I think before I’d even finished the first chapter of the book, immediately I knew I was already being absorbed by it, and how the author describes the devastating heartache of loss and family bonds is truly heartbreaking but beautiful.Īnother thing I really loved about The Bone Houses was the setting of the scenes and how easily the plot flowed.

The writing style was intricate and beautiful, and the pace of the story kept the tale intriguing, with action, mystery and an unravelling romance throughout.

He suspected it would take a knight or a hero of legend to impress one such as her.” “She reminded him of an ocean - beautiful, with enough salt to kill a man. I really like how the author constantly reminds you of the struggle Elis has when contending with his injury, and highlights the effects of having a disability without making the character seem weak or any less of a real person.Īs the story progresses, the relationship between the two grows beautifully, and I love how it felt natural rather than rushed, and that both characters, despite being having very different personalities, were very well suited. After the loss of their mother and her father missing, presumed dead, Ryn sets out foraging in the woods, remembering her father's warnings, when she stumbles across Elis, a Mapmaker.Įlis is a strange boy surrounded by mystery, not really knowing who he is or where he came from, after being found alone when he was very young with an injury that still plagues him. Ryn lives with her younger sister Cerri, her brother Garreth, (and their pet goat). She was a fearless creature – a girl who would chase death into the mountains. Oh, and did I mention, she is totally badass?!

She’s protective and loyal, and I really loved her sarcastic wit and charm. This story is set in ancient Wales, and first, we meet Aderyn (Ryn). “ I suppose it could have been bandits or maybe one of his chickens got hold of a blade, but I don’t think so.” I love how the quirkiness of the main character eases some of the tension during the more suspenseful scenes.

The book itself is, I think, classed as a horror, but it’s certainly not at all on the level of a Stephen King novel, and I’d say it's only mild. But, I can honestly say that Emily Lloyd-Jones quickly worked her magic when it came to me how much I treasured this book, which left me with tears in my eyes. The front cover gives you an idea of how utterly beautiful and atmospheric this dark fairy tale is, and I will point out that I picked this book up on a whim, as Zombies really aren’t my cup of tea. I’ve thought about how I’d write this review for quite some time now, and truthfully I’ve kept changing my mind every five minutes, so I’m just going to jump straight in…

The bone houses