Review Detail

CASTLES IN THEIR BONES is a riveting and slow-building YA fantasy that follows triplets. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz have just turned 16, princesses to the large kingdom of Bessemia, ruled by their mother, the Empress. Since birth, they have been trained in all the arts - military, political, seductive, and so on. All to take their places as the brides of the heirs to the three surrounding countries. Their mother's plot has consumed their lives, and they each have a role to play in what is to come - hopefully being reunited in Bessemia in a year, with more kingdoms under their mother's domain.

As they each head to their separate kingdoms, they know what is expected of them. However, nothing seems as simple or straight-forward as they had expected. Told in alternating perspectives, each of the sister's stories will sweep the reader away to this world of intrigue, danger, and magic with plenty of shocking twists along the way.

What I loved: This is a story that is best entered unassuming and without a lot of knowledge of the plots. There are so many unexpected twists and turns that this book takes the reader for quite the ride. Each of the three sisters has a distinct voice and disparate experiences in a way that sets each of the points-of-view apart. It does take a while to remember the key players and kingdoms apart, but the map and family trees at the beginning of the book do help a lot. Before long, the riveting stories pull the reader in and get the pages turning quickly. As it switches between the three sisters, it does feel like it moves slowly in places, but I do feel like the additional character growth and depth made the beginning slow pace fully worth it.

Themes around family, power, politics, desires/wishes, romantic love, betrayal, and secrets/lies make this a really thought-provoking and intriguing read. Each of the sisters was compelling and distinct in their own ways, and their perspectives introduced complex secondary characters, some of whom the reader will come to love or despise - this story becomes very emotionally evocative. As a warning, there is a major character death in this book, and it's shocking - the book takes a lot of twists and turns, particularly towards the end. This is a spellbinding read that I am absolutely eager to continue.

Final verdict: An enchanting and evocative read, CASTLES IN THEIR BONES is the first book in a riveting YA fantasy series with shocking reveals and compelling characters. Highly recommend for fans of THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US, THE WINTER DUKE, and TO KILL A KINGDOM.