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Dauntless Path #1.5
The Bone Knife
Rae knows how to look out for family. Born with a deformed foot, she feigns indifference to the pity and insults that come her way. Wary of all things beautiful, Rae instantly distrusts their latest visitor: an appallingly attractive faerie. Further, his presence imperils the secret her sister guards. But when the local townspeople show up demanding his blood, Rae must find a way to protect both her sister’s secret and their guest. Even if that means risking herself.
The Bone Knife introduces Rae, the heroine of The Theft Of Sunlight (March 2021). Look for The Bone Knife at the back of your copy of Thorn (HarperTeen/Hot Key 2020).
The Bone Knife introduces Rae, the heroine of The Theft Of Sunlight (March 2021). Look for The Bone Knife at the back of your copy of Thorn (HarperTeen/Hot Key 2020).
35 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
40 people are currently reading
2051 people want to read
About the author
Intisar Khanani
18 books2,501 followersIntisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. Born in Wisconsin, she has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah on the coast of the Red Sea. She currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband and two young daughters. Prior to publishing her novels, Intisar worked as a public health consultant on projects relating to infant mortality and minority health, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
Intisar is the author of the Dauntless Path books (beginning with Thorn) and The Sunbolt Chronicles.
To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar's monthly author newsletter.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other IRL, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.
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July 28, 2022
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#0.5 The Bone Knife - ★★★★
#1 The Theft of Sunlight - Anticipating in 2021
The Bone Knife by Intisar Khanani is a prequel to a new series, The Theft of Sunlight that is hopefully coming out in 2021. This prequel was included in my copy of Thorn, which I loved, and I thought I would also share what I think of The Bone Knife.
Synopsis
Rae knows how to look out for her family. Born with a deformed foot, she feigns indifference to the pity and insults that come her way. Wary of all things beautiful, Rae instantly distrusts their latest visitor: an appallingly attractive faerie. Further, his presence imperils the secret her sister guards. But when the local townspeople show up demanding his blood, Rae must find a way to protect both her sister’s secret and their guest. Even if that means risking herself.
My Thoughts:
Even though this prequel is only 35 pages long, I felt incredibly invested in this story. Rae is such a sweet soul, and it's no surprise that she attracted the attention of the faerie. I also loved how Rae's relationship with her sister is so strong. She will do anything to prevent people from knowing that her sister possesses magical powers.
Beautifully written with very descriptive characters, this was a lovely nice short read that made me so excited about book one - The Theft of Sunlight.
Thank you to ReadersFirst and Hot Key Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#0.5 The Bone Knife - ★★★★
#1 The Theft of Sunlight - Anticipating in 2021
The Bone Knife by Intisar Khanani is a prequel to a new series, The Theft of Sunlight that is hopefully coming out in 2021. This prequel was included in my copy of Thorn, which I loved, and I thought I would also share what I think of The Bone Knife.
Synopsis
Rae knows how to look out for her family. Born with a deformed foot, she feigns indifference to the pity and insults that come her way. Wary of all things beautiful, Rae instantly distrusts their latest visitor: an appallingly attractive faerie. Further, his presence imperils the secret her sister guards. But when the local townspeople show up demanding his blood, Rae must find a way to protect both her sister’s secret and their guest. Even if that means risking herself.
My Thoughts:
Even though this prequel is only 35 pages long, I felt incredibly invested in this story. Rae is such a sweet soul, and it's no surprise that she attracted the attention of the faerie. I also loved how Rae's relationship with her sister is so strong. She will do anything to prevent people from knowing that her sister possesses magical powers.
Beautifully written with very descriptive characters, this was a lovely nice short read that made me so excited about book one - The Theft of Sunlight.
Thank you to ReadersFirst and Hot Key Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2012
In case you didn't know, I bloody ADORE Ms. Khanani's other book, THORN (the Grimm tale of THE GOOSE GIRL with a middle-eastern influence and a swoon-worthy prince). THE BONE KNIFE introduces Rae, the heroine of the companion trilogy to THORN.
Since it is a short story, I can say a whole lot without being spoiler-ific, but I will say that Rae was a very compelling and sympathetic character and I particularly liked the way the relationship between her and her sisters was portrayed.
I will be watching for that trilogy! =D
Since it is a short story, I can say a whole lot without being spoiler-ific, but I will say that Rae was a very compelling and sympathetic character and I particularly liked the way the relationship between her and her sisters was portrayed.
I will be watching for that trilogy! =D
December 22, 2020
The Bone Knife was a very short novella that introduces you to Rae. She is one of those girls who has the weight of the world on her shoulders because of her trying to look out and protect her family. She is also a bit different since she was born with a deformed foot and isn't treated the best by people around her. Which is why I loved her from the very first second of meeting her. I just know that she is going to show people not to underestimate her. Ever.
Just like the previous novella in this series, I will definitely dive into book 2. I'm excited to see where this new character is going to take me. Super super excited!
Just like the previous novella in this series, I will definitely dive into book 2. I'm excited to see where this new character is going to take me. Super super excited!
May 29, 2023
AHHH THIS!!!! It's just a short story, and yet it was a better piece of writing than many novels I've read recently, complete with lovable characters, beautiful prose, AND THE SISTER DYNAMICS I MEAN THAT WAS JUST SO AMAZING AND I LITERALLY CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK FEATURING RAE AHHHH!
Yeah. I liked it. A lot.
Yeah. I liked it. A lot.
July 13, 2020
Let me just say, Khanani creates characters I fall in love with so easily and this wasn't any different! I loved the family dynamic and I am a sucker for sibling bonds. The three sisters here are different as can be but are bonded tightly together.
When a faerie comes to visit things become very complicated for the family. Why? Because they are hiding a deadly secret and if revealed could change everything for good.
I loved Rae right from the start and cannot wait to have more of her story!
This wasn't very long and only left me wanting more. I love this world and cannot wait to spend more time in it. The Theft of Sunlight cannot come soon enough!
4 magical stars.
When a faerie comes to visit things become very complicated for the family. Why? Because they are hiding a deadly secret and if revealed could change everything for good.
I loved Rae right from the start and cannot wait to have more of her story!
This wasn't very long and only left me wanting more. I love this world and cannot wait to spend more time in it. The Theft of Sunlight cannot come soon enough!
4 magical stars.
September 16, 2020
Original de: El Extraño Gato del Cuento
Terminé de leer Thorn y estaba segura que tendría una secuela. Para descubrir inmediatamente que estaba un 80% equivocada.
Thorn era un libro autoconclusivo, pero ¿Qué pasaba con todos los cabos sueltos que dejó la escritora? ¿A dónde iban las personas que desaparecían? La escritora dice en un Q&A que Alyrra no podría ir personalmente a investigar lo que pasaba en la ciudad, por como terminar Thorn, es casi imposible que ella misma lo haga ¿Por qué? Tienes que leer el libro.
Y ahí es dónde entra Rae. The Bone Knife es una historia corta que no llega ni a las 30 páginas, pero me dejó completamente mal y bloqueada para empezar otro libro.
Son 34 páginas (en total, con agradecimientos y demás extras), que sin mentirte, kitten, me han conmovido, enamorado y sacado más de una sonrisa. Definitivamente no dura ni una hora de lectura.
Hay muy pocos libros que toquen algún tema de discapacidad, en todos los años que llevo como lectora me habré tocado con, exagerando, cinco. Y por lo general son siempre con ceguera ¿alguna otra discapacidad, algo bastante llamativo físicamente? No, y si lo hay, como en Return to Paradise de Simone Elkeles, es algo bastante ligero. The Bone Knife a pesar de ser cortito, logra conmover mucho, Rae es otro personaje de la señora Khanani que voy a llevar siempre conmigo.
¿LA MEJOR PARTE?
¡Es el inicio de una serie! The Bone Knife en realidad es una precuela, la serie se llamará The Theft of Sunlight y tendrá como protagonista a Rae, y sip, es la serie que resolverá todas las dudas que dejó Thorn. No tengo idea si el personaje masculino que sale en esta historia saldrá más en el libro, pero me ha gustado. Es un tipo bastante interesante. Quizá sea porque es un hada y sabes tengo una gran debilidad por las hadas.
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Terminé de leer Thorn y estaba segura que tendría una secuela. Para descubrir inmediatamente que estaba un 80% equivocada.
Thorn era un libro autoconclusivo, pero ¿Qué pasaba con todos los cabos sueltos que dejó la escritora? ¿A dónde iban las personas que desaparecían? La escritora dice en un Q&A que Alyrra no podría ir personalmente a investigar lo que pasaba en la ciudad, por como terminar Thorn, es casi imposible que ella misma lo haga ¿Por qué? Tienes que leer el libro.
Y ahí es dónde entra Rae. The Bone Knife es una historia corta que no llega ni a las 30 páginas, pero me dejó completamente mal y bloqueada para empezar otro libro.
Son 34 páginas (en total, con agradecimientos y demás extras), que sin mentirte, kitten, me han conmovido, enamorado y sacado más de una sonrisa. Definitivamente no dura ni una hora de lectura.
Hay muy pocos libros que toquen algún tema de discapacidad, en todos los años que llevo como lectora me habré tocado con, exagerando, cinco. Y por lo general son siempre con ceguera ¿alguna otra discapacidad, algo bastante llamativo físicamente? No, y si lo hay, como en Return to Paradise de Simone Elkeles, es algo bastante ligero. The Bone Knife a pesar de ser cortito, logra conmover mucho, Rae es otro personaje de la señora Khanani que voy a llevar siempre conmigo.
¿LA MEJOR PARTE?
¡Es el inicio de una serie! The Bone Knife en realidad es una precuela, la serie se llamará The Theft of Sunlight y tendrá como protagonista a Rae, y sip, es la serie que resolverá todas las dudas que dejó Thorn. No tengo idea si el personaje masculino que sale en esta historia saldrá más en el libro, pero me ha gustado. Es un tipo bastante interesante. Quizá sea porque es un hada y sabes tengo una gran debilidad por las hadas.
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April 30, 2016
“We’ve a visitor,” Niya says as I enter from the kitchen yard. She kneels before the low work table at the center of the room, punching down the morning’s dough, her arms daubed with flour and her hair wisping out of her braid. “I heard Baba answer the door a moment ago.” “I know. He’s trouble.” I cross the kitchen, debating how to handle the sort of trouble he is. With our mother gone to town, and our father already busy with him, it falls to me as the eldest of my sisters to figure out what to do. “Did you make any of your specials?” I ask, taking a taste from the pot bubbling over the fire. “Just the bread— who is he?” Niya turns towards me, pushing her hair back from her face and coating the stray the stray locks in white.
~~~~
“There’s a faerie come to visit Baba!” I guess I needn’t worry about how to word my news now. “A faerie?” Niya echoes, gray eyes widening as she turns to me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I told you he was trouble,” I remind her. “And I was going to tell you what kind when Bean,” I glance at our little sister pointedly, “knocked over the water.”
---
Been trying to get through some of the short stories on my kindle that have been on my KindleForPC app for awhile.. this was the first thing I have been in the mood to read all day.
Not bad, not great... in the middle for me. The bits about Niya were intriguing and I did like the premise of the story but 'something' was missing for me, keeping me from enjoying it fully. Not sure what, most likely just a case of "it isn't you book/story, it's me"
Not curious enough to continue on with the book but a nice, quick read for a dreary day.
~~~~
“There’s a faerie come to visit Baba!” I guess I needn’t worry about how to word my news now. “A faerie?” Niya echoes, gray eyes widening as she turns to me. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I told you he was trouble,” I remind her. “And I was going to tell you what kind when Bean,” I glance at our little sister pointedly, “knocked over the water.”
---
Been trying to get through some of the short stories on my kindle that have been on my KindleForPC app for awhile.. this was the first thing I have been in the mood to read all day.
Not bad, not great... in the middle for me. The bits about Niya were intriguing and I did like the premise of the story but 'something' was missing for me, keeping me from enjoying it fully. Not sure what, most likely just a case of "it isn't you book/story, it's me"
Not curious enough to continue on with the book but a nice, quick read for a dreary day.
June 25, 2015
Well, Intisar delivers another great short story.
The Bone Knife hints at a much larger story, one that I am extremely keen to find out more about. The loving, supportive family unit Rae (our protagonist) is brought up in, is a delightful change to the broken homes a lot of new fictional characters are emerging from.
The two sisters are sweet and yet amusingly realistic in their taunting and teasing, but also their actions speak louder than words.
When an 'appallingly attractive faerie' arrives on their doorstep to conduct business with Rae's father, things begin to get interesting.
I loved the duelling dichotomy within the faerie character, the sinister and the alluring all wrapped up within a single package. It hinted at a far greater story in the first book of the 'Theft of Sunlight' series.
If you haven't tried anything by Intisar Khanani, do so today, her work is top notch and thoroughly engaging. I am still yet to read Thorn, but it is on my TBR list already. I look forward to more from this author in the coming years.
The Bone Knife hints at a much larger story, one that I am extremely keen to find out more about. The loving, supportive family unit Rae (our protagonist) is brought up in, is a delightful change to the broken homes a lot of new fictional characters are emerging from.
The two sisters are sweet and yet amusingly realistic in their taunting and teasing, but also their actions speak louder than words.
When an 'appallingly attractive faerie' arrives on their doorstep to conduct business with Rae's father, things begin to get interesting.
I loved the duelling dichotomy within the faerie character, the sinister and the alluring all wrapped up within a single package. It hinted at a far greater story in the first book of the 'Theft of Sunlight' series.
If you haven't tried anything by Intisar Khanani, do so today, her work is top notch and thoroughly engaging. I am still yet to read Thorn, but it is on my TBR list already. I look forward to more from this author in the coming years.
August 15, 2020
Now I can't wait for The Theft of Sunlight!
August 24, 2018
I ADORE Intisar Khanani's work, in case it isn't clear by the fact that I've read pretty much everything that she's read so far. I was recently looking through my Kindle and came upon this short story which I was shocked to discover I hadn't read yet! What?! I of course had to read it immediately, and I was not disappointed. Khanani has this magical ability to write a short story and make you feel that you've read a full length fantasy novel with a strong beginning, middle, and end. I really don't know how she does it!
The characters in this were so great and I already worship Rae as my next favourite strong, feisty heroine. Khanani does a great job at creating diverse, fun characters and this short story was no exception. I also loved the setting! I'm dying to read more from this world, and the fact that it's set in the same universe as 'Thorn' (another Khanani fave of mine) and 'The Theft Of Sunlight', a future release, is going to bring the two together makes me SO happy. I'm very excited for the promising start that this story has provided for Rae!
The characters in this were so great and I already worship Rae as my next favourite strong, feisty heroine. Khanani does a great job at creating diverse, fun characters and this short story was no exception. I also loved the setting! I'm dying to read more from this world, and the fact that it's set in the same universe as 'Thorn' (another Khanani fave of mine) and 'The Theft Of Sunlight', a future release, is going to bring the two together makes me SO happy. I'm very excited for the promising start that this story has provided for Rae!
April 2, 2021
Actual rating: 3.75 stars
“The Bone Knife” is a lovely and uplifting short story. I would recommend reading this if you want to know more about our badass heroine Rae from “The Theft of Sunlight”. In just a few pages, you’d see how wonderful Rae’s parents and sisters are - how they supported and protected each other. Their family bond is a big part of the reason why I enjoyed this book.
“The Bone Knife” is a lovely and uplifting short story. I would recommend reading this if you want to know more about our badass heroine Rae from “The Theft of Sunlight”. In just a few pages, you’d see how wonderful Rae’s parents and sisters are - how they supported and protected each other. Their family bond is a big part of the reason why I enjoyed this book.
December 9, 2020
This was a beautiful little story. I loved the cozy home and family vibes 😊 I adored the sisters: Rae, Niya, and Bean!! They were so sweet 💞
We see Stonemane, who we only just met at the end of Thorn. I'm curious to see what role he plays in the next book (hopefully we see more of him 👀 Who doesn't want more Fae??).
Anyway, I loved this little story, and it helped me with the book hangover left by its predecessor 🙏 I think Rae is an excellent character, and I can't wait to see more of her!
We see Stonemane, who we only just met at the end of Thorn. I'm curious to see what role he plays in the next book (hopefully we see more of him 👀 Who doesn't want more Fae??).
Anyway, I loved this little story, and it helped me with the book hangover left by its predecessor 🙏 I think Rae is an excellent character, and I can't wait to see more of her!
December 22, 2020
This was an interesting start to Rae's story!
I already like Rae, she's strong and protective and isn't about to let her club foot stop her from doing anything. I'm excited to see what else Rae can do and what her interactions with the fae will lead to.
I already like Rae, she's strong and protective and isn't about to let her club foot stop her from doing anything. I'm excited to see what else Rae can do and what her interactions with the fae will lead to.
January 13, 2021
I love Rae already because of her unwavering determination to protect her sisters despite being usually underestimated which was something I could relate to a lot and Bean just made me go aww. I loved her hyper antics. Niya's magic was amazing and I hope we get to see more of it. Stonemane was a curious creature too.
I actually really liked the dynamic of the whole family and I can't wait to read more of it and how it develops along with the rest of the story in Theft! I haven't read such an interesting short story in quite a while.
And after reading Thorn and Bone Knife, I have to say that I just love the writing style. So sleek, precise and not too flowery at all yet conveys the imagery and story so wonderfully.
I actually really liked the dynamic of the whole family and I can't wait to read more of it and how it develops along with the rest of the story in Theft! I haven't read such an interesting short story in quite a while.
And after reading Thorn and Bone Knife, I have to say that I just love the writing style. So sleek, precise and not too flowery at all yet conveys the imagery and story so wonderfully.
March 30, 2017
Beautiful read
I give this 5 stars for being an intriguing story with a very strong main character. The story shows that kindness is a rare quality posessed by the main character. She is also strong and smart. Maybe she wishes she were different but she is amazing just the way she is. I hope to read many more stories about this particular character. And I can't wait to share these stories with my granddaughter when she's old enough.
I give this 5 stars for being an intriguing story with a very strong main character. The story shows that kindness is a rare quality posessed by the main character. She is also strong and smart. Maybe she wishes she were different but she is amazing just the way she is. I hope to read many more stories about this particular character. And I can't wait to share these stories with my granddaughter when she's old enough.
May 31, 2015
Loved it! If you want to get a feel for this author's writing style this little story about the character who will be the MC in her upcoming series, is a FREE ebook. I also loved her standalone novel, Thorn, which is out right now.
May 8, 2016
This is so damn good. I'm dying to get my hands on the trilogy with the same character. In a short number of pages this book has atmosphere, grandeur, resonating characters, enticing fae, and awesome sibling relationships.
August 29, 2016
Can't wait for book 1
January 2, 2022
This is a short story after the book Thorn, and it introduces the characters for the next book The Theft of Sunlight. Even though this is a short story, we learn so much about Rae, how she thinks of herself, how others think of her, and her relationship with her sisters and parents. I won’t say much more as I don’t want to spoil this for anyone, but with this being a teaser to book 2, I can’t wait to read it. After reading Thorn, I declared Mrs. Khanani my new favorite author, and I can’t wait to see what she has written in the second book of this trilogy!
I am rating this short story 5 stars because although it is quick, there’s so much content and substance because there’s no fluff and I love that!
I am rating this short story 5 stars because although it is quick, there’s so much content and substance because there’s no fluff and I love that!
July 7, 2022
Super cute now I’m excited for Theft of Sunlight ✨
October 4, 2022
The family dynamic with her sister's magic is really interesting and I love how different Rae is from Alyrra. I love what an author can actually write characters with their own voice and not make every pov sound the same. Rae is sharp and driven and protective. I'm excited to read The Theft of Sunlight and see where her story goes!
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
February 14, 2022
Great preview to The Theft of Sunlight.
May 16, 2021
This was included at the end of Thorn as a novella to introduce some characters for the sequel to Thorn, as I understand it. I thought this was a nice story that showed us more of this magical, whimsical, but still dangerous world. I haven't read the sequel yet, but this felt like a good introduction to some of the characters like Rae and her sisters. You could get a very clear sense of their personalities, and Rae especially seems interesting, so I can't wait to read the sequel and see how she grows.
June 9, 2020
No harm can come from reading a short story, right? Until you finish it, wanting more, realize there's a whole series waiting, and that it's not available yet?! The (delightful) torture!
March 4, 2021
I love Intisar's work and The Bone Knife has done nothing to change my mind. It was the perfect short read while I was dealing with eye strain and Aurealis judging.
Rae was a great character, particularly because she was a bit unusual. It's not often the staid oldest sister gets to be the focus of a story. More often it's the magical middle sister or the impulsive youngest. Rae is pragmatic--even a little dour at times--and I loved that about her.
I also enjoyed her relationship with her family. There's clearly a lot of love between them. Nevertheless, Rae remains aware of the way they treat her differently and their love makes their pity harder to bear in some ways. Rae's family are also conscious of this and their guilt leaks out onto the page.
The Bone Knife is short, barely scraping into the category of novelette. The story is tightly written and manages to deal with a number of powerful themes. As with much of Intisar's work, it deals primarily with fear and with being an outsider: of being female in a patriarchal society, of being a foreigner in a xenophobic world, and of being disabled in a world geared for the able-bodied. In this regard, the story reminded me a lot of another of Intisar's work: Thorn. So it seems fitting that the two are set in the same world, though I was unaware of it at the time of reading (and doesn't really come up in the story).
While Rae bears the brunt of judgement from others, she is not beyond being judgemental herself. When the faerie Stonemane arrives at her family's ranch, her behaviour towards him is dictated solely by the negative stereotypes she has heard about his kind. I felt this served to humanise her while also highlighting how being marginalised in certain ways doesn't necessarily mean one is above marginalising others.
Despite the connection to Thorn, this story stands on its own. However, there were some significant loose ends which I anticipate will be tied up in the forthcoming series.
Rae was a great character, particularly because she was a bit unusual. It's not often the staid oldest sister gets to be the focus of a story. More often it's the magical middle sister or the impulsive youngest. Rae is pragmatic--even a little dour at times--and I loved that about her.
I also enjoyed her relationship with her family. There's clearly a lot of love between them. Nevertheless, Rae remains aware of the way they treat her differently and their love makes their pity harder to bear in some ways. Rae's family are also conscious of this and their guilt leaks out onto the page.
The Bone Knife is short, barely scraping into the category of novelette. The story is tightly written and manages to deal with a number of powerful themes. As with much of Intisar's work, it deals primarily with fear and with being an outsider: of being female in a patriarchal society, of being a foreigner in a xenophobic world, and of being disabled in a world geared for the able-bodied. In this regard, the story reminded me a lot of another of Intisar's work: Thorn. So it seems fitting that the two are set in the same world, though I was unaware of it at the time of reading (and doesn't really come up in the story).
While Rae bears the brunt of judgement from others, she is not beyond being judgemental herself. When the faerie Stonemane arrives at her family's ranch, her behaviour towards him is dictated solely by the negative stereotypes she has heard about his kind. I felt this served to humanise her while also highlighting how being marginalised in certain ways doesn't necessarily mean one is above marginalising others.
Despite the connection to Thorn, this story stands on its own. However, there were some significant loose ends which I anticipate will be tied up in the forthcoming series.
January 3, 2021
Initial Thoughts
I was excited to stumble upon this novella. I have The Theft of Sunlight in my NetGalley queue right now and this novella introduces the main characters. Also, you probably know this by now, but I love a good novella (and so does my GoodReads goal 😂).
Some Things I Liked
The length. This novella was a super quick read and I found myself very interested in the characters. I’m eager to know more and to read the full length novel that comes next in the series.
The names. I also enjoyed the sisters’ nicknames. I feel like they were quirky and creative and gave them a lot of personality despite not having much page time.
Fairytale vibes. If this is inspired by a fairytale, I am not sure which one. But, I will say that the set up as well as the gift of the bone knife had the feeling of a fairytale.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
My only gripe with this novella is that it is tagged as a sequel to Thorn. I wished the introduction to the next main character provided a bit more information on how these stories connect. Right now, they feel completely independent. They could be in the same world, or they couldn’t – I was missing the connection.
Series Value
I definitely plan on reading The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani in the near future. I like Rae as a main character much more than I liked Alyrra. I think this novella was an excellent segue into a full length novel.
Final Thoughts
I liked this story. I liked the set up. I am eager to keep reading. Am I on the edge of my seat, desperate for more? No. Am I intrigued? Defintely.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani – this title isn’t out yet, but again, if you enjoyed the writing, try the spin-off story.
Brambles by Intisar Khanani – if you enjoyed the idea of a side story that has a companion full length novel, try this novella set in the same world.
I was excited to stumble upon this novella. I have The Theft of Sunlight in my NetGalley queue right now and this novella introduces the main characters. Also, you probably know this by now, but I love a good novella (and so does my GoodReads goal 😂).
Some Things I Liked
The length. This novella was a super quick read and I found myself very interested in the characters. I’m eager to know more and to read the full length novel that comes next in the series.
The names. I also enjoyed the sisters’ nicknames. I feel like they were quirky and creative and gave them a lot of personality despite not having much page time.
Fairytale vibes. If this is inspired by a fairytale, I am not sure which one. But, I will say that the set up as well as the gift of the bone knife had the feeling of a fairytale.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
My only gripe with this novella is that it is tagged as a sequel to Thorn. I wished the introduction to the next main character provided a bit more information on how these stories connect. Right now, they feel completely independent. They could be in the same world, or they couldn’t – I was missing the connection.
Series Value
I definitely plan on reading The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani in the near future. I like Rae as a main character much more than I liked Alyrra. I think this novella was an excellent segue into a full length novel.
Final Thoughts
I liked this story. I liked the set up. I am eager to keep reading. Am I on the edge of my seat, desperate for more? No. Am I intrigued? Defintely.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Theft of Sunlight by Intisar Khanani – this title isn’t out yet, but again, if you enjoyed the writing, try the spin-off story.
Brambles by Intisar Khanani – if you enjoyed the idea of a side story that has a companion full length novel, try this novella set in the same world.
May 20, 2020
Another wonderful short story from the world of ‘Thorn’.
October 21, 2015
Before taking a novel-length commitment to a new-to-me author I tried this terrific little short story by Intisar Khanani, a young writer with a solid talent for world-building and believable characters. I'm so glad I did!
From the perspective of the oldest of 3 sisters a visitor comes to buy their father's horses, and mercifully unlike far too many works of fantasy *both* parents are alive and active presences here. Points to Khanani for that alone - the solo parent trope has becoming exceeding tiresome in Fantasy fiction. She also doesn't slather easy answers on the deeper difficulties raised for her characters: this is no "flash-bang-everything is great" magic world: her people are going to have to work at themselves and their lives, just like all the rest of us.
'The Bone Knife' gets its world in full force remarkably quickly, intertwining world with character introductions in a way I'd expect from a much more experienced author. Neither world nor persons are caricatures either: real earth & stone and blood & bone underlay the surfaces of each. This is an author with a deft touch for people and environments.
'Bone Knife' stands alone as a neatly told short story but is also clearly an introductory piece. Based on the strength of this work I immediately purchased both of Khanani's published novels: 'Thorn' a goose-girl reworking set in the 'Bone Knife' world, and 'Sunbolt'. Apparently 'Thorn' is a continuation of the 'Bone Knife' world - I'm starting it as soon as I can!
From the perspective of the oldest of 3 sisters a visitor comes to buy their father's horses, and mercifully unlike far too many works of fantasy *both* parents are alive and active presences here. Points to Khanani for that alone - the solo parent trope has becoming exceeding tiresome in Fantasy fiction. She also doesn't slather easy answers on the deeper difficulties raised for her characters: this is no "flash-bang-everything is great" magic world: her people are going to have to work at themselves and their lives, just like all the rest of us.
'The Bone Knife' gets its world in full force remarkably quickly, intertwining world with character introductions in a way I'd expect from a much more experienced author. Neither world nor persons are caricatures either: real earth & stone and blood & bone underlay the surfaces of each. This is an author with a deft touch for people and environments.
'Bone Knife' stands alone as a neatly told short story but is also clearly an introductory piece. Based on the strength of this work I immediately purchased both of Khanani's published novels: 'Thorn' a goose-girl reworking set in the 'Bone Knife' world, and 'Sunbolt'. Apparently 'Thorn' is a continuation of the 'Bone Knife' world - I'm starting it as soon as I can!
February 17, 2021
This is a short story to get the reader hooked on the new book that is coming out in March! (eep having a small party of excitement inside right now!)
The story introduces the new leading lady, Rae, and her family. They are hosting one of the Fae and found themselves in a situation that could expose one of their own.
This short story has gotten me so excited to read book number 2 coming in March!
The story introduces the new leading lady, Rae, and her family. They are hosting one of the Fae and found themselves in a situation that could expose one of their own.
This short story has gotten me so excited to read book number 2 coming in March!
October 31, 2014
Después de leer Thorn descubrí que existía esta historia corta que transcurre en el mismo mundo, y entiendo que la protagonista va a aparecer en una futura novela, A Darkness at the Door.
Me gustó cómo The Bone Knife expande el universo que ya conocimos en Thorn y explora otros aspectos de la magia de ese mundo, que hasta ahora apenas conocimos al pasar. Me dió la sensación de que algunas cosas que en Thorn quedaron sin explicar probablemente las conozcamos en profundidad en la futura saga.
Es el segundo trabajo que leo de esta autora y no me defraudó, ahora definitivamente espero con ansias su siguiente novela!
Me gustó cómo The Bone Knife expande el universo que ya conocimos en Thorn y explora otros aspectos de la magia de ese mundo, que hasta ahora apenas conocimos al pasar. Me dió la sensación de que algunas cosas que en Thorn quedaron sin explicar probablemente las conozcamos en profundidad en la futura saga.
Es el segundo trabajo que leo de esta autora y no me defraudó, ahora definitivamente espero con ansias su siguiente novela!
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