I got an arc from NetGalley and Nyx Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for that!

And honestly? I enjoyed reading this story.

The story has a great premise and starts off in the heat of everything: Teagan’s wife missing. But I also like how the story explored Teagan’s past with Cress every so often in flashback chapters. That was a great touch to develop the characters. Each new part of the Shadow Realm brought wonder into the story. I also love the power in Teagan's words, and how Cress is a strong character that can stand on her own.

My only complaint was that a few parts feel like some details were missing, which made the story feel a bit rushed. And it slightly got a bit cliché toward the end. But those are minor.

I'm a sucker for fantasy worlds, and I really liked the different creatures and the journey through the Shadow Realm.

8/10. Would love to buy a paperback of this book for my shelves now.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

**2.5/5 stars**.

The Bone Way loosely retells the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It largely follows Teagan, who, for the majority of the novel, is travelling through what is known as the Shadow Realm to find her wife, Cressidae, who is there to make a deal with its ruler in order to save Teagan's life.

Honestly, I was really looking forward to reading this, but unfortunately it did kinda fall flat for me. I think the main issue I had was that it lacked development. I think part of this is down to the fact that it was a novella – while I have nothing against novellas, I feel that in this case the book was perhaps too short for the story it was trying to tell as there was a fair amount of journey-ing but not enough world building or character development.

Overall, the aesthetic was cool and I loved the concept of this but I did honestly expect a bit better. The writing style didn't particularly stand out for me and I didn't care too much about any of the characters, but this doesn't mean that there aren't elements other readers would enjoy, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it if they thought it sounded like their thing, considering it's a relatively short read.

Likely drawing inspiration from (several) mythological tales of people braving the land of the dead in order to save the life of the one they love, "The Bone Way" presents the journey of Teagan through the Shadow Realm as she seeks her lost wife, Cress. Said Shadow Realm is a relatively interesting melange of various elements, and I liked the way that the tale played out: it felt very much in keeping with those old myths, while still being its own thing.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4085550334
Blog: https://mgthacker22.wixsite.com/librarymouse/post/the-bone-way

I was very excited about this book. I love fantasy and as a member of the LGBT+ community, I love any book that can fit both my preferred genre and have representation. I loved the plot and I even really liked the characters.

But to me the execution of the idea just wasn’t very good. There were basically no descriptions in this book, and most of the writing is just action. If the author had taken more time to flesh out the descriptions- yes she hears the bones, but what do they sound like, yes there is a creature but what does it look like-I would have liked it a lot better.

If I wasn’t reviewing this book, I would’ve stopped reading at the end of chapter two. The writing style just didn’t allow me to enter a reading imagination theater.

Long story short: I loved the idea of it, but was really let down by the writing.

3.5/5 stars

A sapphic Orpheus and Eurydice retelling novella.

Teagan woke up one day that her wife, Cress, is missing. Cress has traveled to the Shadow Realm to bargain with the Shadow Princess - a being who bargains with those brave enough to seek her. Teagan determined to save Cress, follows her in the Shadow Realm. Both must face their past and the realm's horrors if they want to make it out alive.

Only 162 pages but The Bone Way managed to create an intriguing world, and the characters are likable. This is a straightforward read; there's a well-laid-out plot right from the beginning - go to the Shadow Realm, find Cress, bargain with the Shadow Princess, and go home.

The writing style was easy to follow and poetic at times. The backstory of the two protagonists, the world, and the Shadow Princess was interesting. It added depth to the characters which is remarkable as this is only a novella although the world was a bit underdeveloped due to it being short.

My only issue was the placement of the flashbacks. It made things a bit confusing because there was no indication that it was a flashback.

Overall, The Bone Way is a fast, easy, and enjoyable read I finished it in one sitting. I recommend it for fans of Greek myth retelling and those looking for a short read.

Thank you, Nyx Publishing and Netgalley for the galley. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

The Bone Way is a short and sweet novella, a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, but with a bit of a twist. It’s an easy read, one you can get through in a single sitting, but ultimately, it didn’t really stand out for me.
It doesn’t try to tell too expansive a story, and leaves you satisfied with what it has told.
In general, when I’m reading, I find myself struggling when a relationship is already established, but here I didn’t have that. I think it’s because what the book does well is give you enough of their backstory for you to root for them. And it probably also helps that you’re introduced to them in a moment where things aren’t all that peachey in their relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and NYC publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

That was ok. I don't think this book was really my cup of tea. Objectively it wasn't bad but I didn't exactly enjoy reading it. Its a very quick read but it was sort of just meh for me. The majority of the story takes place with the MCs internal monolog and flash backs and the story over all felt a bit anticlimactic. If you are into Greek retellings you might enjoy this but this was sorted for me

This sapphic retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice was a fun and pleasant read. The main characters were likeable and it was easy to cheer for their relationship, however the prose was quite basic. I often found the descriptions somewhat lacking and the dialogue was mismatched - sometimes it felt like it was being spoken by characters in a traditional fantasy, and other times it was Buffyspeak. Overall a good read, though one with nitpicks.

“Keep your thoughts close and your heart strong, for one false step could mean certain death”

Thank you to Netgalley and Nyx publishing for sending me an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of this book originally sold me. Sapphic fantasy adventure? Sold. I was all in, but I started reading and immediately deflated. The world-building was nearly non-existent and what did exist was told instead of shown. It was overly descriptive in the wrong areas but lacked detail in the important parts. The characters backstories were told through confusing, out of order flashbacks way too quickly and the plot lacked emotional depth.

I enjoyed the adorable thoughts the main character had towards her wife and hope the author focuses on character driven stories in the future.

The Bone Way would have made an AMAZING graphic novel, but I feel like it fell incredibly flat told in the current format.

The Bone Way is a short retelling of the story of Orpheus and Euridice. Teagan follows her wife Cress into the Shadow Realm to make a bargain with the Shadow Princess, a figure of legend. Along the way, she struggles with monsters and faces her past.

Despite being about 100 pages long, the book manages to create an interesting world and characters with depth. The book largely deals with loss and grief, so if that is not something you like this book is not for you. I enjoyed the relationship between Teagan and Cress. It seemed very real and relatable.

Overall, the book was quite enjoyable, however, no moments particularly stand out. I feel like if expanded on this could have been a very interesting longer book. Regardless, it is always nice to have a good short read. I will be recommending this to my friends who do not have the patience to read longer books.

Eurydice and Orpheus, but with sapphic witches?? This is as good as it sounds.
A short book, very poetic, with a beautiful love story.

Thank you netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a review.

Being a big fan of all things sapphic I was keen to read this novella. Sadly, I can't say that the author's storytelling worked for me. I found the story & characters rather one-dimensional, which is sort of understandable given that this is a novella as opposed to full length novel but still, I was hoping to feel more of a connection. Maybe i would recommend this to those who aren't looking for a thought-provoking read but would rather read something relatively engaging and light.

Thank you to the author, Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

«Be careful. The Shadow Princess isn't known for honest deals.»

An Orpheus and Eurydice retelling with two women as main characters instead of a man and a woman.

This book tells the story of Teagan, along with her love story with Cress, her wife. As it is a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, there is a journey to find her loved one. But will she be able to come back? Will they be able to come home?

Everything in this book is told in a way so beautifully written and its characters feel so real. These were two of the things that I liked most about this book: the way the author writes is so appealing and exquisite to read. I've read a lot of books with the way the author describes Teagan's space and feelings. And it is difficult to achieve things like that, to be able to write in such a delightful, artistic way.

I've found really interesting the history of witches, and it did really make me want to know more about it. It is the same with the Shadow Princess's story, the prince's story and their kingdom. I wouldn't mind if the author decides to write about them... The Shadow Princess's story seems to be a great, enjoyable reading!

It is a lovely, magical story about two women who love each other with all their hearts, and who are willing to risk themselves in order to protect the other. Teagan, who said she was not going to marry. Cress, the woman with a beautiful soul that enchanted Teagan's heart.

To tell the truth, 'The Bone Way' has became, at the moment, one of my favorite books this year.

#TheBoneWay #Netgalley

Synopsis:
Teagan’s wife, Cressidae, is missing. She has left for the Shadow Realm, a kingdom of the dead filled with untold nightmares—and the only place that can save Teagan from a lethal poison that’s killing her slowly. It is ruled by a princess said to make powerful deals with those brave enough to find her, and Cressidae has gone to bargain for Teagan’s life. Cressidae has forgotten one very important thing: no one makes it out on their own.

Despite the risks to her own safety, Teagan is determined to save her wife—and perhaps even herself in the process. The princess of the Shadow Realm, however, doesn’t let mortals roam her territories without opposition. In this thrilling fantasy novella, Teagan and Cressidae must face both the horrors of the Shadow Realm as well as their own past

Review:

Thanks so much to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was a short, slight fable that was fun and enchanting.

What a very odd little novella. It was written as if the author was lusting for the life these two MC's had, even though they were constantly in peril. the story was interesting, though I didn't feel that it drew anything from the Orpheus myth. I don't think I'll remember this book at all in a couple months, but it still gave off lots of aesthetically pleasing vibes.

I loved this novella so much - it has such a lush and whimsically fantastical setting, mystical forests and lush kingdoms, and yet such a dark story. Knowing it is a retelling of Orpheus' journey into the underworld to reunite with his dead lover Eurydice, I spent the entire story (though, especially the second half) waiting for something to go wrong for our protagonists Teagan and Cress, waiting for the moment where everything ends in tragedy. And I was so relieved, borderline euphoric, when everything culminated and I saw sapphics get their happy ending. I loved this novella completely, and am definitely forcing it on a friend or two.

This novella is inspired by the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. I like that it had some of the myth, but was also quite original in itself. I liked the characters of Teagan and Cressidae and their love for each other is really wonderful. I felt for Teagan and her frustration with Cressidae sometimes, but I also understood why Cressidae was acting like that. Their love is just so pure and sweet and it was the driving force throughout the novella. The world-building confused me for a moment, but it is explained throughout so I was able to understand it well.

This was a quite short read, and sometimes novellas are a hit or miss with me, so maybe this is just a me problem, so while I enjoyed the story, I wasn't really attached to the main characters. It was fast paced to the point it was maybe too fast paced? Also, I noticed that there were instances that there was more on tell rather than show. There was a lot of build-up in the first part and the middle that kinda fell flat by the end as well.

Anyway, I still enjoyed it, and if anyone's looking for something quick and fun then I recommend this book!

This was an okay read. I was really looking forward to this book. I love fantasy and I love retellings (this is a sapphic twist on Eurydice and Orpheus) but this wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. I don’t feel that my time was wasted, it was a fine read, but it just had too many things in it that I’m not a fan of. On the plus side, the cover is great!

My first issue, which was a smaller one, is that I did not realize that this was a novella. While I like novellas in general, I am often not a fan of short fantasy stories. I like meaty fantasy with lots of world building that you can really sink your teeth into. While I did not expect this to be like epic length, because the premise was lightly based on a myth, I did expect this to be a full-length book. I didn’t reduce my rating just because this was a novella –since it was my own fault for not realizing it soon enough- but what did affect my rating is that I felt like the book needed more pages to really develop the story. It really needed more world building and more time to understand this “great love story”.

My second issue was two problems put together. One was about the flashbacks and the other was the romance. If you follow my reviews you will already know that I really suffer with flashbacks. It’s rare that I find them to work well for the story and it is hard for me to enjoy reading them. And in this case, I really struggled with understanding Underhill’s choice of using them in a novella. I just don’t think there is enough time in a shorter story to make flashbacks work well. Half of the story was in the past, the other half in the present, and it did not feel like enough time spent on either storyline.

My problem with the romance connects into the flashbacks since three quarters of the flashbacks where used to tell the romance, with the last quarter used to tell the tale of another character, a princess. The flashbacks all together would not have been enough time to really tell the romance so it really didn’t work dividing them up. This is supposed to be an epic love story of two women who would face death for each other, yet I never really understood why they would. There was a lot of precious time spent on showing the characters arguing and in the end we are more told of this great love story and not really shown.

Since I have a lot of complaints, you might be wondering why I still gave this 3 Stars –which is an average/okay rating in my reviews. Well the answer was that even while I didn’t like certain story choices, I thought the writing style was good. I found the book to be readable and it kept my attention. I thought some of the danger was too easily overcome, but I did care enough to keep reading to get to the end. And finally, my rating is compared to other novellas that I have read and this is definitely an average novella.

The premise is great, and this had a lot of potential, but it just was not enough to completely get there. While I was rooting for the characters, I didn’t care as much about them, in this life and death situation, as I should have. And since this was a love story, I needed to feel that great love more. In the end, I can’t recommend this but I would not say stay away either. This is a reasonably priced story so it might be worth a try if you are a big sapphic retelling/mythology fan.

I really enjoyed many aspects of this story, particularly the world building and the mythology surrounding the Shadow Princess. The world that Teagan journeys through is very well fleshed out and interesting, and her journey home a good spin on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.

The only thing that didn't feel as fleshed out as I'd like was Teagan and Cress's relationship, considering their love for each other was the reason things happened as they did. Their backstory is told in flashbacks throughout the book, but I still didn't feel like I really knew much about Cress by the time we met her in the current timeline halfway through.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story.

MY RATING 2,5/5 STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and Nyx Publishing for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“Her wife was gone, and her dagger too, and she didn’t know if she’d ever see either again”

This seemed like it was going to be a really fun, quick and easy read, and it had some pretty interesting moments throughout it. However, I sadly still struggled with connecting with the characters and the story.

Before I begun the book, I had thought we’d get to see more of Teagan and Cress being together and helping each other get through the Shadow Realm. However, it took almost half of the book for them to meet each other again in the Shadow Realm. I also thought the many of the conflicts were handled a bit to easily, so we never really got to see the characters really struggling with getting what they wanted.

One thing I thought was really interesting was when they met the Shadow Princess, and I would have loved if we had gotten more background information about why she did the things she had done.

Overall this story was pretty quick and had some interesting moments throughout it.

Wow, this was beautiful. The Bone Way is a reimagining of the tale of Eurydice and Orpheus, but it’s also feels so original in the way it builds the different parts of the Shadow Realm. I also really loved the complicated aspects of the Shadow Princess, and how she went from savior to villain to forgotten myth. I loved how much Teagan and Cress love each other, and the lengths they’d go for one another, but I also really appreciate how their journey along the Bone Way forces them to realize they need to live for themselves and their own dreams as well. This was a quick read, and I really enjoyed it. The world building is fascinating and the love between Teagan and Cress is obvious in words and actions.