I’m so excited to be part of the TBR & Beyond tour for this book. Find the full tour schedule here.
About the book
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
Book Review
A unique take on Arthurian legend.
Tamsin and Cabell are found siblings, making a living stealing magical objects for sorceresses after their guardian disappeared. Cabell struggles under a curse, and Tamsin becomes obsessed with an object she thinks may be able to break it: a ring from Arthurian legend.
Tamsin and Cabell find themselves part of a misfit expedition along with Neve, a sorceress who isn’t sure how to use her power, and Emrys, a rich guild member who Tamsin loves to call Trust Fund. Together, they find a way to another world, Avalon, straight from Arthurian legend. But things take a dark turn when they find Avalon under a curse. In the end, the characters are conflicted between saving Avalon and themselves.
Neve was my absolute favorite character. As a naive, loveable, nerdy sorceress who’s out of her depth yet constantly saving the day, she breaks through the other character’s walls through her pure goodness. She refuses to let them stay mopey and distant. Emrys was interesting as a love interest for Tamsin, though it takes her a while to realize he’s interested. Tamsin’s intense love for Cabell and willingness to do anything to save him made her a heroine to root for.
The ending packs a punch and left me wondering what direction the author would take the sequel.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and TBR & Beyond Tours for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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.
Need more to read? Find all of my young adult recommendations here.
