Reviews

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

adodom's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

daizie's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Bone Witch had a really cool concept and world, but I don't think the execution was where it should have been. I found the pacing and flip-flopping of perspectives a little harmful to my immersion, and again, while I loved the world that Chupeco brought to life, the world-building was pretty clunky at times. 

I'll probably continue the series, but it doesn't feel like a huge priority to me right now.

readwithlucy's review

dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

riley_rose's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

iner_tia14's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

shandyt's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars, rounded down.

I'm not much of a YA reader, but am giving this series a go on the recommendation of a friend. So far, it's... well, it's YA. Absurdly young female protagonist, a love triangle, Bildungsroman themes, etc. The magic system and worldbuilding are pretty unique, at least, and there's some good representation. A lot of other people have complained that the majority of this book is a tedious drag, but I, also a tedious drag, loved all the details about the main character's time training as a magic necro-geisha. In fact, I wanted even more worldbuilding. My complaints so far are mostly with the writing itself, which at times is clunky or repetitive. The descriptions in particular can get pretty roundabout, and subtly misuse words. (Count the uses of 'ungainly' over the course of the book.) Some of the side characters are also rather two-dimensional, including, unfortunately, the main character's brother. Speaking of the main character, I'm new to YA, like I said, but as a 33-year-old adult, I have a very hard time swallowing the jaded, world-weary picture of the MC that we have in the present-day narrative.

Spoiler

She's seventeen years old; she doesn't know jack shit! When I was seventeen, I was barely a functioning human!

Regardless, I am interested to see how she goes from where we left her in the past, to her jaded present, and I look forward to seeing how her journey ultimately resolves.

verimythe's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

artsycupcake's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The age old self fulfilling prophecy that if you treat something like it is bad it will eventually act in that manner since nothing will change their mind. It was an interesting mix of reading the story play out and having the story told to me. I enjoyed reading it. 

ink_drinker4eva's review against another edition

informative slow-paced

2.0

corrinaababee's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

So this story was beautifully written and very insightfully poetic in Tea’s thoughts towards the way of people. Tea is described as sometimes as impulsive, in her behaviors and in her honesty. The style wasn’t hard to digest and unique but very interesting. I read this book in 2 days and immediately set out for book 2. I must see where Teas story leads and how she fell in love. This book was so well received, I have the second book already waiting for me, and I cant wait to devour that one too. Right now it’s 3:38 in the morning, so starting book #2 will have to wait until tomorrow.