A haunting fantasy following Toma, adopted daughter of the benevolent undead, making her way across a civil war-torn continent to save her younger sister as she discovers she might possess magical powers herself.
The Kosa empire roils in tension, on the verge of being torn apart by a proletarian revolution between magic-endowed elites and the superstitious lower class, but seventeen-year-old Toma lives blissfully disconnected from the conflict in the empire with her adoptive family of benevolent undead.
When she meets Vanya, a charming commoner branded as a witch by his own neighbors, and the dethroned Tsar Mikhail himself, the unlikely trio bonds over trying to restore Mikhail’s magic and protect the empire from the revolutionary leader, Koschei, whose forces have stolen the castle. Vanya has his magic, and Mikhail has his title, but if Toma can’t dig deep and find her power in time, all of their lives will be at Koschei’s mercy.
I think I’ve read all of this author’s books, and I can always count on incredible world-building. His previous novel, The City Beautiful, is set in Chicago during the World’s Fair and features a Jewish main character possessed by a dybbuk. The setting of Bone Weaver is very similar to Imperial Russia, and its monsters come from Slavic folklore.
Toma remembers little from her early life, other than her mother’s death after telling her to run. She does know they were running from someone, and it was extremely important that she not lose her mother’s rushnyk (an embroidered tapestry), which seems to have some magical properties. Fortunately, Toma was taken in by a family of upyri (undead, but they’re nice). When her six-year-old upyri sister (her age when she died) is captured by soldiers, Toma travels across a war-ravaged continent to find her. Along the way she teams up with Vanya, who possesses magical powers, and Mikhail, the dethroned tsar whose magic was stolen. It’s an adjustment for Toma as her home is very secluded, and she hasn’t lived among humans for many years.
Vanya is a prankster at times, but he’s also outraged at how commoners are treated. Those who possess magic are branded as witches and killed since magic should only belong to the elite. While trying to regain his throne, Mikhail has the rare opportunity to experience the reality of what’s going on in his country and vows to change things. With very different personalities, Mikhail and Vanya tend to clash at times, and I especially enjoyed their banter.
Soldiers aren’t their only threat. These three encounter dangerous creatures at nearly every turn and have to fight for their lives more than once. Learning about Slavic folklore was both enthralling and horrifying. Once a person is killed in this world, there’s a chance they may return as upyri. To prevent that, they’re dismembered, their body parts scattered, and their mouths filled with dirt and moss. Not all upyri are like Toma’s family – some are prone to feasting on flesh.
This story deals with difficult topics of war and religious and cultural persecution. But it also features strong found family vibes, friendships, and discovering where you belong. This is a quote from the book that struck a chord with me. “And wherever you go from here, always remember – all that you love will return to you.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Sounds like some heavy themes were addressed. And based on your review, handled well. I’m always intrigued when a reviewer mentions the world-building being strong. Makes me feel like I’ll be transported somewhere. (And isn’t that the point of a book?) Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Teri.
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Exactly, Staci! And I felt like I was battling these creatures side by side with the characters.
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Bone Weaver sounds good, with deep themes, too. I enjoyed your review, Teri!
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Thanks, Priscilla! Aden’s books are always so immersive, and I feel like I come away from them learning more about other cultures and their folklore.
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How have I not read anything by this author? This story sounds amazing. Excellent review!
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If you enjoy a historical fiction/fantasy/ supernatural blend, you’ll love his books, Tessa. I also have an ARC of his first MG book.
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Really want to read this!
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It released last week, Caro – hope you add it to your TBR!
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My library has it so I’ve put a hold on it (hope it comes soon!)
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Good world building is very important to me as a reader, Teri. This one sounds very atmospheric too. Thanks for your mindful review. Hugs on the wing.
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You nailed it, my friend. While reading it I’d look up from the book and wonder why I wasn’t journeying through a war-ravaged country battling magical creatures, lol.
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This sounds like another great fantasy book, Teri. I am nearly finished Diana Peach’s The Necromancers Daughter. Her books have made me more interested in fantasy which was never a go to genre for me.
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Maybe we’ve converted you, Robbie!
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Thank you for sharing your review, Teri.
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Sounds like an intense book. I love that quote ““And wherever you go from here, always remember – all that you love will return to you.”
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Right? That quote resonated with me for some reason, Wendy. It’s a lovely one.
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this one, Teri. It sounds like an intense read!
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I felt like I could have been eaten along with those characters at any moment, Jan, lol.
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I always love theme of belongingness in books. I haven’t read any by author but definitely adding this on wish list.
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I think you’d really enjoy his books, Yesha. I’m excited to read his first MG book – also have an ARC of that one.
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