I love a good Arthurian retelling so I had high hopes for this one! I throughly enjoyed the way bracken tackled the retelling, while putting her own unique spin on it!

I really enjoyed Alexandra Bracken’s Lore and was excited to read Silver in the Bone. Unfortunately, I did not love this one as much. The story was more difficult to follow and wish it was more well-developed. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for this arc!

What I Liked:
Silver in the Bone is a story inspired by Arthurian Legend that starts in the modern world but soon travels to Avalalon. Silver in the Bone is way darker, bloodier, and creepier than expected. Avalon has been corrupted by dark, mysterious zombie-like creatures, which makes for a horror-type story that turned me off. I was not a fan of that at all, and the gruesome death scenes were also a big turn-off.
Final Verdict:
Silver in the Bone starts with an introduction to a fantastic world where humans have magic, except for Tasmin, tell she does. Parts of the story dragged but then picked up when we entered Avalon. I was surprised by the twists and violence in the last half of the book. I was not a massive fan of some of the parts of this story; I am intrigued enough by the ending and left with questions to want to check out the rest of the series.

Unfortunately, "Silver in the Bone" was not the best fit for me. This is the first book I've picked up that was written by Alexandra Bracken. I was genuinely excited to read it because of the Arthurian legend mentioned in the synopsis, however, as I started reading into the first few chapters, I found the pace to be slow and lagging. I had difficulties getting into the story and being investing in the characters. I tried to pick it up twice, but unfortunately had to come to a decision to DNF.

Huge thank you to Random House Children's for the opportunity to read and review this one!!

Synopsis:
"Born without a trace of magic, Tamsin Lark is no match for the sorceresses and Hollowers who populate the magical underground of Boston. But when the only parent she’s ever known disappears without so much as a goodbye, she has no choice but to join in their cutthroat pursuit of enchanted relics to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive. Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian found a powerful ring from Arthurian legend just before he vanished. 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. "

Review: this was one of my top books of the year. It was so incredibly unique, so compelling, and so entertaining that I struggled to STOP reading it. When I did finish it, I wanted the sequel immediately. Let's start with the characters... Tamsin and Cabell were perfect. There is so much emotion, pain, and love in their bond that I fell in love with both of them from the start. Neve? Perfect. Priestesses? Perfect. The Arthurian mythology background? I wanted MORE of it, but it was still incredible. I saw another reviewer write that you couldn't even try to tell her that Emrys wasn't completely whipped for Tamsin the entire time and I AGREE, called it from the start, hands down, enemies/rivals to lovers for the win. I am EAGERLY anticipating the second book!!

The blending of Arthurian lore and modern times is a trope that is done, but I still enjoyed this book. I know that the teens here at the library have been enjoying it to as I have had a hard time keeping it in stock. I look forward to the next installment in the series.

Another wonderfully rich, immersive fantasy from Alexandra Bracken. I adored getting to know this set of characters and their world, and can't wait for more.

A great start to this duology by Alex Bracken. The characters showed great depth and development and the plot developed at a perfect pace. I can't wait to see how the story pans out in book number 2!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

I will always read anything that Alexandra Bracken writes. She's so good at worldbuilding and creating compelling characters. This is techincally a YA book (I think), but it doesn't feel juvenile at all. I can't wait to read the sequel!

I really liked this book, that being said some parts did lag. I really liked the world building and the magic system. But it did feel like a generic fantasy novel. It didn't have anything to make it an epic read for me. I would receive it though, because I did like the writing and the world it's in.

As a huge lover of Arthurian legend, I was so excited to get my hands on Silver in the Bone.
Overall while not perfect, I greatly enjoyed it and will definitely continue on with the series when book 2 comes out!

PROS
• I loved Tamsin as a FMC. Her character, values, and personality are very clear and make complete sense in terms of driving the plot.
• The slow burn / rivals to lovers dynamic with Emrys is very satisfying.
• The supporting characters are just as fleshed out as the MC's, and add so much to the overall story.
• The last act is super fast paced and action driven, and ends on a GREAT cliffhanger! Great setup for book 2.

CONS
• I will say it took me a bit to get into a rhythm on this one. The pacing of the first act was a bit slow IMO.
• The magic system and rules are definitely front-loaded and took me a bit to fully understand and get a feel for.
• While marketed as Arthurian legend, it's not quite that. There's elements of it (i.e. the setting of Avalon), but not fully. But perhaps this will be more present in book 2.

This isn't going to be much of a review because I waited to long to do it. I did enjoy the book, plan to read the next in the series, and I purchased it for my library.

I was super surprised by this one, and absolutely loved it. The characters were well written, and the plot was interesting enough to keep my attention. I think this was a good story, and am super excited for the next one!

Tamsin Lark is not gifted with magic, but is resourceful and determined to make a life for herself and her brother after their guardian disappears.

After ten years have passed, Tamsin becomes aware of rumors that her guardian found a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. With the power to free her brother Cabell from a curse, Tamsin must do everything in her power to keep the greedy Hollowers at bay. Pairing up with Emrys, one of her rivals, will Tamsin be able to get the ring, or will her brother be doomed forever?

I finished this novel long ago, but I was conflicted as to how to review it. Alexandra Bracken did a good job of world building and bringing her characters to life, but I did (and still do) not know how I felt about a twist in the Arthurian legend.

On the one hand, Silver in the Bone reads like a movie and would be a huge hit in the television or movie genre. There is non-stop action, a quest, a love interest, a betrayal, a curse, and a good twist. On the other hand, the novel is a little too transparent and Tamsin is a little too melodramatic. For the target audience, however, Silver in the Bone will hit high marks. For this reason, I would recommend Silver in the Bone to YA readers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review this novel was entirely my own.

Alexandra Bracken never disappoints! I absolutely love this book! I will admit I did not realize that this was going to be a series so I was fighting for my life in those last few chapters.

Tamsin lark is no stranger to fighting to survive. After her guardian disappeared in search of a mysterious ring form Arthurian legend that is rumored to break curses, her and her brother Cabell were left to their own devices. In order to survive and be able to take care of her brother she had to become a Hollower. Breaking into ancient crypts and and competing with others who had magical talent that she herself did not possess. Ten years later rumors start to swirl that their guardian, Nash actually found the ring and now its a race against time and long standing rivals to find the ring to save her brother from his curse.

Tamsin must wade into a world of dark magic, where a deadly secret lies in wait, biding its time until it can be released on the world. She must put aside old grudges and work with her long time rival, Emrys if she wants to have a chance at saving her brother. Along the way she finds unlikely friendships and is tested in ways she never thought she could survive.

This book is filled with heart pounding adventure, found family, and wonderful twists and turns all with the backdrop of Arthurian legend and dark magic. This book had me raging, crying, laughing and facing some of my own tendencies that align a little to close to Tamsin's. I cannot wait for the next book and will be (im)patiently awaiting its arrival.

I liked this one a lot. It had a familiar plot, but it stood out in its own way. The author has a great way of writing and the pacing was good. What I liked most was how the world was not complex and it was easy to follow along with. The twists in this one were amazing!

I will definitely be reading a sequel, if there is one!

This book is so good! I'm a sucker for a good Arthurian retelling, and this one does not disappoint at all. I loved the unique magic system, the fact that each character had their fair share of flaws, but also had redeemable qualities. It was just such a fun, exciting read. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

I found this book entertaining . It felt like other YA fantasy books that I have read but was engaging enough that I am interested in reading the next book. It had a snarky main Character that doesn't trust anyone and is reluctant to get involved in other people. A hot guy she hates but is attracted to. Usual trops but still entreating and and easy and quick read.

5/5 stars!

Review ~

Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for my early review copy!

I absolutely loved this one!! It has the perfect mix of literally everything with some of my favorite tropes including found family and enemies to lovers!! The best way I can describe this book is like a combination of Six of Crows and Indiana Jones wrapped up in an amazing fantasy package.

I have seen this be described as a retelling but I promise you it's not as much a retelling as it is inspired by Arthurian legend with a few parallels with some of the story events. I read this book in literally less than a week because it was really really good!

Tamsin has become one of my all-time favorite characters mostly because she is so delightfully mean (especially to Emrys who I also love) and it was really interesting to see her character arc and development as the story progresses. Especially at the end when we get a glimpse at what events book 2 might have in store... And who......

I highly suggest that you preorder this book before April 4 to get exclusive editions and pre-order incentives! Plus I think this book might be a few April box picks so definitely don't skip it!

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