The Bone Season is easily the most hyped book of 2013, surpassing even the conclusion of the Divergent series, Allegiant. As the first in a seven book series, it’s already been optioned for a movie and did appear on the New York Times Bestsellers list its debut week. But when I heard the magical words “the next J.K. Rowling” my interest, along with many, was instantly piqued due to my severe lack of will-power. But like any book surrounded by a massive amount of hype, there’s concern that it won’t live up to it. And, in my opinion, The Bone Season both did and did not, leaving me very conflicted at its conclusion. For every one thing I loved about it, the yin wasn’t far behind.
It’s clear that The Bone Season‘s strength lies with the world building. As frustrating as it is fascinating, London 2059, under Scion rule, was one imaginative place that kept me in a state of awe over such creativity of all the intricate layers to Paige’s world. In fact, it’s so imaginative and complex that the first few chapters show the novel’s biggest flaw: info-dumping. (Though, this didn’t bother me too much in my reading experience, I can see it being an issue for others who may have less patience. My advice to anyone who struggles with the beginning is to power through because the ending does not disappoint.) Learning the workings of the underground crime syndicate, remembering the order of clairvoyance and their abilities, understanding what Paige herself can actually do as a dreamwalker, a rare type of clairvoyance, is a lot to take in, and doesn’t really get easier as the novel goes on. That coupled with the novel’s slang and the constant addition of other explanations, was enough to make my head spin. But there is more, of course, when Paige is captured, adding another layer of complexity and another set of rules the reader has to learn… all within the first 40% of the book. Then, there’s a chart of the order of clairvoyance, a map of London, a map of Oxford, a glossary for the slang, fancy words I don’t use and bloody Roman Numerals!
Suffice to say, reading The Bone Season is not for the faint of heart and, at times, was a bit of a chore to keep up with.
Do not get me wrong, this is not necessarily bad thing at all. It’s not everyday I read a book with the level of depth as The Lumatere Chronicles, Star Wars, Harry Potter or possibly even, Lord of the Rings. Shannon’s imagination was definitely working overtime with The Bone Season. But unlike the aforementioned works, I’m not sure it possesses the same level of fines to tie it all together. It holds enough intrigue to keep you reading and “your wheels a’turnin’,” because even when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the book and what would happen next (and even after finishing it, I’m still thinking about the ending!). That’s not something I can say for most books.
One thing I did really love were the characters. Paige was the perfect kind of heroine for me, neither badass nor weak, leaving her with room to grow as a character, but not possessing a few of the more annoying traits of other main characters. She’s smart, but still makes a few careless mistakes, giving her a more realistic feel. She’s someone I could sympathize with and understand. I also think the members of the Seven Seals, Paige’s gang, were very well-developed. Though, they don’t have larger roles in the novel until the end, through Paige’s dreams we learn about each of their personalities and whims. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite feel that way about Warden, a big player in The Bone Season and Paige’s Keeper at Oxford. Throughout most of the novel, Paige attempts to figure out Warden’s secrets and plans, but even at the conclusion, I don’t feel like a have a firm grasp on his motives.
The plot was slowly paced and may frustrate some readers, but I found it worked well in this situation and helped build the anticipation for the growing rebellion at the ending. My only qualm is that the book reads long (at 480 pages, with smaller print and long pages, I guess that explains it). And with so many things happening and so many new things being thrown at the reader constantly, you really have to pay attention to everything. This may seem like a lot of work to read a book, but it does suck you in fairly quickly and is so very addictive. I didn’t like being away from this book for long and was always hungry for the next chapter. It was also never boring despite the slower pace, and by the end, it’s pretty much non-stop action. The amount of detail and care that went into arranging everything was evident and impressed me. And the ending. It was pretty damn brilliant and the best part of the novel. When Shannon hit her stride, things definitely came together nicely.
I do have three personal issues, which I’ll hide in spoiler brackets are below, but just know that it never really detracted from my reading experience.
1. [spoiler]I’m not really sure how I feel about the romance in The Bone Season. This book already had a lot going on that I feel it was unnecessary. Not to mention, its believability. I couldn’t suspend belief long enough to accept that two characters, who didn’t trust each other (one of which hated the other for about 75% of the book), could then have all these strong feelings for one another out of nowhere. It was apparent that this was supposed to be building, but I never really got a good sense of that, especially since one of the characters’ personality consisted of him being devoid of emotion. So much time was spent on explaining the world and the rebellion plans and not on the couple’s growing feelings, that it didn’t feel organic. Instead, it felt as if it just manifested to add an extra layer of complexity, something that this novel did not require.[/spoiler]
2. [spoiler]I waited until the end of the novel, hoping my one biggest question would be answered and it never was. Why in the world did Nashira keep the Scarred Ones alive after the first rebellion? What was the purpose in that? And more importantly, why give one of them the important role of Blood-Consort? I really hope this is addressed in the next novel because it bothered me to no end. Or perhaps this was explained and I simply missed it. o.O[/spoiler]
3. [spoiler]Paige always seemed to be shivering. I don’t know why this bothered me, but I really wanted to buy the girl sweater. I hope she finds one in book 2.[/spoiler]
To conclude, The Bone Season is a very imaginative novel that will take your brain for one hell of a joy ride. If you’ve been searching for book with more complex world building and plot, this may be it. I can see this being enjoyed by YA lovers and Adult readers alike with its strong paranormal-fantasy-dystopian roots. Despite my reservations, I can safely say I’ll be checking out the next book because this has the potential to be one serious kickass series. And with the high stakes ending The Bone Season had, I look forward to seeing where Shannon will take this story over the course of the next six books.
Disclaimers: ARC was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thank you! I have also met this author and think she’s a lovely person. I promise her loveliness did not sway my thoughts in this review. Pinky swear!
Giveaway:
Because I love you all and want to share the love, I’m giving away my ARC of The Bone Season.
Contest Rules:
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KellisAmberlee_
I haven’t read The Bone Season yet. The reviews have been really mixed so far. But that is typical with the fantasy genre. You love it or you hate it. I’m still intrigued.
rabbitsfortea
I knew that this was crazily hyped and I also knew about the seven book deal, but there is even a movie optioned?! Wow. I’m genuinely curious as to what the publishers saw in this and of course, I do plan to find out for myself… Soon-ish.
A friend also did mention the info-dumping issue but I guess if the world is creative and intriguing enough, I might forgive that flaw. Also, I’m a sucker for characters and if the characters are amazing, I’m pretty willing to go easy on other aspects as well. And a 3.5 stars rating from Steph isn’t shabby at all! (Especially from a over-hyped book) Hopefully this will turn out to be good for me (and other readers) and hopefully the second will be better for you!
Elaine
Zemmy89
I already read The Bone Season. I agree with you about the romance. I even mentioned it in my review. It should’ve been better if it happened in the second or even third book because there will be seven of them. Just to make things interesting.
kristiemjm
I’m kinda excited to read this book. I think with any fantasy novel, it’s safe to say that the reviews will be mixed. Kinda the same feeling with A Discovery of Witches, which I ended up loving! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
arianrhod80
I have read so many great reviews about this book I’m so curious about it!
Steph Sinclair
rabbitsfortea You know, I actually think this would make a GREAT movie. But I really wonder how they would fit it all in in just 2 hours.
The plot was insane. Really love it even though it was pretty complex at times. It was like my brain was shouting, “I don’t know what’s happening, but I think I like it!”
Tammy
Wow Steph, you pretty much summed up just about everything I said about this book in my review. We even gave it the same rating. I’m surprised by how many rave reviews I read of this book, but at least someone agrees with me! I agree, I felt there were so many things that are never explained. Also, why is Paige always sleeping? She spends half the book asleep and waking up bleary-eyed. LOL.
Here’s <a href=”http://wp.me/p1GQyK-2Eo”>my review.</a>
heartJESS
This book has been on my radar awhile. It just looks so intriguing. I do appreciate your review though, it is good to hear something other than a rave.
Thanks for the giveaway!
rabbitsfortea
Steph Sinclair Seeing as it’s all the craze to split movies into two parts these days, they could always split it into two right from the first movie, hah.
I’m actually a little excited now but I’m trying to keep my expectations low, going into this. But an insane plot done well is definitely a good thing!
Jess W
Sounds intriguing. Heard lots of good things about it 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
atticusfinch1048
looking forward to being able to read this book as it is coming with so much praise
Jack
I’ve heard so many great things about this andy feel left out, because I’m like the only book blogger you didn’t get a review copy! Great review, glad you liked it, but it does look slightly confusing. 🙂
ellieM
Lol. I haven’t read it yet., but I read your spoilers anyways. The shivering made me laugh. Now, when I read it, I’ll be looking for them all 😛
sandrus52
I almost bought this book this weekend!! I read a review prior as well as an author interview which was fantastic and naturally made me really want to read this.
Ashley S
I have been wanting to read this book since I read a preview chapter on EW.com earlier this year. Looking forward to checking it out!
Carolinement_
I met Samantha Shannon at LeakyCon in London in August and since then, I’d love to read her book ! She was really excited about it and she made me curious ! Thanks for the giveaway !
DemonAsianChild
Shannon did say the relationship is complicated by Stockholm Syndrome, and it is meant to be acutely uncomfortable, but never fear – that will be addressed in later books. 😀
VajSaj
The Bone Season is quite an amazing debut. I love how this new world is yet to surprise everyone even more as the years go by.
Steph Sinclair
DemonAsianChild OHHHHHH. That makes perfect sense now. I’m so glad you told me that. Thank you!
kaethefierce
Since you mention the Lumatere books, I’m going to have to read it now.
irish_banana
Awesome review, Steph! I can’t wait to read it for myself. Gabrielle loved it, but I’m so behind on my reading. SIGH.
lareinasofia
I want to read it because I also am interested in the JKR comparisons and because the worldbuilding sounds interesting!
Alix
I’ve been hearing so much about The Bone Season that I feel like I have to read it no matter if I end up liking it or not since it’s such a huge book in YA. I’ve found the premise interesting but the mix reviews have me wondering if I’ll end up liking it!
sandraselvasv
I’ve been waiting to read this book for months now, because I read an interesting article saying that Shannon could easily be the next J.K. Rowling, and that just caught my attention and made me eager to find out about it. The premise sounds so interesting and original and I cannot wait to read it.
After reading your review, I’m actually more excited to read the book.
WeaklingNo14
I haven’t read it, but it seems to be in every corner of the blogosphere. Everywhere I go, there is some mention of it. I would love to read it! Seeing people’s reactions, reading what they thought. Has definitely wet my appetite.
Sadaf Habibi (WeaklingNo14) – sadaf_habibi@hotmail.co.uk
beadnread
I have not read this but I have seen a few friends have this in their book hauls and it sounded pretty good to me. 1 of my friends said it was her favorite book of the year so far and her and I have similar tastes.
Ambrluvsports
“I really wanted to but the girl a sweater.”
LOL
Alex U
I haven’t read it yet but there is a lot of hype about it and I am so for any book set in London even a futuristic one.
MyEclecticBooks
I haven’t read this yet but it sounds epic…and after all the great reviews I’ve seen I can’t wait!
Charlotte
Steph, if this author is said to be the next JK Rowling. And the depth of the book can be almost compared to Star Wars, HP and LOTR then I’m in. Glad that this GA is open internationally.
Charlotte
Waaa. My comment didn’t show up! Okay, I will have to repeat it again even if it’s awkward.
Steph, if this author is said to be the next JK Rowling and its depth is compared to HP, Star Wars and LOTR, then I’m in. I hope it would really work for me. 😀
Guppy5700
Future London? Love the idea as I’m already a big UK TV fan (Corrie, skins, Being Human and many more.) And as I’m just recently into YA lit, that combines 2 interests!
shadownlite
I have been waiting to read this book and am way down the “hold” list on the library for it! Would be cool to win because it looks fascinating.
Chantelle
I haven’t read it yet, but I want to so much it hurts! Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration but I do really wanna read it. With it’s comparisons to HP & JKR as well as a pretty interesting sounding plot of it’s own, Chantelle wants to read.
Chantelle
I haven’t read it yet, but I want to so much it hurts! Okay, that might
be a slight exaggeration but I do really wanna read it. With it’s
comparisons to HP & JKR as well as a pretty interesting sounding
plot of it’s own, Chantelle wants to read. Enough to refer to myself in third person.
Loved your review btw.
shuchun
I can’t wait to read it! I met Samantha at LeakyCon, but I didn’t know anything about the book then (and I don’t think it was out yet). I’m struggling to find it in Norway, ugh.
selselxu
Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this book before this! But it sounds seriously amazing 🙂 All the terms about “The Scarred Ones” and “blood-consort” just makes me want this book so bad 😀
Lovely review, Steph!
Ashfa
Sound amazing! I’m dying to get my hands on it.
Great_East_Road
I found the romance dragged slightly, mostly because I called it from the moment Warden was described as being so handsome and I was waiting for the whole book for something to happen between them.
RealityIsNovel
I haven’t read this. I’m not to describe how cool I think it is, but… yeah, the premise just sounds really interesting to me. I mean, in the near future and all that. I’m not sure it just sounds cool. I’m also excited to hear that the worldbuilding was good, because that makes such a difference! I really can’t wait to read this.
Brynna
ValerieRhodes
I’ve not read this but sounds very interesting.. has a good concept I believe.
erinf1
I think this sounds very interesting and unique and I definitely want to read it! Thanks for the review!
Mona6014
The next Harry Potter? No… it can’t be. And I’m quite surprised it’s received more hype that Allegiant. divergent deries is wildly popular around tumblr.
I’m always up for some good world building, so I’m definitely in.
sakati101
A series similar to the Lumatere Chronicles? I’m in! I always tend to enjoy books with good word building.
PatriDuarte
I would like to read it, I deeply enjoy dystopian book and having such expextetions…well…I wouls like to have a chance and read it myself.
jeannius88
Fantastic review Steph, I absolutely LOVED the Bone Season and I’m glad you enjoyed the detail, world building and Paige. I think the romance thing with Warden was really random too, totally didn’t feel it.
Jeann @ http://www.happyindulgencebooks.com
sayitcharlie
I would like to try reading this one, especially with a good world building but I’m a bit wary about it being dubbed as the next Harry Potter. That might lead to disappointments, but the summary and your review is enough to stir my curiosity. I love books that would make my imagination go wild.
Raafia
The Bone season sounds pretty interesting, I’d really love to read it.
MarkusCarlsson1
I would really like to try this book. Not just for the buzz it generated, but also for the great worldbuilding I heard it has.
Primrose
I haven’t got the chance to read it yet. Hopefully it will live up to the expectation. But seriously that cover just turned me off.
DarithL
Wow, it sounds really mysterious and good! I really want to read it now, after hearing that it’s so hyped, even though I’ve never caught wave of it. 😀
abrennan09
Haven’t read it yet but have heard lots of good things – hoping to soon.
caripao2001
I’m looking forward to reading this! It’s right up my alley and it sounds interesting.
SAYjazzy9
Haven’t read it yet and the book really sounds interesting.I definitely want to read it.
KitRose
really looking foward to reading this, my type of read
Mona6014
Love the Ariana Grande gif!
ErikaLRhodes
I’ve not read it but have heard such great things.. certainly my kind of book.. 😉
Kamla L,
I haven’t read it yet but I am dying to. With all the world building and complex magic system, not to mention the intriguing plot, it sounds like a fantasy that is right up my alley. Thanks for the insightful review.
CK
I’ve read The Bone Season, and I’ve absolutely loved it! I really think that the plot’s very edgy, daring, dark, and absolutely unique. The fact that my imagination was working overtime to picture and figure everything out means that it was a challenge (the best kind of challenge!) to read it. I’m proud to have survived and read it!
Bookish Reivew: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon | A Bookish Heart
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