Review: Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

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Title: Silver in the Bone

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, Random House Children’s

Published: April 4, 2023

Pages: 480

Format: e-arc, via Netgalley

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Goodreads Blurb

“#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. . . .”

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My Review

I was lucky enough to buddy-read this with Dini and Julie. I always love when we receive the same arcs and can discuss our thoughts as we go. There were a lot of thoughts on this one!

This is a retelling of King Arthur and the legends that go with him. I felt like it was a very unique take on it and really enjoyed it. Sometimes it can feel like the retelling doesn’t have much imagination and that’s not the case here. I think that Bracken chose a very cool aspect to run with. With that being said, there were a lot of issues with world-building. From the very beginning, we get thrown into this magical world with no explanations. It made it difficult to follow along so I started to just ignore my questions/concerns. There are many instances that we were confused or had to see if the other person found any clarity. It makes the pacing of the book slow down a bit too.

Although, there are a ton of issues with the world-building the characters and their relationships are amazing. They really make this book and it becomes hard to stop reading. There’s one gripe that I have with the MC, Tamsin, and it’s that she is so cynical. She’s extremely rude to everyone around her. While I understand that it’s a coping mechanism, it’s hard to keep reading repeatedly. I felt bad for all those around her and she didn’t seem to care. She took it on as a personality trait like it was a valid piece of armor. I did love the relationship she had with her brother, Cabell. They are against the world and there’s nothing like your found family. Emry is Tamsin’s love interest and he’s my favorite thing about this book! He brings a lot of humor and really starts to bring Tamsin out of her shell. There’s a lot going on with him that I would love to dive into more. Mabe a novella or something because there’s so much there we don’t get experience.

The supporting characters in this book really make a huge impact too. Since you don’t really know what is going on and who is the “bad guy” you question everyone. Throughout the book, you really start to fall for them and really hope it’s not them.

Overall, the characters and relationships saved this book. The world-building, pacing, and all the unanswered questions, in the end, leave you wanting more. I’m still planning on reading the second book because I need to know what happens.

Many thanks to Knopf Books for Young Readers & Netgalley for an arc to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!