Published: Republished 2024
Pages: 2,112
In anticipation for book five of “The Bone Season” series, here are my thoughts on the initial four books. I do also have a dedicated review on book one you can find here and book four here.
Summary
The year is 2059. For two centuries, the Republic of Scion has led an oppressive campaign against unnaturalness in Europe.
In London, Paige Mahoney holds a high rank in the criminal underworld. The right hand of the ruthless White Binder, Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare and formidable kind of clairvoyant. Under Scion law, she commits treason simply by breathing.
When Paige is arrested for murder, she meets the mysterious founders of Scion, who have designs on her uncommon abilities. If she is to survive and escape, Paige must use every skill at her disposal – and put her trust in someone who ought to be her enemy.
My thoughts
“The Bone Season” series is a young adult fantasy series, offering a captivating blend of dystopian elements, intricate world-building, and complex characters. Set in a future London ruled by the powerful Clerics, the series follows Paige Mahoney, a young woman with the unique ability to see into the Otherworld, a realm inhabited by supernatural beings known as Rephaim.
The series begins with “The Bone Season,” where Paige is abruptly abducted by the Clerics and thrust into the unfamiliar world of Scion. There, she navigates treacherous alliances, discovers her own power, and uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to shatter the fragile peace between humans and Rephaim.
The subsequent books, “The Mime Order,” “The Song Rising,” and “The Mask Falling,” delve deeper into the intricate political landscape of Scion and the Netherworld. Paige’s abilities evolve, her relationships deepen, and the stakes grow higher as she becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of power and survival.
“Words are everything. Words give wings even to those who have been stamped upon, broken beyond all hope of repair” – The Mime Order
Shannon’s vivid imagination is evident in her creation of Scion, a city steeped in history and mystery, and the Netherworld, a realm of both beauty and terror. The characters, particularly Paige, are well-developed and relatable, their motivations and struggles resonating with readers. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the next revelation. I read the first three books one after another, which is unheard of from me, but I needed to know with every fibre of my being, what happens next. With such a wait until book five, I held off on book four until quite recently.
“Some people believe that if they keep their heads down and stick to their safe routine and trust that nothing bad will befall them, then it won’t. They see things happening to others, but they think they’re different; they’re special; it could never happen to them. They believe that nothing can get better, but also that nothing can get worse. They’re cowards, in one way, because they won’t fight, but they’re also brave, because they’re willing to accept their lot in life. Glupava smelost, we called it. Foolish courage.” – The Song Rising.
Some readers may find the world-building and magic system overwhelming at times, especially if you are reasonably new to fantasy, but once you’ve got it, I promise it is worth it! There is a smaller romantic subplot but this is definitely not a fantasy romance and the romance is a very small portion of the overarching plot. I am not a romance reader, I need a plot outside of the romance, but I do like a subplot and the small glimpses of romance in these stories are incredibly touching.
I love this series, it is thrilling filled with politics, complex characters, rebellion, and an unique take on a magic system. The parts of romance, even the friendships and found-family, are delicate and play a crucial role in the character development. I don’t want to say too much to avoid giving any spoilers, but I cannot wait for book five in February!
“I can offer you nothing,” he said. “Only a song in the shadows.”
“Sing it to me,” I whispered back.” – The Mask Falling
Would I recommend?
Yes, especially if you’re a fan of dystopian/ urban fantasy. This is a thought-provoking journey into a world both familiar and utterly unique. Give it a try!