When the Bones Sing by Sara E. G. Dyer: A Dance Between Shadows and Sound
When I first stumbled upon When the Bones Sing by Sara E. G. Dyer, I was immediately captivated by the concept of a teen who could hear the dead bones sing—a mystical premise that felt both eerie and tantalizing. As a lover of atmospheric reads that blend the supernatural with realistic settings, I was excited to dive into the haunting world of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. What ensued was a journey that left me with mixed feelings—an enchanting atmosphere marred by some frustrating narrative choices.
Dovie, our seventeen-year-old protagonist, comes from a long line of women who can connect with the dead through song. Initially, her skepticism about magic makes her relatable: who hasn’t been a whirlwind of emotions and doubts at that age? I appreciated how Dyer captured Dovie’s teen drama—her internal dialogue was intense and earnest, embodying that sweet chaos of adolescence. Yet, I found myself grappling with the constant refrain of "I don’t believe in magic," which began to feel repetitive after the thrilling start. I craved her growth and evolution beyond the initial conflicts.
The world Dyer paints is undeniably rich. The dark forests of the Ozarks and the stifling humidity of the summer air contributed significantly to the narrative’s atmosphere. At times, I felt as if I were walking alongside Dovie, with the ominous presence of the Ozark howler lurking just out of sight. I truly admired Dyer’s ability to evoke such vivid imagery; it resonated with me on a sensory level. However, I wished for even more supernatural elements to correspond with this haunting atmosphere—after all, the setting seemed to cry out for a deeper exploration of horror.
The mystery at the heart of When the Bones Sing had potential but often felt shallow. While Dovie leads the charge to uncover the killer linked to the missing townspeople, it was peculiar that she only considered the most crucial question after another character pointed it out. This diversion felt almost juvenile, reflecting a self-centered teen’s perspective, which sometimes diverted attention from the dire stakes—something I imagine will resonate with fellow readers navigating the complexities of young adulthood.
Lo, Dovie’s best friend, stood out to me as a character deserving more depth, even though our knowledge of him remained limited. His struggles with haunting shadows hinted at a more profound narrative that seemed to get overshadowed. Alas, the potential love triangle involving Dovie felt forced and unnecessary, veering off into melodrama rather than enhancing the story’s primary threads.
As the story unfolded, I found myself longing for a more immersive dive into the lore surrounding the supernatural elements. The positive aspect, however, was the epilogue—it nicely tied up loose ends and provided a satisfying conclusion.
In summary, When the Bones Sing contains the seeds of a fantastic tale with its unique premise and remarkable atmosphere. Despite its repetition and occasional meanderings through YA tropes, it offers a solid read for those intrigued by mystery-laden narratives sprinkled with a touch of magic. I’d recommend it to readers who appreciate a blend of realism and fantasy, especially those who enjoy stories set in hauntingly atmospheric locations.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC! This review is a genuine reflection of my experience and thoughts on the book. Happy reading, everyone!
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