Beckie Bogen

Review of "Tallow and Bone" by @rhiannonhargadon

This is without a doubt the best book I've read all year. Five stars doesn't do it justice. A tragically, beautiful retelling of the Salem Witch trials and the poisonous effects it had on its citizens. This story chronicles a witch, Amity, and her new life in Salem after fleeing with her family.

I had mixed feelings on Amity as the FMC. She is very immature and rash. Her decision making was questionable at times. She did grow so much during the story though as she juggled her feelings for two very different men: a witch and a cobbler in what was the best love triangle I've ever read.

The Witch is dark, angsty, broody, and volatile. He pushes Amity to be her true self. He is also a wild, untamed lover. The scenes with him were absolute fire.

George is a near literal saint. He loves Amity and provides for her despite her hardly ever being honest with him. He cared for her and the child and was an honorable man. A side note: George is a saint in the streets and a demon between the sheets. Amity is a lucky lady to have two endowed, passionate lovers.

As different as the men are, they are both unquestionably devoted to Amity in their own ways. I love that there is no 100% right or wrong choice, and was even hoping for a why choose.

I applaud the author for including Amity's battle with postpartum depression and the real toll it takes on a woman's body and psyche even going so far as to not having an immediate bond with the child. Bravo!

I will not spoil it, but the ending left me in tears. I sobbed, and it was not pretty. This book finished me. Then the epilogue started to heal me. An absolute 6 star masterpiece.

#salemwitchtrials #lovetriangle #maskedmmc #witchromance #historicalfantasy