A review by isabeltavares
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart

5.0

This arc was provided by Orbit, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4.5

Emahla, for you. I would drink a thousand lies just to see your face again.


If I had to give a short review, I'd follow Mephi's example and say it's "a very good." Now you may be thinking, "Isabel, what is a Mephi?" and to that, I say: read the book. You won't regret it!

The Bone Shard Daughter is the first installment to a new fantasy trilogy and it was incredible. It follows five different characters in a world composed of various islands under the rule of the Emperor, who has bone shard magic.

Bone shard magic consists of taking out a shard of someone's skull and using it to create constructs to do your bidding. However, as the shard powers the construct it drains the life of the shard's owner. And, to have sufficient shards to use, it takes place yearly the Tithing Festival where the shards are taken from a child as soon as they turn 8. And the Emperor requires many since he is distrustful of people, so his armies and advisors are all constructs.

Needless to say, the magic system completely fascinates me and is unlike any I have ever read. There is so much inventiveness in the system, the world, and how everything works, I have no doubt Stewart will become a favorite author of mine.

Even though there are 5 different POVs, I never felt bored by them. I was always looking forward to the next chapter, the next perspective since many things are going on. The characters are well crafted, I never had an issue distinguishing their voices and their motivations. Truthfully, it was refreshing to read a novel where I was captivated by everyone and I was eager to flip the pages.

I do wish that Ranami and Phalue had received more of a spotlight but it's a minor critic from me. Overall, I am smitten by this book and I will never shut up about it. Though I do admit that Mephi stole my heart. I want to adopt him so badly!

Do you love fantasy? Do you love intriguing stories, with secrets laced between each paragraph? Compelling characters? The Bone Shard Daughter is the right pick for you.