When this book was first released over a decade ago, it immediately caught my attention. I bought it when it released but was a bit intimidated to make the jump. I know I've said this before, but it's worth saying again - fantasy and sci-fi intimidate me. I always spend the first several chapters thoroughly confused and trying to figure out the rules of the world. I know that eventually it clicks into place, but I'm the type of person who wants to understand things immediately, otherwise I get frustrated - it's an anxiety thing.

 

This Christmas, I received the stunning 10th-anniversary edition of the first four books in this series, and I decided it was time to give it a go. I finally dove in, determined to see what this story was all about.

 

And what a journey it turned out to be.

 

Set in the year 2059, the book is set in a dystopian future where the Republic of Scion has spent over 200 years eradicating "unnaturalness." In this world, clairvoyants - those with abilities to interact with the spirit world - are hunted, criminalized, and executed. Our protagonist, Paige Mahoney, is a dreamwalker, one of the rarest and most powerful clairvoyant types, with abilities that allow her to enter others' dreamscapes. As a member of London's clairvoyant criminal underworld, Paige works at an oxygen bar by day as a cover but also works as the right hand of the syndicate leader working to undermine the Scion regime.

 

When Paige is arrested after an accidental use of her powers results in murder, she's thrust into a new, horrifying reality. Transported to a secret penal colony controlled by the mysterious Rephaim - ancient beings with their own agenda - Paige discovers that Scion is only the surface of a much larger and more sinister threat. To survive and escape, she must navigate the politics of her captors, trust her mentor - an enigmatic Rephaite named Warden - and come to learn how to use her extraordinary abilities to their fullest potential.

 

As one would expect with this type of book, the rules, powers, and factions are dense. The author has created a staggeringly detailed world, complete with its own lexicon, societal structures, and complex history, which, for readers like me, is both a strength and a potential hurdle. I'll admit I was thoroughly confused for the first 35-40% of the book. The narrative throws you in without much hand-holding, and the sheer volume of new terms, concepts, and rules felt overwhelming. At times, I considered putting the book down, but I'm so glad I didn't.

 

The story began to click once I pushed past the initial confusion and let myself absorb the world at my own pace. It also helped that there was a glossary and other reference material I could turn to if I was totally confused. The book's second half was utterly gripping - I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

 

The characters are what really kept me going. Paige is a compelling protagonist, fierce and resilient yet deeply flawed - she's like the Katniss Everdeen of Ireland/London - and I rooted for her the entire way. The supporting cast, from her syndicate allies in London to the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Warden, and her fellow clairvoyants who are now beholden to the Rephaim, all add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Even the villains - both human and otherwise - are multifaceted, with motivations that go beyond simple evil for evil's sake.

 

What I loved most, though, was the world itself. Once I settled into its rhythms, I became fascinated by the layers of history and oppression woven into Scion's regime. Shannon did a great job building this world - it's so intricate! The clairvoyant abilities, the Rephaim, and the relationships between the different factions all felt rich with potential. This is a story that promises to expand far beyond its first installment, and I can't wait to see how Shannon develops these elements in future books.

 

If you're considering picking up The Bone Season, my advice is this: stick with it. Yes, the world-building is dense, and yes, it can feel daunting at first, but the payoff is more than worth it. Now that I've finished the first book, I'm already itching to start the next one. I'm invested in Paige's journey, captivated by the world Shannon has created, and eager to see where this seven-book series will take us. If the first installment is any indication, it's going to be one hell of a ride.