Book Tour: Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian

Castles in Their Bones is the first book in a new YA fantasy series by Laura Sebastian. Read on to learn more about this action-packed, romantic, politically intriguing story about star-touched triplets by the author of Ash Princess!

I have a confession: for YEARS, I was in a very specific reading slump-I had zero desire to read anything in the fantasy realm. Luckily, 2021 was the year I finally broke out of that slump, and I’ve been devouring fantasy books, especially YA fantasy, ever since. And today, I’m super excited to share an amazing new YA fantasy book with you! As soon as I heard the premise of this book, I knew it was something I had to read, and I’m so glad I can tell you more about it as a part of the book tour for Laura Sebastian’s latest book, Castles in their Bones, hosted by TBR and Beyond tours!

Synopsis

A spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

My Thoughts

Note: I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

First and foremost, I have a bone to pick with Laura Sebastian, and pretty much all YA fantasy authors, for that matter: please stop writing such captivating plot twists and cliffhangers and then making us wait over a year to find out what happens! (Note: I recognize that authors don’t actually have control over the publishing dates of their books, especially not with all the pandemic-related issues. Nonetheless, I WANT BOOK TWO.)

Anyway, in terms of my actual thoughts on Castles in Their Bones, I really, really liked it. I will say that it got off to a bit of a slow start for me; this is honestly probably more of an issue with my brain rather than the book itself, but there’s a lot to take in at the beginning as we learn about the 3 different main characters and their upcoming tasks and the different countries they’re going to-it just took me a little while to adjust to to the three different points of view, their personalities, the extensive cast of secondary characters, and the characteristics of the different countries.

However, once I got into the world, I was fully immersed. I loved the completely distinct voices and personalities of the triplets, Sophronia, Beatriz, and Daphne, who were literally born and bred to marry princes from neighboring countries and sow discord there in order for their power-hungry mother to conquer said countries and re-create an empire under her control. The story is narrated by all three sisters, and chapters alternate perspectives. As I mentioned, it took me some time to remember who was who and which countries they were responsible for, but each sister really does have her own unique personality, complete with strengths, and, of course, flaws. It was really interesting to learn more about the girls as individuals as the story progressed, not just in regard to their character traits but also their responses to growing up with a mother who was, by all accounts, not nurturing, and, some would say, abusive. I also loved seeing how they adjusted to their new countries, made friends, learned to live with husbands they’d never met before, and made decisions about the people they were going to be now that they weren’t directly under their mother’s control.

Of course, no first book in a fantasy trilogy would be complete without some serious heartbreak, and I will say that while I did expect some sort of twist and/or cliffhanger to end the story, the revelation at the end of the book was shocking and devastating. I truly didn’t see that coming, and am VERY anxiously awaiting book two and hoping that things are not what they seem.

I know some of the things I said are intentionally vague, because I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, but I will say that if you enjoy fantasy novels with intricate worldbuilding, political intrigue, unexpected romance, lots of action, and a good deal of betrayal, you will definitely want to pick up Castles in Their Bones ASAP (and when you’ve finished and want to yell about the ending, send me a message and we can yell together).

I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads, and will absolutely be picking up the next book in the series.

About the Author

Well there you have it-if you’re interested in a new fantasy novel full of sisterhood, magic, and action, make sure you check out Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian! And to hear more thoughts about this book, check out all of the other stops on the TBR and Beyond Tour!

Looking for more? Check these out:

• Book Tour: Journey to the Heart of the Abyss by London Shah
• YA Fake Dating Books to Read After To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
• 2021 Reading Reflections

Want to save this post for later? Pin it: