I have never been more stressed out in my life than reading The Bone Shard War.
That statement is also entirely meant to be an endorsement to read this series. I shouldn’t have been surprised, when it was titled The Bone Shard War. Like, we knew shit was going down.
Honestly, how this series isn’t on the best series of all time list for every blogger is beyond me. Andrea Stewart has created a world that I literally dream about, with its vividness and creativity. Yet it’s the characters, their relationships and dynamics, and the pure shit she puts them through, that had me nervous to continue reading after each and every page.
An ARC copy was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Book Info
Publisher: Orbit Books | Release Date: November 2021 | Pages: 548
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Fantasy | Format: Hardcover | Source: ARC
Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance – and Lin is dangerously short of allies.
As her own governors plot treason, the Shardless Few renew hostilities. Worse still, Lin discovers her old nemesis Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan. Both seek her death.
Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies, she may yet be able to turn the tide.
If she fails, the Sukai dynasty – and the entire empire – will fall.
On the Page
- Amnesia and memory disorders
- Body modifications
- Building collapse
- Captivity and confinement
- Death
- Earthquakes and floods
- Physical assault and injuries
- Refugee experiences
- War themes and military violence
Referenced
- Blackmail
- Dead bodies and body parts
- Drowning
- Maritime disasters
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- The depth of the plot. Like, I stand by what I stated in the intro. Stress. So much of it. But I also marveled at just how amazing the plot twists came together. Especially since we’re following multiple threads and characters.
- Twist in Chapter 3: Y’all, I will never get over this twist. It’s one of the most shocking ones I’ve ever read. It’s the main reason I was terrified of this book. And it resolved in such heartbreaking ways. I’m still not over it. 😭
- The other twist surrounding REDACTED. I won’t tell you what it is, because, spoilers. You’ll know it when you read it, though. But when I say that Stewart is a master in worldbuilding!! I am not kidding!! I am still floored!!
Dislikes
- There are none, this is perfection.
Rating
Honestly, my only complaint with The Bone Shard War was that it ended. I absolutely loved it. This series cemented Andrea Stewart as an auto-buy author for me. I’d pay to read her grocery lists at this point. If you haven’t read The Drowning Empire, you’re absolutely doing yourself a disservice. It’s an amazing series that will have you experiencing every emotion you know–and then even some new ones.
Go buy a copy today, if you haven’t already! Go go go go!!
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Such a great review!
Yesss the twists!! The end of chapter three had my heart drop 😭 I was also very stressed… what did you think about the very end of the book? Cause that was the one thing I wasn’t sure if I loved or was disappointed by.
Right!? Like, I was scared to open the book every time I sat down to read, because I was just so invested and couldn’t imagine a way they could get out of it (but they did!).
I liked it! While I was disappointed by one element that happened to the same character from chapter three, due to that element, the ending made sense and it felt bittersweet, which fit the series for me!