Thank you, Netgalley, for the chance to read this book prior to its publication. This ARC was provided in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.

I was so incredibly excited for this title - the synopsis alone promises a tale packed with intrigue, romance, and horror. Ultimately, and unfortunately, this story fell flat for me. More often than not, I was looking to be given more background information on how the "magic" in this story works, especially towards the beginning when the narrative was being set up. More often than not, I found that the way that information was being presented was simply... Confusing? I was often left with more questions than answers. I understand that the intention behind drip-feeding information in this way was to magnify the air of mystery that permeates throughout... It just didn't work for me.

That said, I don't doubt that many people will love this book, and I wish I were among their ranks.

Thank you, NetGalley for allowing me to read this great e-arc. I really enjoyed this story, I'm so glad I had the option to.

1/5 Stars

TL;DR - A cliched, nonsensical, bland-as-stale-oatmeal book that gave nothing and actually took from me personally. Capital-H Hated this book.

Big thanks to Scholastic and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!

***Trigger Warnings for: illness and death of a parent, torture, vivisection, murder of a child, child abuse, gore, stabbing, drowning, spiders, vomiting, poisoning and the death of a pet.***

‘Your Blood, My Bones’ by Kelly Andrew is the story of Wyatt Westlock, 18, who inherits her childhood home after the sudden death of her father. She returns to Willow Heath to burn the old farmhouse to the ground and move on with her life, but she finds her childhood friend, Pedyr ‘Peter’ Criafol, chained up in the basement, starting a series of events that threaten the fate of the whole world. We get 2 POVs, one from Wyatt and one from Peter.

I hated this. I beyond hated this. This book made me so mad with its nonsense that I legitimately had to just go to bed halfway through reading it because it sucked all of the energy and joy out of me. This review is a lot messier than I normally like to put out, but I just cannot be bothered to sink any more time to edit it to the point where it makes sense - and you know what, neither did the author of this book, apparently.

The writing is bad, on every level, in every way. It’s bland, it’s repetitive, it’s graceless, from a sentence level to the overall plot and execution. It’s so damn heavy-handed - everything is over-explained and repeated again and again, and yet, it makes no sense ultimately. Nothing but transparent “foreshadowing” and convenient little “coincidences” apropos of nothing, so the author can handwave like “Ooh, look how deep I am, isn’t this so deep, this deep thing I just said deeply?” No, ma’am, you’re not, stop it.

(Seriously, I cannot stress enough how *everything* in this book happens so conveniently at just the right moment, either for cheap exposition or to save the day so the characters don’t have to actually do any work. It’s maddening.)

The dialog is so superfluous and mind-numbing. I would say 75% of what the characters say is either a repeat of what they’ve already said, or just completely unnecessary in terms of moving the story along or conveying relevant information. Or it’s pure info dump. There is no in between. On top of that, a lot of times the characters don’t talk like normal people, they talk in flowery language that takes me out of the story because all I can hear is the author going “Oooh, this sounds so cool, to hell with the fact that no one talks like this ever in the history of talking!” Just, infuriatingly bad.

(Also, for a book where everyone talks so goddamn much, so many of the characters’ problems could either be solved or would be completely non-existent if these two idiots would just have a fucking conversation instead of swallowing their words for the sake of “angst”.)

Wyatt is probably the worst FMC I’ve read in a very long time. She’s so infuriatingly stupid at every turn, she is bland, she is a crayon drawing of a woman made on beige tissue paper. She’s also SO SPECIAL - she can do decay magic, she can do flower magic, she can do weather magic, she can stop time and reanimate the dead, but SHE CAN’T CRY and that makes her SAD. Take every FMC from every terrible YA urban fantasy you’ve ever read, smoosh them together and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then throw it in the dumpster out back and set it on fire, and it will STILL be better a better character than Wyatt Westlock. She’s also just a bitch, with zero empathy for the man she’s supposedly been in love with for her whole life - and I don’t mean she’s sarcastic or cold, she’s just straight-up *mean* to Peter. One of her first interactions with him is to not only *not* try to free him from being chained up in the basement for, like, *months*, but to also explicitly state she knows he’s starving down there and then DO NOTHING, when she doesn’t know that he’s immortal and will come back to life when he starves to death. But the narrative paints her as this good girl doing her best to be good for goodness’ sake, that Peter goes ahead and falls in love with anyway! The fuck?

(Yes, I’m angry that I had to read this book with my own eyes, how can you tell?)

Peter was no better. Normally he would be instantly my type of fictional guy - the sad, supernatural boy with a tortured past - but he’s such an angry, toxic edgelord that I couldn’t stand him, and Wyatt was so infuriatingly dumb on top of being the special perfect object of Peter’s (undeserved) attention that I was really hoping the beast or the giant spider in the woods would eat them both so I could be done with the book. And for all his bluster, Peter turns from “I’m going to kill you” to a protective, whiny puppy really quick, like, basically instantly, except *of course* he can’t tell her or show feelings or god forbid have a conversation about all the shit that’s happening, because angsty boy is angsty and the whole plot would fall apart if they just talked to each other for two minutes. I’m really not the intended audience for “angry man breaks shit and doesn’t communicate vital information the FMC has a right to know and is also obsessed with her even though she’s cruel to him and has all the personality of a lump of soggy newspaper”, but if you are, you’ll probably love him.

(Side bar, the dude seems remarkably chill for someone murdered over and over, then left in a basement to starve to death over and over. All he got from it was like, anger and broodiness, not actual trauma. Just another sign of lazy, shallow writing.)

The plot is next to nonexistent, and has more holes than Swiss cheese. I have PAGES of notes keeping track of everything that’s either not explained or contradicts itself repeatedly, too much to even try to condense into a coherent list. All I can say is that this reads like a first draft that the author never went back through to fix all the inconsistencies, and that I have to wonder who the beta readers were for this, if they even exist, because there’s no way any self-respecting beta reader or other literary professional could look at this and think it was ready to publish. It’s a nonsensical mess, the likes of which I’ve honestly never encountered in my 14+ years of professional literary work.

(This book as billed as gothic horror, and it’s not. A house in the woods that they literally leave with zero consequences does not a gothic horror make. There’s no plot, there’s no vibes, there’s just the same tropes you’ve seen in 100+ other paranormal romances with no substance connecting them. There’s barely any “eldritch” creatures, either, and the ones that are there show up intermittently and only to foist on some faux tension that is easily resolved almost immediately.)

The ending is complete nonsense. Nothing is explained, and all of the big, “emotional” things that are supposed to dominate the climax are just…there. I never cared about these characters, so I don’t care what happens to them, and that made the whole climax and ending a laborious slog (the whole book was, let’s be real) with zero impact or payoff. I felt nothing closing this book but relief that I would never again have to harm myself with its painfully lackluster everything.

Final Thoughts:

This was so, so bad. I cannot understand how this got to the ARC stage as-is. Deleting from my Kindle immediately.

Guys I cant't get over this book. Your Blood, My Bones" by Kelly Andrew is a mesmerizing tale that deftly weaves elements of dark fantasy, romance, and psychological drama into a tapestry of storytelling that is as haunting as it is beautiful. I'm so blown away.

The protagonist, Wyatt Westlock, starts off with a BANG. Her plan to burn down her inherited farmhouse is a testament to her desire to sever ties with a troubled past. However, the discovery of Peter, her childhood friend and a semi-immortal being trapped in a cycle of death and rebirth, turns her world upside down. (I mean, wouldn't we all be shocked?) The dynamic between Wyatt and Peter is electric and filled with tension, oscillating between trust and betrayal, love and loathing, and ultimately, survival and destruction.

Kelly Andrew's narrative style is both seductive and eerie, perfectly capturing the gothic atmosphere of the story. The farmhouse, with its dark secrets and haunting past, almost feels like a character in itself, adding an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the plot. The revelation of Peter's curse and his connection to Wyatt's family adds a twist to the narrative that is both shocking and compelling.

The romance in the story is far from conventional. It's twisted, dark, and tangled with threads of fate and destiny. The relationship between Wyatt and Peter challenges the boundaries of love, pushing the characters to confront the darkest parts of themselves. Their interactions are charged with an intensity that is both unsettling and captivating. I really loooooved them !

Andrew's portrayal of magic and ancient forces is skillfully done, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in a chilling reality. The unraveling of the spells protecting Wyatt's property and the gathering of dark forces in the forest add a sense of impending doom that keeps the reader on edge.

The psychological depth of the characters is one of the strongest aspects of this book. Both Wyatt and Peter are not just dealing with external threats, but also with their inner demons. Their struggle with identity, loyalty, and their fraught past makes them relatable and adds a layer of realism to the fantasy elements of the story.

In conclusion, "Your Blood, My Bones" is a riveting and darkly enchanting novel that delves deep into the complexities of the human psyche. Kelly Andrew has crafted a story that is not only about the supernatural but also about the human capacity for love, redemption, and resilience in the face of darkness. It's a gripping read that will linger in your thoughts long after you've turned the last page.

*I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for a review*
Female rage? Eldrich -like monsters in the surrounding forest? A resurfaced childhood crush? Sign me uppp.
I really enjoyed this one! Loved the way the title wraps itself into the plot (I'm an absolute sucker for that tbh). Oh, and I absolutely LOVE JAMES, he made me laugh when the rest had me wanting to cry.
It was raw, gritty and emotional- please pick it up once it is out!

*3.5 stars, rounded up*

This book was one that I have very mixed feelings about. On one hand, there were parts that felt drawn out or more confusing than they needed to be. We have the present-day timeline, along with memories from the past, and sometimes it was hard to tell when something was happening or exactly how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. On the other hand, this book kept me wanting to read it, sitting for hours at a time. I really liked the writing, with fantastic descriptions and an overall unique feel to it. It was a blend of many genres – young adult, romance, fantasy, horror. At times I felt the vocabulary was a bit advanced for young adult, but again, this generally didn’t feel like a typical YA story. While not necessarily packed with action, the story held an eerie and mysterious feel throughout.

While the romance in the story is a slow burn, it's one that will ignite your emotions. The connection between Wyatt and Peter is not explicit, but the emotional depth and intensity of their relationship will have you awash in feelings. It's a romance that's as much about anticipation and tension as it is about love.
What truly sets this novel apart is its unparalleled uniqueness. The plot is a rich tapestry of mystery and supernatural elements that are expertly interwoven. As you read, you'll find yourself on an extraordinary journey, one that defies conventions and explores narrative territory that's both fresh and exciting. Andrew's ability to blend romance, suspense, and supernatural horror while keeping the narrative innovative is a testament to her storytelling brilliance.

WOW… just wow! Kelly Andrew’s writing had me captivated from the second I started reading and it was soooo hard to put this book down!!

The plot was so well planned from beginning to end without any chance of the reader guessing the ending. It integrated the past with the present events so well that everything just… made sense. The book is centered around the plot and not the slow burn romance, which I feel that a lot of books don’t do in the current market.

The romance was everything! Yes, it’s a slow burn, but it’s so so so good. It was tugging my heart strings and making me FEEL it. Details in the book bring the budding romance to life in a way that gives you butterflies.

Personally, I usually prefer to read series and I feel like stand alone books always seem so fast paced BUT Kelly Andrew hit the nail on the head with the pacing in this book. She provides the necessary details and information a reader needs to keep up with the story but it doesn’t feel like you’re rushing through it to get to the ending and it isn’t so slow that it feels like the book is dragging.

Overall, I will 100% be recommending this book to my friends whenever it is released and I will be exploring more of Kelly Andrew’s books!

This was honestly one of my favorite reads ever! The twists, the turns, the suspense of it amazing!

THE ENDING! after reading the last line?! Ugh, I could not stop reeling!
If you want a paranormal read that leaves you gasping at every page this is definitely the book for you!
A cult story with absolutely beautiful writing and beautifully flawed characters!

Your Blood, My Bones is a dark story of ancient magic, childhood bonds and evocative imagery. Kelly Andrew weaves a tale of dark cottagecore horror, fantasy and suspense to create a tale that is both unsettling yet impossible to put down.

The setting and world building is nothing short of exquisite. This is the sort of horror I didn’t realise I needed in my life. Kelly has a wonderful talent for creating an unsettling atmosphere of dread and eeriness which will pervade the very core of your bones. There are some strong elements of horror throughout but I also feel a fantasy reader looking for a spookier read will not be scared off.

We are introduced to the characters of Wyatt, James and Peter who are all incredibly interesting and flawed in their own rights. Their relationship dynamics worked well and had me wondering what they would each do next. Their back stories had so many complexities and layers. It felt like an onion that was slowly being peeled back. Their stories and experiences will tug on your heartstrings and make you invested in finding out what will happen to them.

The romance here is extremely slow burn and not the focus which I personally found refreshing. When it did finally ignite it felt real and authentic. We have a friends to enemies to lovers trope here which made things really interesting.

There are some trigger warnings which the author has listed so please be sure to look over these before reading the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for my ARC!

I loved this story. The characters were great. Even the beast. I wish this more of a new adult book more than a young adult book because I feel like it would have been better. 3.5 rounded up.

This was honestly one of my favorite reads ever. The twists, the turns, the suspense of it all…fantastic!

The ending. THE ENDING! Oh my, Kelly, the way I audibly GASPED after reading the last line?! Ugh, I can’t TAKE IT.

If you want a paranormal read that leaves you gasping at every page and holding on to the edge of your ear, pick this up when it releases April 2, 2024!

If you are a reader interested in a moody, gothic story that subsists mostly on vibes, this might just be the book for you. While Andrew certainly has creativity and isn't a terrible writer, this story never meshed with me. I do think this is a fair comp to V.E Schwab's Gallant in both tone and writing style.

To sum it up, I never became immersed in the world or fond of the characters. I found my attention wandering multiple times during my read.

I received this ARC through Netgalley from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

Wow! If you want a book that gives the same creepy crawling feelings as ‘Gallant’ and ‘Mexican Gothic,’ then you’ve surely found your next read. Kelly Andrew truly outdid herself with the atmospheric writing in this novel, and many times I found myself having physical reactions to the scenes.

The setting was gorgeously written, and felt other-worldly while also not needing layers of world building. The characters were also very interesting and I enjoyed uncovering more about them as the story progressed.

What truly caused this book to lose some points with me was how many layers it seemed to have. Once I felt like I had a grasp of what was going on, another (seemingly unrelated) piece was thrown into the mix. I never felt connected to the story because of this, and it continued to make me feel like an “outsider” to the story. Juggling so many details, so many supporting characters who get 5 minutes of mention, so many flashbacks mid-scene all got really confusing.
Also, I understood that this was meant to have some sort of semblance of romance; however, it felt as thought it came out of nowhere. There were no details that suggested that Peter felt that way about Wyatt as a child, and then all of a sudden they’re kissing and proclaiming their love for each other…. when five minutes earlier he was planning to kill her? It just was too flip-floppy for me.

I really really enjoyed the last book I read by this author, The Whispering Dark, and this on was just as enchanting. And the ending had me crying like a baby. This story will, undeniably, leave a mark. In the best kind of way.

This book was a balm and I never saw it coming.

I haven't wept over a character in a very long time and I can't explain it. I'm also aware that maybe others might not get it when they read this book, certain twists are confusing, and the last 10% was a whirlwind that was hard to keep up with.
But the grief in this book is my grief. The rage and hurt is my rage and hurt.
I am Peter in ways that can't be put into words.

While the author's prose has always been immaculate, stunning with its metaphor and complex in the depth it's able to share, Andrew has really improved since The Whispering Dark in terms of plot and craft. I felt fully immersed in this claustrophobic world and I could quite literally feel the yearning and the loss of time between these characters. Andrew was able to create such complex characters with rich backgrounds and a unique dynamic between each other—the likes that I haven't read since The Raven Boys. And it's the characters that make up this story, their hurt, grief, desire, love, and hope—it's all so clear and relatable in this book. Everything is beautifully explored in a gothic horror setting with sensitivity and depth and I truly believe everyone should read this book.

Above all, however, this book is a love story. New love and its fragility, love between friends that goes beyond distance and time, between children and their parents, between two strangers who become friends and then enemies but beneath it all something more as they cling onto each other with desperation and need.

All this to say, read this book. Read it, read it.

Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was an absolute gem! It had so many vibes that I was not expecting at all, and I absolutely loved this.

It is a gothic enemies to lovers story that follows Wyatt as she goes back to her childhood farm after the death of her father, with the sole purpose of burning the place to the ground. Things aren’t quiet as they seem; however, when she finds Peter, her childhood best friend, strung up in the basement.

The first 30 pages of this book had me hooked, and it was easy to read and exciting the whole way through (especially with that heart wrenching ending). The pacing of the book was done very well, and the entire story flowed smoothly. It had me gasping, crying, and needing more of these characters. It is definitely character driven, with a dual POV between Peter and Wyatt which I absolutely loved. The romantic relationship in this story developed like fine wine, and Andrew did an amazing job of developing her characters by slowly revealing their backstories and what happened in the past to drive them apart. Further, this book is written so well, and the descriptions that Andrew used helped create an atmosphere that set a creepy tone for the rest of the book.

The only thing I wish I got to see more of was a “backstory” or explanation of the magic system and how Wyatt’s family learned about it, as well as the whole plot involving the cult; I feel like these two were a little confusing and Andrew could have spent a bit more time explaining them.

After taking weeks to finish the whispering dark, I flew through this one in 7 hours (give or take). I liked whispering dark a lot and I was excited to see some familiar faces in this book. However this one far exceeded my expectations and surpassed my feelings about the first book.

Not quite a sequel, more a different story in the same universe. This one was more emotional and the stakes felt higher. I especially loved the gothic themes/imagery.

Where the whispering dark left me with a smile of my face this one left me with a punch in the gut and tears falling down my face.

I can give no greater compliment to an author and can experience nothing better while reading, than just pure unfiltered emotions.

Do I even need to say this was 5 stars? Okay. It was 5 stars.

Oops, edited to say thank you to net galley for the arc 😅

Your Blood, My Bones, was devastating. I loved it so much.

Between the lush estate (with its own chapel and graveyard) and the decay of Wyatt's untapped powers and the visual of the piano rotting away covered with moss and fungi, this book was beautiful. Kelly really has a gift for description. But more than that the relationships between the trio of Wyatt, Pedyr and James was alluring - I freaking loved Pedyr. "She thought of him out in the henyard, naming all the chickens. The way the goat followed him from room to room, chewing at his sleeves. The way he'd sharpened himself into something cruel, to hide the fact that all he wanted was someplace soft to land." I loved that his motivation had always been to go home, and how blind he was to what the word home really meant to him. Wyatt needed to go on this terrifying journey in order to move forward. James definitely needed the journey he went on, but you'll have to read it to know why. The general feeling throughout the book was that all three of them were yearning for the halcyon days, and yet at the time they had not realised how good they had it. They were all rather sad and all I wanted was to just give them all hugs.

Of course I loved Mackenzie, Lane and Colton popping up - but was glad to see that they really were background characters. They popped up only to assist, not to take over. It was good to have a second location they could run away to, and that helped ease the pressure at a point in the book where you really just wanted them to run away! Even if you knew, they were going to return. Could they have stayed away? No.

Every twist was expertly handled, and I spent so much time during this book shouting "WHAT?" - it was brilliant. This trio will stay with you for a longtime.

Beautiful writing, devastating characters, cunningly woven together.

I really liked this book beautifully written, paced very well and kept me thoroughly invested throughout the entire time. I. was very excited to read this and so glad I did I will definitely be getting this as a physical copy once it comes out