leaves the story open to the possibility of further development while still providing a satisfying resolution.
This was my first T. Kingfisher. It won’t be my last. Two words: “tooth. dancer.” That fantastically discomfiting imagery won’t soon be forgotten. Amara Jasper’s audiobook narration is pretty fab, too (with the exception of the way she pronounces, “Eh?”).
At first, I griped about repetition & Marra’s immaturity but any complaints were soon quelched (though I could’ve done without the “cursed child” character; evil puppets have never really done it for me). Soon enough, I yielded to total immersion in the story.
While not shying away from darkness, the tale somehow maintains a cozy vibe. And, as an added perk, the words Kingfisher chooses to end with are perfect. She leaves the story open to the possibility of further development while still providing a satisfying resolution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Murder
Minor: Dementia, Cannibalism