Ahoy there me mateys!  I received this fantasy eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  Though I try to post no spoilers, this be for book two so proceed at yer own peril.  Here be me honest musings . . .

It was lovely to dive back into this world.  Lin, the bone shard emperor of the title, remains me favourite character by far.  Her life has been upended and trouble is on the horizon.  Lin decides to travel the islands to consolidate power while trying to overcome her father's horrible legacy.

With her is Jovis the smuggler.  While I loved him in book one, I kinda hated him in book two.  He makes bad choices, lies, and doesn't communicate.  I quickly disliked reading his points of view.  I do not appreciate how Lin and Jovis relate to one another.  I also hated Sand's points of view because her theme of vengeance at all cost got old real quick.  While I didn't like those two, I enjoyed Phalue and Ranami more than in the first book.

This book really did feel like a middle book with the set up for the big conflict to come.  That said, I still love the world building and there were some surprises in store.  Mephi remains a highlight especially with his teenager attitude.  Thrana rocks too.  I ended up finding Gio's backstory excellent.  Ayesh was a fun addition.

While I have gripes, the book was engaging and good entertainment.  I am very much looking forward to how the politics will resolve.  But mostly I just want more Mephi, Thrana, and their new friends.  Arrr!

So lastly . . .

Thank you Orbit Books!