Book Reviews

Review: Bone Harvest by James Brogden

Bone Harvest is a book that constantly surprised me. I thought after the beginning chapters of warfare, desperation, and cannibalism I’d have seen it all. But nope. If you are intrigued about stories about power and sacrifice, and don’t mind blood, then you might enjoy this one! Keep reading this book review to see what I thought!

Summary

Struggling with the effects of early-onset dementia, Dennie Keeling now leads a quiet life. Her husband is dead, her children are grown, and her best friend, Sarah, was convicted of murdering her abusive husband. After Sarah’s tragic death in prison, Dennie has found solace in her allotment, and all she wants is to be left to tend it in peace.

Life remains quiet for twelve years, until three strangers take on a nearby plot and Dennie starts to notice unnatural things. Shadowy figures prowl at night; plants flower well before their time. And then Sarah appears, bringing dire warnings and vanishing after daubing symbols on the walls in Dennie’s own blood.

Dennie soon realises that she is face to face with an ancient evil – but with her dementia steadily growing worse, who is going to believe her?

Review

(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)

TW: cannibalism, gore

Beginning in the middle of the trenches, Bone Harvest is a book that surprised me from the very first pages. While I had no idea that’s where a good portion of the first part would go, Brogden does not shy away from human desperation. From the shadows beneath our eyes and the darkest deeds we commit in the dark. Humans continually show their ability to change. Are we able to change for the better? To pursue power and immortality?

The constant surprises in Bone Harvest kept me reading. You know those books that captivate you and then when you’re finished you ask yourself, “what was I reading?” That was me basically every time I took a break. Memories unravel before us and Brogden maintains a steady pace to introduce us to all these characters. As events unfold for Everett and Dennie, the events begin to quicken and we wonder if Dennie will be able to figure out the truth.

Another theme Bone Harvest explored was if we all have the capacity to sacrifice for power? And if we don’t, do we really have the power to deny the force of those who do? It’s a story about human manipulation and our quest for control. The past doesn’t stay buried and you should never expect it to. Find Bone Harvest on Goodreads, Amazon & UK, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.

Discussion

Do you have a favorite book with cannibalism?


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