Release Date: April 26th 2022
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 336
Find it on: Goodreads. BookDepository. Waterstones.
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars
Synopsis
A dark and compelling fantasy about sisterhood, impossible tasks and the price of power, from award-winning author T. Kingfisher
After years of seeing her sisters suffer at the hands of an abusive prince, Marra―the shy, convent-raised, third-born daughter―has finally realized that no one is coming to their rescue. No one, except for Marra herself.
Seeking help from a powerful gravewitch, Marra is offered the tools to kill a prince―if she can complete three impossible tasks. But, as is the way in tales of princes, witches, and daughters, the impossible is only the beginning.
On her quest, Marra is joined by the gravewitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, a strapping former knight, and a chicken possessed by a demon. Together, the five of them intend to be the hand that closes around the throat of the prince and frees Marra’s family and their kingdom from its tyrannous ruler at last.
Review
Nettle and Bone is a dark and addictive fairytale from T. Kingfisher, author of The Hollow Places. I have always wanted to try Kingfisher’s work but haven’t gotten around to trying it. When I got the opportunity to read Nettle and Bone I jumped at the chance and I’m so glad I did because Nettle and Bone is probably one of my favourite books of the year.
The story follows Marra – she is the youngest of three princesses from a small kingdom. Their political situation is balanced on a knife edge and they are constantly threatened with invasion from the Northern and Southern kingdoms. Marra’s sisters are married off to protect the kingdom, but Marra soon learns of the abuse her sister is suffering at the hands of Prince Vorling of the Northern Kingdom. Determined to save her sister she embarks on a quest to kill him and free her family.
Do you ever pick up a book and it is just exactly the right book at the right time? That was Nettle and Bone for me. I was immediately captivated by this story. I loved the fairytale feel of the story and how Kingfisher twisted this into something darker and more gruesome. I really enjoyed Kingfisher’s writing style and the story felt really well paced. This story is so vivid and clever, I honestly could not put it down.
Marra is an interesting protagonist, but the cast of characters that she brings along on her journey are what made me fall in love with this story. I loved the dust-wife, who can talk to the dead and has a chicken that may or may not have a demon in him. I also liked Agnes, the godmother who is much more than she seems. Kingfisher has a knack for creating these really fascinating characters and I am so looking forward to reading more of their work. There’s also plenty of clever, witty dialogue that had me laughing on more than a few occasions.
Nettle and Bone is a fun and fascinating read. If you love fairytales but you’d like something that’s a bit of a twist on the stories you know and love, this is definitely a must-read.
The Shadow Glass is a fun fantasy adventure that tells the story of Jack Corman. Jack is struggling to make ends meet and is trying to cope with the death of his father – the director of the cult film classic The Shadow Glass. Jack returns to the family home he hasn’t been to in many years, planning to sell off one of the film props to a collector and clear his debt. What Jack finds is the puppets from the film are much more than they seem. Jack soon finds himself embarking on an adventure to save the world if Iri and everything his father loved.
Crimson Reign is the third and final installment in Amelie Wen Zhao’s heart pounding Blood Heir trilogy. Continuing where things left off in Red Tigress, Ana has returned to Cyrilia, fresh from fighting back Morgana’s troops in Bregon. Morgana is determined to solidify her rule and spread fear through Ana’s country. With her troops scattered is she strong enough to stop her?
The Pantheon Series immediately caught my eye as soon as I read the synopsis. A deadly game played by teams of warriors on the streets of Edinburgh? What more could you want? I picked up this series and was immediately hooked. Book one follows Tyler who is still reeling from the disappearance of his sister six months ago. Desperate to find out what happens to her Tyler enters into a deadly game where he must use everything he has to survive.
Extasia is a YA horror novel sent in a dystopian future. The story follows Amity a young woman who is about to become a saint of Haven – the last town on Earth. Amity wants nothing more than to become a saint and help protect her village from the evil that lies beneath the mountain. An evil that has been spreading and killing the men of Haven. As tensions begin to grow in Haven Amity must uncover the truth behind the killings and save the townspeople from destruction.
T. L. Huchu’s Library of the Dead was a book I absolutely adored so I was incredibly excited to pick up the sequel. This time we’re following Ropa as she gets a job at Our Lady of Mysterious Maladies in order to pay her bills. There she hears about a new illness that is resisting all remedies – both the magical and non-magical kind. Ropa must do everything she can to uncover what is causing the illness, but discovering the truth will cause her to delve deep into’s Scotland’s past.
A book that stays with you long after you finish reading – The Cartographers is definitely a new favourite. The story follows Nell Young, a young woman currently working for Classic – a company that reproduces ancient maps for people. Nell had once held the hope of following in her father’s footsteps and working at the New York Public Library, but after he publicly fired her over a worthless highway roadside map, Nell hasn’t set foot in the library in years. Until one morning she receives a phone call that her father has been found dead – or murdered – in his office. When Nell discovers that same highway roadside map hidden in her father’s desk it will lead her on a dark journey to discover the truth behind her family and the power of maps.
Our Bloody Pearl drew me in with that absolutely gorgeous cover and I’m so glad it did because I enjoyed this book so much. The story follows Perle (they/them), a siren captured by pirate captain Kian. Kian has created a device that cancels out a siren’s song and is on a mission to capture and sell as many as she can. Despite this Kian keeps Perle as a prisoner on her ship and they are unable to sing or return to their beloved ocean. When Kian’s boat is attacked by a rag-tag pirate crew, Perle’s hope of being free rekindles. The crew does what they can to help Perle recover, but Kian will stop at nothing till she gets back her prisoner.
Sundial is the newest twisty thriller from Catriona Ward, author of The Last House on Needless Street. I read Needless Street last year and found it incredibly gripping so I was really intrigued to see what Ward would do next. The story follows Rob, a teacher trapped in a bitter marriage. She worries about her daughters, namely Callie who collects bones and talks to herself. When Rob feels she has no choice left she embarks on a mission to Sundial, the place where she grew up. Callie knows her mother is acting strangely and is worried about what might happen when they reach Sundial. As Rob starts to reveal the truths about her upbringing, Callie beings to suspect they might not leave Sundial alive.
A River Enchanted is the first in an all new fantasy duology from Rebecca Ross, author of The Queen Rising. The story follows Jack Tamerlaine, once a resident of the isle of Cadence, he has left that life behind to become a musician at the university on the mainland. When Jack is mysteriously summoned back to Cadence by his laird, he has no choice but to go. Jack returns home to discover that young girls are going missing and no one can figure out where they have gone. Jack’s old nemesis Adaira believes the spirits are taking them and only a bard can save the girls. Jack and Adaira will have to put aside old feelings and work together to uncover the truth.
The Bibliophile Chronicles 