I'm sorry but ARE YOU LEGALLY ALLOWED TO END A BOOK LIKE THAT?

There are a lot of characters and places but after the first bit I remembered everyone pretty easily. There were some great romances, lots of court politics, but the overwhelming arch of the story is OH MY GOD YOU CAN NEVER TRUST ANYBODY NOT ONE SINGLE SOUL.

I devoured this book. 500+ pages in about 48 hours, don't mind if I do! The story was just so good, so engrossing, I couldn't bring myself to put it down and was reading it every single second I could get away from real life.

With three different POVs between the three princess triplets (Daphne, Beatriz, and Sophronia), I expected to have a favorite but I really don't. They're all unique from one another in both personality and skill and it was fascinating to see how they responded to situations around them while wondering, "What would sister X do? Would sister Y handle that better? Or worse?"

I really think that a major part of why I couldn't put this book down was that each plot line is so strong. A weak POV or one you don't enjoy as much is where you stop reading but there were no weaknesses here, each chapter was just as tense and interesting as the last. I loved the sisters, all three, which makes me absolutely desperate for book 2 to see what my girls get into.

I'm not going to delve too deeply into what happens in the plot because I'd kick myself if I gave anything away but I will say that I loved the strong dose of political intrigue and the vast cast of powerful characters. It was like reading a fantastical version of Risk, wondering where the borders are going to be in the end. The magic system is neat too, simple but effective and with a high cost which is a must for me. And the ending was perfect. You'll feel all sorts of things (I'm trying so hard to be vague!) but I think the author hit it spot on for the end of a book 1 in a trilogy.

I can't wait for book 2. This one isn't even out to the public yet and still I had to check the author's social media to see if she's working on it. (She is, thank goodness!) I highly recommend this book to any YA and/or fantasy reader out there. Castles in Their Bones is full of great stuff and there's even more to come!


Note: I received a free electronic edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank them, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to do so.

Triplet princesses, born to betray their betrothed for their mother, have finally reached the day they will move in with their new husbands' families. From their new places as princess or queen each works to undermine the country she has married into, but now out from underneath their mother's wings, will these girls choose to betray their new homes, or embrace them. The first in a new series, I am eager to see where Laura Sebastian takes this tale of love and betrayal.

4 1/2 rounded up. What a creative story! I really enjoyed the Ash Princess series and was excited to start this one. And it did not disappoint.

Triplets born under magical stars have just turned 16. Each has been raised for one purpose only- to help grow the kingdom their mother has built. They each were betrothed at birth and their responsibility is to marry and then bring each land to submission to their mother. The only problem- as they each get to know their betrothed, what seemed right and easy turns out to not be the case at all. I loved the character development. I loved the magical touches thrown in. The intrigue was spot on. While I had an idea of what might happen, I was constantly surprised by what was next. I can't wait to get to the next book!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I...
You can’t just...

Okay, but actually, this had all the things I love. Lots of characters. Romance abounds. Intrigue of several varieties.
But I can’t words right now because that ending has me several varieties of mad. I’m literally just... yeah.

Read the book, you’ll hate it so much that you love it.

I really enjoyed this book. The concept was very interesting and it was a very quick read. I was convinced it was going to be a standalone, but that ending was something else! I cannot wait for the next book.

Somehow, and I'm not sure how, I missed the first wave of Laura Sebastian books. While Ash Princess is absolutely the type of book I should have eaten up (and I still might), Castles in Their Bones was my first book by Ms. Sebastian. I can see why folks go mad about her work - it is imminently readable and compelling, with complex political machinations and a sprinkling of romance to go with it.

Three sisters, each with their own strengths and personalities, are split up to marry eligible royals with the end goal of supplanting them and letting their mother reign supreme. They are trained in espionage and a number of other skills (more on that later) to help them pursue this goal.

I found each of the sisters to be likeable, even understandable. The idea of being trained from birth for a single purpose and all of the burden that represents spoke loudly to me, and as each of them has to navigate challenges to meet that purpose, I found myself wondering which side I was really on.

However, there were a few pretty serious flaws. First - the sisters and their political situations are nigh on interchangeable. If you asked me to name which situation Beatriz was in versus Daphne versus Sophronia, until the very end I would not have been able to do so with complete confidence. This smacks of convenience and Ms. Sebastian has her work cut out for her to make them stand out.

The magic system centers around wishing on stars and remarkably powerful people who can pull down stars. This is not fully explored nor does it have any explanation at all- we're just supposed to roll with it, and as long as you're okay with that, it won't be a big plot point anyway.

And, finally and perhaps most fatally, the plot convenience of "mother knows all" is RAMPANT in this book. Somehow, without being present with any of her daughters, their mother can anticipate things at a level that is flat out unbelievable. I don't think this sinks the book, but others will inevitably disagree. Either way, it is a through-line.

I enjoyed Castles in Their Bones, and would recommend it to younger YA readers or those of us, like me, who can take a bit of plot convenience surrounded by enjoyable writing and politics. I'll look forward to book #2 - that ending will surely hook ya. It did for me!

I liked this more than I thought I would. This writers last couple of books left something to be desired, and I lost interest quickly. This however was good. I liked the concept, the princesses, the POVs, and how ruthless they were raised. But their mother couldn’t predict human emotion and it’s grip on the girls in the end, or their love for each other. I did catch what what was said at the end… “they are not human, but something else”.. I am excited to find out, are they actual stars? Not just birthed of stars or wishes from stars? I am now anxious for the next book to see how this all plays out!

5 STARS


What I just read? This was amazing I love it, so brilliant and it was fast paced!I devour it, it has such a brilliant plot.There are twists and I was in agony many times.I couldn't put it down I wanted to see what will happen next!

Daphne, Beatriz and Sophronia were such an interesting characters. We get each ones POV and this made the story even better because we get a better look in their lives. I loved the way all three managed to get through unexpected challenges they face. Sophronia was my favorite but I loved them all.

This is a page turning ,full of twists,politics,love and friendships .The ending was shocking and I need the next now!!

This book is absolutely EPIC!!! There is so much going on with the three sisters as they embark upon their individual quests to fulfill their mothers plan and the book is a nonstop whirlwind that I couldn’t put down. The only thing I hate is that (much like when I was reading the Harry Potter books) the wait for the rest of them is going to be AWFUL and I can only hope the author writes really fast because I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen next! This book was absolutely amazing, and I feel like with the right budget, director and cast, it would make an AMAZING movie!

Laura Sebastian is one of those authors who can weave such a spellbinding story that you want to keep reading even when you have to go somewhere important. I absolutely LOVED the premise of this book, and was relieved to see that the characters were as interesting as they needed to be in order to carry off such a story. The exploration of power, gender roles, and sibling bonds was enthralling. I need the next one already!

First, this cover for Castles in Their Bones has an absolutely stunning cover and the book definitely doesn't disappoint. The book is told from three different POVs for the three sisters - Beatriz, Sophronia, and Daphne, both interesting and gripping in their own right The plot was engaging, full of magical fantasy and scheming the book definitely keeps you turning the pages.

The only thing I'm not obsessed with when it comes to this book is that there hasn't been a sequel yet! (yes, I know it just came out, but seriously read it and you'll understand).

Castles in Their Bones is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series by the same name from author Laura Sebastian. I absolutely loved this book! The ending completely killed me and made me so desperate for the next book in the series. This is easily one of the best books I have read this year and one of my favorite fantasy books ever. This YA fantasy was so immersive and so well written. It has favorite book of 2022 written all over it!

In Castles in Their Bones, we meet three triplet princesses- Beatriz, Daphne and Sophronia. These sisters are each betrothed to different prince and kings from three very different countries. But these sisters, all have an ulterior motive. They are being sent in order to sow distrust and put the countries at war with each other so their mother- an Empress who wants to take over neighboring lands. The story is told in alternating points of view from each of the three sisters, and I really enjoyed this story telling technique because it immediately pulled me in, and I loved getting to know each of the girls better. I also very much appreciated the girls character growth as they spent time away from each other and away from their mother- immersed in new cultures. The sisters are each unique and complex in their own ways, and they each have their own secrets for the readers to uncover. I loved that each of their experiences in their new homes with the new husbands were similarly unique and different.

Castles in Their Bones pulled me in right from the very start and had all the makings of a fantastic fantasy series- deception, court politics, an interesting world and magic system, and great morally grey characters. There are some really gut wrenching moments, and plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming at all, but I loved pretty much everything about this book. I didn’t want to put it down! I think fans of the The Bridge Kingdom will really enjoy this YA fantasy. I know I did and I am desperate for more.

I have to say I'm so glad I decided to try reading this author again because this book was fantastic. It's a big 5-star read for me. If you haven't read it, go get it now. I'm already dying with anticipation over how long it'll be until the next book is out. This is so well written and well done how the plot(s) are woven together and the three stories and points of view of the three princesses in each of their unique situations. There's also swoon-worthy romance and sadness and all the emotions. There's intrigue, poisons, treachery, and magic. I love this magic in this book with the stars - it's simple and unique and interesting all at the same time. I love the close bonds and relationships between the three sisters and the differences and how each of them navigates their situation. The ending left me feeling all the feels and hanging on the edge of my seat, the cliffhanger ending is a hard one that totally shocked me and left me reeling. Go read this now!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's/Delacorte Press for letting me read and review this amazing book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“We’re three stars of the same constellation. Distance won’t change that.”

Daphne, Sophronia and Beatriz set out on their 16 birthdays for the country of their betrothed to initiate their Monther's plan - start a war in which she will save everyone from.

I really enjoyed the plot, although I did find it difficult to keep straight everyone that was introduced while following the triplets simultaneously on their journeys. I definitely was not expecting the ending to actually happen ans will look forward to reading the next book to find out what happens.

I'm confused as the the girl on the front of the book when in chapter 2 it describes the three girls as having, "ink-black curls that frame their heart -shaped faces." Later in chapter 21 it also describes Beatriz as having auburn hair.

I received a copy of this book after the publication date from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was super excited to read this once I read the synopsis. The concept drew me in right away! The plot was a little slow at first but quickly the action picked up. I really enjoyed seeing the perspectives of each of the sisters in the three different kingdoms. It took me a little while to remember which story went with which sister but after a while it was easy to keep track. There was also a lot of political intrigue which kept the story moving along. The writing made for a fast read. We follow the sisters as they each navigate the royal courts and uncover secrets about those around them. While most of the action is in deception and classified information, there is a bit of physical action which kept me on my toes while reading. I had a great time learning about each of the sisters. If I had to choose, I'd say that Daphne was my favourite. She's strong willed, cunning, and determined, while also caring towards those she's close to. I felt that each of the sisters grew as their stories progressed but I would have liked to see more development in terms of their relationships. I felt that their relationships both romantic and platonic seemed to develop a little quickly. I have to say that I didn't see any of the plot twists coming. Speaking of, that ending! I need to know more! I'll definitely be continuing the series!

I recommend this book for fans of Three Dark Crowns! It has royal triplet sisters and great political intrigue!

this was so fun! i absolutely loved this book so much that it has become one of my new favorites. i wasn’t expecting the ending at all and loved each sister equally! cannot wait for the next one

I loved Castles in their Bones! It kept me turning pages late into the night. The three different viewpoints from each sister kept the story moving along. Each sister had awesome character development. And that ending was so unexpected! I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2!

Daphne, Beatriz and Sophronia, princesses of Bessemia, have been trained since birth in the arts of seduction, deception and violence. Each betrothed to the heirs of different kingdoms, they are meant to bring the countries to the verge of ruin so their mother, Empress Margaraux, can seize the lands.

This story was just too slow for me, and I had a hard time getting into it. Some parts of the plot didnt realley seem like anything new but I did find the magic system intresting. The book was told from three diffrent POVs and it was hard to tell the diffrence between the three sisters character-wise. They each seemed to simmilar and I never got the sence of a distinct voice from any of them. The only character sotry that intrested me was Daphne's. honestly i would have loved this book if it was just about her.

Read full review at our blog - link provided. We'd like to thank the publisher for giving us a copy in exchange for a review!