This post may contain affiliate links for products and services I recommend. This means that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links. At no additional cost to you, of course!
Interested in a YA Fantasy book twisted with horror? Then The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones might be for you! Scroll for an honest review!
Title: The Bone Houses
Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones
Pages: 335 (hardcover)
Point of View: 3rd person (Ryn and Ellis)
Genres: YA Fantasy, Horror
Installment: stand-alone
After the disappearance of their father and the death of their mother, Ryn and her siblings are on their own. As the oldest of three, Ryn has taken on her father’s occupation as a gravedigger in the small village of Colbren they live in. However, as the dead don’t seem to stay buried since they turn into so-called bone houses-rotten corpses or skeletons which traverse the forest after magic was spilled long ago-the people in the village who believe in magic prefer to incinerate their loved ones. This makes earning a living for her family everything but easy for Ryn. Then comes along Ellis, a mapmaker’s apprentice, dressed in fine clothing and looking for a guide to take him to the mountains under the guise of creating a map. However, Ellis might have more secrets than he lets on, maybe more than he even knows.
She knew how things died. And in her darkest moments, she feared she did not know how to live.
Welsh Vocab
Going in, I was a little scared as I have read Emily Lloyd-Jones’ novel The Hearts We Sold (also an excellent book which I recommend. Review yet to come.) and know how it ended. At the same time, I was very excited, because I loved her writing style the first time around. After reading The Bone Houses, I can confirm nothing changed on that front. In my opinion, it has only improved, together with my own vocabulary. Also, a big thanks for all of the Welsh words which I probably never pronounced right in my head.
Rooting for this ship from the start
Ryn is fierce, confident, and exceptionally talented in swinging her ax. Ellis is determined, a brave main character in his own rights, and inherently good. Both of them are a reason why this book is so enjoyable. Also, I was rooting for this ship from the start. 😉 With Ellis being soft but not fragile and Ryn being strong but vulnerable they complete each other. Another lovely character is hands-down the goat, very protective and loyal.
I have to admit that I suspected Ellis’ past from the moment his injury was introduced though. So, the revelation didn’t exactly come as a surprise.
Pain doesn’t make a person weak or strong. Pain just – is. It’s not a purifier, it’s part of living.
Exciting Welsh Myths
The world-building was exceptional. Next to the physical aspects like the beautiful landscapes and stuffy mines, I loved the history. The magical myths of monsters and the Otherking are new and exciting and had me very intrigued. So much so that I would have liked more information and stories about not only the Fae but also the princes of the kingdom. Guess I will have to check out the original Welsh fairy tales to see how much the author incorporated them.
Action over romance
Unlike The Hearts We Sold this novel is focusing more on the action rather than the romance. Oh, and how much action there is. Uncountable battles with bone houses, running from an angry mob and fighting a scaly monster, and navigating the claustrophobic mines.
The Bone Houses is about taking a journey and risking everything to save your family. It’s about grief and longing and being brave in the face of monsters.
Did I succeed in making you want to read The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones? If so, you can buy a copy here: Thalia | Amazon USA
