Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Horror, blood lace this dark, lyrical teen fantasy romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
YOUR BLOOD, MY BONES is a dark YA fantasy about Wyatt Westlock, who returns to her family farm in rural Maine intent on demolishing the farmhouse, and with it the last of her father's twisted legacy. But when the 18-year-old finds her childhood friend Peter, all grown up, chained up in the basement, and with a personal vendetta of his own, Wyatt realizes that escaping her past isn't as simple as she'd hoped. Before long, she learns that darker things than her memories lurk in the nearby woods and her family heritage may be stranger than she was led to believe.
Is It Any Good?
Kelly Andrew's lyrical prose immerses the reader in the dark, lush world that she's created. While the writing in Your Blood, My Bones is beautiful and Andrew's vocabulary is enviable, the sheer amount of description often overshadows both plot and character. The character's motivations can be mystifying and their relationships feel stilted. The overall pacing is uneven at times, and there is enough foreshadowing that the plot twists lose some of their impact. That said, the shifts between childhood memories and the present day are handled masterfully, adding a much needed layer of depth to the story. And the atmosphere does much to make up for the characterization and plot stumbles. The monsters inhabiting the world are just creepy enough to add a touch of darkness to this twisted story of love and betrayal. Overall, this book feels like Gothic horror-light and teens who enjoy well-crafted prose and darker imagery are likely to enjoy Your Blood, My Bones.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Your Blood, My Bones. Is it too gory or scary? Do you have different reactions to the realistic violence versus the fantasy violence in this book?
What do you think about Wyatt's decision to return to the farm? Did her perseverance serve her well?
How do you feel about the way magic, witchcraft, and cults are entwined in this book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : April 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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