When the Bones Sing: An Enchanting, Yet Flawed Journey Into the Shadows
When I first came across When the Bones Sing by Eric Bjornson, the premise instantly drew me in: a seventeen-year-old girl hearing songs from the bones of the dead in the hauntingly atmospheric setting of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. As someone who revels in supernatural mysteries intertwined with coming-of-age dilemmas, I couldn’t resist diving into this tale. It promised a unique blend of eerie folklore and the trials of adolescence, though it left me with mixed feelings.
Dovie, our protagonist, comes from a lineage of women who possess the rare ability to hear the “songs” of the deceased. I found her journey captivating, especially how she navigates her skepticism of magic while simultaneously spiraling deeper into the mystery surrounding the disappearance of people in the Ozark Mountains. The narrative opens with a gripping scene that immerses you right away, revealing the chilling superstitions that plague her community. Yet, as the story unfolds, Dovie’s repetitive skepticism—particularly her insistence of not believing in magic—begins to wear thin. It often overshadowed the intriguing elements around her, making it hard to empathize with her at times.
The secondary character, Lo, has a more complex charm than Dovie. While he’s not fully fleshed out, there’s an undeniable depth to him that I craved throughout the book. His struggle with haunting shadows and the desire for justice adds an exciting layer to the story, contrasting with Dovie’s somewhat self-centered worldview. The other male character, however, felt rather flat; he seemed to exist just to fill space without adding any substantial weight to the plot.
What truly shines in When the Bones Sing is its atmospheric backdrop. Bjornson paints a vivid picture of the eerie woods and suffocating humidity, making you almost feel the creepiness of the Ozarks yourself. You can sense the palpable fear of the howler lurking in the shadows, which hubbles as much a character as the teenagers. Yet, despite this powerful atmosphere, I wished for more of the supernatural element—a richer dive into the eerie magic could have elevated the narrative to new heights.
When it comes to the mystery, I found it a bit lacking. The main question behind the disappearances doesn’t seem to strike Dovie until far too late, and the reveal itself felt underwhelming. Maybe this is a reflection of her teenage mind, where everything revolves around self-discovery, but it didn’t quite satisfy that hunger for a gripping mystery. I appreciated the inclusion of Brother T’s character, emblematic of real-world dilemmas involving faith and prejudice against marginalized communities, but his prominence often felt overstated and potentially diluted the core narrative.
The romantic angle attempted to brew up tension but mostly fell flat, feeling unnecessary considering the grave circumstances surrounding the characters. Dovie’s romantic fixation felt more like a distraction than a genuine subplot. If the love triangle had been stripped from the story, I believe the overall narrative would have been stronger, more focused, and infinitely more engaging.
The epilogue tied up loose threads effectively, leaving me with a bittersweet taste of resolution. However, without an author’s note (as mine was an ARC), I longed to delve deeper into the local lore that seeped through the pages.
Ultimately, When the Bones Sing presents a commendable premise and sets an incredible stage for what could have been a haunting YA mystery. It might resonate with readers who appreciate atmospheric tales and are willing to overlook some repetition and missed opportunities. I’d suggest this book to those who enjoy weaving in elements of magic and mystery into the tangled web of young adult drama—a decent read that’s enjoyable if you can navigate its bumps along the way.
Thank you, NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, for the opportunity to review this ARC. This review reflects my honest opinion and personal experience with the book. #NetGalley #WhenTheBonesSing
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