Well, I liked the book but it was very, very, very slow to get going (at least it seemed like that to me). Hiresha's having a hell of a time with her self-confidence, believed shortcomings and a whole city of women all pregnant at the same time. I'm not sure if I'll read the other "adventures" of Hiresha or not, the writing was good, the characters' dialogue was hilarious in places and once the book finally got going it was a decent who done it (or who is doing it???) read. Overall not bad. While the story has a few pacing issues, in part due to the main character's frequent narcoleptic trips to her dream laboratory which grew somewhat repetitive, it is nevertheless an entertaining read with a unique magic system, interesting characters, and a well-thought out world. The mystery of the pregnant women of Morimound is grim and compelling, and its resolution satisfying. The author did, however, have a tendency to overwrite when it came to descriptions--which I occasionally found tedious--but otherwise the writing was solid, even poetic at times. Marling is certainly no stranger to fine language. All in all, as far as self-published novels go, you could do a lot worse.(Also, as a personal note, I'm pretty sure we're not supposed to like the Lord of the Feast, but naturally he became my favorite character; I really loved his interactions with Hiresha, and enjoyed seeing their relationship develop, especially as it fleshed out both of their characters into more three-dimensional personages.)
What do You think about Brood Of Bones (2000)?
Marling has written a completely original fantasy that takes hold and does not let go.
—thedisj
"Brood of Bones" is original, engaging, and well-written. I definitely recommend it!
—moraleswife
I didn't finish this. Maybe I'll come back to it, but the book lost my interest.
—sharren
Astonishingly original. Can't recommend it highly enough to fantasy readers.
—lizakrizova
