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A review by bookphenomena_micky
Castles in their Bones by Laura Sebastian
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Headlines:
Three princesses separated but working together
Nothing is as it seems
Control, subversiveness and stardust
Castles In Their Bones was a really interesting world and concept, I have lots of positive things to say about this book and reading experience. It started very strong and it was incredibly easy to get my teeth into.
This story is orientated around three star-born triplet princesses coming into adulthood and off to marry Kings and princes in other lands as agreed at their birth. What was engaging about this story was how Beatriz, Sophronia and Daphne were raised, to be tools and to be strategic. Their mother was not nurturing.
There was a background magic system orientated towards the stars, the ability to draw dust from the stars and it's uses. It wasn't overtly prominent but it was a convenient plot device. The characters these sisters met and crafted relationships with in their new lands were interesting. I must say it was hard sometimes to keep track with the three new lands and their characters in tandem. In general, the narrative was orientated around the three sisters' POVs.
I enjoyed this read but it didn't wow me, I'd definitely like to see where it goes in the next book thanks to a twisty ending and a late shock plot turn. It felt a little long to read and it lost pace a little for my taste, but that could have just been me. I think this read will appeal to those lovers of YA fantasy with royal context.
Thank you to Hodder Books for the early review copy.
Three princesses separated but working together
Nothing is as it seems
Control, subversiveness and stardust
Castles In Their Bones was a really interesting world and concept, I have lots of positive things to say about this book and reading experience. It started very strong and it was incredibly easy to get my teeth into.
This story is orientated around three star-born triplet princesses coming into adulthood and off to marry Kings and princes in other lands as agreed at their birth. What was engaging about this story was how Beatriz, Sophronia and Daphne were raised, to be tools and to be strategic. Their mother was not nurturing.
There was a background magic system orientated towards the stars, the ability to draw dust from the stars and it's uses. It wasn't overtly prominent but it was a convenient plot device. The characters these sisters met and crafted relationships with in their new lands were interesting. I must say it was hard sometimes to keep track with the three new lands and their characters in tandem. In general, the narrative was orientated around the three sisters' POVs.
I enjoyed this read but it didn't wow me, I'd definitely like to see where it goes in the next book thanks to a twisty ending and a late shock plot turn. It felt a little long to read and it lost pace a little for my taste, but that could have just been me. I think this read will appeal to those lovers of YA fantasy with royal context.
Thank you to Hodder Books for the early review copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child death