Book Review: The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel #1) by D.L. Taylor
From the moment I stumbled across the evocative cover of The Beasts We Bury, I was hooked. The imagery of a delicate flower merging with a fierce jaguar piqued my curiosity and hinted at the depth and complexity entwined within its pages. D.L. Taylor’s debut novel takes us into a world burdened by family legacy and hidden dark magic, and it’s a journey I’m glad I undertook!
At the heart of this tale is Mancella, a sixteen-year-old burdened with an impossible task: to harness the souls of animals she must kill, all for the sake of saving her kingdom. It’s a theme that struck a chord with me—exploring the clash between duty and morality is always compelling, but when layered with Mancella’s struggles against her tyrannical father, it becomes deeply emotional. Oh, that father! Mancella’s dad is truly the archetypical villain, devoid of empathy, and each encounter with him made my blood boil. Taylor expertly captures Mancella’s helplessness, making her journey of self-discovery all the more impactful.
The world of The Beasts We Bury is rich with potential. I found the premise—melding magic, animals, and a political quest—intriguing and unique. Mancella’s connection to the creatures she is forced to kill adds a heavy layer of guilt and compassion, and I resonated with her instinctive resistance against the violence she must enact. One quote that lingers in my mind is, “If you let someone else set the rules for you, then you’ll be stuck in the game they want to play.” It’s a thought-provoking reminder of the importance of agency, especially pertinent for young readers navigating their own life choices.
On a technical note, Taylor’s writing style is engaging, though at times I felt it played it safe. The story dances between intense themes of survival and the sweet sparks of budding romance with Silver, who, while a solid support for Mancella, could have used a bit more depth. Their connection felt somewhat rushed, leaving me wanting to know more about his backstory and motivations. However, the chemistry between them provides a delightful reprieve amidst the darker elements.
Despite its intricacies, I must admit that the world-building felt a tad simplified. I craved more detail and substance, especially regarding secondary characters and the realms in which Mancella navigates her struggles. There’s so much untapped potential here that I hope will be explored in future installments.
As I turned the final pages, I was left with an unexpected twist that left me craving the sequel. Taylor’s ability to weave unpredictability into the narrative kept me on my toes. I’m eager to see how Mancella harnesses her newfound power and faces the challenges ahead, especially with that explosive ending!
In conclusion, The Beasts We Bury is a solid debut that intertwines themes of familial adversity, the complexities of morality, and the budding of young love. It’s a fitting read for those who enjoy YA fantasy filled with both dark undertones and glimmers of hope. If you appreciate stories where characters battle their inner and outer demons, you’ll likely find Mancella’s journey compelling. Personally, this book has ignited a spark of curiosity within me, and I can’t wait to follow her path further in the forthcoming volumes!
Thanks for joining me on this literary adventure! 🌟📚
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