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Bone Covenant
England, 1348. The Black Death has taken half the village. Then it takes Elsbeth.
Else—healer's daughter, herbwoman, the last person in Ashenmere still boiling water instead of praying—dies of plague and is thrown into a mass grave.
Three days later, she claws her way out.
The buboes are gone. Her blood runs dark beneath her skin. And when she touches the dying, they heal.
The Church sends Brother Callum to investigate—a monk with bruised knees and a faith held together by discipline alone. He expects a fraud. He finds a woman covered in grave dirt, saving lives the Church has already given up on. He also finds something the Church cannot an ancient stone beneath a ruined chapel, carved with symbols older than Latin, sealing away a force that has been waiting since before Rome, before language, before memory.
The plague is not just disease. It is the breath of something buried—something vast and patient and lonely—pressing against a seal that has held for centuries. Else's blood is either the lock or the key. And the Church would rather burn her than find out which.
As the dead begin to rise and whisper in a language no one recognizes, Else and Callum must uncover the truth of a covenant written in bone and blood while fighting an institution that will destroy them both before it admits holiness exists outside its walls.
Bone Covenant is a dark gothic fantasy romance set in the world of the Black Death—a story of forbidden love between a healer and a monk, a found family forged in plague and fire, and an ancient horror that isn't evil. Just forgotten. And forgetting is what woke it up.
Content Plague-era death and illness, religious persecution, body horror, on-page intimacy. Medium heat.
Else—healer's daughter, herbwoman, the last person in Ashenmere still boiling water instead of praying—dies of plague and is thrown into a mass grave.
Three days later, she claws her way out.
The buboes are gone. Her blood runs dark beneath her skin. And when she touches the dying, they heal.
The Church sends Brother Callum to investigate—a monk with bruised knees and a faith held together by discipline alone. He expects a fraud. He finds a woman covered in grave dirt, saving lives the Church has already given up on. He also finds something the Church cannot an ancient stone beneath a ruined chapel, carved with symbols older than Latin, sealing away a force that has been waiting since before Rome, before language, before memory.
The plague is not just disease. It is the breath of something buried—something vast and patient and lonely—pressing against a seal that has held for centuries. Else's blood is either the lock or the key. And the Church would rather burn her than find out which.
As the dead begin to rise and whisper in a language no one recognizes, Else and Callum must uncover the truth of a covenant written in bone and blood while fighting an institution that will destroy them both before it admits holiness exists outside its walls.
Bone Covenant is a dark gothic fantasy romance set in the world of the Black Death—a story of forbidden love between a healer and a monk, a found family forged in plague and fire, and an ancient horror that isn't evil. Just forgotten. And forgetting is what woke it up.
Content Plague-era death and illness, religious persecution, body horror, on-page intimacy. Medium heat.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2026
About the author
Kate Seger
141 books145 followersKate is a book worm, dog mom, and world-builder, living on the banks of the Hudson River in NY. Her #lifegoal is to be kidnapped by the Fae or stumble into a portal and be transported to a magical land.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
A lover of mythology and fairy tales, Kate writes YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. Her first novel, "The Wood Witch's Daughter," just launched on April 20th!
She has since thrown herself into the chaotic mayhem that passes for her writing process in an attempt to write the sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 15, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that has completely consumed me. From the stunning gothic cover to the final page, Bone Covenant was less of a read and more of a cinematic obsession. The prose is mesmerizing and dark, pulling me into a world so vivid it felt like a movie playing in my mind. I was hooked from the very first sentence, and my desperation for the next installment is now truly immeasurable.
My Reactions & Emotions:
• The Genre Blend: This story feels like a brilliant Gothic Eldritch horror take on Christian historical fiction. What makes this book a standout is its sophisticated use of Christian iconography and profound biblical parallels. The author crafts a stunning comparison between the FMC, Elsbeth (Else), and Jesus Christ that felt daring and semi-blasphemous, and deeply respectful of the Gothic tradition. Watching Else take on the suffering of her village, facing a "death" and subsequent "resurrection" after three days, provided a depth of feeling I haven't found elsewhere.
• Terrifying Imagery: One sequence that will stay with me forever involves Else being buried alive. The sheer horror of her having to claw her way out of the grave—and the fact that she was almost indifferent to the terror of it—was chilling. The imagery was absolutely amazing; it perfectly captured the "changed" nature of her character in a way that was both haunting and beautiful.
• The "Saint vs. Abomination" Conflict: I was vibrating with curiosity as the story explored the true nature of Else's transformation. The book asks a fascinating question: Is she a Saint, a Witch, or something Eldritch? The way she manifests a purifying force against the encroaching darkness—reminiscent of the healing power of a miracle—was a brilliant, intellectually stimulating subversion of typical horror tropes.
The Dynamics & Style:
The "household" that forms around Else—including the devoted and inquisitive Brother Callum—is a highlight of the narrative. Their bond felt organic, forged through trial and a shared mission. Regarding the romance: it is handled with a "behind closed doors" approach. There are references to intimacy without being graphic, which fit the heavy, spiritual, and high-stakes tone of the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
I cannot recommend this book enough; it is immersive, dark, and intellectually profound. The blend of Eldritch horror with historical religious themes creates a unique tension that kept me in a state of constant awe. If you love dark fantasy that isn't afraid to tackle complex symbolism and soul-deep stakes, you need to read this immediately.
This book is a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that has completely consumed me. From the stunning gothic cover to the final page, Bone Covenant was less of a read and more of a cinematic obsession. The prose is mesmerizing and dark, pulling me into a world so vivid it felt like a movie playing in my mind. I was hooked from the very first sentence, and my desperation for the next installment is now truly immeasurable.
My Reactions & Emotions:
• The Genre Blend: This story feels like a brilliant Gothic Eldritch horror take on Christian historical fiction. What makes this book a standout is its sophisticated use of Christian iconography and profound biblical parallels. The author crafts a stunning comparison between the FMC, Elsbeth (Else), and Jesus Christ that felt daring and semi-blasphemous, and deeply respectful of the Gothic tradition. Watching Else take on the suffering of her village, facing a "death" and subsequent "resurrection" after three days, provided a depth of feeling I haven't found elsewhere.
• Terrifying Imagery: One sequence that will stay with me forever involves Else being buried alive. The sheer horror of her having to claw her way out of the grave—and the fact that she was almost indifferent to the terror of it—was chilling. The imagery was absolutely amazing; it perfectly captured the "changed" nature of her character in a way that was both haunting and beautiful.
• The "Saint vs. Abomination" Conflict: I was vibrating with curiosity as the story explored the true nature of Else's transformation. The book asks a fascinating question: Is she a Saint, a Witch, or something Eldritch? The way she manifests a purifying force against the encroaching darkness—reminiscent of the healing power of a miracle—was a brilliant, intellectually stimulating subversion of typical horror tropes.
The Dynamics & Style:
The "household" that forms around Else—including the devoted and inquisitive Brother Callum—is a highlight of the narrative. Their bond felt organic, forged through trial and a shared mission. Regarding the romance: it is handled with a "behind closed doors" approach. There are references to intimacy without being graphic, which fit the heavy, spiritual, and high-stakes tone of the story perfectly.
Final Thoughts:
I cannot recommend this book enough; it is immersive, dark, and intellectually profound. The blend of Eldritch horror with historical religious themes creates a unique tension that kept me in a state of constant awe. If you love dark fantasy that isn't afraid to tackle complex symbolism and soul-deep stakes, you need to read this immediately.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to Book Sirens and Kate Seger for an ARC of Bone Covenant by Kate Seger.
All thoughts and reviews are solely my own.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
A deadly plague covers England killing entire villages. Else of Ashenmere, the healer’s daughter, first buries her mother then succumbs to the same illness before being buried in the same mass grave. Three days later, she crawls out of the grave with dark blood in her veins and the ability to heal the plague with her touch.
The Church sends Brother Callum to investigate and determine if she is a saint or a witch. What he finds is more than either description. Together they, and the growing community that gathers around Else, begin to piece together the mysteries of Else’s gifts, the seal under the church ruins on the hill, the hum that comes from the ground, and the Hollowed, the shuffling dead that only Else can destroy. Can they find the answer they need before the plague or the Church ends Else?
Review:
This is a plot forward book with a sweet but minimal romance element and strong found family. I loved the way Seger blended the grief and horrors of the plague with supernatural elements to craft a story about destiny, finding community, understanding faith, and the strength of women throughout the ages.
Else is an amazing character that can be strong and vulnerable, caring and hard. It’s her humanity that makes her an excellent healer and bone woman. And why, I believe, she was chosen. She is a HUGE reason I loved this story and I can’t wait for the second book, Bone Reliquary.
There are so many excellent themes and plots that Seger covers in this book. Religious persecution and finding what faith means to you is a strong message throughout the book. Yes, Else feels this as someone being investigated by the Church, but she is not the only one that questions their faith. Seeing how each person looks at that aspect of themselves and moves forward after everything that happens is impactful.
All of these big thoughts and feelings are woven together in an incredible story that I will definitely be recommending going forward.
All thoughts and reviews are solely my own.
4 Stars
Synopsis:
A deadly plague covers England killing entire villages. Else of Ashenmere, the healer’s daughter, first buries her mother then succumbs to the same illness before being buried in the same mass grave. Three days later, she crawls out of the grave with dark blood in her veins and the ability to heal the plague with her touch.
The Church sends Brother Callum to investigate and determine if she is a saint or a witch. What he finds is more than either description. Together they, and the growing community that gathers around Else, begin to piece together the mysteries of Else’s gifts, the seal under the church ruins on the hill, the hum that comes from the ground, and the Hollowed, the shuffling dead that only Else can destroy. Can they find the answer they need before the plague or the Church ends Else?
Review:
This is a plot forward book with a sweet but minimal romance element and strong found family. I loved the way Seger blended the grief and horrors of the plague with supernatural elements to craft a story about destiny, finding community, understanding faith, and the strength of women throughout the ages.
Else is an amazing character that can be strong and vulnerable, caring and hard. It’s her humanity that makes her an excellent healer and bone woman. And why, I believe, she was chosen. She is a HUGE reason I loved this story and I can’t wait for the second book, Bone Reliquary.
There are so many excellent themes and plots that Seger covers in this book. Religious persecution and finding what faith means to you is a strong message throughout the book. Yes, Else feels this as someone being investigated by the Church, but she is not the only one that questions their faith. Seeing how each person looks at that aspect of themselves and moves forward after everything that happens is impactful.
All of these big thoughts and feelings are woven together in an incredible story that I will definitely be recommending going forward.
May 2, 2026
The Bone Covenant by Kate Seger is a dark, imaginative retelling of the plague that feels both haunting and deeply human. From the very beginning, it’s nearly impossible to put down. Seger crafts a world steeped in dread and uncertainty, yet threaded with resilience, care, and quiet defiance.
What stands out most is the novel’s focus on the overlooked role of women in times of crisis. The story highlights how women have long been central to healing, early medicine, and the survival of their communities; though they were often overlooked or, in many cases, persecuted, their healing practices branded as witchcraft. These portrayals feel both intimate and powerful, grounding the story’s darker elements in emotional truth.
The atmosphere is rich with a sense of ancient magic, woven seamlessly into the historical backdrop. Rather than overwhelming the narrative, these mystical elements deepen it, adding layers of meaning to the characters’ struggles and choices. At its heart, the book is also about found family—the fragile yet profound bonds formed in the face of fear and loss.
This book is perfect for readers who are drawn to dark historical fiction infused with magic, and who appreciate stories that center resilience, overlooked voices, and the power of found family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What stands out most is the novel’s focus on the overlooked role of women in times of crisis. The story highlights how women have long been central to healing, early medicine, and the survival of their communities; though they were often overlooked or, in many cases, persecuted, their healing practices branded as witchcraft. These portrayals feel both intimate and powerful, grounding the story’s darker elements in emotional truth.
The atmosphere is rich with a sense of ancient magic, woven seamlessly into the historical backdrop. Rather than overwhelming the narrative, these mystical elements deepen it, adding layers of meaning to the characters’ struggles and choices. At its heart, the book is also about found family—the fragile yet profound bonds formed in the face of fear and loss.
This book is perfect for readers who are drawn to dark historical fiction infused with magic, and who appreciate stories that center resilience, overlooked voices, and the power of found family.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2026
Bone Covenant completely pulled me under from the very first pages and didn’t really give me a chance to come up for air.
There’s a stark, haunting quality to this story that I really loved. It feels heavy in the best way—like every choice, every secret, every connection carries real weight. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts for me; it’s dark, immersive, and lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
What I appreciated most was how emotionally invested I became in the characters. They’re not easy to pin down, and they definitely don’t make simple choices, but that complexity is what kept me hooked. I found myself constantly trying to understand their motives, especially when loyalty and survival start to blur together.
The story itself unfolds with a slow, steady tension that builds really well. There’s a sense of inevitability running through it that I found both frustrating and addictive—in the best way. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and then suddenly I was far deeper into the story than I planned.
There are also moments of vulnerability that hit surprisingly hard. For such a dark and intense book, those quieter emotional beats stood out even more, and they made the stakes feel real rather than just abstract.
There’s a stark, haunting quality to this story that I really loved. It feels heavy in the best way—like every choice, every secret, every connection carries real weight. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts for me; it’s dark, immersive, and lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
What I appreciated most was how emotionally invested I became in the characters. They’re not easy to pin down, and they definitely don’t make simple choices, but that complexity is what kept me hooked. I found myself constantly trying to understand their motives, especially when loyalty and survival start to blur together.
The story itself unfolds with a slow, steady tension that builds really well. There’s a sense of inevitability running through it that I found both frustrating and addictive—in the best way. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and then suddenly I was far deeper into the story than I planned.
There are also moments of vulnerability that hit surprisingly hard. For such a dark and intense book, those quieter emotional beats stood out even more, and they made the stakes feel real rather than just abstract.
May 15, 2026
The story is a cautionary gothic tale in the times of plague. Else, the village's healer, is a single young woman who learned the trade from working with her mother. A miraculous thing occurs whereby the local bishop catches wind of potential heresy and sends a monk to investigate. Callum is determined to keep himself as remote as possible, but Else has a gift of attracting the outliers. They come from the village itself and a journey of nine months of walking and in between.
There is an enemy, but it's not one that the church fears.
What I enjoyed about this story is how Else embraces those around her. Her capacity for forgiveness while also not liking you very much at that moment (it happens to a character, and ooh, I'm glad I did not have to witness it myself directly) is very human, and I love how loyal and pragmatic she is. She watches over the young Anna and the village and her found family. She puts everyone to work in their best capacity. And she finds a way to keep the village safe, playing the long game to keep the church at arm's reach.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it's also a happy-for-now. I'm excited to read book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is an enemy, but it's not one that the church fears.
What I enjoyed about this story is how Else embraces those around her. Her capacity for forgiveness while also not liking you very much at that moment (it happens to a character, and ooh, I'm glad I did not have to witness it myself directly) is very human, and I love how loyal and pragmatic she is. She watches over the young Anna and the village and her found family. She puts everyone to work in their best capacity. And she finds a way to keep the village safe, playing the long game to keep the church at arm's reach.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but it's also a happy-for-now. I'm excited to read book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
May 4, 2026The story is set during a deadly plague, where people are dying every day. We follow Else, a healer who takes care of the sick in her village after her mother's death. The opening itself is very heavy and emotional, showing how tired, scared, and as well as strong she is at the same time .
The sickness, the fear, the empty streets, and the grief are written in such a powerful way. Else is not a perfect FMC, she is exhausted, sometimes angry but still trying to help everyone.
The bond between Else and little Anna is one of the most touching parts. Their bond shows how people still care for each other even when everything is falling apart . The writing style is slow but it's beautiful focusing more on feelings and atmosphere. Some pf the scenes are very intense especially when Else realizes she is also getting sick and that part really hit hard.
Then the story takes a surprising turn, moves from just historical sickness to something darker and almost supernatural. The scenes after her death and what happens next are very different, but also very interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The sickness, the fear, the empty streets, and the grief are written in such a powerful way. Else is not a perfect FMC, she is exhausted, sometimes angry but still trying to help everyone.
The bond between Else and little Anna is one of the most touching parts. Their bond shows how people still care for each other even when everything is falling apart . The writing style is slow but it's beautiful focusing more on feelings and atmosphere. Some pf the scenes are very intense especially when Else realizes she is also getting sick and that part really hit hard.
Then the story takes a surprising turn, moves from just historical sickness to something darker and almost supernatural. The scenes after her death and what happens next are very different, but also very interesting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2026
The Bone Covenant was such a lyrical, intense read, blending historical fiction with the supernatural, and it puts an interesting twist on stories of witchcraft and what it means to find a family. Set against the backdrop of the Black Death in England, Else is a healer with a strange gift: she feels a deep, unexplainable connection to a presence in the earth. After she, herself, catches the plague and miraculously recovers, she finds that her blood is imbued with an even stranger ability: to heal those infected with the plague. Her ability does not go unnoticed, though, and she soon attracts the attention of many, some of whom are friendly and many of whom are not.
This is a tale of found family, of supernatural gifts, and the stark and brutal truth of what it means to sacrifice for others. The setting is wonderfully rendered, the conflicts are rich and multilayered, and the stakes are high. I enjoyed this book so much and can't wait for book 2!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a tale of found family, of supernatural gifts, and the stark and brutal truth of what it means to sacrifice for others. The setting is wonderfully rendered, the conflicts are rich and multilayered, and the stakes are high. I enjoyed this book so much and can't wait for book 2!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2026
The Bone Covenant will absolutely stick with me between the terrifying but exquisite descriptions of Else crawling out of the grave and the Hollowed to the way Seger covered themes such as the matriarchy vs the patriarchy. This book highlights that community, change, and love don’t come without challenges.
While pitting herbal work/medical knowledge and religion against each other isn’t a new idea, Seger did it in a beautiful way. I enjoyed the story taking it farther back to when the stone would have been revered. It really brought humanity and community together for me.
I absolutely moved the makeshift family that all came together for Else. I enjoyed Callum’s and Else’s relationship. I felt that even with minor characters like Godwin there was enough character development to really understand their reasonings for their actions.
I am looking forward to book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While pitting herbal work/medical knowledge and religion against each other isn’t a new idea, Seger did it in a beautiful way. I enjoyed the story taking it farther back to when the stone would have been revered. It really brought humanity and community together for me.
I absolutely moved the makeshift family that all came together for Else. I enjoyed Callum’s and Else’s relationship. I felt that even with minor characters like Godwin there was enough character development to really understand their reasonings for their actions.
I am looking forward to book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2026
A very intriguing take on witchcraft, “zombies”, and a plague. A very plot driven story of a woman that is part of an ancient coven that her mother never told her about. A plague ravages the small parish of Ashenmere. Else is just a healer trying to help her village get passed the sickness when it takes her down, but she doesn’t stay down and word spreads of what she can do. The Priory sends Brother Callum to find out whether she is spiritual or heresy but it is so much more.
I really enjoyed this different take on a plague and witchcraft. The story though slow still moved in a way that kept me wanting to read. A gothic horror with fantasy/paranormal elements in 14th century England where the church has all and final decisions on what is to be believed and practiced. Thank you BookSirens and Kate Sager for a copy of The Bone Covenant.
I really enjoyed this different take on a plague and witchcraft. The story though slow still moved in a way that kept me wanting to read. A gothic horror with fantasy/paranormal elements in 14th century England where the church has all and final decisions on what is to be believed and practiced. Thank you BookSirens and Kate Sager for a copy of The Bone Covenant.
Review of advance copy
All in all a fun read, with a historical/religious aspect (plot loosely based on).
It was a slow paced read but when the action hit in several points of the book it gripped you and left you intrigued at what was going to come next.
The romance was a very very slow burn would lived to have had more. I'm assuming the book was YA hence why the romance was very timid, but the connection the fmc and the mmc had was sweet.
Even though it wasnt a true fact story i liked the plague, witchcraft and religious aspect, and the sort of zombie vibes added into the mix.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a slow paced read but when the action hit in several points of the book it gripped you and left you intrigued at what was going to come next.
The romance was a very very slow burn would lived to have had more. I'm assuming the book was YA hence why the romance was very timid, but the connection the fmc and the mmc had was sweet.
Even though it wasnt a true fact story i liked the plague, witchcraft and religious aspect, and the sort of zombie vibes added into the mix.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2026
Set a few centuries before the notorious witch trials and in a world ravaged by the Black Death, we are transported to a period of religious persecution and superstition is just as fatal as the illness itself. We follow Else, a healer navigating these perilous times. I love the detail described about her life and the people around her, and what her mother didn't tell her. The narrative is evocative, leaving the reader not only seeing but also smelling, the desperation of the villagers, throwing you deeper in. I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2026
This book was absolutely beautiful. The characters so well written, the relationships and emotions were so real they were their own characters, and while there are MCs, the side characters are just as important and real. The plot was just enough Supernatural (later seasons), the camaraderie just enough Buffy (early seasons), and the writing felt like all the subtlety and tension of great British period dramas (Mr. Darcy). And in the end, the one who made me cry a little wasn't the one I expected. I can't wait for the story to continue.
May 13, 2026
This was a unique perspective on the Black Death. This is about what started it and ended. This is heavy in a way that sits with you. Like a steady pressure that never goes away. We have what came before and the questions that come from that. I love the strong FMCs and how that strength is subtle. It's in the everyday actions not the extravagant actions. How she draws everyone to her and then doesn't ask anything of them. I love the world, it's normal with just a little more.
Read
May 15, 2026Another beautiful story about a bunch of lost souls finding each other and becoming a family. I loved the whole cast of characters and once again loved the strong female lead. This story had bits of some of the author's previous books while still forming a new story on its own. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2026
What a wonderful read on early day historical magical fiction. I am excited for book two to come out.
The writing and world were described in great detail, and I could picture myself in the novel alongside the characters. There’s a haunting quality to the story which really captivated me. The actions of all of the characters held real weight for the timeline. The story is captured in and I could feel a deep sense of connection to them.
I will be looking forward to reading book 2.
I received this as an ARC through Booksprout - thank you to the author and publisher for the chance.
The writing and world were described in great detail, and I could picture myself in the novel alongside the characters. There’s a haunting quality to the story which really captivated me. The actions of all of the characters held real weight for the timeline. The story is captured in and I could feel a deep sense of connection to them.
I will be looking forward to reading book 2.
I received this as an ARC through Booksprout - thank you to the author and publisher for the chance.
May 2, 2026
I did finish the book, but it was hard for me to stay interest in it. I almost DNF'd it. I don't know if it's because I was kind of in a slump
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews