Review: Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Fantastic fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Cursed, The Darkest Minds series

What makes it special? Dashes of well-known myth a bit of magical realism, and a strong female protagonist

Get it in South Africa from: Jonathan Ball Publishers

 

Tamsin Lark isn’t your average teenager. It’s not because she doesn’t know her parents, or that she and her brother Cabell have been under the guardianship of a man with a bad reputation and a habit of robbing graves.

Instead, it’s because she’s a Hollower. But unlike the other people in her world, Tamsin lacks the One Vision. She can’t see the traces of magic everywhere around her. And she’s ok with that. Because she has her brother and his curse to worry about.

Yes, I forgot to mention that what makes Tamsin extra special, is that her brother is cursed to turn into a hound, and she desperately wants to find a cure.

Which is how she ends up involved in a dangerous adventure under the patronage of a sorceress – to retrieve a piece of treasure that once belonged to King Arthur himself.

Only, Tamsin soon learns that there’s more danger, intrigue, and secrets surrounding this quest than she could have guessed. And obviously, her life will never be the same.

Silver In The Bone immediately launches into action from the first word, and doesn’t let the reader go until the last page. With gorgeous imagery, poetic prose, and a mind-blowing marriage of myth and reality, this book is almost perfect.

I say almost, because its author has committed what I consider a heinous crime – ended our time with Tamsin on a sinister cliff hanger that will make you desperate for the next book, only you can’t get it yet. That’s cruel, Alexandra.

Fangirl grumping aside, this book was superb. It struck the perfect balance between sinister magic and otherworldly adventure, with romance, friendship, regret, and even more magic. On top of that, we get a totally fresh perspective of the Arthurian tale – not a retelling, but a glorious add on that makes both stories seem fuller.

Silver In The Bone is engaging, action-packed, fun, and original. I can’t wait for the rest of Tamsin’s story, and to find out what happens next. And nor will you. 

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken is published by Quercus, a division of Hodder & Stoughton, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

  

Review: Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Magical fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Pan's Labyrinth

What makes it special? A strong female protagonist, and a horde of mythical creatures

Get it in South Africa from: Jonathan Ball Publishers 

Marjan’s world has just been turned on her head. Although she’s just a high schooler, she’s suddenly the owner of a veterinary practice, and an orphan. Because just a few weeks ago, Marjan’s father and the original practice owner was murdered. 

And no one has any idea who the killer can be. 

Of course, Marjan is used to being on her own anyway, as her dad frequently had to travel all over to help people with their pets. Just like a normal vet, right?

Right?

Wrong. 

Because Marjan soon finds out that there was more to her dad than she ever realised, and that the fairy tales she grew up listening to were more real than she ever realised. Now that her dad is gone, it’s up to Marjan to continue his work while trying to come to grips with the world of magic, mythical creatures, and betrayal. 

As an adult, I was enthralled by this YA beauty. But can I be honest? If I was a teenager, I would be obsessed, because Once There Was has all the ingredients of a superb story that can live on for generations. 

A hidden world of magic and mystery? Check. 

A strong female lead who doesn’t get distracted by silly boys or her image? Check 

A dash of romance that doesn’t steal the show? Check.

A thrilling plot and loveable characters? Check. 

Magic, myth, and legend? Double check.

To be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Once There Was becomes the Harry Potter of its age, albeit for a slightly older audience, and a more female one at that. Kiyash Monsef has added a fresh take on the trope of orphan navigating a secret world, and made it more relatable, more mature, and infinitely more interesting. She’s also taken elevated the literary teen from love interest and bystander to powerhouse and protagonist, and what’s not to love about that? 

I certainly hope there will be a sequel, because I suspect Marjan has great things ahead of her, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef is published by Simon & Schuster, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.