Please check the trigger warnings of this book before reading.
Oh, Glass & Bone! It had me hooked from the very first page, and I couldn’t tear myself away. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster, leaving me feeling a whole range of emotions – sadness, happiness, horror, and heartbreak. Honestly, I’m not okay right now! And let me tell you, I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to read Glass & Bone as an ARC. But before you dive into it, make sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning because this book gets dark and graphic, and it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain triggers.
“You will find peace there. You just have to believe it. Believe in him. He may surprise you.”
Glass and Bone introduces us to Eleanor, a princess of Chatis, who suddenly finds herself thrust into a new life as the Queen of Noterra due to an arranged marriage with Tobias, the Prince of Noterra. Her world is forever changed, and she’s faced with the impossible choice of following her heart or staying alive.
I’ve been staring at this blank text box, struggling to put my feelings about this book into words. Glass and Bone knocked the wind out of me repeatedly. It left me utterly speechless, and I couldn’t find the right words to describe the whirlwind of emotions it stirred within me.
Nora, the protagonist, is nothing short of remarkable. She’s an inspiration in every sense. Celaena Cuico skillfully portrays the effects of trauma and abuse in the most subtle yet powerful ways. Nora’s character development throughout this relatively short book is nothing short of astounding. She transforms from a quiet, sheltered individual into an absolute queen. I adore her, and I’m eagerly anticipating reading more about her in the next installment.
“Agreeing to something
means nothing if no was never an option.”
Celaena Cuico has masterfully crafted the pacing of this book. There isn’t a single page that feels like filler; every word serves a purpose. I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath for about 70% of this book. The plot’s twists and turns give you whiplash in the best possible way. I cried, I laughed, and I went through the full spectrum of grief.
The world-building in Glass and Bone is simply exquisite – a chef’s kiss, if you will. The atmosphere is both beautiful and haunting. While I don’t usually struggle with imagining fictional worlds, when it’s done as brilliantly as this, where I can vividly see the world unfold before me, it’s an automatic win.
But let’s talk about the ending – the ending that tore my heart into pieces, stamped on it, and left me shattered. I did not see it coming at all. 😭😭 In Glass and Bone, you never feel safe. You spend most of your time reading it on edge, and I absolutely loved every moment of it. There are no fairy tale endings here.
If I could, I would give this book six stars without a second thought!
“I can’t let this break me. I can’t let this be my story. What happens from here on out will either paint me a victim or paint me as someone who is strong and resilient.”
Title: Glass & Bone
Author: Celaena Cuico
Pages: 360
Release: October 3, 2023
Genre: Fantasy, Dark Romance
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would or have used myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, allow me to earn a small commission on qualifying purchases.
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