Member Reviews
Kelly Andrew wrote a second book in her multidimensional, magical world, and it might just be better than the first! This dark cottage-core horror of a novel will tear your heart out and offer it back to you in pieces. Fans of The Whispering Dark will find comfort in some familiar characters, but the new trio at the center of Your Blood, My Bones are wonderful in their own right. Wyatt Westlock is the flawed, angry, broken main character who enters the novel with every intention to burn the world down. Her journey, along with Peter and James, will appeal to fans of Practical Magic, listeners of Hozier, and anyone who longs for a home that doesn’t exist anymore. Give to teens and adults beginning a new chapter in their lives and searching for meaning and hope.
Andrew says that the The Whispering Dark was the book of her head and that Your Blood, My Bones is the book of her heart. I could feel that in every word, every character, every place and especially in the magic. Andrew has a way of imbuing every element of a story with care, suspense, and making the unthinkable undeniably human.
I believe that Andrew may be one of the few writers that can get me to pay her to break me to bits and enjoy it. She is an evil genius that will rip every last bit of hope from you only to leave you drowning in that very emotion. I am in the thick of denial as I write this, blasting the playlist she put together and eyes burning with unwilling tears. How I wish I could sob and shed the emotions sitting in my chest from this story, but it won’t leave me alone.
Peter Pan has always been my favorite fairy tale; every form of it, from the original to the childlike Disney version, was my lifeblood growing up. The whole while reading, I was thinking how nostalgic her allusions to the original story and some variants were. It made me think of every aspect of the 2003 version that makes me love the story so much (iykyk).
Her writing is so different than any other author I’ve come across. It vaguely reminds me of the bluntness of Neil Gaimans and the lushness of Holly Blacks. She is able to write such human emotions into settings, situations, character dynamics, and I love how real that makes everything feel. It was as if everything were in a state of shock the entire time I was reading it.
Wyatt, Pedyr, James. They were all so hopeless in their wanting, in their grasping for life. It was lovely. Pedyr’s perspective was my favorite, the boy who’s lost all hope and feels all alone in his head, his character drew me in and swallowed me whole. Wyatt was what it feels like to be angry and try to hide it from the world even as it festers beneath your skin. James is the darkness that sits in your bones and I enjoyed every minute of the pain this caused me.
I don’t know how she’s done this again, but her unnamed, absolutely no context except the vague string of emojis she uses with pink bows and teeth, next book is once more the only thing I want to read right now. Now don’t mind me as I go and reread TWD and then YBMB on an endless loop until April, when I most assuredly will get my hands on every edition that releases to sit prettily with my six copies of TWD.
A haunting, lyrically written book with a childhood friends to enemies to lovers trope between an immortal eldritch boy and a witch he has to kill to end his curse. This was so so good but also so so sad - that ending?!😩😩
I was really looking forward to this book, as the genre is right up my alley. The writing is beautiful and full of raw emotion, but there were times I struggled to get through it. I liked the characters and the environment, but, ultimately, this book seemed to survive more on vibes than plot. And that’s not really for me.
After her father’s death, Wyatt returns to her family’s home to burn the place down. While she’s there, she finds her best friend Peter bound in the basement. If that wasn’t odd enough, she finds he’s been reborn numerous times throughout the past and the only way to break the cycle and grant him peace is to end Wyatt’s family line.
Sci-Fi, horror, and romance all wrapped into one fantastic read. It is a clean romance but it’s not a traditional romance. This one has all kinds of messed up situations and was one heck of a wild ride, but I couldn’t seem to put it down. I just had to figure out how this and that ended. No matter how much I read, and how much progress was made and the tension between Peter and Wyatt, I didn’t want it to end. The world building was fantastic and is beautifully written. They way the characters weaved so fluidly together made the book that much better!
The main characters are three kids that form a strong bond because of basically a forced proximity. And the secondary characters make the book extra special. I’m hoping there will be several sequels featuring the other characters. Its split into three parts and mostly told in Wyatt and Peter’s points of view. I do wish I could get more of a glimpse at the other characters, but I still love how this book was written. Andrews can weave her stories expertly together while never forgetting even the smallest details. It’s what makes her a fabulous author.
Warning: this book does have strong elements of horror, so if you’re looking for a nice and easy romance, this book isn’t for you. Otherwise, I beg you to read this. You will not be disappointed!
I received After her father’s death, Wyatt returns to her family’s home to burn the place down. While she’s there, she finds her best friend Peter bound in the basement. If that wasn’t odd enough, she finds he’s been reborn numerous times throughout the past and the only way to break the cycle and grant him peace is to end Wyatt’s family line.
Sci-Fi, horror, and romance all wrapped into one fantastic read. It is a clean romance but it’s not a traditional romance. This one has all kinds of messed up situations and was one heck of a wild ride, but I couldn’t seem to put it down. I just had to figure out how this and that ended. No matter how much I read, and how much progress was made and the tension between Peter and Wyatt, I didn’t want it to end. The world building was fantastic and is beautifully written. They way the characters weaved so fluidly together made the book that much better!
The main characters are three kids that form a strong bond because of basically a forced proximity. And the secondary characters make the book extra special. I’m hoping there will be several sequels featuring the other characters. Its split into three parts and mostly told in Wyatt and Peter’s points of view. I do wish I could get more of a glimpse at the other characters, but I still love how this book was written. Andrews can weave her stories expertly together while never forgetting even the smallest details. It’s what makes her a fabulous author.
Warning: this book does have strong elements of horror, so if you’re looking for a nice and easy romance, this book isn’t for you. Otherwise, I beg you to read this. You will not be disappointed!
I received this for an honest review. All opinions are my own. #YourBloodMyBones #NetGalley
Beautifully written characters with an amazing dark and broody storyline with the perfect amount of romance
An immersive, creeping story of love and grief, of friendship and romance. It’ll wind its way into your heart like vines climbing up an abandoned home. A story of hope but also of loss. Kelly Andrew has done it again !
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew. I thought it was a perfect read for October, and around Halloween, because it gave me a mysterious, ominous, creepy feeling until the very end. I thought that the author's writing style was absolutely beautiful and kept me entertained and enthralled throughout the entire book. The world building was exquisite and I have never read a story so unique.
I appreciate being able to get a copy of this. This was my first Andrew book and going forward I definitely think I will include her in her rotation of books that I read and that I’m anticipating. The world Andrew created, the way she wrote. It was such an immersive experience. I constantly underlined quite a few lines that really just tugged at my best strings.
I think the plot was okay but the character work she did and her prose was so lush. I still feel like I have so many questions in regards to the choices that were made and the way magic works. At times I didn’t really feel that Wyatt completely tapped into what she was capable of doing. I wish we couldn’t seen more of that, her growth as a witch.
Anyways, I’ll definitely be recommending this because I’m very curious about what others may think.
"Your Blood, My Bones" by Kelly Andrew is a remarkable journey into an unparalleled narrative experience that leaves an indelible mark on the reader. This novel transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling by blending genres like romance, suspense, and supernatural horror into an intricate tapestry that keeps you enthralled from the very first page.
Kelly Andrew's prose is nothing short of a revelation. It's as if she has woven a spell with her words, making it nearly impossible to skip even a single sentence. Her descriptions are rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the world she has created. With a deft hand, Andrew perfectly balances suspense and supernatural elements to create an atmosphere that's both chilling and exhilarating.
At its core, the novel is a character-driven story, and Andrew has created three compelling protagonists who are the beating heart of the narrative. Wyatt Westlock, Peter, and James are exquisitely developed characters with intricate backstories and deeply relatable struggles. Their relationships and inner conflicts are beautifully crafted, pulling you deeper into their lives with each page.
The setting and world-building in "Your Blood, My Bones" are so immersive that they become integral characters in the story. Reading this book at night may have you instinctively reaching for extra light switches to dispel the eerie ambiance that lingers. Andrew's talent for creating a palpable sense of dread is nothing short of masterful.
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.
Overall, "Your Blood, My Bones" is a literary gem that you won't want to miss. It's a book that will leave you breathless, on the edge of your seat, and reluctant to part with its haunting characters and mesmerizing story. You'll find it impossible not to sing its praises, and its influence will linger in your thoughts for an extended period. This debut novel is a literary masterpiece that redefines genre-defying storytelling, and Kelly Andrew is undoubtedly an author to watch.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Press for sharing this gripping novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m so glad I got to read Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew in the fall because it just nails all the vibes you want for your fall TBR. Spooky, romantic, atmospheric, unexpectedly twisty, gothic vibes—an all-around great read.
I loved that the author took the time to reveal the friendships in the past and the present. I became fully invested in their relationships and felt like my heart was in my throat the full second half of the book. It was a tumultuously emotional ride that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I gave this a four-star rating because there was never a dull moment, the writing was impeccable, and the characters were ones that will stay with you long after you closed the book. A definite must-read!
As I sit here wiping tears that fell as I finished this absolute gem of a book, I am speechless and full of words all at once!
Your Blood, My Bones was beautiful, tragic, spooky, and whole-heartedly gut wrenching.
The writing is…exquisite. I don’t know what the author put into the words but it was so addicting. I am prone to skip over paragraphs that seem to droll on sometimes but this…I read every word. The descriptions were so damn good. Perfection.
The characters were so well thought out. Each one of their stories and personalities had me hooked.
The setting and world building was immersive in every way. If you find yourself reading this at night, don’t be surprised if you end up turning a few extra lights on. This book gave me goosebumps in the best, creepiest way.
The romance is an insane slow burn but oh my gosh…I can’t say anymore. It’s well worth the wait. (There is no spice…but there didn’t need to be. Trust me. ALL THE FEELS!)
The plot and idea of the story was so incredibly unique. It truly was like nothing I have ever read.
Overall, I will be screaming this book from the rooftops. I loved it so much and the story and these characters will stay with me for a very, very, long time.
"Your Blood, My Bones" is a darkly intriguing and uniquely twisted romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Kelly Andrew masterfully combines elements of loyalty, fate, and the darkest aspects of human nature in this captivating tale.
The story centers around Wyatt Westlock, who unexpectedly inherits her childhood farmhouse with the intention of razing it to the ground. However, what she discovers in the basement turns her world upside down. There, she finds Peter, her once-best friend, chained and left for dead. Peter, a semi-immortal who's endured countless ritualistic deaths on the Westlock property, has an unusual connection with the place and is bound to a cycle of gruesome deaths and rebirths. To break free, he believes he must end the Westlock lineage, starting with Wyatt.
The complex relationship between Wyatt and Peter is at the heart of this novel. Peter's grim existence and Wyatt's unwitting involvement with his tortured fate create an intense and suspenseful atmosphere. As they grapple with their roles in the dark forces surrounding the property, they find themselves reluctantly dependent on each other for survival.
Andrew crafts a story that delves into the supernatural and psychological aspects of her characters, offering a fresh take on the supernatural romance genre. The novel skillfully navigates themes of trust, family secrets, and the price of power, all against the backdrop of a deteriorating protection spell and menacing ancient forces lurking in the nearby forest.
"Your Blood, My Bones" is a unique and haunting journey that challenges the boundaries of love and trust while immersing readers in a darkly mystical world. If you're a fan of gripping, unconventional romances with a touch of the supernatural, this book is a must-read.
the beginning was a bit slow, but once it started picking up i was SEATED. i won't lie i was a bit confused at times but i still enjoyed this. the ending was so bittersweet ugh
I read this book in one sitting, holy hell did it move FAST. I fell in love with Wyatt, as a protagonist she was really easy to root for and as the story progresses It just kept getting darker and scarier, a great use of dread. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.
I definitely wish I liked this book a lot more. The premise is pretty interesting: girl (Wyatt) comes home after not being there for years because her father died and gave the house to her. Wyatt finds out that her childhood friend Peter has been magically trapped in this house because he’s immortal and her family somehow bound him there. The only way he can leave is if she dies.
Doesn’t that sound cool?
Alas, this wasn’t a book for me. It wasn’t necessarily bad. It just didn’t reel me in as much as I had hoped. I found myself getting easily distracted and not really remembering much about the lines I just read. The dark, ominous vibes are there, but I wanted something a little darker and more ominous. I also wish that we got a little bit more of each character’s personalities. They felt a little surface level to me.
Overall, it was a decent read—simply not a book that I enjoyed.
Would I recommend this book? Maybe.
I would pay actual money to be able to read this book again for the first time. Kelly Andrew is a master of atmosphere. Of that creeping feeling down your spine that something’s a touch off or odd that builds into dread. I literally could not put this book down and I’ve been thinking about it nearly nonstop since I finished. The triangle between Wyatt, James and Peter is beautifully rendered. The ending will knock your socks off. I need a limited series adaptation of this stat!
If you’re looking for a good creepy book with Witches, monsters, immortals, and ghosts here you go. This book was really good, also really sad and had a good creepy element to it for a great October read. I’m not over the end. The characters are very interesting and it leaves you guessing the entire book.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
After her father’s death, 18-year-old Wyatt returns to her family’s home to burn the place to ground. There, she finds her best friend, Peter, bound in the basement. Things get even more complicated when she discovers that he’s been reborn many times and the only way to break the cycle and grant him peace is to end Wyatt’s family line by killing her.
This book is one wild ride. The magical world building is super fun, and the tension between Wyatt and Peter makes the book hard to put down. The secondary characters make the book extra special and had me craving several sequels featuring the other characters.
One caution: This book is marketed as a romance, and while the book has strong romantic elements, it is not a traditional romance. While Wyatt and Peter’s romantic feelings for each other definitely add to the conflict, the main plot revolves around Wyatt’s family legacy and Peter’s role within it. Nevertheless, romance readers will likely enjoy the tension between the two and the complications that their friend James brings to the table.
The book, which is split into three parts and mostly told in Wyatt and Peter’s points of view, is beautifully written. Andrew weaves the story expertly, never forgetting even the smallest thread or character such as Slightly, the family cat, and Wyatt’s own dark secrets.
For me this is a five star read, because of the wonderful world building, the tension between the two main characters, the way the story came together, the awesome secondary characters, and because I absolutely need more books in this world ASAP.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley.
The Whispering Dark was a 5-star read for me, and whole Your Blood My Bones did not capture me in quite the same way, it is still a very creepy, emotional story of love and hate and death. Whereas the Whispering Dark is dark academia, this is all cottagecore, with overgrown flowers and rotting wood in old farmhouses. The magic here didn't feel as fleshed out to me as it did in the Whispering Dark, but the emotions are very present. It took a bit to get going, but once it did, I really enjoyed it. Another great work by Kelly Andrew!