When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training. In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha-one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.
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The Bone Witch
Rin Chupeco
I really enjoyed the way The Bone Witch was written. The past and present chapters alternated which kept me really intrigued as all I wanted to know was how the past had made it to the presents point. It also felt really cool that both time periods felt like they were leading towards an ending. But obviously the pasts ending would be the beginning of the present chapters, which makes your mind ‘bend’ slightly.
The characters are fantastic, and I enjoyed how many strong female characters were shown. Each of these characters brought different gifts, talents and personalities to the book and to the story of Tea. Tea herself is a great character, I enjoyed her story arc throughout as she grows into her new role as a dark asha. Her teachers and mentors also have their own backstories and strengths to pull on and teach to Tea. Her brother was a mysterious character as we only really know as much as Tea does about his life away from her.
The magic system was really well thought out, and written in a way that sparks intrigue. I loved that there were multiple types of magic, and that we had a strong focus on Tea’s Necromancy. The heartglass, drawing runes and learning multiple classes to become an Asha gave so much depth into this new world. Plus, I can’t wait to see how these are expanded on even more in future books. Especially as sometimes Tea is learning as much as the reader would be.
The book as a whole can be quite slow, as it does contain so much world building. Plus, it’s the first book in a series, and there’s a lot of learning and politics involved for Tea. I personally enjoyed it as I found that it gave a lot more depth to the world, but I know some people may find it hard to get into. I also assume there may be more action in the second book.
There is a cliffhanger at the end, and because of the past and present narrative there’s a lack of resolution. At least that’s how I saw it, but I think it’s intentional. I think if I had to wait for the second book this would annoy me. But fortunately, I could read straight on. But then again, this was a good way to get me to want to read on.
After finishing The Bone Witch, I immediately started the second book, The Heart Forger because I was so excited about this world. And I’m really hoping it’s just as good!
Positives
+ Past and present aspect created intrigue
+ World building and magic system
+ A lot of positive and strong female representation
Negatives
– Cliffhanger
Comments
2 responses to “Uptown Oracle Reads… The Bone Witch”
YES you finally read it (im still playing catch up on all the blog posts i missed whilst i took a smol break)
i really like youre review and yes that cliffhanger was killer. having to wait made it feel like it was a prequel leading up to something big but now after finishing the series i wouldnt have it any other way
YES! You’ll be pleased to hear I finished the second book too and I’m now onto Shadow Glass! (And I’m still playing catch up on reviews because my weird break so don’t worry 😉 )