Bridge of Bones (Brodyr Alarch #3) by Morgan Sheppard
- Debbie
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
@MorganSheppardAuthor @debbiereadsbooks
@morganjsheppard @debbiereadsbook
In a high secluded tower, hidden away from the world, Delyth has spent her life under the enchantments of the sorceress Eirlys, her golden hair bound by ancient magic, but she longs to be free. Meanwhile, Macsen receives a vision from Cerridwen, guiding him away from the school where he has lived for so long, to the tower—and to the one who waits inside.
Macsen never expected to become entangled in a sorceress’ curse, nor to fall for the quietly dignified girl who refuses to be a damsel in distress. But as the power of Eirlys tightens its grip, both Delyth and Macsen must fight in their own way to break the spell—if they hope to claim their happily ever after.
Bridge of Bones presents a spellbinding reimagining of Rapunzel and is the third instalment in the Brodyr Alarch series, intertwining Brothers Grimm narratives with the rich mythology of the Welsh deities. Sealed with a Curse is the overarching narrative framework for the expansive Brodyr Alarch series.
Ahead, through the thick bramble, Macsen spied a flickering light, faint and golden, like a lantern swaying in the unseen hand of a guide. He followed it deeper into the forest, where the trees grew impossibly tall, their trunks as wide as towers. With every step, the whispers of the forest became louder, forming words that he couldn’t quite understand. The air hummed with the presence of something ancient.
A bridge of bones appeared, stretching across a yawning chasm. The chasm’s depths were obscured by swirling black mist, and the bridge swayed precariously. The bones were bleached white, some cracked, others sharp, as though from beings both human and monstrous. Each step echoed hollowly, and the bridge creaked with ominous protest under his weight as he stepped confidently across.
The forest opened into a clearing, dominated by a towering stone structure. The tower was impossibly tall, its surface mottled with moss and veins of silver that caught the pale moonlight. There were no windows, only a single narrow door at its base. From the top of the tower, a soft, mournful melody spills into the night—a woman’s voice, singing in a language he didn’t know but felt in his soul.
5 out of 5 (exceptional)
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is book 3 of the Brodyr Alarch series and it can be read as a stand-alone. However, I personally think you should read the previous books first. It will give you a better picture of this world, the people in it, and most importantly, of the Gods who meddle with the lives of their subjects! Arianrhod and Cerridwen love their people, and only want what's best for them. They don't make it easy for them though!
Mascen is pulled away from his schooling, and he doesn't know why or where he is going. He only knows he needs to leave and find the girl in his dream, literally. Delyth has lived in the tower forever, and it's all she knows. The handsome stranger popping up at her window was a bit of a shock, but he made her think. About why she was there and who Eirlys is and what she wants from Delyth.
So, a couple things! I said in my review for book 2, Feathers and Foxes, that I was loving the fact that I did not know the tales that Ms Sheppard is using as the basis for these stories. HERE, she uses the Rapunzel tale, so I knew that one. I could not remember how she got out of the tower, though. And I think that's why I loved this so much, because my mind was not clouded with Rapunzel's tale, it was all about Mascen and Delyth.
I also said I loved the fact that they are clean! Still stand by that! I don't think these would work so well if they were explicit. There is love and passion, it's just all laid out for you!
I loved that it took time for Mascen and Delyth to meet! Nearly halfway through the book until they meet. I loved how they had their own paths to tread and that they went off in different ways for a time.
It's full of wonderful descriptions of everyday things. Like getting up and having breakfast! Simple things made wonderful. People, places and things. The world building is fabulous and I loved reading about new places in the world.
Couple of characters from previous books pop up and it was great catching up with them. I still think I'm going to have to wait for Gerallt's book though!
A wonderful 5 star read.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Originally from the United Kingdom, Morgan Sheppard now resides in Germany, although she freely admits to having left part of her heart in Wales. Whilst a writer mainly in the fantasy genre, Morgan is more than happy to share her love of reading amongst the many different genres out there, and can always be found with a book close by.
As well as reading and writing, Morgan spends her time looking after her family and trying to learn German. Unfortunately, a natural aptitude for languages doesn’t appear to be one of her strong points. However, stubbornness is, so she continues to persevere. So far, Morgan is confident enough to order a beer and a pretzel.
You can also sign up for her newsletter to receive a #FREE copy of Disjointed Lives, a short story about friendship and a toxic relationship - https://morgan-sheppard-author.ck.page/ae0a9dbdf1
You can also find Morgan on various social media platforms. Find your favourite here: https://linktr.ee/morgansheppard
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