Bwhahaha! My inner Arthuriana fangirl was itching to get its hands on this book, being such grabby hands for books tied to the infamous mythological barbarian king, his loyal knights, Merlin (lord, let’s not get into HIM), Tintagel, Camelot, yada yada yada. However, there is one specific group of people that will always capture my attention more than any other when it comes to books related to this sub-genre of fantasy novels: any novels having to do with Morgan/Morgana, Elayne, and/or Vivian/Viviane/Vivane. (Example: Laura Sebastian’s beyond excellent Half Sick of Shadows). I’ll even throw in Morgause, since she’s sometimes substituted for one of the other three or even included with the other three, depending on your source material.

So I was so excited to get a chance to read Silver in the Bone, urban fantasy meeting the realm of Avalon, with a character named Emrys (Merlin’s name in the Welsh Arthuriana texts), a desperation to save a sibling, some enemies-to-lovers action vibes, curses, dark magic…sign me up! I cracked this baby up, settling in for a good, day-long read (it ended up being a day and a half because reasons).

The verdict? Besides being very predictable in a lot of ways (to the point where I got downright mad at the obliviousness of some characters) with some solid (but obvious) red herrings thrown our way, Silver in the Bone is an enjoyable fantasy read, but not an enjoyable fantasy romance. It’s the start of a fantasy romance, but this book is way more epic and dark fantasy than it is anything else.

I enjoyed the first and second acts of this book far more than I did the third. The third act may be where all the questions are answered and where all the serious action is, but it’s also where I facepalmed the most because I was constantly saying, “DUH” because everything I had already predicted (including the very end) was coming true).

Alexandra Bracken does a fantastic job of building both the mortal world in this book for the Hollowers and sorceresses (where Tamsin, Emrys, Cabell, and Neve come from), but she deserves even more props for her worldbuilding in Avalon. I can’t tell you about the Avalon worldbuilding because it’s not included in the summary and it would be a huge spoiler; but trust me, it’s some of the most intricate worldbuilding I’ve ever read when it comes to a rendering of Avalon.

I’d say the characters in this book stand out, but they really don’t. They feel familiar because they are familiar. A snarky, cynical, closed-off female protagonist. A yearning, slightly softer, slightly vulnerable, out-of-place, yet loyal brother figure. A bubbly, friendly, extroverted bestie who manages to melt the female protagonist despite her emotional shields. A dark-haired, handsome MMC with whom the FMC has a rivalry with even though she can’t stop thinking about him and even though she knows he’s nothing but trouble.

I could keep going. You know them and you’ve met them because these same archetype characters have been in so many fantasy novels over the past decade or so you can recognize them right away. Still, I can’t help but love Tamsin (our FMC) because I loves me a snarky and sharp-tongued woman fueled by spite. Reminds me of me.

The pacing is solid, but the plot obviously needs work if I found it so predictable. This isn’t me saying I didn’t enjoy it, because it’s an interesting and fresh take on Avalon and Arthuriana. Plus, the ending had me greedy for the next book. I was left with that urgent feeling of, “What comes next? I need to see what comes next!” And that feeling is what you want from the first book in any book series.

This book does end on a major cliffhanger. It’s a doozy. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya. But do try and pick this up and give it a read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All ideas, views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Arthuriana/YA Fantasy/YA Fantasy Romance/YA Fiction/Fantasy Series/Book Series/Coming of Age/Dark Fantasy/LGBTQ Friendly/Epic Fantasy

Tamsin never wanted to be a thief. Unfortunately, she has no magical talent and thievery was the only thing her foster father taught her … before he disappeared. She has kept it together, barely, for ten years when she hears a rumor about what he was looking for. This powerful ring was connected to an Arthurian legend and might be the key to breaking a curse on her brother. Other Hollowers are looking for this ring and Tamsin must pair up with Emrys to hunt the ring down. They must overcome dark magic and deep secrets while also attempting to save her brother.

Silver in the Bone is the first book in a series with the same name. This fantasy novel has many Arthurian legend components, but it isn’t a story of King Arthur. I just want to clear this up before you go into it thinking it is. Bracken has taken liberty with many Camelot stories and crafted a completely independent tale. Even readers who are only loosely knowledgeable about King Arthur and Camelot can enjoy this story. Silver in the Bone is a fresh twist on an old legend.

Alex Bracken is one of my favorite authors, so I was so happy I got approved for Silver in the Bone on NetGalley!

While I’ve always appreciated the Arthur Legend, I haven’t read too many books related to it–I’ve mostly just watched movies and TV based on it. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Silver, but I was happy to find out that instead of a retelling, it was more an epilogue of Arthur, with characters who had new motivations but were guided by the events of Arthur’s history.

I was even more surprised at every twist of the plot, although there were a few things that seemed a little confusing to me, in the end, the mystery was explained clearly. Be warned though, this is not a standalone, and while the cliffhanger is light, it is certainly there! Now I have to wait as patiently as I can for the next book to come out so I can find out how Tamsin et al. will defeat…you’ll see who!

I give this book 4 stars because some of the confusing bits of plot felt more “the end justifies the means,” and while I never want a book to be predictable, the twists of the story weren’t so much twists as redirections of the characters’ means to their ends–kind of like a supernatural TV show where it takes a few episodes, or a whole season, to achieve a goal after changing course a few times, but in the span of a book it was kind of extra. Although, I will say the character growth and development and certain changes of heart were very very well done and believable.

Given Bracken's incredible success with The Darkest Minds and Lore, I had high exceptions for Silver in the Bone and it absolutely delivered. An incredible blend of myth, magic, and wit makes this book a delight to read. I particularly love how Bracken re-worked the legends of King Arthur to feel relevant to the modern day without delving into a formulaic retelling. The characters are flawed, but with a complexity that makes them feel as real as the setting. Silver in the Bone is a stunning fantasy adventure, full of heart, action, and romance.

This isn’t an overt/direct Arthurian retelling (/“inspired by”) but that makes it even more interesting imo. Too many retellings absolutely bludgeon you with references and explanations and this lets you get comfortable in the world and the adventure with Tamsin & Emrys without feeling like you‘re missing pieces or need more context. I reserve the right to change this to 5 stars after I sit on it for a little bit, it’s hovering right on the precipice for me so I’m going to be conservative and give it a VERY strong 4.

Thank you Netgalley & Knopf for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this one! The found family vibes, the magic, the world building, the characters- I loved it all. I loved the slow burn relationship between Tamsin and Emrys and the stories that were woven into the main story as well. I liked how Tamsin started off not having the One Vision as it kind of help the reader get a glimpse into what it was like for her before vs. after. This book was so action packed and all the twists at the end had me gasping out loud. I need the sequel now to find out what happens next. Highly recommend.

Bracken is a stunning voice in YA fantasy because she takes a familiar mythology, packages it in a new, inventive way, and adds in fantastic, dimensional characters, picturesque writing, and amazing adventures!

My favorite part about Silver in the Bone wasn’t the amazing writing, which was full of lush descriptions and snappy dialogue, it was the characters. Tamsin is our lead, and she is supported by a dimensional ensemble, many of which also have their own stuff to work through, whether they know it or not. While we only see Tamsin’s perspective, the development of the ensemble is also present and included, which makes the story feel all that much more engaging. I’m not just invested in Tamsin, I also want to know what happens next with our whole cast in book two, and beyond. There was a great adventure (more than one actually), in book one, and the set up for book two is solid! It’s going to be a really fun ride and I can’t wait to revisit these characters and see what else Bracken has in store for them.

I’m giving Silver in the Bone a solid four stars. It’s well-plotted, gorgeously written, and fantastically creative while rooted in things familiar too. It’s complex, but approachable, and the pacing is superb! I need to know what else she’s got in store for Tamsin and company ASAP!

Silver in the Bone is such an interesting book. I love Merlin (the tv show) and it got me hooked on Arthurian legends, so whenever there’s a book remotely related to that time period or those stories, I have to read it! This book is a YA urban fantasy inspired by Arthurian legends and I was hooked.

The setting was so interesting and pulled me in immediately, because a large section of the beginning is set in a library, and I was very intrigued to see the dynamic between Tamsin, our protagonist, and Cabell, her brother. After Nash, their guardian, went missing seven years ago with a powerful ring, they’ve been on their own and had to provide for themselves in the world of the Hollowers. Cabell is cursed, and Tamsin’s only hope in saving him lies with that ring, so when the opportunity arises to go on a quest for it, she obviously takes it. But unfortunately (for her, fortunately for me), she is not alone as Emrys, her rival and the boy she detests, is also trying to find the ring.

A series of events forces Tamsin, Cabell, Emrys, and Neve (a sorceress) to work together, which created a little found family dynamic which I loved. I especially loved the chemistry and the banter between Tamsin and Emrys. It was clear as day to me that Emrys is obsessed with Tamsin so I was just biding my time until these two succumbed to their feelings. These characters were fantastic and Tamsin is very stubborn and headstrong, but it was nice seeing her softer side come out for Cabell. I loved how the friendship between Tamsin and Neve grew over time aswell and how they they really came together at the end. I can’t wait to see more of those two in the sequel.

I struggled with this book at the beginning, but once I was pulled in, I was addicted. As plots thickened and the character arcs developed, I was gripped to the pages. I was praying this book was going to end without any shocking moments that would have me begging for the sequel so I could have my questions answered. Just so you’re aware, I am begging for the sequel. So much happened in the last 20% that had my jaw dropping over and over. I desperately need others to read this book so I can discuss all these things and wait out the time for the sequel!

I loved this book and these characters and was way too obsessed with the enemies-to-lovers romance between Tamsin and Cabell! I definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for some Arthurian fantasy with some great romance!

Silver in the Bone is the first novel is a series of the same name inspired by an Arthurian legend. After experiencing the author’s other novel, Lore, I was curious how she would take on this tale. While there are some tie-ins to the legend, I think I was just expecting more. It was not a negative, but it was just something I noted as it seemed to be marketed as more of a retelling of the legend than it was. The story begins like most novels where the pacing is slower; however, it does still take a bit for the reader to get their bearings. The tale follows Tamsin Lark, a Hollower, whose brother, Cabell, is cursed. The explanation for a Hollower is not initially given to the reader, which was unexpected as it took me a minute to understand what they were, so I do wish there was a little more lead-up into this world. There is the legend of an Arthurian ring that can help break the curse, so Tamsin and Cabell set out on an adventure.

Tamsin was an interesting character as she is her own worst enemy at times and can be frustrating for a reader to follow her bad decisions. Given her past, a lot of her character is understandable. As a relic hunter, she has a fierce personality yet still vulnerable, especially with her brother. There is some character growth in this novel, but there is still a lot of room for further exploration in the sequel. Along her journey, Tamsin reluctantly works together with her rival, Emrys. The two get off to a rocky start but begin an expected budding romance. With Emrys’s motivations and backstory a mystery, there is a lot of possibility with his character. I loved the chemistry and banter between Tamsin and Emrys. There is no definitive direction for the romance in this novel, so there are many things that could happen with it in the future.

There is some nice found family elements in this story, which are always enjoyable. I love romances in stories, but found family is an extremely close second to my favorite storylines. With found family, I found it is a great way to learn backstories and motivations without it feeling forced plus I love the relationships that form. With Neve and Emrys, I feel there is so much more to learn, so I cannot wait to see what else is revealed in the sequel. As siblings, Cabell and Tamsin already have an established relationship at the beginning of the story, but I loved watching it change and grow as they move through their journey.

The first portion of the novel did leave me on the fence about continuing sometimes, but the last part made up for it. There is a cliffhanger at the end, so now I am anxiously waiting for 2024 as I want to see what happens next. With the beginning of the novel being faster and the ending of the novel being chaotic, in a way, the novel does go on a huge roller coaster ride in terms of pacing. It took me a while to gain my bearings and understand everything yet there is still room for development and to have it all come together. There are parts in the middle that I believe could be cut as it dragged a bit too much. As the pacing was up and down, the novel, unfortunately, did feel like its actual length. I think tightening it up by omitting some pages could have helped this and it would have flown by and be a novel I would not want to put down. Overall, this novel was a little rocky, but there is a lot of potential and does make me intrigued to check out the sequel in the future.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Knopf Books for Young Readers, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This one was gritty and so fun! This story toes the line between YA and adult, as the MC and her adopted brother are living on their own and attempting to make a living, even illegally, and navigate responsibilities while facing many setbacks. Curses, enemies, a lack of adult role models or mentors, lack of money. Tasmin is bitter and these things give her plenty of reason to be. Lacking magic in a world where it would really benefit her, and trying desperately to care for her brother and self in a world where everything seems turned against her, not to mention even her for adopted, treasure hunting parent abandoning them at a young age, she lacks hope. She's doesn't trust anyone and she's desperate for a better life, even if it's just for her brother. So when that seems possible, no matter the dangers it'll involve, she takes the risk and goes on a search for a missing ring. She unwittingly ends up on this journey with her infuriating rival, stuck-up, rich kid Emrys. Throw in a sorceress, an oddly sentient and oddly stickly Hand of Glory, a few knights and priestesses and there is a very colorful cast of characters to fall in love with and go on an adventure. It's like Indiana Jones meets Arthurian Legend. Unlike it being a retelling, Bracken does an incredible job interacting with the legend and giving it life. This one is a bit grim, as far as the violence and monsters go, but I enjoyed the dark and grittiness of this one and am excited for book 2. There's definitely more to uncover and quests to undergo. I love a great cast, full of banter and yes, romance!

Oh. My. Goodness. Gracious… Silver in the Bone was something else. It was magical, thrilling, heart-pounding… and every amazing adjective I could come up with. Having to wait for the second book might crush my soul a little. Alexandra Bracken is by far a wizard of her craft.

With our characters, I honestly had to keep second-guessing myself. Some I grew to love, only to suspect, then to hate, then to question myself yet again. All of our characters presented along the way are so complex in a variety of ways. I had so many theories about each: Tamsin, Emrys, Cabell, Nash, Cait, Olwen, Bedivere… the list just goes on and yet each time I was not quite right.

I will say… chapter 39 made my heart soar and then a few chapters later Alex broke me. All I can say is I am very curious about Emry’s and cannot wait to see what we see of him in future books. Same goes for some of our other characters as well.

Lets just keep on with the compliments, shall we? THE LORE. No pun intended as she also has a (AMAZING) book named “Lore”, but Alexandra Bracken absolutely took the lore of King Arthur and bent and twisted into something insanely ravishing. The story you’ve heard becomes just so much more in Silver in the Bone.

Overall, my jaw dropped about 18 ways to Sunday by the end of this book. Even the very last line leaves you reeling with something between wtf and “I knew it”! I cannot give enough praise to this darkly-crafted, wonderfulness of a book. I absolutely will be not-so-patiently awaiting the next one. Absolutely all the stars.

Silver in the Bone is a captivating tale that brims with enchantment, danger, love, and heartache. This novel is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, leaving readers on the edge of their seats with its thrilling action sequences and heart-wrenching moments. The story is a perfect blend of romance and peril, making it the perfect read for anyone who loves a good adventure. The author's writing style is impeccable, and her ability to create a vivid and immersive world is truly remarkable.

Sadly this book just didn’t grab as much as I hoped it would. I put it down and picked it up multiple times but I just couldn’t connect with it. Super bummed.

This was fantastic! I don’t even know where to begin. I enjoyed every second and just kept turning those pages. It’s been a while since I really enjoyed a YA Fantasy and this one did not disappoint.

The world is unique, the characters well developed, and the plot full of surprises. I wasn’t sure how I to feel about Tamsin in the beginning, she’s not the most likeable, but her bond with her brother Cabell gave me hope that I’d learn to like her and I did. It’s always been the two of them, especially after their guardian Nash left them seven years prior. Now they’re going to do what they can to find him, even if it means making an alliance with the enemy.

So much happened in this book and now I need the second one asap! I loved the darkness of the world, the friendships, betrayals, and unpredictable alliances. You never really know who you can and can’t trust, all the way up to the end. I can’t wait to see where the next book will take us!

Tamsin Lark has no magic and breaks into crypts as a Hollower to find treasures to sell. It wasn't her first choice, but her thieving foster father left her and her brother Cabell suddenly, and it's the only way she can survive. Ten years after that, rumors still say that her foster father had vanished with a powerful ring from Arthurian legend. A run-in with her rival Emrys makes Tamsin hope that the ring could free Cabell from a curse that threatens both of them. Others want that ring, and many would kill to have it for themselves. Tamsin must work with Emrys to get the ring, exposing a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts and shatter her last hope of saving her brother.

I was sucked into the story right away. The prologue gives us the last time Tamsin and Cabell were with their foster father Nash, where Tamsin's inability to see magic without a hand of glory is a liability. It still is ten years later, and others in the community look down on her and her brother as rejects. She's still looking for a way to break the curse on Cabell and takes on whatever jobs she can to make ends meet. Her photographic memory helps, but she also doesn't have the resources that the richer and more prestigious guild members have. Emrys isn't exactly what she thought he was, but he also played a dangerous game in the search for the ring, working with those only too willing to harm Tamsin and Cabell while keeping them safe.

The search is more complicated than Tamsin thought it would be, of course, and Avalon isn't anything like what we thought it would be. It's dangerous, as cursed as Cabell is, and the survivors are wary. I was fascinated by this section of the book, and what the characters go through. There were so many scenes that pulled at my emotions, and my heart went out to Tamsin. She went through so much, and the events in this book only pushed her more and more out of her comfort zones. The final quarter of the book was one jaw-dropping revelation after another, and then it ends in something of a cliffhanger. I normally hate those, but this cliffhanger creates so many questions in addition to the "WHAT?! You can't end it like that!" feeling that I forgive it. And want book two NOW so I can find out what happens next.

➸ 4.5 ⭐️

Where others seem to struggle with the beginnings of AB's books I haven't had that problem yet — Silver in the Bone was interesting from the start.
I absolutely adored Lore, so I knew I had to get my hands on this - another mythology inspired book filled with adventures and magic - welp, sign me up.
The way the mythology was interwoven in this urban fantasy made it feel realistic, I found the stories the characters were retelling fascinating, I just love it when the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.

Speaking of the characters, I loved them all, especially the MC Tamsin and her love interest. Tamsin was relatable and flawed and her development was great.
The magic system was well explained, the romance was one of my fav parts, I wish there was a little more of it (banter for days; enemies/rivals-to-lovers; very slow burn; there's only one horse 👀), the twists were shocking especially in the 3rd part of the book, which was by the way the best part.

The ending was crazy I still can't believe all of the revelations and betrayals and I'm very excited for the sequel!

If you love Arthurian-inspired stories, adventure, found family, banter for days, flawed characters, urban fantasy, curses, secrets and betrayals and magic then you should definitely give SitB a try!!

eternal gratitude to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
all opinions are my own

This book is a unique Arthurian reimagining where artifact hunters Tamsin and Cabell go hunting for a legendary and much desired artifact from Avalon and find themselves biting off way more than they bargained for.

This book was super engaging! I loved my experience in this world. The characters are all distinct and have clear personalities that make them stand out, and I never felt confused about who was who despite how many characters there were.

I also enjoyed the plot and the twists that were thrown at me. I genuinely wasn’t expecting some of the big reveals, and THAT ENDING. Holy cow! I was NOT ready for that, and I was literally trying to turn pages that weren’t there because I NEED more.

The only reason that this book wasn’t a five star book for me was that it always felt like I wanted a little more. A little more description, a little more world-building, a little more tension. But overall, I loved this book and definitely recommend getting a copy!

Books like this remind me how vast and ever expanding the fantasy genre can be. I loved Lore and was super excited to read this new novel and see where Bracken took her take on Author. I do feel like the actual retelling part of this was pushed into the background, but it in no way hindered my enjoyment of this novel. There is so much action and adventure in this novel. There were lots of twists and turns to keep the reader immersed and engaged. The magic system was fresh and complex, and so well done. The characters are amazing and easily fallen in love with. It was easy to get attached and easy to have my heart broken, I cannot wait to see where this story is going to go and will be eagerly waiting for the next book.

I was so excited to read this book by Alexandra Bracken after having read Lore. It was a really fun read! The Celtic lore and legends in the book had so much chaos going on, I can’t wait for the second book to come out.

“But there comes a time when you have to decide if feeling empty is really any better than the risk of being broken.”

I fell in love with Alexandra Bracken's writing after reading The Darkest Minds seven ago and, frankly, I will read anything she writes. So, when she announced a King Arthur retelling with strong and complex female characters? I couldn’t sign up fast enough.

Silver in the Bone follows Tamsin Lark as she attempts to hunt down a powerful, Arthurian-legend ring that could help release her brother from a lifelong curse. Problem is, her rival Emrys is after the ring too. And what ensues is a story full of adventure, magic, tragedy, love, and betrayal.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Silver, and I genuinely cannot wait for the rest of the world to read it. Alex has a way of writing characters that clutch onto your heart with no intention of ever letting go, and I couldn’t love that more if I tried.

I think what’s really special about Alex’s stories, and Silver in particular, is her ability to transform her writing to fit the story she’s telling. With Silver, Alex’s writing feels very descriptive and like an old folk tale—which is exactly the type of story she’s telling. Not to mention, the way that she brings up real life issues and discussions, like how just because you come from a well-off family doesn’t mean you have a great life or the unfounded belief people may hold against a specific group of people or how being soft-hearted doesn’t mean you’re weak (@ Neve, I love you).

I could honestly go on and on, gushing about this one. I mean, the character development in and of itself is stunning. The banter between each character is so natural and comical. The characters themselves are so wildly complex and unique, you can’t help but believe they’re real people. And, trust me, there is so much I want to say about those last couple of chapters… If you were curious, though—yes, I am in denial.

It’s fair to say, I’m going to need every person inhabiting this planet to read this book. More or less so we can scream about it together, so I’m not suffering alone.