The Bone Season is set in a futuristic London where clairvoyants are common but illegal, and those discovered are punished by death. Paige Mahoney, the protagonist and right-hand woman to an underworld boss, uses her powers one night during an inspection. Instead of facing execution, she is taken to a secret location where her abilities are put to other uses.
The book features a complex magic system that readers are thrown into without much initial explanation. Throughout the story, explanations are sparse, requiring readers to frequently consult the glossary to fully understand the world.
The ending attempts to tie up many plot threads quickly, leading to some rushed and awkward situations.
Paige herself often disregards the strict rules imposed on others, facing few consequences for her actions, while others suffer severe punishments. She is portrayed as uniquely gifted, which sets her apart from other characters. However, she comes across as arrogant, prejudiced, and secretive, yet she quickly confides in new acquaintances.
Despite these issues, the magic system is intriguing and had the potential to be even more enjoyable with better explanation. The novella included after the main story offers a deeper insight into the abilities of clairvoyants, which was somewhat lacking in the main narrative. Additionally, some side characters are very likeable (Julian and Liss).
