Alexandra Bracken

I have read a majority of Alexandra Bracken's works and have yet to be disappointed. I am truly able to immerse myself in every one of the author's works, as the vocabulary and style always feel as though they fit the setting so well. I honestly don't know how one person can bring to life so many different worlds, in so many different styles, but every time feels as fresh and engaging as the last, and this is no exception. I have been so excited for this one, and even being such a huge show more Bracken fan, it exceeded my expectations.

This book is set in a Regency-style society, where descendants of the fairy are ostracised, even jailed, if they are part of the wrong class. We have danger, death, murder attempts, and schemes. The characters are on a timeline, and you can feel that urgency in the pacing of the book (IMO), with them racing against the clock and against those who wish to best them. What starts as a reluctant alliance turns into a beautiful love story. I enjoyed the yearning and slow burn of their relationship, and the MMC is definitely a swoon-worthy love interest. I love how Viola finds herself with a found family that actually seems perfectly suited for her, each with their own backgrounds that complement one another so well. In fact, all the characters had so much depth, and the worldbuilding, in general, was wonderful. There were twists I didn't see coming, and I enjoyed reading this book so much.

At first, I wasn't aware this was going to be a duology, so finding out there will be more was such a treat, especially after that ending!

I am thankful to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book and have voluntarily left a fair and honest review. show less

I'm a sucker for a mythology retelling, I have a definite bias towards them. That being said, all bias aside, this book was incredible. It took Greek mythology and turned it into something that I don't think I've ever read before. The world building that took place inside a location I'm already familiar with was expert. The characters were easy to get to know and care for (or in MANY cases, hate). I loved that there was a lot of grey in the book, rather than just simple black and white good show more and evil. Although, there was a lot of obvious bad. show less

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken snuck up on me. It is one of those novels I didn’t know I was enjoying until something big happened. When it did, I was SO upset, and I knew Ms. Bracken got me. I love when that happens, don’t you?

I didn’t think I was enjoying Silver in the Bone because it lags in the middle. There is a big rush to get to a specific place, which is exciting and interesting. Then, the story drags as Tamsin learns everything there is to know about this place and show more the people who live there. However, the last third of the book makes up for the slowness, and the ending has more than a few shocks to make you scream.

What I love about Silver in the Bone is this new world of magic. It is unlike anything I’ve read before, with its magical community, Sorceresses, fae, monsters, curses, and legends that are real. Ms. Bracken adds edges of reality to her world by using genuine locations across England and touches on legends we all know, namely King Arthur and Camelot. The lengths Tamsin goes to not just survive but thrive in this world only increases my interest.

I also love Tamsin herself. We know she is fierce because she is one of the topic relic hunters in this magical world. We also know she is capable because she survives independently, caring and providing for her brother when their foster father leaves them one night. What we don’t know but learn about her is how alone she is. We see the barriers she erects over her heart to prevent herself from feeling too much, but there is an emotional fragility to her all the same. It breaks your heart to see but invests you in her fate that much more.

Then there is Emrys. It is evident from the moment we meet him that Tamsin’s perception of him is inaccurate. There is an entire story behind his behavior and actions, more than what Tamsin assumes about his lineage. Like with Tamsin, we get glimpses of the truth, and Emrys becomes a much more interesting character as a result. Then, Ms. Bracken does something with his character that still upsets me. There better be a damn good explanation for it, Ms. Bracken!

In the end, it turns out I loved Silver in the Bone. Despite the slow pacing at times, I loved it so much that it would have been a five-star review if it weren’t for what happened with Emrys; it loses a half-star just because I’m still pissed about it. Tamsin’s world is dark and dangerous, something I always appreciate and love, and Tamsin is one hell of a scrappy fighter. The ending leaves plenty of unanswered questions and a surprising plot twist I never saw coming. I can’t wait to read what happens next! show less

“Sometimes I envy your memory, because it’s a place where nothing dies.” — Cabell

SYNOPSIS: Abandoned by their only guardian at a tender age, Tasmin and her younger brother grow up in an alternate universe where magic exists, but only a selective few have the "One Sight" to see it. Like their guardian, many of whom belong to treasure hunting guilds that risk life and limb to seek out expensive relics left by dead sorceresses.

Except Tasmin herself doesn't possess One Sight, and her show more genius brother Cabell is cursed to lose himself to the beast that lives within him. They struggle to survive until Tasmin stumbles upon her rival Emrys Dye, charming heir to a huge family fortune, in the midst of negotiations for a big job. Even better, his target is a magical ring that might just be able to break the curse on her brother.

To search for the ring, Tasmin and Cabell must team up with Emrys and a fledging sorceress before travelling to Avalon. But upon arriving, they discover that the beautiful land in the stories told by Tasmin's guardian had changed drastically, and only cursed ruins was left in its place...

Sibling dynamics, found family, rivals-to-lovers, and Arthurian lore! What a stunning contemporary fantasy!

I need the sequel, like yesterday. Warning all of you now, but it ends on a cliffhanger that is absolutely killing me! Almost everything about Silver in the Bone is heart-wrenching, to the point where I would have to brace myself every time something good happens, because I just knew the other shoe was going to drop soon. I loved how much each character grew, but most importantly, I loved how Tasmin found the strength to latch onto her new family even after suffering so much loss. The sisterhood in Silver in the Bone is so realistic and beautiful! While the story began with Tasmin being closed-off, distrustful, and unwilling to believe in the good of things, she later found it in herself to face some of her inner demons and come out on top.

As for the romance, I would actually peg Silver in the Bone as more of a fantasy with a romance subplot, but Tasmin's relationship with Emrys was done very well. Their banter had been entertaining the moment we were introduced to him, and I especially loved the gradual progression of their relationship. Tasmin's realization that Emrys was more than just an arrogant playboy with a silver spoon in his mouth, and the way she slowly opened up to him was chef's kiss! But of course, Alexandra Bracken threw in a plot twist in their relationship as well, so I am absolutely VIBRATING to see how it resolves in the sequel! show less