I would say that before you dive into this one check out the trigger warnings. Because they are a doozy. That being said I have to say that this book was not good. We get a POV of the abuser and that was just strange to try and read those. The book is also incredibly slow and the pacing is a tad off. The story itself was kind meh. And I do not think I would try this author again.

The ARC features an author’s note at the beginning with content warnings that I assume will be in the fully released version of the novel. Here are my content warnings: gore (medical & murder), intimate partner violence & spousal abuse, child abuse (sexual), PTSD, grooming

One additional note I’d like to make is that, initially, I thought I had accidentally picked up a sequel – however, that’s not the case. This is a stand alone (as of now) book. Events that happen “before” the main plot do come up a lot, but their slow introduction is purposeful in building the story. So, don’t get confused like I did!

The Sins on Their Bones has several strong points. I’m a folklore/mythology nerd, so the Jewish folklore core to the story immediately hooked me. I also appreciated the bibliography of resources the author includes at the end of the book. The structure moves from the limited view of three characters: Dmitri, Alexey, and Vasily. Each character has a distinctive voice, and each shift is clearly labeled. The transition between each character was smooth. I also appreciated the normality and variety of queer folx.

My main criticism of the book is the inclusion of Alexey’s POV, which I felt was too sympathetic to an abuser, namely with how much he “loves” Dmitri to the point that it’s his one weakness. An abuser of Alexey’s ilk is, in my opinion, incapable of true love. Others may disagree, but it sat poorly with me. I also thought the novel’s pacing could have been tightened, without any substance lost, with fewer sex scenes and quicker moving Vasily into Alexey’s court. Again, others may disagree that the pace needed changing, but I found it a little slow at times.

All that said, I think many will enjoy this book, and if a sequel comes out, I would be interested in reading it. The Jewish folklore and abundant queer inclusion woven into the worldbuilding, as well as its ability to balance dark themes, I found appealing.

Did this book emotionally destroy me? Yes, yes it did.

The Sins of Their Bones is a lush tale inspired by Jewish folklore, that broke my heart then stitched it back together.

This tale is one that explores dark themes, including abuse and how love, friendship and the families we make can help us heal. The path may not always be linear, it may be messy and painful. But even in grief and trauma moments of joy can be found.

The characters and the relationships between them are wonderfully crafted and feel so real that your heart will ache with them. The world fells real and lived in. I hear there's going to be a sequel and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Leaving five stars, but I haven't read. A kindle version is not available, and I hate reading on my phone. The premise sounds amazing, though.

I'm not fine, thanks so much for asking! These emotionally destroyed men have emotionally destroyed me!

This book is so utterly enchanting with such a beautiful world, inspired by Jewish mysticism, teetering on the edge of darkness. It digs into the emotional torture that comes from abuse and fraught politics, but does so in a way that is so deeply loving. It makes space for the acute suffering that is truthful to reality, but also welcomes the support that comes from those that care.

Everything about this book is dark, sexy, and just so damn GOOD. I wanted to inhale it whole.

A lush fantasy reimagining of 19th Century Eastern Europe inspired by Jewish folklore and mysticism. Dark, sexy, cleverly plotted and lushly written.

Super grateful to Laura for giving me an advance copy of the book, and PRH Canada for the digital ARC!

Where do I even start?? TSOTB is the dark, gorgeous, dramatic, heartfelt romantic fantasy of my dreams. Laura did such an incredible job immersing the reader in the heads of three POV characters to weave a complicated story of hurt, healing, and hope. I heavily empathized with Dimitri in particular, whose journey of healing as a domestic abuse survivor rang so true, especially where that path was nonlinear. Alexey, our villain, is perfectly hatable yet fascinating in the way all good villains should be. And I just adored Vasily. I want only good things for Vasily.

I can't wait for the sequel!