Review - The Bone Way by Holly J. Underhill

 

 

 Title: The Bone Way

Author: Holly J. Underhill

Publisher: Nyx Publishing

Release Date: 26th June 2021

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Teagan’s wife, Cressidae, is missing. She has left for the Shadow Realm, a kingdom of the dead filled with untold nightmares—and the only place that can save Teagan from a lethal poison that’s killing her slowly. It is ruled by a princess said to make powerful deals with those brave enough to find her, and Cressidae has gone to bargain for Teagan’s life. Cressidae has forgotten one very important thing: no one makes it out on their own.

Despite the risks to her own safety, Teagan is determined to save her wife—and perhaps even herself in the process. The princess of the Shadow Realm, however, doesn’t let mortals roam her territories without opposition. In this thrilling tale inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, Teagan and Cressidae must face both the horrors of the Shadow Realm as well as their own past.

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Nyx Publishing

 

My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Nyx Publishing*

When Teagan wakes up to find her wife Cressidae missing, she instantly knows that she has gone to the Shadow Realm which is ruled by a princess who wields dark magic.
Cressidae has gone there to make a deal with the Princess to save Teagan from the poison that is slowly killing her.
Teagan is determined to go after Cressidae, but the way through the Shadow Realm to the palace is full of danger, and Teagan might not survive long enough to find her wife.
Will Teagan and Cress be reunited?
Will Cressidae succeed in making a deal with the Princess?

When I heard that The Bone Way was inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a F/F romance, I instantly wanted to read it.
Teagan was an interesting protagonist, but because of the short length of the book I don't feel that I really know that much about Teagan or her wife, Cress. However, I did feel sorry for them both. While I knew that Teagan and Cress cared about each other a lot, it was more because I was told so and not because I could feel the connection between the two characters.
The Princess was intriguing, as was her story, the Shadow Realm, and the creatures that lived there.
The plot was enjoyable, but it didn't grip me and there were times when I questioned a few things that happened. I felt that there could have been more details/descriptions about several things, and the shortness of the book made the plot feel rushed at points.
The writing style felt a bit clunky at times and could have been smoother. I also found some of the dialogue and reactions odd.
I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more as it had a lot of potential, but this was an occasion where the execution didn't quite work for me. However, I can see other people enjoying this a lot.

Overall, this was a mixed read.