If reviewing slumps are a thing, this book put me in one. I fully intended to write something for it shortly after reading in May while I still had some free time; however, I finished The Sins on their Bones and honestly didn't know how I felt. Now the entire summer has gone by and I still have very mixed feelings.

The beginning is a slog. As much as I found Dimitri interesting as a character and his journey important, his POV chapters drag because he is so deeply depressed. The story itself starts in what is essentially a lull in the action. The big dramatic events have all already happened and the heroes are licking their wounds from a bad loss that happened prior to the events of this book. This all makes for a very slow start, but the story does pick up pace if you stick with it.

The characters, world, and mysticism were all well-done and very interesting.
-> As a character-driven novel, there is a heavy focus on Dimitri, Vasily, and Alexey. Each POV is distinct and really captures what these characters are going through. We don't get to know the secondary characters very well, but they are reasonably well fleshed out given the amount of on-page time they receive - though I felt they balanced somewhere between caricature and three dimensional.
-> The relationships between the three main characters were just generally well-done. I particularly enjoyed the development of Dimitri and Alexey's relationship.
-> The world and mysticism were just really fascinating, and Samotin's research and care really shone through here.

Samotin pulls no punches. I truly wasn't sure what would happen or if the characters I liked would be okay. It truly felt like the character's decisions had consequences and not everything could work out the way they wanted or planned, and I really appreciated that.

One thing I can't help but complain about is the sheer amount of on-page abuse. It was expected, the content warning was clear, but it became so repetitive and so predictable that it was just tiresome by the end.

That, and the ending? I was really enjoying the story until the very last chapter. I won't spoil it, but I was annoyed and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Samotin has included a list of content warnings for readers that are relevant and should be kept in mind for anyone that wishes to pick up this book, as there are some very heavy topics.

I wanted to love this book so badly... it has so many things that I look for in a dark fantasy, and overall I thought it was well written, but there were a few things about the way the narrative was structured that kept me from loving it. It felt VERY slow-paced and it took me a long time to get into. We joined the story too late for me to feel like I had a stake in the conflict. When the book begins, we're entering the aftermath of a war and the fallout of Alexey and Dimitri's relationship. We spend a lot of time focusing on the devastation that was left behind and the grief of what was lost, but because we never got to spend any time getting to know the pre-war world or the characters at the peak of their relationship, it was hard for me to feel that sense of loss and emotional investment. To quote another reviewer who worded this much more eloquently: "Even though the stakes are literally as high as they get, we are given no reason to care about the fate of this world or the people in it. This felt like reading the sequel to a first novel that doesn’t exist."

This is a story of picking up after a disastrous civil war, the debilitating grief over the loss of one's partner, and plotting the overthrow of a tyrant. So, lots going on. For those who liked Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, this might be a good, though much more adult and complex choice.

I eagerly dove into this book, which picks up some time after the disastrous end to a civil war, where one partner, Alexey Balakin, took over, leaning into his worst impulses to assume and keep power, while the other, Dimitri Alexeyev, ran away to live in grief and hiding, and to mourn the end of his relationship with his husband, and his ousting. Dimitri has a number of his closest courtiers with him, while his partner Alexey continues to abuse everyone he can get his hands on to keep and grow his magical and demonically-granted power.

I got to a little over half of this book, and just could not keep going. Not much has happened by this point, except the grieving Dimitri very reluctantly sends his new lover back into his homeland to infiltrate his former husband's forces, so Dimitri can eventually return to retake his country.

I found it hard to get invested in the characters, even though I could sympathize with those living with Dimitri. I did really like the way author Laura R. Samotin wove folklore into this tale.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

tw // sa, manipulacja, przemoc, bodyhorror, trauma, dubcon

Po zapowiedzi mrocznej fantastyki o mężach stojących po dwóch przeciwnych stronach konfliktu, który zasiał jeden z nich, rozdzierając świat na pół, oraz szpiegu w niego wplątanym, oczekiwałam wiele. Dorzucić tu jeszcze inspiracje folklorem żydowskim oraz wschodnią Europą? Wow.

A potem sięgnęłam po pierwszy rozdział i mi się odechciało.

Ale jak już powróciłam, to przynajmniej skończyłam. Co z zapowiedzi zostało tu dotrzymane? Zdecydowanie mrok całej opowieści.

O ile komentowania odzwierciedlenia kultury żydowskiej się nie tykam, bo nie znam tematu wystarczajaco, o tyle mogę zrecenzować całą resztę światotwórstwa. A tutaj, niestety, ono leży. Choć autorka ma wykształcenie w polityce, nie wykorzystuje go – niewiele wiadomo na temat świata oraz zasad jego działania. Nawet magia wymyka się jakimkolwiek opisom. Owszem, to jest historia, która stoi bohaterami, nie fabułą, ale cholera, jeżeli już mają bić się o tron carski, to chociaż wytłumaczcie czemu ten tron jest taki ważny (poza faktem, że Aleksiej ma obsesję na punkcie władzy). Dodatkowo ów grono bohaterów w rzeczywistości sprowadza się do trzech postaci-narratorów. Jeśli czułabym się chojna, to doliczyłabym ich siedmiu, co na opowieść tak rozległą i epicką jak tutaj (budowa armii i podbój imperium od środka) wciśż jest mierną ilością.

Nieobiektywnie tym, co utrudniło mi lekturę, jest ten mrok. Dużo jest tutaj traumy na podłożu seksualnym, bohaterowie również używają seksu, by komunikować swoje emocje. Ale, po raz drugi, cholera, w prawie każdym rozdziale? W porównaniu z ilością scen fabularnych to one właśnie budują tę książkę. Podkreślam, to, że ze mną to nie siedziało, nie oznacza, że to zło absolutne. Po prostu po tej historii spodziewałam się czegoś absolutnie innego.

Świat Aleksieja, Dymitra i Wasilego to świat mężczyzn; od A do Z rządzą i ważni są sami mężczyźni, na całą jego długość pojawiają się cztery kobiety – dwie ważne dla Dymitra (obie skrzywdzone przez wojne, muszące stacjonować na pozycjach na dworze, których nie chciały) i dwie przypadkowe, których spotkanie Wasyli wykorzystuje do osiągnięcia swojego celu. Generalnie tu nie ma postaci kobiecych. Jest duża nierówność w tym, jak wspomniane bohaterki niepojawiające się na stronach we własnej osobie wpływają na fabułę (nijak), a jak tacy bohaterowie (ogromnie – od choćby przemocowego cara, który cieniem kładzie się na wszystkie wydarzenia, do oprawcy Wasyla z dzieciństwa, który zostaje ukarany podczas fabuły). Może to nieważne, może nie wszędzie trzeba zachowywać jakąś proporcję, cholerka, możecie nawet powiedzieć – przecież to inspiracja na osiemnasty wiek, oczywiście, że tu nie będzie wiele kobiet! I może macie rację. Po prostu chciałam podzielić się obserwacją.

Trochę mnie Samotin pozostawia w rozterce, z jednej strony umiem docenić, jak nietypową historię obrała i z jaką pieczołowitością opisuje bohatera-złoczyńcę, z drugiej – czy to była dzięki temu przyjemna lektura? Czy sprawiła, że to będzie moja ulubiona książka? No nie. Wyjątkowa na rynku, ale wyjąkowość niestety nie zawsze wystarcza.

This was a really interesting read, I love a complicated relationship, especially with a political setting and this one was a really fun read. The writing style was really good and the story flowed well. I enjoyed reading this one and would definitely recommend this for queer fantasy readers out there. The premise was unique and the story hooks you in from the start. Definitely add this to your TBR if you like queer complicated relationship stories.

Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin is an ambitious and deeply poignant novel that masterfully intertwines Jewish folklore with Eastern European history. The narrative is often intense, bordering on painful, yet it captivates through its exceptional world-building, which strikes an elegant balance between intricate fantasy and clear, accessible exposition.

The story follows Tzar Dimitri Alexeyev of Novo-Svitsevo, who, after being overthrown by his estranged husband, Alexey Balakin, finds himself in exile with the remnants of his loyal court. As Dimitri struggles to rise out of his depression, his devoted followers plot to reclaim the throne, with his spymaster, Vasily, devising a plan to dismantle the regime from within.

Dimitri’s court is a rich tapestry of meticulously crafted characters, each shaped by their individual wartime experiences and the lingering trauma that defines them in the aftermath. The magico-religious framework underpinning the story is consistent and compelling, providing a clear lens through which the novel explores themes of traditionalism versus progressivism, fanaticism, and the impact of propaganda on vulnerable populations.

However, the novel grapples with the challenge of depicting a love triangle, particularly when one character is grieving a former partner. Samotin navigates this difficult terrain, but Dimitri’s love for Alexey—unhealthy and obsessive, as it is—overshadows the burgeoning relationship between Dimitri and Vasily. While the author effectively portrays the toxic and abusive nature of Dimitri and Alexey’s bond, this intensity leaves little space for the development of a deep and authentic love between Dimitri and Vasily. The contrast between the unhealthy passion of the past and the potential for true love in the present is evident, yet Vasily and Dimitri’s romance struggles to emerge from the shadow of Alexey and Dimitri’s history, resulting in a dynamic that feels unbalanced.

Sins on Their Bones is the first installment in The Cursed Crown series and marks an impressive debut for Laura R. Samotin. This is a novel that pulls no punches—intense and unflinching, it’s not for the faint of heart. With the foundation laid in this initial book, the stage is set for even more action and deeper romantic development in the series to come.

I couldn't get into the story or connect with the characters. I thought I would really like it, but it didn't end up being what the synopsis made me think.

In the first 30% of this book, I was convinced this was going to be a five star read. It was moody, dark, and sexy. Alexey was giving serious Darkling vibes and I was here for it. I also really enjoyed where the book began. Starting after the war has been lost was a fascinating choice that payed off. Unfortunately, Dimitri was just the worst. It was impossible to root for him. He spent the entire book feeling sorry for himself and forced his friends to do everything.

I enjoyed this book. I loved Dimitri and his court most of all. They care so deeply for one another and Nova-Svitsevo. I think the setting and the magic are great. I loved getting to see the characters evolve and grow through the story. I'm excited to read the sequel.
That being said, this book is heavy. There's a lot of abuse in many different forms that's not always explicit, but also sometimes very mych so. I thought it was written well but some scenes were still a struggle to get through. While I do recommend this book I will also recommend you check the trigger warnings.

As mentioned on my instagram, this was an excellent adult fantasy that weaves Jewish folklore, religion vs science conflict and real adult characters into an unforgettable story.

This felt fresh, exciting and though epic- also relatable.

Definitely 18+, and worth the read!

At first I was a little apprehensive with the three POV characters, especially as one of them is from the pov from the antagonist. It was handled great though! Its definitely a more character driven book so if you prefer plot driven or a book with a lot of world building this will not be the book for you.
Id say its more of a *vibes* book.

I have to say that Vasya was definitely my favourite character, there was a lot of yearning and pining which is always a fave.
I am actually surprised there will be a sequel because without the last chapter this could've been a perfect standalone.

Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the ARC of The Sins on Their Bones in exchange for a review!

This was a challenge for me - there were darker themes than expected, and not all of which resonated with me in a way that made the dark elements worth it. I struggled a lot with the abuse, and I think others may as well.

I thought I’d love the post-war politics aspect, but I didn’t get enough of a feel for the world before being placed right in it to find myself invested.

2.5 stars with a comment of "It's me, not you." I think for the right audience, this book could easily be 4 stars or more, it just wasn't for me. I won't tear it to shreds either, because the writing was decent. I was not the target audience.

I struggled with the pacing in this book, it was very slow. As well, it almost seemed like it started in the wrong spot, because so much has already happened. I also struggled to keep track of the secondary characters and their relationships. The concept was very cool though.

This book was well-written and would be very interesting for the right reader. Unfortunately, I am not the right reader. I unfortunately did not finish this book. I would recommend it to my romantasy and queer fantasy loving friends and patrons, as I do think it has an interesting plot and characters seem well-developed. I really appreciate the representation of queer folks, particularly a non-binary character, and it has been added to the collection for the libraries in my system.

i need the sequel already!!

i read this book so fast and i loved the world building and characters.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

I apologise for not having been able to read this book and give feedback. I found the story to sound very interesting and unfortunately came across some warnings after I clicked read now. I rate the book based on the average rating on goodreads.

Dimitri Alexeyev used to be the Tzar of Novo-Svitsevo. Now, he is merely a broken man, languishing in exile after losing a devastating civil war instigated by his estranged husband, Alexey Balakin. In hiding with what remains of his court, Dimitri and his spymaster, Vasily Sokolov, engineer a dangerous ruse. Vasily will sneak into Alexey’s court under a false identity to gather information, paving the way for the usurper’s downfall, while Dimitri finds a way to kill him for good.

Great character work and world-building. I enjoyed this a lot!

There seems to be a sub-genre of “traumatized queer couples engage in politics, mostly feudal adjacent” popping up in SF/F and I am HERE FOR IT. (See also Everina Maxwell, Foz Meadows and Freya Marske)

TSoTB is soaked in trauma (Samotin provides trigger warnings at the beginning, and you should heed them) but it doesn’t feel exploitative at all. Every horrible thing that happens propels the story forward or provides explanations for why the characters behave the way they do. Set in a feudal Russian-esque world, Jewish mythology underpins the story and provides mystical explanations and background.

The novel ends on a cliffhanger, and book 2 is scheduled to be published in 2025. I will definitely be looking for it.

Recommended for older teens and up and again, please heed the trigger warnings.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This was defiantly a more "heavy" book because of the topics discussed in it, but I think the author did a really good job exploring these themes.

There was really good representation which elevated my enjoyment of the book because I could relate to some some of the experiences the characters went through. I also enjoyed the world building and the addition of angels and demons as well as the conflict was very well played out.