Filore, a treasure hunter with a knack for riddles, is busy running from her own deadly curse, when she pricks her finger on a spindle. Bound to the sleeping prince Briar Rose with the spindle's magic - and chosen as the only person who can wake him - Fi is stuck with the prince's ghost until she can break his ancient curse and save his kingdom.
She's going to need a partner. A warrior huntswoman with an axe to grind (literally), Shane couldn't care less about curses and ancient texts. But instead of riches, the two girls find trouble.
Dark magic, witch hunters, nightmarish beasts - and of course, curses - all stand in their way as Fi and Shane undertake the dangerous journey into a forgotten kingdom where the sleeping prince's body waits.
Firstly, I want to thank Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this lovely book.
Fi and Shane are treasure hunters. Fi is interested in the wealth that books, spells and knowledge provide. Shane loves the wealth in treasure. Together, they set out to find a forgotten kingdom where a prince lies asleep inside a tower waiting to be rescued. Fi has secrets and a curse, while Shane just wants to escape her past and collect payment. But what they find will test them every step of the way...
O.M.G. I absolutely loved this fantastic fairy tale retelling. It's the best kind of fantasy story. One that focuses on the strengths and flaws of different girls by treating them like people. Actually, one of my fave things about this happens to be how inclusive it is, and how everything just is.
I mean, Shane is referred to as a huntsman throughout. And her sexuality is never questioned or judged. It just is. I loved that!
In this tale, the girls save themselves and everyone else as well. There's nothing they're not prepared to tackle and I was there for every new obstacle, confrontation and surprise that stood in their way.
The story is told in the alternating POVs of Fi and Shane. And also includes a few snippets from Briar, which really rounds everything out perfectly. Through each narrator, we not only get to experience a thrilling, fast-paced adventure as everything unfolds, but we also get a glimpse of each character's tortured past. I especially liked finding out why each girl became a hardened treasure hunter. These flashbacks provided a wonderful thread woven into the overall tapestry of this intriguing tale.
The Bone Spindle is a magical wild ride full of adventure, interesting characters worth investing time with, a touch of intoxicating romance, and the worldbuilding is totally amazing. There are plenty of familiar tales included within the pages of this awesome book, but the overall plot stands out on its own and hooked me in right away.
I'm really looking forward to following Fi, Shane and Briar's next adventure.
Also, I love the very pretty cover.
The Bone Spindle, January 2022, ISBN 9781444966145, Hodder Children's Books
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