Bones of Faerie

I am waiting for books 2 and 3--anyone with an imagination would enjoy these

A lovely example of how fiction can be utilized to teach different perspectives and valuable lessons. The wonderful combining of nature and magic so powerfully moving.

Reading the first sentence, I felt a frisson, and knew I was reading something special. Janni Lee Simner has created a truly haunting world, our own, but devastated after a war between humans and faeries. For the children growing up post war, including the teenage narrator, its causes are mysterious, but like any war, its aftereffects still resonate and burn. Some things I really liked about this book were the relationships between characters, and understanding why certain characters became the way they are, without condoning what they do. I'd tell more, but that would be spoilery. There is a mystery to solve, magic to discern, and a world to set right. Luckily, there will be a sequel, because it's too much to do all in one book!

Many years before 15-year-old Liza was born, there was a great war between humanity and Faerie. It caused devastation on both sides, and Faerie hasn't been heard from since. However, danger still lurks in the shadows. Liza's community has learned to survive by keeping to themselves and guarding against the magic that remains. The residents battle against thorny plants and crops that resist being harvested. Venturing into the surrounding forest especially after nightfall is greatly discouraged, since the "living" trees threaten to attack any who pass them. However, the trees and plants are not the only major threat. For some, a child is considered the greatest enemy. After the War, there were reported incidents of children born with the traits of Faerie and developing supernatural abilities that ultimately destroyed their families --- a tragedy to which the community is no stranger. As decreed, anyone who appears to have Faerie traits is "cast out." Liza understands that the rules put down by her strict (and abusive) father are meant to protect them and their community. However, she is haunted by the horrific death of her newborn sister Rebecca, whom her father left on a hillside to be "taken back by the Faerie." Then her mother suddenly leaves. In the midst of her guilt and confusion, Liza begins to have vague yet powerful visions of the future as well as the past --- a trait of the Faerie. Determined to find answers, Liza sets out on a journey to locate her mother and discover who she really is. Joined by her friend Matthew, a boy who understands the destruction magic can cause, and her beloved cat Tallow, Liza sees the horrific remnants of war (including what happened to the victims) and uncovers the terrible truth behind the War and a surprising family secret. Post-apocalyptic fiction, fantasy and science fiction novels have been around for centuries, but BONES OF FAERIE fuses familiar genre elements into a story that is as intriguing as it is disturbing. Literary allusions and echoes of historical events are seen and felt throughout, helping to create a mysterious world that readers can easily step into. What's surprising is that the story takes place in the near future in North America, even though it could be set in another time and location. Exploration of certain characters' motives, however, is at times limited, making it difficult to truly understand the uncertainties and hopes that they may have. Whether or not this factor is done on purpose, there is a possibility for a prequel or companion novel. Readers will get lost in the haunting vision of BONES OF FAERIE. --- Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle

Overall, this book was a great story filled with adventure and the price we're all willing to pay to survive. The writing at times got irritating due to its repetitive nature. For example, on one single page I read: "and I looked in the mirror and saw--" "I screamed, and I screamed I saw--" "I fled from him, and as I fled I saw--" I shut my eyes, and behind closed lids I saw--" This sort of pre-vision dialogue certainly became noticeable and therefore irritating, and distracting. The imagery throughout the book is well written and familiar. For example I loved, "Oak and maples and elms all reached toward the rain, sighing happily as water soaked through their leaves and into their roots." The plot moved, though sometimes slow. The beginning started off right, fact-paced and exciting, the middle, during the journey outside, it all became slower. The end, again, picks up leaving you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the characters. Throughout the whole book you feel for Liza and you keep hoping she finds what she is looking for, physically and emotionally. The characters, all, are well defined and concrete though, not to say that they are perfect. I am left at the end wanting to learn more about Tara, Caleb,Kate and Matthew's history. I feel like I still don't know enough about them. For the story itself--good enough. For me and my overzealous imagination--I wanted to know everything. Liza is sucha strong character, so kind and caring and passionate.But above all else she is majorly self-sacrificing, which is a wonderful point for young girls to take away from the book. Allie, the young, sweet healer, is a reliable friend and a deeply caring individual filled with unconditional love. Yet, she's smart and knows her limits. Matt's character is much in the same way very protective and strong and throughout the book the reader really gets a clear glimpse into his maturing and evolving personality. I found it endearing to read how Liza and Matt's relationship grows-- both become so reliant on each other and love blossoms in the most unexpected circumstances. Liza's parents though, are one of the characters that leave you wanting more, especially her mother, Tara, who by the end of the book you realize has a long history in this world, much of which is hugely relevant to this story.Her father--well, I'm glad for his outcome. What I mostly enjoyed about this book were the allusions to us and the current events surrounding us everyday, mainly war and the outcomes of war. Liza learns, among other things, that there are two sides to each story. And even though you might have grown up thinking, "these people are the bad guys" that doesn't make you the good guy. This book really makes one think about how war effects each and every individual, even years after it may be over. There are repercussions and no one is without fault. We must all live with our mistake, yet except people for what they are , not shunning them because they are different.

I'm a huge fan of faerie tales. Specifically ones where the magic is so soaked into the story it's close to ridiculous. I originally wanted to give this review a 4 star, for story. It was short, the story started rather suddenly, giving me little time to know the characters. And raced through to the end. But it was still a good story with plenty of detail and lovable characters. Even if it did take me a while to love the main character. I gave this review a 5, because the magic was so dark and deep. Trees have minds of their own, and they're not nice minds. Corn fights being harvested. This fantasy world, mingled with the old world (being our present) made this very enjoyable.

Wow, this was a very imaginative and well written book. The trend towards faeries in YA books is nothing new. This book however takes a totally fresh spin on the subject. The heroine is plucky,determined and brave. She suffers the loss of her Mother and sister, and physical abuse at the hands of her Father. Despite this she is not bowed down. I love her! The setting is a post-apocalyptic world in which small towns survive in isolation, afraid of faeries and magic. This is result of the war between Faerie and humankind. Both sides have been devastated. For romance lovers, there is a subtle romantic interest woven through. I don't want to give away anymore of the plot- buy the book yourselves, and enjoy! All in all, a wonderful read both for YA and not so YA. I hope there is a sequel. If you are a fan of Melissa Marr and Holly Black, you will love this book.