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A review by samandthebookstack
The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Listen, I was not prepared for this book. I had heard that it was a good read, but I did not anticipate that it would be so good that I stayed up until 3 AM reading only to become incredibly frustrated because I was too tired to keep going and I desperately needed to finish this book.
First, the writing. This is well written to the point that it brought me unbridled joy. I am not a person who can "see" a book playing out in my mind's eye as I read. Instead I need immersive description that isn't necessarily repetitive, but is crystal clear. There was no annoying repetition of descriptions, just beautifully written prose that showed when appropriate and told when appropriate. I was never bored even in the quieter parts of the story and that is saying something because with fantasy like this, there is almost always an inevitable lull to the story. Here, it wasn't action every chapter, but each chapter had purpose and the multiple points of view worked so incredibly well that I have zero notes.
Second, the characters. Silla is equal parts sunshine and badass. I loved watching her growth. If you like your FMC's interesting, realistic, and as soft as they are blade-edged...Silla is your gal. I loved every point of view of the story. Instead of feeling overwhelming, each character had a unique voice that brought something necessary to the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I only partly saw one character's arc coming and I am hoping for a satisfying resolution in book 2 (they know what they did).
Third, the romance. If I say too much, I'll inadvertently drop spoilers...so instead, I'll say this: this book is the perfect balance of a romance blended into what I can only describe as high fantasy.
I need book 2 in my hands right now. I slept on this when it was indie published and I am now deep in the throes of regret.
*Please be sure to mind the trigger warnings, this story has some very dark elements. The author has a list on their website, I am copying them here from her website directly:
Domestic violence (discussed, some emotional abuse) | addiction (strong themes; includes withdrawal experience) | religious persecution |execution by stoning | blood letting | violence & gore | graphic sex | sexual assault (implied, attempted) | agoraphobia & social anxiety | captivity | mental health problems (psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings) | kidnapping | forced drugging
THANK YOU NetGalley, Random House/Delacorte Press, and Demi Winters for sharing an e-arc of the soon to be republished version of this story.
First, the writing. This is well written to the point that it brought me unbridled joy. I am not a person who can "see" a book playing out in my mind's eye as I read. Instead I need immersive description that isn't necessarily repetitive, but is crystal clear. There was no annoying repetition of descriptions, just beautifully written prose that showed when appropriate and told when appropriate. I was never bored even in the quieter parts of the story and that is saying something because with fantasy like this, there is almost always an inevitable lull to the story. Here, it wasn't action every chapter, but each chapter had purpose and the multiple points of view worked so incredibly well that I have zero notes.
Second, the characters. Silla is equal parts sunshine and badass. I loved watching her growth. If you like your FMC's interesting, realistic, and as soft as they are blade-edged...Silla is your gal. I loved every point of view of the story. Instead of feeling overwhelming, each character had a unique voice that brought something necessary to the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that I only partly saw one character's arc coming and I am hoping for a satisfying resolution in book 2 (they know what they did).
Third, the romance. If I say too much, I'll inadvertently drop spoilers...so instead, I'll say this: this book is the perfect balance of a romance blended into what I can only describe as high fantasy.
I need book 2 in my hands right now. I slept on this when it was indie published and I am now deep in the throes of regret.
*Please be sure to mind the trigger warnings, this story has some very dark elements. The author has a list on their website, I am copying them here from her website directly:
Domestic violence (discussed, some emotional abuse) | addiction (strong themes; includes withdrawal experience) | religious persecution |execution by stoning | blood letting | violence & gore | graphic sex | sexual assault (implied, attempted) | agoraphobia & social anxiety | captivity | mental health problems (psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings) | kidnapping | forced drugging
THANK YOU NetGalley, Random House/Delacorte Press, and Demi Winters for sharing an e-arc of the soon to be republished version of this story.