A Scar in the Bone (A Fire in the Sky, #2) – A Review
I’ve always had a soft spot for dragon myths and tales of transformation, so when I heard that A Scar in the Bone by Jessica Brody was on the way, my heart raced with excitement. Having grown up with Firelight, which left me enchanted by its tale of draki (human dragon shifters), I was eager to see where Tamsyn and Fell’s journey would take them next. However, what I found in this sequel was a mixed bag of intriguing concepts overshadowed by puzzling narrative choices.
Right from the start, A Scar in the Bone takes an unexpected leap; the story begins with a one-year time skip, catapulting us into a world where much of Tamsyn’s emotional journey unfolds off-page. Sure, we learn through her internal monologue about her struggles—her grief for Fell, her acclimation to pride life, and the dawning realization of the dragon shifter customs overshadowing her existence. Yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being told rather than shown, a frustrating distinction that left me wanting to share those experiences alongside Tamsyn rather than hear about them in retrospect.
One of the standout elements of this story was definitely Tamsyn’s resilience. She grapples with a culturally oppressive environment while mourning her partner and trying to find her place within the pride. But I felt a disconnect, particularly in her relationship with Vetr, Fell’s twin brother. I wanted to root for her growth, but Vetr’s actions were immensely troubling. From attempted seduction to cruel passivity in Tamsyn’s moments of vulnerability, he became a character I genuinely disliked. How could I cheer for Tamsyn to find happiness with him when he feels more like a dark shadow than a comforting presence?
Brody’s writing style remains engaging, but I found the pacing frustrating. What should have been a deep exploration of Tamsyn and Fell’s love story was sidelined by tangents and rushed plot points, culminating in a conclusion that felt abrupt rather than cathartic. By the time we finally saw Fell again in the final acts, I yearned for more substantive connection and growth—something I felt was sorely lacking. A climactic moment of resolution was overshadowed by a rush of events that left many plot threads dangling.
The thematic exploration of the patriarchal pride culture was promising but ultimately fell flat. Tamsyn’s anger and the potential for change were compelling, yet the resolution was unsatisfying. Instead of seeing a shift in dynamics, she and Fell retreat, leaving behind unresolved issues and missed opportunities for growth—not only for themselves but also for the entire pride.
In truth, I desperately wanted to love this book. The magic system and romance have so much potential, and Brody’s world teems with possibilities. Unfortunately, the execution felt disjointed, leaving me with more questions than answers. If you’re a fan of the Firelight series, it might still be worth a read, but tread lightly. It could evoke similar sentiments of nostalgia alongside some frustration.
Ultimately, A Scar in the Bone will resonate with readers seeking a dragon-centric tale filled with turmoil, but I hope that Brody finds a way to enhance the emotional layers of her characters in future works. For me, the promising premise remains, but the connection was lost amid a flurry of missed chances for growth and intimacy. Here’s hoping the next installment gets us flying clear above the clouds once more.
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