Bone Crier's Moon - Kathryn Purdie.

Title: Bone Crier's Moon
Author: Kathryn Purdie
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication date: March 3, 2020
480 Pages
4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis

Bone ​Criers have a sacred duty. They alone can keep the dead from preying on the living. But their power to ferry the spirits of the dead into goddess Elara’s Night Heavens or Tyrus’s Underworld comes from sacrifice. The gods demand a promise of dedication. And that promise comes at the cost of the Bone Criers’ one true love.

Ailesse has been prepared since birth to become the matriarch of the Bone Criers, a mysterious famille of women who use strengths drawn from animal bones to ferry dead souls. But first she must complete her rite of passage and kill the boy she’s also destined to love.

Bastien’s father was slain by a Bone Crier and he’s been seeking revenge ever since. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse’s ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

Sabine has never had the stomach for the Bone Criers’ work. But when her best friend Ailesse is taken captive, Sabine will do whatever it takes to save her, even if it means defying their traditions—and their matriarch—to break the bond between Ailesse and Bastien. Before they all die. 

Review

It was the cover that originally caught my attention on bookstagram, and after reading the synopsis, I knew that it was something that I wanted to read! I wasn't sure though how much I'd like the story - the fact that the Bone Criers had to kill their true love as a rite of passage seemed like a very dark and cold thing for them to do, and I wasn't sure if I'd like a story where the characters seemed so heartless.

I am very happy to say that this book exceeded my expectations! It was a very solid 4 stars for me! There was a lot of depth to this book, and I enjoyed the magical elements to this story. I liked how the Bone Criers drew their strength from animal bones - each animal gave the bearer special traits, and the Bone Criers chose their animal bones carefully.

I enjoyed the friendship between Ailesse and Sabine and how they looked out for each other. I liked the glimpse the reader got into the mysterious Bone Crier famille - though it left me wanting to learn more. I enjoyed Bastien's story arch - seeing how he grew up, and his friendships. All 3 main characters were very endearing. 

The ending left me wanting to read more! I cannot wait until March 30, 2021 when "Bone Crier's Dawn" is released! I highly recommend "Bone Crier's Moon!"

Happy reading!