So to start off, I was a huge fan of Lore and was extremely excited about this book! And it met every singular expectation! The book is full of Arthurian lore mixed with the author's own special brand of magic. The story takes you on an adventure through Avalon and several adventures and misadventures. The number of twists was too many to count, and every one was more unexpected than the next. The main character was very likable and relatable throughout, as well as the side characters brought in. Not spoiling anything, but the ending makes you desperate for the second book and what else the author has in store. A definite purchase!

I really enjoyed this (and I had really enjoyed Lore by the author). I will say that I didn't initially realize this was going to be more than one book, so the pacing didn't make sense to me at first. But once I went and checked, the pace made so much more sense. I enjoyed the world building and the characters so much. Tamsin has so much to work through and she's so prickly, but I love her.
The story got really crazy by the 75% to 80% mark and my jaw was hanging open at the twists and betrayals and reveals! My heart was just ripped out several times over the course of 50 pages. And the cliffhanger and reveal at the end had me gasping. I will definitely be continuing the series (I'm already impatient for the next book!).

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy to review. All opinions are my own.

What a fantastic book! I read Brightly Woven by this author a long time ago and loved it, and I loved this one even more! The Arthurian legend and Celtic lore is woven in so well, the characters are well fleshed out and likable, and the plot moved along perfectly. I eagerly await book 2!

Absolutely loved this one! Again, Bracken hits it out of the park! I can only hope that the future books into the series dive more into the Arthurian lore. This one seems to just touch it on the surface, like a teasing taste, to great effect!

Tamsin isn't my favorite character ever, but I grew to understand her a bit more throughout the book. I think some readers will be put off by Tamsin, but this novel will resonate with people who enjoy Arthurian legend/Celtic lore. I look forward to book two. I give this novel four out of five stars due to some slight pacing issues, but it is still very much so worth your time.

This was a really intricate YA urban fantasy, and I did enjoy it a lot. I'd say it's more Arthurian-adjacent than a retelling, but you can definitely tell there are elements of the original Arthur story. The beginning of the story really hooked me, but I found the middle dragged quite a bit to the point that I was considering putting it down. Despite that, the last 1/4 of the book REALLY made up for it, and I loved the twists and turns at the end and now can't wait for the sequel. The characters were all quite interesting, but sometimes it felt difficult to keep up with everyone we'd been introduced to. All in all, I enjoyed it!

To be quite honest, I must admit that I approached this book with some trepidation; I tried to read Bracken's "Lore", but failed to get into it, and I mistakenly thought this was a re-telling of Arthurian myth rather than urban fantasy. All in all, it wasn't off to great a start for "Silver in the Bone", but once I started reading I became completely enraptured with the characters and their journey to Avalon.

"Silver in the Bone" balances the adventure of seeking out mystical artifacts with actual lore, character arcs, and plot development in a way that keeps the reader riveted. The story starts with a competition between rivals, but it takes the characters into a mystical world that they've only read about, and continuously keeps them on their toes as they try to unravel the realities of Arthurian lore. Bracken took enough from the original myths to flesh out her world-building, but her creations and additions felt compatible and enriched the plot in a compelling manner.

Tamsin and her entourage were also immediately loveable. It's very rare that I find a cast of characters, where I am invested in their story from the moment they appear, and can't wait to see how they're going to become invested in the main plot. Tamsin is easy to root for as she wants to provide and care for her cursed riddle brother. There's, however, a sense from the start that there's more to the character than what's being said, and this deliciously played out throughout the first book. Cabell is the second part of his duo and while his curse is a main focal point, Bracken does introduce some mystery and intrigue to how Cabelle feels about his status as something to be saved.

I also immediately fell in love with Neve and her 'horrendous' fanny pack. She stood out from the first page and her incorporation into the main plot felt natural as a sorceress only enhanced the world-building. Bracken also succeeded with Emrys as he was clearly an enemies to lovers relationship, but he was more than witty banter and smoldering looks. Instead, he offered a glimpse into the upper echelons of the Hollowers and hinted at the corrupt underbelly of the profession, which is teased and revealed throughout the story. Overall, all these characters represent a different faction of the larger world, but Bracken does an excellent job of fleshing them out as characters and not just using them for world-building purposes.

Lastly, the plot has so many delicious twists and turns that I finished the book in one sitting. Bracken carefully places red herrings into the story, which makes it compelling, but she also makes sure to include subtle hints that correctly point to grand revelations that happen at the end of the book. I loved those moments at the end of the book, where you can remember passages that supported or pointed to a plot twist as it shows the mark of a great author, who has thought through their story. Anyways, I am dying to read the sequel as this one did end on a cliffhanger, but one you kinda expected...

480 pages flies by here. I know I'm a sucker for Arthurian legends, as a general rule. Bracken does not disappoint. She takes some key points from legend, but using them as a sub-structure for something wholly new. More of a "yeah, yeah, Arthur was real, but that was ages ago" than a retelling. And this *works*. It is easy to get fully wrapped up in Tamsin's story, her hope to find a cure for her brother, her own sense of being unmoored. The conclusion of this part one felt simultaneously a complete surprise, completely obvious, and completely earned.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lore, and I was hoping this would be no different! I was right in some sense. Was this story based off Kind Arthur and everything that goes with it like described, no. Was it a really fun story with amazing characters and a fun story, yes! if you are reading this story for the Arthurian details, you will be a little disappointed. If you aren't looking for a history lesson, you will absolutely devour this! it was a fun read, and I can't wait for the sequel!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

3.5*
Tamsin and her brother Cabell are thieves who get paid to retrieve magical artifacts. Cabell has a problem that is worsening and Tamsin realizes that finding a way to break his curse must be her first priority. The two have been hired to find a magical ring and discover they are not the only ones on this quest. Emrys, who has long been Tamsin’s nemesis, is also seeking the ring. Because saving her brother is her primary goal, the siblings decide to align with Emrys out of necessity. As expected, there are constant squabbles when the enemies try to work together. There’s a lot of Arthurian legend here that keeps the story steeped in myth. It’s compelling, but not quite as tightly woven as some of her earlier books.

lexandra Bracken began successfully publishing at the young age of 19. The high fantasy, Brightly Woven, won many accolades including Third Place in the Best Debut Author Category Reader's Choice Awards Goodreads 2010. Primarily writing science fiction fantasy with a dark slant, Bracken now takes on the Arthurian legend. Silver in the Bone is book 1 in her planned duology.

Bracken has created a world that parallels earth in many ways save one. Magic in all forms exists. The knowledgeable can travel instantly using 'veins' - dark passages that transport a being instantly from one location to the next. Hollowers, are those who travel the veins searching for talismans that can bring power to others. the first speaker in the Book is Tasmin, a young intrepid follower, who along with her brother Caleb, join Nash. Nash the successful, Nash the seeker, and lately Nash the driven. He has brought his young charges to a most dangerous site. Bitterly cold, riddled with corpses and curses he drives them to the prize - a dagger. Retrieving the dagger leads them to Tintagel Castle
in Cornwall. The legend of Arthur begins here, and so does Tasmin's quest.

Nash has deserted Cabel and Tasmin. Seven years have passed. Cabel's nature is growing stronger. Tasmin, born without One Vision relying on libraries and research is running out of time. The only answer, perhaps, is to journey to Avalon. Avalon now a place in the other world, the locale of all peace and goodness might bring salvation. Avalon exists, yes. The twist is Avalon is now also cursed. Will Tasmin and her company be able to bring any harmony back to this sacred Isle? Dark, violent harmonies abound, and a cliff hanger ending leaves the reader grasping for more.

Bracken writes for children and young adults. The themes of darkness, combined with a possible romance indicate suitability for ages 14 and up.

Full disclosure. I read this ARC at the invitation of Knopf and netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this opportunity.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! The first half was incredible, with interesting world building and great character introductions. The book dragged severely in the middle, in my opinion, with the introduction of unnecessary (although still interesting characters). The book picked up again the last third, and the ending and twists in the final chapters were amazing. While far from a perfect book, I am very excited for the sequel and cannot wait to read more of Tamsin's journey.

I have never read an Alexandra Bracken book before this one but man am I hooked.
This book had amazing world building which I always love but don't always see enough of. The mix of magic and King Arthurs court was so cool and changed up the original story in a new way. I didn't love the characters to begin with but by the end I really loved most of the characters for all their good's and thor bad's. Though I was root for Tam and Emery's and the way he dipped was just not cool. I hope there is a redemption arc for him though idk we will see. I can't wait to see what comes in the next book because this one ended so well and a whole different way then I expected it to go..

Tamsin is a Hollower, even though she doesn’t possess the magic that everyone else in the profession does. Her guardian left Tamsin and her brother, Cabell, several years ago, and she still hasn’t forgiven him for it. However, Tamsin thinks he was searching for something that might help break Cabell’s curse.

I loved this book. Tamsin is such a wonderful character, with a bit of cynicism and judgement that makes her so likeable. I also loved her relationship with Cabell and how she was willing to do anything for him.

The Arthurian inspiration is such a unique idea, and I loved seeing how Bracken was inspired by source material yet created her own Avalon for the story.

These characters are so dynamic, and there are so many twists and turns. I loved this so much, but I need book two now!

🏰 Arthurian Legend
🔮 Magic
⚔️ Fighting

Unique mix of horror, Arthurian legend, and urban fantasy combine with timely touches of humor, a dash of romance, and a fast moving plot all combine for a satisfying young adult fantasy. Tamsin's strong female character brings Avalon vibes as she embarks on a quest to save her brother.

I was captivated from the very beginning! There wasn’t a moment that I was completely absorbed in this story! A very good read!

I recieved an arc through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

So much packed into the book. I know very little about King Arthur other than a few stories and so I am not a judge of how true to the stories it is. This book is busy. So much packed information and works building packed into it and keeps you on your toes. The assortment of characters is a nice balance. There is some romance and it is the typical ya "bad boy" romance. But it's still fun to read the tension! The plot at times was hard for me to follow but the author would "recap" which I found as a relief due to me not knowing a lot about King Arthur. Fun adventure to read!

Alexandra Bracken's Silver in the Bone is a YA urban fantasy with some Arthurian elements thrown in. To be honest, the book started slowly and only picked up near the end. Those who are interested in Arthurian legends will most likely gravitate towards this book.

First I want to thank NetGalley, Alexandra Bracken, and Knopf Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am not one for the mythology surrounding King Arthur but I love Bracken and her easy writing style so I was actually foaming at the mouth for this book. Now onto the review:

“The problem with siblings, I decided, was that they spent years gathering up all these little knives of observation and learning exactly where to slip them between your bones.” -Chapter 6

In a world filled with legends and treasures, Tamsin Lark finds herself magicless and yearning for the day she and her brother, Cabell, do not have to just survive. Tamsin and Cabell, may not related by blood but are very much related by the circumstance of their childhood. Cabell has been cursed since the day Tamsin and their guardian, Nash found him. And through no control of his own, he shifts into a massive beast anytime he experiences high emotions. Tamsin has looked for anyway to break this curse, Tamsin's final attempt to break his curse has lead them to their final destination, Avalon. Tamsin attempts this adventure alone but ends up joining forces with Cabell, Emrys (her biggest rival and who very much annoys Tamsin), and Neve (this strange girl who would never leave Tamsin alone). Their time in Avalon uncovers mysteries long forgotten, and forces Tamsin, Neve, and Emrys to grapple with immense death, betrayal, and a fearsome evil god.

This story by the end will leave you gutted. I loved Lore, s0 seeing Bracken releasing a series based of mythology got me so excited. When I first started this book it was all I could think about and I just wanted to spend every moment reading it. The band of Misfits that this story surrounds consist of Tamsin, Neve, Emrys, and Cabell. All characters have immense trauma of their own that being in Avalon eventually helps them work through it.
I really did not know how Bracken was going to take it but I was sad by the ending but still thoroughly loved the pain. I wish I did not have to wait so long for the next book as the end is a FREAKING CLIFF HANGER!!! And a good one at that. The shock that I felt in the last 10 chapters of this book had my gripped and up into all hours of the night reading this book. I cannot tell you the last time a book had me this gripped.

What I disliked the most about the book was:
*The world building was slow and felt a little lackluster as they spent most of their time in Avalon so I see why it was not necessary to lay out the setting of Cabell and Tamsin’s mortal home.
*Tamsin and Neve fought a lot and it seemed that they left Cabell out of a lot which I felt like led to why he chose to do what he did. Tamsin’s character I love now but HATED at first, along with Neve. They are polar opposite characters but their friendship and how self-righteous they both were drove me CRAZY!! But I came to love them both at the end.

What I loved most was:
*The Priestess and the twist the Bracken threw us with them.
*And most of all the foreshadowing! The ending was foreshadowing in one of the first chapters and I was shocked at the end when all the pieces connected and the puzzle was solved.
*The ending actually I loved the most. Even though I wish I could have had more I love that I am left wondering what will happen next.

Thank you NetGalley for helping facilitate this.

I'm on the book tour with TBR and Beyond Tours and will be posting my review on the 9th of April.