Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke
I’ve read other books by Lucy Smoke and enjoyed them, so I decided to give this one a chance. I often enjoy reverse harems, and this one had the added bonus of witches, so I was definitely intrigued. Overall, I enjoyed the book, the characters, and the magical world the author created. I especially liked that these witches are descendants of Salem, where some of the most famous witch trials and burnings took place. Add in creatures from the Veil and an unsolved curse, and this ended up being a fun book to kick off spooky season.
I do think this book could have used a bit more substance, though. I understand that things are being kept secret, but I think a few too many secrets were being kept from the reader in this first book. It was unclear why the Gods have abandoned this coven and why they are being punished. The Salem witch trials, maybe? But it could be something else entirely.
Then there’s the fact that only four out of the five types of witchcraft are explained. The fifth is mentioned multiple times as being scary or wrong, but we’re never really told anything about it. I understand wanting to build suspense, and I’m already expecting something to come from this, but I also think it could have just been explained to us. The mystery felt a little too vague rather than intriguing.
And then there’s the cliffhanger ending, which was super confusing. It seems to be wrapped up in magic, but since we don’t fully understand the different types of magic or the coven’s history yet, it didn’t really make sense. Rather than just wanting to see what happens next, I need the next book to explain to me what is even going on at the end of this one.
While I enjoy an insta-attraction story and overall enjoyed these characters, I do wish there had been a bit more character development. It’s not bad in this book, but there were definitely moments when I wanted a longer chapter or more time inside one character’s head so I could really get a feel for their personality.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m interested to see where the story goes. The characters aren’t my favorites, though, and I’m not exactly dying for the next book. I’ll probably continue the series, but mostly because I want some answers to all of these questions!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
Synopsis: Four men. One girl. Five families accused of witchcraft. A dark secret they all hide.
Their souls are damaged, hiding secrets and harboring just as much hate as I am.
Ezra Bishop , Cameron Goode, Lyall Corey, Reyes Scott, And me. Haven Wardwell.
They are the monsters hidden in the shadows, but I am no novice when it comes to monsters.
We are all legacies, but there’s one grand difference between us. I am the first female witch born in four hundred years.
Now that I’m here, there’s no telling what the dark gods will ask for in return.
Death and ghosts haunt the corridors of Ipswich Academy. If I’m not careful, I might become one of them.