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The Bone Roots
A tale of two mothers, each desperate to protect her child. But only one of them can succeed. And only one of them knows why.
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The Bone Roots is a salvic-folklore inspired fantasy that explores how far a mother will go to protect her child…
It’s been 40 years since the Fox took Kada’s brother. Though she ran and kept herself hidden, she fears it may be stalking her again, this time to steal her daughter.
Every year, Vedma Kada gives thanks to the bone roots – those that belong to the child-bearing tree who gave Kada her desperately-wanted baby, Secha. Kada lives her life in service of the bone roots and the goddess Zemya, but they cannot keep her daughter safe. Not when Secha’s emerging powers, both mysterious and brutish, threaten to out her for who she truly is…
Meanwhile Sladyana, a rich noblewoman, has spent the last fifteen years searching for her missing daughter, Luba. She was snatched from their home by the Fox thief and Sladyana has heard nothing from her since. But the one who gave Sladyana her daughter has come within her grasp once again, and so has the secret of her daughter’s fate.
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The Bone Roots is a salvic-folklore inspired fantasy that explores how far a mother will go to protect her child…
It’s been 40 years since the Fox took Kada’s brother. Though she ran and kept herself hidden, she fears it may be stalking her again, this time to steal her daughter.
Every year, Vedma Kada gives thanks to the bone roots – those that belong to the child-bearing tree who gave Kada her desperately-wanted baby, Secha. Kada lives her life in service of the bone roots and the goddess Zemya, but they cannot keep her daughter safe. Not when Secha’s emerging powers, both mysterious and brutish, threaten to out her for who she truly is…
Meanwhile Sladyana, a rich noblewoman, has spent the last fifteen years searching for her missing daughter, Luba. She was snatched from their home by the Fox thief and Sladyana has heard nothing from her since. But the one who gave Sladyana her daughter has come within her grasp once again, and so has the secret of her daughter’s fate.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
21 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Gabriela Houston
9 books54 followersGabriela was born and raised in Poland, brought up on a diet of mythologies and fairy tales. She spent her summers exploring the woods, foraging and animal tracking with her family. At 19, Gabriela moved to London to study English Literature and obtained a Masters degree in literatures of modernity. She has worked for as an assistant editor and as a freelance writer.
She is the author of Slavic -folklore-inspired novels for adults and children. She lives in London with her husband, children and two cats.
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She is the author of Slavic -folklore-inspired novels for adults and children. She lives in London with her husband, children and two cats.
Sign up to her newsletter to get news, writing tips , book recommendations and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 26, 2024
Kada stared at him for a moment. “You’re an interesting man, Sobis.”
“I have to be.” He grinned. “I wouldn’t dare bore a woman like you.”
Honestly surprised to enjoy the twist and reveals at the end as much as I did, but that conclusion left me feeling so incredibly satisfied. I think this marks for me how reliable Angry Robot is in their book choices. Solid 4-4.5/5
This is a story steeped in slavic folklore and I really appreciated the author's note at the beginning about her home of Poland and how much I could feel this story meant to her. My only wish is that we had a lovely illustrated edition with all the bastooks and domovoys (I've already pictured Baba Cmentarna quite more than I'd like to, thank you very much; she can remain unillustrated).
If you've read the Winternight trilogy, you'll find a lot of similarities between Vasya and Nada's POV as her work as a vedma (essentially the town's hedgewitch) leads her to interact with many house and nature spirits. But as with most folktales, even the friendliest of these spirits can be dangerous or downright terrifying.
There's also, surprisingly, a very small subplot with a bit of a love triangle to it. However, damn if these aren't some of the most adult and mature examples I've seen in a romance plot in a good, long while. Gorcay in particular really stuck out to me for his immense confidence in himself, his respect and confidence in the woman he was pursuing, and how he remained steadfast but always with an air of levity.
I think this story was really lovely (even if I wanted to punch a few people in the face along the way) and I hope it finds its audience.
Does the ~dog die?:
September 29, 2023
*I was provided a review copy via netgalley.*
It didn’t expect this book to almost make me cry.
The draw of the novel obviously is the focus on motherhood and the strong feelings a mother has for her child, which is a theme I absolutely need more of in (fantasy) literature. I loved that the plot pushes the two mothers in opposition to one another but does that with such a complexity where I felt strongly for both, rooted for both, but still didn’t like everything each of them did. It is a mostly quiet, character focused story – my favorite kind – made even more special by how magical the world felt. Woven from Slavic folklore, it has this very familiar medieval feel but with unique details added into the mix, creating a special kind of atmosphere.
While some of the tertiary characters can be a bit cliché, there was one side character that I pretty much thought I knew his role in the plot at the beginning of the book, who then totally surprised me and kinda became my favorite, making him grow on me simultaneously as he grows on another character.
I loved my experience reading this book and I absolutely want to read more by the author and wonder if – maybe in a longer book – she could pull of some mastery of character writing.
It didn’t expect this book to almost make me cry.
The draw of the novel obviously is the focus on motherhood and the strong feelings a mother has for her child, which is a theme I absolutely need more of in (fantasy) literature. I loved that the plot pushes the two mothers in opposition to one another but does that with such a complexity where I felt strongly for both, rooted for both, but still didn’t like everything each of them did. It is a mostly quiet, character focused story – my favorite kind – made even more special by how magical the world felt. Woven from Slavic folklore, it has this very familiar medieval feel but with unique details added into the mix, creating a special kind of atmosphere.
While some of the tertiary characters can be a bit cliché, there was one side character that I pretty much thought I knew his role in the plot at the beginning of the book, who then totally surprised me and kinda became my favorite, making him grow on me simultaneously as he grows on another character.
I loved my experience reading this book and I absolutely want to read more by the author and wonder if – maybe in a longer book – she could pull of some mastery of character writing.
October 12, 2023
Review originally on
JamReads
The Bone Roots is a dark fantasy novel inspired by Slavic influenced, written by the Polish author Gabriela Houston, and published by Angry Robot Books. It is the tale of two women, two mothers, that will be pushed to their limits by their love for their daughters; a story exploring the force of motherhoods.
The book's plot will be told using a dual POV of two women, from different social origins and in different positions; however, both are mothers who love unconditionally their daughters.
The first one of them is Kada, a vedma, servant of the goddess Zemya, and for the rest of the people, a sort of healer/wise woman that helps them. She has a daughter, who will soon become sixteen years old, who starts manifesting different and unsetting things; Kada wants to keep them hidden and not attract attention.
On the other hand, we have Sladyana, a rich aristocratic woman, who lost a daughter to the fox sixteen years ago; she has another one with some communication problems, being scared of losing her, almost paranoid. Coming from a higher status, she's kinda despotic to those lower than her; and suspects of Kada and her daughter as causes of the disappearing.
Both stories get woven by Houston in this Slavic inspired world, following how these two mothers are doing their best to keep their daughters safe. Houston explores the limits of motherhood power in this society where women must move with extreme care, Kada especially.
Houston tells a highly emotional story, using an almost lyrical prose that embellishes a Polish inspired world which is quite dark once we are immersed in it; many details like the deities and the magic are inspired by Slavic mythology, including terms from the same origin.
The pacing is relatively slow, being this a novel more about the characters and how their lives develop in this rural setting, a quite contemplative plot that encloses really dark outcomes.
The Bone Roots is a great fantasy for those that are looking for authentic Slavic influences, a well-crafted novel exploring how far a mother will go to defend her children. If you like lyrical prose, different mythologies and are in the look for powerful women characters, give The Bone Roots a try.
The Bone Roots is a dark fantasy novel inspired by Slavic influenced, written by the Polish author Gabriela Houston, and published by Angry Robot Books. It is the tale of two women, two mothers, that will be pushed to their limits by their love for their daughters; a story exploring the force of motherhoods.
The book's plot will be told using a dual POV of two women, from different social origins and in different positions; however, both are mothers who love unconditionally their daughters.
The first one of them is Kada, a vedma, servant of the goddess Zemya, and for the rest of the people, a sort of healer/wise woman that helps them. She has a daughter, who will soon become sixteen years old, who starts manifesting different and unsetting things; Kada wants to keep them hidden and not attract attention.
On the other hand, we have Sladyana, a rich aristocratic woman, who lost a daughter to the fox sixteen years ago; she has another one with some communication problems, being scared of losing her, almost paranoid. Coming from a higher status, she's kinda despotic to those lower than her; and suspects of Kada and her daughter as causes of the disappearing.
Both stories get woven by Houston in this Slavic inspired world, following how these two mothers are doing their best to keep their daughters safe. Houston explores the limits of motherhood power in this society where women must move with extreme care, Kada especially.
Houston tells a highly emotional story, using an almost lyrical prose that embellishes a Polish inspired world which is quite dark once we are immersed in it; many details like the deities and the magic are inspired by Slavic mythology, including terms from the same origin.
The pacing is relatively slow, being this a novel more about the characters and how their lives develop in this rural setting, a quite contemplative plot that encloses really dark outcomes.
The Bone Roots is a great fantasy for those that are looking for authentic Slavic influences, a well-crafted novel exploring how far a mother will go to defend her children. If you like lyrical prose, different mythologies and are in the look for powerful women characters, give The Bone Roots a try.
September 12, 2023
"The Bone Roots" by Gabriela Houston is a novel that embarks on a journey to test the depth of a mother's love and devotion, all set against the backdrop of Slavic folklore.
The book starts off a bit slow in the first half. However, the story gains momentum as it progresses, building up tension and intrigue towards the end.
The book immerses readers in the world of Slavic folklore.. The writer does not shy away from the darker and more unsettling aspects of these tales, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
In summary, "The Bone Roots" provides an exploration of maternal love and the depths to which it can drive individuals, all set against the backdrop of Slavic folklore. While the pacing may test the patience of some readers, the story's atmospheric elements and character depth make it an interesting choice for those intrigued by folklore and its darker undertones. It offers moments of intrigue and emotion worth experiencing.
The book starts off a bit slow in the first half. However, the story gains momentum as it progresses, building up tension and intrigue towards the end.
The book immerses readers in the world of Slavic folklore.. The writer does not shy away from the darker and more unsettling aspects of these tales, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
In summary, "The Bone Roots" provides an exploration of maternal love and the depths to which it can drive individuals, all set against the backdrop of Slavic folklore. While the pacing may test the patience of some readers, the story's atmospheric elements and character depth make it an interesting choice for those intrigued by folklore and its darker undertones. It offers moments of intrigue and emotion worth experiencing.
October 21, 2023
Two ferocious mothers feature in this wonderful story by Gabriela Houston. She incorporates Slavic folk tales and legends in this tale of missing children, the costs of dark magics and bargains with goddesses.
Vedma Kada helps the people of her town by healing them of illnesses, delivering their babies, and keeping watch over the town’s borders to prevent the Fox from entering and stealing children. The townspeople are grateful to their vedma, though a little uncomfortable too, as she can deal with spirits. They are also unaware that their vedma has a dark secret. Years earlier, she had helped a noblewoman get a daughter. Kada petitioned the goddess Zemya for help, who granted Sladyana her wish: Sladyana could pluck a seed from a specific plant and this would develop into her child. Sladyana took the seed and raised Luba, till the girl was stolen away by the goddess’ agent, the Fox. Sladyana has been grieving and looking for her girl for years, even though she has also recently adopted a young mute girl, Tula, whom she loves dearly.
Meanwhile, we find out that Kada, in direct contravention of the goddess’ prohibition, took the other seed for herself, and raised her girl Secha. Secha is not quite human, as she was never destined to be one, though Kada knows there’s a loophole: if she can keep Secha secret till her sixteenth birthday, Secha will fully transition to a human, and the goddess, and the Fox, can no longer touch her. To keep Secha with her, and her secret safe, the Kada has travelled on from towns each time questions became too uncomfortable.
Things change when Kada's major client Gorcay proposes marriage, and she accepts. Secha's’ birthday is soon, and Kada feels Gorcay’s status will grant her extra protection from scrutiny. The unexpected happens though (or there would be no plot): Gorcay’s son returns home for the ceremony, and brings his current love, Sladyana, as his date. Getting the two women in proximity sets off a series of actions, while various other beings who are part of the goddess Zemya become embroiled in the increasing conflict between the two women, which is exacerbated further when more people go missing.
This quiet, character-focused story focuses on motherhood, and specifically what a mother is prepared to do to protect or find one's child. And unlike so many stories where mothers, when they're not doormats or dead, are portrayed as evil, Houston does something wonderful. She allows her two mothers to be deeply flawed people, making selfish, and even bad, decisions without caring about the costs to others, and yet, both women were still deeply sympathetic. I found myself empathizing with both women, and their desperate desires, whether to find her missing daughter, or to protect her daughter from others.
Houston's use of spirits, ghosts, and various other beings, as well as showing their and a vedma's deep connection to the earth and the goddess gave wonderful texture and atmosphere to this dark and Slavic-inspired story. I greatly enjoyed this.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Angry Robot for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Vedma Kada helps the people of her town by healing them of illnesses, delivering their babies, and keeping watch over the town’s borders to prevent the Fox from entering and stealing children. The townspeople are grateful to their vedma, though a little uncomfortable too, as she can deal with spirits. They are also unaware that their vedma has a dark secret. Years earlier, she had helped a noblewoman get a daughter. Kada petitioned the goddess Zemya for help, who granted Sladyana her wish: Sladyana could pluck a seed from a specific plant and this would develop into her child. Sladyana took the seed and raised Luba, till the girl was stolen away by the goddess’ agent, the Fox. Sladyana has been grieving and looking for her girl for years, even though she has also recently adopted a young mute girl, Tula, whom she loves dearly.
Meanwhile, we find out that Kada, in direct contravention of the goddess’ prohibition, took the other seed for herself, and raised her girl Secha. Secha is not quite human, as she was never destined to be one, though Kada knows there’s a loophole: if she can keep Secha secret till her sixteenth birthday, Secha will fully transition to a human, and the goddess, and the Fox, can no longer touch her. To keep Secha with her, and her secret safe, the Kada has travelled on from towns each time questions became too uncomfortable.
Things change when Kada's major client Gorcay proposes marriage, and she accepts. Secha's’ birthday is soon, and Kada feels Gorcay’s status will grant her extra protection from scrutiny. The unexpected happens though (or there would be no plot): Gorcay’s son returns home for the ceremony, and brings his current love, Sladyana, as his date. Getting the two women in proximity sets off a series of actions, while various other beings who are part of the goddess Zemya become embroiled in the increasing conflict between the two women, which is exacerbated further when more people go missing.
This quiet, character-focused story focuses on motherhood, and specifically what a mother is prepared to do to protect or find one's child. And unlike so many stories where mothers, when they're not doormats or dead, are portrayed as evil, Houston does something wonderful. She allows her two mothers to be deeply flawed people, making selfish, and even bad, decisions without caring about the costs to others, and yet, both women were still deeply sympathetic. I found myself empathizing with both women, and their desperate desires, whether to find her missing daughter, or to protect her daughter from others.
Houston's use of spirits, ghosts, and various other beings, as well as showing their and a vedma's deep connection to the earth and the goddess gave wonderful texture and atmosphere to this dark and Slavic-inspired story. I greatly enjoyed this.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Angry Robot for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 11, 2023
I didn’t know what I was expecting from this book other than the intriguing blurb. Imagine my absolute delight when I got an absolute gem of a story.
Two women desperate to be mothers. Two mothers desperate to protect their children. One child is still here, the other is missing.
Kada serves the goddess Zemya as a Vedma. She brings offerings to appease the goddess and give thanks to the bone roots for giving her a daughter. As her daughter grows, so do her manifesting powers, threatening to out what she really is. Sladyana on the other hand, has been searching for her daughter all this time. A daughter who was stolen away by the Fox thief. Her only hope left is the help of the one who gave Sladyana her daughter; Kada. But what secrets are uncovered in the search, is Kada being truthful or is Sladyana just paranoid?
First and foremost, Kada is a boss queen and I am 100% convinced she could do anything and I’d cheer her on. Everything she did, everything she said; an absolute delight. She might be one of the best FMC I’ve ever connected with and I have absolutely 0 things in common with her (except for also being a witch and being entirely misunderstood at times). That is a great feat in writing MC in my opinion. Kada was so damn likeable, even when doing some very questionable things. She wasn’t a saint, nor was she a devil – she was a mother.
The author also did a great job with all the other characters in the book. All major and minor characters didn’t feel like plot devices and they all had their own little backstory that is given to the reader in one way or another. I couldn’t believe some of the character’s actions, some of them had me gasping and cursing their names. You know why they did it, but you never thought they would (IYKYK). Some of my other favourite characters were Secha, Baba Cmentarna, and Gorcay.
I thought the plot was extremely well put together and exciting. There were times when I was creeped out and shocked. And then there were the times this book made me smile and blush. I was captivated by the writing and once I finished the book I was sadden by the fact it was over. I did feel like I was in the book, watching the story unfold before me. The story had a lot of Folklore taken from Slavic origins. This is something I love to read about and I did smile when I recognised some of the creatures and their habits mentioned.
This was a fantastical tale of two mothers, magic, and secrets. And also of love, struggle, and sacrifice. Prefect if you enjoy fantasy folklore-filled fiction.
Thank you to Angry Robot and Gabriela for the book in exchange for my honest review.
Two women desperate to be mothers. Two mothers desperate to protect their children. One child is still here, the other is missing.
Kada serves the goddess Zemya as a Vedma. She brings offerings to appease the goddess and give thanks to the bone roots for giving her a daughter. As her daughter grows, so do her manifesting powers, threatening to out what she really is. Sladyana on the other hand, has been searching for her daughter all this time. A daughter who was stolen away by the Fox thief. Her only hope left is the help of the one who gave Sladyana her daughter; Kada. But what secrets are uncovered in the search, is Kada being truthful or is Sladyana just paranoid?
First and foremost, Kada is a boss queen and I am 100% convinced she could do anything and I’d cheer her on. Everything she did, everything she said; an absolute delight. She might be one of the best FMC I’ve ever connected with and I have absolutely 0 things in common with her (except for also being a witch and being entirely misunderstood at times). That is a great feat in writing MC in my opinion. Kada was so damn likeable, even when doing some very questionable things. She wasn’t a saint, nor was she a devil – she was a mother.
The author also did a great job with all the other characters in the book. All major and minor characters didn’t feel like plot devices and they all had their own little backstory that is given to the reader in one way or another. I couldn’t believe some of the character’s actions, some of them had me gasping and cursing their names. You know why they did it, but you never thought they would (IYKYK). Some of my other favourite characters were Secha, Baba Cmentarna, and Gorcay.
I thought the plot was extremely well put together and exciting. There were times when I was creeped out and shocked. And then there were the times this book made me smile and blush. I was captivated by the writing and once I finished the book I was sadden by the fact it was over. I did feel like I was in the book, watching the story unfold before me. The story had a lot of Folklore taken from Slavic origins. This is something I love to read about and I did smile when I recognised some of the creatures and their habits mentioned.
This was a fantastical tale of two mothers, magic, and secrets. And also of love, struggle, and sacrifice. Prefect if you enjoy fantasy folklore-filled fiction.
Thank you to Angry Robot and Gabriela for the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2025
A fascinating novel based around Slavic folklore and mythology, this was a riveting read. It had an eldritch air, but was easy to read, and left you with a feeling of slight discomfort and intrigue. That will make sense when you read it!
Blurb:
Two mothers, each trying to protect her daughter. But only one of them can succeed. And only one of them knows why.
Every year Vedma Kada bleeds on the ground as payment to the bone roots of the child-bearing tree for the gift of her daughter, Secha. But Secha is turning stranger and wilder with each passing year, and with her impending sixteenth birthday, the tree demands a higher price...
Meanwhile, Sladyana, a rich noblewoman of Fiesna, has been searching for her missing daughter, Luba, snatched as a baby by the Fox Thief. As Sladyana reunites with the woman who brought her Luba all those years ago, she dares to hope that she will uncover the secret of her daughter's fate...
A dark and mesmerising fantasy exploring Slavic myths and legends, rooted in a mother's determination to protect her child.
I do like the corpus of works from the publisher, Angry Robot. They're always interesting... and they have their own taxonomies! This one:
File under: Tree of Life / Mother Issues / Out Foxed / Unravelling Secrets
Which sums it up nicely. LCSH won't give you this level of detail!
The importance of the fox as a non-benign entity is interesting - it's not quite mischievous, but definitely has some chaotic evil to them. Especially when the fox's identity is revealed. This made for a fascinating read, and I do want to share it.
Many thanks to A Box of Stories #ABoS for putting this in one of my most recent boxes. Not something I would consciously have picked up from a book shop, but so glad to have read it.
Blurb:
Two mothers, each trying to protect her daughter. But only one of them can succeed. And only one of them knows why.
Every year Vedma Kada bleeds on the ground as payment to the bone roots of the child-bearing tree for the gift of her daughter, Secha. But Secha is turning stranger and wilder with each passing year, and with her impending sixteenth birthday, the tree demands a higher price...
Meanwhile, Sladyana, a rich noblewoman of Fiesna, has been searching for her missing daughter, Luba, snatched as a baby by the Fox Thief. As Sladyana reunites with the woman who brought her Luba all those years ago, she dares to hope that she will uncover the secret of her daughter's fate...
A dark and mesmerising fantasy exploring Slavic myths and legends, rooted in a mother's determination to protect her child.
I do like the corpus of works from the publisher, Angry Robot. They're always interesting... and they have their own taxonomies! This one:
File under: Tree of Life / Mother Issues / Out Foxed / Unravelling Secrets
Which sums it up nicely. LCSH won't give you this level of detail!
The importance of the fox as a non-benign entity is interesting - it's not quite mischievous, but definitely has some chaotic evil to them. Especially when the fox's identity is revealed. This made for a fascinating read, and I do want to share it.
Many thanks to A Box of Stories #ABoS for putting this in one of my most recent boxes. Not something I would consciously have picked up from a book shop, but so glad to have read it.
August 13, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
1/5
1/5
October 4, 2023
5/5 Stars
TL;DR - A mystical tale of love and loss, of magic and myth, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. Strong, determined female characters, beasties galore, and a lot of heart. Definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!
Big thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
***Trigger warnings for: threat of rape, child endangerment, self-harm with a blade, murder, mentions of child death, loss of a child, kidnapping, ableism, blood.***
(I really appreciate that the author/publisher included trigger warnings at the start of the book! I would love to see more authors follow suit!)
‘The Bone Roots’ by Gabriela Houston is a sumptuous tale that enthrallingly weaves together Polish folklore and family drama into a tale that is, at its core, about the bonds between mother and daughter. It’s told in third person, but from the perspectives of many characters, most prominently Vedma Kada, a healer and mystic contending with forces both earthly and spiritual in the pursuit of providing the best life for her beloved teenage daughter, Secha. We also see events through the lens of Sladyana, a mother still grieving the loss of her own daughter and seeking answers for her supernatural disappearance. We watch as their paths cross and tangle together with that of superstitious humans and unhappy gods, all in a bid to protect their daughters.
Wow. Just…wow. This book is exactly my niche - strong female characters, magic, mythical creatures with their own agendas, all steeped in Slavic folklore and culture, which is one of my legit favorite mythologies. I had really high hopes for this book from the blurb, and I’m happy to report that it both met and exceeded my expectations.
The writing is clean and simple, but also very clever. Everything is to-the-point, and does a very good job at building atmosphere and tension, as well as evoking emotion. It’s all written to straddle the line between fairytale and reality, and I adore that in books. Very well-done.
There’s some great rep in this book - a character who is non-speaking and uses signed language to communicate (there is a bit of ableism towards her, but not from any of the main characters), as well as a sapphic relationship, which is seen as normal with no homophobia in sight. More of this please!
The plot is a little slow, but not so much that I lost interest. There’s always something going on, and little by little, we’re fed clues to the overarching mystery of the book. I called a few of the twists, but there were others that I thought I had nailed down only to be (quite pleasantly) surprised that I was way wrong. I am always thrilled to find books that can outsmart me, so kudos on that.
Kada? Absolute QUEEN, we stan! She is complex and flawed and I could not look away as she fixed and messed up and planned and improvised. She loves Secha so dearly and sacrifices so much for her well-being, in a way we can't fully understand until the very end of the book, but she stops at nothing, and I mean NOTHING, to ensure her daughter is protected. This woman, in no uncertain terms, tells a literal GOD to fuck off, and I am living for it! I’ve been wanting another messy woman’s tale to add to my “I Support Women’s Wrongs” shelf, and this is a perfect fit!
Sladyana, too, is a compelling and flawed character, doing what she thinks is best within her own circumstances, as is Secha, and all the other women in this book. I also appreciated the men (well, most of them, see trigger warnings above) in this book, who, miraculously for a world that’s like medieval Poland, were actually pretty solid dudes and let the women stand in their power without being, well, typical medieval men. I can’t think of anyone in this book I actively disliked (except for the aforementioned one guy), and I was actually relatively interested in even the side characters.
There are so many creatures in this book! Some I was familiar with, and others I had to look up, but I was really enchanted with the way Kada interacts with all of them. It gives major Witcher vibes, not just in the Polish/Slavic influences, but also in the vein of a seasoned, tired and somewhat disenfranchised monster-handler just doing their best to protect their daughter. Definitely not as dark or violent, and obviously with *ahem* more feminist leanings, but still similar enough to draw parallels that I enjoyed.
Final Thoughts:
This was such a good time! I was talking to my Kindle, exclaiming in joy or shock, theorizing - and always cheering for Kada, literal myth herself. Will definitely be adding a copy of this to my shelf!
TL;DR - A mystical tale of love and loss, of magic and myth, and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her child. Strong, determined female characters, beasties galore, and a lot of heart. Definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year!
Big thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
***Trigger warnings for: threat of rape, child endangerment, self-harm with a blade, murder, mentions of child death, loss of a child, kidnapping, ableism, blood.***
(I really appreciate that the author/publisher included trigger warnings at the start of the book! I would love to see more authors follow suit!)
‘The Bone Roots’ by Gabriela Houston is a sumptuous tale that enthrallingly weaves together Polish folklore and family drama into a tale that is, at its core, about the bonds between mother and daughter. It’s told in third person, but from the perspectives of many characters, most prominently Vedma Kada, a healer and mystic contending with forces both earthly and spiritual in the pursuit of providing the best life for her beloved teenage daughter, Secha. We also see events through the lens of Sladyana, a mother still grieving the loss of her own daughter and seeking answers for her supernatural disappearance. We watch as their paths cross and tangle together with that of superstitious humans and unhappy gods, all in a bid to protect their daughters.
Wow. Just…wow. This book is exactly my niche - strong female characters, magic, mythical creatures with their own agendas, all steeped in Slavic folklore and culture, which is one of my legit favorite mythologies. I had really high hopes for this book from the blurb, and I’m happy to report that it both met and exceeded my expectations.
The writing is clean and simple, but also very clever. Everything is to-the-point, and does a very good job at building atmosphere and tension, as well as evoking emotion. It’s all written to straddle the line between fairytale and reality, and I adore that in books. Very well-done.
There’s some great rep in this book - a character who is non-speaking and uses signed language to communicate (there is a bit of ableism towards her, but not from any of the main characters), as well as a sapphic relationship, which is seen as normal with no homophobia in sight. More of this please!
The plot is a little slow, but not so much that I lost interest. There’s always something going on, and little by little, we’re fed clues to the overarching mystery of the book. I called a few of the twists, but there were others that I thought I had nailed down only to be (quite pleasantly) surprised that I was way wrong. I am always thrilled to find books that can outsmart me, so kudos on that.
Kada? Absolute QUEEN, we stan! She is complex and flawed and I could not look away as she fixed and messed up and planned and improvised. She loves Secha so dearly and sacrifices so much for her well-being, in a way we can't fully understand until the very end of the book, but she stops at nothing, and I mean NOTHING, to ensure her daughter is protected. This woman, in no uncertain terms, tells a literal GOD to fuck off, and I am living for it! I’ve been wanting another messy woman’s tale to add to my “I Support Women’s Wrongs” shelf, and this is a perfect fit!
Sladyana, too, is a compelling and flawed character, doing what she thinks is best within her own circumstances, as is Secha, and all the other women in this book. I also appreciated the men (well, most of them, see trigger warnings above) in this book, who, miraculously for a world that’s like medieval Poland, were actually pretty solid dudes and let the women stand in their power without being, well, typical medieval men. I can’t think of anyone in this book I actively disliked (except for the aforementioned one guy), and I was actually relatively interested in even the side characters.
There are so many creatures in this book! Some I was familiar with, and others I had to look up, but I was really enchanted with the way Kada interacts with all of them. It gives major Witcher vibes, not just in the Polish/Slavic influences, but also in the vein of a seasoned, tired and somewhat disenfranchised monster-handler just doing their best to protect their daughter. Definitely not as dark or violent, and obviously with *ahem* more feminist leanings, but still similar enough to draw parallels that I enjoyed.
Final Thoughts:
This was such a good time! I was talking to my Kindle, exclaiming in joy or shock, theorizing - and always cheering for Kada, literal myth herself. Will definitely be adding a copy of this to my shelf!
September 16, 2023
If you enjoy fairy tales spun into well-developed novels, here is another one from Gabriela Houston that I would recommend. I’d also recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy with complex characters and well-placed plot twists.
The Bone Roots draws its mythical inspirations from Slavic folklore (as did her earlier books The Second Bell and The Wind Child), which adds layers of “bonus discovery” for me as a reader because these myths and cryptids are new to me.
The Bone Roots is a tale of two strong women who became mothers at the same time when they each received a baby as a gift from the goddess Zemya. Their lives diverge after that, but as the sixteenth birthday of the two babies approaches, each of the mothers feels the growing possibility that her daughter will be lost to her forever, but for different reasons.
The mother Kada is her town’s vedma, a magic-using healer, watching her daughter Secha blossom as a weaver and beekeeper, while a darkness grows within the girl. Kada is a fierce protector who will stop at nothing to make sure that Secha is safe and her crimes are kept secret.
The mother Sladyana is a wealthy noblewoman with a hole in her life where her daughter used to be, alongside a tentative but growing attachment to Tula, a little girl that Sladyana has taken in.
Amidst the lives and loves of Kada and Sladyana, a fox lurks in the forest, making its way into towns like theirs to snatch a child from time to time. Each woman is terrified that the fox will steal from her next.
I love the way the layers of mystery build and build in this story, and the threats that start around the edges close in and force all the characters to confront each other, their fears, and the forces they’re trying to desperately to control. Both the mothers are ruthless and manipulative, and you as the reader have to decide whether or not their actions are acceptable given what they each have to lose. The last act comes to a fever pitch of revelations and acts of desperation as all secrets are revealed and not everyone can get what they want.
I also love the creatures in this story, many of which are gross and scary and horrifying, and all of which can be tools for one’s own ends or predators that will eat your body or your soul or both.
The Bone Roots draws its mythical inspirations from Slavic folklore (as did her earlier books The Second Bell and The Wind Child), which adds layers of “bonus discovery” for me as a reader because these myths and cryptids are new to me.
The Bone Roots is a tale of two strong women who became mothers at the same time when they each received a baby as a gift from the goddess Zemya. Their lives diverge after that, but as the sixteenth birthday of the two babies approaches, each of the mothers feels the growing possibility that her daughter will be lost to her forever, but for different reasons.
The mother Kada is her town’s vedma, a magic-using healer, watching her daughter Secha blossom as a weaver and beekeeper, while a darkness grows within the girl. Kada is a fierce protector who will stop at nothing to make sure that Secha is safe and her crimes are kept secret.
The mother Sladyana is a wealthy noblewoman with a hole in her life where her daughter used to be, alongside a tentative but growing attachment to Tula, a little girl that Sladyana has taken in.
Amidst the lives and loves of Kada and Sladyana, a fox lurks in the forest, making its way into towns like theirs to snatch a child from time to time. Each woman is terrified that the fox will steal from her next.
I love the way the layers of mystery build and build in this story, and the threats that start around the edges close in and force all the characters to confront each other, their fears, and the forces they’re trying to desperately to control. Both the mothers are ruthless and manipulative, and you as the reader have to decide whether or not their actions are acceptable given what they each have to lose. The last act comes to a fever pitch of revelations and acts of desperation as all secrets are revealed and not everyone can get what they want.
I also love the creatures in this story, many of which are gross and scary and horrifying, and all of which can be tools for one’s own ends or predators that will eat your body or your soul or both.
October 26, 2025
3.5 stars! The book was a little slow to begin with. However, as it went on It become better paced. I liked the folklore in the book, it was very interesting. I enjoyed the relationships between mothers and daughters in this book. I mainly just struggled with the pace and connecting with characters.
January 10, 2024
The first 30% is PAINFULLY slow, but after that it was a very good read
August 29, 2023
Thank you Angry Robot books and Net Galley for providing me with this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When I saw the cover of this book it caught my eye, the intricate knots of the tree, reminding me of the world tree definitely made me want to read it. This book follows a dual POV of two women living in a world inspired by Polish mythology, which is so interesting. Something I've never read before so it was quite refreshing.
The first character we see is Kada, a witch figure who works for a richer man, she seems to be a healer, like a wise woman kind of thing. She has a daughter, which she is protective of, however there's something a little different about her daughter, which I won't spoil, but my goodness it was interesting to read. Our second character is Sladyana, a rich aristocratic woman who also has a daughter, who is deaf and talks through sign language, which I love, I loved this representation. Though she is referred to as 'mute' which isn't the kind of word I'd refer her to, however being in the time period it was set, I can see why this word was used. I wasn't too keen on Sladyana, the way she interacts with people and later with Kada, really annoyed me. But she was an interesting character to read.
I loved the premise of the magic in the world, with the different creatures from Polish Mythology, which was fun to see. Seeing how they're all differentiate, which ones are good and which ones are more sinister and bad was fun to see, and how Kada can talk to these creatures through her witchcraft and magic. I loved how the magic and the creatures added to the plot, helping add to the story, especially with the Goddess Zemya and her tree, and the myth behind her fox and what that fox does. Which let me say, the plot twist with these characters is just *Mind Blown*. As well, the hint of witch hysteria in this book, women living in fear of being burnt or worse for being a sinister witch kept me on my toes, then seeing this later one was very intriguing to read. Moreover, the one theme aside from the witchcraft element that I really enjoyed with this book was the wonderful overwhemling theme of Motherhood, and what mothers no matter how good or how bad, will do anything for their daughters, for their children and in a sense I found this aweinspiring.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the ending to this book made me shed a little tear. It was emotional, I loved the witchy element, the cosy element and the horror elements within this book.
When I saw the cover of this book it caught my eye, the intricate knots of the tree, reminding me of the world tree definitely made me want to read it. This book follows a dual POV of two women living in a world inspired by Polish mythology, which is so interesting. Something I've never read before so it was quite refreshing.
The first character we see is Kada, a witch figure who works for a richer man, she seems to be a healer, like a wise woman kind of thing. She has a daughter, which she is protective of, however there's something a little different about her daughter, which I won't spoil, but my goodness it was interesting to read. Our second character is Sladyana, a rich aristocratic woman who also has a daughter, who is deaf and talks through sign language, which I love, I loved this representation. Though she is referred to as 'mute' which isn't the kind of word I'd refer her to, however being in the time period it was set, I can see why this word was used. I wasn't too keen on Sladyana, the way she interacts with people and later with Kada, really annoyed me. But she was an interesting character to read.
I loved the premise of the magic in the world, with the different creatures from Polish Mythology, which was fun to see. Seeing how they're all differentiate, which ones are good and which ones are more sinister and bad was fun to see, and how Kada can talk to these creatures through her witchcraft and magic. I loved how the magic and the creatures added to the plot, helping add to the story, especially with the Goddess Zemya and her tree, and the myth behind her fox and what that fox does. Which let me say, the plot twist with these characters is just *Mind Blown*. As well, the hint of witch hysteria in this book, women living in fear of being burnt or worse for being a sinister witch kept me on my toes, then seeing this later one was very intriguing to read. Moreover, the one theme aside from the witchcraft element that I really enjoyed with this book was the wonderful overwhemling theme of Motherhood, and what mothers no matter how good or how bad, will do anything for their daughters, for their children and in a sense I found this aweinspiring.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the ending to this book made me shed a little tear. It was emotional, I loved the witchy element, the cosy element and the horror elements within this book.
September 16, 2023
Based on Slavic folklore this is a gentle paced story of mothers and children with fantasy twist. Thank you to #netgalley and publisher for an advance copy
September 17, 2023
9.5 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Every year, Vedma Kada thanks the bone roots, the incarnation of Zemya on earth, that provided her with her daughter, Secha. For once, years before, Kada plucked her perfect girl from the child-bearing tree—one of two twins—whom she has protected and sheltered ever since.
But not everyone is so fortunate. Sladyana, scion of a noble house and now the last of her line, has spent the past fifteen years searching fruitlessly for her own child, who was stolen by the Fox, Zemya’s own servant. The goddess Zemya gives and the goddess takes, and such is the way of life. Yet Sladyana’s daughter and Kada’s Secha share a history, a in one girl may lie the key to finding the other—at least this is what Sladyana desperately hopes. So when she stumbles on Kada after many years, Sladyana is sanguine that the vedma might prove her salvation.
But Kada is reluctant to aid her. For Secha is not yet safe from the Fox, not until she turns 16 will her sap turn to blood, and her bonds from Zemya be severed. And yet Sladyana will not take no for an answer. She will find her own daughter one way or another, even if it means the doom of Kada, Secha, and all those that shelter her.
The Bone Roots is a story of two mothers, and the lengths each would go to protect their daughters.
—
In the years since the release of Gabriela Houston’s debut, the Second Bell, I looked back and wondered if perhaps I gave the author too much credit. I remember enjoying her first book—even loving it—but time had dulled my emotional response to the book, and my knowledge of its events. So when I got a chance to read the author’s sophomore effort, I approached it with interest, but also skepticism.
The latter of which was completely misplaced.
An imagining regarding the lengths a mother would go to protect their child, the Bone Roots tells a dark, thoroughly emotional tale. One mother, the Vedma Kada, is trying to shepherd her daughter through to adulthood, when she’ll finally be safe from the Fox and the goddess beyond (a vedma is like a witch or sorceress in Slavic mythos. Some are seen as good, others evil, but Houston’s depiction is very much a combination of the two—a person that uses magic to interact with the wilds, leaving them mistrusted by the commonfolk) (the Fox is a supernatural, well, fox, that steals children). The other mother, Sladyana, is still trying to find her child, taken by the Fox, that she is convinced is still alive. And who sees Kada as her opportunity to do so.
What follows is a thoroughly immersive, emotional tale of motherhood, love, and the lengths one is willing to go to accomplish their goals. And what starts as a tale of beautiful love and acceptance gradually turns dark. After all, what would you do to protect your children? And just how far would you go? Especially if saving them meant burning the world down around you. I mean, it was a damn good story, but it got surprisingly dark, especially for a tale that was built primarily on love.
It was… I mean, it was an AMAZING tale. Sure, there’s a learning curve if you’re not intimately familiar with Slavic mythos and legend, but this is quickly enough overcome, and I never found the immersion too far broken while I pieced out some particular bit of lore. But that’s the beginning and the end of my criticism. An amazing followup to the Second Bell, neither of which should be missed. I can honestly say that this book made me cry, but in the best possible way—and it’s one that I can’t recommend enough!
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com...
Every year, Vedma Kada thanks the bone roots, the incarnation of Zemya on earth, that provided her with her daughter, Secha. For once, years before, Kada plucked her perfect girl from the child-bearing tree—one of two twins—whom she has protected and sheltered ever since.
But not everyone is so fortunate. Sladyana, scion of a noble house and now the last of her line, has spent the past fifteen years searching fruitlessly for her own child, who was stolen by the Fox, Zemya’s own servant. The goddess Zemya gives and the goddess takes, and such is the way of life. Yet Sladyana’s daughter and Kada’s Secha share a history, a in one girl may lie the key to finding the other—at least this is what Sladyana desperately hopes. So when she stumbles on Kada after many years, Sladyana is sanguine that the vedma might prove her salvation.
But Kada is reluctant to aid her. For Secha is not yet safe from the Fox, not until she turns 16 will her sap turn to blood, and her bonds from Zemya be severed. And yet Sladyana will not take no for an answer. She will find her own daughter one way or another, even if it means the doom of Kada, Secha, and all those that shelter her.
The Bone Roots is a story of two mothers, and the lengths each would go to protect their daughters.
—
In the years since the release of Gabriela Houston’s debut, the Second Bell, I looked back and wondered if perhaps I gave the author too much credit. I remember enjoying her first book—even loving it—but time had dulled my emotional response to the book, and my knowledge of its events. So when I got a chance to read the author’s sophomore effort, I approached it with interest, but also skepticism.
The latter of which was completely misplaced.
An imagining regarding the lengths a mother would go to protect their child, the Bone Roots tells a dark, thoroughly emotional tale. One mother, the Vedma Kada, is trying to shepherd her daughter through to adulthood, when she’ll finally be safe from the Fox and the goddess beyond (a vedma is like a witch or sorceress in Slavic mythos. Some are seen as good, others evil, but Houston’s depiction is very much a combination of the two—a person that uses magic to interact with the wilds, leaving them mistrusted by the commonfolk) (the Fox is a supernatural, well, fox, that steals children). The other mother, Sladyana, is still trying to find her child, taken by the Fox, that she is convinced is still alive. And who sees Kada as her opportunity to do so.
What follows is a thoroughly immersive, emotional tale of motherhood, love, and the lengths one is willing to go to accomplish their goals. And what starts as a tale of beautiful love and acceptance gradually turns dark. After all, what would you do to protect your children? And just how far would you go? Especially if saving them meant burning the world down around you. I mean, it was a damn good story, but it got surprisingly dark, especially for a tale that was built primarily on love.
It was… I mean, it was an AMAZING tale. Sure, there’s a learning curve if you’re not intimately familiar with Slavic mythos and legend, but this is quickly enough overcome, and I never found the immersion too far broken while I pieced out some particular bit of lore. But that’s the beginning and the end of my criticism. An amazing followup to the Second Bell, neither of which should be missed. I can honestly say that this book made me cry, but in the best possible way—and it’s one that I can’t recommend enough!
June 18, 2025
Single sitting read—not because it was fast paced or anything, just because it was that good. This book grabbed me by the throat and held me until I finished it. I’m going to be thinking about the two main characters and how willing they are to go to lengths for years
March 20, 2023
From my blurb: Gabriela Houston's The Bone Roots is an exuberantly told story that weaves together the lives of two mothers and their daughters. This enthralling tale is filled with dark magic, intriguing monsters, and a tension that holds until the very end.
August 4, 2024
just the fantasy i needed.
coming back to say that this review does not do justice to how much i truly enjoyed this book. i was able to enjoy this fantasy without feeling empty after it was finished.
i just really loved it.
coming back to say that this review does not do justice to how much i truly enjoyed this book. i was able to enjoy this fantasy without feeling empty after it was finished.
i just really loved it.
May 22, 2024
She got more than she deserved
February 2, 2025
I was hooked from page one and didn't expect the actual ending
September 30, 2023
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Angry Robot for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told from mostly two points of view - Vedma Kada, and noblewoman Sladyana. We also occasionally get a point of view from the fox - our main antagonist in this book, as well as Secha, Kada’s daughter. There are a few others sprinkled throughout, but these are the most plot significant.
Kada is the Vedma for the town she lives in, a kind of witch who helps people with their issues - delivering babies, curing ailments, as well as communing with the goddess Zemya - the source of the bone roots which gives the book its name. Her goal is to protect her daughter Secha at all costs - as her daughter will only become fully human, and safe from the goddess claiming her as her own, when she turns sixteen. Until then, she runs the risk of being captured by the fox and given to the goddess Zemya - unless Kada can stop her, even if it means betraying everything she’s worked for.
Sladyana is a noblewoman whose daughter, Luba, went missing 15 years ago - taken by the same fox hunting Secha. She has been searching everywhere for a trace of her daughter, but has also adopted a four year old mute child named Tula. Sladyana is convinced Kada - who is the woman who helped her have a child in the first place years ago - knows something about what happened to her missing daughter. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.
The conflict in this book is between these two mothers trying to do anything they can for their daughters. However, we eventually find that only one of them can have a truly happy ending - and she must bring suffering to the other to achieve it.
Once the plot of this book kicks off, it’s easy to sympathize with both of the mothers and their respective scenarios. We might not agree with everything they do to achieve their goals - but we can understand them. There’s also a twist at the end that I very much didn’t see coming, but it recontextualizes previous scenes in a way I wasn’t expecting. The reveal at the end makes much of the earlier character’s actions (especially Kada’s) make significantly more sense than before, and I thought it was a really clever interpretation, as well as fitting into a common theme in folklore of hidden agendas and betrayals. I was especially not expecting how this book ended itself, with neither mother getting what they wanted or expected to happen by the end.
The biggest issue with this book is the pacing, and how it starts. Each chapter of this book is told from a different character’s perspective, which at the start of the book, with no knowledge of who or what these characters are - is very confusing and off putting. It was kind of hard knowing who was who, or how they fit together, until significantly later in the book.
As well as the fact that the two mother POVs aren’t connected to one another until later in the book, and I wasn’t aware until they met each other that they were happening at the same time, but separated from one another. I couldn’t tell if these POVs were past/present or who was what until this point, which made me miss a lot of the beginning context for the first 20% of this book.
Honestly, I think if you liked the premise given in this book, as well as stories focused on Slavic folklore - just read through the first 20% until it makes sense. Then, you can decide if you want to go back and re-read (or do what I did and just continue on the journey the book takes you.) Once you can piece together the relationships and how everything fits together, this is a very good book and I significantly enjoyed the last 70% and wanted to stay up to finish reading this to see how it resolved itself.
If you like Slavic folklore, I think you’d like this book. Even if you’re not too familiar with Slavic folklore, I don’t think this book will be altogether too confusing for you - as I’m not overly familiar with it and I was able to follow along fairly well. It was a really good read that made you understand the motivations and actions of all the characters, without a true villain in it causing the issues for you to root against. Even with the copious creatures and forms of magic present within the book, the conflicts feel real and grounded in a way I wasn’t expecting - nor was I expecting to be simultaneously rooting for the victory of both of the mothers at the end, regardless of what they had done beforehand.
This story is told from mostly two points of view - Vedma Kada, and noblewoman Sladyana. We also occasionally get a point of view from the fox - our main antagonist in this book, as well as Secha, Kada’s daughter. There are a few others sprinkled throughout, but these are the most plot significant.
Kada is the Vedma for the town she lives in, a kind of witch who helps people with their issues - delivering babies, curing ailments, as well as communing with the goddess Zemya - the source of the bone roots which gives the book its name. Her goal is to protect her daughter Secha at all costs - as her daughter will only become fully human, and safe from the goddess claiming her as her own, when she turns sixteen. Until then, she runs the risk of being captured by the fox and given to the goddess Zemya - unless Kada can stop her, even if it means betraying everything she’s worked for.
Sladyana is a noblewoman whose daughter, Luba, went missing 15 years ago - taken by the same fox hunting Secha. She has been searching everywhere for a trace of her daughter, but has also adopted a four year old mute child named Tula. Sladyana is convinced Kada - who is the woman who helped her have a child in the first place years ago - knows something about what happened to her missing daughter. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.
The conflict in this book is between these two mothers trying to do anything they can for their daughters. However, we eventually find that only one of them can have a truly happy ending - and she must bring suffering to the other to achieve it.
Once the plot of this book kicks off, it’s easy to sympathize with both of the mothers and their respective scenarios. We might not agree with everything they do to achieve their goals - but we can understand them. There’s also a twist at the end that I very much didn’t see coming, but it recontextualizes previous scenes in a way I wasn’t expecting. The reveal at the end makes much of the earlier character’s actions (especially Kada’s) make significantly more sense than before, and I thought it was a really clever interpretation, as well as fitting into a common theme in folklore of hidden agendas and betrayals. I was especially not expecting how this book ended itself, with neither mother getting what they wanted or expected to happen by the end.
The biggest issue with this book is the pacing, and how it starts. Each chapter of this book is told from a different character’s perspective, which at the start of the book, with no knowledge of who or what these characters are - is very confusing and off putting. It was kind of hard knowing who was who, or how they fit together, until significantly later in the book.
As well as the fact that the two mother POVs aren’t connected to one another until later in the book, and I wasn’t aware until they met each other that they were happening at the same time, but separated from one another. I couldn’t tell if these POVs were past/present or who was what until this point, which made me miss a lot of the beginning context for the first 20% of this book.
Honestly, I think if you liked the premise given in this book, as well as stories focused on Slavic folklore - just read through the first 20% until it makes sense. Then, you can decide if you want to go back and re-read (or do what I did and just continue on the journey the book takes you.) Once you can piece together the relationships and how everything fits together, this is a very good book and I significantly enjoyed the last 70% and wanted to stay up to finish reading this to see how it resolved itself.
If you like Slavic folklore, I think you’d like this book. Even if you’re not too familiar with Slavic folklore, I don’t think this book will be altogether too confusing for you - as I’m not overly familiar with it and I was able to follow along fairly well. It was a really good read that made you understand the motivations and actions of all the characters, without a true villain in it causing the issues for you to root against. Even with the copious creatures and forms of magic present within the book, the conflicts feel real and grounded in a way I wasn’t expecting - nor was I expecting to be simultaneously rooting for the victory of both of the mothers at the end, regardless of what they had done beforehand.
November 22, 2023
The Bone Roots – Gabriela Houston
I was given an advanced copy of this story by the publisher.
Gabriela Houston hails from Poland but is a London based author. She grew up with a love of the written word and was often holed up in a library. Gabriela writes Slavic inspired stories such as “The Second Bell” and “The Wind Child”.
It’s been years since Kada lost her brother to the great Mother Zemya and her wily Fox. But she fears the Fox has been stalking again and will take her precious daughter away from her.
Yet Kada is a powerful Vedma and she has powers of her own but whether they will be enough to Mother Zemya and her Fox away from her daughter- only time will tell. And time is quickly running out for Kada and her daughter. Despite this Kada continually makes sacrifices to the bone roots hoping to appease Mother Zemya and delay the inevitable.
Sladyana is a beautiful noblewoman who knew a Kada many years ago just when she lost her daughter – a daughter she has never stopped searching for. Because Sladyana knows the Fox took her daughter and suspects Kada could have done more than she did.
So, when she meets Kada again after so long and she's the daughter standing at her side – she suspects it is the daughter she lost all those years ago. She knows Kada is hiding the truth from her so Sladyana will do whatever is necessary to get to the truth and her daughter – no matter the cost.
“The Bone Roots” is a story rooted in Slavic folklore that explores the limitless bounds of a mother’s love. The story takes a good while to get into a decent rhythm, for me I was halfway through the book before the pace picked up and everything started making sense. It's told from different character points of views in different chapters so at first that made things really hard to follow until the characters met then you could see why you were reading about them all. This also made it hard for me to engage with the characters much but as a mother myself, I did really feel for Kada and Sladyana – there's nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her child. Overall, it was a pleasant story and an easy read. It could have been much better with better paced story telling with a more engrossing storyline.
I was given an advanced copy of this story by the publisher.
Gabriela Houston hails from Poland but is a London based author. She grew up with a love of the written word and was often holed up in a library. Gabriela writes Slavic inspired stories such as “The Second Bell” and “The Wind Child”.
It’s been years since Kada lost her brother to the great Mother Zemya and her wily Fox. But she fears the Fox has been stalking again and will take her precious daughter away from her.
Yet Kada is a powerful Vedma and she has powers of her own but whether they will be enough to Mother Zemya and her Fox away from her daughter- only time will tell. And time is quickly running out for Kada and her daughter. Despite this Kada continually makes sacrifices to the bone roots hoping to appease Mother Zemya and delay the inevitable.
Sladyana is a beautiful noblewoman who knew a Kada many years ago just when she lost her daughter – a daughter she has never stopped searching for. Because Sladyana knows the Fox took her daughter and suspects Kada could have done more than she did.
So, when she meets Kada again after so long and she's the daughter standing at her side – she suspects it is the daughter she lost all those years ago. She knows Kada is hiding the truth from her so Sladyana will do whatever is necessary to get to the truth and her daughter – no matter the cost.
“The Bone Roots” is a story rooted in Slavic folklore that explores the limitless bounds of a mother’s love. The story takes a good while to get into a decent rhythm, for me I was halfway through the book before the pace picked up and everything started making sense. It's told from different character points of views in different chapters so at first that made things really hard to follow until the characters met then you could see why you were reading about them all. This also made it hard for me to engage with the characters much but as a mother myself, I did really feel for Kada and Sladyana – there's nothing a mother wouldn’t do for her child. Overall, it was a pleasant story and an easy read. It could have been much better with better paced story telling with a more engrossing storyline.
October 1, 2023
I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Angry Robot in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
In all honesty, this book just wasn't for me. At several points throughout the story the only thing that kept me from DNFing was the fact that I got to read it for free in exchange for a review. It took me quite a long time to get through as it felt more like a chore than anything else. I fully expected to give this two stars, but the story finally picked up the pace and stakes in the last 100 pages and those were genuinely good enough to warrant a third star.
The good:
It is a solid story of what it means to be a mother, what one is willing to sacrifice. Slavic folklore is very interesting and this book might introduce new readers to it.
The bad:
It is VERY slow. Hardly anything happens by the time we hit the 60% mark. The prose didn't sit well with me. A Slav myself, I at felt like I was reading more or less literal translations from a Slavic language, at others it just did not feel natural at all. Granted, this might be the fault of the English language for being significantly blander than Slavic languages and not the author's, but it still was a cumbersome read at times.
In all honesty, this book just wasn't for me. At several points throughout the story the only thing that kept me from DNFing was the fact that I got to read it for free in exchange for a review. It took me quite a long time to get through as it felt more like a chore than anything else. I fully expected to give this two stars, but the story finally picked up the pace and stakes in the last 100 pages and those were genuinely good enough to warrant a third star.
The good:
It is a solid story of what it means to be a mother, what one is willing to sacrifice. Slavic folklore is very interesting and this book might introduce new readers to it.
The bad:
It is VERY slow. Hardly anything happens by the time we hit the 60% mark. The prose didn't sit well with me. A Slav myself, I at felt like I was reading more or less literal translations from a Slavic language, at others it just did not feel natural at all. Granted, this might be the fault of the English language for being significantly blander than Slavic languages and not the author's, but it still was a cumbersome read at times.
October 14, 2023
Vedma Kada is a sort of medicine woman who serves the goddess Zemya and the bone roots. In the course of things related, she had a child as did another woman, Sladyana, borne from seeds of Zemya. The fox stole Sladyana's child, but Kada's child Secha is nearly grown up and she is ever watchful for the same fox that could steal her child away. There are secrets between these women and for themselves and it's up to them to hold on to what they have.
This story is very much about parental love and the lengths one would go to save their child. The story is deeply steeped in Slavic stories of old, particularly Polish ones. While I really liked the story, it did have quite a slow start and it was about two thirds through the book that the pace picks up. I like the way the writer shows the agony of both Kada and Sladyana, through the loss and the keeping of their children. Neither has an easy time and secrets will soon be spilled that will open both up to public scrutiny. All is explained when we reach an end of sorts, that doesn't leave any major plots points incomplete.
I really liked this, and rate it 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Angry Robot for giving me an advanced reader copy. I have provided this review voluntarily.
This story is very much about parental love and the lengths one would go to save their child. The story is deeply steeped in Slavic stories of old, particularly Polish ones. While I really liked the story, it did have quite a slow start and it was about two thirds through the book that the pace picks up. I like the way the writer shows the agony of both Kada and Sladyana, through the loss and the keeping of their children. Neither has an easy time and secrets will soon be spilled that will open both up to public scrutiny. All is explained when we reach an end of sorts, that doesn't leave any major plots points incomplete.
I really liked this, and rate it 3.5 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Angry Robot for giving me an advanced reader copy. I have provided this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
I read an eARC of this so thank you to Net Galley, the author and the publisher.
I found this a really enjoyable read. I particularly loved the Eastern European folklore influences which were embedded throughout the story.
This novel follows two perspectives both joined by the daughters they took from the goddess Zemya. One, Kada lives as a Vedma, a kind of magic wielding wise woman for her community. She lives with her daughter who she is trying to keep safe from the forest and a fox that seeks to claim her. The other Sladanya is wealthy but grieving as her daughter went missing many years ago and she’s desperate to find her.
Lots to like in this book, the atmosphere, the setting, the magic. It was very well crafted. The characters were distinct and their motives clear and made sense. There were elements of them being morally grey. Both Kada and Sladanya are inherently good but do things out of character in pursuit of that’s what is most important to them.
The plot was exciting, a good sense of menace throughout and quite wonderful with the creatures and magical elements.
I found this a really enjoyable read. I particularly loved the Eastern European folklore influences which were embedded throughout the story.
This novel follows two perspectives both joined by the daughters they took from the goddess Zemya. One, Kada lives as a Vedma, a kind of magic wielding wise woman for her community. She lives with her daughter who she is trying to keep safe from the forest and a fox that seeks to claim her. The other Sladanya is wealthy but grieving as her daughter went missing many years ago and she’s desperate to find her.
Lots to like in this book, the atmosphere, the setting, the magic. It was very well crafted. The characters were distinct and their motives clear and made sense. There were elements of them being morally grey. Both Kada and Sladanya are inherently good but do things out of character in pursuit of that’s what is most important to them.
The plot was exciting, a good sense of menace throughout and quite wonderful with the creatures and magical elements.
April 28, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A mothers love from he POV of two women from different backgrounds and the lengths they will go to for their children.
Kara is a Velma or healer and her daughter who is about to turn 16 is starting to show some concerning behaviours. Kara is trying to protect her until her 16th birthday when the threat from the goddess Kemya will abate and she will be safe.
On the other end of the hierarchy is Sladyana whose daughter disappeared nearly 16 years ago and has been searching for her ever since. Kada was the Vedma who delivered Sladyana’s daughter but disappeared soon after.
When Sladyana finally hears that her current lovers father is about to marry the elusive Kada she intends to make sure the Vedma helps her get her daughter back.
Inspired by Slavic mythology and dark magic this was an immersive story that was very low in places that lost my attention so I found myself skimming some parts. However I am glad I continued until the end as it showed just how far a mothers love will go.
A mothers love from he POV of two women from different backgrounds and the lengths they will go to for their children.
Kara is a Velma or healer and her daughter who is about to turn 16 is starting to show some concerning behaviours. Kara is trying to protect her until her 16th birthday when the threat from the goddess Kemya will abate and she will be safe.
On the other end of the hierarchy is Sladyana whose daughter disappeared nearly 16 years ago and has been searching for her ever since. Kada was the Vedma who delivered Sladyana’s daughter but disappeared soon after.
When Sladyana finally hears that her current lovers father is about to marry the elusive Kada she intends to make sure the Vedma helps her get her daughter back.
Inspired by Slavic mythology and dark magic this was an immersive story that was very low in places that lost my attention so I found myself skimming some parts. However I am glad I continued until the end as it showed just how far a mothers love will go.
September 17, 2023
Book Review 📚
The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston - 4/5 ⭐
I was somewhat worried when I first started this book, simply because I thought I wouldn't be able to keep hold of the information given about Slavic folklore. But, Houston made it possible to not only read it easily but retain the information and refer back to certain pieces of it.
There are multiple POVs which I will always love, it always deepens the thoughts with each and every character and it's known what they are thinking rather than assuming. The amount Houston clearly puts into this book is truly phenomenal. There's description, characters and world building that is beautifully done throughout the entirety.
Although there isn't much of a plot to the book, the multiple POVs and characters keep it interesting. It's definitely a slow burn for the first half but it's worth seeing it through as the second half of the book picks up massively!
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston - 4/5 ⭐
I was somewhat worried when I first started this book, simply because I thought I wouldn't be able to keep hold of the information given about Slavic folklore. But, Houston made it possible to not only read it easily but retain the information and refer back to certain pieces of it.
There are multiple POVs which I will always love, it always deepens the thoughts with each and every character and it's known what they are thinking rather than assuming. The amount Houston clearly puts into this book is truly phenomenal. There's description, characters and world building that is beautifully done throughout the entirety.
Although there isn't much of a plot to the book, the multiple POVs and characters keep it interesting. It's definitely a slow burn for the first half but it's worth seeing it through as the second half of the book picks up massively!
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.
October 16, 2023
This was a really interesting and engaging story, and all of the folklore was beautifully weaved throughout, easy to understand and follow without relying on clunky exposition. The characters are so well-realised (Sobis Gorcay I would die for you) but I would have liked to spend a little more time in the environment. Houston has such a concise voice, delivering some truly gut-punching lines that are made all the stronger for their brevity, but at times I could have done with a little more description of the environment, and the manifestations of magic. Overall the pacing was great, I found myself realising the twists at the exact moments the characters did, but at a few points the narrator fades away from the scenes/conversations I wanted to read, instead showing the consequences of those moments absent from the narrative. A very interesting device, but occasionally a little frustrating for my personal tastes.
Overall, this was an utterly spellbinding read, with impeccably believable characters and deeply intriguing lore!
Overall, this was an utterly spellbinding read, with impeccably believable characters and deeply intriguing lore!
September 16, 2023
The fact that this was a book based on Slavic folklore was what made me decide to give it a try. I'm not familiar with Slavic mythology and wanted to read more about it. The author is of Polish descent so there were a lot of Polish terms. I was a bit worried, but I was able to pick up pretty quickly what they meant, mostly due to the context in which they were used.
The pacing in the beginning was annoyingly slow. Honestly, that, combined with the different POVs without any idea what was linking them, made me nearly stop reading it. However, it did get exciting a bit nearer to the end.
This book takes a look at how far a mother would go for their own. I was surprised at how much Kada was willing to do just to protect herself and her child.
I found the ending to be a bit rushed. However, the story was overall a great read.
Thank you to Angry Robot for the opportunity to review this book!
The pacing in the beginning was annoyingly slow. Honestly, that, combined with the different POVs without any idea what was linking them, made me nearly stop reading it. However, it did get exciting a bit nearer to the end.
This book takes a look at how far a mother would go for their own. I was surprised at how much Kada was willing to do just to protect herself and her child.
I found the ending to be a bit rushed. However, the story was overall a great read.
Thank you to Angry Robot for the opportunity to review this book!
October 15, 2023
The Bone Roots by Gabriela Houston is a darker fantasy fiction that has it's roots deep in Slavic folklore. Set in a place called Fiesna, we are introduced to Kada and Sladyana. Each gifted with a daughter from the Great Tree. Yet Sladyana's daughter, Luba, was stolen by the Fox Thief and Secha, Kada's daughter, is changing into something vicious.
There is something gorgeous and haunting about Slavic lore. This is a slower paced story compared to The Second Bell. The POVs move between multiple characters as the plot increasingly reveals the history between Kada and Sladyana. This story has a deeper aspect that focuses on the love of a mother and the bonds between daughter and mother.
The gods, beliefs, creatures and deities that exist and are conjured in this book are intricately woven into the tapestry of these pages. I loved the darker side of this book. It lent a weight to the atmosphere and the slowly growing tension.
There is something gorgeous and haunting about Slavic lore. This is a slower paced story compared to The Second Bell. The POVs move between multiple characters as the plot increasingly reveals the history between Kada and Sladyana. This story has a deeper aspect that focuses on the love of a mother and the bonds between daughter and mother.
The gods, beliefs, creatures and deities that exist and are conjured in this book are intricately woven into the tapestry of these pages. I loved the darker side of this book. It lent a weight to the atmosphere and the slowly growing tension.
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