Bonesmith
by Nicki Pau Prato
Summary
Ready your blade. Defeat the undead.
In the Dominions, the dead linger, violent and unpredictable, unless a bonesmith severs the ghost from its earthly remains. For bonesmith Wren, becoming a valkyr–a ghost-fighting warrior–is a chance to solidify her place in the noble House of Bone and impress her frequently absent father. But when sabotage causes Wren to fail her qualifying trial, she is banished to the Border Wall, the last line of defense against a wasteland called the Breach where the vicious dead roam unchecked.
Determined to reclaim her family’s respect, Wren gets her chance when a House of Gold prince is kidnapped and taken beyond the Wall. To prove she has what it takes to be a valkyr, Wren vows to cross the Breach and rescue the prince. But to do so, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with one of the kidnappers–a fierce ironsmith called Julian from the exiled House of Iron, the very people who caused the Breach in the first place…and the House of Bone’s sworn enemy.
As they travel, Wren and Julian spend as much time fighting each other as they do the undead, but when they discover there’s more behind the kidnapping than either of them knew, they’ll need to work together to combat the real a dark alliance that is brewing between the living and the undead.
My Review
This book was an absolutely thrilling read! The audiobook was fantastic, bringing the eerie, gothic atmosphere to life in such a vivid way. The story is steeped in suspense and mystery, with a unique magic system that kept me hooked from the start. I loved the haunted forest and the ghosts—such a cool addition that really added to the spooky vibe.
Wren and Julian’s quest was filled with twists and turns, and the constant backstabbing, betrayal, and lies kept me on the edge of my seat. The pacing was spot-on, and though the romance was a nice touch, it stayed in the background, never overpowering the main plot. The action scenes were intense, and I adored the world-building—Prato’s descriptions made the setting feel so immersive.
I would absolutely love to see this turned into a series or even a movie! It’s a unique, action-packed story that blends mystery, magic, and eerie adventure perfectly. If you’re looking for something with a lot of twists and an unforgettable atmosphere, it is definitely worth checking out. I highly recommend this book! It’s hands down one of the best YA fantasies I’ve ever read, and I can’t wait to read the sequel.