I love everything related to Arthurian legend, so I was pretty intrigued by the blurb of Silver in the Bone : Tamsin Lark is a magicless young woman who does her best to take care of her brother since her foster father disappeared. Things are difficult as her brother Cabell carries a mysterious curse that threatens the siblings. Her only hope ? A powerful ring from Arthurian legend that her thieving parent ran away with. Of course a lot of people want the powerful object. It has powerful powers and is worth a lot of money. So Tamsin partners with Emrys, and hopes to succeed in this dangerous quest.

Silver in the Bone is a great adventure full of magic, danger and romance. Alexandra Bracken definitely does a great job retelling the Arthurian legend. There are battles. A lot of them (that ring is really worthy !!!). Betrayal. But also a lot of sweet moments. I love Tamsin’s dedication to her brother. She is a wonderful strong heroine who really grows in the story.

If you are in the mood for a YA Fantasy novel, Silver in the Bone is a pretty good entertaining read !

To me the synopsis didn’t indicate that it was a fantasy set in our world so when Tamsin used a cell phone I was so confused for a few minutes. But that quickly changed because I really liked how the author approached it and mixed the two (a typical fantasy world and the ‘normal’ world) together. Bracken really did a good job at it, which made my reading of the book easier because I was able to enjoy myself without having to work too hard on tying the two worlds together. As Bracken did such a good job on that – all I had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride.

There are a lot of new terms in the book that I had to learn. I was reading on my Kindle so I was able to highlight them all in a specific colour and just refer back to them at any point in the book – that helped a bit 😅. But as I carried on I got more used to the terms that they used and I didn’t really need to go back to look back when they were first used. Maybe the published version has a Glossery, or I hope so.

I absolutely love messy characters. I think when they’re written well they can be so fun and relatable to a lot of us. Tamsin was definitely both cases here (written well and relatable as a messy character) as I loved her so much. She was hands-down my favourite character of all, with Emrys being a close second. I loved that we got to read through Tamsin’s perspective and therefore got to know her. If it were from her brother’s perspective or maybe even Tamsin’s POV but Third Person and not First Person – I think we wouldn’t have gotten to know her so much because she is so closed off.

I loved seeing her character development – how she went from not wanting to make friends with others, being closed off. Then slowly becoming someone who wanted to open up to others and start making friends. Her character growth was also testament to Bracken’s writing because not every writer can do character growth like that.

Emrys reminded me of that moment in the romcom movie where their parents (usually their dads) want him to be this type of person, like play (American) football. And then the character (Emrys in this instance) turns around and goes “No dad, that’s YOUR dream!” While that character in the movies is a very cliché character. That was Emrys to me 😁 Although the character might be a bit cliché but I actually really like them. And I really loved Emrys’s character! He was sweet and snarky, smart and a character I didn’t know I’d love entirely!

The writing was amazing – there was so many quotes that I highlighted, even though this was an arc and I can’t really share them in the review. I know now why people love her writing so much, I can definitely see why. She is fantastic at writing sentences they just make you feel “oh I felt that.“ And obviously a lot of the writing is linked to the characters, so no wonder I liked it.
I do love when enemies-to-lovers is accompanied by reluctant allies or they’re forced to work together. I love those two tropes together, they just chef’s kiss. Emrys and Tamsin were absolutely fantastic together and I cannot wait to see more of them in the next book. They popped up early with their banter and I was HERE FOR IT every single turn of the page/tap of the screen because YES. Fuel with your hatred until it turns into something more 😂

Tamsin and Neve’s friendship was so sweet! I didn’t expect to like Neve as much as I ended up doing but I did, which I’m more than happy with. Neve is like that character who just sits down next to you and goes “Hey, we’re gonna be friends now” and you just have to accept that 😄.

I just think that Tamsin needs a hug or a very warm blanket (whichever she’ll prefer) and a big bowl of soup with some very fresh bread. She goes through a LOT in the book and the child NEEDS sustenance and the knowledge that someone cares. There’s a point where she thought of others and I was like a proud mama because she’s thinking of others!! She’s learning and growing!!

This is my second read of April…and also my second 5⭐️ for April. Let’s hope this is a trend for the entire month!⁣
⁣
An exciting and magical tale from start to finish, SILVER IN THE BONE is a fresh take on the Legend of King Arthur. There are plenty of subtle nods to the original tale, but Bracken builds on that and creates a legend that feels wholly new and fresh. The magic system is unique, the characters are well-crafted, and the world-building is really dimensional and interesting. I absolutely adore Tamsin, she’s smart, resilient, and overall fantastic, and I I loved her relationship with her nemesis, Emrys They don’t always get along or see eye to eye, but when they team up, they make a fantastic partnership. ⁣
⁣
All told, an exciting page-turner from start to finish that gives readers an exciting, dark, and magical world with a really immersive storyline. The ending will leave readers on the edge of their seats, grumbling with frustration at the abruptness, but that only makes the wait for book 2 so much sweeter.

<strong>Tamsin was a great protagonist. </strong>She can be a bit unlikable but I love grumpy and cynical characters! You can also see where she's coming from, as Tamsin has no magical talent and was always treated like a burden by her guardian Nash. <strong>She's fiercely protective of those she loves, yet also trusts no one and is always looking out for her own interests</strong>. Tamsin is working hard to stay independent and not be at the mercy of someone else. I thought her character was well-written, especially as we got to see her grow and reluctantly try to work with others and get over her trust issues. <u>Her default mode is often pushing others away, because she fears rejection and being 'usless' like in her childhood</span>. I could really sympathize with her and thought that it was easy to see how she turned out the way she is!</u>

<strong>The characters really elevated the story!</strong>Joining Tamsin are <b>her brother Cabell, her rival Emrys, and the sorceress Neve</b>. The characters were one of the main reasons I liked the story so much! <strong>Neve</strong> specifically grew on me, as she was funny, caring, quirky, and yet still struggled with the prejudice against sorceresses. Many are distrustful or downright hostile to her because they fear and judge her magic

<strong>Emrys</strong> is another Hollower and the son of the founder of their Guild. As such, he's got lots of privilege and money to draw from. Beneath the power of his family, there's so much more to him and he's not a snob like Tamsin likes to think. Emrys also got the power to communicate and interact with plantlife, which I liked a lot! It's nice that he didn't have a 'flashy' power 🌹

Finally, <strong>Cabell</strong> is cursed with random, intense transformations into a black hound. He's a powerful Expeller, someone who can redirect curses, and more attached to their guardian Nash than Tamsin ever was. I liked him the least out of the main cast, but he still had his moments!

<strong>The relationships had a lot to offer as well! </strong>On the <b>platonic side</b>, we have <strong>a strong sibling bond between Cabell and Tamsin.</strong> They aren't biologically related but were both picked up by the treasure hunter Nash who took charge of them. I <b>liked Tamsin's protectiveness of Cabell and how she was committed to helping him break the curse</b>. At the same time, I also<u> liked seeing their disagreements, as Tamsin resents Nash</u> for how he treated and abandoned them. Meanwhile, Cabell isn't nearly as critical of him.

<strong>Neve and Tamsin also slowly become friends</strong>, mostly because Neve refuses to let Tamsin shut her out. Neve is more optimistic and open, but that works well with Tamsin's cynism and brutal honesty. <u>I loved that in the end there's a girl squad including two of the priestesses they meet on their journey</u>! I always love a strong focus on female friendships 🥰

<strong>The romance was nice as well, as I love a good rivals to lovers story</strong> 😉 Tamsin and Emrys are professional rivals, as they are both Hollowers trying to get the best jobs. Tamsin has a lot fewer resources, so there's lots of resentment on her part. <u>I liked that Emrys was the sunshine to her grumpiness, especially as that meant lots of great banter and teasing</u> between them 💕 I did like seeing their relationship develop, even though it didn't really stand out to me, compared to similar books.

<strong>The worldbuilding and legends were interested, but could have been expanded a bit.&nbsp;</strong>I liked that the author was inspired by the Arthurian legend and used elements of it instead of writing a retelling. The<u> Otherworlds (including the famous Avalon) exist side by side with the human world</u>, something I love in Fantasy, as hidden worlds are always exciting to read about! The<strong> sorceresses were banished from Avalon</strong> and now reside in our world, where they are feared for their power and magic.

Other people possess magical abilities as well, such as the <strong>Cunningfolk, a general term for anyone with magical talent</strong> (e.g. Emrys is a greenwarden, someone who can communicate with plants). Others - like Tamsin - have no magical abilities and don't even possess the sight that reveals curses and other magical barriers. The <strong>Hollowers are an assortment of guilds full of treasure hunters</strong> who recover relics from crypts and other places

<strong>I liked the different ideas, but I wish we had gotten to know them a bit more</strong>. In the beginning, <u>we were dumped into the world without much explanation and it took me a while to get my bearings</u>. A lot of the magic <b>wasn't properly explained</b> and I was a bit disappointed that the concept of the Cunningfolk was barely mentioned. Later on, a lot of other terms and abilities came into play as well and it was hard to keep them apart. I hope the second book expands on this a bit, as I felt like the author was afraid of infodumping too much, but then failed to acclimate the reader to her story!

<strong>I have mixed feelings on the plot, even though the ending was phenomenal. </strong> Sadly the pacing is off for most of the story. The beginning is overwhelming: it abruptly drops us into the world and then expects us to keep up while it races ahead with all the different terminology. In contrast, <u>the middle is too slow-paced and restricts us to one setting, which made things feel repetitive</u>. I wasn't the biggest fan of the direction the plot took as it felt far away from what the premise had promised.

However, <strong>the ending really ramped up the tension and stakes</strong>!! The last 30% of the book were much more action-packed, full of twists and turns that really hooked me. I'm definitely excited for the next book, as there are lots of promising directions the story could take!

<strong>IN CONCLUSION.</strong></big> ➽ <em>Silver in the Bone&nbsp;</em>is an<strong> immersive Fantasy book inspired by the Legend of King Arthur that promises magic, curses and secrets</strong>. The characters and interesting concepts really made this an engaging read! However, I felt like the plot and pacing could have been better, as only the very ending left me breathless.

I picked this book solely because of the Arthurian legends and the promising synopsis. The plot was intriguing with many new turns. It was dark, magical and funny at times.

From teleporting to different countries and Otherlands, this book is incredibly adventurous. You have no clue what’s waiting for you at the turn of each chapter, and the plot keeps getting better and better. It’s a lengthy book so be patient with it and let the plot carry you.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I’m definitely reading more books by this author.

Thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours and the publisher for the DRC of the book!

Silver in the Bone is an epic start to a new YA fantasy series by Alexandra Bracken. Tamsin is a Hollower: thieves who steal magical artifacts. It's not like she sought out the life, especially having no magic herself. But it's the only way she can support herself and her brother.

When whispers about an ancient ring from Arthurian legend come about Tamsin realizes it's the one thing that could break her brother's curse - even if she has to work with her rival, Emrys for it.

The search for the mythical ring isn't without its secrets, twists and turns, changing everything Tamsin and company thought they knew.

I loved this book! Fantasy adventure novels where the characters go on mythical quests are right up my alley and this book did not disappoint! I loved the magical world created with its references to Arthurian legend! While there was quite a bit of world building I didn't find any of it too hard to grasp or understand.

I really enjoyed Tamsin as a character and reading through her eyes as she journeys through the novel. I also loved her relationship with Emrys and I'll just say I can never get enough of this trope.

The plot of this book was also epic! There were some twists and turns that I was definitely not expecting leaving shocked! Let's just say my heart went through the ringer a couple of times.

And then ending?!?

All in all, I'd recommend Silver in the Bone to all fans of epic YA fantasies!

I've been reading Alexandra Bracken's stories since 2014 when I was obsessed with The Darkest Minds and she never fails to impress me. She has the amazing ability to create such distinct worlds from dystopian, to mythology, to now folkloriaon contemporary fantasy. While I know the gist of the Arthurian tales and legends, I am no expert, but I could easily see how it was woven throughout this story. However, if you do only have casual knowledge on the subject you can still read this and enjoy it in my opinion.

Silver in the Bone, like most fantastical stories takes some time to be sucked into completely. I think I was around 10% through before I was really able to grasp the world-building and the magical elements being explained. A lot of information is dumped on the reader at the start but the premise is instantly engaging. I also think it took some time to understand the setting of the world as it combines fantasy and modern elements. Let's just say I was slightly confused by the mention of an "ancient cell phone" in the prologue, but I also went into this one knowing literally nothing (as usual). But after sticking with it, I found myself loving the refreshing twists and unique world Bracken created.

By the end of the book, I was completely hooked by the curses and magic, the found family aspects, the forced proximity banter and romantic elements (the chemistry!!!!!), the sibling relationships, and strong characters. While it was a slow build up for me, the ending was just SO good (and emotional!!!!!!!). The plot wrapped in mystery and revenge and lore is something I think a lot of people would love. Highly recommend!

Bwhahaha! My inner Arthuriana fangirl was itching to get its hands on this book, being such grabby hands for books tied to the infamous mythological barbarian king, his loyal knights, Merlin (lord, let’s not get into HIM), Tintagel, Camelot, yada yada yada. However, there is one specific group of people that will always capture my attention more than any other when it comes to books related to this sub-genre of fantasy novels: any novels having to do with Morgan/Morgana, Elayne, and/or Vivian/Viviane/Vivane. (Example: Laura Sebastian’s beyond excellent Half Sick of Shadows). I’ll even throw in Morgause, since she’s sometimes substituted for one of the other three or even included with the other three, depending on your source material.

So I was so excited to get a chance to read Silver in the Bone, urban fantasy meeting the realm of Avalon, with a character named Emrys (Merlin’s name in the Welsh Arthuriana texts), a desperation to save a sibling, some enemies-to-lovers action vibes, curses, dark magic…sign me up! I cracked this baby up, settling in for a good, day-long read (it ended up being a day and a half because reasons).

The verdict? Besides being very predictable in a lot of ways (to the point where I got downright mad at the obliviousness of some characters) with some solid (but obvious) red herrings thrown our way, Silver in the Bone is an enjoyable fantasy read, but not an enjoyable fantasy romance. It’s the start of a fantasy romance, but this book is way more epic and dark fantasy than it is anything else.

I enjoyed the first and second acts of this book far more than I did the third. The third act may be where all the questions are answered and where all the serious action is, but it’s also where I facepalmed the most because I was constantly saying, “DUH” because everything I had already predicted (including the very end) was coming true).

Alexandra Bracken does a fantastic job of building both the mortal world in this book for the Hollowers and sorceresses (where Tamsin, Emrys, Cabell, and Neve come from), but she deserves even more props for her worldbuilding in Avalon. I can’t tell you about the Avalon worldbuilding because it’s not included in the summary and it would be a huge spoiler; but trust me, it’s some of the most intricate worldbuilding I’ve ever read when it comes to a rendering of Avalon.

I’d say the characters in this book stand out, but they really don’t. They feel familiar because they are familiar. A snarky, cynical, closed-off female protagonist. A yearning, slightly softer, slightly vulnerable, out-of-place, yet loyal brother figure. A bubbly, friendly, extroverted bestie who manages to melt the female protagonist despite her emotional shields. A dark-haired, handsome MMC with whom the FMC has a rivalry with even though she can’t stop thinking about him and even though she knows he’s nothing but trouble.

I could keep going. You know them and you’ve met them because these same archetype characters have been in so many fantasy novels over the past decade or so you can recognize them right away. Still, I can’t help but love Tamsin (our FMC) because I loves me a snarky and sharp-tongued woman fueled by spite. Reminds me of me.

The pacing is solid, but the plot obviously needs work if I found it so predictable. This isn’t me saying I didn’t enjoy it, because it’s an interesting and fresh take on Avalon and Arthuriana. Plus, the ending had me greedy for the next book. I was left with that urgent feeling of, “What comes next? I need to see what comes next!” And that feeling is what you want from the first book in any book series.

This book does end on a major cliffhanger. It’s a doozy. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya. But do try and pick this up and give it a read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All ideas, views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Arthuriana/YA Fantasy/YA Fantasy Romance/YA Fiction/Fantasy Series/Book Series/Coming of Age/Dark Fantasy/LGBTQ Friendly/Epic Fantasy

Tamsin never wanted to be a thief. Unfortunately, she has no magical talent and thievery was the only thing her foster father taught her … before he disappeared. She has kept it together, barely, for ten years when she hears a rumor about what he was looking for. This powerful ring was connected to an Arthurian legend and might be the key to breaking a curse on her brother. Other Hollowers are looking for this ring and Tamsin must pair up with Emrys to hunt the ring down. They must overcome dark magic and deep secrets while also attempting to save her brother.

Silver in the Bone is the first book in a series with the same name. This fantasy novel has many Arthurian legend components, but it isn’t a story of King Arthur. I just want to clear this up before you go into it thinking it is. Bracken has taken liberty with many Camelot stories and crafted a completely independent tale. Even readers who are only loosely knowledgeable about King Arthur and Camelot can enjoy this story. Silver in the Bone is a fresh twist on an old legend.

Alex Bracken is one of my favorite authors, so I was so happy I got approved for Silver in the Bone on NetGalley!

While I’ve always appreciated the Arthur Legend, I haven’t read too many books related to it–I’ve mostly just watched movies and TV based on it. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Silver, but I was happy to find out that instead of a retelling, it was more an epilogue of Arthur, with characters who had new motivations but were guided by the events of Arthur’s history.

I was even more surprised at every twist of the plot, although there were a few things that seemed a little confusing to me, in the end, the mystery was explained clearly. Be warned though, this is not a standalone, and while the cliffhanger is light, it is certainly there! Now I have to wait as patiently as I can for the next book to come out so I can find out how Tamsin et al. will defeat…you’ll see who!

I give this book 4 stars because some of the confusing bits of plot felt more “the end justifies the means,” and while I never want a book to be predictable, the twists of the story weren’t so much twists as redirections of the characters’ means to their ends–kind of like a supernatural TV show where it takes a few episodes, or a whole season, to achieve a goal after changing course a few times, but in the span of a book it was kind of extra. Although, I will say the character growth and development and certain changes of heart were very very well done and believable.

Given Bracken's incredible success with The Darkest Minds and Lore, I had high exceptions for Silver in the Bone and it absolutely delivered. An incredible blend of myth, magic, and wit makes this book a delight to read. I particularly love how Bracken re-worked the legends of King Arthur to feel relevant to the modern day without delving into a formulaic retelling. The characters are flawed, but with a complexity that makes them feel as real as the setting. Silver in the Bone is a stunning fantasy adventure, full of heart, action, and romance.

This isn’t an overt/direct Arthurian retelling (/“inspired by”) but that makes it even more interesting imo. Too many retellings absolutely bludgeon you with references and explanations and this lets you get comfortable in the world and the adventure with Tamsin & Emrys without feeling like you‘re missing pieces or need more context. I reserve the right to change this to 5 stars after I sit on it for a little bit, it’s hovering right on the precipice for me so I’m going to be conservative and give it a VERY strong 4.

Thank you Netgalley & Knopf for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this one! The found family vibes, the magic, the world building, the characters- I loved it all. I loved the slow burn relationship between Tamsin and Emrys and the stories that were woven into the main story as well. I liked how Tamsin started off not having the One Vision as it kind of help the reader get a glimpse into what it was like for her before vs. after. This book was so action packed and all the twists at the end had me gasping out loud. I need the sequel now to find out what happens next. Highly recommend.

Bracken is a stunning voice in YA fantasy because she takes a familiar mythology, packages it in a new, inventive way, and adds in fantastic, dimensional characters, picturesque writing, and amazing adventures!

My favorite part about Silver in the Bone wasn’t the amazing writing, which was full of lush descriptions and snappy dialogue, it was the characters. Tamsin is our lead, and she is supported by a dimensional ensemble, many of which also have their own stuff to work through, whether they know it or not. While we only see Tamsin’s perspective, the development of the ensemble is also present and included, which makes the story feel all that much more engaging. I’m not just invested in Tamsin, I also want to know what happens next with our whole cast in book two, and beyond. There was a great adventure (more than one actually), in book one, and the set up for book two is solid! It’s going to be a really fun ride and I can’t wait to revisit these characters and see what else Bracken has in store for them.

I’m giving Silver in the Bone a solid four stars. It’s well-plotted, gorgeously written, and fantastically creative while rooted in things familiar too. It’s complex, but approachable, and the pacing is superb! I need to know what else she’s got in store for Tamsin and company ASAP!

Silver in the Bone is such an interesting book. I love Merlin (the tv show) and it got me hooked on Arthurian legends, so whenever there’s a book remotely related to that time period or those stories, I have to read it! This book is a YA urban fantasy inspired by Arthurian legends and I was hooked.

The setting was so interesting and pulled me in immediately, because a large section of the beginning is set in a library, and I was very intrigued to see the dynamic between Tamsin, our protagonist, and Cabell, her brother. After Nash, their guardian, went missing seven years ago with a powerful ring, they’ve been on their own and had to provide for themselves in the world of the Hollowers. Cabell is cursed, and Tamsin’s only hope in saving him lies with that ring, so when the opportunity arises to go on a quest for it, she obviously takes it. But unfortunately (for her, fortunately for me), she is not alone as Emrys, her rival and the boy she detests, is also trying to find the ring.

A series of events forces Tamsin, Cabell, Emrys, and Neve (a sorceress) to work together, which created a little found family dynamic which I loved. I especially loved the chemistry and the banter between Tamsin and Emrys. It was clear as day to me that Emrys is obsessed with Tamsin so I was just biding my time until these two succumbed to their feelings. These characters were fantastic and Tamsin is very stubborn and headstrong, but it was nice seeing her softer side come out for Cabell. I loved how the friendship between Tamsin and Neve grew over time aswell and how they they really came together at the end. I can’t wait to see more of those two in the sequel.

I struggled with this book at the beginning, but once I was pulled in, I was addicted. As plots thickened and the character arcs developed, I was gripped to the pages. I was praying this book was going to end without any shocking moments that would have me begging for the sequel so I could have my questions answered. Just so you’re aware, I am begging for the sequel. So much happened in the last 20% that had my jaw dropping over and over. I desperately need others to read this book so I can discuss all these things and wait out the time for the sequel!

I loved this book and these characters and was way too obsessed with the enemies-to-lovers romance between Tamsin and Cabell! I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for some Arthurian fantasy with some great romance!

Silver in the Bone is the first novel is a series of the same name inspired by an Arthurian legend. After experiencing the author’s other novel, Lore, I was curious how she would take on this tale. While there are some tie-ins to the legend, I think I was just expecting more. It was not a negative, but it was just something I noted as it seemed to be marketed as more of a retelling of the legend than it was. The story begins like most novels where the pacing is slower; however, it does still take a bit for the reader to get their bearings. The tale follows Tamsin Lark, a Hollower, whose brother, Cabell, is cursed. The explanation for a Hollower is not initially given to the reader, which was unexpected as it took me a minute to understand what they were, so I do wish there was a little more lead-up into this world. There is the legend of an Arthurian ring that can help break the curse, so Tamsin and Cabell set out on an adventure.

Tamsin was an interesting character as she is her own worst enemy at times and can be frustrating for a reader to follow her bad decisions. Given her past, a lot of her character is understandable. As a relic hunter, she has a fierce personality yet still vulnerable, especially with her brother. There is some character growth in this novel, but there is still a lot of room for further exploration in the sequel. Along her journey, Tamsin reluctantly works together with her rival, Emrys. The two get off to a rocky start but begin an expected budding romance. With Emrys’s motivations and backstory a mystery, there is a lot of possibility with his character. I loved the chemistry and banter between Tamsin and Emrys. There is no definitive direction for the romance in this novel, so there are many things that could happen with it in the future.

There is some nice found family elements in this story, which are always enjoyable. I love romances in stories, but found family is an extremely close second to my favorite storylines. With found family, I found it is a great way to learn backstories and motivations without it feeling forced plus I love the relationships that form. With Neve and Emrys, I feel there is so much more to learn, so I cannot wait to see what else is revealed in the sequel. As siblings, Cabell and Tamsin already have an established relationship at the beginning of the story, but I loved watching it change and grow as they move through their journey.

The first portion of the novel did leave me on the fence about continuing sometimes, but the last part made up for it. There is a cliffhanger at the end, so now I am anxiously waiting for 2024 as I want to see what happens next. With the beginning of the novel being faster and the ending of the novel being chaotic, in a way, the novel does go on a huge roller coaster ride in terms of pacing. It took me a while to gain my bearings and understand everything yet there is still room for development and to have it all come together. There are parts in the middle that I believe could be cut as it dragged a bit too much. As the pacing was up and down, the novel, unfortunately, did feel like its actual length. I think tightening it up by omitting some pages could have helped this and it would have flown by and be a novel I would not want to put down. Overall, this novel was a little rocky, but there is a lot of potential and does make me intrigued to check out the sequel in the future.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Knopf Books for Young Readers, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This one was gritty and so fun! This story toes the line between YA and adult, as the MC and her adopted brother are living on their own and attempting to make a living, even illegally, and navigate responsibilities while facing many setbacks. Curses, enemies, a lack of adult role models or mentors, lack of money. Tasmin is bitter and these things give her plenty of reason to be. Lacking magic in a world where it would really benefit her, and trying desperately to care for her brother and self in a world where everything seems turned against her, not to mention even her for adopted, treasure hunting parent abandoning them at a young age, she lacks hope. She's doesn't trust anyone and she's desperate for a better life, even if it's just for her brother. So when that seems possible, no matter the dangers it'll involve, she takes the risk and goes on a search for a missing ring. She unwittingly ends up on this journey with her infuriating rival, stuck-up, rich kid Emrys. Throw in a sorceress, an oddly sentient and oddly stickly Hand of Glory, a few knights and priestesses and there is a very colorful cast of characters to fall in love with and go on an adventure. It's like Indiana Jones meets Arthurian Legend. Unlike it being a retelling, Bracken does an incredible job interacting with the legend and giving it life. This one is a bit grim, as far as the violence and monsters go, but I enjoyed the dark and grittiness of this one and am excited for book 2. There's definitely more to uncover and quests to undergo. I love a great cast, full of banter and yes, romance!

Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious… Silver in the Bone was something else. It was magical, thrilling, heart-pounding… and every amazing adjective I could come up with. Having to wait for the second book might crush my soul a little. Alexandra Bracken is by far a wizard of her craft.

With our characters, I honestly had to keep second-guessing myself. Some I grew to love, only to suspect, then to hate, then to question myself yet again. All of our characters presented along the way are so complex in a variety of ways. I had so many theories about each: Tamsin, Emrys, Cabell, Nash, Cait, Olwen, Bedivere… the list just goes on and yet each time I was not quite right.

I will say… chapter 39 made my heart soar and then a few chapters later Alex broke me. All I can say is I am very curious about Emry’s and cannot wait to see what we see of him in future books. Same goes for some of our other characters as well.

Lets just keep on with the compliments, shall we? THE LORE. No pun intended as she also has a (AMAZING) book named “Lore”, but Alexandra Bracken absolutely took the lore of King Arthur and bent and twisted into something insanely ravishing. The story you’ve heard becomes just so much more in Silver in the Bone.

Overall, my jaw dropped about 18 ways to Sunday by the end of this book. Even the very last line leaves you reeling with something between wtf and “I knew it”! I cannot give enough praise to this darkly-crafted, wonderfulness of a book. I absolutely will be not-so-patiently awaiting the next one. Absolutely all the stars.

Silver in the Bone is a captivating tale that brims with enchantment, danger, love, and heartache. This novel is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling action sequences and heart-wrenching moments. The story is a perfect blend of romance and peril, making it the perfect read for anyone who loves a good adventure. The author's writing style is impeccable, and her ability to create a vivid and immersive world is truly remarkable.

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.