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A review by lucybmn
Bones by K.L. Speer
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was so worried that I wouldn't like this as much as I wanted to... I've become internet friends with the author and the concept sounded so good and unique. I had also gotten my expectations quite high from following her and getting tidbits on Instagram. I was worried because of that, and because of its "romantasy" designation (by the author herself) that I'd be extremely critical and might feel disappointed.
But thankfully, I LOVED IT. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The romance was touching and believable; not too much at all. The story is so devastating but so moving. The characters are well-developed and made me feel things. 🥲 The villains weren't complete caricatures. It was also made clear that there are layers of villains and we have barely struck the surface, which I am into. And not to mention, this book tugged the shit out of my heartstrings. 😠The last bit definitely pulled my emotions every which way. And I'm here for it (but ouch 💔).
The one thing I could have used more of was some macro-worldbuilding and exposition. BUT I also understood why there was a lack of it. It was clear that the characters themselves don't actually know much about the world they're living in. And since we're in the mind of one person who is razor-focused on survival and can't spare a thought to muse about world history, it makes some sense that we didn't get much. I also have a feeling we'll learn more later.
However, the micro-worldbuilding was really good. I really got a feel for the Vault and the wilderness.
Other than that, there were some typical indie-published editing issues. But I am way less harsh on those for indie since the editing process is all DIY. I've now read two self-pub books (that I know of) and I have to say, there is something about them. It's hard to describe, but I think publishers must tend to push a pretty standard narrative structure. And both indie books I've read have just felt different, and it's so refreshing!
Well. I'm so glad that I can give my author friend a good report! Absolutely stoked for the sequel(s).
EDIT a month later: I'm slightly downgrading this to 4.25. I think the emotional turmoil of the last part of the book had me riled up and inspired the 4.5 lol. I did really love this; obviously 4.25 is still a great rating. I just can't ignore some of the repetitive writing and such.
But thankfully, I LOVED IT. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ The romance was touching and believable; not too much at all. The story is so devastating but so moving. The characters are well-developed and made me feel things. 🥲 The villains weren't complete caricatures. It was also made clear that there are layers of villains and we have barely struck the surface, which I am into. And not to mention, this book tugged the shit out of my heartstrings. 😠The last bit definitely pulled my emotions every which way. And I'm here for it (but ouch 💔).
The one thing I could have used more of was some macro-worldbuilding and exposition. BUT I also understood why there was a lack of it. It was clear that the characters themselves don't actually know much about the world they're living in. And since we're in the mind of one person who is razor-focused on survival and can't spare a thought to muse about world history, it makes some sense that we didn't get much. I also have a feeling we'll learn more later.
However, the micro-worldbuilding was really good. I really got a feel for the Vault and the wilderness.
Other than that, there were some typical indie-published editing issues. But I am way less harsh on those for indie since the editing process is all DIY. I've now read two self-pub books (that I know of) and I have to say, there is something about them. It's hard to describe, but I think publishers must tend to push a pretty standard narrative structure. And both indie books I've read have just felt different, and it's so refreshing!
Well. I'm so glad that I can give my author friend a good report! Absolutely stoked for the sequel(s).
EDIT a month later: I'm slightly downgrading this to 4.25. I think the emotional turmoil of the last part of the book had me riled up and inspired the 4.5 lol. I did really love this; obviously 4.25 is still a great rating. I just can't ignore some of the repetitive writing and such.