 Series: Ivory and Bone #2 Written by: Julie Eshbaugh Published: June 13, 2017 by Harper Teen (Amazon / Goodreads) Synopsis: In the sequel to Ivory and Bone—the prehistoric fantasy novel that New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman described as a “richly crafted world of life-and-death stakes”—the story shifts to Mya’s viewpoint as vengeful adversaries force her to flee the life she once knew. After surviving the chaotic battle that erupted after Lo and the Bosha clan attacked, now Mya is looking ahead to her future with Kol. All the things that once felt so uncertain are finally falling into place. But the same night as Kol and Mya’s betrothal announcement, Mya’s brother Chev reveals his plan to marry his youngest sister Lees to his friend Morsk. The only way to avoid this terrible turn of events, Morsk informs Mya when he corners her later, is for Mya to take Lees’ place and marry him herself. Refusing to marry anyone other than her beloved, and in an effort to protect her sister, Mya runs away to a secret island with Lees. And though it seems like the safest place to hide until things back home blow over, Mya soon realizes she’s been followed. Lurking deep in the recesses of this dangerous place are rivals from Mya’s past whose thirst for revenge exceeds all reason. With the lives of her loved ones on the line, Mya must make a move before the enemies of her past become the undoing of her future.. |
*** I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher for the blog tour. This fact has not changed my opinion. ***
I really liked Ivory and Bone so I was really excited to read the next book and find out what happened in the next installment. And this was just a good a piece of historical fiction, full of drama and adventure.
My favorite thing about this book was my favorite thing about the the first book, the setting. This is a book set in prehistoric times. It such a fascinating period and makes a brilliant location for a book. Julie Eshbaugh has definitely done a heck of a lot of research when it comes to the period and it shows in this book. The setting really comes alive in this book with incredible descriptions and just an all around compelling world.
But the other great side effect of the setting of this book is the effect it has on the plot. The setting makes for an incredibly dramatic plot full of action and adventure. There's a lot of drama built in with a setting where you are struggling to survive and that is exactly what this book is about. I wasn't sure where this book was going to go after a Pride and Prejudice retelling but it took to story in an interesting direction. There were daring escapes, thrilling battles, near death experiences, actual deaths, and all kinds of thrilling moments. It had me on the edge of my seat and I loved it.
My only problem however was with the pacing. It was a very action packed book but I definitely had ebbs and flows. I read it pretty quickly as it built to an interesting conclusion but I don't know that it had much cohesion. It just sort of had a bunch of drama and then a big finish that I knew was going to end up happening much quicker that t actually did. I wish t had more of a specific and cohesive story to it but that's really my only gripe.
Because I did also really like the characters here. I think having Mya take the lead here was a perfect decision. Mya was the most compelling character in the first book and having this one from her perspective made me enjoy It a lot. She's a tough, smart, and resourceful character that I really enjoy. I also liked that this book sort of plays with gender norms here by making Mya the hero and the one who saves the day. But Kol too is an ingesting character. He's just as tough and resourceful but he shows an incredible amount of vulnerability and resilience. Their romance was really great as well. It's subtle and a great slowburn with a very satisfying ending.
That's a great way to explain this book, satisfying. I know the author originally planned a trilogy but ended making a duology. And I think that was a great decision. This was a fantastic read with a unique and incredible setting, a plot full of action and adventure, and likable and engaging characters.
I give Obsidian and Stars by Julie Eshbaugh 9 out of 10 stars
Have you read Obsidian and Stars? What did you think? Leave me a comment with your thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and HAPPY READING!
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