wyatt westlock has just inherited her childhood farmhouse, and plans to burn it to the ground. but she finds peter, her old best friend, chained up and left for dead in the basement. peter, who has died many times on the property, can’t stay dead for long, but also can’t fully live. the only way for him to break the cycle is to end the westlock line.

i loved kelly andrew’s the whispering dark and story in in these hallowed halls, so i was very excited to read this book. the premise was brilliant, and the book itself exceeded every expectation i had for it. i loved how kelly andrew blended the horror, cult, and relationship dynamic aspects. this is a book you will not be able to put down!

side note: this reminded me a lot about together we rot, which is a compliment since i really enjoyed that book, too! (please take this as an “if you liked this, read that” statement!)

Thank you so much to Scholastic for approving me for the Netgalley e-arc of YOUR BLOOD, MY BONES. This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions, based on the unfinished early copy.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

YOUR BLOOD, MY BONES was a fantastic ride for me. Kelly Andrew wove romance, thriller, mystery, and supernatural horror together in a spellbounding tale of cryptids, witches, friendship, and love.

This character-driven story moves along at a moderate pace which allowed for excellent tension, for both the bone-chilling horror and the slow burn of romance. Kelly also does a beautiful job of blending the events of the past with the current on-goings of the present throughout the book, allowing us more insight into both Peter and Wyatt's choices, some of which were heartbreaking to watch. I was continually on the edge of my seat and biting my nails from how well Kelly pulled us along in this book.

This book features:
☆ Trapped in an old farmhouse
☆ Creepy woods
☆ "Went to the woods and came back wrong"
☆ Friends to enemies to lovers
☆ Coven and cults
☆ eldritch creatures
☆ Who can be trusted?

If any of this is your vibe in YA Horror, then I absolutely recommend this book. I loved it!

Kelly is such a beautiful storyteller. I was in love with The Whispering Dark, but Your Blood, My Bones is even more gorgeous and I literally cannot express how much I love her prose and the story she told in YBMB!

First, I'd like to start off by saying that I was so fortunate to receive an ARC of this book!

<i>"There's a Welsh word I learned in school," said James. "Hiraeth. There's no direct translation for it in the English language, but it means a deep longing for a home you can never return to."</i>

Where do I even begin...I had to take a moment to stop crying before I wrote this review. This book will definitely be in my top three releases of this year! Everything about the story was so morbidly haunting in the best way possible. Kelly Andrew did a phenomenal job creating an atmosphere in this story that left me wondering what was going to happen next. I started this book one night and then I hunkered down on Sunday, reading it nearly all day because I couldn't stop.

I love stories that have limited characters because things are much easier to follow and feel more intimate. The dynamic between Wyatt and Peter was everything to me. I loved that their lives were shown in the past and present, but it all bled together so well. Not to mention I love the way that James was weaved into the story in an equally heartwrenching way as everything else. I loved all three of them so dearly, and while the ending was the only way possible...I couldn't help but cry over it!

This will be a book I recommend over and over again!

“There’s a Welsh word I learned in school,” said James. “Hiraeth. There’s no direct translation for it in the English language, but it means a deep longing for a home you can never return to.”


Gothic
Scary forests
nature emotion magic
Childhood friendships
Angst
the price of immortality
Adult men on power trips 🙄


Kelly Andrew is the queen of writing YA fantasy that will leave you in a puddle on the floor. Her writing is descriptive and beautiful (even when describing gross things). Endlessly quotable and I highlighted so many parts!! The reveals keep you reading and engaged. Even though the ending is foreshadowed you still have to see how it plays out. The one downside is the magic isn’t explained super well so you just gotta go on vibes. I found myself a bit confused at some parts but also reading an eARC formatted weirdly might have been a contributing factor. I will definitely be rereading this once I can get my hands on a physical final copy 🙌


Thank you to Netgalley and Scholastic for the eARC.

Your Blood My Bones is a YA horror book that combines elements of Evil Dead with The Cabin in the Woods minus most of the gore.
18 year old Wyatt returns to her family home after a five year absence and the death of her father to find her former best friend Peter chained up inside the house. Wyatts father has been keeping some big secrets from her including the fact that Peter had been sacrificed by her father and generations of her family over hundreds of years to prevent a hellmouth from opening up on their property and destroying the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 3.5⭐️/5. I liked this book and its creepy atmosphere vibes. While I liked Peter, Wyatt was just ok. She was a final girl but technically the only girl. She had no idea what was going on but wanted to be in control and dictate everything that was going to happen.
I did enjoy this book and to post about it on my social media (TikTok and YouTube) closer to its release date in April, but I would not purchase a copy of this book for my home library.
Video Link to review added 3/25/24

5!!! MILLION!!! STARS!! When I tell you I am sitting here writing my review through STREAMS OF TEARS I AM NOT JOKING!!

This book absolutely wrecked me and emotionally devastated me! I will never recover!! I am sitting here shaking and crying like a small dog!! And I loved every single moment of this book and need everyone to read it when it comes out!!

This book is the perfect blend of fantasy and horror and I could truly go on and on about how much I loved it but I’ll try and keep my thoughts somewhat coherent. To start with, the writing in this book is absolutely exceptional!! I was highlighting things every other page bc I was constantly being punched in the gut (in a good way!). I felt like I was there, experiencing everything the main characters were seeing and going through (which is why I now cannot stop crying!)

We follow Wyatt as she’s returned home for the first time in five years. She’s Going Through It™️ when she arrives home and her plan is to burn everything to the ground. Her plans however, change quickly when she discovers Pedyr (Peter) is still there. Growing up, Wyatt, Pedyr, and James were extremely close. They did everything together, it was the three of them, always. But after Wyatt’s departure from home, she hadn’t heard from Pedyr or James that entire time. As Wyatt spends more time at her childhood home, we get to unravel the mysteries and some of the weird things that happened when she was younger, as well as delve into the friendship that was forged between herself, Pedyr, and James. We then get to see how this plays out in present day and how the three of them must work together in order to stop greater forces of evil at play.

I truly loved the plot of this book, I was fully engaged and didn’t have a moment where I felt bored or thought the pacing was off. Truly though, the stars of the show are the main characters. I love them so so much and I just want peace and happiness for them!! We have Wyatt, a strong willed woman who feels her emotions so strongly, and so fiercely, and hasn’t let anyone take that away from her. She’s fiercely loyal and just wants to protect those she cares about. We have Pedyr, who has been through SO so much, truly he deserves so much better! He can come off as cold or cruel because keeps his cards close to his chest, but deep down, he loves so deeply and he just wants rest. He just wants to be at peace and at home. We have James, who is a textbook of knowledge, who doesn’t take himself too seriously, and can lighten up any situation. Even with external forces pressuring him, James remains *good*. He won’t let others make him into something he doesn’t want to be.

I truly couldn’t pick a favorite so don’t make me!! I love them all!!

What really impressed me about this book as well is how well everything was able to be wrapped up. Sometimes I struggle with stand-alone fantasy books because I feel like there’s usually just too much going on and it’s hard to come to a conclusion that feels satisfying. But Kelly NAILED this book completely!! The pacing was perfect, the characters were fully fleshed out with full characters arcs, the conclusion wasn’t rushed at all, and was wrapped up in a way that made sense and was satisfying (even if I am still crying over it). This truly is a perfect book to me, I want to start rereading it immediately because I can’t believe it’s over.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Scholastic for providing me with this eARC!!

Do you want emotional damage? This is the book for you.

This book is gonna be on my mind for a while. It's been days since I finished it, and I want to reread it because I love a book that hurts me.

I loved the storyline progression in this book, how we get little flashbacks and reveals of the past but we're always left wondering and wanting more. This book made me feel greedy, jumping at every crumb Kelly Andrew gave us. The relationship between three childhood friends: Wyatt, Peter, and James was so interesting and I loved this trio. The angst and tension between all of them was perfect to me.

The plot and pacing felt really good to me, and there wasn't a point where I was ever bored with this book. I also felt like there was really no wasted space, which is so refreshing. This is labeled as fantasy and horror and romance, but it's not like anything I've ever read in any of those genres.

It's so hard to put into words why I loved this book so much, but it really was SO good, and so painful, and so beautifully written. If you read this please feel free to yell in my DMs about it.

I didn’t really understand what was going on, but liked the dark vibes. . Clearly the vibes were intriguing enough for me to power through to the end. I was really hoping that by the end all would come together.. but nope. I just didn’t get it.
I’m still very appreciative of the author, Scholastic Press, and Net Galler for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for the e-arc of this book.
This is my first Kelly Andrew book and it did not disappoint. It was really immersive from the first chapter and I enjoyed the way the duel timelines were done. This was part mystery part fantasy part romance. All the elements worked well together.
There was an atmosphere to this book that was a constant state of dread that left me feeling like I was in the story. My only problem, is that I kept asking a lot of why questions, and I feel like I didn't get the answers I needed. Things weren't as fleshed out as they could have been and I think some more world building and character development would have really pushed this story into 5 star territory. The writing style and plotting was decent. As well as the pacing and dialogue, so that is why I can firmly give 4 stars to this book. I am definitely going to be picking up her other books after reading this one.

Book Name: Your Blood, My Bones
Author: Kelly Andrew

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and **Scholastic | Scholastic Press** for an ARC of Kelly Andrew’s Your Blood, My Bones

Stars: 5
Spice: 0 (YA)

Standalone (seems like there may be a world connection to her earlier works
Fast Paced
Dual POV
Fantasy Horror with Romance Subplot

- Thoughts.
- Cryptids Galore
- Evil Cult
- Horror Lite
- Magic system
- Unease and Tension on Every Page
- Insane Tension Slow Burn Romance
- Tragic
- Dark
- big themes of Nostalgia, Grief, Moving on and Overcoming Trauma

Must read Kelly Andrew's blacklist starting now! This book was creepy romantic and engaging and God did I cry!

I LOVE horror and all of its lovely, and grotesque, sub-genres. This "twisted romance" was so much more than I thought it would be, and that's saying something since I already knew I would love it from just the summary alone. I will say that people shouldn't go in expecting fluffy romance and to be aware that this is definitely in the horror genre, but I hope that doesn't deter people from giving it a shot. if you want a different type of romance novel, I would highly recommend giving this a try!

Title: Your Blood, My Bones
Author: Kelly Andrew
Page Count: 368 pages
Time Length: N/A
Dates Read: 3/18-3/22
Format:E-book
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: This is an Arc supplied from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

After 5 years, Wyatt returns to her childhood home upon her father's death. She plans to set it all aflame, but the memories and secrets she discovers make her do the one thing she dreaded the most. She has to be the keeper of Wallow Heath.

Pedyr is an immortal who dies repeatedly for Wallow Heath. Until one day, Pexyr has a choice to make. He is what the world and people have made him.

I like Wyatts' character right from the beginning. Her younger self is inquisitive and strong-willed. Her older self is independent and uses logic. Pedyr makes you hate and love him all at once.

The story twists so many secrets in. It's keeps you wanting to read more and more to get the answers. Right until the end I liked this book!

This will be a reread for me.




Quote: "“Your blood,” he said wryly. “My bones. That’s what it takes to keep the dark at bay."

Thank you, NetGalley and Scholastic Press, for my free digital copy for review.

Is the text using a consistent tense, correct grammar, and punctuation: Set in an isolated farmland surrounded by woodland, "Your Blood, My Bone" presents an atmospheric world that harbors the stuff of nightmares. The narrative effectively evokes a sense of unease as mysterious creatures emerge to intensify the sense of dread.

The main character, Wyatt, initially appears fragile and emotional but evolves to find strength in uncovering long-held secrets. Her unique love for Peter and James, each distinctive in their way, positions her as a compelling hero.

Peter, an immortal with a brooding nature, carries the burden of numerous long-held secrets, creating an internal struggle as he grapples with the desire to return home while contemplating sacrificing his love to the devil.

James adds humor to the narrative while contributing an additional layer of mystery. Despite their disparities, the characters share a common need for acknowledgment and a love for family. Their interconnected dynamics, spanning past and present, form the essence of the story.

In summary, "Your Blood, My Bone" is a raw exploration of the unknown, delving into traditions, secrets, and themes of friendship and the concept of home.

The way Kelly Andrew builds a world and creates beautiful, emotionally driven, raw characters, will forever be my guiding light in all her stories. Your Blood My Bones has all the makings of a fairytale with the bitter sweet weight of responsibility. I can’t remember the last time I felt so deeply reading a book, I can’t wait for everyone to share in Wyatt, Peter, and James’ story.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kelly Andrew for this ARC.

This is my first book from the author Kelly Andrew and this will definitely not be my last. This book was beautifully, well written. I was hooked from the very beginning.
The genre is a Romance, Fantasy, Horror with creatures and darkness..

I got emotionally connected to Wyatt, Pedyr and James. They were the 3 best friends that spent summers on the farm and became family to each other. Wyatt was the witch that didn't know how to control her emotions and control the earth on how she felt. Pedyr was the Sacrifice for a family that didn't deserve him and James was the spy that he was anything but.

The relationship that was built and destroyed all throughout the book was beautiful to watch. My heart broke from when Wyatt had a chance to tell both the boys that she loved them but it was too late. Just because she didn't want to say goodbye.

I was so emotional and crying throughout the second half of the book. I knew the inevitable, and somehow I was trying to change the ending. I knew it had to come full circle and him getting the choice to choose what Pedyr wanted.

The one thing I'm still reeling about is if James took the immorality deal or not. The spewing the darkness into the dark ibis made me think not, but his wound healed way too fast and made me think he did and he isn't controlled by the Beast anymore.

I truly enjoyed this book and I'll be thinking about it for awhile.

Thank you Netgalley, Kelly Andrew, and Scholastic for this Arc, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was different than what I normally read but I enjoyed the story. The plot kept me intrigued and I finished the book rather quickly. The ending was the only part that I didn't enjoy. I felt like I was left with more questions than answers and I didn't understand the actions of some of the characters. I would've like more background on the fmc's family members. It felt like their parts at the end were a bit rushed. Overall it was a good story and I'd recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Your Blood, My Bones.

Your Blood, My Bones follows two young individuals who find each other after years apart at their old childhood stomping grounds. Quickly, the FMC realizes the MMC isn't who she thought he was. The plot centers on the FMC coming to terms with this change in their relationship and choosing how to move forward.

The story covers dark subject matter pertaining to mental health and strict religious practices. Also be aware, there is a horror aspect to the story. There are moments of gore that some could find triggering.

All this being said, I had an enjoyable reading experience. I particularly enjoyed the author diving into the darker themes presented. The exploration of environmental horror made what the characters were going through seem more relatable. I could feel how powerless the main characters were and found myself analyzing how they would resolve the situation.

The story also includes a dual timeline and POV. Switching POV, every other chapter. There are many secrets and revelations in the story that are revealed sparsely. As a reader, you learn the circumstances of everything that is happening along with the main characters. This increased the intrigue for me, especially at the beginning of the book.

I think this was a pleasing depiction of horror and YA fantasy. The ending too, made me appreciate the development of the main characters.

Your Blood, My Bones
by Kelly Andrew
YA Horror Urban
NetGalley ARC
Scholastic
Pub Date: Apr. 2 2024
Ages: 16+

Inheriting the farmstead after her father dies, Wyatt Westlock goes back to the farmhouse to burn it down. Even though she vowed not to, childhood memories draw her inside, and in the basement, tied in chains hangs her childhood best friend, Peter.

Not believing his luck, Peter is both shocked and relieved to see Wyatt, because her death will release him from the semi-immortal life he's been suffering at the hands of her family over the years as they ritually kill him in different ways to appease the monster that lurks in the woods.


The story opening with Wyatt standing outside the farmhouse with a jug of gas immediately grabbed my attention, and I could relate to the draw of wanting to explore her childhood home one last time, but sadly there's no explanation as to why she hated the house so much. Sure there are hints here and there, but nothing in the entire book gives a concrete reason why she wants to burn it down. If the only reason was because of (spoiler), it is lame, because she was old enough to run away.

But finding Peter hanging in the basement didn't seem as if it shocked her that much. I would be freaking out if I found my childhood best friend hanging in my dad's basement, trying a little harder to free them. Stuff like this created a MC who was an immature child instead of an eighteen-year-old young woman. Worse, the author got in over their heads by giving Wyatt a magic too complex for them to explain in the story. Even finishing the book I still don't know how the girl's magic works.

And with the major foreshadowing, I had the story figured out within the first quarter, so it wasn't surprising when things happened and that made for a boring read.

Descriptions were great, but sometimes there was rambling that didn't really have much to do with the story, other than introduce a character or two that had no other reason to be there. And some of the characters' backstories weren't flushed out (having two names; I get why one did but not another) and that created inconsistencies with the characters' personalities. Plus there were side plots that were started but not finished.

This could be a really good story if the writing is tightened up: Condinse or remove the unnecessary rambling/side plots and explain the magic system, both Wyatt's, Peter's, James', and the wood's, along with the creatures who live there. And what happened to the spider?

Creative, but didn't reach the level it could have.

2 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wyatt Westlock has inherited her childhood home in rural Maine, and though she is not entirely sure why she and her mother moved to Massachusetts, she is there with one purpose: to burn it to the ground. Except she finds her childhood friend, Peter, in the basement and accidentally discovers the secret cult that demands Peter’s ritualistic sacrifice to keep the creatures lurking in the forest at bay. And also: Peter wants to kill her.

I love Kelly Andrew’s writing so much, and I loved that Your Blood, My Bones really leaned into the fantasy horror space. For me, this was an easy read that was engaging and scratched brain itches I didn’t know I had. I thought this was atmospheric (it’s unsettling!!!) and I was very invested in the tension between Wyatt and Peter (and later, James) and the race against time to deal with the maw of hell in the forest. There was a lovely creeping sense of dread throughout the novel and the directions that Andrew took were interesting. I loved the characters and I do think this delivers on the promise of “we went into the forest and came back wrong,” which is a delight for me. The horror aspects of this were great for me, though I don’t think they’re so overt that people who steer clear of horror should avoid this one. As for the romance aspect, there is a slow burn friends to enemies(?) to ??? romance element, but I wouldn’t call it genre romance at all.

I am also a sucker for immortality and especially the costs of immortality, and so a lot of what was happening here was catnip for me. So you’ve got an immortal with a horrific past? Childhood friends who are probably unhealthily obsessed with each other? A creepy, murderous forest? Trapped in a decaying house??? Perfect, to me, and Kelly Andrew does vibes so well. Still, I do think that this will be harder to get into for people more inclined to straightforward prose and storytelling, or people who want a clear understanding of how magic works (or people who don’t like character driven stories). I didn’t mind that a lot of the magic and overall supernatural here was more hand-wavy in explanation, but I have never been one who cares very strongly about these sorts of things.

In any case, this was such a treat for me. Though there are definitely some nitpicks to have, I wasn’t really bothered by anything and the ending was delicious and satisfying in a horror/dark fantasy way, which is really all I could’ve asked for.