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The Bone Shard Daughter

The first book in the Sunday Times bestselling Drowning Empire series
3.98 goodreads logo

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( 35,472 ratings, 6,138 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart is an absorbing fantasy tale set in an archipelago governed by a fading Emperor. The story unfolds around Lin, the Emperor's daughter, who is determined to master the mysterious bone shard magic to prove her worth. At the heart of the kingdom's power, this magic is also the key to the empire's survival, and Lin must navigate challenges that threaten to unravel the very fabric of her world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by intricately woven fantasy worlds where magic and mystery intertwine. It offers a thrilling blend of political intrigue, complex characters, and innovative magic systems, all set in a richly detailed universe. Perfect for those who love a tale of rebellion and self-discovery.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An unmissable debut from a major new voice in fantasy, The Bone Shard Daughter is by turns intimate, epic and thrilling - a triumph of storytelling perfect for fans of The City of Brass, The Poppy War and Empire of Sand

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time... This book is truly special' Sarah J. Maas

Magic. Revolution. Identity.

The Emperor's reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands.

Lin is the Emperor's daughter, and she spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright - and save her people.

The Bone Shard Daughter is an unmissable fantasy debut - a captivating tale of magic, revolution, and mystery, where a young woman's sense of identity will make or break an empire.

'A bold, ambitious debut' M. R. Carey

'Epic fantasy at its most human and heartfelt... inventive, adventurous and wonderfully written' Alix E. Harrow

'Brilliant world-building, deep intrigue and incredible heart' Megan E. O'Keefe

'Action-packed, must-read epic fantasy... One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year' Buzzfeed

'This brilliant fantasy debut has announced Andrea Stewart as quite possibly the best newcomer of the year' Novel Notions

The Drowning Empire series

The Bone Shard Daughter

The Bone Shard Emperor (November '21)

The Bone Shard War (coming 2022)

Series: The Drowning Empire

View all
  • The Bone Shard Daughter
    'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time... This book is truly special' Sarah J. Maas Magic. Revolution. Identity. The Emperor's reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands....
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Bone Shard War
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time...This book is truly special' Sarah J. Maas on The Bone Shard Daughter Magic. Revolution. Identity. The Bone Shard War is the unmissable ending to the Drowning Empire series which began with The Bone Shard Daughterโ€”one of the biggest fantasy debuts of recent yearsโ€”and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Bone Shard Emperor
    The Bone Shard Emperor is the unmissable sequel to The Bone Shard Daughter, one of the biggest fantasy debuts of 2020 - a captivating tale of magic, revolution and mystery, where a young woman's sense of identity will make or break an empire. The Emperor is Dead. Long live the Emperor. Lin Sukai finally sits on the throne she won...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Bone Shard Daughter has received widespread acclaim for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and unique magic system. Reviewers praise Andrea Stewart for crafting an imaginative and emotional epic fantasy that deftly weaves complex narratives into a gripping and thrilling story. Many have lauded the novel as one of the best debuts of the year, with rich and atmospheric writing that leaves readers anticipating the rest of the series.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356514956

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 480

About the Author

Andrea Stewart is the Chinese American daughter of immigrants, and was raised in a number of places across the United States. When her (admittedly ambitious) dreams of becoming a dragon slayer didn't pan out, she instead turned to writing books. She now lives in sunny California.

Also by Andrea Stewart

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  • The Gods Below
    The instant Sunday Times bestseller 'An epic and heart-rending struggle between gods and mortals, lovers and siblings... Stewart is a writer of genius and brilliance' - Hannah Kaner 'Stewart's worlds are some of the most exceptionally inventive in modern fantasy. A must read!' - Shannon Chakraborty After a divine war shattered the world, humanity struck a pact with the god...
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  • The War Beyond
    In this thrilling sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller The Gods Below, loyalties will be tested, long-lost secrets will be revealed, and two sisters will face each other on the battlefield as the war between the gods ignites. Hakara risked her life to find her long-lost sister Rasha, only to lose her all over again. Now she and her Unanointed...
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  • The Legend Eternal
    Pre-order
    The Legend Eternal
    Two mortal sisters must decide if they're loyal allies or sworn enemies as the titanic final battle between gods begins... Hakara and her rebels have won a small victory against the tyrannical god Kluehnn, but greater challenges lie ahead. To defeat Kluehnn once and for all, they will need to ally with Ayaz the Cutter and his army of gods......
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    Out 17 Nov 2026
  • The War Beyond
    In this thrilling sequel to the Sunday Times bestseller The Gods Below, loyalties will be tested, long-lost secrets will be revealed, and two sisters will face each other on the battlefield as the war between the gods ignites. Hakara risked her life to find her long-lost sister Rasha, only to lose her all over again. Now she and her Unanointed...
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    Sold Out
  • The Bone Shard War
    THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'One of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time...This book is truly special' Sarah J. Maas on The Bone Shard Daughter Magic. Revolution. Identity. The Bone Shard War is the unmissable ending to the Drowning Empire series which began with The Bone Shard Daughterโ€”one of the biggest fantasy debuts of recent yearsโ€”and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Gods Below
    An epic and heart-rending struggle between gods and mortals, lovers and siblings... Stewart is a writer of genius and brilliance โ€” Hannah Kaner Stewart's worlds are some of the most exceptionally inventive in modern fantasy. A must-read! โ€” Shannon Chakraborty After a divine war shattered the world, humanity struck a pact with the god Kluehnn: in return for a regular...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Bone Shard Emperor
    The Bone Shard Emperor is the unmissable sequel to The Bone Shard Daughter, one of the biggest fantasy debuts of 2020 - a captivating tale of magic, revolution and mystery, where a young woman's sense of identity will make or break an empire. The Emperor is Dead. Long live the Emperor. Lin Sukai finally sits on the throne she won...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

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