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The Books of Pellinor #0.5
The Bone Queen
In a highly anticipated prequel to the Books of Pellinor, Alison Croggon captivates fans old and new with her ancient, legendary world of Annar.
After being seduced into sorcery by an agent of the Dark, the promising Bard Cadvan of Lirigon recklessly unleashed the terrible Bone Queen, bringing destruction down upon Annar. Cast out of the Schools of Barding for his crime, Cadvan now lives in exile, burdened by memories of his dealings with the Dark. At his former home, Cadvan’s mentor, Nelac, and his rival, Dernhil, begin to suspect that the Bone Queen may yet lurk in Annar, and a young Bard named Selmana is plagued by an ominous presence and an unsettling new ability to step between worlds. With darkness gathering and Bards giving in to fear and paranoia, a guilt-ridden Cadvan must once again earn the Bards’ trust and Selmana must gain control of her newfound powers if they are to bring peace to the living and the dead. Fans of the Books of Pellinor will savor this glimpse into Cadvan’s past, and readers new to Alison Croggon’s intricately built world will relish The Bone Queen as a stand-alone epic of light, dark, magic, and redemption.
After being seduced into sorcery by an agent of the Dark, the promising Bard Cadvan of Lirigon recklessly unleashed the terrible Bone Queen, bringing destruction down upon Annar. Cast out of the Schools of Barding for his crime, Cadvan now lives in exile, burdened by memories of his dealings with the Dark. At his former home, Cadvan’s mentor, Nelac, and his rival, Dernhil, begin to suspect that the Bone Queen may yet lurk in Annar, and a young Bard named Selmana is plagued by an ominous presence and an unsettling new ability to step between worlds. With darkness gathering and Bards giving in to fear and paranoia, a guilt-ridden Cadvan must once again earn the Bards’ trust and Selmana must gain control of her newfound powers if they are to bring peace to the living and the dead. Fans of the Books of Pellinor will savor this glimpse into Cadvan’s past, and readers new to Alison Croggon’s intricately built world will relish The Bone Queen as a stand-alone epic of light, dark, magic, and redemption.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2016
93 people are currently reading
5450 people want to read
About the author
Alison Croggon
53 books1,729 followersAlison Croggon is the award winning author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Books of Pellinor. You can sign up to her monthly newsletter and receive a free Pellinor story at alisoncroggon.com
Her most recent book is Fleshers, the first in a dazzling new SF series co-written with her husband, acclaimed playwright Daniel Keene. Her latest Pellinor book, The Bone Queen, was a 2016 Aurealis Awards Best Young Adult Book finalist. Other fantasy titles include Black Spring (shortlisted for the Young People's Writing Award in the 2014 NSW Premier's Literary Awards) and The River and the Book, winner of the Wilderness Society's prize for Environmental Writing for Children.
She is a prize-winning poet and theatre critic,, and has released seven collections of poems. As a critic she was named Geraldine Pascall Critic of the Year in 2009. She also writes opera libretti, and the opera she co-wrote with Iain Grandage was Vocal/Choral Work of the Year in the 2015 Art Music Awards. Her libretto for Mayakovsky, score by Michael Smetanin, was shortlisted in the Drama Prize for the 2015 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. She lives in Melbourne..
Her most recent book is Fleshers, the first in a dazzling new SF series co-written with her husband, acclaimed playwright Daniel Keene. Her latest Pellinor book, The Bone Queen, was a 2016 Aurealis Awards Best Young Adult Book finalist. Other fantasy titles include Black Spring (shortlisted for the Young People's Writing Award in the 2014 NSW Premier's Literary Awards) and The River and the Book, winner of the Wilderness Society's prize for Environmental Writing for Children.
She is a prize-winning poet and theatre critic,, and has released seven collections of poems. As a critic she was named Geraldine Pascall Critic of the Year in 2009. She also writes opera libretti, and the opera she co-wrote with Iain Grandage was Vocal/Choral Work of the Year in the 2015 Art Music Awards. Her libretto for Mayakovsky, score by Michael Smetanin, was shortlisted in the Drama Prize for the 2015 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards. She lives in Melbourne..
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 12, 2021
That was exquisite.
I don't know whether it's Alison Croggon's gorgeous poetic prose or her ability to create deep, multi-layered characters you can't help but love. Either way, The Bone Queen met my very high expectations for a prequel to my favorite series ever (which is extremely underappreciated, by the way).
Cadvan was especially intriguing. From the original Books of Pellinor, we know him to be a reserved, withdrawn man who is slow to trust and slow to laugh. The paragraph explaining his past in The Naming was far too brief, although I think it did a decent job in capturing his guilt. But after reading The Bone Queen, I finally understand what led Cadvan to behave the way he does. It just makes his character more compelling.
Dernhil was also written very well, staying true to the original series. His relationship with Cadvan, which ranges from teasing to exchanging serious ideas to downright flirting, was extremely well done. Croggon perfectly captures the hurt Dernhil nurses for Cadvan, but also shows us the beginnings of a marvelous friendship.
Speaking of staying true to the original books... the foreshadowing in The Bone Queen was outstanding. Milana (who is alarmingly like Maerad), a dream of Maerad, and a reference to the poetry contest were just some of the few examples of how uncanningly faithful Alison stays to Pellinor.
Selmana's character is so likable. She ranges from being shy around her mentor (Nelac) to bantering with him as if they were old friends. It's so true to real life. She could have easily turned into another Maerad, but she doesn't.
She also isn't quick to forgive Cadvan like a perfect little Bard. She harbors resentment for him, even hatred at one point, which is realistic and well-captured.
My only complaint, which isn't big, is that the ending felt rushed. There were only ten pages left in the book, and Kansabur still wasn't defeated. Of course, the ending was still grand, but I wish there had been more.
4.5 stars
I don't know whether it's Alison Croggon's gorgeous poetic prose or her ability to create deep, multi-layered characters you can't help but love. Either way, The Bone Queen met my very high expectations for a prequel to my favorite series ever (which is extremely underappreciated, by the way).
Cadvan was especially intriguing. From the original Books of Pellinor, we know him to be a reserved, withdrawn man who is slow to trust and slow to laugh. The paragraph explaining his past in The Naming was far too brief, although I think it did a decent job in capturing his guilt. But after reading The Bone Queen, I finally understand what led Cadvan to behave the way he does. It just makes his character more compelling.
Dernhil was also written very well, staying true to the original series. His relationship with Cadvan, which ranges from teasing to exchanging serious ideas to downright flirting, was extremely well done. Croggon perfectly captures the hurt Dernhil nurses for Cadvan, but also shows us the beginnings of a marvelous friendship.
Speaking of staying true to the original books... the foreshadowing in The Bone Queen was outstanding. Milana (who is alarmingly like Maerad), a dream of Maerad, and a reference to the poetry contest were just some of the few examples of how uncanningly faithful Alison stays to Pellinor.
Selmana's character is so likable. She ranges from being shy around her mentor (Nelac) to bantering with him as if they were old friends. It's so true to real life. She could have easily turned into another Maerad, but she doesn't.
She also isn't quick to forgive Cadvan like a perfect little Bard. She harbors resentment for him, even hatred at one point, which is realistic and well-captured.
My only complaint, which isn't big, is that the ending felt rushed. There were only ten pages left in the book, and Kansabur still wasn't defeated. Of course, the ending was still grand, but I wish there had been more.
4.5 stars
July 20, 2016
Croggon is the best current High Fantasy author and deserves more recognition for her work. The Pellinor series is often compared to Tolkein, and although it's clear that his writings have influenced her style and worldbuilding, allegations or plagiarism the series has attracted are unfair and unfounded. The quest narrative has been existence since people started telling stories, and it's common knowledge that Tolkein himself drew on mythologies and social structures of Ancient Norse and Medieval European societies. Croggon reworks the classic fantasy tropes (chivalry, Good Vs Evil themes, quest narrative, unlikely hero) which Tolkein made popular to produce a tale that is ultimately richer and more accessible than The Lord of Rings.
The Bone Queen is an excellent introduction to the series, developing some of the key characters and setting up the events of the later books whilst still telling its own story. Well paced and unpredictable, it completely draws you into the world Croggon constructs. It's given me the bug to re-read the whole series again. Have yet to find another fantasy series that compares to this one.
The Bone Queen is an excellent introduction to the series, developing some of the key characters and setting up the events of the later books whilst still telling its own story. Well paced and unpredictable, it completely draws you into the world Croggon constructs. It's given me the bug to re-read the whole series again. Have yet to find another fantasy series that compares to this one.
September 12, 2018
I was first attracted to this book by the beautiful cover, and even the knowledge that it was a prequel to a series I haven't read couldn't put me off. I don't think I actually needed to read the series first; I felt like this stood up all on it's own. I loved the lyrical, almost sleepy writing. Everything from eating bread to washing your hands sounded pretty. At the same time I was intrigued by the world created, and I wondered what the actual series would focus on. It's definitely on my radar now!
All in all, I enjoyed this high fantasy. Four stars!
All in all, I enjoyed this high fantasy. Four stars!
April 9, 2017
I should have looked into this book a bit more before just reading it after I received a copy from the publisher. I didn't realize it was a prequel to a series I have not read, whoops.
I had high hopes for this book as it sounded like an interesting high fantasy book. But I really just wasn't that interested in the story or the characters. Perhaps this is because, as I stated, I didn't realize it was a prequel to a series that I needed to read before reading this book. I just didn't find myself becoming very invested in the characters or the story itself. I hope that fans of the series will enjoy this, as they would actually know what is going on at a more in depth level.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced reading copy of this book.
I had high hopes for this book as it sounded like an interesting high fantasy book. But I really just wasn't that interested in the story or the characters. Perhaps this is because, as I stated, I didn't realize it was a prequel to a series that I needed to read before reading this book. I just didn't find myself becoming very invested in the characters or the story itself. I hope that fans of the series will enjoy this, as they would actually know what is going on at a more in depth level.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advanced reading copy of this book.
March 26, 2016
The original four books of Pellinor are among my favourite works of fiction and so it was with some trepidation that I approached this new story, set approximately 50 years before the events of 'the gift'. I am glad to be able to say that I was not disappointed, Croggon's writing is as breathtakingly beautiful and engaging as ever, her characters as wonderfuly developed and explored. I especially loved being introduced properly to Milana, Dorn and Pellinor itself-these moments were particularly poignant, and viscerally upsetting when Enkir is concerned, given the revelations of 'the gift'. Although there were some plot weaknesses (the worst offender being possibly a touch of ret-conning regarding the 'circles') and a somewhat hurried ending, 'the bone queen' manages to expand even further the world and people of Edil-Amarandh and is a worthy addition to the previous four books. For optimal enjoyment I would recommend reading the original quartet first- especially for the full emotional impact of Dernhil's character and the scenes set in Pellinor- but 'the bone queen' stands perfectly well on its own two feet as an excellent read.
July 17, 2019
A prequel to the Books of Pellinor, a well-loved high fantasy series from my mid-late teens, Alison Croggon's 2016 novel The Bone Queen is the return to Annar that I never thought was coming.
Set 50 years before the events of the 4 Books of Pellinor, The Bone Queen follows a younger Cadvan (formerly) of Lirigon, who has been exiled by the Bards of Annar for his dealings with the Dark. Young, powerful, mercurial, and arrogant, Cadvan was considered to be among the greatest mages of his generation. However, consumed by jealousy, he challenged his rival Dernhil to a midnight duel; certain in the strength of his power, Cadvan raises a revenant of the Abyss, the terrifying Bone Queen, to disastrous results. Breaking free of his control, the Bone Queen attacks Cadvan, Dernhil and Ceredin, Cadvan's lover who tried to stop his misguided plan. Ceredin is killed, and Dernhil and Cadvan seriously wounded, both physically and emotionally. Cadvan, his mentor Nelac, Dernhil and other powerful Bards track down the Bone Queen and banish her back to the Abyss.
Now, nearly two years after that disastrous night, Cadvan lives in exile in a mining town in the North of Annar, a long way from the centre of Barding, where Bards are rare. Plagued by troubling dreams and something that keeps pricking in his Knowing, Cadvan believes his exile and the "black moods" that take hold and leave him immobilized in bed for days are his penance to pay for the destruction he brought down in Lirigon. When Dernhil arrives in Jouan, Cadvan comes to understand that the Bone Queen was not banished as the Bards had thought but was merely weakened and divided; she is still haunting Annar, attempting to regain her power and destroy the Light, the Balance and everything Cadvan holds dear.
Alison Croggon is a master world-builder, and The Bone Queen returns readers to the incredible, magical continent of Edil-Amarandh, and the country of Annar. Exploring guilt, forgiveness and the ripple effects of our mistakes, The Bone Queen takes its readers on an epic journey from the very first page to the last.
Set 50 years before the events of the 4 Books of Pellinor, The Bone Queen follows a younger Cadvan (formerly) of Lirigon, who has been exiled by the Bards of Annar for his dealings with the Dark. Young, powerful, mercurial, and arrogant, Cadvan was considered to be among the greatest mages of his generation. However, consumed by jealousy, he challenged his rival Dernhil to a midnight duel; certain in the strength of his power, Cadvan raises a revenant of the Abyss, the terrifying Bone Queen, to disastrous results. Breaking free of his control, the Bone Queen attacks Cadvan, Dernhil and Ceredin, Cadvan's lover who tried to stop his misguided plan. Ceredin is killed, and Dernhil and Cadvan seriously wounded, both physically and emotionally. Cadvan, his mentor Nelac, Dernhil and other powerful Bards track down the Bone Queen and banish her back to the Abyss.
Now, nearly two years after that disastrous night, Cadvan lives in exile in a mining town in the North of Annar, a long way from the centre of Barding, where Bards are rare. Plagued by troubling dreams and something that keeps pricking in his Knowing, Cadvan believes his exile and the "black moods" that take hold and leave him immobilized in bed for days are his penance to pay for the destruction he brought down in Lirigon. When Dernhil arrives in Jouan, Cadvan comes to understand that the Bone Queen was not banished as the Bards had thought but was merely weakened and divided; she is still haunting Annar, attempting to regain her power and destroy the Light, the Balance and everything Cadvan holds dear.
Alison Croggon is a master world-builder, and The Bone Queen returns readers to the incredible, magical continent of Edil-Amarandh, and the country of Annar. Exploring guilt, forgiveness and the ripple effects of our mistakes, The Bone Queen takes its readers on an epic journey from the very first page to the last.
September 23, 2023
Did not finish at 23%
I don't know, man. It's been a while since I've read the Books of Pellinor, but I remember them being richly written, and full of life and magic. But this book just feels... dull and boring. There was a massive infodump over Cadvan's backstory at one point that felt out of place and more annoying to read through than anything. None of the plot threads are particularly interesting. None of the characters are interesting. A lot of the lore seems to rely on you having read the Books of Pellinor as it doesn't particularly tell you anything to make you understand what's going on so you're pretty much fucked if you haven't read them or it's been a while since you have, like myself.
I was trying to make myself keep going, but I'm just going to call it quits.
I don't know, man. It's been a while since I've read the Books of Pellinor, but I remember them being richly written, and full of life and magic. But this book just feels... dull and boring. There was a massive infodump over Cadvan's backstory at one point that felt out of place and more annoying to read through than anything. None of the plot threads are particularly interesting. None of the characters are interesting. A lot of the lore seems to rely on you having read the Books of Pellinor as it doesn't particularly tell you anything to make you understand what's going on so you're pretty much fucked if you haven't read them or it's been a while since you have, like myself.
I was trying to make myself keep going, but I'm just going to call it quits.
March 5, 2016
I am so happy I was in the UK to get this book pre-ordered sooner than in the states. I really love the other four books in this series and it was a great joy to see characters I love at a younger age. I want to reread all the books now! Besides the world she has created, I love how beautiful many of Alison's sentences are. I love how much she values poetry, music, and beauty in her world.
June 4, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
Before I get into my review for The Bone Queen, I would first like to state that I have not read any of the Pellinor Series before this, or any other books by Alison Croggon for that matter. I went into reading this book with a blank slate, other than perhaps the constant comparison between Croggon and Tolkien that I kept coming across for some reason. I would also like to say that I love high fantasy, and have devoured a number of epic fantasy novels throughout my teen and adult years. And now that that’s out of the way, I shall begin my review.
The first thing I would like to say is that the comparison between Croggon and Tolkien (at least when it comes to The Bone Queen) may actually do some harm to Croggon and her series. Those who love Tolkien and his work (like myself) will find that although Croggon’s world is very detailed (regarding magic, landscape, culture, and lore), it does not quite compare to the complexity and detail of Tolkien’s universe. Croggon’s writing, while very good, also did not compare to Tolkien’s talent with the written word. Although many people complain that Tolkien put a lot of detail into his The Lord of the Rings series, and while I agree, I also found that I thoroughly enjoyed these details because I loved the world and wanted to absorb everything I possibly could about it. Tolkien’s writing is also a pure joy for me to read because the manner in which he combined his words into sentences is simply beautiful. On the other hand, those who dislike Tolkien might be scared off from Croggon’s books before they even read the first page. So, my point is that this comparison should not be made due to the harm it may cause The Pellinor series, and also in order to avoid any confusion.
As I mentioned, Croggon’s writing is very good, and while I can appreciate the skill with which she composes her sentences, I found that the manner in which The Bone Witch was narrated was not really for me. For those who will argue that this is due to the fact that this book is written in the third person, I would like to say that I prefer books written in the third person, and that this factor played no role in how I feel about this book. The Bone Queen definitely did not jump into action right away, and I found the tone to be melancholy and a little dry (which looking back now, makes sense, and is fitting considering the plot and subject matter). I understand why the book started where it did, but worry that some readers may not make it to the 100 page mark because of it.
The build up, and rising action in this book spans over approximately 300 pages which feature a lot of character self-reflection, a lot of contemplation, and a great amount of dialogue. While the dialogue is very well written, and there were definitely a few turns of phrase which I would consider gold nuggets, I found a lot of the dialogue to be unnecessary when it came to the main plot. When considering that this book is also about camaraderie and friendship, however, the dialogue and detailed interaction between characters makes sense, and is appreciated. Since I did not warm up to the characters all that much though, the friendship aspect didn’t hold much interest for me.
While this book contained a lot of detail when it came to locations (such as cities, or larger buildings) and characters’ contemplations, I found that I couldn’t really get a good feel for what the characters looked like. I also found that I did not really connect with any of the characters, or claim a character as my favourite. This may be due to the fact that I did not read the Pellinor Series prior to this prequel, and that one must have a previous connection to characters (as well as the world) in order to feel close to them. I still appreciate the amount of imagination, and originality that went into this book and feel that the fact that I did not read the Pellinor Series before this prequel may have a lot to do with the majority of my opinion about it. I may have to re-read The Bone Queen once I’ve read the main series in order to enjoy this prequel as it should be enjoyed.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy epic fantasy, but would also advise that they read The Bone Queen after having read the other Pellinor books first.
Before I get into my review for The Bone Queen, I would first like to state that I have not read any of the Pellinor Series before this, or any other books by Alison Croggon for that matter. I went into reading this book with a blank slate, other than perhaps the constant comparison between Croggon and Tolkien that I kept coming across for some reason. I would also like to say that I love high fantasy, and have devoured a number of epic fantasy novels throughout my teen and adult years. And now that that’s out of the way, I shall begin my review.
The first thing I would like to say is that the comparison between Croggon and Tolkien (at least when it comes to The Bone Queen) may actually do some harm to Croggon and her series. Those who love Tolkien and his work (like myself) will find that although Croggon’s world is very detailed (regarding magic, landscape, culture, and lore), it does not quite compare to the complexity and detail of Tolkien’s universe. Croggon’s writing, while very good, also did not compare to Tolkien’s talent with the written word. Although many people complain that Tolkien put a lot of detail into his The Lord of the Rings series, and while I agree, I also found that I thoroughly enjoyed these details because I loved the world and wanted to absorb everything I possibly could about it. Tolkien’s writing is also a pure joy for me to read because the manner in which he combined his words into sentences is simply beautiful. On the other hand, those who dislike Tolkien might be scared off from Croggon’s books before they even read the first page. So, my point is that this comparison should not be made due to the harm it may cause The Pellinor series, and also in order to avoid any confusion.
As I mentioned, Croggon’s writing is very good, and while I can appreciate the skill with which she composes her sentences, I found that the manner in which The Bone Witch was narrated was not really for me. For those who will argue that this is due to the fact that this book is written in the third person, I would like to say that I prefer books written in the third person, and that this factor played no role in how I feel about this book. The Bone Queen definitely did not jump into action right away, and I found the tone to be melancholy and a little dry (which looking back now, makes sense, and is fitting considering the plot and subject matter). I understand why the book started where it did, but worry that some readers may not make it to the 100 page mark because of it.
The build up, and rising action in this book spans over approximately 300 pages which feature a lot of character self-reflection, a lot of contemplation, and a great amount of dialogue. While the dialogue is very well written, and there were definitely a few turns of phrase which I would consider gold nuggets, I found a lot of the dialogue to be unnecessary when it came to the main plot. When considering that this book is also about camaraderie and friendship, however, the dialogue and detailed interaction between characters makes sense, and is appreciated. Since I did not warm up to the characters all that much though, the friendship aspect didn’t hold much interest for me.
While this book contained a lot of detail when it came to locations (such as cities, or larger buildings) and characters’ contemplations, I found that I couldn’t really get a good feel for what the characters looked like. I also found that I did not really connect with any of the characters, or claim a character as my favourite. This may be due to the fact that I did not read the Pellinor Series prior to this prequel, and that one must have a previous connection to characters (as well as the world) in order to feel close to them. I still appreciate the amount of imagination, and originality that went into this book and feel that the fact that I did not read the Pellinor Series before this prequel may have a lot to do with the majority of my opinion about it. I may have to re-read The Bone Queen once I’ve read the main series in order to enjoy this prequel as it should be enjoyed.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy epic fantasy, but would also advise that they read The Bone Queen after having read the other Pellinor books first.
January 23, 2018
Cadvan is the messiest emo, and I love him.
I had a ton of fun with this book. It's probably my favorite Pellinor book, because I'm trash for Cadvan and also it not being set smack dab in the middle of the worst disaster to befall Edil-Amaranh since the Great Silence made it more... I won't say cheerful, but less grindingly sad. It also didn't seem to take as much "work" to get through as certain other Pellinor books cough The Riddle cough that I could mention.
I'm very glad The Bone Queen doesn't actually tell you the story of Cadvan's first raising of her dark spirit. Having to sit through the Cadvan v. Dernhil poetry duel would have just been too much. But I am glad it takes place close enough to the event that we get to see Cadvan dealing with the fallout, and taking the first steps to eventually become the messy emo mentor that we all know and love.
My favorite part of everything was probably the mining village Cadvan hides out in that eventually adopts him as their own. I also liked Dernhil a lot, which was good, since I was never too keen on him in The Naming even though the books really WANT you to like him. It was a relief to finally be able to like him. The quest was good too, and meeting Milana and Dorn and everyone before you have to hear about them posthumously from third-party sources.
Some classic moments from the Greatest Hits of a Messy Emo:
a) The whole village wonders what Cadvan is doing when he disappears for days. What can he be up to, that mysterious Bard? The village children investigate. He's lying on his bed, motionless, staring at the ceiling for literally the whole time.
b)
c) Cadvan has a prescient dream of death, destruction, and despair. He wonders: Why did I have this horrible dream? What have I dreamed of? The answer immediately occurs to him: It's a metaphor for MY SOUL.
d)
I had a ton of fun with this book. It's probably my favorite Pellinor book, because I'm trash for Cadvan and also it not being set smack dab in the middle of the worst disaster to befall Edil-Amaranh since the Great Silence made it more... I won't say cheerful, but less grindingly sad. It also didn't seem to take as much "work" to get through as certain other Pellinor books cough The Riddle cough that I could mention.
I'm very glad The Bone Queen doesn't actually tell you the story of Cadvan's first raising of her dark spirit. Having to sit through the Cadvan v. Dernhil poetry duel would have just been too much. But I am glad it takes place close enough to the event that we get to see Cadvan dealing with the fallout, and taking the first steps to eventually become the messy emo mentor that we all know and love.
My favorite part of everything was probably the mining village Cadvan hides out in that eventually adopts him as their own. I also liked Dernhil a lot, which was good, since I was never too keen on him in The Naming even though the books really WANT you to like him. It was a relief to finally be able to like him. The quest was good too, and meeting Milana and Dorn and everyone before you have to hear about them posthumously from third-party sources.
Some classic moments from the Greatest Hits of a Messy Emo:
a) The whole village wonders what Cadvan is doing when he disappears for days. What can he be up to, that mysterious Bard? The village children investigate. He's lying on his bed, motionless, staring at the ceiling for literally the whole time.
b)
Cadvan: *demands that Dernhil perform taxing and unpleasant magery*
Dernhil: I wish you wanted to make love instead, then it would be easy to refuse.
Cadvan: You would REFUSE???
c) Cadvan has a prescient dream of death, destruction, and despair. He wonders: Why did I have this horrible dream? What have I dreamed of? The answer immediately occurs to him: It's a metaphor for MY SOUL.
d)
Nelac: They must have been bewitched by the Dark. It's the only explanation for why they are behaving this way.
Cadvan: Or they're just stupid.
January 18, 2024
I’ve been a long-time fan of the Books of Pellinor, and they might even be what initially got me into high fantasy as a teen. That said, this book was kind of a disappointment. It’s not even that it was an odd choice to write about the half-baked events after the main conflict in Cadvan’s backstory, but also the fact that the author didn’t seem to review any of her notes before writing and publishing this. This is reflected in both the backstories of characters, as well as the established magic systems.
I’m rereading the series now, having started with The Bone Queen (first time reading this) and am now halfway through The Naming (or The Gift depending on your edition). Most of the things established about Cadvan in The Naming are contradicted in The Bone Queen. Details as simple as Cadvan being the youngest in his family in The Naming, but then the oldest in The Bone Queen continuously come up. There are also things like how Ardina was thought to be dead by Bards until he and Maerad stumbled into Rachida, even though in The Bone Queen it was easily (too easily) guessed at that she was the elemental who helped Selmana.
My point is, most of it contradicts what was established in the main series. I enjoyed seeing Cadvan as a younger and somehow more prickly character, but otherwise I don’t feel like this book has any right to be affiliated with the main series.
I’m rereading the series now, having started with The Bone Queen (first time reading this) and am now halfway through The Naming (or The Gift depending on your edition). Most of the things established about Cadvan in The Naming are contradicted in The Bone Queen. Details as simple as Cadvan being the youngest in his family in The Naming, but then the oldest in The Bone Queen continuously come up. There are also things like how Ardina was thought to be dead by Bards until he and Maerad stumbled into Rachida, even though in The Bone Queen it was easily (too easily) guessed at that she was the elemental who helped Selmana.
My point is, most of it contradicts what was established in the main series. I enjoyed seeing Cadvan as a younger and somehow more prickly character, but otherwise I don’t feel like this book has any right to be affiliated with the main series.
February 8, 2017
It's been years since I first read the Pellinor series, so I had forgotten what Alison Croggon's writing style was like. I'll admit that it took me a while to get used to it, and I very nearly thought it wouldn't click. But it certainly worked out, and I found this prequel quite interesting.
May 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this chance to get to know Cadvan in his youth and to see his growth from immature folly into the wiser character we know much later. And now I feel like reading the main series again.
March 16, 2023
One of my favourite of the Pellinor books!
When we meet Dernhil in the main books, he creeps on Maerad, and then he dies. You did him dirty, man! I’m glad that in this book we get to see more to him than his lus-I mean love for Maerad 😏 he’s a brilliant bard, despite everything that’s happened to him and he doesn’t let the bitterness eat him up.
I also enjoyed getting to know Cadvan better, he’s not just an arrogant prick 👀🤣 and although I do love a good pity party, it did get a little annoying to keep hearing Cadvan dive into the lake of self pity. Thankfully Dernhil gave him a metaphorical slap!
I’m also just imaging a stern white-bearded old wizard saying “pull yourself together, man!” Too. Bless Nelac. The font of all knowledge and wisdom, and yet not really. He has everyone looking to him and he has to know exactly what to do in every situation. The pressure!
Selmana! Great character, maybe we could have seen more of her? I don’t quite recall her part in the main series, unfortunately.
I’d love a Dorn and Milana backstory! What a badass woman, standing up against what she believes is wrong despite the consequences. When she welcomed Cadvan into Pellinor and gave him back his name and title 🥹
But, yano, just can’t get it out of my head. Cadvan falls in love with the daughter (who isn’t even born yet!) of his respected bard/friend. Maybe Milana would have kicked him out of Pellinor had she had foresight 🤷🏼♀️🤣
When we meet Dernhil in the main books, he creeps on Maerad, and then he dies. You did him dirty, man! I’m glad that in this book we get to see more to him than his lus-I mean love for Maerad 😏 he’s a brilliant bard, despite everything that’s happened to him and he doesn’t let the bitterness eat him up.
I also enjoyed getting to know Cadvan better, he’s not just an arrogant prick 👀🤣 and although I do love a good pity party, it did get a little annoying to keep hearing Cadvan dive into the lake of self pity. Thankfully Dernhil gave him a metaphorical slap!
I’m also just imaging a stern white-bearded old wizard saying “pull yourself together, man!” Too. Bless Nelac. The font of all knowledge and wisdom, and yet not really. He has everyone looking to him and he has to know exactly what to do in every situation. The pressure!
Selmana! Great character, maybe we could have seen more of her? I don’t quite recall her part in the main series, unfortunately.
I’d love a Dorn and Milana backstory! What a badass woman, standing up against what she believes is wrong despite the consequences. When she welcomed Cadvan into Pellinor and gave him back his name and title 🥹
But, yano, just can’t get it out of my head. Cadvan falls in love with the daughter (who isn’t even born yet!) of his respected bard/friend. Maybe Milana would have kicked him out of Pellinor had she had foresight 🤷🏼♀️🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2017
I loved accidentally stumbling upon this arc! I had no idea there would be a new Pellinor book. This is a rich backstory to Cadvan's earlier years. While there aren't any romantic relationships, there are a number of incredibly well written friendships and other kinds of relationships which I found wholly satisfying and genuine. It was fun to jump back into this world.
(I'm always a sucker for Aussie fantasy books. :))
(I'm always a sucker for Aussie fantasy books. :))
did-not-finish
August 2, 2017Every sentence had the same cadence, so I couldn't force myself through this one, even though I really wanted to love it.
February 13, 2021
Another very good read!!! This is a prequel and gives the story of Cadvan, a tragic story but one that sets the stage for the Books of Pellinor. Well done and I am glad I found it and read it.
March 29, 2021
3.5/5 but I’m rounding up.
When I bought this book I was unaware of the fact that this was a prequel. I blame it on the fact that it said “The First Book of Pellinor” but it’s mostly my own lack of research. Nevertheless, this book stands on its own and I honestly don’t think you NEED to read the Pellinor series to understand or love the characters.
Overall, I loved this book. The world building, the friendship between Cadvan and Dernhil, and the whole narrative against unfairly punishing yourself makes this book worth the time. HOWEVER the reason why I’m rating The Bone Queen as a 3.5/5 is because of its lack of resolution. I read around 380 pages through the course of 9 days (a lot, I know) only to receive an “epic” battle of three pages that utterly contradicts everything we learned throughout the book.
I don’t think I can say that I have a favourite character, as the story mainly focuses on Cadvan and the consequences of his actions, but I must admit that I wholeheartedly relate to Cadvan and his struggles to understand himself and that he’s not a bad person.
To finish this review, my favourite quote:
I don't deserve that,' said Cadvan.
'Love isn't about deserving. It just is.
(pardon all the grammatical mistakes and nonsense, I wrote this review at 2am)
When I bought this book I was unaware of the fact that this was a prequel. I blame it on the fact that it said “The First Book of Pellinor” but it’s mostly my own lack of research. Nevertheless, this book stands on its own and I honestly don’t think you NEED to read the Pellinor series to understand or love the characters.
Overall, I loved this book. The world building, the friendship between Cadvan and Dernhil, and the whole narrative against unfairly punishing yourself makes this book worth the time. HOWEVER the reason why I’m rating The Bone Queen as a 3.5/5 is because of its lack of resolution. I read around 380 pages through the course of 9 days (a lot, I know) only to receive an “epic” battle of three pages that utterly contradicts everything we learned throughout the book.
I don’t think I can say that I have a favourite character, as the story mainly focuses on Cadvan and the consequences of his actions, but I must admit that I wholeheartedly relate to Cadvan and his struggles to understand himself and that he’s not a bad person.
To finish this review, my favourite quote:
I don't deserve that,' said Cadvan.
'Love isn't about deserving. It just is.
(pardon all the grammatical mistakes and nonsense, I wrote this review at 2am)
July 16, 2017
Alison is a fantastic writer to begin with, she has been a huge inspiration to me and I didn't realize until many years after writing my own novels how much of my world was a glimmered reflection of her Pellinor series. They are my favorite fantasy series. Her descriptions are so rich in detail you feel like you are seeing her world with your own eyes. I was very excited to read a prequel to the series I had loved so much and when I found out that it was Cadvan's story, I was even more intrigued. I felt that Alison didn't disappoint.
I have had experience trying to write a prequel and found it so difficult that I gave up half way through. My biggest issue in writing my own was that I felt bored because there was no obvious conflict. This is not the case for The Bone Queen at all. From the beginning there are strange happenings and problems that Cadvan had to solve or work through. It was clear that the dark forces were beginning to stir things up. Cadvan's old nemesis Dernhil, of which he has an interesting history, enters his life again and it is interesting to watch their relationship heal and their friendship form. It made me like Dernhil a lot more than I did in the original books.
Alison also introduces us to a new character by the name of Selmana who I loved. She was similar to Maerad from the other books but special in her own way. She was definitely more tentative and less wild than Maered, but very fun to read because of her power. I was so intrigued by her in fact that I wanted to know what happened to her. I actually wrote to Alison to ask if Selmana had been in any of the other books or not because if she had I couldn't remember and Alison confirmed that she was a new character made up for this book. So, I created my own outcome for her in my head. ;)
I think that whether or not you have read the other books you could read this one as a stand alone. The Bone Queen holds up to the original books and is just as fun to read, however, it is also good on its own, because it is different. I've read some ridiculous reviews about the author pushing some sort of social agenda and couldn't disagree more. In fact, that is another reason that I love Alison, she is approachable and welcoming to readers and doesn't push her political or social thoughts down your throat on social media like so many other authors, JK Rowling and Steven King I'm looking at you! Thanks again Alison for bringing a us a new story in your beautiful world. I really hope that you keep writing. I hope that next time you will write a series about the Elemental Wars I think that would be amazing!!! Until next time. :)
I have had experience trying to write a prequel and found it so difficult that I gave up half way through. My biggest issue in writing my own was that I felt bored because there was no obvious conflict. This is not the case for The Bone Queen at all. From the beginning there are strange happenings and problems that Cadvan had to solve or work through. It was clear that the dark forces were beginning to stir things up. Cadvan's old nemesis Dernhil, of which he has an interesting history, enters his life again and it is interesting to watch their relationship heal and their friendship form. It made me like Dernhil a lot more than I did in the original books.
Alison also introduces us to a new character by the name of Selmana who I loved. She was similar to Maerad from the other books but special in her own way. She was definitely more tentative and less wild than Maered, but very fun to read because of her power. I was so intrigued by her in fact that I wanted to know what happened to her. I actually wrote to Alison to ask if Selmana had been in any of the other books or not because if she had I couldn't remember and Alison confirmed that she was a new character made up for this book. So, I created my own outcome for her in my head. ;)
I think that whether or not you have read the other books you could read this one as a stand alone. The Bone Queen holds up to the original books and is just as fun to read, however, it is also good on its own, because it is different. I've read some ridiculous reviews about the author pushing some sort of social agenda and couldn't disagree more. In fact, that is another reason that I love Alison, she is approachable and welcoming to readers and doesn't push her political or social thoughts down your throat on social media like so many other authors, JK Rowling and Steven King I'm looking at you! Thanks again Alison for bringing a us a new story in your beautiful world. I really hope that you keep writing. I hope that next time you will write a series about the Elemental Wars I think that would be amazing!!! Until next time. :)
June 21, 2017
I remember enjoying “The Books of Pellinor.” I read them back to back and was excited to read this prequel. However, I had trouble getting into it, and was kind of bored throughout. I don’t think I would have finished it if it were not an ARC for the ARC program I do for work. I almost gave up 200 pages in. If I had, I don’t think it would have changed my review much. (I have been working a lot and am a bit burned out, so I have been craving lighter reads lately, so this may have had an impact on my reading experience). However, I can’t see this appealing to a wide group of readers.
It was very slow moving. There was not a lot of action, and I didn’t feel like the stakes were high (even though they were, we are talking the end of the world here). This may have been partially because I knew the outcome from reading the original series, but honestly, I don’t think that made much of a difference. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. Cadvan was fine as the love interest in the series, but he didn’t have the personality or likableness to carry a book on his own, and none of the other characters did either. So it was a bit of a disappointment.
*I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Indigo Books and Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review*
It was very slow moving. There was not a lot of action, and I didn’t feel like the stakes were high (even though they were, we are talking the end of the world here). This may have been partially because I knew the outcome from reading the original series, but honestly, I don’t think that made much of a difference. I think my biggest problem was that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. Cadvan was fine as the love interest in the series, but he didn’t have the personality or likableness to carry a book on his own, and none of the other characters did either. So it was a bit of a disappointment.
*I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Indigo Books and Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review*
May 30, 2021
The treesong books are one of my fav series ever... However...Sorry, but I was so disappointed by this book.. While the author is know for her descriptive novels which have helped piece together the world of Cadvan and crew before, I found with the Bone Queen it was a lot description with little substance. The dialogue was bland and did not build interesting relationships with the characters (almost between Cadan and Derhill but not really). The 'action' scenes felt like just a narrator talking about feelings and emotions, Cadvan's self pitying attitude was as tedious as the two pages used to describe Lara's kitchen. But for me the worst part by far was the ending. So rushed and so nonsensical.
SPOILER ####
How can the author spend the entire book talking about the power and malevolence of the bone queen only to have her cast a spell to become human (in the middle of pellinor for no reason, with all the most powerful bards standing around) so she can immediately have her head chopped off.. It was so deflating and felt like the author gave up trying to think of a better ending that made sense. So disappointed
SPOILER ####
How can the author spend the entire book talking about the power and malevolence of the bone queen only to have her cast a spell to become human (in the middle of pellinor for no reason, with all the most powerful bards standing around) so she can immediately have her head chopped off.. It was so deflating and felt like the author gave up trying to think of a better ending that made sense. So disappointed
September 13, 2017
Don't take my review too seriously since I only got to page 80.
Maybe one day I will finish it but reading about Cadvan was such a bore. The whole world of the book was boring and depressing. I kept picturing it in shades of beige. There was a lot of telling about how great Cadvan is and about how much everyone liked him but he was such a sad sack. I didn't read any of the Pellinor series before I read this and maybe I would have liked it more if I had but it said on the book that this was the first book. If it had said it was a prequel I wouldn't have bought it. Cadvan came off as a Mary Sue but not fun.
Maybe one day I will finish it but reading about Cadvan was such a bore. The whole world of the book was boring and depressing. I kept picturing it in shades of beige. There was a lot of telling about how great Cadvan is and about how much everyone liked him but he was such a sad sack. I didn't read any of the Pellinor series before I read this and maybe I would have liked it more if I had but it said on the book that this was the first book. If it had said it was a prequel I wouldn't have bought it. Cadvan came off as a Mary Sue but not fun.
May 23, 2017
Very disappointed. I absolutely loved the 4 books of Pellinor; The Gift, The Riddle, The Singing and The Crow and so did my friend with whom i share a love of good fantasy. These books are all on my favorite shelf for evermore.
But...but so sad to find that the Bone Queen was nothing like the previous ones. Almost as though some other person had written them, .... and we were so looking forward to this!!!
We didn't even finish it and that is really almost unheard of for us, avid readers that we are.
But everyone has different taste.
But...but so sad to find that the Bone Queen was nothing like the previous ones. Almost as though some other person had written them, .... and we were so looking forward to this!!!
We didn't even finish it and that is really almost unheard of for us, avid readers that we are.
But everyone has different taste.
March 10, 2021
I never, ever thought I would give a 1-star review to a book in this series. I loved the previous four! Cadvan is still excellent. However, I wished the female protagonist was more developed and distinct from Maerad, rather than a recycled version of her character. I also didn't find the story nearly as enjoyable. For one, the author stoops to pretty crude humor about intimacy. For another, the plot boiled down to a lot of sad, dark and creepy encounters with the dead in the place between death and life called "The Shadowlands."
Read
September 21, 2016I FINALLY HAVE THIS IN MY HANDS!!! I AM SO HAPPY! (I forgot most of the plot of the series though....as it has been 7 years si NC e I last read anythin pertaining to this series... ○_○)
SINCE WHEN DID THIS HAVE A COVER!?!?!
and it's already release overseas???!! Book depository here I come!!!!!
SINCE WHEN DID THIS HAVE A COVER!?!?!
and it's already release overseas???!! Book depository here I come!!!!!
June 18, 2018
Lighter than Lord of the Rings, where light and dark get mixed together in less than 50 shades, and in a world where weather forecasters are even less accurate.
January 5, 2021
I really enjoyed the high fantasy and writing of The Pellinor Chronicles, although I must admit I never found the characters super-compelling. To me, they were fine, but nothing special. It was the taste of high fantasy, which so many books claim and so few attain, that I really enjoyed. Croggon's quartet is really on LOTR-level, in my opinion, but less wandering.
Plot Synopsis:"The Bone Queen" is a prequel to that series, focusing on a young Cadvan (a major character from the quartet,) a young Bard who had been recently exiled from his home for consorting with the Dark. Cadvan's act has left many people scarred: his family is shamed and broken; Cadvan himself is depressed and plagued by guilt, especially since his act resulted in the death of Ceredin, another Bard whom he loved; Dernhil of Gent, his fellow student who was wounded in the event, is traumatized; and his teacher Nelac is regretful of the needless destruction of a promising young bard. Another character is Selmana, Ceredin's cousin, who has begun to have troubling visions. It seems like the Dark has not been defeated, but is only waiting.
Review: TBQ is a good read, but I must admit, it's a pretty slow burn. I felt like the plot took at least half the book to even get started, really. As I approached the end, I started to assume that this wasn't just a prequel, but the beginning of a prequel series (as so many authors, or at least Hollywood, are wont to do these days.) Although the plot resolved in the nick of time (literally, the second to last chapter had all the action, really,) I was left feeling that the author lost herself a bit, forgetting that she was writing a standalone novel. It honestly didn't feel like this was supposed to be a standalone, simply because it worked so slowly.
That being said, I feel like it definitely explored the characters pretty well. Cadvan and Selmana probably got the most attention, followed by Dernhil. I don't like them any more than I did before (although the new addition, Selmana, is probably my favorite of the three) but they aren't bad characters or badly written. I just don't especially like them.
Overall, I can't suggest this to new readers, but to fans of the series, I definitely feel like it's a good addition to the series. It doesn't even feel "extra," but rather a natural expansion and a great world-building thing. I'd recommend it to anyone who has read or plans to read the series. It could be read before or after; it won't spoil anything, really, that you couldn't figure out on your own.
Plot Synopsis:"The Bone Queen" is a prequel to that series, focusing on a young Cadvan (a major character from the quartet,) a young Bard who had been recently exiled from his home for consorting with the Dark. Cadvan's act has left many people scarred: his family is shamed and broken; Cadvan himself is depressed and plagued by guilt, especially since his act resulted in the death of Ceredin, another Bard whom he loved; Dernhil of Gent, his fellow student who was wounded in the event, is traumatized; and his teacher Nelac is regretful of the needless destruction of a promising young bard. Another character is Selmana, Ceredin's cousin, who has begun to have troubling visions. It seems like the Dark has not been defeated, but is only waiting.
Review: TBQ is a good read, but I must admit, it's a pretty slow burn. I felt like the plot took at least half the book to even get started, really. As I approached the end, I started to assume that this wasn't just a prequel, but the beginning of a prequel series (as so many authors, or at least Hollywood, are wont to do these days.) Although the plot resolved in the nick of time (literally, the second to last chapter had all the action, really,) I was left feeling that the author lost herself a bit, forgetting that she was writing a standalone novel. It honestly didn't feel like this was supposed to be a standalone, simply because it worked so slowly.
That being said, I feel like it definitely explored the characters pretty well. Cadvan and Selmana probably got the most attention, followed by Dernhil. I don't like them any more than I did before (although the new addition, Selmana, is probably my favorite of the three) but they aren't bad characters or badly written. I just don't especially like them.
Overall, I can't suggest this to new readers, but to fans of the series, I definitely feel like it's a good addition to the series. It doesn't even feel "extra," but rather a natural expansion and a great world-building thing. I'd recommend it to anyone who has read or plans to read the series. It could be read before or after; it won't spoil anything, really, that you couldn't figure out on your own.
December 21, 2025
Because this book is listed as .5 in the series, I thought it was a short story. However, this is more accurately a prequel, and it’s over 500 pages long. As I (unwisely) was reading it as an ebook through Libby, it took me longer than usual to read it, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I didn’t remember much about the original series, but this book does match the tone and style of what I remembered. A younger Cadvan is the highlight of this book, in my opinion, so I was frustrated by the multiple POVs. The climax was surprisingly brief after all the buildup, and the Bone Queen wasn’t the real villain so much as Likod.
The friendship between Dernhil and Cadvan was incredibly well-portrayed. I would happily read enemies-to-friends as a genre if it ever became one.
Certain aspects of the magic were perhaps left unexplained because of the other books, but overall I think this could easily function as a standalone.
The map at the beginning was beautiful.
Favorite character: Hal
Favorite quotes:
His memories were like pictures in a book that someone else had written to pass the time.
It was part of the myth he had constructed around himself: even as an untutored boy, he had outwitted the Dark!
Cadvan, who felt no need for a goat, sighed heavily, untied her from the porch, and told her sternly in the Speech that she was not to eat his leather. She stared at him through her slotted eyes and pointed out that if there were proper eating in reach, she would have no need for leather.
"She's a goat of remarkable intelligence and greed," said Cadvan. "I hope you kept the milk."
“…we shape what we perceive, and it is only a rag of the truth. Perhaps it is just as well: we cannot bear very much reality...."
“…sometimes I understand that what is best in me is also the worst."
"But surely your task here is done. You brought me back, like a good dog."
Dernhil spluttered. "Like a good dog! And you, I suppose, are the rabbit I've run to ground!"
"I am an excellent rabbit," said Cadvan, making ears with his hands.
It wasn't madness, as he sometimes thought; it was the worst sort of sanity.
Now, he said to himself, whatever darkness I find in my soul is mine alone.
You said I was black and silver, like the storm cloud that surges out of a still sky. You looked into my darkness and there found my light.
"Love is maybe all that remains of me," she said uncertainly. "You love what I have been. You cannot love what I am."
“All this stuff inside our heads. How do we tell what is us and what is not?"
"Love isn't about deserving. It just is."
All love was a form of bewitchment; did that make it evil?
I didn’t remember much about the original series, but this book does match the tone and style of what I remembered. A younger Cadvan is the highlight of this book, in my opinion, so I was frustrated by the multiple POVs. The climax was surprisingly brief after all the buildup, and the Bone Queen wasn’t the real villain so much as Likod.
The friendship between Dernhil and Cadvan was incredibly well-portrayed. I would happily read enemies-to-friends as a genre if it ever became one.
Certain aspects of the magic were perhaps left unexplained because of the other books, but overall I think this could easily function as a standalone.
The map at the beginning was beautiful.
Favorite character: Hal
Favorite quotes:
His memories were like pictures in a book that someone else had written to pass the time.
It was part of the myth he had constructed around himself: even as an untutored boy, he had outwitted the Dark!
Cadvan, who felt no need for a goat, sighed heavily, untied her from the porch, and told her sternly in the Speech that she was not to eat his leather. She stared at him through her slotted eyes and pointed out that if there were proper eating in reach, she would have no need for leather.
"She's a goat of remarkable intelligence and greed," said Cadvan. "I hope you kept the milk."
“…we shape what we perceive, and it is only a rag of the truth. Perhaps it is just as well: we cannot bear very much reality...."
“…sometimes I understand that what is best in me is also the worst."
"But surely your task here is done. You brought me back, like a good dog."
Dernhil spluttered. "Like a good dog! And you, I suppose, are the rabbit I've run to ground!"
"I am an excellent rabbit," said Cadvan, making ears with his hands.
It wasn't madness, as he sometimes thought; it was the worst sort of sanity.
Now, he said to himself, whatever darkness I find in my soul is mine alone.
You said I was black and silver, like the storm cloud that surges out of a still sky. You looked into my darkness and there found my light.
"Love is maybe all that remains of me," she said uncertainly. "You love what I have been. You cannot love what I am."
“All this stuff inside our heads. How do we tell what is us and what is not?"
"Love isn't about deserving. It just is."
All love was a form of bewitchment; did that make it evil?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2018
I fell in love with Alison Croggon's Books of Pellinor several years ago. To me, they were epic fantasy at its very best. The lyrical writing, imaginative worldbuilding, engrossing storyline, emotional poignancy, and the depth of the characters and their relationships quickly marked the series as a favorite. I was thrilled to learn that my favorite character, Cadvan, would be the focus of a new prequel. And, indeed, it was a fascinating look into his past that also proved to be a powerful story of redemption. Since the story takes place fifty years before the original quartet, it took some adjusting to get used to the younger Cadvan, but that should be expected, especially given his predicament.
Due to the crisis, the story struck me as darker than my favorites in the quartet, though less dismal and depressing than THE CROW (which is still excellent writing, just not as much my style). Nevertheless, moments of light and beauty remain, captured in Croggon's style that is a mixture of the classic and the poetic, though perhaps a little less of the latter than previous volumes. I enjoyed seeing old characters as well as new ones and trying to remember if I knew some names since it's been so long. (I was really excited when I correctly guessed the identity of a character with an intimate connection to the main character of the quartet! Not a spoiler...I just didn't remember the name.) I especially was struck by the moments of foreshadowing. One was particularly poignant and haunting given what we know later occurs. Cadvan's dream about a character not in the novel made me instantly go into The Joyful Fan Zone because we all know (or can guess) who that was. Perhaps the best part is the last page and its stirring and intelligent depiction of the beauty of life itself. There were some very brief questionable inclusions, usually revealed through dialogue, aligned with the values of modern-day society that seemed thrown in there arbitrarily and unnecessarily and may not have been included had it been released at the time of the quartet. However, all in all, a good book that highlights some of the Croggonness I initially described as her trademark.
I recommend reading the main series first as your introduction to that world and then checking out this one afterwards if you're curious about the background of some characters and scenarios.
Due to the crisis, the story struck me as darker than my favorites in the quartet, though less dismal and depressing than THE CROW (which is still excellent writing, just not as much my style). Nevertheless, moments of light and beauty remain, captured in Croggon's style that is a mixture of the classic and the poetic, though perhaps a little less of the latter than previous volumes. I enjoyed seeing old characters as well as new ones and trying to remember if I knew some names since it's been so long. (I was really excited when I correctly guessed the identity of a character with an intimate connection to the main character of the quartet! Not a spoiler...I just didn't remember the name.) I especially was struck by the moments of foreshadowing. One was particularly poignant and haunting given what we know later occurs. Cadvan's dream about a character not in the novel made me instantly go into The Joyful Fan Zone because we all know (or can guess) who that was. Perhaps the best part is the last page and its stirring and intelligent depiction of the beauty of life itself. There were some very brief questionable inclusions, usually revealed through dialogue, aligned with the values of modern-day society that seemed thrown in there arbitrarily and unnecessarily and may not have been included had it been released at the time of the quartet. However, all in all, a good book that highlights some of the Croggonness I initially described as her trademark.
I recommend reading the main series first as your introduction to that world and then checking out this one afterwards if you're curious about the background of some characters and scenarios.
July 1, 2025
2025 ReRead: This took a long time to read, it was so hard for me to keep my attention. I think part of it is it being a prequel - I know what will happen in 30 years, so stakes feel low. It also plops us in post-conflict, so we aren't invested in Cadvan and Dernhill's grief and trauma because we are told and not shown the crisis. It missed the heart of Maerad, Selmana felt like a discount Maerad, having Bard and Elemental magic combined. It bounced around many character points of view which was nice at times, to get exposure to the inner thoughts, but prevented intimacy with any single character. It's not as descriptively poetic as the original series, which is disappointing to me because Croggon's lyricism in the quartet is what makes the books for me. The pacing is off - we spent 500 pages worrying about the Bone Queen and she shows up for like a total of 3 at the end, it was very anticlimactic. I wish Selmana's instalove with Ardina had room to breathe and explore, although it's similar to Maerad's instalove of Arkan.
As is the risk of writing prequels, the book unravels some of the work of the quartet. It gives an explanation to why Enkir turns in the series but I'm supposed to believe that Cadvan and everyone completely forgot Enkir demanded to not be exorcised of his possession? Additionally, how is the Bone Queen dead when a part of her still lives in Enkir and it's never addressed? There are more points about what it undermines but this review is long enough.
This book made me realize how annoyingly elitist academic bards are 😭 I dislike almost most of them and find bard theory so boring and confusing - which most of this book is, talking about hypotheticals magical theories in a world that never truly educates the readers on the magic rules. I wouldn't last a day with them...I think my calling would be to Tending and not Reading.
I'm kinda sus of the crush that Hal is hinted to have of Cadvan because it sets him up to be a repeat groomer-mentor of young girls :( I age Maerad up when I read the original quartet but it's uncomfortable seeing hints of it repeated with another girl.
This book would be SO CONFUSING to readers who hadn't read the quartet.
This did really make me start to crave Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series, what with all the talks of the undead and visits to purgatory...so that might be my next re-read :)
As is the risk of writing prequels, the book unravels some of the work of the quartet. It gives an explanation to why Enkir turns in the series but I'm supposed to believe that Cadvan and everyone completely forgot Enkir demanded to not be exorcised of his possession? Additionally, how is the Bone Queen dead when a part of her still lives in Enkir and it's never addressed? There are more points about what it undermines but this review is long enough.
This book made me realize how annoyingly elitist academic bards are 😭 I dislike almost most of them and find bard theory so boring and confusing - which most of this book is, talking about hypotheticals magical theories in a world that never truly educates the readers on the magic rules. I wouldn't last a day with them...I think my calling would be to Tending and not Reading.
I'm kinda sus of the crush that Hal is hinted to have of Cadvan because it sets him up to be a repeat groomer-mentor of young girls :( I age Maerad up when I read the original quartet but it's uncomfortable seeing hints of it repeated with another girl.
This book would be SO CONFUSING to readers who hadn't read the quartet.
This did really make me start to crave Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series, what with all the talks of the undead and visits to purgatory...so that might be my next re-read :)
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