Book Review for Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Your Blood, My Bones, by Kelly Andrew, is a dark paranormal romance about three childhood friends who struggle to survive the sins of their fathers. The book is separated into three parts. Part 1: The Homecoming introduces Wyatt Heath, who returns to her family’s farm after her father’s death, and uncovers a horrifying secret that had already claimed the lives of both of her childhood friends. Part 2: The Stranger shows exactly what it takes to keep the dark at bay, and the horrors lurking within said darkness. Part 3: The Solstice illustrates the light beyond the shadows, and how, despite everything that’s happened, Wyatt and her friends are still willing to sacrifice their own selves so that the other may live. 

Pedyr’s monster was my favorite character. I loved its sinister presence, and how I had to keep questioning whether or not it was on Wyatt’s side, or even Pedyr’s for that matter. I also enjoyed how it tricked me into thinking it had a humane side, before showcasing the violence within. Speaking of which, I also liked Pedyr’s POV, no matter what light he was in, cowardly or otherwise, as well as the relationship he shared with Wyatt and James. It was parasitic, a sense; despite the bond they shared, Pedyr was supposed to give Wyatt up so that he could join his mother, and James was supposed to sacrifice Pedyr for the sake of his own life. It was a promise that the monster had taken advantage of, and when none of the three could fulfill it, it came crumbling down. In my opinion, it was a rather excellent demonstration of how we inherit our parents’ burdens, and one that I’d like to see more of.

Regardless, I especially liked this parasitic relationship extended to the cult and their barbaric practices. It’s the age old lesson that no one seems interested in learning; absolute power corrupts absolutely. It happened when the cult attempted to take control of the forest, when they used Pedyr to further their own cause, and though they may have stopped for a short period of time, they were still ready to continue, if only for the sake of their own egos. It seemed that Wyatt’s father had a point, when he asked his own daughter to bury the legacy they left behind. And another thing; typically, fathers want the family name to continue, even if said fathers were awful to their children. Moreover, as elegantly put in American Horror Story: Coven, parents see their deaths in their children. But Wyatt’s father had something different in mind. He put Wyatt’s safety and well-being above his own memory. It’s a terrifying thought, especially when you’ve thought about what you wanted to leave behind (or if you’ve engaged in existential therapy at all), so it was a brave thing he did.

That being said, I could’ve done without the romance, and the relationship between Wyatt and James was more than a little off-putting in my opinion. Still, I enjoyed the book, and would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

You can buy the book here.