Quick-take: Entertaining though forgettable.

Dan's Review

Princess Marra is an outcast that starts a quest to save her sister from an abusive prince. Marra does this by accomplishing "impossible" tasks to recruit help along the way.

Nettle & Bone is typically the kind of book that I like: A linear story with a clear goal that does not take itself too seriously. The magic that happens within the story is not explained much, and I am typically OK with that. However, a couple of the characters seem quite powerful. An important piece of advice given to writers is this: Do not give the character anything too powerful. Otherwise, the reader will expect the character to use it at every convenient opportunity.

I feel this way about the "Dust-Wife". She is ancient, basically all-knowing, etc. It is a convenient character for the author to explain what is happening and make sure the other charcters follow the correct paths. I think she is too powerful. Marra is supposedly the protaganist and the one in charge. However, she has no discernable skills other than having royal blood. She actually mentioned this to a traveling companion, and the response was basically: "You managed to recruit the dust-wife. That in itself is a big accomplishment." I would agree. Convincing others to join a very dangerous mission is a very valuable skill. It would be nice if Marra had a bit more than that for the day-to-day.

I find it hard to believe their main method of travel is hitchhiking and walking. The dust-wife is ancient and powerful. Surely she could afford a horse and wagon? I am also surprised she basically just abandoned her home for possibly weeks to help Marra with little preparation. However, I suppose Marra's goal is time-sensitive.

Score: 5/5. I am not sure this book deserves the awards it has received. If I am willing to overlook some plot gaps, the dialog is interesting, and the story is focused. I will probably forget everything I read after a year, but I did enjoy the book. That is all I really ask of it.