The Secrets of Blood and Bone (Secrets)

by Rebecca Alexander

Venice, 16th Century
Having undertaken a mission of the upmost discretion, occultist and scholar Edward Kelley finds his ultimate salvation means confronting the darkest deeds of his past.
England, 21st Century
When Jackdaw Hammond inherits an old house in the middle of nowhere her fresh start is threatened by a wild magic similar to her own. The battle for her soul has just begun...
A stunning follow-up to The Secrets of Life and Death, a gripping supernatural thriller that bridges time, legend and the power of blood.

• ISBN10: 0091953286
• ISBN13: 9780091953287
• Publish Date: 8 October 2015 (first published 9 October 2014)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Cornerstone
• Imprint: Del Rey
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Beth C.]

In the continuation of Jackdaw's story from 'The Secrets of Life and Death', we find Jack struggling to understand the changes that have come over her and fighting a desire for blood. Sadie is struggling just to survive, but has discovered herself to be able to "hear" plants and trees. Felix is trying to help Jack and Sadie both while fighting a losing battle for his heart. Then into all of this steps a family hellbent on finding the "cure" for a family disease before their son wastes away.

If it seems like there is a lot going on here - you'd be right. I read the first book and enjoyed it. It wasn't anything massively spectacular, but it was interesting and something different. However, this one seemed pulled in too many directions and simply struggled overall. And the ending, while I don't do spoilers, seemed simply designed to end the book and force the reader to come back for the next.

I still enjoyed the bits of history woven throughout, and the parts about Elizabeth Bathory (one of the most intriguing potential serial killers ever), but the rest was just OK. Frankly, I can honestly say that I will not go out of my way to get the next installment. If it happens to fall into my lap I will probably read it just to see if there is a resolution to Jack and Sadie's half-life, but I probably won't even remember to look for it.