Book Review: The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel #1) by D.L. Taylor
When I first stumbled upon The Beasts We Bury, the premise gripped me immediately. A young girl tasked with the haunting ability to harbor the souls of animals she has killed? It sounded like a captivating blend of fantasy and moral quandary, and I was eager to dive in. D.L. Taylor has crafted an intricate world that is as beautiful as it is brutal, and while it had its shortcomings, it certainly kept me engaged throughout.
Mancella, our sixteen-year-old protagonist, is at the heart of this tale. Burdened not only by her unique destiny but also by the monstrous expectations of her cruel father, she is a character ready for both sympathy and admiration. Taylor does an extraordinary job of showcasing her internal struggles, exemplified in chilling lines like, “If you let someone else set the rules for you, then you’ll be stuck in the game they want to play.” I found this sentiment particularly resonant; it spoke volumes about personal agency in a world rife with tyranny.
The villainy embodied by Mancella’s father led to my visceral reactions of frustration and outrage. Seriously, I can’t remember the last time I despised a character so thoroughly! Every encounter left me shouting internally, desperate for Mancella to break free from his grip. However, what truly highlighted Mancella’s character was her ability to simultaneously harbor compassion while being forced into horrific acts of violence. The conflict between her nurturing instincts and the cruel demands placed upon her was palpable, leading to moments that tugged at my heart.
The writing style is engaging, though it did sometimes teeter on the edge of unevenness. I appreciated Taylor’s ability to evoke tension and darkness, especially in scenes with Mancella’s valuable connections to the animals she kills. Yet, I felt there were moments when the narrative hesitated, maybe out of a desire to maintain YA appropriateness. This left some thematic elements feeling muted when they could have soared.
Silver, Mancella’s companion, adds an interesting layer but felt underdeveloped at times. While their romance was cute, the instant connection between them felt a tad forced, and I yearned to know more about Silver beyond his role as a love interest. Yet, the moments they shared were sweet, offering a touch of lightness amidst the heavier themes of the story.
As for the plot twists, some were expected while others caught me off guard. I particularly appreciated how Mancella’s father remained the embodiment of treachery, solidifying my already boiling frustration. The unexpected ending left me eager for the sequel, as it seemed to set the stage for Mancella’s further development and exploration of her powers.
In conclusion, The Beasts We Bury is a compelling start to The Broken Citadel series perfect for readers who enjoy dark, character-driven YA fantasies. If you appreciate complex protagonists grappling with moral dilemmas in rich, albeit sometimes uneven, settings, then I highly recommend picking this one up. Taylor has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for a captivating duology, and I find myself invested in Mancella’s journey, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
And let’s not forget that stunning cover—it truly captures the essence of Mancella’s world! 🌸🖤
Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
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