I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts about The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart.
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The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart will be available in digital and audiobook (8th September) hardcover (10th September) and paperback (April 2021)
The Sukai Dynasty has ruled the Phoenix Empire for over a century, their mastery of bone shard magic powering the monstrous constructs that maintain law and order. But now the emperor’s rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire’s many islands.
Lin is the Emperor’s daughter, but a mysterious illness has stolen her childhood memories and her status as heir to the empire. Trapped in a palace of locked doors and old secrets, Lin vows to reclaim her birthright by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.
But the mysteries behind such power are dark and deep, and wielding her family’s magic carries a great cost. When the revolution reaches the gates of the palace itself, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her throne – and save her people.
Book Review
One word that sums up how I feel. Bereft. I’ve had the biggest book hangover since I can’t remember! Yes, The Bone Shard Daughter really is that good.
Floating islands that follow a migrating pattern, mysterious previous inhabitants that have left artefacts behind, creatures built from different animal body parts and known as constructs, a couple of mysterious independent beings who have gifts to share, items that have magical properties, factions, rebels, fights, blood, gore, relationships, and, and so much more! What’s not to love…
Lin, Jovis, Phalue and Sand have their own chapters and I loved the suspense. Leaving each character at a pivotal point meant I pondered where they might lead us next before going on to the next chapter. Each of those chapters are totally absorbing for different reasons. Lin and her loss of memory doesn’t stop her from finding a way around things, Jovis on his quest to ease his heart, Phalue in love with a commoner but blind to the realities outside her cushioned governor’s daughter existence and Sand, an accident causing the veil to lift. All connected to the Emperor and bone shards in one way or another.
All have inner strength and leadership abilities (even if some don’t want to accept it).
All are driven and motivated, not for themselves but by the powerful emotion of ‘other.’
I can’t really share much more without giving spoilers. If you’re a fantasy reader then this is a must read. There is much more to this world that we have yet to uncover. So excited for this trilogy to continue!
PS I read this author’s blog about her previous rejections. It’s time for you to shine Andrea Stewart! You’re an inspiration.
Andrea Stewart is the Chinese American daughter of immigrants, and was raised in a number of places across the United States. When her (admittedly ambitious) dreams of becoming a dragon slayer didn’t pan out, she instead turned to writing books. She now lives in sunny California.
Twitter @AndreaGStewart
