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Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts

January 10, 2019 6:00 am

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This series has a continuous story arc and the books cannot be read as standalones. If you haven’t read the first book, Year One, don’t start here.

 

 

 

 

 

The story resumes years after the last book where Lana’s child was identified as being The One and she escaped after the attack on New Hope. That child, Fallon Swift, is approaching her 13th birthday, the age when Mallick, “the visitor,” promised he’d return to the farm and take her away from her family for training. As that date looms closer, Fallon and her family make the most of their time together. Meanwhile, the residents of New Hope have created a viable city and formed close relationships as the country has not emerged from the apocalyptic effects of The Doom. Kate’s twins, Duncan and Antonia are now teenagers who have mastered their gifts for the benefit of the town and beyond and are vital to their continued development.

When I learned that Roberts was creating this series, I worried that she might not be able to pull this off. This story continues the excellence of the first, with minute attention to detail, lore and fantasy while keeping the focus in the realities of the present day. What’s also remarkable is how effectively the human condition is woven into the character development, clear lines between good and evil but also the acknowledgment that our natural human instincts don’t necessarily have us fall definitively in one or the other. It’s a very complicated, dangerous world but hope sits beside despair.

Most of the story is Fallon’s narrative but we do get others’ points of view exactly when I felt I needed them. Julia Whelan delivers such an outstanding performance I had to remind myself that she was the only narrator. She doesn’t resort to attempts at baritone for male voices and yet I recognized the gender every time. My decision to listen to this series was one of my better ones as she just makes a great story even better.

Fallon’s maturation and honing of her gifts, skills and temperament was more interesting than I’d imagined. I loved Mallick and how their relationship developed and shaped. I don’t want to divulge much more about the story but rest assured there’s plenty of excitement, intrigue, tension and even romance as she connects with New Hope. There’s one particular scene that can only be described as spectacular with a huge twist. I was left in a good but uneasy place and am excited about the final chapter to come in this fascinating tale.

Book Info

 

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(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)

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Posted by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

Categories: Audiobook, Dystopia, Fantasy

Tags: , ,

40 Responses to “Of Blood and Bone by Nora Roberts”

  1. Fab review! I’m put a hold on the first book from the library after loving the kindle sample!

    Liked by 1 person

    By nickimags @ The Secret Library Book Blog on January 10, 2019 at 6:07 am

    1. Thank you, Nicki! Prepare for an incredible reading ride.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 7:51 am

  2. Oh, this one has one of my favorite narrators! I was just telling someone how many genres Nora Roberts now writes in- dystopian fantasy- who knew?! Wonderful review, Jonetta, and you make me want to pick up Year One!

    Liked by 2 people

    By jennifertarheelreader on January 10, 2019 at 6:27 am

    1. Thanks, Jennifer! You have to read this series!! It’s SO good. One thing I love about Nora Roberts is her ability to change. She’s always been a good writer but I respect how she continuously evolves.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 7:52 am

  3. Another one for my TBR list 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    By Fractured Faith Blog on January 10, 2019 at 6:37 am

    1. Stephen, this story begins in Scotland (first book). You being a writer in this genre, I think you’d appreciate the magick element of the worldshe created.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 7:54 am

  4. Wow fab review… I wasn’t sure about her new series.. Dystopian… You have nailed it… Going to amazon now 😘

    Liked by 1 person

    By Shalini on January 10, 2019 at 7:19 am

    1. Thanks, Shalini! I was leery, too, but she has slayed it.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 7:55 am

  5. I need to start with book one, but excited for my first Nora Roberts! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    By Holly B / Dressedtoread on January 10, 2019 at 8:00 am

    1. Yay! I can’t wait to see what you think, Holly.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 8:18 am

  6. I have to read this author and this series sounds like a good place to start. Wonderful review, Jonetta!

    Liked by 1 person

    By yayareadslotsofbooks on January 10, 2019 at 8:05 am

    1. Thank you, Marialyce! I agree, this is a great place to start. Obviously, I’m a fan and I love when she writes those stories and series based in mythology and lore. Enjoy!

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 8:20 am

  7. Oooooh fantastic review! I really want to read Year One – glad this was a win for you!

    Liked by 1 person

    By Christina - Recipe & A Read on January 10, 2019 at 8:28 am

    1. Thanks, Christina! You will be blown away. This one has a YA element, too. It was all about the adults in the first book. Truly amazing scope.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 8:33 am

      1. Yay yay yay! I’m looking to get back to my fantasy roots this year and this seems perfect!

        Liked by 1 person

        By Christina - Recipe & A Read on January 10, 2019 at 9:46 am

  8. Fantastic review, Jonetta! I haven’t read anything by Nora Roberts, which is crazy since she’s written so much. This sounds like a good series though.

    Liked by 1 person

    By Darinda (Nightcap Books) on January 10, 2019 at 9:54 am

    1. Thanks, Darinda! It’s a great series. You would love her standalone books. I highly recommend Shelter in Place.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 10:42 am

  9. I have never been able to read a Nora Roberts book 😳

    Liked by 1 person

    By bibliogyan on January 10, 2019 at 10:11 am

    1. You might want to give her newer books a shot. She’s really evolved as a writer and her fan base is complaining how the romance elements are being eclipsed by the suspense and mystery. Read the sample for Shelter in Place and see if it grabs you.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 10:44 am

      1. Ll check it out ☺️ thanks !

        Liked by 1 person

        By bibliogyan on January 10, 2019 at 10:54 am

  10. This has to be my next listen! Fab review, Jonetta.

    Liked by 1 person

    By Cathy on January 10, 2019 at 11:02 am

    1. Thanks, Cathy! Enjoy.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 11:05 am

  11. I haven’t read anything by Roberts in so long! I think I’ve missed her! Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

    By macsbooks311 on January 10, 2019 at 2:24 pm

    1. Thanks, Mackey! She’s written some great stuff the last couple of years.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 2:55 pm

  12. Wonderful review! I had someone missed this new series completely…

    Liked by 1 person

    By Yvo on January 10, 2019 at 8:15 pm

    1. Thanks, Yvo! She hit the mark with this one.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 8:16 pm

  13. I own but haven’t listened to the Year One. I may have to move it up my listening. I just got a deal to use 2 credits and get $5 so I may have to get this one and another I want. I have over 30 credits so I try to use them when there are deals. I’m sure it’s a wonderful review but I skimmed a little since I haven’t read the first one. Anne – Books of My Heart

    Liked by 1 person

    By Northwoman on January 10, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    1. If you click on the title, Year One above, it will take you to that review.

      This one is worth spending the credit. I think it’s your kind of series, Anne.

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 9:14 pm

  14. I haven’t read any of her books in a while. Great review, Jonetta!

    Liked by 1 person

    By Carol (Bookaria) on January 10, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    1. Thanks, Carol! It’s a great series.

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 9:15 pm

  15. Oh wonderful review! V is reviewing the first book in the series either Friday or Sunday I can’t remember when we schedule that? Looks good!💕

    And I’m going to send you a message right now on Goodreads about audiobooks while I’m thinking about it!👌🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    By Berit&V@Audio Killed the Bookmark on January 10, 2019 at 11:11 pm

    1. Thank you, Berit!

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 10, 2019 at 11:22 pm

  16. I was sort of scared when I hear NR was going to do this series. It’s something new for her, but from what I read of the first half of the Year One (I know, I’m bad at beating my TBR! Haha!) she more than pulls it off. I’m glad you enjoyed Blood and Bone. I’m reserving a couple of days next month for this book. Great review, Jonetta! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    By Rachel on January 11, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    1. Thank you, Rachel! We were not alone in our concerns. We should have known better😍

      Liked by 1 person

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 11, 2019 at 3:22 pm

  17. This sounds so good. I’ve actually never read a Nora Roberts book before and I think I need to do something about that, so maybe I’ll try this series. Great review!

    Like

    By thebookishlibra on January 12, 2019 at 7:07 pm

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    By Links I’ve Enjoyed This Week – 13/01/19 – Secret Library Book Blog on January 13, 2019 at 3:33 am

  19. I can’t wait to start this one. I completely missed that it had come out already.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart

    Liked by 1 person

    By Melanie Simmons (@mlsimmons) on January 13, 2019 at 9:45 am

    1. You’re gonna love it, Melanie!

      Like

      By Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café on January 13, 2019 at 9:50 am

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