Review of The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel, #1) by D.L. Taylor
When I first stumbled upon The Beasts We Bury, I was immediately drawn in by its intriguing premise: a young girl tasked with the burden of harboring animal souls in a world steeped in magic and peril. With D.L. Taylor at the helm, I knew I was in for a journey that would challenge both my heart and mind. With the promise of political intrigue, coming-of-age struggles, and a touch of romance, I couldn’t wait to dive in.
Set against a backdrop of dark fantasy, the story unfolds through the lens of our brave protagonist, Mancella. Dealing with a father so diabolically villainous that he practically leaps off the page, Mancella’s journey becomes a tale of survival and resistance. The hatred I felt for Mancella’s father was palpable—his lack of moral compass left me outraged, rooting for Mancella to find her strength amidst the emotional chaos. “And that, just like he can never stomp the flowers out fully, I won’t let that spark of goodness in me die completely either.” That quote, in particular, struck me; it encapsulates Mancella’s fierce will to maintain her humanity, even as she grapples with the immense weight of her family’s legacy.
The unique ability that Mancella possesses—a power to take in the souls of the animals she must kill—adds layers of complexity to her character. I found the concept both captivating and haunting, illustrating her tumultuous inner world and crafting a solid commentary on the harsh realities of choice and consequence. Mancella’s development is both relatable and profound, as she navigates her responsibilities while struggling against her father’s cruel demands. The tension between her desire for peace and the violence she is compelled to unleash is beautifully rendered, although I felt the story could have benefited from deeper world-building to elevate the stakes even further.
Mancella’s ally, Silver, offers a mix of support and romantic tension that, while occasionally feeling a bit rushed, has its sweet moments. His character could use a bit more depth—perhaps an exploration of his backstory would have helped flesh him out. Despite this, I appreciated the loyalty he demonstrated toward Mancella, as well as his clear moral compass amidst the chaos. “If you let someone else set the rules for you, then you’ll be stuck in the game they want to play” resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped by the expectations of others—an empowering reminder that change often begins from within.
The pacing of the novel oscillated between gripping suspense and introspective moments, creating a balance that kept me invested. However, I sensed hesitance, perhaps reflective of a debut novel, in delving into darker themes fully. When it did dive into these depths, I was struck with a resonance that made the reading experience memorable. The ending, in particular, took me by surprise and left me yearning for more. It’s rare for a book to evoke that cinematic feeling, where you hold your breath as the plot takes an unexpected turn. Kudos to Taylor for crafting such a thrilling conclusion!
In summary, The Beasts We Bury will appeal to readers who enjoy a juxtaposition of dark fantasy elements with themes of resilience and self-discovery. While it has room for growth in world-building and character development, Mancella’s journey is both heart-wrenching and captivating, reminding us of the beasts we carry within and the strength we have to challenge them. If you’re looking for a mix of intrigue, emotional depth, and a touch of romance, I wholeheartedly recommend this debut.
Pinch me if I’m wrong, but I can’t wait to see where Mancella’s next steps take her! 🎉
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