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Marked by Magic
The Bone Valley
He’s a lover. She’s a thief. A magic like no other will bind them together.
After the death of his parents, Anton Bereza works hard to provide for his younger siblings. Love has never been in the cards for him, especially after desperation forces Anton to sell himself for coin. And he has no idea that, beneath the city of Kedaf, lies a place called the Bone Valley.
When Anton’s jealous client plots against him, he is cursed to spend eternity in a world where all that remains are broken bones. There, Anton meets Nahli Yan—a woman who once tried to steal from him—and his cards begin to change. But as the spark between them ignites, so does their desire to escape. All that stands in their way is the deceitful Queen of the Afterlife, who is determined to wield her deadly magic to break Anton and Nahli apart. Forever.
The Bone Valley is a stand alone book in the Marked By Magic Duology. Each book is set in the same world but can be read in any order. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone. This is one delicious romantic fantasy filled with swoon, enemies to lovers, and unique magic that you won't want to miss!
After the death of his parents, Anton Bereza works hard to provide for his younger siblings. Love has never been in the cards for him, especially after desperation forces Anton to sell himself for coin. And he has no idea that, beneath the city of Kedaf, lies a place called the Bone Valley.
When Anton’s jealous client plots against him, he is cursed to spend eternity in a world where all that remains are broken bones. There, Anton meets Nahli Yan—a woman who once tried to steal from him—and his cards begin to change. But as the spark between them ignites, so does their desire to escape. All that stands in their way is the deceitful Queen of the Afterlife, who is determined to wield her deadly magic to break Anton and Nahli apart. Forever.
The Bone Valley is a stand alone book in the Marked By Magic Duology. Each book is set in the same world but can be read in any order. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone. This is one delicious romantic fantasy filled with swoon, enemies to lovers, and unique magic that you won't want to miss!
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
89 people are currently reading
1343 people want to read
About the author
Candace Robinson
61 books1,114 followersI spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 1, 2021
I've come to expect creepy suspense and convoluted magic in a book by Candace Robinson. The Bone Valley is no exception. All seems straightforward in the first few chapters. A young guy wants to protect his siblings after their parents' death; he becomes a prostitute to pay for their expenses. But one client in particular wants him to play by her rules. Rules that aren't fair. Anton is a smart, sexy, and charming guy, but he is no match for a dark woman in hiding. A woman who has powers he never knew about.
Nahli is ruthless. She steals and treats others however she'd like. But when she takes things too far, she's endangered herself and others she cares for. Then she meets Anton and his family. Everything falls apart through misunderstandings. And when she's double-crossed by the same wicked woman as Anton, she disappears from the surface in this modern yet archaic world of fear and loathing. What's happening to these two angsty teens? Better yet, who is this vindictive woman in their lives?
I was thrilled with this story and the underlying magic needed to release them both from their prisons. Robinson delivers vivid scenes and memorable characters whom you love and hate at the same time. Another quick read, as you find yourself flipping pages to get to the truth: to the real reason the witch is trapping people. It's never what you think it is, and it's these kinds of shocks that keep me coming back for more. Definitely filled with intense plotting, complex characters, and old-fashioned concepts that are re-imagined in an elaborate fantasy world. Brave enough to sample them?
Nahli is ruthless. She steals and treats others however she'd like. But when she takes things too far, she's endangered herself and others she cares for. Then she meets Anton and his family. Everything falls apart through misunderstandings. And when she's double-crossed by the same wicked woman as Anton, she disappears from the surface in this modern yet archaic world of fear and loathing. What's happening to these two angsty teens? Better yet, who is this vindictive woman in their lives?
I was thrilled with this story and the underlying magic needed to release them both from their prisons. Robinson delivers vivid scenes and memorable characters whom you love and hate at the same time. Another quick read, as you find yourself flipping pages to get to the truth: to the real reason the witch is trapping people. It's never what you think it is, and it's these kinds of shocks that keep me coming back for more. Definitely filled with intense plotting, complex characters, and old-fashioned concepts that are re-imagined in an elaborate fantasy world. Brave enough to sample them?
April 14, 2021
This book has a huge chunk of my heart! I loved writing every bit of it!
May 18, 2021
Candace Robinson looks so normal, yet, her imagination is anything but! In her latest dark tale, THE BONE VALLEY, she invites us to follow her down a dark path that begins innocently enough, but becomes a twisted tale of vile magic, unlikely allies and a fantasy that will leave chills running up your spine.
Anton did what he had to do to help support his orphaned family in his small village. Looked down upon by his neighbors, he found coin as a prostitute with a mysterious, yet wealthy benefactress. When her demands became unbearable, Anton discovers he is no match for this monstrous female and her dark powers.
Nahli lives life as a loner, looking out only for herself, but her stealing from Anton would put them both on a path of danger, fear and death.
Can the two of them thwart the evil that holds them captive or is it too late?
Rich with a heavy atmosphere, obsidian dark and sinister, once again, Candace Robinson brings home a riveting tale with her no holds barred writing!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Candace Robinson! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Midnight Tide Publishing (October 13, 2021)
Publication date : October 13, 2021
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print length : 249 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Anton did what he had to do to help support his orphaned family in his small village. Looked down upon by his neighbors, he found coin as a prostitute with a mysterious, yet wealthy benefactress. When her demands became unbearable, Anton discovers he is no match for this monstrous female and her dark powers.
Nahli lives life as a loner, looking out only for herself, but her stealing from Anton would put them both on a path of danger, fear and death.
Can the two of them thwart the evil that holds them captive or is it too late?
Rich with a heavy atmosphere, obsidian dark and sinister, once again, Candace Robinson brings home a riveting tale with her no holds barred writing!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Candace Robinson! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Publisher : Midnight Tide Publishing (October 13, 2021)
Publication date : October 13, 2021
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Print length : 249 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 31, 2020
Wonderfully unique! I loved the flawed characters and the dark plot. I lost count of how many times I gasped when new twists were revealed.
July 8, 2021
Reminiscent of a Grimms’ fairytale, The Bone Valley brims with imagination.
June 16, 2021
Anton sells himself to help his family, while Nahli steals to find her way home. The two have butted heads the few times they met. When Anton spurns the advances of one of his regular clients, she poisons him and he finds that she is actually the ruler of the afterworld, Torlarah. When he still refuses her advancements, she banishes him to the Valley of the Bones, where he is to live out his days, alone as a skeleton king.
Nahli finds herself murdered and wakes up in the Valley of the Bones. She and Anton must learn about their new environment and a way to escape the horrible curse. Left to themselves, they must learn of the other and face their own weaknesses.
Having read other works by the author, I think this story is her most ambitious yet. The world building is exquisite and is totally new and refreshing. Suspense, friendship, forgiveness, and romance are key building blocks in the story. It is an adventure for all who have risked everything for a chance at happiness.
No Bones About It!
Nahli finds herself murdered and wakes up in the Valley of the Bones. She and Anton must learn about their new environment and a way to escape the horrible curse. Left to themselves, they must learn of the other and face their own weaknesses.
Having read other works by the author, I think this story is her most ambitious yet. The world building is exquisite and is totally new and refreshing. Suspense, friendship, forgiveness, and romance are key building blocks in the story. It is an adventure for all who have risked everything for a chance at happiness.
No Bones About It!
February 6, 2021
One of my favorite books ever! I loved following Anton and where he ends up. The paranormal aspects of this are so detailed and well done you feel you are right there with him. The author has managed to pack so much life into all the characters that you love each and every one of them, well except certain ones but that is how it’s supposed to be! I found myself feeling their pain, anger, love right along with them. I will be buying this in hard copy to be rereading for many years to come!
November 7, 2020
Stunning creepiness at its very best, Robinson is a master of the romantic macabre! ❤️
March 22, 2021
I am a huge fan of Robinson’s work, but The Bone Valley has to be my favorite so far!!!!
This NA Fantasy Romance is completely original, ingenious, and left me with lots of feelings. It’s a dark fantasy and had its creepy vibe, but always the quirkiness I love in this author’s stories. The characters...oh the freaking characters...they felt like real people, with their depth and layers. The world building in this book...THE BONE VALLEY... it was so well written I felt dusty just reading it. This story truly comes alive off the page! This book would make the most sold out movie, with all its fantastical, compelling storyline and well written character growth. Boy, would I love to see that!!
If you read any book by Candace Robinson, you have to read this one!! You’ll want to turn around and read it again the second you’re done!!
This NA Fantasy Romance is completely original, ingenious, and left me with lots of feelings. It’s a dark fantasy and had its creepy vibe, but always the quirkiness I love in this author’s stories. The characters...oh the freaking characters...they felt like real people, with their depth and layers. The world building in this book...THE BONE VALLEY... it was so well written I felt dusty just reading it. This story truly comes alive off the page! This book would make the most sold out movie, with all its fantastical, compelling storyline and well written character growth. Boy, would I love to see that!!
If you read any book by Candace Robinson, you have to read this one!! You’ll want to turn around and read it again the second you’re done!!
October 13, 2021
Be still my dead beating heart. Robinson you have a way with words and worlds! For lovers of dark fantasy, this is definitely the novel for you. Typically, I have one aspect of a novel outweigh the rest but when all facets from the characters to the worldbuilding come together and keep me captivated, it is easily a five-star novel for me. Robinson brings that to the table and so much more.
I am going to do my best not to give away plot spoilers or things I thought were key twists and reveals. Basically, the synopsis is all you’ll get from me folks. The novel is told in two POVs between Anton and Nahli. I honestly could not say who I loved more. Anton brings a unique perspective to the male side of selling himself to support his family. Call me weird, but I loved this twist. Nahli is just a ruthless badass in my eyes. Her circumstances have molded her into a character that is easy to raise an eyebrow at but also her growth is admirable. Both characters have a depth that fleshes them out and personas that mold as the story progresses. I can’t begin to truly explain how much I liked these two. Let’s not forget there is a love story in here too.
The world building and magic are complimented expertly with epic twists and turns that I was not able to foreshadow. The best part is how effortlessly Robinson keeps you on your toes with this novel. I will admit that during my initial few chapters, while the groundwork was being laid, I wasn’t fully invested. I felt like a causal observe to the unraveling of this world. Then it changes and I couldn’t stop reading. The writing style is vividly imaginative with a richly dark atmosphere. The imaginings behind the plot are wholly unique even though some of the tendrils tap into reminiscent fairy tales from the good old days. This was everything I did not know I needed!
I highly recommend The Bone Valley to readers who love a well-crafted dark fantasy sprinkled with romance and underlined with thrills. Thank you, Candace Robinson, for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
I am going to do my best not to give away plot spoilers or things I thought were key twists and reveals. Basically, the synopsis is all you’ll get from me folks. The novel is told in two POVs between Anton and Nahli. I honestly could not say who I loved more. Anton brings a unique perspective to the male side of selling himself to support his family. Call me weird, but I loved this twist. Nahli is just a ruthless badass in my eyes. Her circumstances have molded her into a character that is easy to raise an eyebrow at but also her growth is admirable. Both characters have a depth that fleshes them out and personas that mold as the story progresses. I can’t begin to truly explain how much I liked these two. Let’s not forget there is a love story in here too.
The world building and magic are complimented expertly with epic twists and turns that I was not able to foreshadow. The best part is how effortlessly Robinson keeps you on your toes with this novel. I will admit that during my initial few chapters, while the groundwork was being laid, I wasn’t fully invested. I felt like a causal observe to the unraveling of this world. Then it changes and I couldn’t stop reading. The writing style is vividly imaginative with a richly dark atmosphere. The imaginings behind the plot are wholly unique even though some of the tendrils tap into reminiscent fairy tales from the good old days. This was everything I did not know I needed!
I highly recommend The Bone Valley to readers who love a well-crafted dark fantasy sprinkled with romance and underlined with thrills. Thank you, Candace Robinson, for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 20, 2021
THE BONE VALLEY is an excellent creepy/dark novel for horror lovers. Our hero, Anton has a hard life, supporting his family with a low-paid job, which gets harder after he meets gorgeous Nahly, not that she's doing anything wrong. The problem is, as he falls for her like an anvil dropped from the extratosphere, the evil Queen of the Afterlife wields her deadly magic, because she wants him for her not for that girl, Nahly. The queen splits them apart, taking Anton to her world in the very bony Bone Valley, where things get, to say the least, complicated. Anton is trapped. Anton is... is he alive?
Really, horror readers, don't miss out. This one is for you!
Really, horror readers, don't miss out. This one is for you!
October 9, 2021
Candace Robinson delivers again with characters you will be obsessed with Anton! 💙💙💙💙!!! and an interesting setting of The Bone Valley. This book is very reminiscent of the movies the book of life and coco for me, which I love! If this ever becomes a movie, I hope it is an adult animated feature! The characters are diverse and interesting, and will totally have you in love with this lady thief and male prostitute.
June 19, 2021
Oooh this was good. I really loved Anton and his siblings, and I so rooted for Nahli to find her happy. The Bone Valley was such a unique world, and I loved what Anton created there. It just seemed like such a creepy yet beautiful place. The Queen of the Afterlife was definitely diabolical and a formidable opponent. I loved all that happened and was so happy with the ending. Such a great read!
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
April 13, 2021
A bone chilling love story that spans life and death. Robinson’s world building consists of stunning scenes and unforgettable characters. Anton is a beautiful soul forced to do terrible things. I love his connection with his family, especially his brother Pav, and the way his relationship with Nahli develops. TBV is my favourite Robinson read to-date.
May 13, 2021
I was lucky to get an early copy of Bone Valley! It is eerily fun, steamy, and at times bittersweet. Candace Robinson spins another dark and magical tale with breath-catching twists.
June 10, 2021
If you're a Tim Burton fan—or love all things romantic and creepy, this one is definitely for you. Wholly original and wonderful. The characters are full of emotion and depth. Loved it!
March 13, 2022
Because the only other skeleton underworld I’ve been exposed to is Disney’s “Coco” I kept making comparisons between them. (This is the dangers of motherhood, people.) This has a lot of adult themes, and one short spicy scene, but overall it was a pretty accessible book for a general adult audience. It was dark in that it was focused on death and characters are murdered, but it was not full of gore, horror, a lot of tension, or any sexual kinks.
This was a more unique story for the fantasy romance genre and I really enjoyed the diversion from Fae, vampires, etc. I mean, what book has a meerkat skeleton as a character? I’m guessing not many. I thought the writing was easy to follow and it wasn’t a long book.
Overall, the ease of the story didn’t keep me hooked, though, and I had to push through. It’s marketed as a fantasy romance, but I felt little romantic tension building. It was even sporadic at times. The fact that the characters were literally skeletons for a portion of the book really limited the author in showing the tension within characters too. She had to write things similar to: “if she had a heart it would be fluttering.” I think the author was fantastic at working around this, but it still limited the story.
I know this is a standalone, but I would definitely read a book about the brother. He was much more charming than the main character and I wished for more of him!
This was a more unique story for the fantasy romance genre and I really enjoyed the diversion from Fae, vampires, etc. I mean, what book has a meerkat skeleton as a character? I’m guessing not many. I thought the writing was easy to follow and it wasn’t a long book.
Overall, the ease of the story didn’t keep me hooked, though, and I had to push through. It’s marketed as a fantasy romance, but I felt little romantic tension building. It was even sporadic at times. The fact that the characters were literally skeletons for a portion of the book really limited the author in showing the tension within characters too. She had to write things similar to: “if she had a heart it would be fluttering.” I think the author was fantastic at working around this, but it still limited the story.
I know this is a standalone, but I would definitely read a book about the brother. He was much more charming than the main character and I wished for more of him!
October 17, 2025
This was a lot of fun! I’ve never read anything quite like it before. I loved having so many points of view, it really helped get to know each character more. I did find myself laughing at points when I kept forgetting they were literal skeletons and when they kissed it was straight up just bone on bone HAHAHA. Really fun and easy read!!! Gonna read more from the author
January 8, 2022
Truly one of my favorite books coming from Robinson's tireless imagination. Dark. Sexy. Full of surprises. She manages to create complicated characters that you're biting your nails over, swooning over, or just plain rooting for. Dark fantasy and romance lovers won't be disappointed.
August 29, 2022
Two teens--Anton, a giver, Nahli, a taker--clash in their efforts to survive. Their magical tale, a dark fantasy with gothic vibes, heavy doses of reality, and chilling twists, wraps you in the welcome skeleton grip reminiscent of fairy tales from Grimm brothers or Tim Burton.
October 7, 2024
La cosa es que la historia me parece medio original, pero no me engancha, me ha parecido un poco insulso, sin más. No sé si es por la narración o si es porque al ser un libro corto no desarrolla bien el mundo de fantasía y cierra las cosas muy de golpe. Pero finalmente se queda muy corto.
August 5, 2021
Despite the macabre, this story left me with a smile on my face. Candace Robinson is one of my go to authors and her stories never disappoint. The world of The Bone Valley is lush and disturbing (you will have to read the book to understand what I mean). The character of Anton is one of my favorites. Forced into a life he does not love, his concern for his family was heartwarming and when him and Nahli meet, there was plenty of chemistry between them. Usually, I beg the author to write more in her captivating worlds, but this standalone story felt complete at the end and will definitely be a story worth reading over and over again.
January 20, 2021
A story about a unique and terrible place where nothing exists except bones. Are they doomed to spend eternity there or is there a way out ? Candace Robinson's amazing imagination has soared to new heights with The Bone Valley!
May 8, 2021
I always love Candace's macabre love stories. The Bone Valley is no exception. Candace gives us characters that we fall in love with and some surprising twists and turns that you won't see coming.
June 10, 2021
Highly recommend for those who loved the movie "The Book of Life" it gave me similar feels while being wholly original! It packed intense emotion and wonderful creepiness all at once!
January 8, 2022
My favorite aspect of Candace Robinson's books is that they're so completely different from anything else out there. Every single one, and I'm pretty sure I've read them all. The Bone Valley is just as unique, beautiful, odd and unforgettable as the rest of her books and it's a stand alone so win win!! Robinson has several series ranging from two to five in the set(s), and several stand alones as well, so if you're interested in reading some of her work but can't decide where to start then look no further!! The Bone Valley represents Robinson's creativity is such a wonderfully well rounded way. I can't speak highly enough about it!
The plot goes something like this. Anton is the oldest brother in his family with two sisters and a brother. Their parents each suffered tragic deaths so Anton and his oldest sister Yeva were forced to step up and take the roll of providers. Anton began to sell himself for coin at a young age and unfortunately won over the intimate attention of the wrong witch... and that's putting it lightly!
Then you have Nahli, and I just love her to peices! Anton busts Nahli trying to steal herbs from Yeva's booth in their village market place, so their introduction to one another was less then ideal. Nahli has a tragic past of her own involving an ex who did her very wrong and an escape from a certain form of betrothal/slavery. Nahli has been living on her own for some time, so theft is her only way of survival. One thing leads to another on both of their parts and they find themselves intertwined - in the afterworld!
This place is creative, creepy and lonely yet they still manage to find love as merely bones and dust. Anton doesn't expect to bring Nahli's skeleton to life when he puzzles together her frame from a pile of bones, but when it happens everything changes once again. Meanwhile, another witch who has managed to unintentionally have a major hand in the demise of both Anton and Nahli crosses paths with Pav, Anton's little brother. Together they form a comradery and teem up to rescue Anton from the afterworld. What they find when they get there is far from expected and the climatic ending is phenomenal! All the loose ends are tied up nicely, and every character plays a beautiful part. As I said before, I highly recommend this book! A hundred percent, in every way, go get your copy right freaking now!
The plot goes something like this. Anton is the oldest brother in his family with two sisters and a brother. Their parents each suffered tragic deaths so Anton and his oldest sister Yeva were forced to step up and take the roll of providers. Anton began to sell himself for coin at a young age and unfortunately won over the intimate attention of the wrong witch... and that's putting it lightly!
Then you have Nahli, and I just love her to peices! Anton busts Nahli trying to steal herbs from Yeva's booth in their village market place, so their introduction to one another was less then ideal. Nahli has a tragic past of her own involving an ex who did her very wrong and an escape from a certain form of betrothal/slavery. Nahli has been living on her own for some time, so theft is her only way of survival. One thing leads to another on both of their parts and they find themselves intertwined - in the afterworld!
This place is creative, creepy and lonely yet they still manage to find love as merely bones and dust. Anton doesn't expect to bring Nahli's skeleton to life when he puzzles together her frame from a pile of bones, but when it happens everything changes once again. Meanwhile, another witch who has managed to unintentionally have a major hand in the demise of both Anton and Nahli crosses paths with Pav, Anton's little brother. Together they form a comradery and teem up to rescue Anton from the afterworld. What they find when they get there is far from expected and the climatic ending is phenomenal! All the loose ends are tied up nicely, and every character plays a beautiful part. As I said before, I highly recommend this book! A hundred percent, in every way, go get your copy right freaking now!
April 10, 2023
Thank you to Midnight Book Tours, Midnight Tide Publishing, and Candace Robinson for providing me with a digital copy and audiobook copy of this book. This is my honest review.
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Anyone else participating in ARC April? 🖐🏽 I’m trying to best to clear out my digital shelves this month. Or at least make a huge dent in them 😂 First up was the Bone Valley and what a read it was! I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook as I was reading. Krys Janae brought these characters to life so wonderfully with her narration. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it 👀 I won’t go into detail because I think this book is best read unaware of what you’re jumping into.
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Let’s talk about Nahli and Anton as individuals. My heart broke for each of them in turn. Anton takes care of his family in the best way he knows how and he’s looked down on by everyone for it. Nahli is just trying her best to survive the cards life has dealt her. Something about a thief who is so aware and remorseful about everything they do will always be a punch to the gut for me.
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The relationship between Nahli and Anton was so bittersweet. I loved watching them find each other in Kedaf and again in the Bone Valley. You never know which way the pendulum will swing for them. I also enjoyed how reciprocal the love between Anton and his family was. Again no spoilers, but it was nice to see that play out.
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The realm and the magic we see in The Bone Valley was a breath of fresh air. Or should I say, hellish air? 👀 There are so many different interpretations of life after death and still the Bone Valley felt so new. I love what Candace Robinson did here.
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I’ve been done with this book for a few days now and I find myself still thinking about it. The Bone Valley boils down to this: If you love someone so deeply, down to their bare bones (and I do mean that literally), you fight for them tooth and nail. That’s something I’ll always get behind.
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Anyone else participating in ARC April? 🖐🏽 I’m trying to best to clear out my digital shelves this month. Or at least make a huge dent in them 😂 First up was the Bone Valley and what a read it was! I switched back and forth between the audiobook and the ebook as I was reading. Krys Janae brought these characters to life so wonderfully with her narration. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it 👀 I won’t go into detail because I think this book is best read unaware of what you’re jumping into.
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Let’s talk about Nahli and Anton as individuals. My heart broke for each of them in turn. Anton takes care of his family in the best way he knows how and he’s looked down on by everyone for it. Nahli is just trying her best to survive the cards life has dealt her. Something about a thief who is so aware and remorseful about everything they do will always be a punch to the gut for me.
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The relationship between Nahli and Anton was so bittersweet. I loved watching them find each other in Kedaf and again in the Bone Valley. You never know which way the pendulum will swing for them. I also enjoyed how reciprocal the love between Anton and his family was. Again no spoilers, but it was nice to see that play out.
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The realm and the magic we see in The Bone Valley was a breath of fresh air. Or should I say, hellish air? 👀 There are so many different interpretations of life after death and still the Bone Valley felt so new. I love what Candace Robinson did here.
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I’ve been done with this book for a few days now and I find myself still thinking about it. The Bone Valley boils down to this: If you love someone so deeply, down to their bare bones (and I do mean that literally), you fight for them tooth and nail. That’s something I’ll always get behind.
January 25, 2023
Thank you so much to the author and Midnight Book Publishing, for sharing a copy of this book with me!!
“As King of the Bone Valley, the only company you will have is bones.”
How would you feel about suddenly realising you are the King and Queen of the Bone Valley and you need to absolutely escape from this place because otherwise … you stay dead ?? This is exactly what it’s happening to Nahri and Anton, a thief and a lover. They are not friends but they have to be allies !!! This book was such fun !!! The common tones with Corpse Bride where there and get they were not … I absolutely loved it!!
An interesting fantasy with a sprinkle of romance to make it even better, written with multiple povs chapters !!
I really enjoyed getting through this story and I feel like each and every character had its own story to tell and the right space to do so.
Plus I very much appreciated the importance attributed to family in this book. It made the characters’ relationships so sweet!!!
I very much hope that this is an ongoing series because as a fantasy it was quite a fast read and one that everyone can enjoy.
“As King of the Bone Valley, the only company you will have is bones.”
How would you feel about suddenly realising you are the King and Queen of the Bone Valley and you need to absolutely escape from this place because otherwise … you stay dead ?? This is exactly what it’s happening to Nahri and Anton, a thief and a lover. They are not friends but they have to be allies !!! This book was such fun !!! The common tones with Corpse Bride where there and get they were not … I absolutely loved it!!
An interesting fantasy with a sprinkle of romance to make it even better, written with multiple povs chapters !!
I really enjoyed getting through this story and I feel like each and every character had its own story to tell and the right space to do so.
Plus I very much appreciated the importance attributed to family in this book. It made the characters’ relationships so sweet!!!
I very much hope that this is an ongoing series because as a fantasy it was quite a fast read and one that everyone can enjoy.
March 7, 2023
𝐀𝐬 𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭.
I wanted to love it, but just couldn't. I seen this book marked as "Tim Burton vibes", and I LOVE Tim Burton movies. This books was just not for me. I struggled with wanting to DNF and wanting to know how it ended. The ending didn't make it worth it in my opinion.
"𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝." 𝐇𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. "𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐨."
The writing felt very simple, and while that isn't always a bad thing, I was bored. So bored. As for the plot.... Well it was strange. Strange to the point where none of it made sense. It doesn't have to be realistic, but it has to be believable. None of it was believable. I just couldn't. They are skeletons. None of it makes sense.
It was dark, but I wouldn't say it was crazy dark. The spice was very low. I think only one spicy scene? Honestly my memory might not be the best. It did feel a bit line a fever dream for a while. The book did not hook me in any way. For me, this would be a pass. BUT, if you feel it may be for you, it is on KindleUnlimited. 😊
⭐️⭐️ 2/5
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
I wanted to love it, but just couldn't. I seen this book marked as "Tim Burton vibes", and I LOVE Tim Burton movies. This books was just not for me. I struggled with wanting to DNF and wanting to know how it ended. The ending didn't make it worth it in my opinion.
"𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐈 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝." 𝐇𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. "𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐝𝐨."
The writing felt very simple, and while that isn't always a bad thing, I was bored. So bored. As for the plot.... Well it was strange. Strange to the point where none of it made sense. It doesn't have to be realistic, but it has to be believable. None of it was believable. I just couldn't. They are skeletons. None of it makes sense.
It was dark, but I wouldn't say it was crazy dark. The spice was very low. I think only one spicy scene? Honestly my memory might not be the best. It did feel a bit line a fever dream for a while. The book did not hook me in any way. For me, this would be a pass. BUT, if you feel it may be for you, it is on KindleUnlimited. 😊
⭐️⭐️ 2/5
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
November 12, 2024
Both Anton and Nahli live in a place where they do what they need to to survive. In order to provide for his family after the passing of his parents, Anton exchanges his time for coin, and after running away from her home, Nahli must steal to survive alone
When a business deal goes wrong for Nahil and a jealous client gets the better of Anton, having crossed paths briefly in the real world, the pair will find themselves drawn together in the afterlife
Can they bring some life back into each other when they are only bones....
I have read a few of Candaces retellings over the last few years, and had this on my radar. Upon realising its part of a standalone series, I had to go back to the first book to catch up
Can't wait to see what the next books are like
When a business deal goes wrong for Nahil and a jealous client gets the better of Anton, having crossed paths briefly in the real world, the pair will find themselves drawn together in the afterlife
Can they bring some life back into each other when they are only bones....
I have read a few of Candaces retellings over the last few years, and had this on my radar. Upon realising its part of a standalone series, I had to go back to the first book to catch up
Can't wait to see what the next books are like
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