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A Forging of Age #1
Bones to the Wind
A New Adult coming-of-age fantasy adventure.
Rasia is determined to destroy her old man’s record in the Forging, a trial each child must succeed to come of age. All Rasia needs to do is hunt down a gonda, hitch its tentacle ass to her windship, and haul it back home in record time. Easy. Or it would be if Rasia wasn’t stuck on the same team as Nico—a know-it-all, spoiled, grubworm who never does anything Rasia tells her to do.
Nico doesn’t care about Rasia’s egotistical dreams of glory. This is her brother’s last chance to pass the Forging or her father is going to banish him from the family. She needs to scour the desert to find whatever team the bones placed him on and help him kill a gonda before it kills him.
Too bad Nico and Rasia can’t get along to steer a windship straight.
BONES TO THE WIND is a coming-of-age sword and sorcery fantasy adventure. Action-packed and humorous, the novel includes strong female characters, LGBTQIA+ representation, and mature themes.
Rasia is determined to destroy her old man’s record in the Forging, a trial each child must succeed to come of age. All Rasia needs to do is hunt down a gonda, hitch its tentacle ass to her windship, and haul it back home in record time. Easy. Or it would be if Rasia wasn’t stuck on the same team as Nico—a know-it-all, spoiled, grubworm who never does anything Rasia tells her to do.
Nico doesn’t care about Rasia’s egotistical dreams of glory. This is her brother’s last chance to pass the Forging or her father is going to banish him from the family. She needs to scour the desert to find whatever team the bones placed him on and help him kill a gonda before it kills him.
Too bad Nico and Rasia can’t get along to steer a windship straight.
BONES TO THE WIND is a coming-of-age sword and sorcery fantasy adventure. Action-packed and humorous, the novel includes strong female characters, LGBTQIA+ representation, and mature themes.
ebook
First published March 1, 2022
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About the author
Tatiana Obey
8 books147 followersTatiana Obey writes badass characters slaying dragons. She enjoys combining action with character-driven stories that feature diverse heroes and heroines. She is the author of Bones to the Wind, a 2022 BBA Award Winner, and Sistah Samurai: A Champloo Novella, a 2023 Indie Ink Award Winner. Locus award nominated, she has published short stories in various anthologies and Fiyah Literary Magazine, and is also a contributing editor for Magic in the Melanin: A Black Fantasy Anthology. She taught English in South Korea, studied abroad in Japan, and spent her debut year traveling the world. Learn more about her at www.tatianaobey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25
Thank you to the author for sending me a physical copy in exchange for a review!
Children of the Grunkull are faceless until the Forging where they are sent out on windship to kill a gonda and prove their worth. It’s deadly enough as it is, but of course, Rasia wants to prove herself and kill a dragon.
Nico just wants to survive and save her brother in the process. This is his last chance at earning a place in society and their family after his failure last year and his perceived weakness.
Nico and Rasia are polar opposites. Nico makes a fantastic, empathetic leader; capable of bringing people together to face the odds. Rasia is brass, stubborn, arrogantly independent and determined to be self-sufficient.
The way the author makes use of different perspectives really added to the worldview provided, and really showed how voice is everything in making our own stories and shaping our views.
Kai had really only seen Rasia through Nico's eyes. He was ashamed to admit he'd once thought of Rasia as nothing more than a villain in Nico's story. With a different point of view, Rasia was the hero of her own.
The characters’ voices immediately captured my attention: in your face, funny, and unique.
Rasia locked hands and stretched toward the Mythkeeper.
"So... you must have been bored till I came along?"
Another one of those sighs. "You certainly never disappoint."
There were so many quotes I have highlighted and would want to include in this review, but I will refrain to give you the chance to discover the wonder yourself.
Obey covers topics such as physical prejudice, lgbtq+ representation, discrimination, abortion, starvation, family, abuse, toxicity and possessiveness, lies, control, and power. Every chapter, theme, and character packs a punch. Oftentimes, a literal one.
Sometimes, jokes were immature and the topics covered and the characters’ reactions extremely uncomfortable, but this forces you to confront the culture’s clearly wrong and harmful norms and values.
"You aren't bones to be thrown in someone else's game. The bones are in your hand, and you decide how you play?”
Bookstagram
Thank you to the author for sending me a physical copy in exchange for a review!
Children of the Grunkull are faceless until the Forging where they are sent out on windship to kill a gonda and prove their worth. It’s deadly enough as it is, but of course, Rasia wants to prove herself and kill a dragon.
Nico just wants to survive and save her brother in the process. This is his last chance at earning a place in society and their family after his failure last year and his perceived weakness.
Nico and Rasia are polar opposites. Nico makes a fantastic, empathetic leader; capable of bringing people together to face the odds. Rasia is brass, stubborn, arrogantly independent and determined to be self-sufficient.
The way the author makes use of different perspectives really added to the worldview provided, and really showed how voice is everything in making our own stories and shaping our views.
Kai had really only seen Rasia through Nico's eyes. He was ashamed to admit he'd once thought of Rasia as nothing more than a villain in Nico's story. With a different point of view, Rasia was the hero of her own.
The characters’ voices immediately captured my attention: in your face, funny, and unique.
Rasia locked hands and stretched toward the Mythkeeper.
"So... you must have been bored till I came along?"
Another one of those sighs. "You certainly never disappoint."
There were so many quotes I have highlighted and would want to include in this review, but I will refrain to give you the chance to discover the wonder yourself.
Obey covers topics such as physical prejudice, lgbtq+ representation, discrimination, abortion, starvation, family, abuse, toxicity and possessiveness, lies, control, and power. Every chapter, theme, and character packs a punch. Oftentimes, a literal one.
Sometimes, jokes were immature and the topics covered and the characters’ reactions extremely uncomfortable, but this forces you to confront the culture’s clearly wrong and harmful norms and values.
"You aren't bones to be thrown in someone else's game. The bones are in your hand, and you decide how you play?”
Bookstagram
June 10, 2023
Absolutely fucking brilliant.
This is more than a story, it’s a lesson and an important one at that.
The conversations and thematics in this book discussed in an accessible way are next level.
This book should be offered in schools as a reading option. I can imagine reading this at 15/16 and growing so very much from these words.
More coherent thoughts to come!
This is more than a story, it’s a lesson and an important one at that.
The conversations and thematics in this book discussed in an accessible way are next level.
This book should be offered in schools as a reading option. I can imagine reading this at 15/16 and growing so very much from these words.
More coherent thoughts to come!
February 23, 2024
4.5 stars
THAT WAS SO GOOD WTF!!!!
THAT WAS SO GOOD WTF!!!!
February 21, 2022
I was lucky enough to recently get an ARC of Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey. I have to say, I loved this book. The imagery paints a great picture of the people & their surroundings. The pacing is perfect. There are no slow parts to the story, but it's also able to keep it's momentum without getting too fast & chaotic. What I really loved though, were the characters. So often in fantasy books the protagonist(s) is portrayed under a light that only allows you to see their perfections. If any flaw is shown, it's usually either minor or quickly brushed over. Not these kids. Their flaws are thrown in your face & you can't take them or leave them. One of my favorite parts is also the way sex in the romance is portrayed pretty realistically, especially in regards that the characters are teenagers. Romance is almost always shown as this beautiful, flowery, passionate force, & that just couldn't be farther from the truth. You're able to see that the characters don't really know what they're doing, even when they think they do. You're able to see how knowing what the consequences for sex are is different from actually experiencing them.
My only complaints for the book would be that I would like to get a better understanding of the way the magic works. Also that some of the terminology can be hard to understand, but a lot of it is explained later in the book.
My only complaints for the book would be that I would like to get a better understanding of the way the magic works. Also that some of the terminology can be hard to understand, but a lot of it is explained later in the book.
September 6, 2022
This was excellent
The characters: I loved Nico and Kai. I loved their arc. I thought nico was self righteous but ultimately her heart was in the right place and so I have a soft spot for her. The rivalry between nico and raisa isn’t even the highlight of the book , so many relationships were so well crafted. I just love coming of age stories and the trials these kids go through …. Just whew . Also the main romance is one of my faves of all time !!!!!!
The setting: I love me a desert setting. The wind ships lent for great found family dynamics. Loved all the creatures especially the dragons and how they influenced the magic and culture
World building: this is the most beautiful world and it’s so rich and complex. The society is on the brink of starvation and so they are very survival of the richest.. the forging is frames as what marks them as adults but really it is to weed out the weak and conserve resources. The different offences that exile the members of society essentially sets up a opressed community that lives outside the main society and those tensions allow for commentary on xenophobia that is just chefs kiss!
RUN NOT WALK to grab a copy !!
The characters: I loved Nico and Kai. I loved their arc. I thought nico was self righteous but ultimately her heart was in the right place and so I have a soft spot for her. The rivalry between nico and raisa isn’t even the highlight of the book , so many relationships were so well crafted. I just love coming of age stories and the trials these kids go through …. Just whew . Also the main romance is one of my faves of all time !!!!!!
The setting: I love me a desert setting. The wind ships lent for great found family dynamics. Loved all the creatures especially the dragons and how they influenced the magic and culture
World building: this is the most beautiful world and it’s so rich and complex. The society is on the brink of starvation and so they are very survival of the richest.. the forging is frames as what marks them as adults but really it is to weed out the weak and conserve resources. The different offences that exile the members of society essentially sets up a opressed community that lives outside the main society and those tensions allow for commentary on xenophobia that is just chefs kiss!
RUN NOT WALK to grab a copy !!
September 15, 2022
Thank you to the author for an ebook in exchange for an honest review as part of her street team. All opinions are my own.
Damn this was amazing!
Damn this was amazing!
February 24, 2025
I don't know what I expected, but this was a BANGER. First, thank you so much to the author for sending me a signed copy! I'm going to treasure it forever. Seriously, some of these lines hit so hard that they practically punched me in the face. I highlighted so many things.
Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey is a coming-of-age New Adult adventure that thrives on its fast-paced, equally humorous, dark, and emotional narrative. These characters are incredible and wonderfully messy and annoying and imperfect. From the get-go, Rasia emerges as a force of nature—like a hurricane fueled by raw emotion and deep-seated trauma. And feisty as f#ck. She has incredibly big feelings and a whole heap of trauma about people leaving her and not wanting her. She acts out and is terrible to others, brash and thoughtless at times, but she’s also exceptional and brave and accepts someone that no one else would. Determined to shatter her father's record in the Forging - a deadly coming-of-age hunt - by hunting down a beast within a short time, Rasia’s journey is anything but straightforward. Unfortunately, she is paired with a group that includes her infuriating rival Nico, a know-it-all, future leader of her people.
And when plans change and she seeks a hunting buddy, she takes along her rival's sickly, sensitive brother Kai - who is more than what he seems. This is a coming-of-age story in which two loners find one another. And all the complexities of that. They’re young and their interactions are silly and heartfelt and disappointing. They do stupid things and they risk it all for one another. That was the heart of the story for me – but Niko’s storyline was equally fascinating. The pressure heaped on her shoulders is intense and she’s struggling to protect a brother who wants to stand on his own… with the rival who drives her insane.
While the antics and dialogue sometimes veer into silly, juvenile territory—a reminder that these characters are still early adults—that same unpredictability is exactly what makes every interaction and character feel real. I really feel like that’s the entire point. Rasia’s fierce vulnerability and reckless bravery, combined with the pressure Nico faces to protect a brother desperate to stand on his own, and Kai's journey into self-confidence and standing on his own two feet - all create a dynamic that’s as heartfelt as it is incredible. All of these relationships, full of raw emotion and strife, are the heart of the story.
I must admit, this book was nothing like I expected—and it stayed that way throughout. But it’s that unfiltered, unpolished energy that makes it so captivating and so unique. Despite a few character moments that might frustrate some readers, Bones to the Wind is an incredibly engaging tale of young ambition, loss, and the chaotic beauty of growing up. I’m SO eager to see where Tatiana Obey takes us next, even if, let's be honest, youths can be a bit stupid and annoying sometimes. Seriously impressive book.
Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey is a coming-of-age New Adult adventure that thrives on its fast-paced, equally humorous, dark, and emotional narrative. These characters are incredible and wonderfully messy and annoying and imperfect. From the get-go, Rasia emerges as a force of nature—like a hurricane fueled by raw emotion and deep-seated trauma. And feisty as f#ck. She has incredibly big feelings and a whole heap of trauma about people leaving her and not wanting her. She acts out and is terrible to others, brash and thoughtless at times, but she’s also exceptional and brave and accepts someone that no one else would. Determined to shatter her father's record in the Forging - a deadly coming-of-age hunt - by hunting down a beast within a short time, Rasia’s journey is anything but straightforward. Unfortunately, she is paired with a group that includes her infuriating rival Nico, a know-it-all, future leader of her people.
And when plans change and she seeks a hunting buddy, she takes along her rival's sickly, sensitive brother Kai - who is more than what he seems. This is a coming-of-age story in which two loners find one another. And all the complexities of that. They’re young and their interactions are silly and heartfelt and disappointing. They do stupid things and they risk it all for one another. That was the heart of the story for me – but Niko’s storyline was equally fascinating. The pressure heaped on her shoulders is intense and she’s struggling to protect a brother who wants to stand on his own… with the rival who drives her insane.
While the antics and dialogue sometimes veer into silly, juvenile territory—a reminder that these characters are still early adults—that same unpredictability is exactly what makes every interaction and character feel real. I really feel like that’s the entire point. Rasia’s fierce vulnerability and reckless bravery, combined with the pressure Nico faces to protect a brother desperate to stand on his own, and Kai's journey into self-confidence and standing on his own two feet - all create a dynamic that’s as heartfelt as it is incredible. All of these relationships, full of raw emotion and strife, are the heart of the story.
I must admit, this book was nothing like I expected—and it stayed that way throughout. But it’s that unfiltered, unpolished energy that makes it so captivating and so unique. Despite a few character moments that might frustrate some readers, Bones to the Wind is an incredibly engaging tale of young ambition, loss, and the chaotic beauty of growing up. I’m SO eager to see where Tatiana Obey takes us next, even if, let's be honest, youths can be a bit stupid and annoying sometimes. Seriously impressive book.
December 12, 2022
4.5 stars (rounded up)
Bones to the Wind is everything I didn't know I needed from a coming-of-age fantasy. It's fierce, brutal, unapologetic and overall just extremely fun. All I knew before going in was that it had a desert setting, fierce female characters, a deadly competition, windships, and a queer-normative and sex-positive society. And I don’t know about you, but I was sold!
This story follows our three messy and flawed protagonists, Rasia, Kai and Nico, as they are about to start their coming-of-age Forging trial. All they need to do is go into the wild desert on a sandship and bring back the carcass of a deadly gonda, which will earn them their name in society.
Rasia has her masterplan ready and is dead set on beating her father’s record time, but things go south when she ends up stuck on the same team as her nemesis, Nico.
All Nico wants is to find her sickly and weak brother, Kai, who failed his Forging trial once already and will be banished from his family and society if he doesn’t succeed this year.
Needless to say, Rasia and Nico’s existing rivalry and opposing goals immediately cause them to butt heads, after which chaos quickly ensues. Can they set aside their differences or are they going to be each other’s demise?
Now, these characters behave exactly as you’d expect from young adults their age. They are brash, wild, arrogant, self-righteous, boastful, self-absorbed and honestly just quite petty. Their flaws are on full display and they let their emotions drive their actions forward, which makes them a lot less likeable than your typical fantasy protagonist. Did they frustrate me? Absolutely. But did I nevertheless fall head over heels in love with them? Hell to the fuck yes.
I loved that the whole Forging trial almost takes a backseat here and instead this story is driven forward by these characters’ individual journeys, which provide plenty of tension and drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. We get such an intimate look into these characters’ psyches and quickly learn that they all have their own inner demons to overcome. I really appreciate that we get to see these characters grow and mature throughout the story, yet they always stay true to who they are at their core. The character and relationship development throughout this story is simply outstanding and I adored exploring the complex dynamics between these characters. Also, the level of sass and snark is absolutely unmatched and the humour and banter just worked so well for me.
Another thing I really loved about this book is how diverse and sex-positive it is. There’s a huge focus on the exploration of gender and sexuality, which was handled with so much care and authenticity. I mean, throw a couple of easily aroused young adults into a high stakes situation and it doesn’t take long for things to get steamy. But what I loved about the romances here is that they are so realistically and painfully messy. These characters might act as if they know what they are doing, but in reality they are just experimenting and hesitantly stumbling in the dark. And when they mess up, they have to deal with the harsh consequences of their actions, which I found so refreshing and satisfying to see.
And as if this book wasn’t already compelling enough, the world building added a whole new level of intrigue, nuance, depth and immersion to the story. I was immediately enamoured by the concept of The Grankull, a desert community living inside the bones of a massive dragon. We quickly realise that this is a harsh world full of corruption, inequality, harsh laws, broken communities and starving people. But it’s also a world full of magic, windships, dragons and beautiful desert landscapes. The author completely transports you into this fascinating world with her evocative descriptions and authentic terminology. It took me a couple of chapters to find my footing, but once I did, this became one of the most immersive reading experiences I have had in a long while.
I do think the magic was a bit too elusive and unexplained, but I could personally very easily forgive that, as I was just having so much fun.
So yeah, safe to say I absolutely adored this story. It’s not perfect, but it’s unapologetically fierce, fun, brutal and wild, which just worked for me on every single level. This book has a satisfying ending, but it's truly only the first part of the story, so I am dying to get back to my flawed faves to see how their journeys continue.
If you like the sound of coming-of-age fantasy with strong women, a deadly competition, queer and sex-positive relationships, complex sibling bonds, windships, dragons and mystical elemental magic, then Bones to the Wind is the book for you.
Bones to the Wind is everything I didn't know I needed from a coming-of-age fantasy. It's fierce, brutal, unapologetic and overall just extremely fun. All I knew before going in was that it had a desert setting, fierce female characters, a deadly competition, windships, and a queer-normative and sex-positive society. And I don’t know about you, but I was sold!
This story follows our three messy and flawed protagonists, Rasia, Kai and Nico, as they are about to start their coming-of-age Forging trial. All they need to do is go into the wild desert on a sandship and bring back the carcass of a deadly gonda, which will earn them their name in society.
Rasia has her masterplan ready and is dead set on beating her father’s record time, but things go south when she ends up stuck on the same team as her nemesis, Nico.
All Nico wants is to find her sickly and weak brother, Kai, who failed his Forging trial once already and will be banished from his family and society if he doesn’t succeed this year.
Needless to say, Rasia and Nico’s existing rivalry and opposing goals immediately cause them to butt heads, after which chaos quickly ensues. Can they set aside their differences or are they going to be each other’s demise?
Now, these characters behave exactly as you’d expect from young adults their age. They are brash, wild, arrogant, self-righteous, boastful, self-absorbed and honestly just quite petty. Their flaws are on full display and they let their emotions drive their actions forward, which makes them a lot less likeable than your typical fantasy protagonist. Did they frustrate me? Absolutely. But did I nevertheless fall head over heels in love with them? Hell to the fuck yes.
I loved that the whole Forging trial almost takes a backseat here and instead this story is driven forward by these characters’ individual journeys, which provide plenty of tension and drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. We get such an intimate look into these characters’ psyches and quickly learn that they all have their own inner demons to overcome. I really appreciate that we get to see these characters grow and mature throughout the story, yet they always stay true to who they are at their core. The character and relationship development throughout this story is simply outstanding and I adored exploring the complex dynamics between these characters. Also, the level of sass and snark is absolutely unmatched and the humour and banter just worked so well for me.
Another thing I really loved about this book is how diverse and sex-positive it is. There’s a huge focus on the exploration of gender and sexuality, which was handled with so much care and authenticity. I mean, throw a couple of easily aroused young adults into a high stakes situation and it doesn’t take long for things to get steamy. But what I loved about the romances here is that they are so realistically and painfully messy. These characters might act as if they know what they are doing, but in reality they are just experimenting and hesitantly stumbling in the dark. And when they mess up, they have to deal with the harsh consequences of their actions, which I found so refreshing and satisfying to see.
And as if this book wasn’t already compelling enough, the world building added a whole new level of intrigue, nuance, depth and immersion to the story. I was immediately enamoured by the concept of The Grankull, a desert community living inside the bones of a massive dragon. We quickly realise that this is a harsh world full of corruption, inequality, harsh laws, broken communities and starving people. But it’s also a world full of magic, windships, dragons and beautiful desert landscapes. The author completely transports you into this fascinating world with her evocative descriptions and authentic terminology. It took me a couple of chapters to find my footing, but once I did, this became one of the most immersive reading experiences I have had in a long while.
I do think the magic was a bit too elusive and unexplained, but I could personally very easily forgive that, as I was just having so much fun.
So yeah, safe to say I absolutely adored this story. It’s not perfect, but it’s unapologetically fierce, fun, brutal and wild, which just worked for me on every single level. This book has a satisfying ending, but it's truly only the first part of the story, so I am dying to get back to my flawed faves to see how their journeys continue.
If you like the sound of coming-of-age fantasy with strong women, a deadly competition, queer and sex-positive relationships, complex sibling bonds, windships, dragons and mystical elemental magic, then Bones to the Wind is the book for you.
February 9, 2024
Verdict: I loved this book so much, and it is one of my favorite fantasy books of all time. READ IT!
Quick disclaimer: Tatiana is a homie. She is my friend and I love her, but I also respect her as a professional and writing peer. This review is my honest opinion of her book that I purchased and read on my own whims. She has no say in this review whatsoever.
That being said, let's get into this!
Every aspect of this book was well-done. From the worldbuidling, to the pacing, to the characters, to the humor, to the adventure itself and how everything was presented. I had not a single complaint about this book, and the entire time I was reading it, I kept lamenting the fact that I could only read it for the first time once. Because this is the kind of book I want when I say I want Black fantasy.
The worldbuilding in this book is incredible. From the first page where Rasia, the main character, is throwing her bones, you understand that this is a world completely unlike anything you've ever read before. And I love this book for it! The characters have a culture with rules that some abide by and other break, but there are consequences on both sides. And because this is a coming of age story, things are being questioned in a way that feels authentic for teenagers on the cusp of becoming adults.
And that leads to amazing character development. Kai and Rasia are my absolute faves! But I also loved Nico, Zephyr, Kelin, Azan and every character because all of them had a place in the story. No one ever felt extra or just thrown into the mix for kicks and giggles. They forced each other to be sharper, better, to grow. And together it made for an amazing story, especially since this was an adventure and even in the quiet moments you never fully forget that they're teens braving a harsh desert full of monsters. You never have a moment to be bored with this book, and I was left wanting to read what was going to happen next, even when I knew reading one more chapter would be to my detriment the next day.
I'm going to do a full review of this book on my YouTube channel, but I will say this: if you are an author who writes fantasy — especially a Black author who writes Black fantasy — you should read this book. Because this is GOOD fantasy. This is AMAZING fantasy. There are a lot of books out there, but this book is one that should help you form the standard you set for yourself. You should look at this book and strive to achieve this level of mastery over your craft. I know that reading it has left me wanting to push myself to be a better writer as well.
Quick disclaimer: Tatiana is a homie. She is my friend and I love her, but I also respect her as a professional and writing peer. This review is my honest opinion of her book that I purchased and read on my own whims. She has no say in this review whatsoever.
That being said, let's get into this!
Every aspect of this book was well-done. From the worldbuidling, to the pacing, to the characters, to the humor, to the adventure itself and how everything was presented. I had not a single complaint about this book, and the entire time I was reading it, I kept lamenting the fact that I could only read it for the first time once. Because this is the kind of book I want when I say I want Black fantasy.
The worldbuilding in this book is incredible. From the first page where Rasia, the main character, is throwing her bones, you understand that this is a world completely unlike anything you've ever read before. And I love this book for it! The characters have a culture with rules that some abide by and other break, but there are consequences on both sides. And because this is a coming of age story, things are being questioned in a way that feels authentic for teenagers on the cusp of becoming adults.
And that leads to amazing character development. Kai and Rasia are my absolute faves! But I also loved Nico, Zephyr, Kelin, Azan and every character because all of them had a place in the story. No one ever felt extra or just thrown into the mix for kicks and giggles. They forced each other to be sharper, better, to grow. And together it made for an amazing story, especially since this was an adventure and even in the quiet moments you never fully forget that they're teens braving a harsh desert full of monsters. You never have a moment to be bored with this book, and I was left wanting to read what was going to happen next, even when I knew reading one more chapter would be to my detriment the next day.
I'm going to do a full review of this book on my YouTube channel, but I will say this: if you are an author who writes fantasy — especially a Black author who writes Black fantasy — you should read this book. Because this is GOOD fantasy. This is AMAZING fantasy. There are a lot of books out there, but this book is one that should help you form the standard you set for yourself. You should look at this book and strive to achieve this level of mastery over your craft. I know that reading it has left me wanting to push myself to be a better writer as well.
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January 23, 2025Bones to the Wind is a riveting coming-of-age adventure with desert monsters, magic, and young people who are tired of being underestimated.
It’s time for the annual Forging, a trial that every child must pass to be considered an adult. Teenagers are split up into groups of five, each piloting a windship, and must hunt down a creature and bring it back to the Grankull before time is up.
Rasia is a badass warrior dreaming of glory, and she wants to come home in record time. She’s determined as hell, cocky, and has the skills to back it up. But she’s never worked well with others.
Unfortunately, she’s paired up with Nico, her childhood nemesis. Nico has impressive water powers, she’s next in line to lead their community, and she’s always been a bit of a self-righteous know-it-all. And Nico’s biggest Forging goal isn’t to be the best of the best like Rasia, but instead to make sure her little brother Kai survives. It’s his last chance, and he faces banishment otherwise.
Their society is always teetering on the brink of starvation, so nobody will miss the kids who don’t return. It’s up to Rasia, Nico, Kai, and their groups to make sure they’re coming home with heads held high. But time is working against them, and there are creatures and humans worse than the tentacled gondas they’ve chosen to hunt in the desert lands.
You’re plopped down into the sand and expected to gently sail away into this world. Nobody is holding your hand and explaining things, but I thought the immersive worldbuilding came in steady bursts and never felt too overwhelming or hard to comprehend.
And the world is SO interesting. I was devouring all the information we got, from the complicated politics of a society created inside the skeleton of a dragon to the tents and outcasts and scavengers to the ferocious creatures that hunt in the desert. There’s so much intricate culture here and a lot of thought went into piecing together this community.
The characters will make you furious and proud from one chapter to the next. Rasia is arrogant and at times a bit cruel, but she also believes in everyone’s potential and is incredibly hardworking and determined. Nico struggles to see the big picture, but cares so deeply for her little brother and also wants to be a better leader for her people. And Kai flip flops between secrecy and excruciating self doubt and then dares to dream. There’s a fascinating web here, and all of their various interactions will keep you guessing. Some characters are awesome and some are unredeemable, but they fill up the pages of this book pretty realistically.
All the main characters are teenagers (though they will soon be considered adults in their society), and a lot of the middle portion of this journey is sex. They live in a community that encourages sex (at least for those inside the Grankull) and there are severe consequences to having sex before they’re ready, so this is their first sort of “no adults, no rules” scenario. It’s not SUPER graphic sexual content, but there is a LOT of it and lots of sexual/sex joke-y commentary as well. It just wasn’t something I wanted to read about in depth, so the book really lagged for me in the middle. There’s also some acephobic/arophobic viewpoints held by the characters and their larger society (as an additional content warning heads up). I wanted to get back to the adventure and the other plotlines that had much higher stakes.
Aside from that lull in the middle (which again, may just come down to personal preference), I thought the pacing here was really strong and the writing was great overall. A little bit of clunky text, but nothing that tripped up the reading experience.
This is the start to a duology and it does leave off on a major cliffhanger. I’m so desperate to know everyone’s fates, and I think that the second half of this story will likely be more politics-heavy which should be engaging. Most of this arc was spent away from their society and in the desert, and the insight we got into the politics was “yikes” at best, so I’m curious to see how they’ll come back and challenge and change their community.
There’s also the start of a found family forming, and I hope we’ll see some more positive friendships explored on page during part two.
I’d definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure with a heavy dose of romance, great action scenes, and a fascinating society & world!
CW: death (parent/child), abortion, pregnancy, ableism, slavery, child abuse, homophobia, acephobia, rape, suicidal thoughts/attempt, eating disorder, explicit sexual content (underage)
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
It’s time for the annual Forging, a trial that every child must pass to be considered an adult. Teenagers are split up into groups of five, each piloting a windship, and must hunt down a creature and bring it back to the Grankull before time is up.
Rasia is a badass warrior dreaming of glory, and she wants to come home in record time. She’s determined as hell, cocky, and has the skills to back it up. But she’s never worked well with others.
Unfortunately, she’s paired up with Nico, her childhood nemesis. Nico has impressive water powers, she’s next in line to lead their community, and she’s always been a bit of a self-righteous know-it-all. And Nico’s biggest Forging goal isn’t to be the best of the best like Rasia, but instead to make sure her little brother Kai survives. It’s his last chance, and he faces banishment otherwise.
Their society is always teetering on the brink of starvation, so nobody will miss the kids who don’t return. It’s up to Rasia, Nico, Kai, and their groups to make sure they’re coming home with heads held high. But time is working against them, and there are creatures and humans worse than the tentacled gondas they’ve chosen to hunt in the desert lands.
You’re plopped down into the sand and expected to gently sail away into this world. Nobody is holding your hand and explaining things, but I thought the immersive worldbuilding came in steady bursts and never felt too overwhelming or hard to comprehend.
And the world is SO interesting. I was devouring all the information we got, from the complicated politics of a society created inside the skeleton of a dragon to the tents and outcasts and scavengers to the ferocious creatures that hunt in the desert. There’s so much intricate culture here and a lot of thought went into piecing together this community.
The characters will make you furious and proud from one chapter to the next. Rasia is arrogant and at times a bit cruel, but she also believes in everyone’s potential and is incredibly hardworking and determined. Nico struggles to see the big picture, but cares so deeply for her little brother and also wants to be a better leader for her people. And Kai flip flops between secrecy and excruciating self doubt and then dares to dream. There’s a fascinating web here, and all of their various interactions will keep you guessing. Some characters are awesome and some are unredeemable, but they fill up the pages of this book pretty realistically.
All the main characters are teenagers (though they will soon be considered adults in their society), and a lot of the middle portion of this journey is sex. They live in a community that encourages sex (at least for those inside the Grankull) and there are severe consequences to having sex before they’re ready, so this is their first sort of “no adults, no rules” scenario. It’s not SUPER graphic sexual content, but there is a LOT of it and lots of sexual/sex joke-y commentary as well. It just wasn’t something I wanted to read about in depth, so the book really lagged for me in the middle. There’s also some acephobic/arophobic viewpoints held by the characters and their larger society (as an additional content warning heads up). I wanted to get back to the adventure and the other plotlines that had much higher stakes.
Aside from that lull in the middle (which again, may just come down to personal preference), I thought the pacing here was really strong and the writing was great overall. A little bit of clunky text, but nothing that tripped up the reading experience.
This is the start to a duology and it does leave off on a major cliffhanger. I’m so desperate to know everyone’s fates, and I think that the second half of this story will likely be more politics-heavy which should be engaging. Most of this arc was spent away from their society and in the desert, and the insight we got into the politics was “yikes” at best, so I’m curious to see how they’ll come back and challenge and change their community.
There’s also the start of a found family forming, and I hope we’ll see some more positive friendships explored on page during part two.
I’d definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a thrilling fantasy adventure with a heavy dose of romance, great action scenes, and a fascinating society & world!
CW: death (parent/child), abortion, pregnancy, ableism, slavery, child abuse, homophobia, acephobia, rape, suicidal thoughts/attempt, eating disorder, explicit sexual content (underage)
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
March 2, 2022
“Bones to the Wind” by Tatiana Obey is a fierce, gritty, unstoppable adventure with unpredictable twists and a diverse set of characters that readers will enjoy. This wildly imaginative and vividly detailed story dives into a universe full of broken communities, starving people, corruption, and a hunt of epic proportions that creates an addictive and heart-pounding tale.
Every year, the children of the Grankull must sail a ship into the desert and bring back a gonda to signal their transition into adulthood. For Rasia, who has experience fighting and sailing wind ships, this is a piece of cake. The only wrench in her plan is being put on the same team as Nico who has an annoying habit of refusing to listen to anything Rasia has to say.
Nico thinks Rasia is brash, wild, and egotistical. She doesn’t care about Rasia’s plan of creating a name for herself by winning a moment of glory. Nico’s brother has already failed one competition and if he doesn’t pass this year’s hunt, he will be banished from the family and the Grankull altogether. To ensure his survival, she needs to find whatever ship he’s on before he ends up dead in the desert.
If only Nico and Rasia could get along and agree on something, then they might have a fair chance at passing their own hunt.
This book is the definition of unputdownable. The world-building is spectacularly done. The Grankull and all the broken communities that exist on its outskirts feel realistic as though they’ve been pulled from places the author’s been rather than from the imagination. It adds depth to the story in a way that makes the setting believable instead of just a backdrop.
What’s extremely unique about this novel is its diverse cast with voices that easily stand apart from one another. There aren’t too many fantasy-adventure stories that can perfectly execute dissimilar characters that each come with their own strengths, weaknesses, and flaws. Not the strengths that are overexaggerated or the weaknesses that are easy to overcome or the petty, minor flaws people can easily overlook. These are all characters that bring something special to the story and add to the tension of surviving the hunt for a gonda. It’s easy to connect with the main characters, too, because at their core they contain what is deep inside all readers. The desire to be an invincible, spit-fire warrior. Someone who can stand up for the little people and bring down the corrupt. To realize anything is possible so long as quitting is never an option.
“Bones to the Wind” by debut author Tatiana Obey is 100% worth any reader’s time. It’s fast-paced, humorous, tense, and bound to be a memorable story. Go buy this book on March 1st, 2022. If you don’t, consider yourself food for the gonda.
A big thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this e-arc and to share my honest opinion in this review.
Every year, the children of the Grankull must sail a ship into the desert and bring back a gonda to signal their transition into adulthood. For Rasia, who has experience fighting and sailing wind ships, this is a piece of cake. The only wrench in her plan is being put on the same team as Nico who has an annoying habit of refusing to listen to anything Rasia has to say.
Nico thinks Rasia is brash, wild, and egotistical. She doesn’t care about Rasia’s plan of creating a name for herself by winning a moment of glory. Nico’s brother has already failed one competition and if he doesn’t pass this year’s hunt, he will be banished from the family and the Grankull altogether. To ensure his survival, she needs to find whatever ship he’s on before he ends up dead in the desert.
If only Nico and Rasia could get along and agree on something, then they might have a fair chance at passing their own hunt.
This book is the definition of unputdownable. The world-building is spectacularly done. The Grankull and all the broken communities that exist on its outskirts feel realistic as though they’ve been pulled from places the author’s been rather than from the imagination. It adds depth to the story in a way that makes the setting believable instead of just a backdrop.
What’s extremely unique about this novel is its diverse cast with voices that easily stand apart from one another. There aren’t too many fantasy-adventure stories that can perfectly execute dissimilar characters that each come with their own strengths, weaknesses, and flaws. Not the strengths that are overexaggerated or the weaknesses that are easy to overcome or the petty, minor flaws people can easily overlook. These are all characters that bring something special to the story and add to the tension of surviving the hunt for a gonda. It’s easy to connect with the main characters, too, because at their core they contain what is deep inside all readers. The desire to be an invincible, spit-fire warrior. Someone who can stand up for the little people and bring down the corrupt. To realize anything is possible so long as quitting is never an option.
“Bones to the Wind” by debut author Tatiana Obey is 100% worth any reader’s time. It’s fast-paced, humorous, tense, and bound to be a memorable story. Go buy this book on March 1st, 2022. If you don’t, consider yourself food for the gonda.
A big thank you to BookSirens and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read this e-arc and to share my honest opinion in this review.
September 21, 2023
Wow! This was a really cool and such a fun read! I found the author's insta account and got excited because this is an indie BIPOC fantasy and I'm sooo happy that it didn't disappoint.
I will say though, there were A LOT of grammatical tense errors that bothered the nitpicker in me. I understand that this is a self-published work, but damn, that was a lot to get through. The author was still able to convey the story really well, but if these were fixed, I'd definitely bump up my rating.
So, the cover gives off major YA fantasy vibes (which I thought it was), but this isn't quite YA. (There's a bunch of sex scenes in the latter half.) So, bear that in mind.
I absolutely loved how the author dumps you into a whole new world with different names and terminology for concepts such as time (known here as vibrations), distance, etc. so as the reader, you'll have to put in some work to understand how this world functions. There's even a disclaimer at the end which explains why the author did this, which is really cool. As someone who's an immigrant who reads a lot of fantasy/sci-fi, this is something I'm pretty used to, but ymmv.
I ended up loving all three MCs, Rasia, Nico, and Kai. As much as I was thoroughly irritated by Rasia's behavior and cocky demeanor at first, she does undergo character growth by the end, so it wasn't a lost cause. Hell, everyone experienced character growth, which was a really cool thing because you get to actually experience it yourself as the reader.
Did I mention how much I loved the world building? It's this strange mixture of an authoritarian dystopian world in a desert setting, filled with magic and monsters. The author drops bits and pieces of history here and there, and since some of the characters live on the fringes of society and didn't go to school or barely went to school, they're also learning about their world along with the reader.
Social stratification is written really well in this story with a lot of showing. I could easily understand how the Grankull, the Tents, the scavengers, and the no-faces function within (and without) the society. I really appreciated that not all of the characters were from the same social and economic groups (which is something that not a lot of fantasy multiple POV novels bother to do). So, you can really see a microcosm of the larger society within the Forging/coming-of-age competition that the characters are participating in.
All in all, I can't wait to read the sequel!
I will say though, there were A LOT of grammatical tense errors that bothered the nitpicker in me. I understand that this is a self-published work, but damn, that was a lot to get through. The author was still able to convey the story really well, but if these were fixed, I'd definitely bump up my rating.
So, the cover gives off major YA fantasy vibes (which I thought it was), but this isn't quite YA. (There's a bunch of sex scenes in the latter half.) So, bear that in mind.
I absolutely loved how the author dumps you into a whole new world with different names and terminology for concepts such as time (known here as vibrations), distance, etc. so as the reader, you'll have to put in some work to understand how this world functions. There's even a disclaimer at the end which explains why the author did this, which is really cool. As someone who's an immigrant who reads a lot of fantasy/sci-fi, this is something I'm pretty used to, but ymmv.
I ended up loving all three MCs, Rasia, Nico, and Kai. As much as I was thoroughly irritated by Rasia's behavior and cocky demeanor at first, she does undergo character growth by the end, so it wasn't a lost cause. Hell, everyone experienced character growth, which was a really cool thing because you get to actually experience it yourself as the reader.
Did I mention how much I loved the world building? It's this strange mixture of an authoritarian dystopian world in a desert setting, filled with magic and monsters. The author drops bits and pieces of history here and there, and since some of the characters live on the fringes of society and didn't go to school or barely went to school, they're also learning about their world along with the reader.
Social stratification is written really well in this story with a lot of showing. I could easily understand how the Grankull, the Tents, the scavengers, and the no-faces function within (and without) the society. I really appreciated that not all of the characters were from the same social and economic groups (which is something that not a lot of fantasy multiple POV novels bother to do). So, you can really see a microcosm of the larger society within the Forging/coming-of-age competition that the characters are participating in.
All in all, I can't wait to read the sequel!
June 5, 2023
What a brilliant well crafted book. I really am surprised by how many indie authors really showed up and showed out this year. Almost all of my favorite books I read this year were indie authors. The book followed the POVs of Rasia and Nico. Rivals since their early school days, simply because they're so different from one another and can never see eye to eye. However, as the reader you see they also have alot of similarities. Every student has to go out on the forging mission. Where they have to set out into the desert lands and find a creature within it to slay while on a windship. With the selected team, and bring it whatever the find back ahead of the other teams in a set amount of time.
I really enjoyed this, Rasia was out of her damn mind but I loved her she was like a younger, black, female Jack sparrow lol. She didn't listen to anyone didn't know how to work in a team to save her life. And decided she wanted to slay a dragon and bring it back for her forging but she had no team...She ends up pairing up with Nicos brother Kai. He's basically the underdog of their class and they have bad history. But as time goes on Kai gets to see her through his own eyes and not his sisters and things change. I loved them so much :(. They were so opposite but it was nice to see Kai grow and not be sheltered or looked after when he was finally away from his sister even though she meant well. I enjoyed the politics of this and the world. The journey was not boring at all and I can't wait to re read this and also the second one. Some magical abilities, hard headed characters, emotional, mental and physical development, and a pretty unique story telling. I have to upload a picture of my physical book later because its heavily annotated. And rightfully so.
It does get dark at some points and a couple of scenes did make me slightly uncomfortable but its the setting of the world. Check trigger warnings ahead if you want to be sure you'll enjoy this story.
I really enjoyed this, Rasia was out of her damn mind but I loved her she was like a younger, black, female Jack sparrow lol. She didn't listen to anyone didn't know how to work in a team to save her life. And decided she wanted to slay a dragon and bring it back for her forging but she had no team...She ends up pairing up with Nicos brother Kai. He's basically the underdog of their class and they have bad history. But as time goes on Kai gets to see her through his own eyes and not his sisters and things change. I loved them so much :(. They were so opposite but it was nice to see Kai grow and not be sheltered or looked after when he was finally away from his sister even though she meant well. I enjoyed the politics of this and the world. The journey was not boring at all and I can't wait to re read this and also the second one. Some magical abilities, hard headed characters, emotional, mental and physical development, and a pretty unique story telling. I have to upload a picture of my physical book later because its heavily annotated. And rightfully so.
It does get dark at some points and a couple of scenes did make me slightly uncomfortable but its the setting of the world. Check trigger warnings ahead if you want to be sure you'll enjoy this story.
November 21, 2022
✨ highlights ✨
👍🏾 Really interesting concept of a society within the remains of dragon bones
👍🏾 Commentary on sex education and the myth of purity
👍🏾 Queer rep
👍🏾 I began the book disliking Rasia immensely —> arrogant, self-absorbed, but as you read, you realize that’s she rightfully confident and used to having to prove herself
👍🏾 Started indifferent towards Nico because Nico’s character seemed to be wholly around those around her; hard to form an opinion about someone who isn’t as intense as Rasia or complex as Kai
👍🏾 Rooting for Kai
👍🏾 Kai’s perspective shows Rasia in a new light, as a fierce warrior unafraid of living
👍🏾 Start to actually like Nico about halfway thru
👍🏾 Zephyr is a stick in the mud, but I love him
🦴🐉
✨ Overall: a fun, punchy new adult fantasy novel full of humor, adventure, and character.
👍🏾 Really interesting concept of a society within the remains of dragon bones
👍🏾 Commentary on sex education and the myth of purity
👍🏾 Queer rep
👍🏾 I began the book disliking Rasia immensely —> arrogant, self-absorbed, but as you read, you realize that’s she rightfully confident and used to having to prove herself
👍🏾 Started indifferent towards Nico because Nico’s character seemed to be wholly around those around her; hard to form an opinion about someone who isn’t as intense as Rasia or complex as Kai
👍🏾 Rooting for Kai
👍🏾 Kai’s perspective shows Rasia in a new light, as a fierce warrior unafraid of living
👍🏾 Start to actually like Nico about halfway thru
👍🏾 Zephyr is a stick in the mud, but I love him
🦴🐉
✨ Overall: a fun, punchy new adult fantasy novel full of humor, adventure, and character.
January 10, 2023
This was my final assigned read for the Indie Ink Awards of 2022 for a specific category. I'm trying to remain a bit vague on these reads as to not spoil any releases from the contest. I also had high hopes going into this one as another reader in the community recently read this and loved it.
The world building was done really well in Bones to the Wind. We get a good overall feel both of geographical details as well as the different cultures laid out for us. It was interesting to see how these different cultures exist and how most people from each view each other. Tatiana also did a great job in detailing how dire things are in this world both in survival of people in the populated areas and especially out in the barren wilds.
The pacing was solid throughout the read. We certainly have a lot of introduction as this was book one in the duology but we also had more than enough action to offset these moments. The writing style was also smooth and easy to read.
The character development was mostly great as well. I had a lot of fun and interest in so many of these characters that the author has put into this wonderful story. The only hang up I had was the amount of what I hope were young adults in this story having raging sexual hormones. It just began to feel rather gratuitous by the mid point of the book. It felt like this was a way for these young adults who lived sheltered lives up to this point to go on an adventure accompanied by sex at every turn. I don't want to beat this point up so I'll also say the amount of coming to age and found family and even true family in this story was tremendous! By the end of the book we see so much growth by Kai, Rasia and Nico! All three characters were done so well!
Overall I still truly enjoyed this read and will certainly be picking up the second book as I need to know what happens from here. That should tell you something in itself even with the issue I mentioned above lingering. If you like fantasy adventure with survival, magic and plenty of action (and don't mind a lot of sexual exploits of young characters) I'm certain you'll love this book. Even if you fall short on any one of those points I'd be surprised if you didn't find enjoyment in this read as I did.
The world building was done really well in Bones to the Wind. We get a good overall feel both of geographical details as well as the different cultures laid out for us. It was interesting to see how these different cultures exist and how most people from each view each other. Tatiana also did a great job in detailing how dire things are in this world both in survival of people in the populated areas and especially out in the barren wilds.
The pacing was solid throughout the read. We certainly have a lot of introduction as this was book one in the duology but we also had more than enough action to offset these moments. The writing style was also smooth and easy to read.
The character development was mostly great as well. I had a lot of fun and interest in so many of these characters that the author has put into this wonderful story. The only hang up I had was the amount of what I hope were young adults in this story having raging sexual hormones. It just began to feel rather gratuitous by the mid point of the book. It felt like this was a way for these young adults who lived sheltered lives up to this point to go on an adventure accompanied by sex at every turn. I don't want to beat this point up so I'll also say the amount of coming to age and found family and even true family in this story was tremendous! By the end of the book we see so much growth by Kai, Rasia and Nico! All three characters were done so well!
Overall I still truly enjoyed this read and will certainly be picking up the second book as I need to know what happens from here. That should tell you something in itself even with the issue I mentioned above lingering. If you like fantasy adventure with survival, magic and plenty of action (and don't mind a lot of sexual exploits of young characters) I'm certain you'll love this book. Even if you fall short on any one of those points I'd be surprised if you didn't find enjoyment in this read as I did.
April 30, 2023
Bones to the Wind will take you on an exciting adventure across a unique desert fantasy setting with some unforgettable characters. The worldbuilding in this is phenomenal and definitely one of the book's biggest strengths. I especially loved how the worldbuilding was woven into the writing and the way the characters spoke. The characters themselves all stand out, especially the three main ones we're following, Rasia, Nico, and Kai. They're all very different from each other and that makes for some very interesting interactions and conflicts between them. I was a little frustrated by the pacing and the ending, but overall this is an entertaining read and one to pick up, especially if you like the sorts of characters who are rough around the edges. Or, you know, just rough through and through. Because Rasia does not do anything halfway.
May 21, 2023
Bones to the Wind had a very strong start. I was pulled into a new world and had fun being there. This books takes you on an adventure across a desert world. The dangers that plague Grandkull leads to a society of violence. The world building is to die for. Each of the characters have their own unique personalities that makes them stand out. They’re all different from one another and that brings more to the thrill of the story.
4.25 ⭐️
Overall this was a fun new adult fantasy
4.25 ⭐️
Overall this was a fun new adult fantasy
September 20, 2022
5 billion stars. Full review to come when I can find the right words to convey this book’s absolute brilliance!!!!
May 6, 2022
I have read thousands of books and I can honestly say Tatiana Obey’s book and writing is at the top of my list. The world building for this book is amazing and right from the very beginning I was in awe of a whole desert community that lives inside the bones of a massive dragon, the Gran Kull. The laws this community lives by are harsh not unlike the people, but they have to be. With resources very scarce and every mouth more of a strain than a blessing, every child conceived must be accounted for and even if they survive to become adults they must first prove they’re worth the “adult” title by surviving their first hunt “the forging” with minimal aid. It is in a forging, where we find our protagonists: proud, brash, powerful and absolutely confident Rasia; also proud but careful, calculating and benevolent Nico, the future leader of the Gran Kull and her meek, frail fearful and weakling older brother Kai. Kai has already failed a forging and if he fails again the Gran Kull will finally get what it has wanted since his birth…his death. His mouth is one that escaped the unforgiving laws of the Gran Kull and if he were to survive the forging without bringing in a hunt again, he will have to pay with his life. And so when the hunt begins, as Rasia seeks glory and Nico her success and that of her brother, these two women are pitted against each other with Kai, their lives and glory stuck in the middle.
January 13, 2025
This was a great first book in a this series. It had me rooting for the characters from the get go, brilliant pacing, exciting plot and fascinating world building.
I found this story really compulsively readable, made so mostly by the author's very digestible writing style, coupled with a wonderfully balanced pacing. It had moments of tension and action all interspersed about the mostly intimate focus on the characters journeys. I was expecting this to be a typical trial style YA but it actually had a lot of heart and focus on their personal development. I think my only real issue with this first book is there is a brief moment where I felt like Rasia's ambition was demonised while Nico's selflessness was deemed "better". It is quickly rectified and isn't a lasting message of the book, but it was enough to annoy me slightly. The characters themselves were reckless and impetuous and annoying in the way they're supposed to be, it did however make for interesting and well developed people to carry the story.
I do think this is one of the most innovative worlds I've read in YA in a while. I also really loved seeing the way this plot unfolded almost in the background for a while, allowing for tensions to build naturally.
Overall a book I would highly recommend and a talented author I'd recommend you check out.
I found this story really compulsively readable, made so mostly by the author's very digestible writing style, coupled with a wonderfully balanced pacing. It had moments of tension and action all interspersed about the mostly intimate focus on the characters journeys. I was expecting this to be a typical trial style YA but it actually had a lot of heart and focus on their personal development. I think my only real issue with this first book is there is a brief moment where I felt like Rasia's ambition was demonised while Nico's selflessness was deemed "better". It is quickly rectified and isn't a lasting message of the book, but it was enough to annoy me slightly. The characters themselves were reckless and impetuous and annoying in the way they're supposed to be, it did however make for interesting and well developed people to carry the story.
I do think this is one of the most innovative worlds I've read in YA in a while. I also really loved seeing the way this plot unfolded almost in the background for a while, allowing for tensions to build naturally.
Overall a book I would highly recommend and a talented author I'd recommend you check out.
October 30, 2022
I absolutely loved BONES TO THE WIND!!!
Rasia and Kia had me grinning so hard throughout! This is how you write a story that’s engaging, full of depth and complexity yet also highlights everyday struggles.
I wish I had the perfect words, to sum up how much I enjoyed it but in all honesty, my words just pale in comparison so just read it.
It ticks all the boxes -
✅ Beautiful descriptive world-building
✅ Complex characters you’re rooting for
✅ Unpredictable twists
✅ Society conflicts that mirror real life
✅ Dragons!!
✅ Found family
✅ Romance
✅ Strong Black and queer representation
✅ Non-stop action & adventure
A new favourite for 2022!
Rasia and Kia had me grinning so hard throughout! This is how you write a story that’s engaging, full of depth and complexity yet also highlights everyday struggles.
I wish I had the perfect words, to sum up how much I enjoyed it but in all honesty, my words just pale in comparison so just read it.
It ticks all the boxes -
✅ Beautiful descriptive world-building
✅ Complex characters you’re rooting for
✅ Unpredictable twists
✅ Society conflicts that mirror real life
✅ Dragons!!
✅ Found family
✅ Romance
✅ Strong Black and queer representation
✅ Non-stop action & adventure
A new favourite for 2022!
July 19, 2023
Absolutely adored!
Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey is a book I didn't want to put down!
I can't express how much I loved this one!
It's such an amazing world the author created! A desert society with windships, magic, dragons, and a whole lot of action!
The characters were all richly developed, funny, flawed and all unique!
The author also effortlessly intertwines so many themes into the plot and this is not easy to do without them seeming to be forced into your face. Some themes are mental abuse, physical abuse, caste systems, sexuality, starvation, LGBTQ+ representation, power and control, etc.
And if you are looking for a book with fierce, badazz female characters than look no further! Rasia has become one of my top all-time favorite female characters! Love, love, her!
I can't recommend this one enough! Just read it!
Bones to the Wind by Tatiana Obey is a book I didn't want to put down!
I can't express how much I loved this one!
It's such an amazing world the author created! A desert society with windships, magic, dragons, and a whole lot of action!
The characters were all richly developed, funny, flawed and all unique!
The author also effortlessly intertwines so many themes into the plot and this is not easy to do without them seeming to be forced into your face. Some themes are mental abuse, physical abuse, caste systems, sexuality, starvation, LGBTQ+ representation, power and control, etc.
And if you are looking for a book with fierce, badazz female characters than look no further! Rasia has become one of my top all-time favorite female characters! Love, love, her!
I can't recommend this one enough! Just read it!
August 26, 2025
I had so much fun with this book! I got invested in all the characters. I like the world.
March 9, 2022
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
all we are is bones of the wind...damn what a beginning. ruthless, bloody and cold. interesting take to have one of the POVs be what is arguably the glory tribute [these always have one] as well as one for the underdog tribute, how this brutal game comes together is thrilling and page turning.
all we are is bones of the wind...damn what a beginning. ruthless, bloody and cold. interesting take to have one of the POVs be what is arguably the glory tribute [these always have one] as well as one for the underdog tribute, how this brutal game comes together is thrilling and page turning.
February 11, 2022
This is an ambitious new fantasy from a first-time author. There are many extremely wonderful things about it, and a few shortcomings that seem almost inevitable when a first published work is on this scale. Thanks to the author for providing a review copy that makes this honest review possible.
This is a coming-of-age story set in a world that makes that process almost impossible, as though being an adolescent wasn’t hard enough. Rasia, the protagonist, is on a quest to not just survive, but thrive through the vicious Forging ritual. To do so, she has to work alongside some characters that are very different from her take-charge self. I loved Nico’s close relationship with her brother, and she was a great foil for Raisa.
Obey is, above all, a good writer. Her prose is tight and her sentences well-structured and nicely varied. Her scenes are varied and engaging, her characters believable and original.
This is also a truly unique and well-structured world. I loved the idea of children essentially being an oppressed class. It was an interesting take on dystopia that I’ve never seen before.
See the full review here:https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
This is a coming-of-age story set in a world that makes that process almost impossible, as though being an adolescent wasn’t hard enough. Rasia, the protagonist, is on a quest to not just survive, but thrive through the vicious Forging ritual. To do so, she has to work alongside some characters that are very different from her take-charge self. I loved Nico’s close relationship with her brother, and she was a great foil for Raisa.
Obey is, above all, a good writer. Her prose is tight and her sentences well-structured and nicely varied. Her scenes are varied and engaging, her characters believable and original.
This is also a truly unique and well-structured world. I loved the idea of children essentially being an oppressed class. It was an interesting take on dystopia that I’ve never seen before.
See the full review here:https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
January 14, 2024
I did not like the character work in this book. The characters were acting like teenagers, but out of the blue, they could talk and articulate like mature adults. Among the characters, I found Nico annoying. The plot also was not that strong. We start with a ceremony to assign people to hunting groups, and just at the beginning of the hunt, they throw away a person, which can mean leaving him to die. So one expects to see a very harsh competition but, later, people quickly change their teams and have no serious problems with each other. I didn’t mind the sex scenes, but it became the main line of the story. I could summarise the story as some horny teenagers got loose in the desert to have sex with some dramas in between.
December 18, 2022
•Tatiana Obey declared that she was going to DESTROY the patriarchy before writing this book and THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SHE DID. Here, let me talk about my FAVOURITE BOOK EVER !!!
•Whatever our souls are made up of, Rasia's and mine are the same cause I getchu queen, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, people just don't have an eye for divinity so they mistake us as uncool people. Joke is entirely on them.
•The story is a rollercoaster because everytime I calm my heart down, Tatiana just goes about and stirs something up and then my heart is torn down to LITERAL SHREDS. Which brings me back, I might need a sequel real quick (with lots of 'adult activities' no I'm not apologizing)
• Anything happens to Kai-Ji and WE HAVE A PROBELM. He's such a cinammon roll. His character development is so deep (there is no way Tatiana is a debutee. This is a work of art. THIS is what literature is all about).
•I literally grew up with Kai and Rasia. (Which brings me to the fact that I may not be the person I was before reading this book.
•I want Rasia to be in love with ME. Kai can get in line.
•Awesome, accurate, beautiful, realistic representation of 'adult activities' with it's uncomfy details too because yes, it's not something you see everyday in books. It's rarer than a total lunar Eclipse.
•Not a big fan of Nico but okayyy....
•Zephyr needs to know my address real quick. He NEEDS to drop by.
•We have DRAGONS. (Here's to hoping this bit of information gets you into the fandom)
•The last few chapters were pure *PAIN* like why would you make me go through that? *Sobs*
•Rasia. Rasia. Rasia.
•Azan x Kelin, my one true pairing.
•A part of me wants to see the Council crumble.
•I need someone to make me stop thinking about how "it was always You" cause that trope has me on chokehold.
•Come on you guys. You're missing out a lot in your life. Read this. I'M DEMANDING IT OF YOU.
•Whatever our souls are made up of, Rasia's and mine are the same cause I getchu queen, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, people just don't have an eye for divinity so they mistake us as uncool people. Joke is entirely on them.
•The story is a rollercoaster because everytime I calm my heart down, Tatiana just goes about and stirs something up and then my heart is torn down to LITERAL SHREDS. Which brings me back, I might need a sequel real quick (with lots of 'adult activities' no I'm not apologizing)
• Anything happens to Kai-Ji and WE HAVE A PROBELM. He's such a cinammon roll. His character development is so deep (there is no way Tatiana is a debutee. This is a work of art. THIS is what literature is all about).
•I literally grew up with Kai and Rasia. (Which brings me to the fact that I may not be the person I was before reading this book.
•I want Rasia to be in love with ME. Kai can get in line.
•Awesome, accurate, beautiful, realistic representation of 'adult activities' with it's uncomfy details too because yes, it's not something you see everyday in books. It's rarer than a total lunar Eclipse.
•Not a big fan of Nico but okayyy....
•Zephyr needs to know my address real quick. He NEEDS to drop by.
•We have DRAGONS. (Here's to hoping this bit of information gets you into the fandom)
•The last few chapters were pure *PAIN* like why would you make me go through that? *Sobs*
•Rasia. Rasia. Rasia.
•Azan x Kelin, my one true pairing.
•A part of me wants to see the Council crumble.
•I need someone to make me stop thinking about how "it was always You" cause that trope has me on chokehold.
•Come on you guys. You're missing out a lot in your life. Read this. I'M DEMANDING IT OF YOU.
August 10, 2022
I read this for SPFBO. My review only. More about the contest and links at the bottom.
This was one of my favorites from my group! There's always that special book in the group that you just love and for me, this year, it was Bones to the Wind.
*
Bones to the Wind had a very strong start. I knew right off this was going to be a fun story.
The cover is amazing and I can say it fits the story, perfectly.
The world felt unique- it was obvious that a lot of thought had been put into the working’s of it.
It's a desert world, where the people of Grandkull have made their life beside the bones of a once great dragon.
I loved everything about the world, it is a little bit of a drop-in and learn as you go style especially when it comes to some of the terminology but for the most part, I found it quick to understand (other than the time).
There are all kinds of dangers just from the environment alone- dragons and giant scorpions, and of course, the heat. Food is scarce; rationed and shared by all members of the community. It’s a harsh way of living and everything about the story feels it.
Every year there is a Forging where the older kids/teens go out to hunt and prove themselves. There is a huge amount of pressure for these kids/teams to return from their hunts successfully, because if they fail, they’re kicked out and have no support from the community, home, food, etc. The forge-failed have to either rely on their families to split their rations with them, or leave entirely.
A lot of these people end up in the tents and other little communities of misfits and thieves, that have sprung up from the kids and others that have been displaced for whatever reason from Grandkull.
There are quite a few characters through the story but the three most important are Nico, Kai, and Rasia. I really enjoyed all of the main pov’s (Zephyr had no pov that I remember but was also a favourite for me).
The opening bone-throwing contest showcases all three of these pov’s personalities, perfectly.
Nico will be an Ohan after the forging. Becoming Ohan gives Nico the opportunity to vote on the council and make real changes to better the communities and relations between them. But she is putting that all on the line to help her sibling succeed in the forging so their family can stay together. Nico is a bit tough to like sometimes because she is so rigid. Her heart is in the right place but her animosity towards Rasia starts to cloud her thinking after awhile, making her choices less about Kai and his needs, and more about winning. I could understand her though because she had a lot riding on this gamble of getting them both through the forging.
Kai (Nico’s sibling) has failed the forging several times. This is his last chance to get it right.
I liked Kai. Loved seeing him blossom under Rasia’s tutelage and her no-nonsense manner. Rasia expects people to do their part, she doesn’t baby them or allow for excuses because of size or perceived disabilities- you either do it or die trying. She was exactly what Kai needed to find his self-worth again.
Rasia manages to be endearing while being brash, proud, and excessive in everything she does. I think she pulls off this personality that would normally drive me crazy, partly because you can tell underneath she needs some love, and partly because she is darn good at just about everything she does, so some of that cockiness is well-deserved.
The story-
Succeed at the forging, is the simple version. The relationships though are where this story gets really complicated.
If you didn’t guess, this is a coming-of-age tale with hot-blooded teenagers. Arguments and sex abound. But along with that comes some very important life-lessons. I applaud the messages- everything from positive reinforcement and body image, sexuality, eating disorders, pregnancy etc this covered a lot of topics without a qualm- all things that should be talked about without the taboos associated imo. It was rather refreshing in its openness and I liked that there was a lot of very real-life feeling moments, dealing with common misconceptions around some of these topics.
So back to the story and a few of the hiccups I had within it. Most of which, were to do with the way the story took a turn about halfway in, just when you think it’s going to take off- it stalls out for a time to get Kai up to form, and address some of the relationships, etc.
We also don’t get Nico’s pov for quite a while at this point. After switching between the three for nearly half the book, it was very noticeable to me when her pov disappeared for quite a few chapters and we focused only on Kai and Rasia.
I felt a lot of the relationship drama could have been streamlined throughout the story to help keep things moving smoothly to the end, and alleviate the stall-out or at least shorten it. Here’s where I say a bit of cutting would have tightened up things a lot.
I had no concept of time. It was mentioned, but as in-world time measurement and it was not something I was able to figure out. It’s a minor thing and didn’t affect the story outside of it taking the urgency away when you don’t have a feel for the deadline of their forging date to end.
Some achievements weren’t exactly easy but still came a bit quickly (like Kai getting ship out of canyon)
Fights can be brutal with them stabbing each other in legs etc and I am not complaining about that because that’s what I love but occasionally there were no consequences or follow-up with the injuries (other than Rasia’s).
There are some great scenes flying the windship (which seems similar to a sailboat idea on sand) and hunting with it. They were exciting and action-packed. Like the best popcorn type of read. Loved all of them. I think these were my favourite parts of the story and so well done! I know nothing about sailing and had no problems visualizing these. So much fun.
Bones to the Wind was a fun action-packed story. It got a little mired-down in places to address the relationships, but it was such a cool and unique world with great characters.
I had a great time with this book.
spfbo score 7 (4 Stars) (6.5-8/10)
Learn more about the contest here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Phase one is here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
This was one of my favorites from my group! There's always that special book in the group that you just love and for me, this year, it was Bones to the Wind.
*
Bones to the Wind had a very strong start. I knew right off this was going to be a fun story.
The cover is amazing and I can say it fits the story, perfectly.
The world felt unique- it was obvious that a lot of thought had been put into the working’s of it.
It's a desert world, where the people of Grandkull have made their life beside the bones of a once great dragon.
I loved everything about the world, it is a little bit of a drop-in and learn as you go style especially when it comes to some of the terminology but for the most part, I found it quick to understand (other than the time).
There are all kinds of dangers just from the environment alone- dragons and giant scorpions, and of course, the heat. Food is scarce; rationed and shared by all members of the community. It’s a harsh way of living and everything about the story feels it.
Every year there is a Forging where the older kids/teens go out to hunt and prove themselves. There is a huge amount of pressure for these kids/teams to return from their hunts successfully, because if they fail, they’re kicked out and have no support from the community, home, food, etc. The forge-failed have to either rely on their families to split their rations with them, or leave entirely.
A lot of these people end up in the tents and other little communities of misfits and thieves, that have sprung up from the kids and others that have been displaced for whatever reason from Grandkull.
There are quite a few characters through the story but the three most important are Nico, Kai, and Rasia. I really enjoyed all of the main pov’s (Zephyr had no pov that I remember but was also a favourite for me).
The opening bone-throwing contest showcases all three of these pov’s personalities, perfectly.
Nico will be an Ohan after the forging. Becoming Ohan gives Nico the opportunity to vote on the council and make real changes to better the communities and relations between them. But she is putting that all on the line to help her sibling succeed in the forging so their family can stay together. Nico is a bit tough to like sometimes because she is so rigid. Her heart is in the right place but her animosity towards Rasia starts to cloud her thinking after awhile, making her choices less about Kai and his needs, and more about winning. I could understand her though because she had a lot riding on this gamble of getting them both through the forging.
Kai (Nico’s sibling) has failed the forging several times. This is his last chance to get it right.
I liked Kai. Loved seeing him blossom under Rasia’s tutelage and her no-nonsense manner. Rasia expects people to do their part, she doesn’t baby them or allow for excuses because of size or perceived disabilities- you either do it or die trying. She was exactly what Kai needed to find his self-worth again.
Rasia manages to be endearing while being brash, proud, and excessive in everything she does. I think she pulls off this personality that would normally drive me crazy, partly because you can tell underneath she needs some love, and partly because she is darn good at just about everything she does, so some of that cockiness is well-deserved.
The story-
Succeed at the forging, is the simple version. The relationships though are where this story gets really complicated.
If you didn’t guess, this is a coming-of-age tale with hot-blooded teenagers. Arguments and sex abound. But along with that comes some very important life-lessons. I applaud the messages- everything from positive reinforcement and body image, sexuality, eating disorders, pregnancy etc this covered a lot of topics without a qualm- all things that should be talked about without the taboos associated imo. It was rather refreshing in its openness and I liked that there was a lot of very real-life feeling moments, dealing with common misconceptions around some of these topics.
So back to the story and a few of the hiccups I had within it. Most of which, were to do with the way the story took a turn about halfway in, just when you think it’s going to take off- it stalls out for a time to get Kai up to form, and address some of the relationships, etc.
We also don’t get Nico’s pov for quite a while at this point. After switching between the three for nearly half the book, it was very noticeable to me when her pov disappeared for quite a few chapters and we focused only on Kai and Rasia.
I felt a lot of the relationship drama could have been streamlined throughout the story to help keep things moving smoothly to the end, and alleviate the stall-out or at least shorten it. Here’s where I say a bit of cutting would have tightened up things a lot.
I had no concept of time. It was mentioned, but as in-world time measurement and it was not something I was able to figure out. It’s a minor thing and didn’t affect the story outside of it taking the urgency away when you don’t have a feel for the deadline of their forging date to end.
Some achievements weren’t exactly easy but still came a bit quickly (like Kai getting ship out of canyon)
Fights can be brutal with them stabbing each other in legs etc and I am not complaining about that because that’s what I love but occasionally there were no consequences or follow-up with the injuries (other than Rasia’s).
There are some great scenes flying the windship (which seems similar to a sailboat idea on sand) and hunting with it. They were exciting and action-packed. Like the best popcorn type of read. Loved all of them. I think these were my favourite parts of the story and so well done! I know nothing about sailing and had no problems visualizing these. So much fun.
Bones to the Wind was a fun action-packed story. It got a little mired-down in places to address the relationships, but it was such a cool and unique world with great characters.
I had a great time with this book.
spfbo score 7 (4 Stars) (6.5-8/10)
Learn more about the contest here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Phase one is here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
September 5, 2022
This was so much fun! I loved the world building and the way that people earned a face in this society/overall societal structure really made me think. Rasia was a little too brash in the first couple chapters but now that's my little murder baby!
Absolute loved the cast and I can't wait to see more of them in book 2.
Absolute loved the cast and I can't wait to see more of them in book 2.
September 20, 2022
4.5* This book was fantabulous! The worldbuilding was imaginative and vivid. There was plenty of adventure and action. We out here fighting huge ass dragons, gondas and gran-scorpions. Rasia... got damn RASIA! I loved her attitude and her shenanigans. A whole vibe!
The pacing of the book was fast-paced, the author writes humor very well and I appreciate that topics such as underage sex and abortion were discussed.* Please be mindful of other content and trigger warnings.*
Looking forward to starting book 2!
The pacing of the book was fast-paced, the author writes humor very well and I appreciate that topics such as underage sex and abortion were discussed.* Please be mindful of other content and trigger warnings.*
Looking forward to starting book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews