The Bone Doll's Twin (2001)

Consider this to be a review of the three book series, as each book is fantastic, stands on its own, and seriously builds both world and story. Some really grim stuff in here, but absolutely worth every word. ( )

This was a very dark book. I read it some years ago and never read the sequels. It was very well written and I liked it alot-but it was dark and somewhat disturbing ( )

Flewelling is a great writer, and her Nightrunner series is among my favorites of fantasy series.
However, great writing aside, I just didn't love this novel.
The story wasn't bad, and is in fact, very unique which is always a major plus in a genre riddled with so much of the same.
My biggest issue with the book was that there just wasn't enough that happened. The opening moments started off strong, and seemed to build quickly, drawing me in. Then, the momentum ended and for the entirety of the rest of the book, save the final 2 chapters, nothing really happened.
The strength of this of course, is that presumably the author would be able to really dive in and flesh out the characters so much more, yet, beyond Tobin and Ki, I didn't feel that really happened. I wanted to learn so much more about Iya, Arkoniel and Tharin, and despite them being prominent throughout, they felt a little flat, and underdeveloped. There were so many chapters for Tobin, and hardly any for Iya and Arkoniel as they traveled, which felt like such a miss for me.
The other aspect of the story that I didn't feel right about was why Tobin was left so alone during his development knowing the huge fate and task he had ahead of him. It made no sense to me why the wizard's would do what they did, and then just abandon the whole thing. Without giving any spoilers, this aspect of the story simply didn't add up to me.
As mentioned, I do love Flewelling's writing, and that helped to save the story in some manner, and keep me invested.
This wasn't a bad novel by any means, just not a great one. There was enough in the pages and story to make interested in where it goes, and make me want to continue reading the series. My only hope is that now that some things have unfolded, there will be much more in the way of story progression. ( )

Leisurely paced story of the childhood of the rightful heir to the throne of Skala which by divine decree was ruled by queens until the heir uncle usurped the throne. Spelled by blood magic requiring the death of her twin brother to change her form to his, Tobin grows up isolated and surrounded by secrets.
The author does a decent job of making the material hers, but spends lots of time on tropes not new enough or rich enough to bear the weight gracefully. A better story for someone who hasn't spent 60 years reading about lost or hidden heirs and cross gender disguises simple and magical. ( )

Excellent, compelling story. Complex characters. Surprised me in several places, and I bought the second book of the series before I'd even stood up from finishing the first. ( )