The Forest of Ghosts and Bones
By: Lisa Lueddecke
This gorgeously evocative standalone fantasy from Lisa Lueddecke is inspired by the Hungarian myths of her childhood. Enter a world with a haunted castle, a dark and dangerous forest and poisoned rain, with two fiery protagonists to root for - a book perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Laini Taylor. You are the girl who can walk in the rain, and I am the boy who knows the way. The Eve of Saints approaches and the poison rain which shrouds Castle Marcosza strains at its boundaries. When Beata's brother is taken by the rain, Beata and her friend Benedek must make a perilous journey of discovery to uncover the root of her secret - why she is the only person who can walk through the rain unscathed. But Beata is soon caught up in a game of cat-and-mouse with mysterious Liljana, a girl with hidden powers of her own. And with magic outlawed in Marcosza, can the pair find a way to work together to harness their forbidden ability and unleash its full potential? Or will they find themselves seduced by power and all that it offers...
AI Overview
Book Overview:
"The Forest of Ghosts and Bones" by Lisa Lueddecke is a young adult fantasy novel inspired by Hungarian myths. The story is set in a world where magic is outlawed, and the protagonist, Beata, possesses a unique ability to walk through the rain unscathed. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Plot Summary:
Setting and Premise: The story takes place in Castle Marcosza, which is shrouded by a poisonous rain. The Eve of Saints approaches, and Beata's brother is taken by the rain. This event sets Beata and her friend Benedek on a perilous journey to uncover the root of Beata's secret and the source of the poisoned rain.
Characters and Plot: Beata, who can walk through the rain, and Benedek, who knows the way, embark on a journey of discovery. They soon find themselves entangled in a game of cat-and-mouse with Liljana, a mysterious girl with hidden powers. Liljana, a mage from Rosesti, has been using her magic to survive and protect herself and her friend Miha. After Miha's tragic death, Liljana follows a magical thread to Castle Marcosza and Beata, encountering various mythical and dangerous elements along the way.
Themes: The book explores themes of forbidden magic, self-discovery, and the struggle between power and morality. The characters must navigate their abilities in a world where magic is outlawed, leading to internal conflicts and external dangers. The novel also touches on the idea of secrets and the weight of hidden knowledge.
Critical Reception:
Mixed Reviews: The book has received mixed reviews. Some readers have praised its unique Hungarian inspiration and the evocative world-building, comparing it to authors like Naomi Novik and Laini Taylor. However, others have noted that the story can feel a bit off-kilter and unbelievable at times, but overall, it is considered a nice standalone novel.
Star Rating: The book has a 4-star rating on some review platforms, indicating a generally positive reception despite some criticisms.
Additional Information:
Genre and Age Range: The book falls under the fantasy genre and is aimed at a young adult audience.
Series Information: "The Forest of Ghosts and Bones" is a standalone novel, but it is part of a debut duology by Lisa Lueddecke.
In summary, "The Forest of Ghosts and Bones" by Lisa Lueddecke is a fantasy novel that delves into themes of forbidden magic, self-discovery, and the struggle between power and morality. The story follows Beata and her friends as they navigate a world where magic is outlawed, encountering various mythical and dangerous elements along the way. While it has received mixed reviews, it is praised for its unique Hungarian inspiration and evocative world-building.