Author: Nora Roberts

Performed by Julia Whelan

Published by Brilliance Audio December 2018

Category: Dystopian, Fantasy, Post Apocalyptic, Audiobook Review

They look like an everyday family living an ordinary life. But beyond the edges of this peaceful farm, unimaginable forces of light and dark have been unleashed.

Of Blood and Bone picks up the story over a decade after the Doom decimated the population and gave rise to the dark in Year One.  Fallon Swift’s thirteenth birthday is approaching fast.

The day her life will change and the journey to fulfil the prophecy begins. Fallon is The One, destined to lead the forces of light in a war against those who embrace the dark.  She had been raised to fight and defend if need be, as had her brothers, as much as their father could teach them.

The world is a dangerous place, with Raiders and Purity Warriors scouring the country for victims, to kill or use for experimentation. Fallon knows, even as she sometimes rails against fate and ultimately has the choice, that she is bound to go with Mallick, to learn, reach her full potential and harness her powers. 

Everything went silent. The laughter of the boys, the hum of bees and chickens. The dogs didn’t bark. Simon felt for a moment, one long, breaking moment, the world stopped breathing.

His did.

Mallick stood at the edge of the farm road, holding the reins of his horse. The same horse he’d ridden thirteen years before, Simon would swear it. He looked the same as well, not a day older, the dark hair waving down, the white streak in his beard.

Meanwhile, the community of New Hope continues to thrive and grow since the massacre during their first year. Arlys Reid, one of the founder members, now has an important job to do. Able now to contact the outside world, she reverts back to her profession before the Doom and begins her broadcasts, ably assisted as before with her intern, Fred.

Although Of Blood and Bone is the bridge between books one and three, that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. This mainly deals with character development, and as Fallon will undoubtedly have the leading role in the third book, this story gives the reader insight into her qualities and personality as her capabilities increase. She is secreted away with Mallick, learning all he can teach her and she masters much more than she ever imagined possible while meeting elves, faeries and shifters. There are forays out into the world, to New Hope and beyond but this book is essentially the eye of the storm. There’s no cliff hanger, however there is the impending knowledge of the mighty battle to come.

As always, Nora Roberts creates characters who are easy to invest in, engaging, exceptionally well written and defined, capturing the flaws and weaknesses along with the strengths. Fallon displays her immaturity as well as wisdom beyond her years. I enjoyed the bond that developed between Mallick and Fallon, the dystopian world building, details of Fallon’s training and quests, and the beautifully crafted fantasy element. And of course, Julia Whelan’s fabulous narration which enhances an already wonderful story.

There were murmurs in the light, rumblings in the dark, that reached the ears of men—of a warrior to come. She, daughter of the Tuatha de Danann, would remain hidden until she took up her sword and shield. Until she, The One, lead light against the dark.

Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the Author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including The Liar, The Collector, Whiskey Beach, The Witness, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

You can keep up with Nora via her Website and Facebook