Audiobook Review: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

I received a review copy of “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review, and all opinions are my own.

Plot Summary

“Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” by V.E. Schwab (releasing June 10, 2025) is a standalone fantasy historical fiction novel. While I don’t want to spoil too much, the story is woven with elements of magic, family secrets, and historical intrigue. The plot centers around a powerful family with a dark legacy rooted in the land they inhabit. The main characters find themselves confronting the consequences of their ancestors’ actions, forcing them to make difficult choices with far-reaching repercussions. This leads them to discover buried truths, face dangerous foes, and ultimately reckon with the cost of power and secrets. The exact setting details were kept minimal in the description, but it evokes a historical backdrop with supernatural undercurrents.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” is an engrossing and atmospheric read. V.E. Schwab crafts a compelling narrative that blends historical fiction with fantasy elements seamlessly. The story held my attention from beginning to end, largely due to the rich character development and the intriguing mysteries surrounding the family’s past. I was invested in the characters’ journeys and eager to unravel the secrets hidden within the midnight soil. The audiobook format further enhanced the experience, bringing the story to life with its narration.

Writing Style, Character Development, and Themes

Schwab’s writing style is, as always, evocative and lyrical. She has a knack for painting vivid imagery with her words, drawing the reader into the world she creates. The character development is a major strength of the novel. The main characters are complex and flawed, with believable motivations and internal conflicts. Their relationships are intricate and evolve throughout the story, adding depth and emotional resonance.

Several prominent themes emerge, including the burden of family legacy, the corrupting nature of power, the search for truth, and the consequences of choices. The story also explores the relationship between humans and the land, suggesting that actions in the past can have lasting impacts on the present.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” is well-managed. The story unfolds at a measured pace, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world and the characters’ lives. There are moments of intense action and suspense, balanced by quieter scenes that explore the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. The structure of the novel is well-organized, with each chapter building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and satisfying narrative. I was never confused and found that the story kept me engaged throughout the 18+ hour listen.

Language and Imagery

Schwab’s use of language is masterful. She employs rich descriptions and evocative prose to create a vivid and immersive reading experience. The imagery is particularly strong, bringing the setting and the characters to life in my mind. The writing style complements the dark and mysterious tone of the story.

I can’t pinpoint specific quotes without spoiling the plot, but there were many passages that stood out for their beauty and their ability to convey the emotional weight of the story.

Emotional Impact

“Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” evoked a range of emotions, from curiosity and intrigue to sadness and fear. There are moments of genuine heartbreak and moments of triumph. The characters’ struggles and triumphs resonated with me on a personal level, making the story all the more impactful. The story definitely provoked deep thought about the themes it was exploring.

Themes and Messages

I believe Schwab was trying to convey the importance of understanding the past, facing the truth, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. The novel suggests that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but also for future generations. It also comments on the cyclical nature of history and the dangers of repeating past mistakes. The novel suggests that seeking the truth and actively working to right the wrongs of the past are important steps for growth.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The strengths of “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” lie in its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and thought-provoking themes. The writing is superb, and the story held my attention from beginning to end. The biggest asset to this story is the strong character development.

It’s difficult to identify any significant weaknesses. It delivers a satisfying and complex narrative. Perhaps some readers might find the measured pacing to be slow at times, but I personally appreciated the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the world and the characters’ lives.

Recommendation

I would highly recommend “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” to fans of fantasy, historical fiction, and dark, atmospheric stories. Readers who enjoy V.E. Schwab’s other works will undoubtedly appreciate this novel. It would also appeal to those who enjoy stories with complex characters, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes. This book is similar in tone to other historical fiction/fantasy books I have read in the past.

Rating

I give “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall Impression

Overall, “Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil” is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that blends fantasy and historical fiction seamlessly. The story is well-written, the characters are compelling, and the themes are resonant. I highly recommend it to readers who are looking for a dark, atmospheric, and intellectually stimulating read.

Where to Get It

  • My Ebook: My Ebook (For more reviews and bookish content!)
  • Macmillan Audio: Check Macmillan Audio’s website for audiobook purchasing options when it releases on June 10, 2025.
  • Major Audiobook Retailers: Audible, Google Play Books, Kobo, and other major audiobook retailers will likely carry the audiobook upon release.