The Bone Charmer has been on my radar for a while, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. This YA fantasy is one of the most unique books I’ve read in recent years, blending an imaginative magical system centered around bone divination with a story full of twists and depth. Even if you’re not typically drawn to magic rooted in bones or fortune-telling, this book has a way of pulling you in.
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.75/5)
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Bookish Essentials
Genre: Young Adult / Mystery / Magic / Coming-of-Age
Series: Book 1 of The Bone Charmer (2 Books)
Reading Age: 14+
Published: 2019
Pages: 400
Reading order: 1) The Bone Charmer, 2) The Bone Thief
Read The Bone Charmer Now or Eventually?
A resounding Read Now!!! I couldn’t put this book down. The Bone Charmer is mature for the YA genre, tackling heavy themes with surprising depth and nuance. It’s beautifully written, gripping from page one, and rich with imaginative worldbuilding. This duology—The Bone Charmer followed by The Bone Thief—is perfect for anyone looking to dive into a short, complete fantasy series they can devour and fall in love with.
From the Jacket of The Bone Charmer
“I was absolutely swept away by the world of The Bone Charmer.” – Kendare Blake, #1 NYT Bestselling author of Three Dark Crowns
On the day of Saskia’s kenning―a special bone reading that determines the apprenticeships of all seventeen-year-olds―her worst fear comes true. She receives an assignment to train as a Bone Charmer, a seer, like her mother.
Saskia knows her mother saw multiple paths for her, yet chose the one she knew Saskia wouldn’t want. Their argument leads to a fracture in one of the bones, with the devastating result of splitting Saskia’s future.
Now she will live her two potential paths simultaneously: one where she’s forced to confront her magic, and one where she tries to run from it. But when both paths become entangled in the plot of a rogue Charmer, Saskia learns that no future is safe, and some choices have unimaginable consequences. Only one future can survive. And Saskia’s life is in danger in both.
Always Eventually Review
I’m obsessed with The Bone Charmer — this book completely pulled me in from the first page and never let go. In Breeana Shields’ haunting and imaginative world, the story follows Saskia, a young girl whose life splits in two after a bone reading ceremony reveals two possible futures. From there, we watch both paths unfold simultaneously as she navigates power, danger, betrayal, and magic.
At its core, the story explores powerful themes around choice, fate, and the consequences of knowing too much. Saskia has lived a life of privilege, largely due to her mother’s powerful gift of bone reading, which allows her to divine the future. Yet this privilege feels more like a cage to Saskia. Her mother’s divinations have made her path seem preordained, and she wrestles deeply with the loss of agency and the question of whether she truly has free will.
One of the most striking things about The Bone Charmer is its maturity for a YA fantasy. Shields is a brilliant writer and natural storyteller with a vivid imagination. In addition to spinning a compelling, twist-filled narrative, she deftly layers in thought-provoking elements for readers who enjoy more depth. That said, the book works wonderfully as pure entertainment, too.
And about those twists—prepare yourself. One particular betrayal hit so hard my mouth literally dropped open. It’s a masterclass in unexpected storytelling. Even better, the story explores the “enemies to lovers” trope in a way that avoids the common pitfalls of romanticizing toxicity. The dynamic is tense, compelling, and emotionally grounded without ever crossing into problematic territory.
The Bone Charmer is also unique in how it balances grit with a touch of whimsy — exactly what you’d hope for in a novel about witches and fate. It’s serious and sometimes dark, but always magical.
If You Liked This, Try
- The Unmaking of June Farrow, by Adrien Young
- Forgotten Cove, by T.G. Elsher
- The Bone Witch, by Rin Chupeco
Disclaimer: Always Eventually participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. My opinions remain my own.
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Love stories with heart and magic? Check out my novel, Forgotten Cove, the first book in the Hailing Cove series by T.G. Elsher.
Elle Wildes was a normal teenage girl. Or at least she thought she was until her mother sent her to her grandma’s house in Hailing Cove. Anticipating a boring summer, Elle’s world is turned upside down when she realizes the sleepy coastal town holds its own mysteries and those from her past as well.
When Elle’s forgotten memories come back to haunt her, she discovers the secrets of her family’s lineage and the responsibilities that come with it. But with two dreamy guys vying for her attention, she is taken on a roller coaster ride of heartache and betrayal as she discovers her identity in an unknown magical town.
Reader Praise
What can I say about T.G. Elsher’s debut novel, Forgotten Cove? Elsher is a gifted storyteller who immerses readers in the enchanting world of Hailing Cove, where witchcraft and magic blend seamlessly with a cast of loveable, deeply human characters. Elle Wildes, the relatable protagonist, navigates her powers, friendships, and heartbreak with authenticity that pulls at your heartstrings. The book masterfully combines mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes, keeping me hooked from the first page to the last. The emotional climax, written with breathtaking beauty, moved me to tears. T.G. Elsher may well be this generation’s L.J. Smith, creating stories that are both magical and profoundly moving. I truly couldn’t get enough!