Hello everyone!
For this fall/spooky season, I have a few books from different genres that I wanted to read to get in the spirit of the season. This book was not initially part of that list but when I was given the opportunity to branch out into a genre that I don't typically read, I jumped at the chance. Horror is not a genre I ever reach for, in all honesty. I don't like being scared or grossed out so I avoid the genre like the plague. To the Bone, however is described more so as a historical horror and I do really enjoy historical fiction. This book left me pleasantly surprised and willing to branch out. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Group, Penguin Young Readers Group, Rocky Pond books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Please be warned that this book discusses violence against women, torture and gore in detail.
Let’s get into it!
Here are the quick facts:
eBook
Publishers: PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Rocky Pond Books
Publishing Date: September 10, 2024
Genre: Teens & YA
Rating: 3/5 stars
256 pages
To the Bone is a horror historical fiction novel that takes place in the Jamestown settlement in colonial America. Ellis, the main character of the story, is an indentured servant to the Collins family, Henry and Mistress Collins, Birdie. The colony, Jamestown, is barreling towards winter with food shortages and skirmishes with the indigenous people of the area.
I really enjoyed the use of settler colonialism as a tool to tell a horror story. The United States has deep dark history and the setting a colony barreling towards a cruel winter allows to create an atmosphere for horror. At times it was very graphic in its description of illness and violence against members of the colony as well as the indigenous people. Bruzas’ writing style made me feel as if I were experiencing the colony along side Ellis.
However, there were a few things about the novel I wish were as strong as the setting and descriptions. I found Ellis to be a weak narrator. I didn't feel that she was experiencing herself and all of the important event and plot points felt like they were being relayed second hand. I found myself not really caring about Ellis’ viewpoint or motives. I think this story also could have benefitted from being a little longer. It felt as if it was cut short to create a thrilling ending but the rush towards the finish felt incomplete. The pacing was inconsistent and I think an additional 50-60 pages could have allowed for a more rounded out arc.
To the Bone is out now. I'll list places below where the book can be purchased. Thank you again to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Rocky Pond Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book.
Until next time!
Links:
Connecticut Post Mall: https://www.shopconnecticutpostmall.com/buy/product/to-the-bone-by-alena-bruzas-hardcover-target-8fe634
Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714260/to-the-bone-by-alena-bruzas/
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