Review: The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

Collaborative feature with Alexa. We read ARCs together and post our reviews on the same date.

The Bone Witch (#1) by Rin Chupeco
pub 3/7/17 by Sourcebooks Fire
Young Adult - Fantasy
Received e-ARC via Netgalley

Plot • Tea knows she's not like the other witches in her family – really her whole village – when she resurrects her brother from the dead. This ability makes her a bone witch, someone to be feared and alienated. As soon as her powers manifest, an experienced bone witch arrives to take Tea and her brother under her wing. Together, Tea begins her training as an asha, a wielder of elemental magic, and soon learns that there are more obstacles and dangers for her to face.

Characters • I liked Tea as a heroine and the emphasis placed on her coming to terms with her abilities. Necromancy isn't exactly a bright and shiny power but nevertheless, it is her strength. Another highlight is her relationship with her brother. Despite its odd circumstances, I enjoyed the bond they shared. Then rounding out the rest of the characters are the women who become her sisters (liked them all except one!) and the two other men who make up the love triangle but don't worry, the book is light on both the triangle and even the love part.

Writing • The author chose an interesting style to tell her story and despite some initial misgivings, it actually worked for me and worked for the book itself. The world and characters were intriguing from the start but something was lacking. There's a lull in the middle and never quite got the full emotional investment from me. More time spent with Tea and evenly-paced action would've bumped this up at least more star in my eyes.

Overall feelings • I liked it but didn't fall in love with it as much as I had hoped. In spite of that, the ending does leave the reader wanting to know more and I'd be curious to see if the next book proves to be a strong sequel.

What's your favorite zombie movie or TV show? • I've got answers for both! For tv show, it's The Walking Dead and for movie, it's Zombieland.