I am not a huge fan of young adult/new adult books at the moment because they remind me too much of the teens I have, and it takes me out of the story. However, this was unlike my teen/young adults that I wasn’t put off much. I really can’t go in to too much detail about the book as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I can make some observations. This doesn’t really have too much to do with Arthurian legends in the way that I thought it would be, but that was OK as it was still a very interesting premise. I didn’t really feel too invested in the book until it was almost half over, and I feel that was not good because it is so much better in the second half. The first half didn’t do it enough justice. All in all, this is worth it; just stick around for the whole book. The descriptions and writing are definitely worth it. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

I was unable to finish this book. I got about 20% in and had no idea what was happening and felt like I was thrown into this world with little to no background or world building. I will try to finish it at a later day and will update my review if things improve.

I adore Alex Bracken's ability to pull me into a world and just make me lose myself in her storytelling. Silver in the Bone was no different and I'm very excited to see where she takes this adventure in the coming books.

From the characters to the plot I found myself completely intrigued and when that thing happens near the end I couldn't believe it happened.

Thank you so much for an early copy!

I have never read anything by this author, and it wasn't until after I finished "Silver in the Bone" that I realized I was at least familiar with the other titles that Alexandra Bracken has written. I would give this book 3.5 stars so I rounded it up to 4.

The premise of this book was very interesting, but I wavered between connecting with the characters and thinking it felt disjointed. The explanation of the magic and sorceresses was hard to understand. The main character also wavered for me - I didn't understand the pain and actions of these characters and it felt like something was missing. Like, an entire chapter or sentences giving more background to build these characters was just missing. For example about 40% in, one of the characters is revealed to have a strange birthmark that is ultimately something else. This was never mentioned before and it seemed like a big plot point and big deal and it just came out of nowhere.

As the book went on, I was drawn more to the characters and the budding love interest, but the last part of the book was extremely chaotic, disjointed, and obviously setting up for the next book. It raised many questions that didn't seem warranted. I am invested now though so I would definitely read the next one in this series.

Thanks NetGalley for the Arc!

I had read the author's book Lore about a year or so ago and really enjoyed it, so when I saw/received a copy of this book, I thought I'd give it a try. And after getting a few pages into the story, I felt like this wasn't the book for me. I think it was one of those books where the premise/summary sounded good, but something about the story telling felt a bit...off to me. So, I think I'll put this one down for now and not finish it. Though I'd definitely recommend that once it comes out next spring, that anyone who's a fan of King Arthur retellings give this book a try.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

After falling in love with Bracken's Lore, I was thrilled to get my hands on her Arthurian retelling. That said, the story fell a little short of my hopes. The beginning was a little disjointed and while I loved the concept of hunting for magical relics, i struggled to connect emotionally with the MC, Tamsin, who was justifiably closed off. Around the midpoint I started to feel more connected to Tamsin, but i didn't completely understand her relationship with her brother or her hatred of the love interest. The character motivations were a little bit murky and rather than answering any questions, it felt more like this book was a set up for the next one. I've read a lot of trilogies but usually the individual books feel some sense of completion, but this one felt like nothing was really fully answered or complete and there are just a whole host of new questions to be answered in book two. The mythology and magic were very interesting, as were the side characters and the magical world Tamsin and her brother get sucked into and I think that was a place where this book really redeemed itself. All in all, it was a solid swing at a big block of mythology and I'm curious enough to read on.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-arc of this book.

Alexandra Bracken delivers yet again. This story follows tales of King Arthur and his men with a cool twist/spin with magic and the magical world in a current time. Not to mention, you get witches, sorceress, shape shifters, people who hunt magical items, and nothing is complete without Merlin.

I really enjoyed reading this book and didn't want it to end. I can't wait until the next book to see where Tamsin ends up. Hopefully the newly founded sisterhood kicks Emry's butt. Can't wait to find out and see what other magical lines we get to follow.

10/10 - this is a great read and worthy of a re-read.

This book was phenomenal! The magic system, and the diversity of characters, and the storyline were all spot on! My mind is reeling with all the possibilities of how book 2 will go! I will absolutely be buying this for myself when it releases!

tl;dr
Loosely based on Arthurian legend and featuring an exceedingly pragmatic main character, this book takes a bit to get going, but doesn't let up once it does.

Thoughts
I stayed up way later than I expected finishing this (oops). The opening of this book was, for me, a bit slow. It took some time to get all the world building and the main plot moving, but just as I was getting used to the pace, it took off at a run and never stopped. And WOW! What a run. This tale is inspired by Arthurian legend, but it takes the pieces and creates its own story full of plot twists that kept me guessing the whole way through. Tamsin is a difficult main character. On the one hand, I appreciate not having an eternally hopeful ray of sunshine who always believes the best in people. Sometime a girl's gotta be pragmatic. But there were times when her jaded worldview got in her way, which I probably hate because it's a little too relatable. Thankfully some of the other characters balance out her (mostly) warranted cynicism, with Neve the energetic sorceress being a standout favorite. And speaking of other characters, there's the start of what might be an enemies to lovers romance, with a fade to black-style night spent together (how far they went is unclear). Emrys is as complicated as Tamsin, and I really like how their relationship has progressed so far, but his motives a very unclear, so now I must await book two for answers.

I never read Lore and I gave The Darkest Minds 3 stars, so I went into Silver in the Bone with pretty low expectations. Talk about knocking it out of the park. It's slow to start, but as soon as the characters get to where most of the story takes place, it really pops off. You can definitely tell how much Alexandra Bracken has grown as an author. This book had me by the throat by the time I got to the halfway point. I fell in love with the Tamsin, Cabell, Emrys, and Neve, as well as the priestesses and their friends. Each character felt unique and memorable. The last 30% happens pretty quickly, and there are a lot of plot twists in the last chapters, but none of it feels jarring or unnatural. I'm only left with questions that I can't wait for the next book to answer.

Thank you Random House Children's and Netgalley for the ARC!

DNF around 50%

Unfortunately I did not connect with this story or the characters and have chosen not to continue reading at this time. It is well-written, and I think it will be well received, but it was not for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to read. I will not be posting a review on social media at this time.

<b> <I> Thank you so much to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “Silver in the Bone” by Alexandra Bracken in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.</I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 4 out of 5 stars

<b> My review: </b> Silver in the Bone is written by Alexandra Bracken, who most people know for writing Lore or the Darkest Minds series. I have not read either of these and this is my first book to read from this author. I first applied for this arc because of how much of a vibe this cover is. The book is set in Avalon, and the story follows Tasmin and Cabell. They are Hollowers, people who hunt for magical artifacts. When their father disappears on a hunt for a legendary object, Tasmin teams up with her nemsis, Emrys to find the object and break the curse. I really enjoyed the twists of the story and how it felt like you never got a moment to breathe.

<b> My criticisms: </b> This book is being marketed as being based on Authrian legend and I think it barely fits the bill for that statement.

<b> Will I finish the series? </b> Absolutely, of course!

Thank you to Random House Children's books for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my god. what was that?

This story starts out giving very much National Treasure meets King Arthur/ Legendborn esque vibes and by the end I don't even know how to describe it, only that ending left me speechless. i will say the only thing keeping me from rating it a complete 5 stars is because it some parts towards the ending the story did move slowly but the last 30% makes up for it.

The opening scene was immediately upbeat, hook-you-in reading with sassy characters and undertones of Indiana Jones and Miss Peregrines School for Peculiar Children.

But, Silver In The Bone quickly ascends into its own unique and extraordinary style. Absolutely FUN to read. Witty, quirky, charismatic characters abound, resulting in the perfect combination of personalities.

I’ve happily read many stories of King Arthur and ancient Avalon. This book is entirely different — thank goodness. It’s young, hip, frantic and fabulous.

Starting on the streets of Boston, with modern twists and more twists this author is brilliant at storytelling.

I kept on reading well into the night ~ and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. It’s honestly the best when you’re like — just 5 more minutes… OK just one more chapter. Absolutely, Undeniably, Unputdownable. Already, I can’t wait to read the next book. When is the next book coming out? And when can I preorder?

#SilverintheBone #NetGalley Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Excellent read.

SILVER IN THE BONE will be big hit of readers who are fascinated with Arthurian lore and even more so because this is set in modern times. I am not a super big fantasy reader, but I'll be honest, if Alexandra Bracken wrote out the phonebook I'd read it.

I find her writing style lovely and enjoyable. She's able to set up big reveals in a way that keeps the reader interested. Her books flow with grace and before you know it, you've reached the end and are left wanting more of the story.

My grandmother passed last week and this book was the perfect escape for me. It transported me to another world right when I needed it. It's funny how books can do that at the right times.

I loved how flawed Tamsin was. Every time she tried to do better fate (and people) knocked her back down. She was relatable to all of us mere mortals. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance B plot between Tamsin and Emrys. All I can say is EMRYS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? :) Please, more Tamsin and Emrys in the next installment. Pretty please.

I loved Lore and I was certain SILVER IN THE BONE wouldn't be able to top it just because I LOVE Greek mythology and I wasn't too sure how the Arthurian slant would play out. I actually enjoyed SILVER IN THE BONE more than Lore.

This books has a very Indiana Jones feel to it with a cast of characters that makes it fun. Yet, there is also a very dark side to the book and I love how Alexandra is branching out with her doom writing.

Also, I loved the creepy character with "the eye." If you know, you know. We need more of him in the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for an e-copy of SILVER IN THE BONE to review.

I rate SILVER IN THE BONE five out of five stars.

Alexandra Bracken cements her status as one of the top fantasy authors writing today in this stunning series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

Silver in the Bone
by Alexandra Bracken
Pub Date: 04 Apr 2023


Tamsin Lark didn’t ask to be a Hollower. As a mortal with no magical talent, she was never meant to break into ancient crypts, or compete with sorceresses and Cunningfolk for the treasures inside. But after her thieving foster father disappeared without so much as a goodbye, it was the only way to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive.

Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. 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. .

#SilverintheBone

Wow. Just…wow. Alexandra Bracken decimated my heart with “Silver in the Bone,” and, quite frankly, I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.

Protagonist Tamsin is pragmatic to the point of pessimism and fiercely loyal to her only family member, her brother Cabell, whose very existence has been plagued by a looming curse. She’s not interested in anything but finding a way to help her younger brother, nor does she have time for anyone else — at least until a series of events leads her to team up with her nemesis, Emrys, in order to track down a legendary object that may be the key to breaking Cabell’s curse.

There’s just one little problem…it’s the same magical artifact that led to the mysterious disappearance of Nash, Tamsin and Cabell’s guardian, years before.

Despite assured danger, and sky-high odds stacked against them, Tamsin, Emrys and Cabell set off to uncover where the object is hidden on a journey through time and space. They are joined by a sorceress on a mission to prove her worth, a group of priestesses fighting to save a doomed land and a millennia-old knight plucked straight from the fables themselves.

But nothing and no one is as they seem. As Tamsin faces obstacle after obstacle, the promise of love — and ache of betrayal — lurk in places least expected.

With “Silver in the Bone,” Alexandra Bracken delivers a riveting beginning to a bombshell new YA series. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

I was thrilled when my request was approved for this book. I haven’t had the best past with Bracken’s books—I gave up on The Darkest Minds and haven’t yet read Lore—but I am a sucker for King Arthur retellings. As a notorious myth, it’s always interesting to see how modern authors play with an update the original story. Unfortunately for this novel, that myth wasn’t as prevalent as I had hoped it would be.
I want to start off by saying that I genuinely enjoyed Bracken’s descriptive writing. Most of my highlights are lines and phrases I wanted to pull out so if I ever do return to this book, I can revel in the beautiful figurative language scattered across this book.

However, there were a few storytelling aspects that I struggled with in this book, including: the first person point-of-view; the plotting and pacing; and the world-building.

To start, Tamsin as the main character was an excellent choice. She was a jaded character with a lot of negative traits—traits that did evolve after passing the 60% mark of this novel. I actually enjoyed her rough edges and her preference for keeping everyone held at arm’s length. This provides Bracken with endless possibilities in developing Tamsin throughout future books. But where I struggled to connect with Tamsin was a result of first person perspective. This may be a result of my preference for third person perspective when reading fantasy novels, but the first person perspective didn’t impact the story positively. At one point, I made a comment that the prose was “lacking in emotional connection to” Tamsin and that the “first person perspective feels more like third person as Tamsin, essentially, reports what is happening to her.” I still believe both of those comments stand true. Despite being in first person, I never felt Tamsin’s emotions or emotionally connected to her narration. Seeing as those are the strengths of first person perspective, it was disappointing to not experience those elements of the point-of-view.

I also found myself desiring more out of the plotting and pacing of this novel. In truth, I didn’t feel hooked on the story until I passed the 63% mark—which is when action events started occurring with more urgency. There was a definite plotting imbalance, as we spent most of the novel sitting in scenes exploring conversations/planning, versus having a balance of planning, action, and introspection. The imbalance caused a pacing inconsistency, which made the first half of the novel difficult to push through. For most of my reading experience, I never felt that pull to keep reading whenever I put the book down until I passed 63%.

Lastly, I wanted to briefly touch on the world-building. As I opened my introduction with, I was expecting a little more from the King Arthur myth. Did it inspire the world (Avalon) and create a neat setting? Absolutely. But with the emphasis of the myth in the synopsis, my expectations were skewed more toward King Arther and his court having more influence on the novel. Don’t get me wrong, I was entirely for the priestesses and the female power carrying this novel, but the myth felt like a hook to get the readers to pick up the novel, and we’re still sitting back and waiting for that myth to grow into more prevalence with the future books. Additionally, I admired Bracken for the controlled pacing in unveiling the world-building. It never felt info-dumpy and always came from Tamsin’s inherent knowledge, conversations, or exploration. The reveal of world-building was one of the better paced, better developed parts of this novel.

While the novel may have ended up on a cliffhanger, I’m not sure that it’s compelling enough to keep me hooked to read more of this series. I can’t help but walk away wishing there was more polish to some of the storytelling elements of this novel.

Thank you to Knopf Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

OMG! This is absolutely one of my favorite works of the author! The opening lured me enough to keep my interest intact, the entire execution was engaging, entertaining, promising! The characters are likable, magic system and world building is well blended in the Isle of Avalon setting and King Arthur legend.

I honestly had a little hard time to enjoy the author’s previous work: Lore. But this is something exceptional!

No more words! My expectations are so high for the second installment after reading the cliffhanger at the end! I need it ASAP!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/ Knopf Books for Young Readers for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.