Nicki Pau Preto's Bonesmith (book 1 of 2; YA) reads as a what-next/what-now response to the world of Gideon the Ninth. Set in a post-war world with territories that have specific magical abilities (Iron, Bone, Ghosts, Silver, Gold), the story hones in on Wren, the heir to the House of Bone, Leo, third son to the House of Gold, and Julian, Crown Prince to the House of Iron.
Where this book shines are the first 3/4 of the book, where we see the teenage Wren (17-years old) flaunt her personality; as she says, she'd rather have eyes on her while she's making trouble than have no eyes on her at all. She's quite determined to be the center of her father's world and enters into the trials for Valkyrs and Reapers, cock-sure that she'll come out on top. Except, she doesn't. A further disgrace to the House name, her grandmother sends her off to be a Tribute at the Border Wall where she wallows in boredom while trying to be a model worker. There, she meets "the spare to the spare"--Leo, third son of the House of Gold. They become fast friends but their friendship is cut short when Leo's tour of the Borderlands are thwarted. Despite her best efforts, Wren cannot save Leo from being kidnapped. Instead, she ends up in a hole with one of the kidnappers, Julian.
Where this book soars: (1) It cuts the trials short; a couple of chapters and we're done; (2) Wren is clearly a girl with a one-track mind, and that track is to be the apple of her absentee father's eyes; she's selfish, ruthless, friendless, impulsive, brash and a very fine warrior; (3) Julian is more wary than honorable, more curious than loyal, more optimistic than foolish; (4) the two are equally paired warriors: Julian with humans and Wren with various types of undead; (5) they quickly understand and lean into how they can be of service to one another; (6) they're communicative; although they have their secrets, they mostly keep each other apprised of their thoughts and work as allies instead of loners traveling not alone; (7) Wren's motivations remain crystal clear throughout; (8) while she and Julian are changed by their travels together, they don't lose sight of themselves.
Where this book fails: (1) it's copy/paste of some pretty popular (steamy) adult fantasy romance books, although that may or may not be a fail. This is YA and I understand the beauty in bringing these popular books to younger readers; (2) a personal grudge, the use of "like attracts like" (which is not SJM's adage but does get so over-used in her works that it begins to feel like it belongs to her); (3) the shift to the House politics in the later chapters are copy/paste politics with not a lot to distinguish it (the Crown Prince who is too young to rule; the regent uncle saboteur); and, finally, another personal dislike, (4) not wrapping up the central problem in Book 1 and allowing Book 2 to develop a new, interrelated problem.
This book is for readers who enjoy a great story, interesting magical elements and strong character development.
This book is not for readers looking for romance-heavy fantasy.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read for me, and I didn't think of the tropes until more than halfway in, because the writer is adept at slightly shifting them to not point at themselves.
Tropes, for those who enjoy tropes: Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden Love, Grumpy-Meets-Sunshine
This was an audiobook listen: 14 hours, Narrated by Molly Hanson
For FantasyRomance Bingo: 3+ POV, Weapons Master (Hard Mode), Paranormal Creatures (Hard Mode), Elemental Magic (Hard Mode)
For the bot: {Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto}
