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Sixteen Souls #2
Twelve Bones
Prepare for more spooky, swoony YA from BookTok star @Merrowchild! Charlie Frith and his new love, Sam, have just saved the dead from the living! Now it's time to focus on being a normal couple - if such a thing exists?
But when a new threat lurks in the shadows, this time to the living, and all who Charlie and Sam hold near, they must put everything on the line - including their lives - to work out who is behind it. And even then, it may not be enough!
But when a new threat lurks in the shadows, this time to the living, and all who Charlie and Sam hold near, they must put everything on the line - including their lives - to work out who is behind it. And even then, it may not be enough!
420 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2023
70 people are currently reading
1681 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Talbot
7 books574 followersA lover of dark and tightly woven stories, Rosie is inspired by creepy things in junk shops, haunted houses and strange magic. She is a graduate of Curtis Brown Creative and Write Mentor.
By day she works as a bookseller. By night, she spends time sewing big skirts with even bigger pockets and wondering why her family has a suspiciously large collection of cauldrons. She currently resides in a mysterious pocket of the Sussex countryside with her very patient spouse and two cats called Tinkerfluff and Captain Haddock.
You can connect with Rosie via Tiktok and Instagram (@merrowchild) or on her website www.rosietalbot.co.uk.
By day she works as a bookseller. By night, she spends time sewing big skirts with even bigger pockets and wondering why her family has a suspiciously large collection of cauldrons. She currently resides in a mysterious pocket of the Sussex countryside with her very patient spouse and two cats called Tinkerfluff and Captain Haddock.
You can connect with Rosie via Tiktok and Instagram (@merrowchild) or on her website www.rosietalbot.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
November 6, 2024
Twelve Bones was the perfect spooky read for the Halloween season. The atmosphere, tension, and danger set the perfect vibe. It expands so much on the world and characters from Sixteen Souls. I'm not going to give any spoilers for the mystery, it had me on edge and the twists and turns were so well done. I love Charlie and Sam's relationship, and their entire friend group; I can't wait to see where they head in the next book.
November 20, 2023
Breathtakingly exciting, dark, tense, heart wrenching — what an intense series this is shaping up to be.
November 15, 2023
A captivating, spooky and heartwrenching sequel!
Sometimes sequels fall short when trying to advance the character dynamics and setting of their predecessor, but Twelve Bones easily avoids the pitfall.
The book starts a few months from where Sixteen Souls left us, and you can immediately see the toll that taking down Caleb Gates took on our protagonists' mental health. And there is no time to heal, since a danger even greater lurks around the corner.
The worldbuilding expands and we get more information about the rules of the paranormal world and the mysterious Hand, and the treachery and backstabbings it entails. Charlie and Sam will have to make difficult choices, and there are stakes they weren't aware of endangering their little group of living and dead...
The book is also dark and heartbreaking, with grief and death alternating with resilience, survival and love.
As the stakes keep rising, the final resolution changes "Team Spectre" forever, closes a chapter and opens a new one as life (and afterlife) goes on.
Already can't wait for the 3rd book in the series!
Sometimes sequels fall short when trying to advance the character dynamics and setting of their predecessor, but Twelve Bones easily avoids the pitfall.
The book starts a few months from where Sixteen Souls left us, and you can immediately see the toll that taking down Caleb Gates took on our protagonists' mental health. And there is no time to heal, since a danger even greater lurks around the corner.
The worldbuilding expands and we get more information about the rules of the paranormal world and the mysterious Hand, and the treachery and backstabbings it entails. Charlie and Sam will have to make difficult choices, and there are stakes they weren't aware of endangering their little group of living and dead...
The book is also dark and heartbreaking, with grief and death alternating with resilience, survival and love.
As the stakes keep rising, the final resolution changes "Team Spectre" forever, closes a chapter and opens a new one as life (and afterlife) goes on.
Already can't wait for the 3rd book in the series!
October 21, 2023
My eyes started watering when I thought that Charlie was going to die but WHEN MITCH FUCKING DIED I cried. Properly.
Leonie becoming a seer will definitely make for an interesting story but Mitch isn’t going to be there and that’s devastating.
Honestly, at times the book dragged a little, especially when Sam wasn’t there cause he was my favourite character.
I’m still not over Mitch’s death. He was so lovely and just wanted to be a pastry chef and now he’s fucking dead 😩😩😩
Obviously, a book centred around death is not going to be lighthearted but this- this was very dark and gory and upsetting.
Leonie becoming a seer will definitely make for an interesting story but Mitch isn’t going to be there and that’s devastating.
Honestly, at times the book dragged a little, especially when Sam wasn’t there cause he was my favourite character.
I’m still not over Mitch’s death. He was so lovely and just wanted to be a pastry chef and now he’s fucking dead 😩😩😩
Obviously, a book centred around death is not going to be lighthearted but this- this was very dark and gory and upsetting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Twelve Bones is the sequel to Rosie Talbot’s YA paranormal fantasy Sixteen Souls, following a gay teenage seer. Charlie and his trans boyfriend Samuel are finally together while still dealing with the effects of what happened in the previous book. But when people are dying grotesquely by supernatural means, Sam and his friends become both targets and suspects, and they must figure find the culprit before it’s too late.
I have no idea how Rosie Talbot was able to make such a sweet, fun and exciting book that is also dark, tension-filled, and heartbreaking. With much of the world-building and set-up out of the way, the book is allowed to flourish in its spooky setting with its fantastic and relatable characters. The mystery is twisty, the action is fast-paced, and the friendships are solid.
From wanting to be normal, Charlie has now accepted his place as the protector of the ghosts of York, but he is still uncertain about his plans for the future, insecure in his new relationship, and seeks a greater power so he can protect those he loves from danger. He has grown so much while still emerging anew, and I cannot wait to see where he goes next after what has happens in this book. Speaking of which (avoiding spoilers), something heartbreaking happens that just utterly devastated me. I was not prepared for it even though the book was definitely hinting of a major turning point for Charlie throughout.
Sixteen Bones is a fantastic follow-up that delivers on the intensity and pain while keeping its true to its heart and soul.
I have no idea how Rosie Talbot was able to make such a sweet, fun and exciting book that is also dark, tension-filled, and heartbreaking. With much of the world-building and set-up out of the way, the book is allowed to flourish in its spooky setting with its fantastic and relatable characters. The mystery is twisty, the action is fast-paced, and the friendships are solid.
From wanting to be normal, Charlie has now accepted his place as the protector of the ghosts of York, but he is still uncertain about his plans for the future, insecure in his new relationship, and seeks a greater power so he can protect those he loves from danger. He has grown so much while still emerging anew, and I cannot wait to see where he goes next after what has happens in this book. Speaking of which (avoiding spoilers), something heartbreaking happens that just utterly devastated me. I was not prepared for it even though the book was definitely hinting of a major turning point for Charlie throughout.
Sixteen Bones is a fantastic follow-up that delivers on the intensity and pain while keeping its true to its heart and soul.
August 22, 2025
Twelve bones is an amazing sequel to sixteen souls!
I.m so sad it´s over I´m gonna miss all of these characters they felt like family.
This book was spooky,dark,intense and incredible heart wrenching I LOVED IT.
If u need something for spooky season (and like YA) this is for u pls read this duology <3
I.m so sad it´s over I´m gonna miss all of these characters they felt like family.
This book was spooky,dark,intense and incredible heart wrenching I LOVED IT.
If u need something for spooky season (and like YA) this is for u pls read this duology <3
September 13, 2025
"Stranger Things wants its monsters back."
🦴
"I love you," I say simply, because what else is there? He darts forward and the seal of his lips is salvation. I kiss him back, stroking his jawline, greedy and desperate, wishing I could stay in this moment forever.
🦴
"The stars have nothing on us."
🦴
The ground under me feels unstable so I hold onto Sam. For some reason I remember the first time I saw him, waxed jacket, dimples, the shock of white amongst his dark curls, and how he spun me off balance. My heart feels like it's caught somewhere in my throat because now he's the axis of everything.
🦴
You know the feeling when you pick up a book and you have no idea what to expect, and once you're finished reading, you literally have no words left because it swept you off your feet with how good and brilliant it was? Yep, that's me with this book. I already adored Sixteen Souls and Twelve Bones easily lived up to, if not outdid, the first one.
We get to follow Charlie and Sam as their journey continues. They are both seers, having gained the ability to talk to the dead after they both died and came back to life. Together with their friends, they have to put a stop to whoever's summoning shades in York and protect not only the ghosts this time but also the living.
The plot in this book is just incredible. It's filled with so much action, romance and feels it felt impossible to put it down because I just wanted to read more and know what happens next. There's plottwists where you least expect them to be, some of them leaving you in laughter, some in suspense and some in tears. Talbot executes the horror elements very well with vivid descriptions of not only body horror but also of the ghosts and how they are perceived by the humans around them. It sets such a tense atmosphere in the book that I think a lot of horror literature out there struggles to live up to. It's just so well done and it feels like you're right there with a shade or ghost breathing down your neck, and it's detailed enough to leave you shivering imagining the fate of those attacked by the shades. It also has fun pop culture references (like Stevie Nicks, Marvel and Stranger Things) and does a brilliant job in making the present collide with the past (like ghosts from the victorian era). It feels modern but eery at the same time.
The characters themselves were just as lovable as in the first book. Charlie and Sam had equally amazing character development. Charlie learns to open up and be more honest (both to himself, Sam and also to his parents who he finally reveals the truth to) and believe in himself, while Sam grows more confident and allows himself to lean on Charlie. Even if the book is very plot driven I feel like there's never any lack of romance between the two. You will be rooting for them the whole time. Their relationship is so fleshed out and sweet and every moment between them had me fuzzy and smiling and at times crying. There's no unnecessary drama and whatever there is to work out is often grounded in them wanting to protect each other (like Charlie being devastated Sam took his place to be mirrored, and then as soon as they finally reunited, they talked it out and things were okay again). I also loved getting to see the little things in their relationship that makes them so very them: Sam drawing Charlie all the time, Charlie calling Sam "love", etc. It's so adorable and I was literally screaming by the end of the book needing them to be endgame, and I'm so happy they get to have their happily ever after.
We also see the return of other characters, such as Heather, Ollie, Leonie, Mitch, Villiers, Reid, Broomwood, Dante the dog, the parents, the Hand and new ones, including Heather's girlfriend, Viola and Tempest. I just adore each and everyone of them (and loathe the villains the very same). Every character, even if they are background ones, feels so fleshed out. They could have 5 lines or 500 of them and still they feel equally as alive. The writing is just brilliant. I have to mention as well that I love the fact that the book is written in the Yorkist accent Charlie would speak in. It helps pull you as a reader into the books setting.
I was pleased to see Heather get to finally reunite with her girlfriend (even if bittersweet), see Villiers and Reid deepen their relationship and find out more about the Hand. What devastated me though was the ending. Mitch dying was such a phenomenally written, but heartbreaking twist. I loved his character so much, and I was thinking the whole time that him and Leonie HAVE to be endgame and get their happily ever after as well. At first I was devastated thinking Leonie was going to die (but a bit relieved she could stay with them as a ghost) but then the twist happened and I was in disbelief thinking Mitch would come back or be able to stay but just... didn't because the seal didn't allow it. I had tears streaming down my face (Rosie you owe me tissues!) It warmed my heart though seeing the group keep his memory alive, and the idea that him and Leonie could one day meet in the afterlife again. I wish there was a third book just so we could resurrect Mitch haha. I think Leonie will make an amazing seer and she's been so selfless the entire book, I was so gutted for her. She's so smart and it was so interesting reading about her performing magic, and that her dad turned out to be a past occultist too. I'm happy she survived, and I wish Mitch could have too. But in a way, their ending also felt kind of beautiful, with the whole "one soul giving their own life for the other so they can live". And without doubt, I bet they will be together one day again.
What I especially loved about this book was that it also feels realistic. They use magic and there is a cost that shortens their lives. No one is "protected" by plot armour in that sense. Sam and Charlie get their happily ever after, but Charlie still has to struggle with all the wraiths trapped inside of him, fighting to take over his body. Yet this didn't feel bittersweet to me. I have high hopes Charlie gets to stay in control because of how strong he is, and that even if something happens, they would find a way to bring him back to himself because after all he's brave, brilliant CHARLIE and it's clear his bond with Sam and his found family overpowers any hold the darkness could try to take. It also reflects the fact that we all have inner demons but with our loved ones there to support us, it's possible to overcome them. It was so beautiful seeing Sam be there for him, ready to face it all together, dropping their loveable banter and being all "I am not having any of that 'I don't deserve you' bs" and choosing him despite the darkness now trapped inside. I'm just so happy they get to have their future together and that now, both being mirrored, the damage on their souls can be repaired. I'm honestly emotional writing this. It's just so nice to see such a healthy queer couple get a happy ending, especially in horror and despite the gritty strings attached. We don't see enough of that within this genre. It's truly refreshing!
The part I've looked forward to writing about the most is the representation in this book because it is BRILLIANT.
Both Sixteen Souls and Twelve Bones feature a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ characters. Charlie is gay, Sam is gay and trans (which was handled with such immense care and research, portraying both Sam's struggles but also his euphoria. I loved that it touched on the idea that Sam is already going through his journey as trans and that mirroring and having a ghost hijack his body would just worsen that. It feels so real to a lot of lived trans experiences), Mitch is bisexual, Heather is a lesbian (and we have tons of lesbians in this book! I think up to 3 relationships), Villiers and Reid are in a gay relationship and the coming out themes are always dealt with immensely well. I'm not sure if it's on purpose but the reaction to Charlie telling his parents about the ghosts felt so realistic to how a lot of parents act towards their children coming out, when it's just who they are, and meanwhile his actual coming out in book 1 was accepted instantly. It felt like such a nice breath of fresh air, and I love that the entire book has so much representation and diversity in it. We also get poc representation (especially with Leonie).
The book also features disability representation and two characters with Down syndrome. Charlie's disability (having lost his legs) is incredibly well portrayed. My dad is an amputee and I feel like a lot of books don't explore the struggles enough of having to wear prosthesis (like needing to clean it, the pain, what happens if you sweat too much, etc), but this does it brilliantly and I like that we get to see Charlie also using a wheelchair sometimes, showcasing that it's impossible to just use prosthesis all the time with the tol it takes on the stumps. The Down syndrome representation was also handled very well and I loved that one of them was a member of the hand. A lot of people love reducing other's to their disabilities or disorders, but I feel like this book does the opposite. It shows that people are so much more, and deserve to be included and portrayed as powerful people. As someone who is autistic, this touched a very warm spot for me.
Overall, this book was just amazing. Like seriously. Everything is perfect and makes sense and adds up and there's no threads left untied. I feel like It captures the true essence of what love is, and found family, while also executing a spooky, brilliant plot perfectly. I just love the ghosts and the seers and the world build. I think those who are fans of Jonathan Stroud would love this. It's just so unique and well written. This is absolutely going on my favourites shelf, and it's a clear 5-star read for me!
🦴
"I love you," I say simply, because what else is there? He darts forward and the seal of his lips is salvation. I kiss him back, stroking his jawline, greedy and desperate, wishing I could stay in this moment forever.
🦴
"The stars have nothing on us."
🦴
The ground under me feels unstable so I hold onto Sam. For some reason I remember the first time I saw him, waxed jacket, dimples, the shock of white amongst his dark curls, and how he spun me off balance. My heart feels like it's caught somewhere in my throat because now he's the axis of everything.
🦴
You know the feeling when you pick up a book and you have no idea what to expect, and once you're finished reading, you literally have no words left because it swept you off your feet with how good and brilliant it was? Yep, that's me with this book. I already adored Sixteen Souls and Twelve Bones easily lived up to, if not outdid, the first one.
We get to follow Charlie and Sam as their journey continues. They are both seers, having gained the ability to talk to the dead after they both died and came back to life. Together with their friends, they have to put a stop to whoever's summoning shades in York and protect not only the ghosts this time but also the living.
The plot in this book is just incredible. It's filled with so much action, romance and feels it felt impossible to put it down because I just wanted to read more and know what happens next. There's plottwists where you least expect them to be, some of them leaving you in laughter, some in suspense and some in tears. Talbot executes the horror elements very well with vivid descriptions of not only body horror but also of the ghosts and how they are perceived by the humans around them. It sets such a tense atmosphere in the book that I think a lot of horror literature out there struggles to live up to. It's just so well done and it feels like you're right there with a shade or ghost breathing down your neck, and it's detailed enough to leave you shivering imagining the fate of those attacked by the shades. It also has fun pop culture references (like Stevie Nicks, Marvel and Stranger Things) and does a brilliant job in making the present collide with the past (like ghosts from the victorian era). It feels modern but eery at the same time.
The characters themselves were just as lovable as in the first book. Charlie and Sam had equally amazing character development. Charlie learns to open up and be more honest (both to himself, Sam and also to his parents who he finally reveals the truth to) and believe in himself, while Sam grows more confident and allows himself to lean on Charlie. Even if the book is very plot driven I feel like there's never any lack of romance between the two. You will be rooting for them the whole time. Their relationship is so fleshed out and sweet and every moment between them had me fuzzy and smiling and at times crying. There's no unnecessary drama and whatever there is to work out is often grounded in them wanting to protect each other (like Charlie being devastated Sam took his place to be mirrored, and then as soon as they finally reunited, they talked it out and things were okay again). I also loved getting to see the little things in their relationship that makes them so very them: Sam drawing Charlie all the time, Charlie calling Sam "love", etc. It's so adorable and I was literally screaming by the end of the book needing them to be endgame, and I'm so happy they get to have their happily ever after.
We also see the return of other characters, such as Heather, Ollie, Leonie, Mitch, Villiers, Reid, Broomwood, Dante the dog, the parents, the Hand and new ones, including Heather's girlfriend, Viola and Tempest. I just adore each and everyone of them (and loathe the villains the very same). Every character, even if they are background ones, feels so fleshed out. They could have 5 lines or 500 of them and still they feel equally as alive. The writing is just brilliant. I have to mention as well that I love the fact that the book is written in the Yorkist accent Charlie would speak in. It helps pull you as a reader into the books setting.
I was pleased to see Heather get to finally reunite with her girlfriend (even if bittersweet), see Villiers and Reid deepen their relationship and find out more about the Hand. What devastated me though was the ending. Mitch dying was such a phenomenally written, but heartbreaking twist. I loved his character so much, and I was thinking the whole time that him and Leonie HAVE to be endgame and get their happily ever after as well. At first I was devastated thinking Leonie was going to die (but a bit relieved she could stay with them as a ghost) but then the twist happened and I was in disbelief thinking Mitch would come back or be able to stay but just... didn't because the seal didn't allow it. I had tears streaming down my face (Rosie you owe me tissues!) It warmed my heart though seeing the group keep his memory alive, and the idea that him and Leonie could one day meet in the afterlife again. I wish there was a third book just so we could resurrect Mitch haha. I think Leonie will make an amazing seer and she's been so selfless the entire book, I was so gutted for her. She's so smart and it was so interesting reading about her performing magic, and that her dad turned out to be a past occultist too. I'm happy she survived, and I wish Mitch could have too. But in a way, their ending also felt kind of beautiful, with the whole "one soul giving their own life for the other so they can live". And without doubt, I bet they will be together one day again.
What I especially loved about this book was that it also feels realistic. They use magic and there is a cost that shortens their lives. No one is "protected" by plot armour in that sense. Sam and Charlie get their happily ever after, but Charlie still has to struggle with all the wraiths trapped inside of him, fighting to take over his body. Yet this didn't feel bittersweet to me. I have high hopes Charlie gets to stay in control because of how strong he is, and that even if something happens, they would find a way to bring him back to himself because after all he's brave, brilliant CHARLIE and it's clear his bond with Sam and his found family overpowers any hold the darkness could try to take. It also reflects the fact that we all have inner demons but with our loved ones there to support us, it's possible to overcome them. It was so beautiful seeing Sam be there for him, ready to face it all together, dropping their loveable banter and being all "I am not having any of that 'I don't deserve you' bs" and choosing him despite the darkness now trapped inside. I'm just so happy they get to have their future together and that now, both being mirrored, the damage on their souls can be repaired. I'm honestly emotional writing this. It's just so nice to see such a healthy queer couple get a happy ending, especially in horror and despite the gritty strings attached. We don't see enough of that within this genre. It's truly refreshing!
The part I've looked forward to writing about the most is the representation in this book because it is BRILLIANT.
Both Sixteen Souls and Twelve Bones feature a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ characters. Charlie is gay, Sam is gay and trans (which was handled with such immense care and research, portraying both Sam's struggles but also his euphoria. I loved that it touched on the idea that Sam is already going through his journey as trans and that mirroring and having a ghost hijack his body would just worsen that. It feels so real to a lot of lived trans experiences), Mitch is bisexual, Heather is a lesbian (and we have tons of lesbians in this book! I think up to 3 relationships), Villiers and Reid are in a gay relationship and the coming out themes are always dealt with immensely well. I'm not sure if it's on purpose but the reaction to Charlie telling his parents about the ghosts felt so realistic to how a lot of parents act towards their children coming out, when it's just who they are, and meanwhile his actual coming out in book 1 was accepted instantly. It felt like such a nice breath of fresh air, and I love that the entire book has so much representation and diversity in it. We also get poc representation (especially with Leonie).
The book also features disability representation and two characters with Down syndrome. Charlie's disability (having lost his legs) is incredibly well portrayed. My dad is an amputee and I feel like a lot of books don't explore the struggles enough of having to wear prosthesis (like needing to clean it, the pain, what happens if you sweat too much, etc), but this does it brilliantly and I like that we get to see Charlie also using a wheelchair sometimes, showcasing that it's impossible to just use prosthesis all the time with the tol it takes on the stumps. The Down syndrome representation was also handled very well and I loved that one of them was a member of the hand. A lot of people love reducing other's to their disabilities or disorders, but I feel like this book does the opposite. It shows that people are so much more, and deserve to be included and portrayed as powerful people. As someone who is autistic, this touched a very warm spot for me.
Overall, this book was just amazing. Like seriously. Everything is perfect and makes sense and adds up and there's no threads left untied. I feel like It captures the true essence of what love is, and found family, while also executing a spooky, brilliant plot perfectly. I just love the ghosts and the seers and the world build. I think those who are fans of Jonathan Stroud would love this. It's just so unique and well written. This is absolutely going on my favourites shelf, and it's a clear 5-star read for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
I am not okay 😭
February 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book (Sixteen Souls) and when I finished that book, I was so excited to read this one, with Sam and Charlie getting to go on a date, and stuff at the beginning, I thought it would be more focused on them as a couple, but of course, the exact opposite happened.
Firstly, I think the plot to this book was more confusing than the first book, in that book, it was a bit tricky to follow along with at times but it wasn't much of an issue, however in this book, I couldn't keep up majority of the time, and found myself having to re-read whole sections of the book to figure what happened.
Secondly, I wanted to have more Sam and Charlie content in this book, but majority of the book they weren't even together, infact, most of the book was Charlie trying to save Sam, while Sam pushed him away like the plague, I know this is what teenagers are like when they have to discuss tricky topics, but not giving them more than 5 pages to actually talk one on one without the rest of the group or the ghosts butting in is just jarring to me.
The date scene was one of my least favourite parts of this book, I was really happy when the book started off with this, gor it to fall apart and the pair have to leave to help with ghost things again. I found this part extremely confusing and after a reread of the book, I still don't know why they had to leave the date.
The only other scene where Sam and Charlie got any alone time was the one in the bedroom, and I swear they had less than 5 minutes to be a couple before being pulled away from eachother for the sake of saving more ghosts, seriously? I just want them to be left alone for an week just to be able and actually be in a relationship, rather than be constantly pulled away from eachother.
I don't even want to get started on the ending, most of the book didn't upset me and I actually liked the fact that both of them were worried to communicate to eachother about stuff (as much as I wanted them to) as it is realistic to a relationship, but when Charlie had to have all of the wraiths inside of his body, really irritated me, this might have been a personal thing because I wanted my favourite book couple to be happy, but I just hated when they couldn't be together. I also hated how they didn't try anything but brute force, and containing them in Charlie, something that was introduced very late into the bookjust for the purpose of drama I think. Personally, I think there were so many other methods they could've used, like the black mirrors, and other spells and such the secret organisation could've done to help.
Personally, I think I would've prefered to just not read this book as I liked the ending that Charlie and Sam had together in the first book, and I didn't like the fact that Charlie is basically a husk of his old self and Mitch died to save his girlfriend, Mitch was one of my favourite of the backgroud characters.
Firstly, I think the plot to this book was more confusing than the first book, in that book, it was a bit tricky to follow along with at times but it wasn't much of an issue, however in this book, I couldn't keep up majority of the time, and found myself having to re-read whole sections of the book to figure what happened.
Secondly, I wanted to have more Sam and Charlie content in this book, but majority of the book they weren't even together, infact, most of the book was Charlie trying to save Sam, while Sam pushed him away like the plague, I know this is what teenagers are like when they have to discuss tricky topics, but not giving them more than 5 pages to actually talk one on one without the rest of the group or the ghosts butting in is just jarring to me.
The date scene was one of my least favourite parts of this book, I was really happy when the book started off with this, gor it to fall apart and the pair have to leave to help with ghost things again. I found this part extremely confusing and after a reread of the book, I still don't know why they had to leave the date.
The only other scene where Sam and Charlie got any alone time was the one in the bedroom, and I swear they had less than 5 minutes to be a couple before being pulled away from eachother for the sake of saving more ghosts, seriously? I just want them to be left alone for an week just to be able and actually be in a relationship, rather than be constantly pulled away from eachother.
I don't even want to get started on the ending, most of the book didn't upset me and I actually liked the fact that both of them were worried to communicate to eachother about stuff (as much as I wanted them to) as it is realistic to a relationship, but when Charlie had to have all of the wraiths inside of his body, really irritated me, this might have been a personal thing because I wanted my favourite book couple to be happy, but I just hated when they couldn't be together. I also hated how they didn't try anything but brute force, and containing them in Charlie, something that was introduced very late into the bookjust for the purpose of drama I think. Personally, I think there were so many other methods they could've used, like the black mirrors, and other spells and such the secret organisation could've done to help.
Personally, I think I would've prefered to just not read this book as I liked the ending that Charlie and Sam had together in the first book, and I didn't like the fact that Charlie is basically a husk of his old self and Mitch died to save his girlfriend, Mitch was one of my favourite of the backgroud characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
wtf 😭😭😭😭😭
Rosie why must you hurt me like this
I've never cried this much reading a damn book 😭
RiP mitch 😫
Rosie why must you hurt me like this
I've never cried this much reading a damn book 😭
RiP mitch 😫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
Devastating ending
February 11, 2025
I just spent the last hour sacrificing sleep and sobbing into my sweater. That is the only thing I have to say about this.
September 30, 2024
I love books that emotionally destroy me 😊
October 6, 2023
I loved the sequel just as much as I adored 16 Souls. I loved the heartwrenching, feet kicking adorable moments of Charlie head over heels in love with Sam. I loved the reveals as all the pieces came together and I cried several times. 1000/10 would recommend; to people that love LGBTQIA+ and disability rep in their books, to people that love characters (both living and dead) that feel like real people and to people that are looking for a heartwrenching and thrilling read filled with ghosts that's perfect for spooky season.
February 5, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
It has been exactly a month since I finished reading this book and I still don’t entirely know how I feel about it.
Sixteen Souls was a book that really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Because of this enjoyment, and in a mission to be a better person, I immediately picked up Twelve Bones. I am still not sure if this was the best or worst choice for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I think its quite clear to see an improvement in the authors writing coming into book 2. Talented though Talbot is, and fully acknowledging how much I enjoyed Sixteen Souls, I don’t think its unfair to say that it had a clear touch of “first novel” in some of the prose. Book 2 demonstrated Talbot’s growth in skill and I think this also made it an even easier read, but as a reader I think reading them so close together also made for a slightly stark comparison between the two.
Secondly, and without delving into spoiler territory, there is A Thing that happens in this book that I DESPISED with a passion (not because it was bad, it was super well written and I can see why the choice was made, it just hurt me and I hate that) and I think reading the two books so close together I had a much higher emotional investment than if I had read it a few months down the road. I still don’t know that I agree with the decision or think it a particularly smart one - in fact it might be the factor that decides if I read more in this series or not - but it was well written and intensely emotional.
Unrelated to my choice to read these books so close together, I think there were some other things that I found frustrating in this story - things I acknowledge that I might dislike because I am a grumpy old fart who gets frustrated with YA novels sometimes, as opposed to things being actually bad.
1. The characters are so dumb sometimes. Like I get that they are teens, deeply traumatised teens, but open ya dang peepers scooby-squad, there is a big sign outlined in flashing lights right in front of you proclaiming “TRAP!”
2. Some of the characters and plot lines were way over-simplified and yet still somehow perplexed the gang. I think there were elements that could have been better written to improve the plausibility whilst still keeping the YA/Jinkies! air of mystery.
3. The ending of this book was so fucking grim. I know YA can be dark too and I fully support stories having a sad side to them, but this felt like way too much - certainly more than I wanted or expected.
It should not go without saying that this book features phenomenal representation. Both books prominently feature BIPOC, queer, and disability rep that is imo well executed. The characters’ queerness, disability and race are all central to their identities in the most delightful ways and it is such a pleasure to read.
When I started writing this review, I still hadn’t rated this book. I didn’t want to do it a disservice by rating it the time I finished reading because I was emotional and pissed off by the ending. And if I am honest, I haven’t given this book much thought since I finished reading it. I don’t hold the book at fault for that - after all I have been re-reading the Stormlight Archive and that is such an unfair comparison - but I do think that is something I am now considering.
Overall I enjoyed book 1 considerably more than book 2, if only because of the ending in book 2, but I think book 2 was better written. I do recommend these books, especially to those who enjoy a spooky YA novel with incredible rep. But I do caution that some of the choices made will not resonate with everyone.
It has been exactly a month since I finished reading this book and I still don’t entirely know how I feel about it.
Sixteen Souls was a book that really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. Because of this enjoyment, and in a mission to be a better person, I immediately picked up Twelve Bones. I am still not sure if this was the best or worst choice for a number of reasons.
Firstly, I think its quite clear to see an improvement in the authors writing coming into book 2. Talented though Talbot is, and fully acknowledging how much I enjoyed Sixteen Souls, I don’t think its unfair to say that it had a clear touch of “first novel” in some of the prose. Book 2 demonstrated Talbot’s growth in skill and I think this also made it an even easier read, but as a reader I think reading them so close together also made for a slightly stark comparison between the two.
Secondly, and without delving into spoiler territory, there is A Thing that happens in this book that I DESPISED with a passion (not because it was bad, it was super well written and I can see why the choice was made, it just hurt me and I hate that) and I think reading the two books so close together I had a much higher emotional investment than if I had read it a few months down the road. I still don’t know that I agree with the decision or think it a particularly smart one - in fact it might be the factor that decides if I read more in this series or not - but it was well written and intensely emotional.
Unrelated to my choice to read these books so close together, I think there were some other things that I found frustrating in this story - things I acknowledge that I might dislike because I am a grumpy old fart who gets frustrated with YA novels sometimes, as opposed to things being actually bad.
1. The characters are so dumb sometimes. Like I get that they are teens, deeply traumatised teens, but open ya dang peepers scooby-squad, there is a big sign outlined in flashing lights right in front of you proclaiming “TRAP!”
2. Some of the characters and plot lines were way over-simplified and yet still somehow perplexed the gang. I think there were elements that could have been better written to improve the plausibility whilst still keeping the YA/Jinkies! air of mystery.
3. The ending of this book was so fucking grim. I know YA can be dark too and I fully support stories having a sad side to them, but this felt like way too much - certainly more than I wanted or expected.
It should not go without saying that this book features phenomenal representation. Both books prominently feature BIPOC, queer, and disability rep that is imo well executed. The characters’ queerness, disability and race are all central to their identities in the most delightful ways and it is such a pleasure to read.
When I started writing this review, I still hadn’t rated this book. I didn’t want to do it a disservice by rating it the time I finished reading because I was emotional and pissed off by the ending. And if I am honest, I haven’t given this book much thought since I finished reading it. I don’t hold the book at fault for that - after all I have been re-reading the Stormlight Archive and that is such an unfair comparison - but I do think that is something I am now considering.
Overall I enjoyed book 1 considerably more than book 2, if only because of the ending in book 2, but I think book 2 was better written. I do recommend these books, especially to those who enjoy a spooky YA novel with incredible rep. But I do caution that some of the choices made will not resonate with everyone.
September 6, 2024
I did not enjoy this sequel as much I enjoyed the first in the series. I did not refresh my memory by re-reading Sixteen Souls and in choosing not to do so I set myself up for some immediate confusion. The introductory chapters of this sequel were abrupt and jarring; it felt like I was beginning to start a journey already in progress and more disorienting than usual "in situ" starts.
I don't remember what Sam was like in the first book though his character seemed less present overall in this book as did Mitch (for reasons). I feel like Sam being mirrored by Tempest and feeling "settled" was a not so subtle reference to living as trans but i sort of wish he was unsettled by it as that would have tracked better with his shared thoughts and displayed behaviour -- a little rebellion instead of immediate symbiosis would have been enjoyable.
The main reason this sequel was frustrating (for me) was less about what was written and more about what was left out. I was really hoping that Charlie would start rescuing ghosts caught in death loops. In fact, I was hoping that this sequel would be about him learning to do just that and now it seems like that journey won't have any pay off. Charlie is now too all-powerful to be in peril in those death loops and it feels like he now has no reason to learn the craft carefully or slowly... he could just walk up to one, snap his fingers and free the ghost without any real danger. I really wanted that frozen boy to be released from his death loop.
As an aside, and it is a fault of my own skim reading, I couldn't differentiate more than 2-3 members of The Hand from all the rest. i still have no idea if Ariadne was a red head or is the red head was someone different nor can I remember if the cheerleader had Down's Syndrome or if that was just Leonie's brother. I don't blame that on the author, I was skimming but I also think that maybe there was no real investment in any of the members of The Hand.
I don't remember what Sam was like in the first book though his character seemed less present overall in this book as did Mitch (for reasons). I feel like Sam being mirrored by Tempest and feeling "settled" was a not so subtle reference to living as trans but i sort of wish he was unsettled by it as that would have tracked better with his shared thoughts and displayed behaviour -- a little rebellion instead of immediate symbiosis would have been enjoyable.
The main reason this sequel was frustrating (for me) was less about what was written and more about what was left out. I was really hoping that Charlie would start rescuing ghosts caught in death loops. In fact, I was hoping that this sequel would be about him learning to do just that and now it seems like that journey won't have any pay off. Charlie is now too all-powerful to be in peril in those death loops and it feels like he now has no reason to learn the craft carefully or slowly... he could just walk up to one, snap his fingers and free the ghost without any real danger. I really wanted that frozen boy to be released from his death loop.
As an aside, and it is a fault of my own skim reading, I couldn't differentiate more than 2-3 members of The Hand from all the rest. i still have no idea if Ariadne was a red head or is the red head was someone different nor can I remember if the cheerleader had Down's Syndrome or if that was just Leonie's brother. I don't blame that on the author, I was skimming but I also think that maybe there was no real investment in any of the members of The Hand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2024
so fuck meryem and viola oh my god. i am losing my mind over this book but like the second half in particular was insane, like holy shit. so bloody intense, i knew viola wasn’t to be trusted and how everything ended up being tied back to her?? even gates?? what a villain. but bruh mitch trading for leonie??? when he said “the stars have nothing on us” before vanishing into the void????? obsessed, if my love life isn’t like that i don’t want it lmao.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2023
I'm not okay with the ending....
December 22, 2023
Still enjoyable but it lacks the hopeful optimism of book 1. I wasn’t a fan of the ending and how the characters all went through so much more in book 2. I have emotional whiplash.
January 10, 2024
"Loathing and love are terrible things. They seem like opposites, but they shape you the same way."
"I'm enough and I always have been."
Oh. My. GHOSTS!
I'm ugly crying guys, I've never done that over a book before. Actual racking SOBS!
As far as sequels go, brilliant. Rosie made her world richer and her characters deeper.
I cannot express how marvellous this series is. Like genuinely cannot actually form the sentences (I did just finish the book so my eyes are still PUFFY).
Emotion is packed into every single page and it's done so perfectly. The way Roise comes back with those quotes in italics (y'know the ones I mean 🤣😭) at just the right moment we're like punches to the chest, so perfectly timed, we're inside Charlies head.
All along Charlies "super power" was emotion, he just couldn't see it because of everything he was wrestling with. That struggle feels so real and relatable and I connected with Charlie from the start.
The way he can read people's faces, physically see how they are feeling, it's an amazing thing to see from a reader's perspective as it helps us understand the story in a very emotion centric way, we understand as Charlie understands.
The mystery and the plot twists had me gasping for air! I'm so proud of myself for calling a few things, but even those took me for a loop and surprised me! Just when I thought I knew what would happen, NUP
I'm still struggling to form coherent thoughts right now so I might edit this later, but please, please read this series. The representation, the fear, the overflowing love, is intoxicating.
Thank you so much Rosie for this story ❤️ I cannot wait to see what else your magical brain will give us ❤️
"I'm enough and I always have been."
Oh. My. GHOSTS!
I'm ugly crying guys, I've never done that over a book before. Actual racking SOBS!
As far as sequels go, brilliant. Rosie made her world richer and her characters deeper.
I cannot express how marvellous this series is. Like genuinely cannot actually form the sentences (I did just finish the book so my eyes are still PUFFY).
Emotion is packed into every single page and it's done so perfectly. The way Roise comes back with those quotes in italics (y'know the ones I mean 🤣😭) at just the right moment we're like punches to the chest, so perfectly timed, we're inside Charlies head.
All along Charlies "super power" was emotion, he just couldn't see it because of everything he was wrestling with. That struggle feels so real and relatable and I connected with Charlie from the start.
The way he can read people's faces, physically see how they are feeling, it's an amazing thing to see from a reader's perspective as it helps us understand the story in a very emotion centric way, we understand as Charlie understands.
The mystery and the plot twists had me gasping for air! I'm so proud of myself for calling a few things, but even those took me for a loop and surprised me! Just when I thought I knew what would happen, NUP
I'm still struggling to form coherent thoughts right now so I might edit this later, but please, please read this series. The representation, the fear, the overflowing love, is intoxicating.
Thank you so much Rosie for this story ❤️ I cannot wait to see what else your magical brain will give us ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
"We don't owe anyone normal." Page 11
"That's the thing about death. It sneaks up on you." Page 82
""Love someone enough and you're capable of the worst things imaginable. You'll do anything to protect them. The same is true of loathing. Hate something or someone enough and you'll risk it all to tear them down. Loathing and love are terrible things. They seem like opposites, but they shape you the same way." Page 100
"Even the dead have ghost stories to tell." Page 133
"Death isn't the end of love, it amplifies it." Page 201
"Souls fuel life. Death is memory, history, it is the essence of a place and people." Page 279
"I don't want one life without the other. I'm made of both- every challenge, failure and triumph, every nightmare, every dream." Page 311
"Shit happens, life throws impossible things at us. We're gonna bruise and hurt and somehow find the courage to keep going." Page 385
"That's the thing about death. It sneaks up on you." Page 82
""Love someone enough and you're capable of the worst things imaginable. You'll do anything to protect them. The same is true of loathing. Hate something or someone enough and you'll risk it all to tear them down. Loathing and love are terrible things. They seem like opposites, but they shape you the same way." Page 100
"Even the dead have ghost stories to tell." Page 133
"Death isn't the end of love, it amplifies it." Page 201
"Souls fuel life. Death is memory, history, it is the essence of a place and people." Page 279
"I don't want one life without the other. I'm made of both- every challenge, failure and triumph, every nightmare, every dream." Page 311
"Shit happens, life throws impossible things at us. We're gonna bruise and hurt and somehow find the courage to keep going." Page 385
November 16, 2024
At first I didn't have all too high hopes for this book. It felt like it would just be a copy of the first book with just a different story-line but boy, was I wrong!
It says a lot when you keep reading a book until the early hours to finish it and I had to for this book.
Without any spoilers, prepare yourself for a heart-wrenching, mystery-filled story that'll keep you guessing what'll happen next.
I sincerely hope more sequels will come out because this isn't the end of Team Specre, it's just the beginning.
It says a lot when you keep reading a book until the early hours to finish it and I had to for this book.
Without any spoilers, prepare yourself for a heart-wrenching, mystery-filled story that'll keep you guessing what'll happen next.
I sincerely hope more sequels will come out because this isn't the end of Team Specre, it's just the beginning.
December 27, 2023
Te veel personages en het verhaal werd soms wel erg complex met al het liegen en backstabben, maar weer een heel tof en meeslepend boek. De schrijfstijl is prettig, de worldbuilding gaaf, ik rootte echt voor onze helden en ik heb keihard zitten janken tijdens de ontknoping, al voelde sommige dingen wel een beetje makkelijk/te snel. Hopelijk komt er een derde boek!
January 12, 2024
I am devastated
Sam. A legend. Love him.
Charlie. So relatable with self-doubt.
Supporting characters. Amazing.
Casual representation. Banger.
Plot. Full of tension. Was terrified to continue reading at some points.
The ending. Gave me whiplash.
Recommended? 100%
Now please ignore my sobs while I try to figure out what to do to feel happy again.
Sam. A legend. Love him.
Charlie. So relatable with self-doubt.
Supporting characters. Amazing.
Casual representation. Banger.
Plot. Full of tension. Was terrified to continue reading at some points.
The ending. Gave me whiplash.
Recommended? 100%
Now please ignore my sobs while I try to figure out what to do to feel happy again.
November 1, 2023
Couldn't wait to catch up with Charlie, Sam and their ghostly found family as they battle new threats and challenges in this fabulous sequel to Sixteen Souls.
I loved Rosie's rich world building with an even deeper dive into York's ghostly and magical secrets. Perfect pacing culminating in a thrilling but completely heart-rending finale.
An absolute must read for Halloween.
I loved Rosie's rich world building with an even deeper dive into York's ghostly and magical secrets. Perfect pacing culminating in a thrilling but completely heart-rending finale.
An absolute must read for Halloween.
May 17, 2024
I enjoyed this much more than the first book in the series. The characters felt like real people and the magic is so cool and unique! I am struggling a bit with the ending. It’s not at all what I expected and while it’s hopeful it’s also messy and sad. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was hoping for. I do enjoy this world and it’s magic, though.
October 17, 2024
I love how wholesome these books are!! This was the perfect autumnal read and an amazing sequel to ‘Sixteen Souls’!! I highly recommend these books if you’re a fan of ‘Cemetery Boys’ and ‘Heartstopper’!
November 2, 2024
This series is just getting better. I cannot wait for the 3rd instalment of this series to follow Sam, Charlie and the gang in their spooky adventures. This series is dark, thrilling, exciting and has its funny moments. This is one of those occasions where the sequel is better than the original. I
November 28, 2023
Must say, the ending was nothing I was hoping for, it was really messy but still happy I got another part of this wild story !
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