I’ve read plenty of YA fantasies where worlds are in danger or on the brink of war. But raising phantoms? This was something I haven’t seen and I needed to know more. The lavish cover was a bonus.

I’m not sure what my favorite part of this novel was – the wildly creative world-building, the well-drawn characters, or the whirlwind pacing – but I was completely submerged in this story from the first page.

Marcus is the heir to the kingdom of Baiseen and has difficulties controlling his phantom (which are unique to the individual), something that could prevent him from ever taking the throne. He’s sent to Aku for intense training and accompanying him are savant (people who raise phantoms) friends and his best friend and nonsavant (can’t raise phantoms), Ash. They’re on a tight timeline – if they don’t make it there before the gates close, Marcus will never take the throne. During their harrowing journey, they’re met with one life-threatening obstacle after another. I was breathless and couldn’t read the pages fast enough to find out what would happen.

The world-building is intricately developed and unique – the author did an outstanding job. Without being info-dumpy, it’s masterfully woven into the story – and there’s much to take in – but a glossary is included at the end of the book if your memory needs refreshing while reading.

This cast of characters will steal your heart with how they’re so protective of and devoted to each other. The strong friendship between Ash and Marcus was done so well, and they offer each other unconditional support. An intriguing mystery surrounds one character the group picks up along the way, and I’m anxious to learn more about him in the next book and his connection to Ash. Ash experiences some stunning revelations, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her.

Battles, magical creatures, ancient scrolls, secrets, compelling characters – I’d highly recommend Crown of Bones to fans of epic fantasy. It’s a series I’ll absolutely continue.

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book felt very epic.--there is a quest, opposition, a mystery, self discovery, etc. I enjoyed the world building. I did not feel like I was having to read tons of heavy explanation to understand this world. I was quickly immersed.

The story is told from more than one point of view and yet I had no trouble relating to the characters. I definitely enjoyed Ash and Kailyn's sections the most. I think this would make a fun audiobook if there were a full cast narrating it.

This is a coming of age novel. The characters all grow throughout this book. Fear of failure is a strong theme throughout and experienced by more than one character. I also saw themes of war and injustice and hints of man against nature.

I think if you are a fans of Fable or House of Earth and Blood or Daughter of the Pirate King, you will enjoy this novel.

Gorgeous cover and great potential! This book has a really unique magic system that I loved reading about, but the actual world building felt a little bit clumsy and it was a while before I could properly get into the book.

The characters were good, and I liked Ash in particular. However, they weren't really distinct enough that I always knew who's point of view a chapter was from without looking, which led to a bit of confusion.

A well paced fantasy adventure, I will keep an eye out for the next in the series, but overall it didn't blow me away.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Crown of Bones is one of the most unique books I’ve read this year. When I read the synopsis I thought the Phantoms were like ghosts, but I was completely wrong. It’s hard to explain but it’s kind of like a patronuse from Harry Potter but more of a badass version. You’ll just have to read the book to understand. Anyways loved the writing and the characters especially Kaylin, and okay Ash and everyone else. The only thing I didn’t like was the ending because the left it as a cliffhanger and I didn’t get the closure I wanted. I guess I’ll just have to wait to see if there is a next book which I’m sure there is. Overall though it was a good read.

In a world where only the lucky few people are gifted enough to summon phantoms (or beings they can call up to fight for them kind of like the familiars in The Golden Compass), a scribe who was raised to believe she didn’t have one embarks on her first journey and slowly starts unraveling her abilities. The story has two main plots, and has multiple points of views, but the overall main POVS are Marcus, the Heir who just got his phantom, and Ash, his best friend and scribe who was raised to believe she never had a phantom. Childhood best friends are then thrust on a journey with a few other friends and a very mysterious and dangerous but flirtatious sailor (who’s quite taken with Ash). The first plot line involves Marcus and his quest to prove himself to being the next Heir and completing training with his phantom. The second plot line involves Ash trying to understand why she can suddenly speak and control phantoms and why she has always had a voice in her head talking to her. Both of them are trying to learn to control their new abilities against the backdrop of war, assassins, and various deceptions. Also there is a side plot that isn’t really in the forefront as I think the author is teasing it for a bigger arc in the second book involving the Mar (sea people) wanting to kill Marcus & Crew, a corrupt villain named Tann who is trying to take over. Overall I did like the magic system in this book and I had fun with the plot. The pacing is a bit different and seeing as its definitely only just the beginning of the series I do look forward to how the story continues. My favorite part of the book would have to be the fun moments between Ash and Kaylin, Ash was a great protagonist and her inner voice was fun to read.

*Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder tells the story of Marcus as he strives to fill his position as Heir of Baiseen by training his warrior phantom on the sacred island of Aku. Ash, his lowly scribe joins him on the journey and together with an optimistic sailor, Kaylin and friends from their homeland, they must fight for their lives in a land crawling with enemies and an approaching war.

What a read! Battles, ancient scrolls, magical creatures and the value of friendship. There is much to love about Crown of Bones. In particular, I enjoyed reading about Ash’s character because her personality so unique as a wordsmith and scribe with a vast knowledge of exotic curses. The relationships develop well throughout the novel and the core group of characters form a tight bond with the reader so that they feel like they are a part of the team. The story is told with each chapter alternating perspectives with Marcus, Ash, Kaylin and Master Brogal. Although it was insightful to read a variety of points of view, at times it was confusing to remember who was narrating, particularly when the characters were frequently involved in dialogue with each other. The plot was pretty full on. Throughout the whole story, the characters are striving for something and there is constantly a sense of urgency towards one goal or another. This made for a captivating read but left me a little tired out and frustrated, particularly as the story ended in a climatic moment. I would definitely consider reading the next novel in the series because I really connected with the characters and I want to find out what happens to them next! (Rating: 3.5 stars)

Crown of Bones was a thrilling read for me. It boasted a unique storyline with A LOT happening, and while sometimes that can be detrimental to a story for me, this time it worked very well.

There were multiple POVs (mainly Ash and Marcus with a couple more interspersed), and I appreciated the different viewpoints.
The world-building was excellent, and the only thing that could have made me even more satisfied about it all was an actual map of the realms. A map was mentioned in the glossary at the end of the book, but I couldn't find it. As this was an ARC, that probably was the reason there wasn't one. However, I'd really have loved to have one to a better picture in my mind's eye.

I was intrigued from the beginning, and the characters went on a hell of a ride from there. Like I mentioned, there was a lot going on in this book. A few things came to light by the end, but many things were still a mystery. And you know what? I'm not even salty about it. I'm just looking forward to the next installment.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

DNF book at 35%. I think this is a case of reading a book at the wrong time. The concept of this book is an interesting idea. I really like the idea of having different phantoms which can be any sort of creature and having a bond with the person who can raise it. I really enjoyed there being different classes of Phantoms as well like warrior and healers. I was just having a really tough time getting into the story. I didn't feel any particular connection to any of the characters. Things were happening to them and I just wasn't invested in their safety or well being.
The other thing that I couldn't get into was the multiple POV. I felt like they weren't needed for most of the book that I read. I enjoy multiple points of view when the characters aren't all in basically the same place. I felt like the characters traveling together made the POV pointless in those areas.
I will definitely try to read this again in the future because I really want to like it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Though I can definitely see this book being loved by readers, this book sadly wasn’t for me. In a world where phantoms are called by the Savants, the future heir to the throne Marcus calls forth a phantom brimming with chaotic power. Ash is a non-savant, despite being the ward of the High Savant of Baiseen and living in the temple where all savants receive basic training. Together they travel to Aku, where Marcus will learn to control his phantom.

Though the prose in Crown of Bones is beautiful, I did have some issues with the first person present tense. It’s not my favourite way to tell a story, and definitely not when used in a book with multi POV’s. After a while, they all started to sound the same, which made it difficult to connect to the characters.

I also struggled with the story structure. The beginning was rather confusing, and even though I got around the magic system rather quickly, I had more trouble with the world-building throughout the story. I’m still not quite sure who the enemy is and what their motives are. The plot dragged a lot, and some important plot points referenced in the blurb were either glossed over or happened so quickly that I didn’t really understand why they were included at all.
Another part of the story that didn’t manage to convince me was the romance - though the fact that I never really made a connection with either of the characters could have played a role in it.

The magic system in this book was very unique and by far my favourite part of the book. Savants can raise and control phantoms, which have different appearances and abilities. They reminded me a little of the Daemons from The Golden Compass or familiars in other fantasy books/games.
I also really enjoyed the mythos of the Mar. They added a nice, mysterious touch to the world, and I really enjoyed learning more about them throughout the book.

In the end, I didn’t either love or hate this book. I think it definitely has the elements that will please a lot of readers, but it wasn’t the right fit for me.

This book was a fine fantasy, with a lovely magic system and a lovely writing style. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed reading about the world it was set in.

This book is for somebody, but it is not for me. I am rating it 3 stars because I did not finish the book and I really think the issues I had with it account more for taste.

Crown of Bones is set in a world where phantoms (fighting familiars) manifest for the lucky savants. Marcus is the future heir to the throne, and his phantom is chaotic and brimming with latent power. Ash is a non savant, and has lived her whole life feeling powerless.

These two, along with a small cast of side characters begin a journey to the island of Aku, where Marcus's training is set to begin, but a looming danger begins to manifest itself for the group. They begin to learn that threats internal and external exist within their kingdom- and that Ash may be more powerful than she has believed her whole life.

Crown of Bones is an extremely unique YA Fantasy in it's tonality- the prose is elegant and has the polish of an adult novel, however, the first person present tense absolutely grates on me to the point where the beautiful prose immediately loses immersion. First person present tense is easily my least favorite way to tell A story, and though I adore multi POVs it was not enough to sell it for me.

I also struggled a lot with the overall story structure. The prose is beautiful but i found it a little boring and predictable at times. I was hoping to be immersed in the characters, but this book is very world building and magic system heavy and the characters feel extremely neglected and one dimensional to me.

Crown of Bones has the prose type of older Fantasy novels like Wheel of Time or Lord of the Rings with the magic system a little closer to Shadow and Bone, so if you like those series it may be worth checking out. This is a book for people who are passionate about a well constructed world and don't mind when the characters are set to the background. There really is nothing wrong with this, but to me a good character can save a story and I didn't really get that here.

This book was such a fun adventure!

The magic system is so fun and truly unique! The phantoms are such a neat concept, and I absolutely love the world-building, too! It's very rich, and it almost feels as if you're truly on this journey with the characters.

On the note of characters, they're lovely! Ash and Marcus's friendship is such a wonderful thing!

My one complaint is the lack of character voice. We follow several POVs, but they all sound the same. Even so, I'll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out!

I give Crown of Bones four stars out of five!

Overall 4⭐

Plot--4⭐

Worldbuilding--5⭐

Characterizations--5⭐

Pacing--4⭐

Ending--4⭐

Diverse characters--0.5⭐

So this was a fun read. Didn't take too long even with the multiple points of view. Each character stood out.

Where it really shines is the magic system. Savants and non-Savants, one can summon a phantom and those who cannot. In book one the prejudice that non-Savants face is only sort of touched on.

It felt like the author wanted to but also didn't. I'd prefer a stronger opinion on it from the author instead of the occasional mention that is soon moved away from.

That's something that took away from this book for me. Big issues were solved quickly. There was always an answer and it was usually the one, that I as a reader, could see coming.

Now, all of the characters in the maiin cast are White. When the group meets a sailor he is the only non-White character in the book. Period. Even when they get to a place that accepts Savants from all over, there's no mention of anyone who doesn't look like the main cast.

One Tan character from an island is not diversity.

A fast easy read, doesn't have the most complex plot but it's still fun. A solid four.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I think the biggest drawbacks to this book were the length and the multiple POVs. It felt a little clunky and the pacing felt a little drawn out. I wish I had enjoyed this more, as the premise sounded great. The execution just fell flat.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

I can't. I just can't finish this. I was so bored and the multi point of views were killing me. The more added, the harder it became to distinguish each character. I felt very confused at times because there is no real background explanation. Things just happen and you're like wait a minute... I ended up DNF halfway through. It just wasn't for me.

I'm only rating this book 3 stars because NetGalley needs me to rate it and I won't rate a DNF book less than that on this website.

I was truly excited to read this book, since the summary was SO cool and called me immediatly. But this book wasn't for me and I'm so disappointed because of that :(

First of all, I had to check a couple of times that this was a first in a series and not a second in a series, since a lot of things weren't explained and things just *happened*. I only found out there was a glossary at the end once I skimmed through the last pages to see if there was something that would caught my attention to keep reading, and that's bad for ebook/eARC readers.

Second of all, we have at least five POVs (the ones I got to read in the first 30% and last pages, while skimming, were Ash, Marcus, the guide, the Mar and the Master) and they all sounded the same. Even when the Mar had a different format, they were all just one single indistinguishable voice.

And the last thing that bore me to death were the kind of plot twists that were kind of obvious for me since the first 10% of the book.

I liked the magic system, though, and I think this is a book really enjoyable for a lot of people. Don't hesitate to try and read it!

4/5 stars
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ash is a non-savant. She can’t raise a phantom. She is a practiced wordsmith, but there’s a lot more to her than that, secrets that even she is unaware of. Marcus is the Heir to the throne of his kingdom, plus he raises a powerful warrior savant. Now, he just has to learn to control it. Along with a few others, they travel to the island of Aku for Marcus’s training. The journey there is harrowing, and the travelers learn that there is a very intense danger to them and to the kingdom. And Ash might be the key to saving them all.
The magic system in this book is so cool and unique! Savants are those who can raise and control phantoms. The phantoms themselves have different appearances and abilities. In some ways, it reminds me of the Persona video games. This book has multiple POVs, mostly focusing on Ash and Marcus. Ash is rather amusing, and I was fascinated at monitoring Marcus’s progress with his phantom throughout the story. There are still a lot of secrets yet to be explained by the end of the book, but I’m looking forward to the next one! The only reasons it got a 4 instead of a 5 were that I had a hard time connecting to the characters and sometimes I felt lost in the world-building. However, the whole story is thrilling, and I can’t help but be drawn in by the magic system! I would definitely recommend reading this!

First I want to say that I recieved this Advanced Readers Copy from Netgalley, which I'm very thankful for, and I read this voluntarily and my review is definitely my own thoughts on this great read. Now, let's first talk about this beautiful cover! This drew me in and is a great representation of the vibe of this story. I was immediately immersed in Wilder's world with the explosive beginning and it did not stop there. The story only became more exciting particularly because it was full of twists and turns that were completely unexpected. I also love this magic system, it is incredibly unique and has a very visual allure. The whole idea of calling a phantom that can take any shape with vivid colours was so amazing to read about. I highly suggest this and I must say, I want MORE!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Not every book is going to be for every reader. A book can be perfectly fine and you still might not enjoy it. For me, Crown of Bones falls into that camp.

I am a character reader. That's not to say I don't enjoy exploring unique worlds, plots, and themes, but I like fantasy worlds where we watch how the world influences the characters a lot more than stories where we watch how the characters influence the world. Crown of Bones has a crazy unique magic system and world building, but we're thrown into the middle of it all before getting a chance to connect to either of our 2 main perspective characters and because of that, everything fell a little flat to me.

Crown of Bones has a really unique world and magic system at its core and I'm sure it'll find it's fan base, it just wasn't the right fit for me.

A compelling read with a completely different magic system than any I have read before. Raising spirits that fight for you in such a way that they are phantoms. It's imaginative. I enjoyed the main plot and the fact that we get to go inside more than one characters head.
It had a ton of world building and I think some of it slipped by me.
Overall I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a different kind of fantasy read.