Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark Arthurian fantasy series off to an uneven start.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
SILVER IN THE BONE tells the story of Tamsin, a 17-year-old seeker of magical artifacts who has no magical powers of her own. Her adoptive father abandoned her and her brother Cabell, leaving the siblings to make their own way in the world since they were 10, and times have been very difficult. When Tamsin hears about the Ring of Dispel, once belonging to Sir Lancelot and capable of breaking any curse, she'll stop at nothing to find it and use it to break the curse Cabell has been struggling with most of his life. But to have any chance at finding the ring among the many who covet it, she'll have to find a way to the magical, legendary island of Avalon, face magic and creatures darker than any she could have imagined, and worst of all, call a truce and work with her longtime, bitter rival, the wealthy and privileged Emrys.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of all things Arthurian will enjoy this intriguing take that blends modern-day teens with magical characters and lore into an exciting, if dark and sometimes terrifying, fantasy adventure. Silver in the Bone takes place in vast, deeply imagined worlds that are sometimes hard to fully visualize or understand. And narrator Tamsin is not easy to like, although teens will admire her bravery, perseverance, and laser-like focus on saving her brother. But author Alexandra Bracken keeps the tension and suspense building to a cliffhanger ending that cries out for a sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Silver in the Bone. Is it too much? Does it matter if it's in the real world or the fantasy world? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, games, or other visual media?
Why do stories, legends, and lore about King Arthur remain popular over so much time? What do we love about them?
What other books, movies, TV or other versions of Arthurian lore have you read or watched? Which are your favorites? How does this one compare?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Alfred A. Knopf
- Publication date : April 4, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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