Bones, Wires, and Desperation

In a land ravaged by famine and despair, Marra, the youngest princess, crafts a dog from bones and wire. This bone dog, a symbol of loyalty and magic, is her companion in a quest to kill Prince Vorling, who has brought ruin to her family. Marra's determination is fueled by the grim history of her land, where desperation led to cannibalism. Her creation of the bone dog marks the beginning of her journey into a world of magic and danger, driven by the need to protect her family.

Sisters, Princes, and Tragedy

Marra's life is shaped by the political machinations of her small kingdom, caught between powerful neighbors. Her eldest sister, Damia, marries Prince Vorling, but her mysterious death shatters the family's hopes for peace. Marra's other sister, Kania, is forced into the same marriage, while Marra is sent to a convent. The prince's cruelty becomes evident, and Marra is haunted by the precarious situation her sister faces, setting the stage for her quest to save Kania.

Convent Life and New Beginnings

In the convent, Marra discovers a life of routine and personal growth, learning skills that ground her in reality. Despite the peace, she is haunted by her sister's plight and the knowledge of Kania's dangerous marriage. The convent becomes a place of reflection, where Marra contemplates her role in the world and the limits of her power. Her time there strengthens her resolve to find a way to save her sister, marking the beginning of her transformation from a sheltered princess to a determined woman.

A Dangerous Journey Begins

Driven by the need to save Kania, Marra leaves the convent to find a dust-wife, a woman who can speak with the dead and wield powerful magic. Her journey is fraught with danger, but Marra is resolute. The dust-wife sets Marra three impossible tasks, testing her resolve and ingenuity. Marra's journey is a testament to her courage and the lengths she will go to protect her family, as she navigates a world where the line between life and death is blurred.

Goblin Market and Unlikely Allies

Marra's quest leads her to the goblin market, a place of enchantment and peril. Here, she meets Fenris, a knight with a troubled past, and the dust-wife, who becomes her reluctant ally. Together, they navigate the market's dangers, bartering for the tools they need to confront the prince. The market is a place of strange bargains and hidden truths, where Marra must sacrifice a part of herself to gain the help she needs. Her new companions bring strength and wisdom, forming an unlikely team bound by a common goal.

Secrets, Saints, and Sacrifices

As Marra and her companions journey north, they face internal and external challenges. Marra grapples with her fears and the weight of her mission, while Fenris reveals his own troubled history. The dust-wife's knowledge of the dead and the living guides them, but the path is fraught with uncertainty. Marra's resolve is tested as she confronts the reality of her quest and the sacrifices it demands. The journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about saving her sister, revealing the depths of Marra's courage and determination.

A Fool's Errand and a Plan

With the dust-wife's guidance, Marra begins to see a way forward. The prince's fairy godmother poses a significant threat, but Marra's growing confidence and the support of her companions give her hope. The journey has transformed her, and she is no longer the naive princess she once was. As they draw closer to the Northern Kingdom, Marra's resolve hardens. She is prepared to face whatever dangers lie ahead, armed with the knowledge that she is not alone. The plan to confront the prince takes shape, setting the stage for a confrontation that will determine the fate of her family.

Confrontation with a Drunken Villager

Marra, the dust-wife, and Fenris face a drunken villager who threatens them. Marra, recalling her convent training, uses a holy symbol to calm the man, but Bonedog's bark escalates the situation. Fenris intervenes, defusing the conflict with his diplomatic skills. The group quickly leaves the village, reflecting on the challenges they face in their quest against Prince Vorling.

Encounter with Marra's Fairy Godmother

In Trexel, Marra and her companions find her fairy godmother, Agnes, who is overwhelmed by her duties. Agnes reveals her limited magical abilities, primarily granting health, and expresses regret over the fate of Marra's sisters. Despite her shortcomings, Agnes decides to join Marra's quest, driven by familial duty and a desire to help.

The Godmother's Curse Unveiled

Agnes and Marra discover that the godmother's blessing is actually a curse, draining the life from the royal family to sustain the godmother's immortality. This revelation shifts their understanding of the kingdom's history and the true nature of the godmother's power, setting the stage for their final confrontation.

The Final Confrontation Unfolds

At the christening, Agnes curses the newborn to grow up fatherless, and Fenris seizes the moment to kill Vorling. Chaos ensues, but Kania, Marra's sister, seizes control, declaring herself regent. The group narrowly escapes, with Marra and Fenris's bond deepening amidst the turmoil.

A New Beginning for Marra

With Vorling dead and Kania in power, Marra and Fenris decide to leave the kingdom behind. They reflect on their journey, the sacrifices made, and the new life ahead. As they set out together, Marra rebuilds Bonedog, symbolizing hope and loyalty in their uncertain future.

Characters

Marra

Marra is the youngest of three sisters, driven by a fierce determination to save her sister Kania from a cruel marriage. Her journey from a sheltered princess to a resourceful and courageous woman is marked by her willingness to face impossible tasks and her growing understanding of the world. Marra's character is defined by her loyalty to her family and her willingness to sacrifice for their safety. Her time in the convent has given her skills and a sense of purpose, but it is her love for her sisters that propels her into a world of magic and danger.

Kania

Kania is Marra's middle sister, married to Prince Vorling in a political alliance that has become a nightmare. She endures her husband's cruelty, staying pregnant to avoid his wrath, but the toll on her body and spirit is immense. Kania's character is a study in resilience and the limits of endurance. Her whispered warnings to Marra reveal her desperation and the depth of her suffering. Kania's plight is the catalyst for Marra's journey, and her strength in the face of adversity is a testament to her character.

Fenris

Fenris is a knight from Hardack, exiled for taking justice into his own hands. His past is marked by violence and regret, but he is driven by a sense of honor and a desire to atone for his actions. Fenris becomes an unlikely ally to Marra, offering his strength and experience to her cause. His character is complex, shaped by his past and his struggle to find redemption. Fenris's presence brings a sense of stability and protection to Marra's journey, and his loyalty to her is unwavering.

Dust-Wife

The dust-wife is a powerful figure, able to speak with the dead and wield magic that is both mysterious and formidable. Her character is marked by a deep understanding of the world and a pragmatic approach to the challenges they face. She is reluctant to join Marra's quest but becomes a crucial ally, guiding Marra with her knowledge and experience. The dust-wife's character is a blend of wisdom, humor, and a no-nonsense attitude, making her an invaluable companion on Marra's journey.

Prince Vorling

Prince Vorling is the central antagonist, a man whose charm masks a cruel and violent nature. His marriage to Kania is a political alliance that has become a prison, and his actions have brought suffering to Marra's family. Vorling's character is defined by his desire for power and control, and his willingness to use violence to achieve his ends. He is a formidable opponent, protected by powerful magic and his position as king. Vorling's presence looms over Marra's journey, driving her to seek a way to end his reign of terror.

Damia

Damia is Marra's eldest sister, whose marriage to Prince Vorling was meant to secure their family's safety. Her death under mysterious circumstances is a turning point for Marra, revealing the prince's true nature and setting Marra on her quest. Damia's character is remembered through Marra's memories, a figure of grace and kindness whose life was cut short. Her death is a constant reminder of the stakes involved and the danger that Kania faces.

Bone Dog (Bonedog)

Bonedog is a creature of bone and wire, brought to life by Marra's magic. He is a symbol of loyalty and the bond between Marra and her sisters. Bonedog's presence is both comforting and unsettling, a reminder of the magic that Marra wields and the lengths she will go to protect her family. His character is defined by his unwavering loyalty to Marra and his role as a protector on her journey.

Fairy Godmother

The fairy godmother is a figure of immense power, bound to the royal family and tasked with protecting them from harm. Her character is shrouded in mystery, and her motives are unclear. She represents a significant obstacle to Marra's quest, as her magic protects Prince Vorling. The fairy godmother's presence is a reminder of the complexities of magic and the challenges that Marra must overcome to achieve her goal.

Agnes

Agnes, Marra's fairy godmother, initially appears overwhelmed by her limited magical abilities. However, she reveals a hidden talent for cursing, which becomes crucial in their quest. Her character evolves from a timid caretaker to a decisive force, driven by familial duty and a desire to right past wrongs.

Plot Devices

Impossible Tasks

The impossible tasks set by the dust-wife serve as a test of Marra's determination and resourcefulness. Each task is designed to be insurmountable, yet Marra's success in completing them demonstrates her courage and ingenuity. These tasks are a narrative device that highlights Marra's growth and the strength of her character. They also serve to bind the dust-wife to Marra's cause, as her success obligates the dust-wife to assist her in her quest.

Goblin Market

The goblin market is a place of magic and danger, where the rules of the ordinary world do not apply. It serves as a setting for Marra to gain the allies and tools she needs for her quest. The market is a narrative device that introduces new characters and challenges, testing Marra's resolve and forcing her to make sacrifices. It is a place where the boundaries between reality and magic blur, reflecting the complexities of Marra's journey and the world she inhabits.

Fairy Godmother's Blessing

The fairy godmother's blessing is a significant plot device, representing the magical protection that shields Prince Vorling and his family. It is a formidable obstacle that Marra must overcome to achieve her goal. The blessing is a symbol of the power dynamics at play, highlighting the challenges that Marra faces in confronting a prince protected by magic. It serves as a reminder of the stakes involved and the lengths Marra must go to in order to save her sister.

Godmother's Curse

The godmother's curse, disguised as a blessing, drains the life from the royal family to sustain her immortality. This plot device reveals the true nature of the kingdom's history and the godmother's power, driving the narrative toward the final confrontation and the breaking of the curse.

Agnes's Cursing Ability

Agnes's ability to curse, long suppressed, becomes a pivotal plot device. Her newfound confidence and willingness to use this power guide the group safely through the city and disrupt the royal christening. This device highlights Agnes's character development and the theme of hidden potential.

Bonedog's Resurrection

Bonedog, Marra's magical companion, is rebuilt after being destroyed in the final confrontation. This plot device symbolizes loyalty, resilience, and the bond between Marra and her companions. Bonedog's resurrection represents hope and the possibility of new beginnings in the story's resolution.

Analysis

"Nettle & Bone" by T. Kingfisher is a rich tapestry of magic, loyalty, and the power of determination. At its core, the story is about Marra's transformation from a sheltered princess into a courageous woman willing to face insurmountable odds to save her sister. The narrative explores themes of familial duty, the complexities of power, and the resilience required to confront tyranny. Through Marra's journey, the book delves into the idea that true strength lies in the willingness to sacrifice for those we love and the courage to challenge oppressive systems. The use of magic as both a tool and an obstacle highlights the dual nature of power, while the characters' development underscores the importance of self-discovery and the bonds that unite us. Ultimately, "Nettle & Bone" is a story of hope and the enduring spirit of those who dare to defy fate.

Last updated: March 7, 2025