The Bones of Ruin

Heartstopping action, drama, and revelations are things that have come popping out of my head since I opened this book. I don't know if I'm turning into a "softie," but this book got me palpitating like crazy in many scenes. What something new, something macabre, and unique to read - this is the one! I love the colorful and descriptive characters and locations. Each scene is told in explicit detail from the curtains to the table's centerpiece (i.e. " a white pillar, taut in bronze candlewick, towering over a man's skull's - its mouth glinted as its bones screamed a silent oath") - all in full appreciation of this reader! I enjoy this technique since this adds to the mystery of what secrets Irish supposedly running away from, though some readers may find it slow. The story is told from a multi-person POV, not only Iris'. It may sound a bit daunting since there were a good number of characters in the story. Although it is written consistently for all the characters, I had to read slower to find character reference points whenever I entered each chapter. No problems on this since the details provided per thought and conversation are essential to remember. The teams that compete in the challenges are something. I enjoyed getting to know each of them and their unique skills as Iris bumped into them in random places. Some powers were typical, but many (okay, okay - most, if not all) were "out-of-the-box," fascinating, and too grotesque to be a possibility. I am still reeling from remembering a few of those "abilities." I won't be mentioning them since I firmly believe that reading is believing at this point. All I can say - all this boggles my mind up to now. I wish the author would dive into some background of the other supporting characters since their stories intrigued me - in the hints they provided. Before anything, I want to love this book, and I thought I did until the ending missed the mark. There are a few issues in the book that puzzled me:- 1.) Character development needs improvement Although I am very invested in the story, I had trouble connecting to the other characters outside Iris' circle. Plus, even her two teammates, who were supposed to be on her side and kept reassuring her, sent different signals and confusing feelings that I doubt they were there for her with their constant reassurance. I can see the author pushing with the reverse harem, but this one feels different from other RH I've encountered in the past. The characters didn't have time to connect, so commitment and loyalty were not as strong as RH readers would expect. 2.) Some events fell flat. A few events left me puzzled:- one moment there's a huge fight, then they escape without problems or "alarms" going off. "mad scientist" was supposed to be chasing them. Still, they outran them all with a carriage and ended up not encountering these "dangerous people" again? It felt a bit half-baked at times, while some moments were stellar. The inconsistency becomes more blatant nearing the last few chapters. 3.) Iris was confusing. Only at the very last few paragraphs of the book, Iris started to accept her fate, and it is still a "maybe," which frustrates me even more. There is so much proof of what she is and what she can do, but her denial is killing me. She needs to find a way to help everyone, but instead, she retreats to herself after finding out a bit of her past! Overall, The Bones of Ruin is a book full of danger, suspense, and complexities that may keep fantasy readers glued to their seats. It will capture your imagination and take you further - to surprise and enchant - through superb storytelling and fascinating characters. It will sweep you away to the adventure, twists, and turns - many explosive and unexpected revelations. It will appeal to readers who want their duology with an unexpected ending. I know I was half-heartedly lost, but this might be because this is very new. I will most likely push through to the next book to discover how the "new character" who comes in at the last chapter plays into the bigger story.