In D.L. Taylor’s stunning debut novel, The Beasts We Bury, we enter a world where magic comes at a devastating personal cost and power corrupts in the most intimate ways. This YA fantasy masterfully weaves together political intrigue, moral complexity, and a slow-burn romance that will leave readers breathless.
Setting the Stage: A World of Broken Magic
The story unfolds in the Cliff Realm, one of six surviving territories in a world scarred by magical warfare. The realm is characterized by its glass trees – beautiful but deadly creations that serve as both defense and reminder of past violence. Taylor’s worldbuilding is meticulous yet natural, revealing the devastating history of the Broken Citadel and its impact on present-day politics through organic character interactions rather than exposition dumps.
Characters That Breathe Life Into the Story
Mancella Cliff: A Complex Heroine
The protagonist, Mancella Cliff, stands out as one of the most nuanced characters in recent YA fantasy. Forced to kill animals with her bare hands to gain their spirits, she struggles with the moral weight of her powers while yearning for a more peaceful existence. Her character arc is masterfully crafted, showing how someone can maintain their humanity even when circumstances conspire to strip it away.
Silver: More Than Just a Charming Thief
As our second protagonist, Silver brings a street-level perspective to the story. His motivations are complex—seeking revenge against the ruling class while trying to secure a better future for his chosen family. The evolution of his character from manipulator to genuine ally feels earned rather than forced.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters are equally well-developed. Mara, Mancella’s sister, harbors secrets that add layers to the family dynamic. The Prime’s calculating cruelty is chilling yet believable. Even minor characters feel three-dimensional, each serving the story while maintaining their own agency.
Prose That Cuts Like Glass
Taylor’s writing style is remarkable for a debut author. Her prose shifts seamlessly between lyrical descriptions and sharp dialogue, matching the mood of each scene perfectly. Particularly noteworthy are the fight scenes, which combine visceral action with emotional weight:
“The jaguar within me mourns, too, lamenting her own destruction through the secondhand grief of her killer. It’s not right. It’s not right.”
Themes That Resonate
The Cost of Power
The novel explores how power corrupts not just through grand actions but through small compromises. The way magic requires sacrifice serves as a perfect metaphor for how authority often demands moral concessions.
Family and Choice
The relationship between blood family and chosen family is expertly examined. Both Mancella and Silver must navigate complex loyalties and decide what kind of person they want to become.
Truth and Deception
The story challenges the idea of absolute truth, showing how perspective and context can change our understanding of right and wrong.
Constructive Critiques
While the novel excels in many areas, there are some aspects that could have been strengthened:
- The magic system, while innovative, sometimes feels inconsistent in its rules
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags
- Some political elements could have been explored more deeply
- A few plot twists feel telegraphed too early
Romance That Feels Real
The romantic relationship between Mancella and Silver develops naturally through shared experiences and genuine connection rather than instant attraction. Their chemistry builds slowly but convincingly, making their eventual coming together feel earned rather than forced.
Final Verdict
The Beasts We Bury is an impressive debut that announces Taylor as a major new voice in YA fantasy. Despite minor flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering a compelling story that challenges readers while keeping them thoroughly entertained.
Strengths:
- Complex, well-developed characters
- Beautiful, purposeful prose
- Innovative magic system
- Meaningful exploration of power and morality
- Natural romantic development
Areas for Improvement:
- Occasional pacing issues
- Some predictable plot elements
- Magic system consistency
Recommended for Fans of:
- Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series
- Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes
- Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series
Looking Forward
As the first book in the Broken Citadel series, The Beasts We Bury sets up an intriguing world with plenty of room for expansion. Readers will eagerly anticipate how Taylor develops these themes and characters in future installments.
Impact and Relevance
In our current political climate, the book’s examination of power, responsibility, and moral choice feels particularly relevant. Taylor manages to address these weighty themes while maintaining the entertainment value expected from YA fantasy.
The novel succeeds in both satisfying genre expectations and subverting them in meaningful ways. It’s particularly refreshing to see a YA fantasy that doesn’t shy away from the psychological cost of violence while avoiding gratuitous darkness.
A Note on Representation
Taylor handles trauma and recovery with sensitivity, making this book valuable for young readers struggling with their own moral challenges. The diverse cast of characters feels natural rather than forced, each bringing their own perspective to the story’s central conflicts.
Overall Assessment
The Beasts We Bury marks an impressive debut that will satisfy both YA fantasy fans and readers looking for deeper thematic resonance. While not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to any fantasy reader’s library.
Through beautiful prose, complex characters, and thoughtful exploration of power and morality, Taylor has created a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. This is exactly the kind of fresh voice the genre needs, and readers will be eager to see what comes next in the series.
