Book reviews

The Bone Queen: By Alison Croggon: Read in July 2017

Alison is a fantastic writer to begin with, she has been a huge inspiration to me and I didn't realize until many years after writing my own novels how much of my world was a glimmered reflection of her Pellinor series. They are my favorite fantasy series. Her descriptions are so rich in detail you feel like you are seeing her world with your own eyes. I was very excited to read a prequel to the series I had loved so much and when I found out that it was Cadvan's story, I was even more intrigued. I felt that Alison didn't disappoint. I have had experience trying to write a prequel and found it so difficult that I gave up half way through. My biggest issue in writing my own was that I felt bored because there was no obvious conflict. This is not the case for The Bone Queen at all. From the beginning there are strange happenings and problems that Cadvan had to solve or work through. It was clear that the dark forces were beginning to stir things up. Cadvan's old nemesis Dernhil, of which he has an interesting history, enters his life again and it is interesting to watch their relationship heal and their friendship form. It made me like Dernhil a lot more than I did in the original books. Alison also introduces us to a new character by the name of Selmana who I loved. She was similar to Maerad from the other books but special in her own way. She was definitely more tentative and less wild than Maered, but very fun to read because of her power. I was so intrigued by her in fact that I wanted to know what happened to her. I actually wrote to Alison to ask if Selmana had been in any of the other books or not because if she had I couldn't remember and Alison confirmed that she was a new character made up for this book. So, I created my own outcome for her in my head. ;) I think that whether or not you have read the other books you could read this one as a stand alone. The Bone Queen holds up to the original books and is just as fun to read, however, it is also good on its own, because it is different. I've read some ridiculous reviews about the author pushing some sort of social agenda and couldn't disagree more. In fact, that is another reason that I love Alison, she is approachable and welcoming to readers and doesn't push her political or social thoughts down your throat on social media like so many other authors, JK Rowling and Steven King I'm looking at you! Thanks again Alison for bringing a us a new story in your beautiful world. I really hope that you keep writing. I hope that next time you will write a series about the Elemental Wars I think that would be amazing!!! Until next time. :)

Comments