by Samantha Shannon
Read: August 16 - 18, 2013
Published: August 20, 2013 by Bloomsbury Publishing **TODAY**
Source: BEA. Thank You, Bloomsbury
Category: Alternate reality, Fantasy
Series: The Bone Season book 1 (they need a clever title for this series!)
It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.
But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.
Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives. (From Goodreads)
But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.
Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives. (From Goodreads)
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I picked up The Bone Season at BookExpo America, when I was wandering past the Bloomsbury booth one day. I knew nothing about it, even whether it was YA or not*. Then I kept hearing lots of buzz - both positive and negative. Then I was freaked out by the fact that it's the first of SEVEN books. Then some of my trusted blogging friends read it and loved it. Then I just picked it up and started reading. Then I FELL IN LOVE with this rich and complex world, and I wanted to read more and more.
What is this book about?
Really, it's best to just start reading The Bone Season instead of trying to understand a breakdown of the overall plot, but here is a basic set up: Paige Mahoney lives in an alternate version of London in the year 2059. In her world, part of the population is regular human, but the other half possess a supernatural, or rather clairvoyant talent. Paige is a dreamwalker, which is a rare and pretty cool ability that she must keep hidden from the regular world. You see, it's illegal to be a (clair)voyant and she could be killed for what she can do. Thankfully, London also has a vivid underworld run by mob bosses called mime-lords. That is where Paige's talent is allowed to shine, and where she'd found a home. But when Paige is unexpectedly captured for using her ability one night, she is sent to a penal colony located in a forgotten Oxford. There Paige learns that her world is nothing that she imagined, and neither is she.
Are all those rumors about this book true?
Yes, the mythology in The Bone Season is complicated, and we've barely scratched the surface of everything. Yes, I feel like my head is spinning with questions and possibilities, but isn't that part of what makes a book worth reading? Yes, there are lots of characters. Yes, a romance, or rather the beginnings of a romantic connection develops between Paige and someone you will want to despise. Yes, I want to say more about that, but most of it is spoilery. What I will say is that I liked the questions that this book asks about power, trust and what it means to know and be known. I also think the love story could end up being amazing if paced correctly. No, this book does not have a love triangle or a cliffhanger. The Bone Seasonis the beginning of a long series, so obviously not everything is perfect, but I was very satisfied by how this book concluded.
I want specifics about what is in this book!
As I mentioned, The Bone Season is a book you want to discuss, but it's also a story that is hard to talk about before you've read it (so read it so we can talk about it!). Therefore, I've decided that instead of trying to explain it all, I'm going to list out a few things you will find in its pages, and some you will not.
As you might expect (or maybe not), The Bone Season includes rooftop chases, betrayals, fight scenes, ghosts, tense moments, tests of will, flash-backs, secrets, death, train rides, battle wounds, disguises unexpected allies and lots of danger and intrigue, all set in a rich and complex alternate world. If that doesn't tell you enough, how about:
Three unexpected things The Bone Season contains: Frank Sinatra music. Blood drinking. Cirque du Soleil style acrobatics.
Three things this book does not feature: Vampires. Angels. Insta-love.
One thing that was left unexplained, that I am dying to find out more about: It was very tough to pick just one, and lots and lots of answers would be spoilers. But I'm going with... What is that dying flower in the bell jar all about? I kept thinking of Beauty and the Beast, but I'm sure that's not it. If you've read this book, what do you think?
What freaks you out about this series?
My biggest worry is how the story and romance is going to carry over so many books. But I was surprised at how much I loved The Bone Season, and hope I will be surprised again x7.
Bottom line is, ignore the hype. Read the book.
What is this book about?
Really, it's best to just start reading The Bone Season instead of trying to understand a breakdown of the overall plot, but here is a basic set up: Paige Mahoney lives in an alternate version of London in the year 2059. In her world, part of the population is regular human, but the other half possess a supernatural, or rather clairvoyant talent. Paige is a dreamwalker, which is a rare and pretty cool ability that she must keep hidden from the regular world. You see, it's illegal to be a (clair)voyant and she could be killed for what she can do. Thankfully, London also has a vivid underworld run by mob bosses called mime-lords. That is where Paige's talent is allowed to shine, and where she'd found a home. But when Paige is unexpectedly captured for using her ability one night, she is sent to a penal colony located in a forgotten Oxford. There Paige learns that her world is nothing that she imagined, and neither is she.
Are all those rumors about this book true?
Yes, the mythology in The Bone Season is complicated, and we've barely scratched the surface of everything. Yes, I feel like my head is spinning with questions and possibilities, but isn't that part of what makes a book worth reading? Yes, there are lots of characters. Yes, a romance, or rather the beginnings of a romantic connection develops between Paige and someone you will want to despise. Yes, I want to say more about that, but most of it is spoilery. What I will say is that I liked the questions that this book asks about power, trust and what it means to know and be known. I also think the love story could end up being amazing if paced correctly. No, this book does not have a love triangle or a cliffhanger. The Bone Seasonis the beginning of a long series, so obviously not everything is perfect, but I was very satisfied by how this book concluded.
I want specifics about what is in this book!
As I mentioned, The Bone Season is a book you want to discuss, but it's also a story that is hard to talk about before you've read it (so read it so we can talk about it!). Therefore, I've decided that instead of trying to explain it all, I'm going to list out a few things you will find in its pages, and some you will not.
As you might expect (or maybe not), The Bone Season includes rooftop chases, betrayals, fight scenes, ghosts, tense moments, tests of will, flash-backs, secrets, death, train rides, battle wounds, disguises unexpected allies and lots of danger and intrigue, all set in a rich and complex alternate world. If that doesn't tell you enough, how about:
Three unexpected things The Bone Season contains: Frank Sinatra music. Blood drinking. Cirque du Soleil style acrobatics.
Three things this book does not feature: Vampires. Angels. Insta-love.
One thing that was left unexplained, that I am dying to find out more about: It was very tough to pick just one, and lots and lots of answers would be spoilers. But I'm going with... What is that dying flower in the bell jar all about? I kept thinking of Beauty and the Beast, but I'm sure that's not it. If you've read this book, what do you think?
What freaks you out about this series?
My biggest worry is how the story and romance is going to carry over so many books. But I was surprised at how much I loved The Bone Season, and hope I will be surprised again x7.
Bottom line is, ignore the hype. Read the book.
Love Triangle Factor: None
Cliffhanger Scale: Low
*If you're wondering about the genre, this book was not published as YA. Though Paige is 19 and the tone of the book definitely has an older YA/New Adult vibe. I foresee this series having great crossover between Young Adult and Adult audiences.
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
*If you're wondering about the genre, this book was not published as YA. Though Paige is 19 and the tone of the book definitely has an older YA/New Adult vibe. I foresee this series having great crossover between Young Adult and Adult audiences.
Book received in exchange for an honest review.
Interesting format, Lauren! I love how you got straight to the point with this one!(: We've discussed the heck out of this book already, so maybe as more readers read it we'll shed some more light on our questions. (Or more likely more questions!) Great review, dear!
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks, K. This review was part a reaction to my own confusion and nervousness over this book before I started it. And part an effort to give people something a little different to read, since its being hyped and talked about so much. I think people get afraid of hype sometimes. Plus I feel like I've already discussed it a ton. Anyway, thanks for your always insight.
DeleteI'm starting the audio today. I haven't read but a couple of reviews because I'm trying to avoid the hype and just love it because it's good and not because I've been told it's good. I don't care what kind of deal she got or that it's been optioned for film. Just let it be good. :) And you're right, they do need a more clever series title. Maybe I'll have some suggestions when I finish. Great review...love how you shared just enough to tempt someone to read it!
ReplyDeleteI think that trying to ignore the hype is the best way to go, if you can manage it! For me, positive reviews from trusted friends means so much more than what the media is saying about a book. It reminds me of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, which was so BIG, but when I read it, I realized that genre is NOT for me. No matter what everyone else was saying. Anyway, this book is totally different from that one. Can't wait for your reaction to the audio. THE BONE SEASON is one that's good for a discussion for sure. SO MUCH in here to think about.
DeleteUgh, how am I going to wait a year between each book for SEVEN installments? Not fair. I still don't have a suggestion for a series title...maybe after the next one? :P
DeleteThis may be an Alex Award contender if it is as good as you make it sound?
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is written to me: 'Bottom line is, ignore the hype. Read the book.'
It sounds so confusing. The cover is odd. It feels like a thriller. I'm kind of scared of this one. The the hype, oh dear. Books like this, I would do better to read while you guys are reading them instead of after, I think. With the hype, I don't know what my accountability would be now that you all have already read it.
I could definitely see it being an ALEX contender. I actually thought this book was YA until I realized it's published under the regular Bloomsbury heading, instead of the kids division. I think readers of both categories will love, which is my favorite type of book.
DeleteYES! I did write that to you. But it's also a reaction to my own fears of this story before I read it. I'm not sure why certain books get hyped, but I try very hard to separate myself from all the fuss over a story. As I said in the comment above to Jen, I learned that truth when I attempted to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. That book was so BIG, but when I read it, I realized that genre is NOT for me. I can't do psychopathic torturers, no matter what everyone else was saying. Plus I LOATHED the guy investigator - I forget his name? Anyway, that's a completely different book from this one. The point is that reviews from people I trust mean so much more than the media.
HOWEVER, this book IS confusing, and requires some mental effort. For you, that will probably mean slow and deliberate reading. And for your own sanity, you may want to wait until the hype subsides so you can not think of it so much.
I actually have no idea what's going on with that cover. Or rather, I don't get all of it. But the cover alone is a good clue that this isn't a YA book.
I LOVE this format, Lauren! I've been trying to think how in the heck I am going to review this book myself--I like how you did it here:)
ReplyDeleteSo, yeah, we've discussed this one at length and I am with you 100%. It is very complex, and it does feel as if we've only scratched the surface. I love the slow building romance, I'm reserving judgement about a possible love triangle in future installments right now though:) I think that I will definitely be re-reading this one, or at least parts of it, before the sequel publishes. It's exciting to be getting in early on a new series (even though it's 7 books which TOTALLY freaks me out too!) and I can't wait to talk to you about all of them in the future!
Great review, really. It's hard to review and not spoil in this case and you pulled it off:)
Thanks, Heather! This was tough to review for sure. But I think it's one that is so BIG conceptually, that it doesn't really help your experience if you get lots of info ahead of time. I think it may be more confusing (or at least it got that way for me when I started reading reviews). That's why I didn't even bother explaining it all. Plus my review is a reaction to how nervous I was to start this to begin with, and how much fun I had reading. Your reviews are always so amazing though. And you could totally include images of Oxford and London! LOVE your 'multimedia'
DeleteSo much fun to discuss! I'm glad we read it at the same time.
Whoa! So many emotions? For real? Christina from Christina Reads YA loved it as well. I, as many others, think that the cover is so.. weird for this book. And I agree, it needs a better series name, haha. I love that you loved it! It wasn't on my radar, but you and Christina loving the jazz out of it makes me want to bring this baby to bed with me and love the heck out of it. I'm glad it's rather a slow-burn than insta-love book with a complex world--exactly what I need from this kind of a read. So happy you liked it, babe! PS. I love me some Frank Sinatra:) Whohooo!!
ReplyDeleteThe cover IS weird. After reading this one, I'm still not 100% sure what it means exactly. I hope you get a copy and end up loving this one too! It's quite complex, but a rich fantasy world and a pretty interesting story direction. Lots and lots of discussion. Frank Sinatra is not a big part of this book, but I was surprised he was included at all :).
DeleteLove your review! Everything you say is so true and I know I commented on Goodreads too but I just wanna say again how much I LOVE this book and, like you, only hope it keeps surprising me and that the love story is epic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kelly! I agree.
DeleteI think the dying flower in the bell jar was supposed to be a reference to Sylvia Plath's Bell Jar? Could be Beauty and the Beast, though.
ReplyDelete(NOTE TO PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK YET: DO NOT READ THIS COMMENT - SPOILER ALERT). Er, I think it also has to do with Warden's lack of life in his dreamscape and the religious references. Sheol and the Rephaim (shades) of the afterlife - how Warden must have been punished by Nashira. Could go with the Beauty and the Beast aspect too - that he came to life after he escaped her clutches/the curse. That's what I assumed. Symbolic and something we'd figure out later.
I would love to discuss the book with you :).
Also, I loved how complicated the mythology was. Yeah, the info-dumps and head spinning weren't the best, but in the end... it's the kind of world that keeps you guessing. Challenges you to make sense of it all, and that's an awesome feeling. I want to feel like I'm still thinking about a book hours later. Not just about the world, but about what you said - on the questions of power, trust, and identity.
"What I will say is that I liked the questions that this book asks about power, trust and what it means to know and be known. I also think the love story could end up being amazing if paced correctly." <-- Yes, I am actually kind of frightened what will happen to it over the course of the seven book series (though how much you want to bet, that by the end of the series, Paige will know Warden's soul well enough to block him out as he hints at in TBS?).
I'm so glad that you commented so we could get your insight on this book! You've definitely given me a LOT to think about. I've never read The Bell Jar, but that is an excellent theory. I need to go and look up more about that book. I'm not going to write much more on my wall, since we've discussed this a lot offline. But I'm excite to have found your blog!
DeleteThe Bone Season is DEFINITELY one I want to discuss more! I was all about trying to figure out that dying flower, too. While I didn't OMG-LOVE-EVERLASTING this book, I did highly enjoy it and can't wait for the next one (um...definitely need a catchier series title). I'm so curious about the world and what's going to happen, where the story is going...so many questions and yet I was satisfied with the ending of this first book. Now, that's the way to start a series!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand you're reaction to this book. It's not totally perfect, but still really fantastic. For some reason, it just hit me in the perfect place. Crossing my fingers that the rest of it will be as good, or that it will keep getting better!
DeleteFirst of all, I love how you formatted this! LOVE. Secondly, I want this book now. I wasn't too interested thanks to the cover, but after reading your review, I WANT IT. I love the three unexpected things and I love the fact that it doesn't have instalove or any undesirables!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS, I'm not sure this is a format I can replicate a lot, since it was mostly reactionary. I wrote it fairly quickly after I read the book. But maybe the three things at the bottom. I wanted to peak peoples' interest, without giving story elements away, because this is the kind of plot that it's just best to experience instead of over explain.
DeleteI'm pretty sure your sister hated this one? Or I think so from a tweet I saw. So I'm curious if you feel the same way that I do. But yes, a great slow building romance, that really isn't a romance yet. More of a developing connection between two unlikely allies. It seems crazy at first, but it made total sense the further I got in the story. As I said, I think it could be amazing if written well throughout the series. Can't wait to see what you think of this story.
This book definitely has a huge spotlight on it! I've been thinking, as much as I want to start the series now, perhaps waiting until the hype cools down is better? I don't want my opinions of the book to be influenced in any way. Though, I have a good feeling I'll end up loving The Bone Season any way. :P
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think what is REALLY keeping me at bay is the 6 installments that are planned after this one. Since I'm not much of a re-reader, and I have the memory of a goldfish, I don't want important details/story lines to go forgotten. Though I can always write notes as I read along? Right?
Ugh. This is such a difficult decision to make, especially because your review is so vague - in the BEST possible way! To read The Bone Season this year or not? This is my question.
If hype affects you, definitely okay to wait on this one. I actually didn't realize how BIG it was conceptually until after I read it. I really liked the story, but I know not everyone will, and that's totally fine.
DeleteYes, the amount of world building and information in this book, is part of what makes it amazing, and also part of my hesitation with it. I've been trying to discuss it a lot and write down character information, so that I'm not lost when its a year + later and I'm reading book 2. I may need to re-read before then. Now that I've begun the series, it would be hard to wait until more are out to read, but if you can, I think that's fine. However, sometimes I think it's a good idea to just read the first one at least and see if it's worth the effort to wait for the rest of the books. If you read THE BONE SEASON and don't like the first book, then you can ignore the hype for all eternity. I hope you do love it though!
My review is purposefully vague, bc I found that it's the type of book that's best experienced first hand. Before I read it, I looked at a bunch of reviews and they just confused me! But then I started the actual book and really ended up loving it. Give it a chance and see what you think!
Oh, snap. I was getting ahead of myself there! lol First and foremost, I do need to read The Bone Season to determine if the series is for me. (Though from the synopsis alone, it seems like it will be). :] Plus, the great world building is calling to me. Still, I need to find out for sure. And, I think I can jot down notes as I read the book, and who knows, maybe this series will inspire me to become an avid re-reader later on.
DeleteI think I'll be reading TBS during the Christmas holidays. I really want to be sure I give myself a good length of time to immerse myself in its world without feeling rushed.
Though your review is vague, it does give the book STRONG appeal. You've definitely swayed me to read TBS sooner rather than later. :] Plus, if I ever do need a refresher, (years down the road), I'm sure I can always re-read reviews and things alike.
Ha -- I totally thought of Beauty and the Beast!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Marlene (above) feeling a little apprehensive about the prospect of seven books. I also have the memory of a goldfish --I read Bone Season six weeks ago and as I read your review I was thinking, "Frank Sinatra music? What?"
Well Frank Sinatra wasn't really an important part of this plot! I think he was just playing on the record player in the tower (or gramophone is what she might have called it). And they talked about his music being banned. With all the names that are important to this actual story, he's one that you can forget for sure. HOWEVER, I do agree that there is just so much to remember at this one that it's impossible to retain it all. I have started writing a character list that I can hopefully refer to when I finally read the next one. Of course she hasn't even started writing it, so we could have a looonnngggg wait. Maybe someone will get really into this series and write a helpful lexicon online resource as there was once for Harry Potter.
DeleteAll that said, I'm happy that despite it all you did enjoy this one. And that "Teen Snark" did too :).
I like this style of review as I've been putting off reading any that might spoil it :) this does sound intriguing and I have had an ARC since before my USA trip but I put it off because it seemed like it was nothing coming out for so long. I plan on reading it soon :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mandee. This is definitely the type of book that is best experienced first hand, instead of trying to glean lots of information from reviews. I tried that before actually committed to reading this book, and it just confused me. My review is definitely a reaction to that feeling.
DeleteI hope that you read and end up liking THE BONE SEASON! It won't be for everyone, but it was a big hit for me.
I've heard nothing but good things about this book, and I'm glad to see such a thorough and analytical review from you, Lauren! I think that I'd find the mythology rather tedious and complicated (and a bit concerning), but I'm definitely more intrigued now. Wonderful review :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such a brilliant review Lauren. Like so many others I had heard so much hype surrounding this book, but I really thought that it wouldn't be for me. But in the last few weeks the reviews have really convinced me to give this book a go. I actually like the sound of it's complexity and the fact that there is not a love triangle or insta love in sight! I really will be getting a copy of this asap! :)
ReplyDeleteSUPER excited for this one Lauren! I love books that inspire discussions and make me want to tell anyone who will listen all my thoughts and theories about the story. Like you, I'm curious about how the romance will work, I know it's going to be a very slow build since there are so many books already planned, but these seem like the type of characters who need that much time to sort through all their layers and figure out what they are to one another. Can't wait to write you a long, detailed email after I finish so we can talk about this one!
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading this book today and I absolutely loved it. It is a bit daunting to start a seven-book series when no other books have been published. If it's been more than six months, I have to re-read books. Ahhh! Loved the world-building and Paige and the Warden and really enjoyed reading how their relationship grew and changed over the course of the novel (and the fact that it took place over six months). I saw an interview with the author this morning and her story is so amazing. I can't believe how young she is! THIS PART IS SPOILERY: I agree with Christina about the dead flower. That's how Nashira knew something was going on because she saw the flower grow. Great review! ~Pam
ReplyDeleteYou and Heather both are so good to me--I was just saying on her review of this book that I'm able to skim a bit and get the main points without spoiling anything for myself, which I hate! But I can read enough to know you think it's good, which means I need to seek it out soon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for the "it's not YA" note. I wasn't sure.
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
So, I was super psyched about this one and then I read reviews and was iffy and decided not to read it, but now I think I will. AHHHH. I looove books that raise questions and NEEDS discussion.
ReplyDeleteYay I'm glad to hear you found this to be well worth the hype! For being a seven-part fantasy series, the first book isn't all that long in length. Less than 300 pages? That makes me suspicious that maybe the author is just trying to make it into seven books and the story could have been told in less. But I'm planning on borrowing this from the library rather than buying the whole series (unless I find that I adore it), so I guess I'm not the one who will have to shell out money for seven books. Back to your review, however: I love the idea of clairvoyants, and voyants in general. Haven't read too many books on them, so hopefully that makes the book seem even more unique and refreshing to me. I do love complex fantasy worlds, so I'm eager to see what Shannon has come up with!
ReplyDeleteI really love how your reviews always sound like you, even when you mix up your format. And I love how sometimes the format changes based on the book and to fit what you want to say! I know that's a random comment, but you really made me interested in this book and I love how you were vague but still focused and clear in what you said. I'm a little nervous about this book but I'm excited to dive in. I ordered a copy with like no idea what it was about after I saw you and a few other bloggers I trust gave it such good ratings. Imagine my surprise when it arrived and had a glossary and a bazillion maps! I was like WHATTTT?! Haha!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your review. I had never heard of the book and had never heard the hype. I loved the book. I couldn't put it down. The only reason I read it is because the guy who does my hair told me he enjoyed it. Since he is so much younger than I am, I thought it would be another of those Mortal Instruments not worth reading books, but I decided to try it. I'm so glad I did.
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