What do you think?
Rate this book
Bones #1
Bones: A Novel
Bones was born with the miraculous power to heal, but all her gift has brought is death.
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.
After finally escaping the ruthless raiders who imprisoned her for twelve long years, Bones is haunted by her past and desperate for atonement. Freedom is short-lived, however, as the rumors of her abilities catch up to her. Dragged to the northwest mountain stronghold known as the Vault, Bones finds herself involuntarily drawn to the tight-knit crew who captured her, and the feelings she begins to develop for Trey, the heart of the crew, scare her more than all the horrors of her past.
Bones struggles to maintain her distance, navigate her trauma, and deal with the new horrifying ways her healing powers are used to root out a budding revolution. As her defenses slowly break down, everything she believes about herself and the world is challenged, forcing her to confront the question: what are you surviving for?
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.
After finally escaping the ruthless raiders who imprisoned her for twelve long years, Bones is haunted by her past and desperate for atonement. Freedom is short-lived, however, as the rumors of her abilities catch up to her. Dragged to the northwest mountain stronghold known as the Vault, Bones finds herself involuntarily drawn to the tight-knit crew who captured her, and the feelings she begins to develop for Trey, the heart of the crew, scare her more than all the horrors of her past.
Bones struggles to maintain her distance, navigate her trauma, and deal with the new horrifying ways her healing powers are used to root out a budding revolution. As her defenses slowly break down, everything she believes about herself and the world is challenged, forcing her to confront the question: what are you surviving for?
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
About the author
K.L. Speer
2 books782 followersK.L. Speer, or Kelsey, is a writer and artist living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, two children, and numerous animals. She grew up on a quiet hobby farm in remote northwestern Montana, tending goats and chickens, exploring the woods with a vivid imagination, and devouring every book within reach.
Kelsey started writing her first novel at twelve, but tragically, the pink floppy disc holding it was lost. Over the years, she wrote countless stories—sometimes for fun, sometimes as a refuge during mental health struggles. As an adult diagnosed with ADHD, she finally completed a project and embraced self-publishing with the story Bones. Drawing on her art and design background, she created the art, covers, and layout for the indie editions of The Bones Series. Her mental health journey deeply influences her portrayal of raw, emotional characters and the transformative strength of found family.
Kelsey started writing her first novel at twelve, but tragically, the pink floppy disc holding it was lost. Over the years, she wrote countless stories—sometimes for fun, sometimes as a refuge during mental health struggles. As an adult diagnosed with ADHD, she finally completed a project and embraced self-publishing with the story Bones. Drawing on her art and design background, she created the art, covers, and layout for the indie editions of The Bones Series. Her mental health journey deeply influences her portrayal of raw, emotional characters and the transformative strength of found family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,863 reviews
January 19, 2026
I made a mistake.
I read the reviews and have a sneaking suspicion on how this one ends. I don't want to continue if that's the ending but I also want to know for sure. UGHHHHHHH.
UPDATE:
Yeahhhhh... it went how I expected. Thirteen hours invested into this audiobook that I can't get that time back.
The Review
For the past twelve years, she's been the personal healer for a raider gang leader - and while her skills (technically, her healing magic) allowed her to stay alive, she wasn't exactly living.
She survived - but the weight of the sins she committed to keep herself safe weighs her down.
But in other ways, her life is worse than before. The fierce Madame runs the vault and she finds delight in Bones's healing abilities. After all, the torture sessions can last so much longer now...
Bones must decide - to stay in the Vault and heal whomever she can or to leave it all behind?
So. SO. I really wanted to like this book.
I liked the character of Bones - a healer with blood on her hands, who just wants to make the world better but is also scarred and traumatized by the past.
But the major issue I had with this book is that it's very one-note. Bones spends a realistic amount of time traumatized - which I do give credit to the author for keeping the timeline so grounded - but at the same time, when I'm on hour 10 of the audiobook, I do want MORE to have happened by then.
Now, I do acknowledge that there's no timeline on healing from trauma... but this is a book and over 70% of the story shouldn't be circling the same exact plot points. And yes, Bones does make micro steps forward...but it felt like every time she inched forward, she'd deliberately take two steps back.
Additionally, the world building felt very limited - we know there's something that happened to the world but nothing ever felt very fleshed out. Bones was with one gang, then she's at her clinic and sometimes pokes her head out here and there, but we don't really get anything concrete.
So, if there isn't much world-building, and the character circles her trauma on repeat...there isn't really much happening in the book. Yes, technically there were little things that did progress, but in a whole, it just circled the same plot points over and over. I found it frustrating and honestly, more than a little boring.
And finally, what really brought it down for me was the
This is one of those rare times where the ending knocked extra stars off of the book for me. I feel so annoyed that I honestly don't know if I want to invest time into book 2.
UPDATE:
Yeahhhhh... it went how I expected. Thirteen hours invested into this audiobook that I can't get that time back.
The Review
At twenty-two years old, Bones has been through hell and she's done. With it all.
“I didn't want to talk. I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to be.”
For the past twelve years, she's been the personal healer for a raider gang leader - and while her skills (technically, her healing magic) allowed her to stay alive, she wasn't exactly living.
She survived - but the weight of the sins she committed to keep herself safe weighs her down.
But when she finally saw the chance to escape - she took it...and immediately was captured by another gang. Though this one claims they're different.
"Do you feel responsible every time you can’t heal someone?"
"I've watched so many people die," I whispered. "People I could've saved with my powers."
Regardless, Bones is now stuck in "the Vault" but in some ways her life has improved. She can heal anyone - regardless of their status - and then there's Trey. The enigmatic man she healed right before she was captured - the only person she can never truly push away.
"You’re not the only one who doesn’t have a choice, Bones. Maybe if you stopped trying to be a godsdamned martyr, you’d see that."
But in other ways, her life is worse than before. The fierce Madame runs the vault and she finds delight in Bones's healing abilities. After all, the torture sessions can last so much longer now...
Bones must decide - to stay in the Vault and heal whomever she can or to leave it all behind?
So. SO. I really wanted to like this book.
I liked the character of Bones - a healer with blood on her hands, who just wants to make the world better but is also scarred and traumatized by the past.
But the major issue I had with this book is that it's very one-note. Bones spends a realistic amount of time traumatized - which I do give credit to the author for keeping the timeline so grounded - but at the same time, when I'm on hour 10 of the audiobook, I do want MORE to have happened by then.
Now, I do acknowledge that there's no timeline on healing from trauma... but this is a book and over 70% of the story shouldn't be circling the same exact plot points. And yes, Bones does make micro steps forward...but it felt like every time she inched forward, she'd deliberately take two steps back.
Additionally, the world building felt very limited - we know there's something that happened to the world but nothing ever felt very fleshed out. Bones was with one gang, then she's at her clinic and sometimes pokes her head out here and there, but we don't really get anything concrete.
So, if there isn't much world-building, and the character circles her trauma on repeat...there isn't really much happening in the book. Yes, technically there were little things that did progress, but in a whole, it just circled the same plot points over and over. I found it frustrating and honestly, more than a little boring.
And finally, what really brought it down for me was the
This is one of those rare times where the ending knocked extra stars off of the book for me. I feel so annoyed that I honestly don't know if I want to invest time into book 2.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️ "You’re a river. You don’t break, you bend."
"“Darlin’,” he interrupted, his voice rough with emotion, “I’ll find you again in another lifetime. Maybe there we’ll have more time.” His voice cracked. “I love you.”"
I had the indie books Bones and Fangs sitting on my shelf for so long that it took receiving an ARC to finally give me the push to start reading. And let me tell you I am not sorry I picked this up!
This was everything I could have wanted in a dystopian fantasy. The romance stayed a subplot, which I absolutely loved, and I went in completely blind, not even knowing who the love interest was. Some of my predictions ended up being right, and I had a feeling where the story was headed, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I loved every minute of it.
Bones has the gift of healing, but because of it she’s been used, abused, and hurt for most of her life. Those experiences make it difficult for her to trust others or accept kindness without expecting something in return. She’s selfless, resilient, brave. I really loved her character, and watching her learn to love and trust. I liked Tray too, he was kind and patient with Bones..
“Godsdamnit, Bones, I’m here ’cause I love you,” he said, sudden and unguarded, shocking me into silence. “Have loved you practically since you saved my life on that rooftop. And I’m not expecting anything of you, but I’m here ’cause I want to be here with you.”
But I have to admit I liked Mac even more!
And that ending! Thankfully, I already have Fangs sitting on my shelf because there is no way I could wait long before diving into book two. All I'll say is this ended in a cliff-hanger!
~Pre-Read~Who else received an ARC copy? I did! I have very high hopes for this one. The physical copy has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, so I’m thrilled to finally dive in! PLEASE BE GOOD... A dystopian-post-apocalyptic Romantasy!!!
"“Darlin’,” he interrupted, his voice rough with emotion, “I’ll find you again in another lifetime. Maybe there we’ll have more time.” His voice cracked. “I love you.”"
I had the indie books Bones and Fangs sitting on my shelf for so long that it took receiving an ARC to finally give me the push to start reading. And let me tell you I am not sorry I picked this up!
This was everything I could have wanted in a dystopian fantasy. The romance stayed a subplot, which I absolutely loved, and I went in completely blind, not even knowing who the love interest was. Some of my predictions ended up being right, and I had a feeling where the story was headed, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. I loved every minute of it.
Bones has the gift of healing, but because of it she’s been used, abused, and hurt for most of her life. Those experiences make it difficult for her to trust others or accept kindness without expecting something in return. She’s selfless, resilient, brave. I really loved her character, and watching her learn to love and trust. I liked Tray too, he was kind and patient with Bones..
“Godsdamnit, Bones, I’m here ’cause I love you,” he said, sudden and unguarded, shocking me into silence. “Have loved you practically since you saved my life on that rooftop. And I’m not expecting anything of you, but I’m here ’cause I want to be here with you.”
But I have to admit I liked Mac even more!
And that ending! Thankfully, I already have Fangs sitting on my shelf because there is no way I could wait long before diving into book two. All I'll say is this ended in a cliff-hanger!
~Pre-Read~Who else received an ARC copy? I did! I have very high hopes for this one. The physical copy has been sitting on my shelf for quite some time, so I’m thrilled to finally dive in! PLEASE BE GOOD... A dystopian-post-apocalyptic Romantasy!!!
August 6, 2026
Why aren't more people talking about this series?? If you enjoy Dystopian Romance, I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR!
Our FMC, Bones, is a healer with magical abilities who has been severely abused and exploited for most of her life. Despite the immense amount of trauma she's endured, she is without a doubt the most selfless FMC I've come across. No matter how others treat her, Bones repeatedly sacrifices her own life and well-being to care for those around her. Her healing and atonement journey is messy and raw, and my heart ached for her throughout the entire book.
After reading so many books with morally-gray MMCs, Trey was a nice reprieve from that. His sunshine personality and endless patience and gentleness with Bones were exactly what she needed to learn to trust and confide in others again. Their romance was SO sweet and tender😩 Though I'm very curious to see how Bones' relationship with the other MMC, Mac, develops in the next couple books. And the found family? Some of the best I've ever read! I loved how each member of Bones' crew was fiercely protective of her and cared for her in their own unique way.
This is one of those books you can easily finish in one sitting, as it was such a quick read! Although it is almost entirely character-driven and I would have appreciated more plot movement and world-building, the story nonetheless held my interest from beginning to end. I can't wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds, especially when it comes to the romance👀 Just be warned: while the overall series may have a happy ending, the ending of this book was far from that.
Our FMC, Bones, is a healer with magical abilities who has been severely abused and exploited for most of her life. Despite the immense amount of trauma she's endured, she is without a doubt the most selfless FMC I've come across. No matter how others treat her, Bones repeatedly sacrifices her own life and well-being to care for those around her. Her healing and atonement journey is messy and raw, and my heart ached for her throughout the entire book.
After reading so many books with morally-gray MMCs, Trey was a nice reprieve from that. His sunshine personality and endless patience and gentleness with Bones were exactly what she needed to learn to trust and confide in others again. Their romance was SO sweet and tender😩 Though I'm very curious to see how Bones' relationship with the other MMC, Mac, develops in the next couple books. And the found family? Some of the best I've ever read! I loved how each member of Bones' crew was fiercely protective of her and cared for her in their own unique way.
This is one of those books you can easily finish in one sitting, as it was such a quick read! Although it is almost entirely character-driven and I would have appreciated more plot movement and world-building, the story nonetheless held my interest from beginning to end. I can't wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds, especially when it comes to the romance👀 Just be warned: while the overall series may have a happy ending, the ending of this book was far from that.
August 17, 2025
DNF @ 50%... unfortunately, I have absolutely zero interest. There is legit no world building.. ZERO. I am so confused honestly and have zero connection to a single character.
I did want to know what happened because I heard this is heartbreaking.. and yeah, if I cared about what was happening I can see why it could be heartbreaking but the writing / story / plot... is just not for me.
I did want to know what happened because I heard this is heartbreaking.. and yeah, if I cared about what was happening I can see why it could be heartbreaking but the writing / story / plot... is just not for me.
March 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
ні, ну нііііііі 😭😭
те відчуття, коли здогадуєшся, що авторка так вчинить, читаєш далі, намагаючись не прив'язуватися, не чекати хорошого, тихо сподіваєшся.. раптом обійдеться. а потім це таки стається, і тебе прориває від несправедливості. моє тепле сонечко.. так ніжно й турботливо гріло 🌼💔
я хочу отримати ще якийсь лист, будь-яку згадку. ну будь ласка 🤧
шо сказати, добряче вмилася під фінал, отже емоційно книга гуд. мені багато не треба, сліз вистачить 😅
пірнаю в другу частину🤞
ні, ну нііііііі 😭😭
те відчуття, коли здогадуєшся, що авторка так вчинить, читаєш далі, намагаючись не прив'язуватися, не чекати хорошого, тихо сподіваєшся.. раптом обійдеться. а потім це таки стається, і тебе прориває від несправедливості. моє тепле сонечко.. так ніжно й турботливо гріло 🌼💔
я хочу отримати ще якийсь лист, будь-яку згадку. ну будь ласка 🤧
шо сказати, добряче вмилася під фінал, отже емоційно книга гуд. мені багато не треба, сліз вистачить 😅
пірнаю в другу частину🤞
January 9, 2026
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙙.”
4.5 🌟 Post-apocalyptic western dystopian romance 🖤 mhmm mhhm
This book was devastatingly good. Bones is such a fierce fmc. Strong, exhausted, compassionate in ways she was never shown, and impossible not to love. Burning herself out to heal every single person that she could, feeding children even if it meant she didn’t eat. Ugh probably one of my favorite fmcs ❤️🩹
Mac’s crew added so much depth, the men in this book slowly rewiring Bones’ trauma filled brain. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Treyyyyy😭😩💘 I have so many feelings
“𝖨’𝖽 𝗐𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨,”
“𝖨𝗍’𝖽 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖾 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗍𝗁 𝗂𝗍,”
The plot had me locked in, great pacing and lots of nail biting action. The last 15%??!!! I don’t know if I’ll ever recover tbh but that last page…. Plot fucking twist
“𝖸𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗋𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗋, 𝖡𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌. 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖻𝖾𝗇𝖽. 𝖨𝖿 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗅 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝖺 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽. 𝖯𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋, 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝖺 𝗉𝖺𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗆𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗋𝗈𝖼𝗄 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝖽 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇’ 𝖺𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗋𝖺𝗀𝖾.”
4.5 🌟 Post-apocalyptic western dystopian romance 🖤 mhmm mhhm
This book was devastatingly good. Bones is such a fierce fmc. Strong, exhausted, compassionate in ways she was never shown, and impossible not to love. Burning herself out to heal every single person that she could, feeding children even if it meant she didn’t eat. Ugh probably one of my favorite fmcs ❤️🩹
Mac’s crew added so much depth, the men in this book slowly rewiring Bones’ trauma filled brain. Their dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the story.
Treyyyyy😭😩💘 I have so many feelings
“𝖨’𝖽 𝗐𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝖺 𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎.”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙙 𝙗𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨,”
“𝖨𝗍’𝖽 𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖻𝖾 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗍𝗁 𝗂𝗍,”
The plot had me locked in, great pacing and lots of nail biting action. The last 15%??!!! I don’t know if I’ll ever recover tbh but that last page…. Plot fucking twist
“𝖸𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝖺 𝗋𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗋, 𝖡𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌. 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝖻𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖻𝖾𝗇𝖽. 𝖨𝖿 𝗌𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗅 𝗒𝗈𝗎, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝖺 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽. 𝖯𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗐𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗋, 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇𝖾𝖽, 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎’𝗋𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝗎𝗍 𝖺 𝗉𝖺𝗍𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗆𝗈𝗎𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗋𝗈𝖼𝗄 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝖽 𝖾𝗇𝗈𝗎𝗀𝗁 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝖺𝗌𝗁 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇’ 𝖺𝗐𝖺𝗒 𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗋𝖺𝗀𝖾.”
October 22, 2025
4.5 star 🌟
“I’ll be your home as long as you need.”
The found family was my absolute favourite 🙌🏼 I’ll be diving into book 2 immediately!
“I’ll be your home as long as you need.”
The found family was my absolute favourite 🙌🏼 I’ll be diving into book 2 immediately!
August 27, 2026
This book wrecked my in the best way - absolutely incredible. So, so good, and one of the best post-apocalyptic/dystopians I’ve ever read.
The world building is very straight forward and focuses on the present not the past, which I really enjoyed because this is 100% a character driven story and this really allowed the characters to shine.
Bones is an incredibly strong FMC that I felt deeply for. She has experienced so many terrible things and lives with so much trauma. We slowly get to see her evolution throughout the book as she finds a way to live, but it’s baby steps - so please be patient with our girl.
The crew with Mac, Sam, Griz, and Trey are fantastic. I love their characters and the found family aspect.
I found the overarching plot of the Shadow and Wolf to be very ominous and kept me on the edge of my seat. The Vault was such an interesting society and I enjoyed spending most of the book there.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for fantasy in a post-apocalyptic setting. Just know that this story depicts very heavy themes, so please be mindful of content warnings!
Thank you Ballantine Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
The world building is very straight forward and focuses on the present not the past, which I really enjoyed because this is 100% a character driven story and this really allowed the characters to shine.
Bones is an incredibly strong FMC that I felt deeply for. She has experienced so many terrible things and lives with so much trauma. We slowly get to see her evolution throughout the book as she finds a way to live, but it’s baby steps - so please be patient with our girl.
The crew with Mac, Sam, Griz, and Trey are fantastic. I love their characters and the found family aspect.
I found the overarching plot of the Shadow and Wolf to be very ominous and kept me on the edge of my seat. The Vault was such an interesting society and I enjoyed spending most of the book there.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for fantasy in a post-apocalyptic setting. Just know that this story depicts very heavy themes, so please be mindful of content warnings!
Thank you Ballantine Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Did Not Finish
July 31, 2026DNF @ 33%
Never actually updated this to my goodreads when I attempted this book at the end of last year, so I’m doing it now. I was just really really bored with this
Never actually updated this to my goodreads when I attempted this book at the end of last year, so I’m doing it now. I was just really really bored with this
April 24, 2026
I almost pulled a DNF 65 times. I definitely should have.
How a book manages to have an abundance of plot holes WITHOUT a PLOT is beyond me.
Psa: I’m about to rant my ass off. If you loved this book, I’m happy for you. But you might wanna keep scrolling. I have to air out, or I will bust.
The world has ended.
One more time for the folks in the back:
📣 THE WORLD HAS ENDED 📣
But readers are never given the history, a backstory, nothing, no explanation on WHY or HOW the end came to be. Hell, the characters don’t even know!😐
Like, for real? Come on, bruhhh. Then there’s these casts, crews, holds, gangs, or, hell idk - we never get any genuine breakdown or world-building descriptive. Making it make sense was too much to ask I suppose...
Whole book revolves around some self-deprecating chick w/ a severe martyr complex named Bones. She has miraculous healing hands & gets beat up & threatened w/ SA every other mf’n pg. So basically she heals people one day, let’s say on Mon. Tues., she gets punched in the face by some douche who’s trying to subdue her while he unzips & readies himself - but alas, she’s rescued. Wed. - she’s healing ppl w/ convenient ailments. Fri., she’s attacked, groped, kicked & smacked. Sat., 55,015 ppl are mysteriously & disconcertingly sick. She heals them all until she passes tf out. Sun.? Gets beaten w/ a whip till her back is hanging off her bones. Mon 🫱🏼 healing. Where in the hello are all these sick mofo’s coming from? She vehemently refuses pain killers despite being the sole target of all the wrath & senseless anger oozing from every chest-pounding-manrilla gracing these pgs. Apparently bc she turns into Sybill when she’s high & hears voices in her head.
Additionally, & following every single beating, she ensures her friends that she is *FINE* as she’s vomiting, bleeding, woozy, limping, crawling, whatever, it’s always: I’m fine! I’ll be fine! It’s fine! Leave me alone, I’m fine! I’m gonna be fine! Don’t touch me, I’m fine! Are you deaf, I’m fine! Fine, I am! Green eggs & fine! I’m fine inch nails! *Mhmmm….. I believe the word is uttered 96 times or so in ttl.*
Bones toys with the poor MMC, a sappy puppy, so relentlessly – push & pull, push & pull, acting like a got damn low-level succubus. I wished I’d had some magical number 2 pencil eraser so I could just rub, rub, rub her right outta the book. Anyway, when they finally bang, she glows. Literally. Yay. Smfh.
At some point in the 1st ¼, nearly every character goes from normal speak to cowboy speak. Like the deep south dropped outta the sky & slapped everybody with a twanguage stick and poof! The G’s vanished, along with a few other unfortunate members of the alphabet. So they’re all: arguin’, anythin’, actin’, bein’, gettin’, goin’, glowin’, jumpin’, runnin’, expectin’, examinin’, everythin’, keepin’, intimidatin’, payin’, puttin’, nothin’, mornin’, needin’, makin’, lovin’, saddlin’, pushin’, moanin’, suckin’, fuckin’, comin’, holdin’, lyin’, lookin’, doin’, darin’, dyin’, dreamin’, missin’, carryin’, sayin’, showin’, starin’, scarin’, sleepin’, tryin’, thinkin’, thankin’, followin’, fightin’, willin’, coulda’, woulda’, wonderin’, walkin’, hurtin’, havin’, happenin’, hearin’, helpin’, healin’, howdy, & blah blah. 🤷🏻♀️ I stg. Oh & the worst by a vast & dry TX terrain: DARLIN’. Bc ewww. It’s not consistent though, just sporadic. The G’s show back up regularly. Then bam, those lil mothersuckers are gone again. Unnecessary & annoying. AND this is coming from someone from Louisiana!😒💀 Twanguage is what I know. But here, it doesn’t land 🙄
Anyway, that’s abt the gist. I mean, there’s other pointless shit, but I’ve had enough. The time I spent is all balled up somewhere in a back alley dumpster & is on flucking fire.
SM hype can suck it. FOMO can suck it. Plus all the characters in this book along w/ their stupid names can suck it too. I’m looking at you Bones, Vulture, Hawk, Viper, Phynden Nemo, Brimstone, Dune, Zana Du, Cloud, Mist, Sky, Apple, Grip, Juck, Banana, Flint, Clarity (which is ironic -- we could’ve used some of that shit), Wolf Inherhead, Ritz Cracker, Pep Rally, Sax Aphone & Zip Ty. (loosely 🥴)
Still don’t have a clue what this book was about? Well neither the hell do I. I finished it & still don’t know. The point, the objective? No idea. Bk 2? Fluck no.
Oooooof, I’m flustered. S’ok though, Imma go find a XL marg & zen the hell down.
So have a lovely day, ya’ll! K, bye.
January 29, 2024
HOLY CANNOLI! What. A. Book! I saw Kelsey's beautiful art (related to this book) on IG, and I was instantly desperate to read her first book. I was one of the lucky people to receive an ARC for 'Bones', and let me tell you... This book is a total KNOCKOUT! And Kelsey being a first-time author makes this an even more special read!
This post-apocalyptic and romantic story is heartwrenching, terrifying, beautiful, sweet, gut-punching, and stressful AF. It's been compared to Hunger Games and Divergent, and I would say there is even a little bit of Shadow and Bone. Survivalist and dystopian with a touch of magic. :)
It's not a light read by any means, and there is quite a bit of trauma throughout this book. But what the author does incredibly well is navigate the trauma in a raw, honest, and very meaningful way. It was nicely done.
For those who are curious, here are the tropes I could think of:
- found family (one of the best ones I've read)
- grumpy/sunshine
- MMC falls first
- who did this to you?
- touch her, and I'll kill you
- hate to love
- one bed
- spice (2/5)
Trigger warnings include:
- torture and gore
- sexual abuse
- poverty and starvation
- realistic PTSD and trauma
- mental health struggles
I cannot WAIT for the next instalment of this series! It leaves off on a cliffhanger that has me screaming! I sincerely believe Kelsey has a very bright future ahead of her in this field, and that she will be an incredibly successful author. Do yourselves a favour and read this book!!
This post-apocalyptic and romantic story is heartwrenching, terrifying, beautiful, sweet, gut-punching, and stressful AF. It's been compared to Hunger Games and Divergent, and I would say there is even a little bit of Shadow and Bone. Survivalist and dystopian with a touch of magic. :)
It's not a light read by any means, and there is quite a bit of trauma throughout this book. But what the author does incredibly well is navigate the trauma in a raw, honest, and very meaningful way. It was nicely done.
For those who are curious, here are the tropes I could think of:
- found family (one of the best ones I've read)
- grumpy/sunshine
- MMC falls first
- who did this to you?
- touch her, and I'll kill you
- hate to love
- one bed
- spice (2/5)
Trigger warnings include:
- torture and gore
- sexual abuse
- poverty and starvation
- realistic PTSD and trauma
- mental health struggles
I cannot WAIT for the next instalment of this series! It leaves off on a cliffhanger that has me screaming! I sincerely believe Kelsey has a very bright future ahead of her in this field, and that she will be an incredibly successful author. Do yourselves a favour and read this book!!
August 26, 2026
This slow burn, dark, dystopian romance had the potential to be five stars. That’s what makes this so painful.
Bones has a magical healing gift who escapes 12-years as a captive by raiders, only to be taken by a new crew in a mountain stronghold. Weirdly, this new group seems to actually care about her wellbeing??? Suspicious.
First of all, I enjoyed how gritty and dark this was. I liked how Bones was slow to trust, how traumatised she was, how, even when she made some progress, she was always on the defensive, scared, closed off.
I am a sucker for found family and this book is basically the imprint. Even though Bones isn’t quick to join in, the surrounding crew’s dialogue and interactions made this fun and heartwarming to offset Bones’s brokenness.
“You’re a river, Bones,” he said, squeezing my hands hard to get my attention. “You don’t break, you bend. If someone tries to control you, you find a new way around. People might think you’re just water, might think they have you contained, but you’re strong enough to cut a path through mountain rock and wild enough to wash everythin’ away when you rage.”
However, this leads into my biggest complaint: it got repetitive fast. I get that trauma made Bones learn to isolate herself and lash out, but it did make for a frustrating reading experience.
Especially when accounting for the many, MANY times men tried to take advantage of her.
It was unbelievable how the crew were saints and saviours, but almost EVERY single other man tried to have what they thought was their dues with Bones. There must be other ways to show other ways the new crew are better than her past than making all other men (past and present) disgusting pigs.
I loved Bones, however, her entire personality is that she can never EVER accept help and that she’s a total martyr. The first makes sense considering she’s had to fend for herself since she was eleven years old, but the latter less so - especially considering her past. I liked that side of her… to begin with, and then it just became too extreme.
Finally, the plot twist and ending.
Maybe you know that this book normally results in sobbing, especially considering it’s on the back of the book. However, the twist was so obvious, I found Bones obtuse for not realising it herself, particularly as she is depicted as such a strategic and clever protagonist.
Aside from the reveal, the ending did not hit me hard. Probably because we didn’t have enough time with the characters and their personalities were still one-note. Traumatised, tiny girl. Hardened, golden retriever guys.
This sounds like I did not like this; I did.
As I said at the start of my review, I had five star tingles.
After the 35% point though, my enjoyment started to decrease and then landslide.
I will still be reading on because the writing style was addicting, I want to explore more of the dystopian world and get answers about the ?magic?, and I am a (guess what?) sucker for found family.
Arc gifted by Headline.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
Bones has a magical healing gift who escapes 12-years as a captive by raiders, only to be taken by a new crew in a mountain stronghold. Weirdly, this new group seems to actually care about her wellbeing??? Suspicious.
First of all, I enjoyed how gritty and dark this was. I liked how Bones was slow to trust, how traumatised she was, how, even when she made some progress, she was always on the defensive, scared, closed off.
I am a sucker for found family and this book is basically the imprint. Even though Bones isn’t quick to join in, the surrounding crew’s dialogue and interactions made this fun and heartwarming to offset Bones’s brokenness.
“You’re a river, Bones,” he said, squeezing my hands hard to get my attention. “You don’t break, you bend. If someone tries to control you, you find a new way around. People might think you’re just water, might think they have you contained, but you’re strong enough to cut a path through mountain rock and wild enough to wash everythin’ away when you rage.”
However, this leads into my biggest complaint: it got repetitive fast. I get that trauma made Bones learn to isolate herself and lash out, but it did make for a frustrating reading experience.
Especially when accounting for the many, MANY times men tried to take advantage of her.
It was unbelievable how the crew were saints and saviours, but almost EVERY single other man tried to have what they thought was their dues with Bones. There must be other ways to show other ways the new crew are better than her past than making all other men (past and present) disgusting pigs.
I loved Bones, however, her entire personality is that she can never EVER accept help and that she’s a total martyr. The first makes sense considering she’s had to fend for herself since she was eleven years old, but the latter less so - especially considering her past. I liked that side of her… to begin with, and then it just became too extreme.
Finally, the plot twist and ending.
Maybe you know that this book normally results in sobbing, especially considering it’s on the back of the book. However, the twist was so obvious, I found Bones obtuse for not realising it herself, particularly as she is depicted as such a strategic and clever protagonist.
Aside from the reveal, the ending did not hit me hard. Probably because we didn’t have enough time with the characters and their personalities were still one-note. Traumatised, tiny girl. Hardened, golden retriever guys.
This sounds like I did not like this; I did.
As I said at the start of my review, I had five star tingles.
After the 35% point though, my enjoyment started to decrease and then landslide.
I will still be reading on because the writing style was addicting, I want to explore more of the dystopian world and get answers about the ?magic?, and I am a (guess what?) sucker for found family.
Arc gifted by Headline.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
November 20, 2025
If seeing someone cry while reading a book makes you want to pick it up immediately, let me save you the wait - this is that book.
Now, I do get emotional when reading, but I don't recall the last time I actually cried... but, Bones is devastatingly beautiful, and I cried multiple times while reading.
My heart physically ached in my chest, and I don’t say that lightly.
This is a post-apocalyptic romantasy that feels like Book of Eli collided with found family and a grumpy x sunshine romance. Bones, our FMC, was born with the power to heal - but in a world this broken, all it has brought her is pain, exploitation, and unimaginable trauma. She is scarred, hardened, and so used to surviving that she doesn’t know what it feels like to live.
When she’s taken in by a crew whose tight-knit bond is the first glimpse of true family she’s ever seen, her defenses start to falter. And then there’s Trey - the heart of the crew, the sunshine to her grump - who terrifies her more than any of her enemies because of how much he makes her feel. (Did I mention how great HOLDING HANDS can be!!!)
What struck me most about this book was how it balanced brutality with tenderness. It’s dark, heavy, and filled with emotional damage. And yet within the wreckage, there are moments of aching beauty—connection, trust, and the tiniest glimmers of hope. That contrast gutted me in the best way.
The pacing is sharp, the world feels both gritty and vivid, and the second half hit like a tidal wave. By the end I was hollowed out, raw, and sitting in stunned silence. And then the author’s note? Completely undid me all over again.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted or happy, this is not it. But if you want a book that will carve itself into your chest and leave you reeling, this is it. Truly, heartbreak and beauty stitched together.
This is the kind of story that makes you confront not just what it means to survive, but what you’re surviving for. And I can already tell book two is going to destroy me - in the best possible way.
Now, I do get emotional when reading, but I don't recall the last time I actually cried... but, Bones is devastatingly beautiful, and I cried multiple times while reading.
My heart physically ached in my chest, and I don’t say that lightly.
This is a post-apocalyptic romantasy that feels like Book of Eli collided with found family and a grumpy x sunshine romance. Bones, our FMC, was born with the power to heal - but in a world this broken, all it has brought her is pain, exploitation, and unimaginable trauma. She is scarred, hardened, and so used to surviving that she doesn’t know what it feels like to live.
When she’s taken in by a crew whose tight-knit bond is the first glimpse of true family she’s ever seen, her defenses start to falter. And then there’s Trey - the heart of the crew, the sunshine to her grump - who terrifies her more than any of her enemies because of how much he makes her feel. (Did I mention how great HOLDING HANDS can be!!!)
What struck me most about this book was how it balanced brutality with tenderness. It’s dark, heavy, and filled with emotional damage. And yet within the wreckage, there are moments of aching beauty—connection, trust, and the tiniest glimmers of hope. That contrast gutted me in the best way.
The pacing is sharp, the world feels both gritty and vivid, and the second half hit like a tidal wave. By the end I was hollowed out, raw, and sitting in stunned silence. And then the author’s note? Completely undid me all over again.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted or happy, this is not it. But if you want a book that will carve itself into your chest and leave you reeling, this is it. Truly, heartbreak and beauty stitched together.
This is the kind of story that makes you confront not just what it means to survive, but what you’re surviving for. And I can already tell book two is going to destroy me - in the best possible way.
February 26, 2026
3.5. I liked the fury road-vibes. Unique in that sense. Otherwise it was just okay.
December 14, 2023
I was a beta reader for this book and was blown away at how this brand new author created such amazing characters that grabbed your soul from the beginning. Well detailed, excellent character development, and an amazing well thought out storyline! I would describe this as dystopian with just enough magic to create something new. Hold on to your heart!!! I have been telling everyone I know about this book and I’m so happy that it’s being released! Now I anxiously wait for book 2!
September 1, 2026
Bones: A Novel (Bones #1) by K.L. Speer
Book Blurb: Bones was born with the miraculous power to heal, but all her gift has brought is death.
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.
Rating: ****
Feels: Dark, Engaged, Absorbed, Traumatized (in the best way)
Style: Fantasy, Dystopia, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Romance, Fantasy Romance
First published January 1, 2024 : 464 pages
Themes & Setting: This hit all the right notes for me of that dark, urban dystopian vibe. The characters were diverse with deep motivations, strife between the different factions and sometimes within the factions.
FMC: Bones was that perfect combination of hope and disillusioned that leaves you wanting to root for her and follow along on her journey.
Conclusion: Dark dystopian with a side a trauma for everyone!!! This read kept me on edge wondering where the next pain would come from. Loved Bones !! She is a survivor who still wants to do good in this world of transactional peace. Kept for her skills but not truely allowed to be at peace with who she is and what she can do. I think the most painful part was seeing the way she was ok with pain to herself as if it was no big deal as long as she could give relief or save someone else. It was hard to see that she only valued her skills and not herself and how so many used her. A truly thoughtful read !!
Favorite Quote: Survive , Wolf Snapped .
This book has:
Hidden Identities
Conflicting Factions
Found Family
Dark Themes
Slower Burn
Found Family (think military vibes)
Forced Proximity
Book Blurb: Bones was born with the miraculous power to heal, but all her gift has brought is death.
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.
Rating: ****
Feels: Dark, Engaged, Absorbed, Traumatized (in the best way)
Style: Fantasy, Dystopia, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Romance, Fantasy Romance
First published January 1, 2024 : 464 pages
Themes & Setting: This hit all the right notes for me of that dark, urban dystopian vibe. The characters were diverse with deep motivations, strife between the different factions and sometimes within the factions.
FMC: Bones was that perfect combination of hope and disillusioned that leaves you wanting to root for her and follow along on her journey.
Conclusion: Dark dystopian with a side a trauma for everyone!!! This read kept me on edge wondering where the next pain would come from. Loved Bones !! She is a survivor who still wants to do good in this world of transactional peace. Kept for her skills but not truely allowed to be at peace with who she is and what she can do. I think the most painful part was seeing the way she was ok with pain to herself as if it was no big deal as long as she could give relief or save someone else. It was hard to see that she only valued her skills and not herself and how so many used her. A truly thoughtful read !!
Favorite Quote: Survive , Wolf Snapped .
This book has:
Hidden Identities
Conflicting Factions
Found Family
Dark Themes
Slower Burn
Found Family (think military vibes)
Forced Proximity
January 15, 2026
This just simply was not for me for a multitude of reasons. I wanted to like it sooo bad but just didn’t 😭
January 1, 2025
Dnf at 80%.
This was a slog. I really really wanted to love this because the premise sounded so promising, but it dragged so much it was painful. Hardly anything happened. It was too repetitive and I felt like I read the same chapter 10 times. There was also no world-building to speak of, everything was so vague.
The amount of suffering the fmc goes through in the past and present was too much for me and there was never anything satisfying enough to balance it out. She was so moody and sad all the time it made it hard to root for her.
I didn’t like the whole “I’m pushing them away to protect them” thing. It felt like a cop out. I would have much preferred if she’d finally learned to trust them and talked to them so they could help her. Instead, she has a martyr complex and has to sacrifice herself all the time while bottling everything up.
Overall, a ridiculously depressing, frustrating, and unsatisfying read.
~Sorta spoilery~
This was a slog. I really really wanted to love this because the premise sounded so promising, but it dragged so much it was painful. Hardly anything happened. It was too repetitive and I felt like I read the same chapter 10 times. There was also no world-building to speak of, everything was so vague.
The amount of suffering the fmc goes through in the past and present was too much for me and there was never anything satisfying enough to balance it out. She was so moody and sad all the time it made it hard to root for her.
I didn’t like the whole “I’m pushing them away to protect them” thing. It felt like a cop out. I would have much preferred if she’d finally learned to trust them and talked to them so they could help her. Instead, she has a martyr complex and has to sacrifice herself all the time while bottling everything up.
Overall, a ridiculously depressing, frustrating, and unsatisfying read.
~Sorta spoilery~
December 13, 2023
I was a beta reader and LOVED this book so much I desperately wanted it published so I could share it with all my friends. It’s one of the best books I’ve read all year, and probably my favorite YA/New Adult book to date! I felt very invested in the plight of the main character right from the start which kept me reading and hoping for a good ending for her. The world and characters are very vivid without being overly detailed and descriptive like some other fantasy novels I’ve read. If you like stories with strong female characters set in a dystopian fantasy world, this is a must-read. This is easily going to be a gift for my friends as soon as it’s published!
August 13, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ this book was just conversations and trauma between characters. There was no world building or even much character development. It is a dystopian world with no information on what happened, where they are, why there are gangs, how they get food or resources, or anything for that matter.
March 17, 2025
OH. MY. GOD. This was the best book in the worst way. It was so real and visceral. I knew the book was going to be dark by the genre, even the book cover gave clues. She just looks so hollow. Nothing in the book shocked me, well maybe the last 5 chapters, I needed half a box of tissues to get through them. l haven’t cried like that for a book since reading the Throne of glass series, when Sam dies. It was heart wrenching.
The world was set up wonderfully, the pacing was great. I never felt like the story lagged or I wasn’t getting enough information. The development of the relationships between characters was also perfect, backstories unfolded naturally. Bones need to survive is something I very closely identified with, but also all the trauma and its effects. Trey just wasn’t going to be denied, which I loved/hated for her. I think her interactions with Mac are also significant, I just don’t know how yet. The softness we got to see between Bones and the children was something I didn’t know I needed, it added another layer.
Trying to describe how wonderful and terrible this book is without giving away anything is hard. I wanted to scream when I got to the cliffhanger! Now I’ll have to stalk the author on social media waiting for the next book, there damn well better be more to this story! So if the author happens to read this, you wrote something amazing, keep going! Also I hate you a little for the tears.
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn 🔥
POV: Single, First person
Platform: Digital, Kindle
Length: 451 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Series/Stand Alone: The Bones Series, book 1
Cliffhanger: YES
Themes/Tropes: Adult 18+, Suspense, Secrets, Rejected by family, Found family, Grumpy/Sunshine, Hate/Love, Powers, Past Trauma, Mental Health, PTSD,
Check Triggers⚠️: YES
The world was set up wonderfully, the pacing was great. I never felt like the story lagged or I wasn’t getting enough information. The development of the relationships between characters was also perfect, backstories unfolded naturally. Bones need to survive is something I very closely identified with, but also all the trauma and its effects. Trey just wasn’t going to be denied, which I loved/hated for her. I think her interactions with Mac are also significant, I just don’t know how yet. The softness we got to see between Bones and the children was something I didn’t know I needed, it added another layer.
Trying to describe how wonderful and terrible this book is without giving away anything is hard. I wanted to scream when I got to the cliffhanger! Now I’ll have to stalk the author on social media waiting for the next book, there damn well better be more to this story! So if the author happens to read this, you wrote something amazing, keep going! Also I hate you a little for the tears.
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn 🔥
POV: Single, First person
Platform: Digital, Kindle
Length: 451 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Series/Stand Alone: The Bones Series, book 1
Cliffhanger: YES
Themes/Tropes: Adult 18+, Suspense, Secrets, Rejected by family, Found family, Grumpy/Sunshine, Hate/Love, Powers, Past Trauma, Mental Health, PTSD,
Check Triggers⚠️: YES
February 18, 2026
That ending wtf 😭
October 25, 2025
This book was very character driven, in fact I don’t think we really got much world building till maybe 75% in and even then it felt very minimal. The FMC was great, the supporting characters were good and I flew through reading this one.
Sadly I also guessed pretty much everything that was going to happen. And I went in so blind! At 20% I was like is this even a romance? I didn’t know it was dystopian before starting. So how did I manage to guess what was going to happen. And that ruined it for me. Came close to crying, but no real tears shed.
The narrator was fine, nothing outstanding. But for narrating the whole thing herself she did well. Would have loved a male narrator too.
Sadly I also guessed pretty much everything that was going to happen. And I went in so blind! At 20% I was like is this even a romance? I didn’t know it was dystopian before starting. So how did I manage to guess what was going to happen. And that ruined it for me. Came close to crying, but no real tears shed.
The narrator was fine, nothing outstanding. But for narrating the whole thing herself she did well. Would have loved a male narrator too.
September 19, 2024
5 ⭐️ now I’m just gonna go to bed for a few days 🥲
If you want to be entertained but emotionally battered…if you want the most amazing found family vibes in a post-apocalyptic world…if you need to be yanked out of a reading slump only to be shoved into a book hangover immediately after reading this because it will consume your every thought (hey, hi, it’s me)… then add this to tbr right now! Seriously, more people need to read this book. This is me begging 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
If you want to be entertained but emotionally battered…if you want the most amazing found family vibes in a post-apocalyptic world…if you need to be yanked out of a reading slump only to be shoved into a book hangover immediately after reading this because it will consume your every thought (hey, hi, it’s me)… then add this to tbr right now! Seriously, more people need to read this book. This is me begging 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️
July 2, 2024
This book gave me life, then ripped it out of my chest so fast. As much as I am in pain right now, I’m going to make everyone read this book because it is SO.GOOD.
July 23, 2026
Sick to my stomach after finishing this book but wow that was good. Full review coming soon but I need a minute 😭😭
Okay review ⬇️
Wow wow wow wow wow.
I genuinely don't even know where to start or how to even sum this book up into one short review. This book had me SOBBING. Like actually weeping and gasping for air. My chest ached.
This is a post apocalyptic dystopian romance with the absolute best characters and one of the greatest FMC's. Something I noted was the balance of brutality and tenderness in this book. Insanity. It gutted me (in a good way). Also, who knew something like hand holding could be so precious. Something so simple could literally change everything for someone.
I could keep writing paragraphs about this book but I'm going to keep it at this because I will literally get choked up.
P.S.
don't skip the authors note.
Okay review ⬇️
Wow wow wow wow wow.
I genuinely don't even know where to start or how to even sum this book up into one short review. This book had me SOBBING. Like actually weeping and gasping for air. My chest ached.
This is a post apocalyptic dystopian romance with the absolute best characters and one of the greatest FMC's. Something I noted was the balance of brutality and tenderness in this book. Insanity. It gutted me (in a good way). Also, who knew something like hand holding could be so precious. Something so simple could literally change everything for someone.
I could keep writing paragraphs about this book but I'm going to keep it at this because I will literally get choked up.
P.S.
don't skip the authors note.
February 22, 2026
only read this if you want to fucking sob for hours. five stars.
September 12, 2025
4.25 big sad stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 this book will likely make you have big feelings, ranging everywhere from giddy to mad to so sad to pride. Which is a good ride in a book, but I have a few minor things that took me out of the journey along the way. I still loved it though & will be reading book 2. Let’s get into my thoughts!
PLOT
In a post-apocalyptic world Bones finds herself with a rare, impossible power; the power to heal. For years she had been the number one asset of the gang she found herself apart of, when one day shit hits the fan & she finds herself on the run & somehow ingrained into another community, where she’s just another asset. This book has
- an FMC absolutely going through it; trauma, grief, betrayals, rage, etc.
- grumpy/sunshine romantic dynamic
- apocalyptic world a la The Last Of Us (sans zombies)
- character journey primarily vs. action & plot-driven
- dark themes throughout, please read triggers
- found family through & through
- oppression & rebellion
- low spice
PROS
- This is an emotional journey. Bones & her story will make you feel things. My eyes welled, though I didn’t properly cry (I almost never do) so that tells you there are def feelings to be felt.
- Bones as an FMC was written so fabulously. I was so proud of her. I was happy for her. & she also pissed me off so much sometimes. Through all of these, I completely know why she did everything (though 1 thing I do still hate). Her story explained her flaws thoroughly & you understood her troubles entirely. She was a good person struggling to survive & man was her journey something. She was a great example of a flawed FMC you’re still rooting for.
- Trey was such a light in this book. Every scene he was in was brighter because of him & I literally just adored him. He made me giggle & kick my feet & swoon & love him.
- The exploration of grief I think was really well done. I could tell the author was familiar with it & as someone who has grieved a lot in my life, it was nice to see it represented so well on page.
- The found family broke me heart in the best way. I loved each of them so much for their different roles, & how they all worked together to fix what was broken.
- Solid villain. Hoped they choked the entire book, though we didn’t really get their motivation except for power, which I find boring sometimes I think it made sense in this story.
- Last quarter of the book was great; so much action, so much emotion, plot movement, & the ending? Bah!
CONS
- I was about halfway through when I asked myself “what… is the larger story? What is the actual plot?” & then had to sort of recenter myself & be like “okay this is a character journey” — which isn’t BAD. I love a character journey. But yeah there was just like, no plot for so long I was sort of like “what is the point exactly?” which took me out of the story a bit.
- Reaaaaaally minimal worldbuilding. I do think we should have gotten more setup for book 1 in a series. There are a lot of questions about why the world is the way it is that my brain had to make up based on other media I’d seen/read vs. knowing if that’s actually correct for this story. So I wish we had more.
- The timeline at the end seemed a bit wonky/unreal & countered itself unless we weren’t shared specific details about some modes of transportation.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
:
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- I’m so devastated about T. I’m maintaining some random hope that when she visited his grave & grabbed the dirt she somehow shoved healing magic into it to bring him back. But I’m so, so, so sad about it. I teared up when she was at his grave.
- Mac & Bones had some moments this book that had me v 👀👀 because of T & now I wonder what that looks like in the next book & idk how to feel about it.
- I’m positive it was Zip who was hurting Clarity so I wonder if we talk about that in book 2.
- We spent days?? Weeks?? Idk, traveling with Bones & Trey to the dam. & then when they get there & get got, she’s drugged once & magically they’re back at the Vault? The timing didn’t really make sense & I was just like “wait how the fuck”. I’m guessing they had a vehicle vs. a horse but wouldn’t it still be a long way given the fact that Madame deemed it too far to manage?
.
:
.
:
:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
K BYEEEEE
PLOT
In a post-apocalyptic world Bones finds herself with a rare, impossible power; the power to heal. For years she had been the number one asset of the gang she found herself apart of, when one day shit hits the fan & she finds herself on the run & somehow ingrained into another community, where she’s just another asset. This book has
- an FMC absolutely going through it; trauma, grief, betrayals, rage, etc.
- grumpy/sunshine romantic dynamic
- apocalyptic world a la The Last Of Us (sans zombies)
- character journey primarily vs. action & plot-driven
- dark themes throughout, please read triggers
- found family through & through
- oppression & rebellion
- low spice
PROS
- This is an emotional journey. Bones & her story will make you feel things. My eyes welled, though I didn’t properly cry (I almost never do) so that tells you there are def feelings to be felt.
- Bones as an FMC was written so fabulously. I was so proud of her. I was happy for her. & she also pissed me off so much sometimes. Through all of these, I completely know why she did everything (though 1 thing I do still hate). Her story explained her flaws thoroughly & you understood her troubles entirely. She was a good person struggling to survive & man was her journey something. She was a great example of a flawed FMC you’re still rooting for.
- Trey was such a light in this book. Every scene he was in was brighter because of him & I literally just adored him. He made me giggle & kick my feet & swoon & love him.
- The exploration of grief I think was really well done. I could tell the author was familiar with it & as someone who has grieved a lot in my life, it was nice to see it represented so well on page.
- The found family broke me heart in the best way. I loved each of them so much for their different roles, & how they all worked together to fix what was broken.
- Solid villain. Hoped they choked the entire book, though we didn’t really get their motivation except for power, which I find boring sometimes I think it made sense in this story.
- Last quarter of the book was great; so much action, so much emotion, plot movement, & the ending? Bah!
CONS
- I was about halfway through when I asked myself “what… is the larger story? What is the actual plot?” & then had to sort of recenter myself & be like “okay this is a character journey” — which isn’t BAD. I love a character journey. But yeah there was just like, no plot for so long I was sort of like “what is the point exactly?” which took me out of the story a bit.
- Reaaaaaally minimal worldbuilding. I do think we should have gotten more setup for book 1 in a series. There are a lot of questions about why the world is the way it is that my brain had to make up based on other media I’d seen/read vs. knowing if that’s actually correct for this story. So I wish we had more.
- The timeline at the end seemed a bit wonky/unreal & countered itself unless we weren’t shared specific details about some modes of transportation.
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
:
.
No really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- I’m so devastated about T. I’m maintaining some random hope that when she visited his grave & grabbed the dirt she somehow shoved healing magic into it to bring him back. But I’m so, so, so sad about it. I teared up when she was at his grave.
- Mac & Bones had some moments this book that had me v 👀👀 because of T & now I wonder what that looks like in the next book & idk how to feel about it.
- I’m positive it was Zip who was hurting Clarity so I wonder if we talk about that in book 2.
- We spent days?? Weeks?? Idk, traveling with Bones & Trey to the dam. & then when they get there & get got, she’s drugged once & magically they’re back at the Vault? The timing didn’t really make sense & I was just like “wait how the fuck”. I’m guessing they had a vehicle vs. a horse but wouldn’t it still be a long way given the fact that Madame deemed it too far to manage?
.
:
.
:
:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
K BYEEEEE
June 26, 2026
Need 3-5 business days to process what i just read. Very heavy, this book touches on trauma and mental illness in a way that’s just beautiful. Still crying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,863 reviews