The character dynamics are so nuanced and the writing is on that fine line of poetic. Fight me.

The small shred of what was left of my sanity was used in writing this review.

The first line of this book is:
“Father told me I’m broken,”
…and I was sold. I couldn’t stop reading.

some reasons why this might not be for you:
• the plot takes ages to develop since the changes in narration takes up a lot of page time
• if you don't vibe the mysterious atmosphere, you might find it grueling to read
• the magic system is very straight to the point and explained plainly
• if you don't like reading from constantly changing points of view that focuses more on character interactions and character build ups

some reasons why this might be for you:
• mysterious prose
• complicated characters with heartwarming character dynamics
• reluctant hero trope
• dark, gruesome, with some slight steampunk vibes
• unique magic system
• animal companion (very cute)
• society-normalized LGBTQ+ relationships
• The Fifth Season x Mistborn vibes
• multilayered plot
• multi POV
• themes on ruling and nuance of ruling

The setting itself reminded me of Mistborn wherein this beaten-down town/city is ruled by this mysterious ruler locked up in a castle + with all the mystery surrounding the world-building. One of the main characters of this story is the heir of said ruler. However, there’s a chance that she might lose her chance if she doesn’t prove herself in some unconventional way, which was surprising to me. All I’ll say is that it deals with the lost memory concept in Fantasy and that was the aspect that really hooked me in the beginning.

The fact that multiple characters in this story didn’t know who they were and so we didn’t know who they really were… was so tantalizing to me? It made the story extra intriguing to read by adding that mystery aspect. The pages actually flew by. It’s so interesting being able to explore the dark, gruesome, almost steampunk kind of magic system that feels like you are unravelling a mystery that is already falling apart at the seams.

“I would show him that even broken daughters could wield power.”

It’s funny because I know the title is called “The Bone Shard Daughter” but I didn’t expect the magic to… actually involve bone shards. The bone shards are used to power these, sometimes haphazardly composed, constructs that are made to function for certain things like guard animals, spies, etc. which gave the steampunk feel.

The complicated sibling but not-sibling relationship between Lin and Bayan got me so intrigued that I was excited every time Bayan was on the page. I was living and breathing for the dynamic believe me. This first book is character driven for the most part but there’s an underlying plot keeping everything moving behind the scenes. Which I’m starting to realize is the only time that I’m fine with slow paced plots.

“You were quiet. For once in your life, you were quiet. And when I sat next to you to help, shoulder to shoulder, I could feel a future in that silence.”

i really took my time reading this book and i need to say that every. single. page. of. slow. paced. plot. progression. is totally worth it because it gave way into each of the character’s heads and get to know their motives/personalities . I usually can’t stand relatively slow paced books but as usual, there are exceptions because these characters are TOP TIER :”)

One of my favorite tropes in fantasy is when the main character/s stumbles into becoming a “hero” or reluctantly takes up that kind of position. We see that in Stormlight Archives with Kaladin and we see that in Jovis in this book.

”They’ll think they know you, and that’s very different”

I loved how the themes on complications of ruling and leadership were dealt with as it was exemplified by perspectives from those at the top of the ruling body to the bottom. Every time fantasy books writes POVs from two characters in opposing social standings given the fantastical world that they are set in.... so much dimension is added to the world-building while keeping things interesting. The mood was a lot lighter than I thought it would be, especially given the body horror (seriously, please read the content warnings at the bottom of this review).

all of the characters start off the story in very unique roles and positions that it was so satisfying watching them come together.

Though it isn’t a romance novel the side romances made me feel so hopeful. It showed how someone can love you that much while still being aware of every single one of your flaw. I do wish we get more of our sapphic duo in the next book.

↣ Very highly recommended if you like dark magic systems with complicated characters set in a kingdom that is falling apart. Especially ones that deal with themes of ruling and "what really is right". Bonus points for you if you like cute animal companion dynamics because this one is adorable. ↢

“I was now the only keeper of these memories, and that was the truest sort of loneliness.”

i'm going to now go find a hole to crawl in to read the next book

— 4.75 —
⇢ content warnings// Human trafficking, Physical parental abuse, Child sexual abuse (mentioned), Amnesia (memory loss), Blood & gore depiction, Body horror, Medical experimentation, Death of a child, Death of a brother, Death of a mother & father, Death of a wife, Murder & attempted murder, Physical assault, Imprisonment, Drowning, Earthquakes, Disappearance of a loved one, Child homelessness & poverty (recounted), Rebellion themes & regicide, Animal attack, Animal injury & illness, Animal abuse


⤜ post-read initial review ⤛

i want to crawl in a hole now...

Review to come when I get my sanity back!