A Ship of Bones and Teeth

Book Review: A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle (2023)

Karina Halle’s A Ship of Bones and Teeth is an atmospheric and haunting dark fantasy that will pull you into a world of pirates, curses, and a relentless search for redemption. The novel takes place on a mysterious, waterlogged world where the seas teem with dangerous creatures, and the lines between the living and the dead blur in unexpected ways. What makes this story truly compelling, however, is the complexity and depth of its characters, whose personal journeys are as unpredictable and layered as the plot itself.

The Protagonist: Elle Blackwood

At the heart of A Ship of Bones and Teeth is Elle Blackwood, a fierce and determined young woman who is driven by a desperate need to find answers about her cursed past. Elle is not your typical heroine—she is haunted by grief, anger, and an overwhelming sense of guilt that constantly informs her decisions. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, and at times, she can be reckless, but it’s her vulnerability and inner struggle that make her such a relatable and compelling protagonist. Throughout the novel, Elle grapples with a powerful curse placed on her family, and her personal quest to break it pushes her into increasingly dangerous territory.

What stands out about Elle is how fully human she feels. She’s flawed and messy, but her determination and strength of will are impossible to ignore. The emotional weight she carries is palpable, and her drive to protect those she loves, even when it leads her into morally gray areas, makes her arc one of growth and survival. She’s not just out for revenge or treasure; she’s searching for peace, for redemption—though she may not always know how to achieve it.

Supporting Characters:

Dax is Elle’s enigmatic love interest, and while he’s clearly an attractive, brooding pirate type, his true nature is more complex than it first appears. Dax is shrouded in mystery, and his motivations are unclear, which makes him both a frustrating and intriguing character. At first, he comes across as the stereotypical “bad boy” who pushes Elle away even as they develop undeniable chemistry, but as the story progresses, his layers begin to unfold. He has his own burdens and past, which complicates his relationship with Elle and the choices he makes. The push and pull between them is intense, and while their connection is clear, the tension is often born from emotional walls they’ve built around themselves. Their relationship never feels easy, and it’s this friction that makes their bond feel all the more real and raw.

The Crew:

The supporting cast of characters—namely the crew of the ship The Siren’s Song—adds depth and variety to the narrative. There are a number of crew members who each bring something unique to the table, from the no-nonsense, pragmatic Rory to the sharp-witted, emotionally scarred Juno, who each have their own subplots and backstories that enrich the novel. While their personalities and motivations are more secondary to Elle’s, they serve as an important foil to her, and the bonds they share (or lack thereof) give the book a rich ensemble feel. These characters offer Elle different perspectives, which helps her grow and confront her internal conflicts head-on.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is how the relationships between these characters evolve. There’s a strong theme of loyalty, and the way the crew members come together in the face of danger and shared trauma is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Not all of them are who they seem at first, and some have hidden agendas that come to light in surprising ways.

The Villains:

There are darker forces at play in A Ship of Bones and Teeth, and while the antagonists are not as fully fleshed out as the main characters, they still serve their purpose as ominous, driving forces that push Elle and Dax into ever more perilous situations. The world itself is just as much an enemy as the people within it. With an oppressive curse, supernatural beings, and the ever-present danger of the seas, the antagonistic forces are both external and internal. This creates an atmosphere of unease that lingers throughout the book, making the stakes feel high and the threat ever-present.

Themes and Tone:

One of the standout qualities of A Ship of Bones and Teeth is its eerie, atmospheric tone. The world-building is immersive, with a rich sense of place that feels both captivating and haunting. The seas are mysterious and dangerous, filled with ancient magic, supernatural creatures, and uncharted waters. There’s a constant undercurrent of dread, but also moments of hope, as Elle and her companions try to survive in a world that doesn’t make survival easy.

The themes of family, loyalty, and personal sacrifice are central to the novel, and Elle’s journey isn’t just about breaking a curse—it’s about coming to terms with her past and the people who have shaped her. The deeper exploration of loss, grief, and the complexity of relationships adds layers to the plot, elevating it beyond a standard pirate adventure.

Conclusion:

A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle is a gripping, atmospheric tale of adventure, magic, and love. The characters, particularly Elle, are what make the novel stand out. Elle’s emotional depth and her quest for redemption are what ultimately drive the plot, and her complex relationships with Dax, the crew, and even herself are what make the story compelling. While the pacing can feel a bit uneven at times, especially in the first half, the world-building and character arcs more than make up for it. The dark fantasy elements, combined with the gripping emotional stakes, create a book that is as exciting as it is poignant. For readers who enjoy strong, flawed characters, intense relationships, and a richly atmospheric world, A Ship of Bones and Teeth is a must-read.