Silver in the Bone

Gr 9 Up–Fans of Lore will be excited to see Bracken’s dark take on Arthurian legend in this adrenaline-fueled contemporary fantasy. With no power of her own, Tamsin Lark is at a disadvantage every time her foster father and brother use their Hollower powers to break into ancient crypts chasing treasures and magic. When her guardian disappears on an expedition, following in his footsteps is the only way the siblings can survive. Seven years later, rumor of a powerful artifact that might break her brother’s curse sends Tamsin into the arms of Emrys, a rival from a Hollower family who want the magic ring for themselves. Tamsin must head to the lost Isle of Avalon if she has any hope of saving her brother, finding more danger than she could’ve imagined as she races other Hollowers for the ring. Bracken’s readers will find familiar themes in her newest series as Tamsin learns to trust others and herself, with a mystery adventure and wry sense of humor that gives Tomb Raider vibes. The plot twists between horror and humor as it keeps readers turning pages. The slow-burn romance between Tamsin and Emrys is a high point for the novel, as Tamsin sets aside her cynicism, and will hopefully grow in later books. The main cast reads as white, with some diversity in supporting characters.