Bone Crier’s Moon: A Disappointment Wrapped in Promises
Oh, where do I begin with "Bone Crier’s Moon"? The moment I laid eyes on that stunning cover by Charlie Bowater, I was ensnared. I mean, who wouldn’t be? The visuals screamed epic fantasy, and with Kathryn Purdie at the helm, I couldn’t help but feel electrified with anticipation. Unfortunately, my excitement was met with quite the letdown.
From the beginning, I had high hopes that this book would deliver the magical, enemies-to-lovers narrative that sounded so irresistible. Here was a story promising a thrilling blend of French mythology and romantic tension—all of which I adore. But instead, I found myself trudging through an uninspired tale that felt as flat as a day-old soda.
The writing style? There were glimmers of brilliance here and there, particularly in the beginning. Purdie’s prose paints vivid landscapes and intriguing worlds, drawing readers into a setting laden with potential. However, that initial enchantment quickly fizzled out. Enter our protagonists: Ailesse, Sabine, and Bastien. They should have been diverse and layered characters, but instead, I found myself rolling my eyes at their immaturity and one-dimensionality. I mean, come on, they were supposed to be in their late teens, yet their actions screamed that they were stuck in middle school.
Now, let’s talk romance. I’m a sucker for a well-crafted love story, but the chemistry between Ailesse and Bastien was as nonexistent as a phantom on a foggy night. Their shift from bitter foes to lovestruck lovers felt abrupt and forced—a swift leap from hatred to declarations of love seemed more like a summary than a satisfying arc. You can’t just flip the “I hate you” switch to “I’d die for you” without the delightful moments of tension and banter that make enemies-to-lovers stories oh-so-enjoyable. Instead, we got a confusing plot twist that left me wondering, "Did I miss a chapter?"
And while we’re on the subject of missed opportunities, the world-building was both tantalizing and frustrating. The concept of bone criers and the mythological backdrop was unique and captivating—initially. But as I progressed, the depth I craved was largely absent, leaving me wanting to dig deeper without the tools to do so. I felt like a child at the edge of a beautiful forest, peering in but never actually allowed to explore its depths.
To wrap up this personal reflection, "Bone Crier’s Moon" had all the ingredients for a culinary delight but ended up being a bland dish somehow presented as gourmet. If you’re a reader who adores rich character development, spicy romance, and layers of world-building, this might not be the book for you. However, younger readers or those new to fantasy might find it an accessible introduction.
In the end, while my heart wasn’t ignited as I’d hoped, I appreciate the effort and imagination that went into it. Maybe one day, I’ll return to this world—assuming I can resist the urge to chuck it off my balcony for a good laugh. For now, I’ll keep my eye on what Kathryn Purdie does next, hoping she channels her evident talent into something that will sweep me off my feet.
Discover more about Bone Crier’s Moon (Bone Grace, #1) on GoodReads >>