A review by norsletters
Near the Bone by Christina Henry

dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

This book, although having some beautiful description, was extremely disappointing. The characters are cardboard cutouts that don’t evoke any sort of attachment. The main character, of course, I did feel some sort of guilt and pity for her, but generally she wasn’t a likeable character. The only character I felt some sort of connection to was killed off. The plot is extremely pedestrian and almost predictable but not in a satisfactory sort of way. It’s really sad because I had so much excitement for this story but overall it was just disappointing. It was as if the author was trying to throw as many triggering scenes into the text as possible. I’m not necessarily affected by triggering content, if they add to the story, but this was just poorly written. Although it was a key element of the story, it just wasn’t delivered in a way that redeemed the story. 

Don’t get me wrong. The author definitely can write, and has a beautiful writing style, but this story was just . . . disappointing. 
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