Quick Thoughts: Silver in the Bone (Silver in the Bone #1) by Alexandra Bracken

Silver in the Bone

(Silver in the Bone #1)

by Alexandra Bracken 

April 4, 2023

Goodreads Summary:

A series opener inspired by Arthurian legend and fueled by love, revenge, and pure adrenaline!

Tamsin Lark didn’t ask to be a Hollower. As a mortal with no magical talent, she was never meant to break into ancient crypts, or compete with sorceresses and Cunningfolk for the treasures inside. But after her thieving foster father disappeared without so much as a goodbye, it was the only way to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive.

Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. A run-in with her rival Emrys ignites Tamsin’s hope that the ring could free Cabell from a curse that threatens both of them. But they aren’t the only ones who covet the ring.

As word spreads, greedy Hollowers start circling, and many would kill to have it for themselves. While Emrys is the last person Tamsin would choose to partner with, she needs all the help she can get to edge out her competitors in the race for the ring. Together, they dive headfirst into a vipers’ nest of dark magic, exposing a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts of the past and shatter her last hope of saving her brother. . . .

Review

Silver in the Bone is the first time I've struggled reading an Alexandra Bracken novel. The first half of the book was just so slow I found my attention straying. But I pushed through and was rewarded with a very exciting second half. Phew!

What I Liked:

- Tamsin's devotion to her brother

- lots of brutal honesty at every turn of the story

- flawed (but redeemable) characters

- Tamsin was not a likable MC but I admired her direct approach

- the mysterious vibes surrounding Emrys (and his motivation)

- the last half of the book was fast-paced

- I was shocked by the death count

- so emotional

- betrayals that were hinted at (but still hurt...)

- found sisterhood

The Not So Much:

- the first half of the book was very slow

- the story dragged and wasn't catchy in the beginning

- I felt like a lot of the info at the start wasn't really necessary

- some confusing terminology

"A library was a home to those who dreamt of better places, and this one was no exception." (p. 60)

"But there comes a time when you have to decide if feeling empty is really any better than the risk of being broken." (p. 296)

"The past  cannot hold more worth than the future." (p.413)