The Bone Way was one of my most anticipated releases of 2021, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed by it. This objectively sucks, because it’s not actually a bad book. In fact, it’s really sweet, and if I were more open to interpretation rather than the sapphic Hadestown I’d for some reason been expecting, then I’d probably really like it.

I think most of the issues I have could be solved with some editing, which I’m sure will happen as I read an ARC. The writing felt a bit childish at times, and the dialogue somewhat unrealistic. For the most part, it was very atmospheric and well done, but there would be little points in scenes where my brow would furrow and I would be like, huh? Also, the amount of times Teagan tripping was used as a plot device was kind of hilarious, and I can’t decide if it’s in a good way or not.

Mostly, I think I was let down by the fact that this isn’t really a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice so much as it’s loosely inspired by it. This is not an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling, and because that’s what I was expecting, I was surprised by the route that it took. It’s not that it was bad, it’s just that it is not at all what I was expecting, especially since I was kind of looking forward to crying over it fhkjahkjf.

All in all: definitely a good, well-written and worthwhile read, but *not* an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling :/.

3 stars ~ ★★★

When I read: "sapphic retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice" I was prepared to love this book. And frankly, I did.

I found myself loving the story -- rather than just the romance -- for the first time in forever. It had a quick, fluffy-feeling plot, and was overall enjoyable.

Where my problems lie with this book is that though the plot was fun, it felt too-fluffy. Every issue was solved rather quickly -- though that comes with the territory of a short story -- so the storyline seemed to plateau. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the angst. Teagan really does love her wife, and I loved reading every sad, dark thought in her head.

There wasn't much actual romance in this book, but a few comfort scenes towards the end. I find that many people looking for LGBT books want a heavy, self-indulgent romance, but this wasn't that. It was honestly refreshing, as someone whose read a lot of bad romance novels recently.

All in all, this is a quick, enjoyable book that helped me pass the time. Road-trip coming up? Something like this would be great to download and read for a few hours. But if you're looking for something with more substance, try something else.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nyx Publishing for this eARC. It releases on the 26th of June 2021.

The Bone Way is a sapphic retelling of the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, and I found it a very quick and calm read. The story progressed at a good pace and the world was easy enough to understand and keep up with.
I found the dealing with grief and love very interesting and a beautiful perspective on a very heavy topic. The reason I didn't rate it higher was I thought that the mythos was very surface level and I just felt as if only got the barest hint of the true story. I wanted more, more character development, more world building and more description. I understand it was a novella, but I still feel like it could have had more meat on its bones.
Overall I give this 3 stars, a quick and interesting twist on a Greek retelling. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys cute sapphic romance.

Thanks to publisher for providing an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

A sapphic Orpheus and Eurydice retelling or the story about a woman who's dying and the wife who went to the princess of death to save her from it.

This was a very short and sweet novella to read. It's very straightforward and easy to follow, the world was described in a way that made it easy to imagine you were alongside the characters and the contrast between the different places in the realm of death wrapped up this world very pleasantly. More than that though, this is the story about a woman who's dying and has to live through what could have been... All the dreams she had and the opportunities she lost, the love that has surrounded her throughout her life. It's a story about a woman that's realizing that she has to live for herself and reach for her dreams. It's also about the love her wife has for her and vice-versa, the beauty and easiness of their relationship and how they clicked from the very first moment.

The reason why I didn't give it a higher rating is because it could have been more. I felt like the plot of the book, while interesting in how it explores grief, failed to be compelling. Aside from that, the characters weren't all that interesting either. It's just a good and calm story that you can read quickly with a beautiful sapphic relationship.

Though it radiates more of a fairy-tale feel than mimicking the mannerisms of myth - I'd rethink marketing it as a retelling - The Bone Way is no less mesmerizing for it; Teagan and Cress's soft, supportive marriage, the shadow realm's many terrifying monsters, and a smattering of thoughtful musings on our struggles with mortality are all satisfyingly wrapped up in Underhill's wonderfully whimsical writing and the smooth, immersive world-building that walks you through Wystira and beyond. The Bone Way balances being short and intense, sometimes sappy and intermittently bittersweet with strong sentiments and the warm familiarity of the bond between these star-crossed women (any time Teagan mentions 'her wife' satiates like a sip of fine wine/breath of fresh air), and being swept into the flow of intertwining timelines of this mystical bubble bath of a book is an A+ way to spend a spare afternoon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nyx Publishing for kindly passing on this ARC! 💫

A queer inspired story based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, need I say more? This is my second Holly J. Underhill book, her first one being a story inspired by Dracula’s Brides... and she’s done it again folks. THIS WAS SO GOOD! I absolutely adored this story about two people who will face death for one another. Teagan and Cressidae are married and love each other, and take risks for one another because the thought of life without the other is unacceptable. Follow them on their journey of facing the Princess of the Shadow Realm... and hoping that they make it out alive.

*Thanks Netgalley and Nyx Publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

this novella started out with a very clear objective which i appreciated and it made it easier to follow along with the plot. the writing was very beautiful which made the novella even more fulfilling. i enjoyed how the timelines of past and present were mixed to both show how teagan tried to get cress back and their past together such as how they first met. overall the bone way is a heartfelt story of two women doing everything they can for eachother set under the guise of an orpheus and eurydice inspired story. its also very refreshing to see a f/f story have a happy ending