The Bone Witch (The Bone Witch #1) by Rin Chupeco
Published March 7th 2017
The Bone Witch immediately introduces the reader to the primary character, Tea an asha (witch) whom is different from the other asha’s in her family. She has a gift for necromancy, which makes her a bone witch. Bone witches are ostracized in the kingdom; their power is elemental and reaches beyond the boundaries of the natural world and humanity.
The novel consists of two intertwined stories that function as one. In the present, a bard recounts experiences with an exiled asha he meets on a fantastical beach of skulls. The second occurs in the past where the same asha tells of her rise within the community of spellbinders who take her in to be trained.
Tea lives in a world of eight kingdoms, one where a war is on the horizon. Her entire being is put at risk and she must leave behind the life she has always known to come into her power. Tea is the epitome of a strong female protagonist, she takes bold risks for the gain of others. She sacrifices her happiness to ensure others will be safe.
The story is filled with twists and turns the reader doesn’t anticipate coming. Suspenseful, charming and gripping—a book to read in one sitting. I was absolutely enthralled by the world within The Bone Witch. The characters sprung to life from the pages. It is hard to make stories about spellcrafters seem ‘real’ and Rin Chupeco certainly caught a homerun with this release.
Chupeco has a unique and beautiful style of writing. The hideous beasts that come to life in the second half are done so in such an eloquent language. Her descriptions are lovely, truly lifelike. At times a clear photograph of the novels events were dancing in my mind.
There is a great magical background, filled with fantastic monsters that lurk in the dark. There is a sequel in the works and I couldn’t be happier.
A verse that really spoke out to me and proves a testament to the power of storytelling displayed: “But I feel so helpless.” “That is usually the rule when you are taken advantage of. You can be the most powerful witch in the land, but you will always have a weakness, and that will always make you believe you have no power when someone exploits it. There is no greater strength than the ability to understand and accept your own flaws.”
Lisa Loves Words 