Synopsis:
Bones of Faerie is Janni Lee Simner’s first young adult novel. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic, war-torn America, which can later be deduced as the area around St. Louis. The wreckage of the war between humans and faeries is still prevalent in the land and society. Liza is 15, and doesn’t have an amazing home situation—her mother who disappeared a week prior to the book beginning, and her father who protects the town by laying down strict rules, namely: any trace of magic must be destroyed, no matter where it is found. When Liza realizes she is showing evidence of magic, she decides that her clean-from-magic town wouldn’t be safe if she stayed. From that point on, her life and her point-of-view are changed forever.
Commentary:
Lately I’ve been a complete sucker for faery books. This probably started with Wicked Lovely, and then continued with Holly Black’s Tithe trilogy.
I liked this book—for the most part. I felt that it read like a novella, meaning that while the writing was above average, the plot was too short. It starts too quickly, with no introduction to much background information, and little known about the characters prior to being thrown into “action”. The “action”, however, felt methodical and a little forced.
I enjoyed the characters, but wish that they were developed more. I wish the relationships were more developed as well. I got into the characters and the story and it was over. I hope that there is a sequel, because if the story ends on page 247, I don’t think it’s living up to it’s potential.
I really liked how this book sounded… I liked it enough to buy it in hardcover—at BORDERS. That usually means that a.) someone I love told me to buy this book RIGHT. NOW. b.) I have high expectations for this book. or c.) I have a coupon! Options b.) and c.) are both applicable.
Did this book meet my expectations? Not quite. Would I buy it again? Probably in paperback. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only to people I know that like fantasy quick reads.
If you read this already, what do you think? Also, any criticism or tips or anything would be greatly appreciated. Right now I'm just trying out different ways to talk about books. Like I said in my first post, I would love to have a forum in which to talk about one of my greatest passions.
