Not Even Bones

So, this book was not what I was expecting it to be. First, it takes place in the real world. The black market and everything is in South America and it was just really well done. I like that this wasn’t done in a fantastical sort of setting where it was in a made up world, I don’t think it would have worked as well. The author really used the surroundings to her advantage to make this story seem more realistic. There isn’t much I can say without giving away the story but there was definitely more than just Nita being sold and trying to escape. While that is the generalized plot of the story, there was more to it. I really liked the different supernatural beings that were introduced in this book and how unnaturals were integrated into this world as well. The whole story blended really nicely and definitely gave a unique feel. It took a little bit to get into but once I was absorbed in the story, it was hard to put down.

Nita was definitely an interesting character. I really liked following her throughout the book. In the beginning, how her life normally is lived is pretty obvious. Obey her strict Mother or pay the consequences. But, not strict in any normal sense of the way. It’s clear that her mom lacks empathy but being what her job is, that makes sense. Nita obviously is affected by this as she claims her social skills are not the best. I found this to be a little redundant as Nita does communicate well with others, but her empathy is a missing a little as well. Not nearly as much about her mother, but the fact that she resorts to dissecting to calm her down… well it shows how this isolation has affected her. But overall, I like how Nita isn’t a good character. She realizes that even when she tries to be, deep down she isn’t and she knows it. This is such a refresh on a main character and I love it. Kovit is the other character mainly in this story and I really like his character as well. Being a zannie, Kovit feeds off of other peoples pain. It’s so unique the way their relationship ends up but it just works. And Kovit knows he isn’t a good person either, he knows he’s a monster and doesn’t try to hide the fact. I’m just so used to reading stories where these characters are good an they try to do the good thing – so when a character isn’t entirely righteous and knows it, I like it.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Not Even Bones by Rebecca Schaeffer was such a unique story and I really enjoyed it. While taking place in the real world, this whole darker side of business exists and it just took this book to a different place. I loved the real aspects along with the made up portions. The mix of supernatural, unnaturals, and normal people were well executed and definitely made the story more interesting. I really enjoyed Nita’s character and how she wasn’t innocent but knew it. After she realized that she isn’t a good person, she learns more about herself and it is so different and works so well. I really liked Kovit’s character as well and can’t wait to see what the next book brings us. I highly recommend this story if you’re okay with some blood and gore with a fantastic story line. Personally, it took me a little to get into to the story but once I become invested, I was hooked.