DNF at 10%

I took too long to get to the arc, did not have access to it anymore and decided to go for the audiobook. Listened to the first 2-3 chapters but honestly was not feeling the quality of the audiobook and the premise of the book does not interest me enough to power through that.

This is what I assume to be the start of a new science fiction series that is marketed as 'adult sci-fi'. If it wasn't for the one f-bomb mid-way through I would have thought this was marketed for YA or younger. The story had potential, but I don't think it really got there, and I don't think the writing is as strong as it should be for an adult-aimed novel.

That being said, I would give the next book a chance to see how the author improves the story line and where the characters go from the end of this book.

I received a copy of METALBONES through NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

METALBONES is told between three different POVs: Leo, Gaerth, and Tank. Leo is sent to bring his brother Gaerth to another planet because he has Steel Bones, a contagious disease that slowly turns the body into metal. But the other planet, which claims the ability to heal the disease isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Tank has been training to win the yearly competition (similar to Hunger Games but much much smaller). But the person in charge turns out to be more conniving than philanthropic.

The way the stories go Leo/Gaerth and Tank are woven together is really good. With them on opposites sides of an interplanetary war, the reader is shown both perspectives so they can make their own decisions on who to root for.

I really enjoyed this book. The concept was interesting and the characters had powerful motivation influencing their decisions. The story was fast-paced with no dull moments. The only “slow” parts were really sweet and important.

My only complaint is the ex-machina feel of some of the events leading to unbelievable reactions. It caused me to stutter while reading, which I can’t stand. I think that if those set-ups had more foreshadowing or fixation on a lingering frustration this book would be high in my recommended list for spacy sci-fi. Sadly, even though it was great, I wish the plot points were bumped up in quality just a bit.

Metal Bones was written by a debut author. She has created an entire galaxy with "good" and "evil" sides in a war for possession and power.

The author has done a good job of demonstrating that the definition of which side is "good" depends on who is doing the talking and who is listening.

The title "METAL BONES" comes from a disease that affects many people. It is called "Steel Elbow" and causes the infected person's bones and sinew to turn to metal and wires.

On Earth we see prejudices arise when people discover that someone has the disease. That person is ostracized and sent to another planet from which they are never able to return.

There are several races of characters and several subplots happening throughout this first book in a series.

I am rating this book as 3 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐ for the following reasons:

Upon reaching the end of METAL BONES there are many questions left unanswered. I realize that the ending is supposed to be a cliffhanger, but the motivations for the character's actions are thin at best. If this is to be rectified in the next book in the series, that is terrific. However I think some readers will not be willing to pay for a second book without this book being fleshed out better.

I do think that this brand new author has potential. She just needs a professional editor to point out plot points that need more details.

I wish the author all the best and wish to thank her and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book.