It’s not often that Medusa lore comes up in fiction, much less YA. Often, she’s the villain. A misunderstood and evil woman whose only desire is the demise of others. The Cold Is In Her Bones explores the myth of Medusa in such a methodical and cunning way, a stunning characterisation of a creature that is often vilified while also exploring the bonds of siblings. It’s such a riveting read, and will give the readers chills as they go through the story.
Milla has been raised knowing that demons are real, and that her fear is what keeps her safe. Raised on a farm away from the village she longs to go to, her only real friend is her brother Niklas. When he returns from a visit to the village with a young woman named Iris, Milla is ecstatic. Her lonely days might finally come to an end. However, Iris comes bearing a secret. The village is cursed by a demon that possesses young women at random, and no one knows who it will come for next. When it seems that Iris has become the next victim of the curse, Milla is determined to free her and break the curse that plagues the village. Except Milla is experiencing changes of her own…changes that might be changing her into a demon as well.
The wretchedness of this story is what makes it so stunning and beautiful. I found myself turning page after page searching for answers, all the while sensing a foreboding tension slithering its way off of the page. The story simmers with this quiet anger at first, turning into a roiling rage of emotions. Milla was a formidable character to watch. Her wilful determination and wildness really created a raw and believable character.
The relationships between her and Niklas and Iris were explored in a creative way. I loved seeing the strength of loyalty versus betrayal between siblings and friends. Since she struggles with obedience and conformity, her interactions with her parents are strained…if not outright hostile. Though this was highlighted throughout the story, it was the actions that result from this that interested me most.
I also loved the fierce nature that Iris has in the story. It’s captivating, and at times a stark contrast to Milla. She spins tales within the story that are so satisfyingly sinister, reminiscent of a proper Grimms tale. I would love to see a book of tales that Iris tells. Themes of love, friendship, vengeance, and forgiveness can be felt throughout the story, as well as a theme of empowerment. Empowerment against conformity and against oppression. I loved seeing Milla struggle with fighting against the darkness welling within her or embracing it.
Milla’s journey to rescue Iris and the possessed girls of the village is very interesting because she’s also going through changes (both physical and mental), that affect her decision-making. She also carries an anger that often fuels her decisions, often with unpredictable consequences.
Peternelle’s descriptions and imagery is vivid, at times a little harrowingly so. However, it’s this vividness that keeps the magic of this story to life, and memorable, even after you’re turned the last page. The pacing was good, although the wildness in parts definitely warranted me to take my time and savour the words. There were a couple of moments where you feel as lost as Milla is, and I enjoyed that. Moreover, the myth of Medusa is interwoven wonderfully throughout the story, itself being another great tension maker.
There wasn’t much that I didn’t like about the story. The prologue was promising, and teasing the reader toward the horribly fascinating adventure to come. I wished there had been a little more depth to Milla’s parents, as I feel that I only got to see a couple of aspects of them, nothing to make me feel attached to them as characters as I felt with Milla, Iris, and Niklas. The ending was satisfying, although it did feel a little rushed at the end. I would have loved to savour it a little more.
I would rate this story a 9/10. It’s such a refreshing read, especially if you’re looking for something without romance. My favourite character was Milla, through I really loved Iris too. The darkness in this story treads a fine line, and I love the emphasis on what happens when it goes too far in one direction. This is a perfect winter read to have with a nice mug of hot chocolate and to share with a friend. The Cold is in Her Bones will definitely give you some things to think about.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Milla knows two things to be true: Demons are real, and fear will keep her safe.
Milla’s whole world is her family’s farm. She is never allowed to travel to the village and her only friend is her beloved older brother, Niklas. When a bright-eyed girl named Iris comes to stay, Milla hopes her loneliness might finally be coming to an end. But Iris has a secret she’s forbidden to share: The village is cursed by a demon who possesses girls at random, and the townspeople live in terror of who it will come for next.
Now, it seems, the demon has come for Iris. When Iris is captured and imprisoned with other possessed girls, Milla leaves home to rescue her and break the curse forever. Her only company on the journey is a terrible new secret of her own: Milla is changing, too, and may soon be a demon herself.
