This story is centered around the trauma and suffering of European colonizers to America, specifically the narrator, Ellis. Ellis is an indentured servant who is essentially a slave, and her situation is meant to be compared to that of the Native Americans—or as they are called in To The Bone, “country people” and “salvages.” Ellis isn’t like other colonizers. Ellis is just a poor, orphaned European girl who had no choice but to come to Jamestown as the servant of a wealthy couple. Ellis is just trying to survive… it’s not her fault the men in her settlement are violent and awful to the Powhatan tribe. Her master is supposed to feed and protect her, but instead he canes her and colonizes his wife’s womb. (Yes, the term colonizing her womb is literally used).

The author’s not attempts to explain the purpose of this book. I guess she thought this would serve as a way to raise awareness about how colonialism is bad and the land back movement is good?? I don’t know what else to say other than this book seems unnecessary at best and harmful at worst—another instance of colonizers taking up space that would have been better suited for an indigenous person to write their own story.

Wow. This is a book that will continue to haunt you in the days and weeks after finishing it. It is incredibly heavy, but a fair and accurate depiction of early colonizer life. The main character, Ellis, has a very strong POV and you can’t help but feel deeply for her plight. I also always appreciate sapphics in historical fiction.


Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing this arc in exchange for my review.

Ellis became an indentured servant for Master and Mistress Collins at James Town because she is uneducated and had no other options. Her father left the family behind to come to the New World. Ellis has followed in his footsteps in the hope of reuniting with him after her mother and sister die from the plague.

I immediately sympathized with Ellis. Her adjustment to her new life is not easy.  Master Collins is controlling and abusive. His behavior is unpredictable. His physical abuse is shocking. He gaslights Ellis on more than one occasion. Mistress Collins is newly pregnant, sickly and miserable. Ellis's work is hard, her anxiety is overwhelming at times, and she worries her father could be dead because he's not at the settlement. 

Ellis's only joy is whenever she can be with Jane, or when she and Jane explore and forage with their friend Rowan and his dog Spider.
I liked how we were shown day-to-day life at the Fort while also learning a bit of history regarding these settlements through Ellis's eyes. The backstory of incidents that occurred and told to us through Master Collins's conversations with Ellis provided the perspective of the colonizers. Ellis's fear as the food started running out was palpable when you know she couldn't eat until after Master and Mistress Collins ate. This was especially significant as the seasons progressed. Each set back and hardship became more intense and horrifying as the story progressed.
Overall, Ellis's story is an emotional read that is equal parts horrifying, haunting and devastating.  By the end of it I just wished Ellis had been able to find more moments of joy.
Based on the Author's Note, and this book releasing in the fall, it will hopefully encourage others to look into what influenced this story and the overall devastating impact the colonizers had on the indigenous peoples.

For those who, like me, need trigger warnings some of them are: physical abuse, emotional abuse, homophobia, mental illness (hair-pulling disorder, self harm), starvation, cannibalism and murder. There are also instances of animal abuse and killing, and descriptions of people being hanged.

Perhaps this just wasn't the book for me.

I'll start by telling what I liked about it: the build up of tension as the settlers slowly descended into starvation, desperation and madness. It was well done, I think. I also thought the MC had a pretty realistic complex for the times. But beyond that, I wasn't sold.

The vague plot of finding her father never went anywhere and she never did anything to progress that; besides that, what plot was there? Survive? That isn't nearly enough. While the world was pretty well detailed and accurate(?), without an engaging plot, we're just reading a history book. Which is fine, if that's what you signed up for. I did not. I signed up for a tragic love story with survival elements; I wouldn't call what these to girls have a love story. They hardly spoke to one another, really. It just didn't feel like love, it felt like obsession and lust (on the MCs part, at least).

As far as the survival part, I wouldn't say they were really surviving. I wanted to see this girl do some crazy shit to stay alive, to keep her friends alive. But I got several chapters of her wandering aimlessly, being tired, sleeping. Being hungry. While that's all probably realistic, this is fiction. I want to be entertained, not bored. The most excitement I got was her killing a rat.

And my God, was the MC weak. So many times I wanted her to stand up for herself, for her mistress, for her friends. But she just cowered in a corner and pulled out her hair. I so wanted her to kill her master in a satisfying way after all he did to her and her friends. But she didn't. Again, probably realistic. But not fun to read.

This book was also needlessly gruesome, and this is where my personal taste comes in. I understand we were going for hyper realism here, but I didn't want to imagine all that I had to while reading this. Between butchering animals and people, I pretty much had a grimace on my face the whole time. So, animal brutality, murder, abortion (the painful, bloody old timey kind), desecration of the dead, cannibalisms. It was just...a lot. And it only got worse.

There are only two or three native characters, and the rest are nameless people hidden in the trees, waiting to kill the settlers. It's ironic how in the authors note tells us not to vilify the native when that's almost exactly what she did. And throughout the whole book, I'm wondering, "why are they calling them salvages?" I thought it was a typo, but it kept on going. When I read the author's note about it I rolled my freakin' eyes. You say you don't want to vilify the natives, yet you still do, and then you're going to take away this word that could vilify the colonizers? Let's not "soften" offensive words just because some guilty parties are sensitive about it. It just makes your writing look unprofessional and extremely childish.

Some other things that niggled me a bit: Scarborough Fair wasn't around in any variation yet, and the constant redundant use of "though yet" drove me to tears.

In the Vein of Alma Katsu's The Hunger, To The Bone is an account of the Starving Time in Jamestown settlement that promises more than it delivers. Our protagonist is an indentured servant to a cruel man and his invalid life, and she suffers from the conditions of her indenture as well as the general privation. While To The Bone tells its account of starvation skillfully, it always feels like a more interesting story is waiting somewhere beyond the confines of the narrative. Not bad, just not compelling.

I know this isn’t the most quality feedback, but I feel like this book could have been executed or approached differently and it would have been a lot better. I understand the hype around this book, especially because it details sapphic love, but the disappointment when I realized this novel of colonization and indigenous people was written by a white person is what makes this read very sub-par for me. I would however like to shoutout whoever made the cover! Such a good attention grabber.

Jamestown in early colonial times where they participated in cannibalism. This was bonkers. Wow wow wow. Alena Bruzas' writing was incredible though. I was equally horrified, captivated and enticed to go on reading. I will continue to read more from Alena.

I was so excited to start this book. I love reading about Colonial America, especially Jamestown, so this sounded like a perfect fit for me. Unfortunately, I had to DNF at 20% due to the writing. I noticed a frequent combination of run on sentences and short choppy sentences. There was a lot of repetition and awkward similes. It was taking away from the story, so this just did not work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to give this book a try.

To the Bone recounts the cannibalism that occurred in Jamestown during the starting times the colonists experienced. Told from the perspective of an indentured servant, I feel like I learned something from this book, but wouldn’t say I particularly enjoyed it. I found Ellis to be very irritating.

To the Bone is a YA historical novel set in Jamestown during the starving time of colonial America. Ellis is an indentured servant who arrives at James Fort hoping to find her father. But she's stuck under a contract to Henry Collins that he won't let her read. She falls in love with a girl named Jane but Henry does not like her hanging around her. Things gradually grow worse for the settlers as they start to run out of food. I learned a lot about this time period and really liked reading the author's note, a lot of care and facts went into this story which is partly fictional with some characters actually being real. This is a bit graphic as far as the YA books I've read go, but I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about this time period.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about the 1600's or Jamestown in particular, but I enjoyed it SO much. It's a very dark YA historical fiction, and gets quite heavy, but was very well written, and drew me in even though this isn't my typical genre.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Rocky Pond Books and NetGalley for putting this book on Read Now! This would definitely be a useful book to recommend to my students when going over this period in history.

I think this books manages fairly well the ignorance and racism entrenched in the colonies, while very clearly being disapproving of it, in narrative, even as the protag does not realize how critical her thoughts are of colonialism; another part that I liked. She recognizes on some level it is wrong, just as other people in all times have. Did her opinion change, exactly? Yes, but the core stayed the same; the knowledge that was happening was morally, ethically wrong.

Not that the book is #girlboss, changing history. Battles are simply given more context as to why the fort was attacked, as to why the settler-colonialists were so disliked. So too, were historical figures given context: the husband who murdered and ate his pregnant wife might be villainized more, perhaps than what he had done in real life, but Jane was living, breathing, alive and eager for friendship.

'To The Bone' by Alena Bruzas is an exquisitely crafted survival story that viscerally reveals the harsh truths of America's colonial history. From the moment Ellis arrives in America, her hope and optimism for a better life as an indentured servant at James Fort slowly unravel into a haunting reality.

Set against the backdrop of the Virginia Colony's "Starving Time" during the winter of 1609-1610, where an estimated 75 percent of the colonists at James Fort starved and resorted to cannibalism, Bruzas masterfully intertwines historical facts with a compelling story (TW: Cannibalism). Ellis's journey of survival and her quest for financial security, love, and a new beginning are marred by the brutal and often terrifying dynamics within the fort. The viciousness of the colonists toward the Indigenous people and the oppressive control exercised by her master, Henry Collins, cast a dark shadow over Ellis's new life, making her question if she has found a new home or a prison.

Bruzas manages to tell a brutal story based on historical truth while centering on the tender experience of a young girl searching for her father. Through Ellis's eyes, readers are introduced to the Jamestown Rediscovery Project and gain a deeper understanding of the true history of the Virginia Company and the colony. The author honors the Indigenous people who were assaulted on their own land, shedding light on the four hundred years of genocide and brutal oppression endured by the Powhatan and other Indigenous tribes of the United States.

In her author's note, Bruzas addresses the evils of colonialism and highlights modern-day efforts to repair past harms, such as the Land Back movement (landback.org) and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF.org). These initiatives aim to return land to those it was stolen from, demonstrating a continued fight for justice and recognition.

Ellis's friendship and queer romance with Jane Eddowes add another layer of depth and point of connection to the story, illustrating the importance of human connection and love in the face of unimaginable hardship. In a time when respectability meant hiding in the shadows, their relationship provides a tender counterpoint to the surrounding horror and violence.

'To The Bone' is a gripping historical fiction story that will stay with readers long after they turn the last page. Bruzas's powerful storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail make this novel a must-read for those interested in understanding the true and often dark history of America's colonial past. Trigger warning for cannibalism, as the story does not shy away from the brutal realities faced by the colonists. This novel is an unforgettable exploration of survival, friendship, and the relentless quest for a better life during the horrors of colonization.

This was a wonderful read in my opinion! It was dark but oh my goodness it had me sucked into it!

It is a YA book about Jamestown. The cover is a gorgeous one, don't let it fool you into thinking this is a sapphic historical romance. This is a harrowing historical fiction book that features sapphic characters. It's nice to see and works well with the themes in the story overall.
The characters and their relationships are not necessarily the focus. The whole book has a foreboding sense of doom that Bruzas ends up conveying well. Ellis, the main character of our story was wonderfully written and stood out to me. If the book had a sharper sense of focus of the characters had a bit more development, it'd have been an easy five stars from myself. That said, I think because it had been teetering between YA and Adult tones, it lost a bit of the depth it could have had if it was firmly written for one of the age brackets.

It's a short and easy read with prose that is beautifully written. It works well if you know of Jamestown in 1609-1610 or if you're completely unaware. Recommend this.

Thank you so much for the opportunity from Penguin Group and Netgalley to read this book in exchange for an honest book review which this is.

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Triggers warnings for this book include: cannibalism, starvation, physical abuse, emotional abuse, homophobia, attempted abortion, miscarriage, trichotillomania, death by starvation, death by black plague, mental illness, racial slurs, and murder

Ellis has been given the chance of a lifetime to join Master Henry Collins and his wife on their journey to James Fort. There, she will work as an indentured servant-- cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and serving-- with the hopes of one day owning her own part of the New World. However, as winter draws closer, even her newfound love for Jane Eddowes (a much beloved daughter of a local family) cannot keep the realities of her new life from settling in around her. Dwindling food supplies, the cruelty of Master Collins, the atrocities her fellow settlers have committed against the Country Men (Native Americans), as well as her own sins concerning her budding sexuality, all give Ellis a deep sense that she'll be lucky to survive her first year in James Fort.

This is not a book for the faint of heart. It's heartbreaking and visceral and haunting. Ellis, uneducated and poor with no prospects besides trying to find her Papa in the New World, takes a chance and the readers have to watch fate's cruelty to her and those she loves. This book, even in the moments of pure joy and love, has such a gripping tension and pervasive sense of foreboding. Ellis’ narration is simple and straightforward, which lends itself well to her character and how she would perceive the world. Bruzas did a wonderful job of humanizing one of America's dark moments, and revealing some of the real horrors that occurred during the Starving Time.

I loved this book, If you are looking for something dark then this is for you. Dark of YA standards that is! This book gives you an impending sense of doom and I'm honestly in love with it!

This story about the Jamestown Settlement captivated me from the very beginning. Ellis' story is heartbreaking and haunting and I couldn't look away. The author's endnotes were well written and really rounded out the fictionalized story as well. This is the kind of book that will propel the reader down a rabbit hole of research on the topic.

I am new to the historical fiction genre so my grading scale is a little generous. 1600s Jamestown - Colonial America. This is a heavy read. It is YA, but hold onto your heart and your tissues. It is really going to depend on your own sensitivity level for how you’ll feel about this read. As an older woman reading YA, I could have handled a more in depth dive into character building.

I did not realize it was female/female relationship and romance. It is unique to see that in the young adult realm of historical fiction. Not good/bad - just of note.

Thank you Netgalley and Alena Bruzas for giving me this opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an interesting book because it wasn't at all what I expected. I think it was also very unique and even though a lot of it was disturbing, I was entranced and had to read more.

To the Bone by Alena Bruzas shatters the romanticized image of early American life, offering a brutal and unflinching look at the hardships faced by indentured servants. Ellis, our protagonist, arrives in James Fort brimming with hope, only to find a reality far harsher than she imagined.

The book excels in its portrayal of desperation. As winter descends and starvation sets in, the veneer of civilization crumbles. The colonists' treatment of the Native Americans adds another layer of horror, exposing the brutality that underpinned colonization.

Compelling Characters in a Desolate World

Ellis is a relatable protagonist. Her dreams of a better life are slowly eroded by the harsh realities of the Fort. We witness her resilience as she grapples with the violence and cruelty that surround her.

The secondary characters are equally well-drawn. Henry, the master of the household, is a chilling figure, his controlling behavior creating a constant sense of unease. Jane Eddowes offers a glimmer of hope and humanity, but even her presence can't dispel the encroaching darkness.

A Must-Read for Those Who Seek Truth

To the Bone is not for the faint of heart. The subject matter is disturbing, and the graphic descriptions may be difficult for some readers. However, for those seeking a historically accurate and thought-provoking story, this book is a must-read. It challenges romanticized notions of the past and leaves a lasting impression.