Author: Samantha Shannon
Series: "The Bone Season" #1
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Page Length: 466 pages
Publication Date: August 20, 2013
Date Started: April 3, 2017
Date Finished: April 6, 2017
Rating: 5/5 stars
Goodreads
Amazon
I loved this book! I had pretty high expectations going into this book for a couple reasons. One, there is a massive amount of hype on bookstagram over this series. Two, I had been steadily growing more and more excited with every day that this book was in the mail and on its way to my house. I had an idea about what I thought this book was about, and it was nothing like I expected. It was even better.
So, let's start at the very beginning with the world. This book had A LOT of world building in it. A lot of the time when there is this much world building I lose interest pretty quick (unless there's action). I'd heard from numerous sources that you just simply had to get past the main part of the world building and that's when you would get sucked into the story. This wasn't a problem for me, though, as the world building was pretty interesting. It was exciting getting to know all about this alternate history and clairvoyant types that were present in this book.
I never felt that the plot was dragging. I was worried with such a huge book and such an intricate world that I would feel like the plot was slow and that it wouldn't hold my interest. That was not the case. There was an equal balance of world building, action, and planning. I was always invested in what was going on. I loved the slow burn and I loved the time that was taken for this plot. I flew through this book despite there not being big action scenes most of the time. I thought that the plot itself was interesting and unique. I haven't read a story like this before. There was suspense around every corner and the author liked to flip things on you. I liked that I never knew just quite where things were headed.
Let's get into the characters now, shall we? I loved all the characters. Julian and Liss and Michael were fun to read about even if they weren't the main characters. I loved loved loved all the backstory with Nick and Paige and how they met. There was one scene with them that absolutely broke my heart (in a good way). I can't wait to see how their platonic relationship progresses in the next book. Jaxon was an interesting character. I think in my mind I see his personality as that of a slightly less evil Moriarty from the TV show Sherlock. I think that deep down Jaxon cares about his syndicate, and I really hope we see that come out and play in the next book.
But of course I can't leave out Warden. Ahhh Warden. I have added a new beau to my book boyfriend harem. I swear, if this harem were real I would need a freaking hotel for the insane number of book boyfriends I have. It took me a while to warm up to Warden, and I ended up really liking his character, his thoughts and actions, and him in general. I don't want to say much else for fear of spoiling the book, but I totally understand the hype and love surrounding Warden because I LOVE him.
And last but not least, Miss Paige Mahoney, the Pale Dreamer herself. Paige is a dreamwalker (a rarer type of clairvoyant). I found her clairvoyancy fascinating and I can't wait to read more about it. Her abilities were so interesting and had so many ways that a person could use (or manipulate) them. I think that we will definitely see more growth in her abilities in the next book. Her personality itself is fun and I liked reading about her as a character. She knew how to stay alive but she also knew how to make it quite clear to those around her how she felt about her situation. I wish that I had the bravery that Paige has. She's thoughtful and empathetic and genuinely cares about her friends and even people around her that she doesn't know. I loved Paige's character and I'm excited to read more about her in the next book.
There were obviously some characters I hated, but that was because they were such excellent bad guys. They are those characters that you love to hate. The ones like Voldemort or Moriarty or Loki. You don't necessarily want to be their best friend, but you enjoy reading about their sadistic, psychopathic, sociopathic, or just plain evil ways. Don't get me wrong, I really want these bad guys to die in a hole, but they are such well written bad guys.
For my summary of my thoughts: I adored this book. I knew I was going to like it but it went beyond my wildest hopes and dreams. I loved the characters, world, and plot. We get a lot of well-written books in this world, but I truly believe that this book is in the top percentage. I am so excited to read book 2 and then get on to book 3. When I heard it was a 7-book series, I almost jumped for joy. During the wait times, however, I can simply reread the series and read the two companion ebooks.
Everyone should read this book. It is unlike anything I have ever read, which is surprising considering so many books share the same tropes. I am excited for this series and will definitely be rereading favorite scenes whenever I see the books on my shelf and get the urge to revisit this world and these characters.
I loved this book so much. It will definitely be going in my top 10 books I've read this year.
~
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Lauren
~
Get free worldwide shipping with Book Depository using my affiliate link:
~
I’ve been scared to pick this book up for the longest time because of the hype. To be honest though, I didn’t actually have a good idea of what it was even about until I read your review XD. I love books with detailed world building so I’ll probably enjoy it. Thanks for the awesome review. This book is totally ending on my TBR ^^
ReplyDeleteMy latest post: Giveaway: An ACOTAR Candle (International)