BookCompleted2021

The Bones of Ruin

by Sarah Raughley

Book 1 in The Bones of Ruin

A gripping YA dark fantasy set in alternate Victorian London with an immortal Black heroine, a deadly supernatural tournament, and unflinching exploration of colonialism and racism. The mystery of Iris's identity drives the plot at breakneck pace.

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goodreads 3.61/5 1,385 ratings

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Content warnings: Racism/bigotry, Colonialism, Slavery, Human trafficking, Violence, Graphic violence, Murder, Kidnapping, Torture, Trauma, Death, Grief, Blood, Gore, Drugging, Sexism, Suicide, Body shaming, Medical experimentation, Captivity, Fire, Poverty

Length496 pages

Series statusOngoing series

Spice3/5 · Romance threads through a deadly tournament as quiet moments of connection between competitors who shouldn't trust each other. The love triangle adds tension without overshadowing the mystery.

PacingFast

Story profile

What the story promises

The strongest reviewed signals about romance, fantasy, and the reading experience.

Romance promise

Mutual pining
Male/female pairing (M/F)
Slow burn
Medium
Romance threads through a deadly tournament as quiet moments of connection between competitors who shouldn't trust each other. The love triangle adds tension without overshadowing the mystery.
The angst delivered