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A review by eloquentmuse
Ivy & Bone by R.L. Perez
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Possible Spoilers:
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with rich mythology, Ivy and Bone is a must-read. This story blends the Persephone and Hades myth with elements of witches, devils, and the underworld, creating a captivating narrative.
The FMC, Prue, is a witch grappling with the loss of her sister Mona, who sacrificed herself to seal the dangerous Book of Eyes after accidentally unleashing spirits from the underworld. In a desperate attempt to bring Mona back, Prue summons Cyrus—aka Osiris—the King of Devils. What follows is a high-stakes battle between life (personified by Gaia) and death (the Underworld), with Prue and Cyrus caught in the middle.
What makes this book shine is its complexity. The characters are wonderfully gray—flawed, nuanced, and utterly compelling. Prue and Cyrus’s dynamic mirrors the core theme of the story: life and death are two sides of the same coin, just as they are incomplete without each other. Their growing connection is intense and well-written.
The world-building stands out, weaving myths and cultural ideas together as if they’re simply facets of a larger truth. The twists will keep you hooked, and the ending delivers a cliffhanger that leaves you eager for more—not just for Prue and Cyrus but also for a hinted romance involving Mona.
Overall, Ivy and Bone is a well-written and engaging fantasy with a perfect balance of romance, mythology, and moral complexity. Here’s hoping for a sequel soon!
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with rich mythology, Ivy and Bone is a must-read. This story blends the Persephone and Hades myth with elements of witches, devils, and the underworld, creating a captivating narrative.
The FMC, Prue, is a witch grappling with the loss of her sister Mona, who sacrificed herself to seal the dangerous Book of Eyes after accidentally unleashing spirits from the underworld. In a desperate attempt to bring Mona back, Prue summons Cyrus—aka Osiris—the King of Devils. What follows is a high-stakes battle between life (personified by Gaia) and death (the Underworld), with Prue and Cyrus caught in the middle.
What makes this book shine is its complexity. The characters are wonderfully gray—flawed, nuanced, and utterly compelling. Prue and Cyrus’s dynamic mirrors the core theme of the story: life and death are two sides of the same coin, just as they are incomplete without each other. Their growing connection is intense and well-written.
The world-building stands out, weaving myths and cultural ideas together as if they’re simply facets of a larger truth. The twists will keep you hooked, and the ending delivers a cliffhanger that leaves you eager for more—not just for Prue and Cyrus but also for a hinted romance involving Mona.
Overall, Ivy and Bone is a well-written and engaging fantasy with a perfect balance of romance, mythology, and moral complexity. Here’s hoping for a sequel soon!
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail