I have been a fan of AK Mulford since discovering High Mountain Court a couple years ago and she has once again proven why I continue to buy and read her books. River of Golden Bones is fantasy/wolf shifter/romance at its finest.

Calla and Briar have been in hiding since their birth 20 years ago and it is now time for Briar to claim her birthright and marry the Crown prince of an allied kingdom… or so they thought. Everything changes on the night of the wedding when the full moon and goddess change their fate. Calla has been the hidden twin and is to serve as her sisters’ protector once married. She’s also been in love with the prince since they were cubs and ran through the woods together but she has a duty and so does the prince and her sister. When her sister is put under a sleeping curse, she must go to her home kingdom to save those she loves but along the way she’s taken in by a traveling show. Honestly, the members of the show are the best. I loved every single one of them but Ora stole my heart.

Not only is this a book about finding out who you are and being true to that but also has fated mates, and found family, wolf shifters, and delicious foods. I will continue to recommend this book to all my fellow fantasy readers and will forever have Mulford as a one click author.

This book was absolutely phenomenal! It took traditional things form the Sleeping Beauty story and made them feel fresh while being mixed a unique and intriguing storyline. I really enjoyed the MC's exploration of gender and what it meant to them. The story flowed well and held my attention. Once I started reading, I didn't to put the book down! Another win for me from AK Mulford!

A River of Golden Bones

Epic as it is intimate. It's a warrior's journey to save their sister & kingdom, but also discover one's true self without the shadow of comparison or legacy. I loved the fairytale adventure from a quiet origin story, to a daring escape, harrowing fights to survive, found family to the rescue, and love that is chosen as well as magical.

You can look forward to reading:
Queer joy
Self-determination
Wolf shifters
Found family
Action / adventure
Explicit sexual content
Fairytale vibes

I'll now have to live in anticipation of the next two books as this is the first of a trilogy. Very excited!

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with this ARC! This book is out today, don't miss it!!!

A Sleeping Beauty retelling but with Wolf Shifters... yes please!

Briar and Calla have been hidden away their whole lives following a curse and the untimely death of their parents, but a betrothal between Briar, a Gold Wolf, and Grae, a Silver Wolf, should make it safe for them to come out of hiding... but the same Sorcerer that cursed their parents has other plans

Calla has always trained to be Briars protector but after another sleeping curse hits, she needs to find her place all over again and realises this is can be so much more than she ever realised, especially with Grae and a ragtag band of human travellers by her side

I love AKs previous series, The High Mountain Court, so was so very excited for this new series as well, and it did not disappoint. Thank you to NetGalley, and Harper Collins/Harper Voyger for the chance to read and review this before release - out on 07 December so not long to wait now!

In “A River of Golden Bones” by A.K. Mulford, the novel brings us dynamic and authentic characters, in particular, Calla and an exploration of what it means to explore gender identity within the construct of a fantasy novel. The novel explores Calla’s exploration of gender but also identity and discovering the truth of who Calla is apart from her sister. 

I love both the dynamic with Grae, how Calla is a true partner to Grae and forces him to be stronger as Calla learns to be stronger. I found Calla’s struggle particularly evocative and resonating as Calla figures out identity. I love Calla’s voice and I love that nothing is straightforward or uncomplicated. 

I like the resolutions but I did find the ending a bit easy for the characters. Despite that, I still loved the story and the character exploration. The authentic characters and that neither Briar or Calla’s dreams are what either of them thought is especially compelling. If you like stories with gender exploration, this is the novel for you. Calla resonated profoundly with me and I hope with other readers as well.

I've been waiting for this one for a long time, and I'm happy to say that it was one of the most moving books I've read in quite a while. Calla's true identity has been hidden since birth, and she's spent her entire life protecting her twin sister Briar, so that she can marry their childhood friend Grae....the heir to another kingdom that will take the crown of Olmdere back from an evil sorceress.

When Briar and Calla arrive for the arranged marriage, it's like everything is great until it completely falls apart. With Briar in an enchanted sleep and her mate in the hands of the sorceress, Calla decides to rescue them both by going after her twin's mate. If she can just break the curse, then they can fight for the crown together.

Calla embarks on a journey of discovery, both within herself and of the world around her. Traveling with a group of mismatched humans in a musical troupe, Calla hides her true self, the Golden Wolf, and is discovered by both the troupe and none other than Grae himself! Through their journey to Olmdere they grow closer and realize what they could be to each other, Calla also realizes more about who she is now that she's out of Briar's shadow.

I really, really liked the way that gender fluidity was explained and addressed within Calla's story. I thought that the example of someone else who was completely comfortable with who they were, what they looked like and how they presented was a really powerful thing. The realization for Calla was such a relief, and the opportunity to come to terms with it before it's inevitably used as a weapon was crucial. Really, really beautifully done!

⭐️4/5 | 🌶️2.5/5 | Sleeping Beauty Retelling | Fated Mates | Found Family | Self-Discovery | Wolf Shifters | Friends to Lovers | Slow Burn

I loved how A.K. Mulford gave us a different spin on this Sleeping Beauty retelling that is unique and refreshing! The world building was very easy to get into that would keep you invested and engaged. A wolf lore with faes / elves; a story with a gender identity representation that is about self-discovery and a found family beautifully told through a series of characters that are well done with unique dynamics. The LGBTQ representation was done so tastefully with the gender exploration and expression that I know will be appreciated by many. This book had a very emotional pull on me, especially towards the end.

The characters are very likeable with their unique stories and intriguing personalities where Mulford was able to take the time to develop all that. Any reader would enjoy the romantic part of this book given the slow burn, tension, and angst. There were some pacing issues in some parts, however, manageable. Not much of a fan of inst-love, so there’s that and there could be more opportunities to expand on the character development. I was able to tell where the story was going, however, it didn’t deter me from finishing the book as the plot line was strong and engaging. With that being said, I will say this – some of the conflict I wish had more of an impact. It was almost as if it was brushed through that we didn’t get to feel and experience it as much in the beginning. It did get better as book went on which made the book end nicely.

I liked how the book opens up to the rest of the trilogy without leaving too much hanging. This is a strong start for an anticipated trilogy!

→2.5 rounded up to 3 stars

unfortunately i was a bit let down by this. I requested a copy of A River of Golden Bones as an arc bc i loved the idea of werewolves meets sleeping beauty retelling plus it had fated mates which is one of my favorite tropes, but there were several aspects of this book that fell flat for me. i thought the pacing was off from the start. there was a bit of action at the beginning that had me excited, then nothing for the entire middle, and it ended with one big fight scene at the end that had me saying, ".... hmp. guess that's it." i also wish the main romance had been explored more in the beginning bc despite them being friends first, we didn't see that take place before they were fated mates, so it all felt rushed and insta-lovey. because of this, the characters felt very one-dimensional and surface level.

some plot points i did enjoy was the exploration into gender and identity, and the side characters. i loved reading about a non-binary fmc and Calla's discovery into self-acceptance was so well written. i absolutely adored Ora's character and the role they played in Calla's journey, as well as the rest of the crew whose name I won't even attempt to re-spell. Navin was also one of my favorites and i hope his and (view spoiler) relationship can be resolved in the next book.

i don't believe i'll continue the series unfortunately unless someone wants to convince me otherwise. i do think that there is an audience for this book as i didn't think it was completely unredeemable. i think new romantasy readers will enjoy this because it's easily digestible for fans not used to a lot of world-building. overall, i'd recommend but only to certain readers.

thanks NetGalley for an e-arc!

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book! The narrative was so absorbing that I just couldn't stop reading. The novel is a twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale - with an exploration of gender roles. It was my introduction to shifter romance fantasy, and I really enjoyed it. Additionally, Calla’s exploration and expression of their gender identity to be a profoundly touching part of the story which could resonate deeply with readers.

The novel did fall short in some places, however. At times, the writing style seemed a bit awkward and tended towards repetition (for example, characters frequently clenching their hands into fists), and I believe the character development left something to be desired. But as this is the first installment in a series, there's room for growth and expansion in future volumes.

The romantic elements were somewhat lacking in depth; it was a tale of destined lovers, yet I felt there could have been more groundwork laid to solidify their connection. The spice, though? Absolutely delicious. It more than made up for some of the problems!

It had a satisfying ending with a great set up for future books, but it also felt very rushed. I would have loved l a more expansive exploration of the antagonist's backstory, as the fleeting glimpses we received hinted at a complex and intriguing character.

Overall, this was a fun, quick read with some heat! I wanted a little more from it, but I will definitely be picking up book two when it arrives!

Snapshot:
Werewolves
Fated mates
Friends to lovers
Touch them and die
Gender fluid rep
LGBTQIA+ rep
Found family

5/5 Stars

Thank you to Harper Voyager, Netgalley, and A.K. Mulford for providing me with an arc.

I have been arc reading for AK Mulford through her street team since Rogue Crown so this is my third book from them that I have had the privilege to arc read and I have loved all of their books. This one I think is my favorite so far, the commentary about accepting yourself and learning who you are outside of your friendships and relationships was amazing. This is a wolf shifter romantasy with sleeping beauty inspiration, fated mates, and found family with the added theme of finding yourself.

Calla and Briar have been raised in secret as the lost daughters of the gold pack wolves and are hiding from the evil sorceress that killed their whole family. Calla has to live in the shadow of her sister, no one except her childhood best friend and his father know who she is because the world only knows that there was one baby, Briar, born the night the Gold Pack wolves were killed. But when Briar and Calla finally are allowed out of hiding for Briar’s marriage to Grae, everything isn’t what they expected and when the sorceress that killed their family shows up, Calla has to stand up and try to not only save her sister but their whole kingdom.

The genderfluid representation was spectacular and as someone who kind of just leaves their gender in a box that I don’t touch I really loved it and felt seen. I have loved the representation in all of Mulford’s books but this one truly stands out to me. Calla has to learn that it is okay to be different and that maybe being different will help her feel like she is their own person. I can’t wait to see how Calla fully leans into who they truly are in the rest of the series because I know it is going to be amazing. I also loved how much Grae instantly understood what Calla meant when explaining that their gender isn’t female and is more fluid than that, his reaction was just pure love and it gave him a word for what he already knew.

I love a good fated mates moment and this was very solid. We learn that Calla and Grae always felt a connection during their childhood but neither thought it could go further for many reasons that are explained. Calla’s main thing preventing her from going any further was the fact Grae was engaged to their sister. Grae has a lot of deep trauma that we learn about and it is the cause of his actions.

I can’t wait to see how this series continues as I can tell this is going to be an amazing series and it has everything I could want in a romantasy series. It is diverse, has good representation, fated mates, found family, and some good political intrigue. I highly recommend this book and please go check it out.

A River of Golden Bones is a Wolf Sleeping Beauty retelling, with the story following twins Calla and Briar. A sorceress cursed their mother with the Sleeping Curse before their birth, which was broken by their father. However, the sorceress came back the day of their birth and killed their parents. Their mother’s dying wish was granted by a faery, which allowed both Calla and Briar to be protected until Briar is married. On Briar’s wedding day, the sorceress comes back and places the Sleeping Curse on Briar, prompting Calla to go on a journey, both physical and mental, to save their sister.

I’ll be honest, the first half of the book had me highly disliking Calla. Calla was whiny and made stupid impulsive decisions because they couldn’t understand why someone might make a different choice than them. They’re furious when their childhood friend acts different when he’s home but it is clear from the writing that he is terrified of his father, who is described as a dangerous man! That would make anyone act a little different! And Calla says they can’t trust him, yet he didn’t really do anything that was untrustworthy (yeah, he didn’t make the best decision and didn’t stand up for them, but there was definitely a reason for that). Plus, they goes on and on worrying about how they can hate him yet want him at the same time but uh, y’all are fated mates so obviously destiny or whatever would cause you to want him?! Plus, Calla has clearly had a crush on him for most of their life and that doesn’t just go away! Once Calla has the realization that none of that makes sense, they get so much better as a character. I really loved the gender journey they go on. I loved getting to hear their thoughts and seeing them bond with Ora as she slowly figures out they are nonbinary. We don’t see a lot of non-binary MC’s in fantasy, so this was refreshing.

The plot was predictable and I noticed some inconsistencies (like when Calla is worried those chasing after them will be able to scent her but later, that isn’t a concern anymore?) but, overall, it was entertaining! I definitely had a fun time reading this and will likely read book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun new take on the werewolf story, it was so fun and inclusive and just overall a joy to read. The main character is so relatable and goes through an amazing self discovery arc that I hadn't read in a fantasy setting before. I found that plot line so compelling and framed in such a happy and accepting way I loved it. The fantasy world was interesting, I wanted a little more set up of the world but overall I felt like I understood the magic and the main elements of this land. Most werewolf books I have read are YA and I liked that this one was about 20 year olds finding themselves and who they want to spend their time with. The themes of acceptance and found family were so well done and just put a smile on my face.

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me access to the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

This book teems with an overabundance of tropes:
Wolf shifter
Fated mates
Friends to lovers
Hidden twin
Evil kings and sorcerers
Fairytale Retelling
LGBT Inclusion and racial equality.

And yet, the author somehow seems to make it all work.
A River of Golden Bones was a fun Romantasy that made for an entertaining quick read.
The author does a fine job of world building full of both scenic detail and interesting characters. The main characters are a bit one dimensional, but I really enjoyed the supporting character of Ora, who is a wise person who becomes a good friend and mentor to the main character. A word of warning to readers. I enjoy a romance book that gets a little steamy now and then, but this book got a bit spicy and the graphic sex scenes got a bit repetitive.

I wish to thank netGalley for an advanced review copy of the book. I enjoyed it and will be looking forward to reading more of this series. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a spicy romantasy.

As far as variations on Sleeping Beauty go, I enjoyed this secret twin, LGBTQ+ variation of the tale. You’d think I’d get sick of Sleeping Beauty retellings, but nope! It continues to be one of my top fairy tale retelling/remixing/variation starting points for a plot even after all these years. In the case of A River of Golden Bones, it helps that the infamous Sleeping Beauty isn’t in the driver’s seat and the actual FMC is on a journey of self-discovery with a whole lot of burning questions in their metaphorical pocket.

As the first book in a new series, you do have to put up with some of the typical hang-ups that come with a new series: exposition, worldbuilding, magic systems, hierarchy, cultures, politics, and since this is a wolf shifter romance you also need to learn how the shifter world works in this universe and how it interacts with the humans. All of that, plus the plot, is a lot to cram into 400 pages. Mulford does an admirable job of it, but it’s not the smoothest ride it could be.

One of the best ways Mulford engages with exposition is via having our FMC and supporting characters join up with a band of traveling musicians. As they ride together across the lands in the musician’s wagon, the shifters learn more about the humans and the way the world works for those who aren’t wolves. It’s a great way of showing and not telling in a manner which is subtle and completely connected to the plot. If you didn’t think to look at it as exposition you might not even notice it.

I had a lot of trouble with the ending, because it seemed far too convenient for my tastes, but it’s still a really entertaining and engaging read. I will be waiting with anticipation for the next book!

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. This review was written without compensation. Thank you.

File Under: Book Series/Fairy Tale Retellings/Fantasy/Romantasy/Fantasy Series/Found Family/LGBTQ Fantasy/LGBTQ Romance/Shifter Romance/OwnVoices/Spice Level 1

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Harper Voyager for review copies!

A River of Golden Bones, the first in a new series by A.K. Mulford, is an enchanting, queer fantasy romance loaded with wolf shifters, fated mates, a sleeping curse, a wicked witch, and fresh fairytale vibes.

In this world, courts of Wolves rule and look down on less powerful humans. The Wolves are the symbols of outdated, conservative traditions. But FMC Calla is about the upend everything. She's a secret twin to the Crimson Princess, who's been betrothed to the crown prince. During a fateful full moon-filled night, chaos and world-changing events ensue, including the establishment of fated mates.

What happens next is a fantastical adventure through excellent world-building, self-discovery, and a traveling caravan of musicians a la Howl's Moving Castle.

Calla's journey of self-discovery and gender expression is a beautiful one. And her fated mate but forbidden romance is sweet and perfectly spicy.

A River of Golden Bones is sure to be every fantasy romance reader's next obsession.

Another MASTERPIECE by A.K. Mulford. An amazing author who writes such amazing novels. As a member of the queer community to see a non-binary author thrive is FANTASTIC

Thank you Harper Voyager for my gifted copy of A River of Golden Bones' arc! I still feel honored to have received it! This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions!

This is one review that I'm absolutely going to struggle to find words for. This was a book written from the heart for all the people out there who struggle with understanding their place in this world, me included. It's real, it's honest, it's heartfelt. Calla is all of us who have stood in a mirror and could never understand who they saw staring back. So, AK Mulford, thank you for writing this story. Thank you for giving a voice to all of us who struggle to find our own.

This story is incredibly well written. From the first page to the last, Mulford weaves a stunning tale of a young wolf's journey to save their sister and claim their throne. Calla as a main character, is incredibly relatable and very likable. They're surrounded by a host of fantastic side characters who drive their story forward and ensure each page turn is a delight.

The world is vibrant and feels so incredibly real. Their writing is easy to digest and beautiful. I absolutely love the world-building, how descriptive Mulford is, and all the minor details added that fully fleshes out this world, making it easier to fully immerse yourself in Calla's tale.

All in all, this is a story I will scream my love for to the skies and beyond. This is brilliant, it's a story that needs to be told and needs to be heard and needs to be read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advance reader's copy. This was an interesting book. The world building is well done and I actually enjoyed this twist on the Sleeping Beauty tale more than others I've read recently. Some parts felt obvious, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. I do look forward to reading the next one as I'm intrigued to see what happens next in this world.

Actual 4.5 stars.

A River of Golden Bones is a Sleeping Beauty re-telling set in a world with wolf shifters who rule over their human subjects. Briar and her secret twin Calla were raised by a fairy godmother after their parents were killed on the day of their birth. Calla, the secret twin, was raised to be the protection for her sister, the Crimson Princess. They leave their hideaway so Briar can marry Grae, the crown prince of a neighboring country, and unite their two kingdoms and reclaim the sister's birthright from the sorceress Sawyn who has ruled their country since their parents' deaths.
Calla's journey initially seems like the predictable one: younger sibling who is not nearly as tall, regal, and gorgeous as the elder, in love with a man they can't have, destined to be a shadow in the background without a story of their own. The night of their sister's wedding changes everything when Calla and Briar are both revealed to have destined mates. Calla is forced to take their life and destiny into their own hands so they can save their sister and kingdom. They fall in with a group of traveling human musicians and with them Calla is able to fully realize truths about themself and find acceptance of those truths. Overall, I thought it was a gorgeous story Calla's journey of self-discovery and finding their identity was so well done. A.K. Mulford does an amazing job at providing diverse representation in characters (and Calla is joining a list of amazing ones from Mulford's other stories). The last third of the book was full of so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes wondering how it was possible to get any kind of conclusion before the end. The cast of supporting characters was well developed and had me rooting for them as well! Without giving any spoilers, I thought there was one thing as the book reached its climax that wrapped up just a bit too neatly. However, I'm definitely looking forward to continuing The Golden Court saga and can't wait for more from Calla and their Golden Court.

I would like to thank Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A River of Golden bones, a fairytale retelling, follows twins - Briar and Calla (mainly Calla) throughout their journey to reclaim their kingdom as the last gold wolves.

The narrative predominantly centers on Calla whom goes through a beautiful journey of self discovery. At the start Calla is very uncertain of herself and by the end transforms into a much more confident individual.

However, the character Ora stole the show for me. This character added so much to the story that they became a personal favorite.

While the pacing is a little too slow in the middle for my liking, I overall had a fun reading experience. Mulford crafted an amazing world and I am interested to see where the story goes!

Tropes:
🖤 Fated Mates
♥️ Found Family
🖤 Slow Burn Romance
♥️ Political Court Intrigue

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Overall rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️