Call of the Bone Ships Book Review

​​Title: Call of the Bone Ships
Author: RJ Barker 
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 2020
Pages: 481
Goodreads Rating: 4.38
Rating: 9/10

“And within him, a powerful song became louder.” 

What are you willing to fight for? This question is put to the test in Call of the Bone Ships. An atrocious organization’s secret project is discovered and the consequences are shocking. Led by fanatics who justify their cruelty as the end justifying the means, they are willing to do anything to achieve their mission. Will Meas and her crew be able to stop them in time? 

Pros
Worldbuilding details
The Bone Ships introduced us to a variety of interesting and odd creatures. In Call of the Bone Ships, we get some explanations and fascinating details about them. In particular, we learn more about the gullaime, coursers, and how arakeesian poison is made. We don’t get all of the answers that I was hoping for… but it’s enough for now. 

Writing style
What I most appreciate about Barker’s writing style is that the internal monologue perfectly reflects what’s happening in the moment. Chapters 25, 44, and 51 include amazing examples where the writing is choppy and disjointed to help the reader connect to what the character is experiencing. Whether it’s an unexpected wound, a chaotic moment, or a fever dream, the character’s thoughts are excellently portrayed. 

Grimdark elements
The villains that truly get under my skin are the cunning, cruel organizations who justify inhumane practices as serving the greater good. And in The Tide Child trilogy, we have just that… There are some horrendously grimdark moments throughout the book that help you connect to the characters’ mission. 

Ending
Speaking of grimdark moments… The end of the book inspires you with an overwhelming feeling of resolve and determination to take on this brutal evil that we are exposed to throughout the book. I cannot wait to start The Bone Ship’s Wake because I have a feeling it will be packed with vengeance. 

Cons
Repetitive at times
I mean this in two ways. In the first half of the book, Joron repeatedly mentions his father’s death. In a way, this helps to portray his anxiety. But it is also something that the reader is assuredly well aware of. The other repetitive element is related to answers that we got in the first book but that are repeated as questions in the second book as if we didn’t learn the answers earlier. One example of this is why Meas is sent to serve on the Black Ships.

Overall… 
Book two was a mighty addition to the series and epically sets the stakes for the final book in the trilogy. The worldbuilding, writing style, and unique plot all come together to make this a series that is quickly solidifying as one of my new favorites.