All the Murmuring Bones

All the Murmuring Bones
A.G. Slatter, 2021

Premise: Miren O'Malley (last true daughter of those O'Malleys, the ones who fortune used to favor) has always lived in the big house by the cliffs by the sea. That's where her grandparents raised her and where she expected to live out her days. But when her grandfather dies and her grandmother tries to arrange her marriage to restore their family fortunes, everything changes overnight.  

This was a very cool book. I've seen Irish/Celtic elements in many fantasy novels, but this world was completely steeped in them. It was extensive to the point that early on I wasn't sure whether it was set in an alternate world or just Ireland with real magic. And just the feel of it - combining a generations-long story of family secrets with supernatural and dark fairy tale elements (and in-world fairy tales as well). Very cool.

Much like some of the oldest tales and myths, the story does meander a bit, and ends up as a journey containing several almost-separate stories. It all adds up to Miren learning about and resolving her family's biggest, darkest secret, but halfway through it definitely doesn't feel like it's building to anything. I didn't mind the journey, but it's not for everyone. 

The portrayals of the various supernatural characters (mostly water-themed, but not all) and other magical elements are perfect. They belong in this world, and the human characters (mostly) know how to keep themselves safe. There are secrets, but it's not a human world and a separate magical world. That blending is also very Celtic. 

A very good book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

4 Stars - A Very Good Book

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