The Bonemender's Oath

THE BONEMENDER'S OATH by Holly Bennett
Category: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grades 9+
Release Date: 9/1/06
Publisher: Orca Books
Reviewed by: Jocelyn Pearce
Rating: 5 Stars

Readers met Gabrielle, the half-Elf princess of Verdeau with a talent for healing, in Holly Bennett's THE BONEMENDER.
Now she's back in THE BONEMENDER'S OATH, along with many characters whom readers of THE BONEMENDER
will be glad to see back in its sequel. The war between Gabrielle's people and those of the mysterious Greffier across the
Krylian mountains is done, but Gabrielle's struggle to keep her people together and herself alive, while keeping to the oath she
swore as a bonemender, is far from over. She's not alone, however; she's got Feolan, the Elf she loves, Derkh, the boy from
Greffier whose life she saved during the war, and her family.

Speaking of her family, Gabrielle's brother Tristan has troubles of his own. He's fallen in love with Rosalie, but he's not alone
in wanting her as his wife. The dark and dangerous LaBarque wants Rosalie for himself, and he's crazy enough to do
whatever it takes--unless Tristan can stop him in time, saving himself as well as Rosalie.

Aside from their personal troubles, there are politics to consider for the people of Verdeau. They want peace in the Kryllian
Basin, after the war in which many of their people, including Gabrielle and Tristan's father, the King, were killed. However,
the Greffaires might have different ideas about what is to come.

Objectively, THE BONEMENDER'S OATH is not an exceptional book. The writing isn't breathtakingly brilliant, nor the
plot. Still, though, everything mysteriously comes together to make a powerful story that will grab the reader's attention and
refuse to let go! I read this book in one sitting, and I know I won't be alone in that. It is recommended to have read THE
BONEMENDER before reading this novel; I don't know how confusing it would be to someone who has not read that, but
certainly more so than to someone who has. THE BONEMENDER'S OATH will meet the expectations of readers of Holly
Bennett's previous book, with the same great characters and way of drawing you in completely; it is a highly recommended
read for fans of fantasy!