Raise. Your. Phantom.In a world on the brink of the next Great Dying, no amount of training can prepare us for what is to come…A young heir will raise the most powerful phantom in all of Baiseen.A dangerous High Savant will do anything to control the nine realms.A mysterious and deadly Mar race will steal children into the sea.And a handsome guide with far too many secrets will make me fall in … too many secrets will make me fall in love.
My name is Ash. A lowly scribe meant to observe and record. And yet I think I’m destined to surprise us all.
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An imaginative, immersive journey to lift the spirits.
Refreshingly original characters drive an action-packed plot. An engaging and thrilling book from cover to cover!
Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder is a magnificent tale of magic, villains, and heroes. From the first page, I was captivated by the story, in love with the characters, and enchanted by the world. It feels like A.K. Wilder has not written a novel in CROWN OF BONES, but rather has chronicled the lives of people who inhabit an alternate universe. I highly recommend this 5-star fantasy to readers of Shadow And Bone and The Merciful Crow!
From Page One and the moment where dirt bursts from the ground and a phantom was risen, I knew that I was gripped with a hunger to know more.
Although I have read many, many, fantasy novels, Crown of Bones is like no other. A. K. Wilder has created a world as rich as a medieval tapestry and characters with a complexity that made me turn the page long after I should have put the book down.
I found myself rolling from the emotional highs of great achievements, biting my nails in terror for their lives and cheering their victories from the beginning until the very end..
I look forward to getting my hands on Curse of Shadows so I can find out what happens next, if only I was a ‘Caller’ so I could RAISE MY PHANTOM to bring it to me right now! Highly recommended!
One word — awesome.
But wait, I have more words for Crown of Bones. Exhilarating. Intriguing. Transportive. Behind that pretty cover is a high-stakes fantasy/adventure story that will leave you breathless.
A.K. Wilder’s intricate world-building left indelible mark on me. Her writing instantly drew me in. She has an incredible knack for vivid action scenes. Her characters may live in a world unlike ours, but their inner and outer journeys make them relatable and loveable. And it wouldn’t be an adventure without some romance. The relationship that unfurls between wordsmith Ash and ship’s mate Kaylin — who incidentally is a dreamboat, pardon the pun — made me sigh with happiness.
At its heart, for me, Crown of Bones is about uncovering the innate strength inside of us all. If you want to escape the everyday, grab this book! I loved it.
I loved this book! I really didn’t know a whole lot about this book but I thought it sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did because I was completely captivated by the amazing storytelling within its pages. I hated to put the book down when I had to do other things and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about this story. It was one of those rare books that just worked for me on every level.
The world-building in this book was top notch. Everything that we needed to know was worked into the story just when we needed that information. The people in this world are born with special abilities or not. Those that may have some ability are trained to see if they are able to raise a phantom and once they master that skill with some control they go to Aku to train. Marcus is the Heir but he has struggled to hold his phantom until this year, which happens to be his final chance. He, along with his chosen team of friends, head off to Aku to start their journey.
The characters were phenomenal. I cared for this group of young adults and wanted to see things work out for them. Marcus has worked very hard and it almost seems that fate is against him but he keeps pushing forward. Ash has been Marcus’s best friend for a long time and she goes on the journey as the record keeper. Ash is non-savant but she is more than capable of holding her own. These two are the main focus of the book and most of the chapters are told from one of their points of view with the addition of a few additional viewpoints scattered throughout the book. The supporting characters were all very well done and added something to the story.
This story was exciting! Nothing was easy for this group of characters and I never knew what was going to happen next. They all go through a lot in this book and things look like they are not going to go their way more than once. There were few scenes that were so intense that I was totally lost in the story and was almost holding my breath waiting to see how things would work out. There is some violence in the story and I liked the fact that we get to see the toll it takes on the characters.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I found this to be a really unique and well-done world and I fell in love with the characters. I cannot wait to read future installments in this fabulous series!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from Entagled: Teen.
WOW. Just Wow. I’m not a huge high fantasy reader, but this one…heck yes. It was so engaging. I was so invested in these characters, I had to keep turning the page!
The world building was amazing. I felt like I was there.
Really well done, AK Wilder!
This book is absolutely everything. This is my first read of 2021 and it has set the bar high for the rest of the year.
Crown of Bones is a story about magical savants who can pull phantoms from the earth. There are different color robes for savants who have better control of their phantoms. Marcus is the heir to the throne. He is a warrior savant that just barely controls his phantom in time to go to the Island of Aku and compete for a higher rank. Ash is a non-savant and Marcus’ best friend. She is a recorder and all she wants in life is to have a purpose. She also hears voices and phantoms love her.
Marcus, Ash and three of their friends(Belair, Piper and Samsen) all travel to the Aku. They barely have enough time to make it there. Their journey isn’t an easy one. They meet a sailor, Kaylin that is added to their group.
I LOVE the way this book was written. I loved how we got POV’s for Marcus, Ash and Kaylin. I feel like I know each of the characters so so well. The story was engaging. The magic system was completely different than anything else I have ever read. Ash was such a strong female character. Kaylin is one of my favorite characters ever written. He was so open with his feelings.. well as open as he could be in his thoughts at least. I loved getting his thoughts. I fell in love with him hard. Marcus is also a fantastic character.
This was just an all around perfect fantasy read. I can not recommend this enough. Thank you Entangled Teen for my copy! All thoughts an opinions are my own.
Great start for this YA fantasy book, I truly enjoyed reading this refreshing story, the world-building was fantastically done, the characters are terrific and I so need to find out what comes next. I definitely loved that the author gave us a different POV. Refreshing story with individual elements that makes this story so unique. The pacing was good you get dragged right from the start, and the ending, yes it’s a cliffy so you will want to get the next one soon. I wish they do the audiobook it would be so good. Full of adventures, action, intrigue, and magic. You would love to get immersed in this new world.
A young adult fantasy with a dangerous quest and themes of friendship, self-discovery, and fighting for what you believe in, Crown of Bones is a unique and interesting story set in a world on the brink of war, and threats lurk around every corner.
Marcus is the heir to the throne and a Savant who has raised his Phantom. However, he struggles to control it. Ash is a non-Savant but an equally fascinating character. Strong, determined, and brave, she is one of my favorite characters in the story. Her relationship with Marcus is wonderful. They have a strong and long-lasting friendship that proves unshakable.
There are multiple points of view in the novel, which I liked. You really got to understand Ash and Marcus, as well as some of the other characters in the story. One mysterious character with a secretive past is rather intriguing, and I’m curious to find out more about him and his connection to Ash in the next book. I also want to learn more about Ash. She has some major revelations in the story, and it will be interesting to see how that changes her path and her beliefs about herself.
As much as I like Ash and Marcus, the strength of the story is the world-building. The magic system, where people can raise and control Phantoms, is so unique and fascinating. The author did a great job of creating a vivid and immersive world rife with danger and amazing fantastical elements.
Overall, this is a good start to a new series, and though I wish some of the minor characters were a bit more developed, the world-building, action, and great cliffhanger ending definitely make me want to continue with the series. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I love finding new authors. Crown of Bones is A.K. Wilder’s debut YA High Fantasy novel. If you loved the Harry Potter series and Lord of the Ring series, then you will enjoy Crown of Bones. I know I enjoyed this book. I had a hard time putting it down.
Characters: There are several characters in this book, but I’ll focus on the ones that I loved:
1. Ash – She’s a non-savant and a scribe. She’s to record the adventures of Marcus and Belair on their journey to get their yellow robes. She’s one character I loved getting to know because she may be non-savant (no magic or phantom), but she handled herself.
2. Marcus – He’s the heir of Baiseen, and he’s a Savant. It has taken forever for him to raise his Phantom and control it. Now he is determined more than ever receive his yellow robes. His warrior is something everyone should fear.
3. Kaylin – I loved his character. He’s someone that comes about on the journey towards Aku. He’s mysterious and sexy. He is all about protecting Ash, even if he defies his family.
My Thoughts: I’m not going to go over this book’s storyline because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Here is what I loved about the story and why I can’t wait for the next book:
– The characters all have different personalities and mysteries about them. I loved getting to know them. ( I go over a few of them that I loved in the book at the beginning of this review. ) Ash and Kaylin are my favorite characters, and I need more of these two together.
– The storyline of Savant and Non-Savants. Savants have phantoms that they can use for fighting, etc. It takes skills to raise the Savant and keep them in control. Readers will learn all about this process in this book. I loved going along with Marcus and other characters on finding more about their phantoms.
– The adventures that the characters have to endure in this book is a crazy whirlwind. They defied death so many times it’s fantastic. A.K. Wilder takes them all on a wild ride to get to their destination, and then it gets worst later on. There’s a war brooding in this book, and everyone is clueless about it except Marcus, Ash, Kaylin, and everyone else in their group.
– The ending of this book is what had me in shock. I loved it, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. A.K. Wilder had me on the edge of my seat with the ending.
– This a High YA Fantasy book, so it’s all about adventures, mysteries, magic, and power. It’s going to take every reader on a wild-ride. I know I felt like I was on a roller-coaster with this book.
POV: This book is told in Multi-POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: Part of Series.
Cliffhanger: Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I would definitely recommend this book.
I’m so glad I started 2021 with Crown of Bones, and I can say now that this book has become one of my favorites. I give this book 5-stars, and I can’t say enough how much I loved this book. Here’s hoping the second book comes out soon because I need to know what happens next with these characters.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Reading YA fantasy or just more fantasy, in general, was one thing I really wanted to give a try this year. And Crown of Bones did not disappoint. A lot happens in this book and I was just so enamored with the world that Wilder builds for us. I will say that I did leave the book with some confusion about what was happening and more questions than answers. I had to take my time with this one since fantasy has always been a bit of a challenge for me because of all the info we get.
The main focus was on Ash, Marcus and Kaylin. And I soaked every moment between Ash and Kaylin. But loved the close bond between Ash and Marcus. As the series goes on, I hope we stay the course that’s been going on between them.
In the first 50% of the book, we learn a lot about the world, I’d say that’s where the bulk of info comes on. Once they’re on their adventure, we’re on that a bit longer than I anticipated and the paced slowed down significantly for me. But as we get closer to their destination, the suspense builds and battles are happening.
By the end, a lot of truths are coming out and plenty of questions especially surrounding Ash and Kaylin. We’re left with a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m eager to get the next in this series.
Overall, truly enjoyed this fantasy read, definitely could have used some fine-tuning with some of the side characters and world-building. Mainly so we’re not overwhelmed with the info that’s coming all at once. A solid start to this series!
More Marcus, Ash and Kaylin!
Marcus Adicio knows that war is coming but if he wants to keep his position as heir to Baiseen, he must be able to keep control of his phantom. The leaders in Baiseen know the scrolls have foretold Marcus’ journey with his recorder and friend Ash to the Isle of Aku but I wasn’t expecting the non-stop action of just trying to get to Aku before the gates close for the season. On Aku nothing is as it seems for the group from Baiseen including Kaylin that they picked up on the way.
Crown of Bones is so very different from the average fantasy because it something happening every minute and the world that A.K. Wilder has created is so unique. I want to read the next book because I want to know what happened to Marcus, Ash and Kaylin.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Raise. Your. Phantom.
What an amazing book!!! It is one of the best fantasy books I have read this 2020. I was invested in the story from the beginning and was pleased with the ending. Although it ended with a cliffhanger it was something that I look forward to in the next book. I love that the story is well written; the characters and the world-building are well developed. Some parts are entertaining and thrilling. Although it was presented in multiple POVs, the story has a spontaneous transition of events. It’s a story with a breath of fresh ideas, especially in the fantasy genre.
A savant is someone who can raise a phantom and they are ranked according to their abilities. The ranks are designated with colors, the red robe being the highest. They serve and protect their respective realms.
A phantom is an energy within the savant’s inner existence that takes form only when a savant shouts a battle cry and hits the ground.
All initiate savants need to undergo training in the Sacred Isle of Aku where they are trained to control and work together with their phantoms. If one passes the training, he will be awarded a yellow robe.
Our main characters are from Palrio, one of the realms of Amassia. Marcus Adicio, Heir to the throne of Baiseen (the seat of the throne in the realm of Palrio) needs to train and pass the initiation.
A group that should have been five only, their journey to Aku was full of predicaments, hardships, and danger.
It was an epic fantasy full of action-packed adventures, mythical creatures, slow-burn romance, friendship, deception, and unique magic. I love the detailed and captivating fight scenes.
Of all the characters, I love Ash who despite being a non-savant proved her worth as a wordsmith and as a loyal friend to her companions during their perilous journey to Aku. She is smart, strong, and determined. I love the witty and funny banters she had with her inner voice.
I think there will be a big revelation about one of the main characters in the next book. Kaylin, who are you?
This is the first book I read from the author and now she’s on my favorite author’s list. I would surely check out her other great works!
I am so grateful to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve read plenty of YA fantasies where worlds are in danger or on the brink of war. But raising phantoms? This was something I haven’t seen and I needed to know more. The lavish cover was a bonus.
I’m not sure what my favorite part of this novel was – the wildly creative world-building, the well-drawn characters, or the whirlwind pacing – but I was completely submerged in this story from the first page.
Marcus is the heir to the kingdom of Baiseen and has difficulties controlling his phantom (which are unique to the individual), something that could prevent him from ever taking the throne. He’s sent to Aku for intense training and accompanying him are savant (people who raise phantoms) friends and his best friend and nonsavant (can’t raise phantoms), Ash. They’re on a tight timeline – if they don’t make it there before the gates close, Marcus will never take the throne. During their harrowing journey, they’re met with one life-threatening obstacle after another. I was breathless and couldn’t read the pages fast enough to find out what would happen.
The world-building is intricately developed and unique – the author did an outstanding job. Without being info-dumpy, it’s masterfully woven into the story – and there’s much to take in – but a glossary is included at the end of the book if your memory needs refreshing while reading.
This cast of characters will steal your heart with how they’re so protective of and devoted to each other. The strong friendship between Ash and Marcus was done so well, and they offer each other unconditional support. An intriguing mystery surrounds one character the group picks up along the way, and I’m anxious to learn more about him in the next book and his connection to Ash. Ash experiences some stunning revelations, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her.
Battles, magical creatures, ancient scrolls, secrets, compelling characters – I’d highly recommend Crown of Bones to fans of epic fantasy. It’s a series I’ll absolutely continue.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Crown of Bones was a thrilling read for me. It boasted a unique storyline with A LOT happening, and while sometimes that can be detrimental to a story for me, this time it worked very well.
There were multiple POVs (mainly Ash and Marcus with a couple more interspersed), and I appreciated the different viewpoints.
The world-building was excellent, and the only thing that could have made me even more satisfied about it all was an actual map of the realms. A map was mentioned in the glossary at the end of the book, but I couldn’t find it. As this was an ARC, that probably was the reason there wasn’t one. However, I’d really have loved to have one to a better picture in my mind’s eye.
I was intrigued from the beginning, and the characters went on a hell of a ride from there. Like I mentioned, there was a lot going on in this book. A few things came to light by the end, but many things were still a mystery. And you know what? I’m not even salty about it. I’m just looking forward to the next installment.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***