The Sins on Their Bones
By Laura R. Samotin
ROMCO Rating: ★★★★☆
Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin intricately weaves Jewish folklore with Eastern European history, following Tzar Dimitri Alexeyev as he navigates exile and a tumultuous love triangle after being overthrown by his estranged husband. The novel features exceptional world-building and compelling themes, though Dimitri's obsessive love for Alexey often overshadows his potential romance with Vasily, creating an unbalanced dynamic. This ambitious debut sets the stage for further action and deeper character development in the upcoming installments of The Cursed Crown series.
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The world-building in the story is exceptional, with a firm foundation in Norse folklore and mythology. It's evident that the author has conducted thorough research, as the incorporation of these elements as well as original additions feel both authentic and seamlessly integrated. Particularly captivating is the concept of being "a child of a god" through a mere drop of blood, which adds a layer of creativity and intrigue.
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Review
Sins on Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin is an ambitious and deeply poignant novel that masterfully intertwines Jewish folklore with Eastern European history. The narrative is often intense, bordering on painful, yet it captivates through its exceptional world-building, which strikes an elegant balance between intricate fantasy and clear, accessible exposition.
The story follows Tzar Dimitri Alexeyev of Novo-Svitsevo, who, after being overthrown by his estranged husband, Alexey Balakin, finds himself in exile with the remnants of his loyal court. As Dimitri struggles to rise out of his depression, his devoted followers plot to reclaim the throne, with his spymaster, Vasily, devising a plan to dismantle the regime from within.
Dimitri’s court is a rich tapestry of meticulously crafted characters, each shaped by their individual wartime experiences and the lingering trauma that defines them in the aftermath. The magico-religious framework underpinning the story is consistent and compelling, providing a clear lens through which the novel explores themes of traditionalism versus progressivism, fanaticism, and the impact of propaganda on vulnerable populations.
However, the novel grapples with the challenge of depicting a love triangle, particularly when one character is grieving a former partner. Samotin navigates this difficult terrain, but Dimitri’s love for Alexey—unhealthy and obsessive, as it is—overshadows the burgeoning relationship between Dimitri and Vasily. While the author effectively portrays the toxic and abusive nature of Dimitri and Alexey’s bond, this intensity leaves little space for the development of a deep and authentic love between Dimitri and Vasily. The contrast between the unhealthy passion of the past and the potential for true love in the present is evident, yet Vasily and Dimitri’s romance struggles to emerge from the shadow of Alexey and Dimitri’s history, resulting in a dynamic that feels unbalanced.
Sins on Their Bones is the first installment in The Cursed Crown series and marks an impressive debut for Laura R. Samotin. This is a novel that pulls no punches—intense and unflinching, it’s not for the faint of heart. With the foundation laid in this initial book, the stage is set for even more action and deeper romantic development in the series to come.
