The Bone Orchard was a really fascinating and mysterious read. Charm is the emperor’s mistress, charged with an impossible task upon his deathbed. She must use all her resources to find the person who killed him and decide how or if she will hold the empire together. It deals deeply with trauma, shame, and power dynamics. I found myself unable to look away as the tale unfolded. This is truly a story unlike others that I’ve read, especially in the way it combines innovative science fiction, rigid court politics, and gender expectations.

One of the most interesting things about the book was how it invites readers to take a closer look at the parts of themselves that they may try to hide or divorce from themselves. How do we deal with shame, desire, and pain? Is it a part of ourselves that we own or that feels separate? I especially loved watching Pain and Charm’s evolution, as they both go on very different journeys from beginning to end.

I would recommend this book if you love convoluted politics, a truly original magic system, and twisty power dynamics. The Bone Orchard is a book that will undoubtedly stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to see what Sara A. Mueller writes next! The Bone Orchard is available now. Thank you to Sara A. Mueller, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review