31 May Book Review: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

When I first stumbled upon The Bone Season, I was intrigued by its premise—a dystopian future interwoven with clairvoyance and supernatural elements. Given my penchant for character-driven narratives set against richly imagined worlds, I was eager to see how Samantha Shannon would blend these aspects. Plus, the buzz comparing her to J.K. Rowling piqued my curiosity.

What’s it about?

Set in the year 2059, The Bone Season introduces us to nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney, a dreamwalker—a rare type of clairvoyant capable of accessing the dreamscapes of others. In Scion London, a totalitarian regime views clairvoyance as treason, forcing individuals like Paige into the shadows. She works for Jaxon Hall, the leader of an underground syndicate known as the Seven Seals, where her unique abilities are both valued and exploited.

Paige’s life takes a drastic turn when she’s captured by Scion authorities. Instead of facing execution, she’s transported to Oxford—a city that has been hidden from public knowledge for two centuries. Here, she discovers that the Rephaim, an otherworldly race, have been secretly controlling the city and using captured clairvoyants as slaves and soldiers to combat a deadly threat known as the Emim.

Assigned to a Rephaite keeper named Warden, Paige is thrust into a complex relationship. Warden is enigmatic and holds a position of power among the Rephaim, yet his true motives remain shrouded in mystery. As Paige undergoes rigorous training to harness her abilities, she becomes entangled in the intricate politics and power struggles of this hidden society.

Throughout her time in Oxford, Paige uncovers unsettling truths about the Rephaim, the Scion regime, and the history of clairvoyants. She learns of the Bone Seasons—decadal events where clairvoyants are captured and delivered to the Rephaim, revealing a longstanding collaboration between Scion and these otherworldly beings. Determined to reclaim her freedom and expose the oppressive systems at play, Paige allies with fellow captives and sympathetic Rephaim, leading to a climactic confrontation that challenges the very foundations of their world.

What This Chick Thinks

Diving into The Bone Season, I was immediately struck by the ambition of Samantha Shannon’s world-building. The fusion of dystopian elements with a richly layered supernatural hierarchy is both intricate and immersive. However, this complexity can be a double-edged sword.

World-Building

Shannon crafts a detailed universe where clairvoyants are categorized into various orders, each with distinct abilities. While this adds depth, the sheer volume of terminology and classifications introduced early on can be overwhelming. I found myself frequently referring to the glossary to keep track, which occasionally disrupted the narrative flow. Yet, as the story progressed, the intricacies became more manageable and added richness to the plot.

Character Development

Paige Mahoney is a compelling protagonist—resilient, resourceful, and relatable. Her evolution from a fugitive in Scion London to a defiant captive in Oxford showcases her strength and determination. The dynamic between Paige and Warden is particularly intriguing. Their relationship, marked by mistrust, power shifts, and gradual understanding, adds emotional depth to the narrative.

Pacing and Plot

The novel starts with a brisk pace, plunging readers into the action. However, the middle sections slow down as the focus shifts to exposition and training sequences. While these segments are essential for world-building and character development, they may test the patience of readers eager for more action-driven plot progression. The climax, however, delivers a satisfying blend of action and revelation, setting the stage for subsequent installments.

Themes

At its core, The Bone Season explores themes of oppression, identity, and resistance. The parallels drawn between the persecution of clairvoyants and historical instances of systemic discrimination are thought-provoking. Paige’s journey underscores the importance of self-discovery and challenging societal norms.

Final Thoughts

The Bone Season is an ambitious debut that lays the groundwork for a sprawling series. While the dense world-building and complex terminology may pose initial challenges, the compelling characters and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding read. I’d rate it a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Try it if you like:

• The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty– An immersive tale blending historical fantasy with intricate world-building and a strong-willed protagonist navigating a complex society.
• Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – A dystopian narrative where individuals with unique abilities are oppressed, leading to rebellion and political intrigue.
• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Features a richly constructed world with a heroine discovering her latent powers amidst political machinations and looming threats.