Enigmatic Struggles and Soulful Connections: A Review of The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel #1) by D.L. Taylor
When I first stumbled upon The Beasts We Bury, the premise instantly intrigued me: a young girl tasked with harboring the souls of animals, but only after she takes their lives. What a dark yet compelling concept! D.L. Taylor’s debut novel draws readers into a fantastic realm where the stakes are as high as Mancella’s emotional turmoil. This journey of a sixteen-year-old girl grappling with her own monstrous lineage and the burden thrust upon her paints a vivid tapestry of conflict, compassion, and—yes—a sprinkle of romance amidst political unrest.
Mancella’s struggles are at the heart of the story, amplified by her outrageously villainous father. My blood boiled with every page where he appeared, a character so detestable that I felt a wave of both sympathy and outrage for Mancella. “If you let someone else set the rules for you, then you’ll be stuck in the game they want to play.” This quote resonates deeply, reflecting the internal battle Mancella fights against her father’s expectations and the moral dilemmas imposed upon her.
What stood out most was Taylor’s ability to encapsulate the dualities within Mancella—her compassion colliding with the harsh duty of violence she’s been forced into. Each kill she makes weighs heavily on her conscience, intertwined with the memories of the animals whose souls she carries. This deep-rooted connection lent the narrative a richness that tugged at my heartstrings. Yet, at times, I sensed hesitations in the pacing—perhaps a nod to the YA genre, where darker themes may be cautiously approached. When the tension rose, it resonated brilliantly; however, the overall tone occasionally felt uneven.
The relationship between Mancella and Silver introduced an additional layer to the narrative, though I wished for deeper exploration of his character. While he served as both a love interest and ally, I felt his storyline could have packed a more substantial punch. Their romance may come across as a bit cliché at times, but there were undoubtedly sweet moments that hinted at potential growth.
The world-building left room for improvement. With nameless realms, it felt a tad simplistic, which sometimes detracted from the richness of the story. Additional depth in the supporting cast would have crafted a more dynamic narrative tapestry. However, it’s hard to overlook the sheer creativity in the theme itself—the pain and danger Mancella embodies as she grapples with her fate are hauntingly beautiful.
The ending caught me off guard and compelled me to continue Mancella’s story; it felt like the sudden shift in a movie where the music changes dramatically, signaling that something significant is about to happen. The unexpected twists sparked my curiosity for the sequel, and I can’t wait to see how Mancella’s journey unfolds as she embraces her strength and faces the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, The Beasts We Bury serves not only as a captivating fantasy but also as a powerful metaphor for personal growth amidst daunting circumstances. I highly recommend this book to fans of YA fantasy who appreciate complex emotional journeys and enjoy a tale woven with deep introspection. While it may not wholly meet the mark for everyone, especially hardcore fantasy enthusiasts, the warmth of Mancella’s narrative and her resilient spirit make it a worthy read. Taylor’s debut is certainly one to watch, and I look forward to what’s next in this promising series! 🌟📚
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