Review of Bones at the Crossroads (Blood at the Root, #2)
When I first picked up Bones at the Crossroads by P. D. Kabuya, I was hopeful but skeptical. After my experience with Blood at the Root, which grappled with some troubling themes of misogyny and queerphobia, I was curious to see if this sequel would redeem its predecessor. I’m delighted to say it not only did that but exceeded my expectations in so many ways.
From the opening pages, Kabuya showcases a newfound respect for women and queer identities, steering the narrative towards growth and awareness. Malik, our once flawed protagonist, undergoes a profound transformation that was sorely needed. It’s refreshing to see a character take responsibility for his actions—something we didn’t quite get in the first book, where his behavior felt dismissive and entitled.
Kabuya brings us back into Malik’s world, but this time with a stronger storyline that emphasizes character development. As Malik navigates his friendship with Dom, I found myself rooting for him in ways I hadn’t before. Their relationship is a breath of fresh air, built on mutual respect and emotional vulnerability rather than possessiveness. There’s a real sense of effort from Malik as he considers Dom’s feelings and grapples with the fallout of his past actions with Alexis. This maturity adds layers to Malik that make him not just redeemable but genuinely likable.
The themes of mental health, privilege, and the dynamics of relationships are explored delicately throughout the narrative. Kabuya does an admirable job of tackling these complex issues, which resonated deeply with me. Malik even goes to therapy—a plot point I found both refreshing and meaningful. Far from the “bad boy” tropes, here we have a character who actively seeks to understand and correct his flaws.
However, while character development shines, the world-building still felt somewhat lacking. Questions left over from Blood at the Root lingered, particularly surrounding the mechanics of magic and its cultural integration. The multi-lingual nature of spells felt more like a checklist of cultural references rather than a cohesive system that truly enriches the world. I wish Kabuya had spent a bit more time fleshing this aspect out because it could have elevated the narrative further.
Interestingly, as powerful as Malik has become, I still found myself yearning for some tension. His struggles with magic felt too easily resolved, and there were moments when his abilities became overly convenient—like when he instantaneously heals a mortal wound or achieves what even legendary beings couldn’t. It made me wish for some real stakes that could amplify the emotional impact of the plot.
Despite these critiques, I must admit that Bones at the Crossroads offered a reading experience that kept me engaged and often inspired. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessor, transforming Malik into a character whose journey toward growth and empathy is commendable.
If you enjoyed stories with rich character arcs, social commentary, and heartfelt relationships—especially those that celebrate queer voices—then this book is definitely for you. It’s flawed yet enjoyable, just like life itself, and it made me optimistic about where Kabuya could take us next.
Overall, I found this sequel refreshing and engaging, and I’m eager to see how Malik’s journey continues to unfold. If you’re curious, you can catch more in-depth discussions over on my channel here: Full Review Video. Happy reading!
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