Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian
Genre: YA Fantasy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The sheer size of this book had intimidated me for years, but I was always really intrigued and am very glad that I finally pulled the trigger on reading it. There was a LOT going on here with so much scheming, plotting and double-crossing, but what I found interesting was how the events built up slowly which meant that by the end it takes you by surprise to find out just how much had happened. The whole time we aren’t sure which direction each sisters path will take them and whether they will follow what their mother has set out for them or forge their own way forward. I loved each of their story-lines and the way the different POV’s were structured. I appreciated how each one had a distinct voice and I felt like I was able to get to know them each individually in the midst of the intricate plot.
I am a bit disappointed that this wasn’t a standalone as the length and slow-burn plot gave it a series-like feel within itself but that ending was still shocking. Of course I expected some sort of climax but nothing like that and I have to admit it sets up future books nicely. I am interested to see how the sisters will rescue the broken pieces of their unique worlds and whether they will retain the strength needed to do right by their people off the back of fresh betrayals and revelations!
Genre: YA Dystopian
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book blew me away! My tiny brain couldn’t fully comprehend half of what was going down but I was here for all of it. The stakes were ridiculously high and, just like in the first book, the author nailed the emotions. What I love about this duology is how mature the characters are, with this book going in depth to explore how suffering has shaped and strengthened them. Sadly their hardships are far from over here and we have a whole other storm of challenges that Orion and Dram have to walk through, but their relationship is so beautiful and definitely adds to the maturity I mentioned earlier. Both are so strong individually but also truly value the strength that they find in each other. I was worried that events in the book would separate them for a longer period of time but was very happy that we get to see a lot of them together.
I wasn’t sure I would be able to remember what was going on at the start since it’s been about a year since I read the first book, and it did take me a minute to get immersed back in the world, but once I found my feet I couldn’t put this down. It’s an epically scary and messed up world, but epic all the same and I loved it. The author built up such an insane finale and these characters had to go through some serious fire to come out the other side, but I feel weirdly proud of how much they accomplished! I can’t believe it’s all over now as reading this felt like a fever dream, but I am just incredibly happy that these books exist. Orion is such an inspiration to me and her story is one that I will treasure for many years to come.
Happy Reading š
View all my reviews
The Art of Reading 