I’ve been a long time fan of Nicki Pau Preto. And the duology of Bonesmith and Ghostsmith is no exception. Maybe even more love since I adore necromancy and THIS! While this duology ender is certainly full of action, and magic, it’s also a story about family and friendship. Keep reading this book review of Ghostsmith for my full thoughts.
Summary
Wren is still reeling from the revelation that the mother she thought was dead is actually the Corpse Queen, a ghostsmith with the terrifying power to control the undead. It was Wren’s own mother who created the iron revenants—an army of near unbeatable undead soldiers. When the iron revenants attack, no one in the Dominions will have the strength to stand in their way.
Now Wren, Leo, and Julian find themselves once more in the Breach, this time on the run from Wren’s father, who is determined to secure more power for himself and the House of Bone. The three are desperate to stop the upcoming war, but working together is easier said than done with Julian still furious about Wren double-crossing him. And to make matters worse, Wren is plagued by powerful new abilities that force her to reassess everything she knows about being a bonesmith.
When Wren’s long-lost twin brother shows up and vows to help her destroy the well of magic that feeds the iron revenants, she must decide if trusting him is worth potentially playing right into their mother’s hands.
After all, the dead might be dangerous, but it’s the living who can betray you.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Reeling from the betrayal in Bonesmith, Ghostsmith hits the ground running. We’re back with the wound stinging between Julian and Wren and wondering if what they can do is enough to change the ending. I, predictably, love Wren. The ways she not only explores this new power, but also realizes the ways power is dangerous. How power can corrupt, demand more, and become a black hole. The various puzzle pieces begin to click together across the distance and within the character arcs. Who will we be when our own family has betrayed us? When they only see what we can do, not who we are.
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And that’s one of my favorite elements in Ghostsmith – the family. Because we see the family who betrays us, sees us only for what we can do for them, as well as the found family. The friends who give us a soft space to land, who support us, and trust us beyond words. We also see the ways we have to repair relationships, leave some behind, and create ones anew. When the world asks us what we would do for our family, what about what they would do for us? Unspoken promises paid in blood. And Wren’s relationship with Hawke? That is definitely one of my favorite relationships to bloom in Ghostsmith.
With beautiful pacing, Ghostsmith is a solid and fantastic series ender. Find Ghostsmith on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.