Book Info:

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Publishing Date: April 4, 2023

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

Tamsin Lark didn’t ask to be a Hollower. As a mortal with no magical talent, she was never meant to break into ancient crypts, or compete with sorceresses and Cunningfolk for the treasures inside. But after her thieving foster father disappeared without so much as a goodbye, it was the only way to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive.

Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. A run-in with her rival Emrys ignites Tamsin’s hope that the ring could free Cabell from a curse that threatens both of them. But they aren’t the only ones who covet the ring.

As word spreads, greedy Hollowers start circling, and many would kill to have it for themselves. While Emrys is the last person Tamsin would choose to partner with, she needs all the help she can get to edge out her competitors in the race for the ring. Together, they dive headfirst into a vipers’ nest of dark magic, exposing a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts of the past and shatter her last hope of saving her brother. . . .

Content Warning: foster family dynamic, childhood abuse, mention of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and gore/blood

My Review: 4 stars

I’m intrigued by anything related to Camelot, and when I saw this book was inspired by Arthurian legend and written by Bracken (I’ve read several of her other books) I knew I wanted to read it.

Tamsin didn’t start out as a likeable character. I wasn’t even sure we were going to get along. Yes, she’s suffered losses in her life, is overprotective of her brother, and understandably has strong abandonment issues considering her history. I think it came down to the way she puts up a barrier between herself and everyone else that rubbed me the wrong way. She says hurtful things to others before they can wound her first – which stems from everything she’s experienced in her life. Along the course of the story she undergoes changes which make her more palatable and a little less prickly, but I still preferred a couple of supporting characters over her.

The description hints at an enemies to lovers trope between Tamsin and Emrys. He loves a good game, puts up with Tamsin’s moodiness, and is brave, kind, and knowledgeable about plants – but he’s also dealing with more than it seems on the surface. Tamsin’s brother Cabell (there’s a lot to unpack there) and sorceress Neve are also strong supporting characters.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once the characters arrive at Avalon pacing really picks up. The world-building is complex and a little overwhelming at first, but the author does a good job at weaving explanations into the plot as reminders. And that ending – wow. So. Much. Happens. Twists, betrayals, heavy guilt – readers will be clamoring for the next book. I know I am.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031346-silver-in-the-bone

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Bone-Alexandra-Bracken/dp/0593481658

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-in-the-bone-alexandra-bracken/1142035912

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Silver-Bone-Alexandra-Bracken/9780593481653

Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/silver-in-the-bone/9780593481653-item.html

IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/silver-in-the-bone-alexandra-bracken/18774237

About the Author:

Alexandra Bracken was born in Phoenix, Arizona. The daughter of a Star Wars collector, she grew up going to an endless string of Star Wars conventions and toy fairs, which helped spark her imagination and a deep love of reading. After graduating high school, she attended The College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she double majored in English and History. She sold her first book, Brightly Woven, as a senior in college, and later moved to New York City to work in children’s book publishing, first as an editorial assistant, then in marketing. After six years, she took the plunge and decided to write full time. She now lives in Arizona with her tiny pup, Tennyson, in a house that’s constantly overflowing with books. 

Alex is a #1 New York Times bestselling and USA TODAY bestselling author. Her work is available across the world in over 15 languages. 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.alexandrabracken.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexbracken

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbracken/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2973783.Alexandra_Bracken

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlexandraBracken/

Tour Schedule:

https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2023/02/22/tour-schedule-silver-in-the-bone-by-alexandra-bracken/