The Bone Ships

R.J. Barker

Book 1 in the series:The Tide Child

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The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker is a nautical fantasy set in a world of scattered islands where the Hundred Isles are at war with the Gaunt Isles. The battles take place on seas between ships made from the bones of extinct sea dragons. The story follows the crew of the Tide Child on a secret mission to find and defend the last dragon in their world. The writing style is described as unique, cryptic, and layered, with brutal and bloody scenes that do not shy away from death and blood. The worldbuilding includes intricate shipboard customs, a complex society with a matriarchal structure, and a dark undertone that adds depth to the narrative.

Characters:

The characters are deeply developed, featuring a mix of flawed individuals led by a strong female captain, with each character contributing to the ship's dynamic.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by rich imagery and distinct nautical language that enhances the dark ambiance of the world.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around a maritime conflict between two factions, featuring condemned sailors on a ship seeking the elusive last sea dragon.

Setting:

Set in a bleak, oceanic world where ships are constructed from dragon bones, the story unfolds in a distinct matriarchal society with eerie traditions.

Pacing:

The pacing initially feels slow due to extensive world-building, but picks up as the story progresses, leading to a more action-oriented narrative.

The two would-be jade thieves sweated in the kitchen of the Twice Lucky restaurant. The windows were open in the dining room, and the onset of evening brought a breeze off the waterfront to cool the d...

Notes:

The Bone Ships is the first book in the Tide Child Trilogy by R.J. Barker.

The story is set in a world covered mostly by seas, with islands that are home to two warring factions.

Ships in this world are made from the bones of dragons, which have been hunted to extinction.

The protagonist, Joron Twiner, is a disgraced former fisherman and captain of a Black Ship filled with condemned people.

Lucky Meas Gilbryn, a character with a prominent role, challenges Joron for leadership and aims to reform the crew.

Key themes include redemption, camaraderie, and the struggle against a cruel societal structure that values physical perfection.

The narrative incorporates a unique nautical fantasy, drawing comparisons to Patrick O'Brian's and C.S. Forester's works.

There is a strong matriarchal element in the society depicted, with language and roles reflecting a gender flip.

The crew faces monstrous sea creatures, adding an element of danger to their journey.

The story includes elements of sacrifice, as firstborn children are traditionally offered to sea as 'corplights.'

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child sacrifice, disability discrimination, and depictions of violence, which may be distressing for some readers.

From The Publisher:

"Excellent. One of the most interesting and original fantasy worlds I've seen in years." -Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author

A brilliantly imagined saga of honor, glory, and warfare, The Bone Ships is the epic launch of a new series from British Fantasy Award winner, RJ Barker.

*British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel, winner

Two nations at war. One prize beyond compare.

For generations, the Hundred Isles have built their ships from the bones of ancient dragons to fight an endless war. The dragons disappeared, but the battles for supremacy persisted.

Now, the first dragon in centuries has been spotted in far-off waters, and both sides see a chance to shift the balance of power in their favor. Because whoever catches it will win not only glory but the war.

Praise for The Bone Ships:

"Brilliant." -Robin Hobb

"A vividly realized high-seas epic that pulls you deep into its world and keeps you tangled there until the very last word." -Evan Winter, author of The Rage of Dragons

"Excellent. Aside from the standout writing, it's one of the most interesting and original fantasy worlds I've seen in years." -Adrian Tchaikovsky, Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author

The Tide Child Trilogy

The Bone Ships

Call of the Bone Ships

The Bone Ship's Wake

For more from RJ Barker, check out:

The Wounded Kingdom

Age of Assassins

Blood of Assassins

King of Assassins

Ratings (11)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (41):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (29)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Alberto Pupo

Liked It

1 year

This book is a fun read, and tells an original story. A ship crewed by condemned criminals is tasked with killing the last of the sea dragons in order to end a seemingly endless conflict. I found the characters to be compelling throughout the story, and it was interesting learning the various ways that the author changed up common sailing terms and phrases to reflect how this world is different.

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The Bone Ships

R.J. Barker

Book 1 in the series:The Tide Child

Characters:

Writing/Prose:

Plot/Storyline:

Setting:

Pacing:

Genres:

Tropes/Plot Devices:

Topics:

Notes:

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

From The Publisher:

Ratings (11)

Reader Stats (41):

1 comment(s)

What can you read after The Bone Ships?

What can you read after
The Bone Ships?