The Bone Shard Daughter

The Drowning Empire, Book 1

By: Andrea Stewart

Narrated by: Feodor Chin, Natalie Naudus, Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Sukai Dynasty has ruled the Phoenix Empire for over a century, their mastery of bone shard magic powering the monstrous constructs that maintain law and order. But now the emperor's rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands.

Lin is the Emperor's daughter, but a mysterious illness has stolen her childhood memories and her status as heir to the empire. Trapped in a palace of locked doors and old secrets, Lin vows to reclaim her birthright by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

But the mysteries behind such power are dark and deep, and wielding her family's magic carries a great cost. When the revolution reaches the gates of the palace itself, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her throne - and save her people.

The Bone Shard Daughter is an unmissable fantasy debut for 2020 - a captivating tale of magic, revolution and mystery, where a young woman's sense of identity will make or break an empire.

©2020 Andrea Stewart (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK

Critic Reviews

"One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time...This book is truly special." (Sarah J. Maas)  

"Epic fantasy at its most human and heartfelt...inventive, adventurous and wonderfully written." (Alix E. Harrow)

"Brilliant world-building, deep intrigue and incredible heart." (Megan E. O'Keefe)

Amazing Fantasy Debut!

I loved this book!!

The bone magic, multiple POV, politics & characters were well done. I cannot wait until book 2.

unique premise

I really enjoyed this book. Alternate viewpoints added to the drama. want more of this story, hope there is a sequel.

Such a Great Book!

This was so much more sophisticated than the description led me to believe. The story is told from the perspective of four different characters, each of which having stories that are seemingly unrelated. However, as the story progresses, the threads slowly start to intermingle and the reader gains insights into all the mysteries of this world. The characters themselves are also wonderfully constructed. I think my favorite was actually Jovis, whom I don't think the description even mentions. Rounding out the awesomeness is the narrator, who is pleasant to listen to and quite competent. This is definitely worth a listen.

meh

the voice performance was ok. lots of constant excitement or constant apprehension regardless of whats going on. plot was ok I guess. the journeys of each character seemed only remotely related.

Can’t wait for a sequel!

Excellent story, imaginative, well paced. Great characters and the reading was superb. I’m hoping there is a sequel.

Masterful

Probably the most delicious thing about this novel is it’s skillful use of point-of-view. The alternating protagonists have very different agendas and, at least at times, hold diametrically opposed ethical views. When the reader is in the head of any one of them, that character’s particular views seem entirely correct, and the others’ flawed.

Normally I don’t compliment worldbuilding, as I think of it as a technical exercise. But the world here is so delightfully weird, with so many horrifying, mysterious, and wacky aspects, that I couldn’t help chortling over it.

There is also love, adventure, all-too-familiar political struggle, emergence from privilege into social consciousness, the struggle between the personal and the social, exciting combat, superheroes, and even an evil quasi-Frankenstein. What a treat!

Original fantasy

A breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre. It's awesome to see more and more authors with different backgrounds, it means a broader field in the literature. Finally not all characters are white orphans with a difficult childhood having to flee their home.

The only problem is that you'd think I'd have learned not to start an unfinished series (King killer chronicles anyone?). But noooooo. So yet again, I'll just have to be patient and wait for the next instalment.

Brilliant book, fantastic performances

Great debut book, fascinating world and magic system, develops brilliantly through the book. The story and magical elements progress enough through the different characters to really set up the follow up book.

Narrators - performances are really good. Definitely enjoy the different narrators and find they add huge amounts.

I really feel fantasy books benefit hugely from different voices for different characters. It’s where you move from a reading of a book, to a performance.

When Steven pacey isn’t available or chosen then I guess you need multiple voice actors, and this book does that well, the narrators each do very well with the characters.

Jheez I hope this author is a quick writer.. nothing worse then enjoying a fantasy book when it is newly released and realising you have potentially to wait years for the follow-up!

Amazing Fantasy Adventure with excellent narration

It's an amazing fantasy Adventure with an excellent narration. Arent we all controlled by our own bone shards, our constraints , our destiny, believing that this is what is written for us. We can overcome our odds , defy expectations and create our own destiny

Something completely different

I really enjoyed this story. If you are a fan of fantasy type fiction but bored of the same format then this book is a breath of fresh air.
The plot is a slow burner, takes a while to get into but definitely worth sticking it out. I thought the entire book would play out differently so was surprised by the twists and turns. The narration by the actors is brilliant.

amazing story

Absolutely loved it! Engaging and compelling. I could not stop reading, the narrators were excellent too.

My audiobook slump was caused by this one...

I have really no words to express about a book I didn't like at all. I didn't feel connected with not one character and the plot was predictable. The narration was sometimes bad sometimes not so bad and I am really sad to see this book failing my expectations as I wanted it to be what it promised.
The story was lukewarm, the writing ok but missed tension and the romance was superficial.

Sublime

All of the stars for this work of genius. This book has everything. Creative magic system, characters and a world that feels real. A delicate, tense plot with finely balanced foreshadowing. A favourite.

Captivating

A great book, beautifully written and excellently narrated. Very much looking forward to the next instalment.

Surprised how good it was!

This Book is something more Asian inspired Fantasy. Which I missed after all the Tolkien and Martin hypes for the last couple of years. The magic ideas are rather simple, but super clever. You can program flesh to working and thinking machines. You just need to write down the commands on a human bone and put that into lifeless flesh. The question is, do you also transfer a soul or a mind of the bone owner into the new creatures? Who knows :D just listen to the books. Can't wait for the next one!

One of the best voice actings

I really loved this one! Such an awesome story! I need more :D Can't wait until the next volume!