Tags
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: March 7th, 2016
400 Pages
Synopsis: When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with and older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.
In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha–one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.
Memoirs of a Geisha meets The Name of the Wind in this brilliant new fantasy series by Rin Chupeca!
How gorgeous is that cover? Naturally that’s what intitially captured my attention, but I also enjoyed Rin Chupeco’s The Girl From the Well and The Suffering, so when I heard all the buzz about The Bone Witch, I knew I had to try it. I was really expecting to become completely enthralled but instead was for the most part bored, which made this a difficult book to finish. I actually did like the beginning which tells the reader how young Tea, pronounced “Tay-uh”, becomes a Bone Witch. Unfortunately though, this interesting storyline is quickly overtaken by overly descriptive world building which slows the pace down to a crawl. For any of you who have been following me for awhile, you know that I think world building is a very important part of any novel, especially fantasy. But when you have interesting characters whose story fades into the background because there’s so much detail being given in regards to the setting, it can make for a tedious read. For example every outfit that Tea wears receives at least a paragraph of description, yet once she’s a teenager, all you’re really told is that she’s being instructed how to dance, sing and wear clothes, be a servant, and every once in a while use black magic to battle monsters. Somewhere buried in all this there’s a romance. I think there is anyway, because while I don’t remember it, suddenly she winds up running off with this guy. To be honest there’s some things I may have missed because by the time I was halfway through the book, I found myself starting to skim some of the pages in a desperate attempt to reach the end. I can’t tell you how disappointed I am that The Bone Witch wound up not being for me, because I really liked the characters of Tea and Fox in the opening chapters. I’m basically giving it 2 stars because of the cover, and the beginning, as well as its diversity. This is definitely going to be either a trilogy or series, so if my library winds up carrying it I may take a peek at the second book. As always, if you’re intrigued by the premise, please don’t base your decision of whether you want to read this solely on my opinion. There’s quite a few reviews already up on Goodreads and some of them are quite positive.
JJAzar said:
Aww, sorry to hear the world building overshadowed the characterization. The characters seem interesting just from your review. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks J.J. C’est la vie.😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
alishadanger said:
I am about half way through this one and can’t seem to find the desire to pick it back up. The story is moving at a snails pace!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s exactly the way I felt. It was like climbing a mountain or slogging through quicksand. I’m sorry you’re having the same problem.😕
LikeLike
BrizzleLass said:
You aren’t the first person I’ve seen who has made these comments. I managed to resist requesting it and based on the reviews I’ve read I’m glad I did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Seeing that other readers had the same issues definitely made me feel that at least I wasn’t alone.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Shameful Narcissist said:
I’ll keep this in mind. I don’t typically moms overly descriptive if the story is good, but I have gotten bored if it’s too slow of a plot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Detailed world building is usually a big plus for me, but this was just too much. The last time I had this happen was when I read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
littlebookynook said:
That really is a beautiful cover, and I would have picked it up just based on that. It’s a pity it was slow and overly descriptive, hopefully your next read is better 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Isn’t it it beautiful? Ah well. My new read is really good so far so thank you!💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Omg!!! I struggled so bad with this one. I loved the idea but was drowing in nonstop descriptions of everything. You are spot on with this. Sorry it didn’t work for you either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I really enjoyed her horror duology so I was caught by surprise by this. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it either Danielle.😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
It just seemed like such a loss of tremendous potential! Too bad. I haven’t read her previous work, but not sure I will. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you like movies like The Grudge, and The Ring, I highly recommend The Girl In the Well, and The Suffering. I had absolutely no idea there is a Suicide Forest in Japan before I read those!😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
Oh now you are tempting me..
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
ambroseandelsie said:
It is a wonderful cover. It doesn’t tell you a thing about the story, but it has such a strong feeling of longing you can’t help but wonder what it’s about. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s what I loved about it!🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
ambroseandelsie said:
I’m going to check it out from the library. It is a very interesting premise. I might hate it and think, “Oh my gosh! By Hook Or By Book was right!” But I’m willing to give it a chance. (Even though I’m sure I’ll keep mentally pronouncing her name as Tea – like the drink 😆 )
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m glad you’re going to try it! I’d love to know what you think after you’ve finished it!💁🏻😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
ambroseandelsie said:
Absolutely! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
oh gosh, yes that cover is lovely! it’s such a shame that the characters and the story faded into the background cos it was overly descriptive- hate when that happens!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
*Sigh*😔
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAandWine said:
I’m so with you on this one Kim. I was in love with the premise, the potential world, and that COVER! But the plot just doesn’t deliver. I felt like I was waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. And when it finally did, it was over in a flash and also slightly confusing. I do want to check out the second book, because I feel like there’s so much potential here. Like the world could be SO COOL. It just needs a strong plot to go with it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
EXACTLY Krysti! I loved Tea and Fox in the beginning but then they and the plot seemed to disappear! I’m hoping Rin Chupeco takes notice of all the reviews saying similar things, because I absolutely agree. This has so much promise!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YAandWine said:
Could not agree more. I think I’m more disappointed in it, because it had such beautiful elements and potential and then they all just fell flat. Oh, well. Here’s hoping for much more in book two!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Here, here!😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
It is a disappointment, when the contents of a book do not live up to a compelling cover. Good marketing though!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
So true Pete.💁🏻
LikeLike
Carrie said:
Another that now I’m glad I actually don’t have it on my list waiting to be read. LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d say give a try Carrie, but because our tastes are usually so similar, I’m going to say give this a pass.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
tamaralowery said:
Soiunds like you experienced with this book what I experienced trying to read The Grapes of Wrath. I love the movie adaption, so I know it’s a good story; but I just couldn’t get into it because Steinbeck spent waaaaay too much time setting the visual mood, and the story line got lost in the descriptors. Reading should NOT be a chore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
tamaralowery said:
sounds, not sounds, sorry… left hand is a bit stiff from running a grinder at work
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
No worries! Try as I may, not a day goes by when I don’t include at least one typo in a comment.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh Gosh! I remember having a horrible time with in high school. I liked his Of Mice and Men though. And you’re right Tamara. Reading should never be a chore!💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
I’m sorry that this didn’t entertain you as much as you wished it would! Got to admit that the cover is realllly pretty and I would’ve myself fell into the trap! Hopefully the 2nd one does way better and lives up to the hype for you!
– Lashaan
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know how good a writer she is from her previous books, so I’m definitely not giving up Lashaan. This is another case though where I wonder what the editor was thinking.🤔😕
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Like you, I like when writers are descriptive. But being descriptive is all good and well, because you need to craft the story and characters too. A balance between the two is needed to keep events ticking over.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Well said Vinnie. I think this goes for movies as well.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Certainly. I love strong visuals and good writing, it’s getting that part that lies in the middle that can be a high wire act.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Absolutely.🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Balance is the key.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
I was on the fence about this book, and I’m so glad I got to read your review because I’ll definitely be skipping. Those things are tedious in my eyes too, and I have a feeling I’d start skimming also. So thank you for the warning, Kim!!👍🏼💁🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’re very welcome Jen! I forget, do you like horror? Because I loved her duology: The Girl In the Well, and The Suffering.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jen said:
Oh no, no, no lol. But I’ll pass it along to my mom. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If she likes movies like The Grudge and The Ring, I guarantee she’ll love these. I never knew there was a Suicide Forest in Japan until I read them. 😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bianca @ The Ultimate Fangirl said:
I have heard the buzz surrounding this book and I may be biased since the author is Filipino. I am just curious about the world building and such. How overpowering was it? At least I have two sides to consider now before picking this book up. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
As in her previous two books (which I really liked), she has beautiful details surrounding Asian cultures and mythology. The problem I found here is that after the first few chapters she seemed to focus all her attention in developing this fantasy world which would have been fine except she neglected the characters that had been introduced completely. Now mind you, this is strictly my humble opinion Bianca. Even though I was disappointed you may very well like it. Like I said, between the fact that I’ve enjoyed her previous books, and that this series shows some real promise, I’m going to still check out the next book.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bianca @ The Ultimate Fangirl said:
I would keep it in mind. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yvo said:
Oh no! I like descriptions, but not if they are too long and completely take over the story. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one… 😦 I guess I won’t be needing to get a copy of this one soon though. A shame because the cover is gorgeous!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
There are some who did like this Yvo, so even though I was disappointed you might still like it.💁🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yvo said:
I might give it a go then some day if I can get a cheap copy…
LikeLiked by 1 person