Title: The Cold Is in Her Bones
Author: Peternelle van Arsdale
First published January 22, 2019
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781481488440 (ISBN10: 1481488449)
Rating: 3.44
Overview
In Peternelle van Arsdale’s gripping novel The Cold Is in Her Bones, readers are transported to a world where demons roam free and curses are all too real. Milla has always known that demons exist, and she’s always been taught that fear is what keeps her safe.
But when a new girl named Iris comes to stay on the family farm, Milla’s world is turned upside down. Iris reveals a terrible secret: the nearby village is cursed by a demon that possesses girls at random.
When Iris is taken, Milla sets out on a dangerous journey to save her friend and break the curse once and for all. But as she travels deeper into the heart of darkness, Milla discovers a shocking truth: she too is changing, and she may soon become a demon herself.
The Cold Is in Her Bones is a haunting tale of love, revenge, and redemption inspired by the myth of Medusa, and explores the power of pain, the yearning to be understood, and the fragile hope of love.
About the Author
Meet Peternelle van Arsdale, an accomplished writer of young adult novels, essays, and short stories. Her debut novel, THE BEAST IS AN ANIMAL, has been picked up by Amazon Studios for a feature film adaptation, produced by Ridley Scott’s Scott Free and directed by Bert & Bertie.
Meanwhile, her second novel, THE COLD IS IN HER BONES, has been praised for its infusion of magic and darkness, balanced by themes of bravery and hope. Based in Brooklyn, Peternelle is currently hard at work on her third book.
You can learn more about her and her works at http://peternellevanarsdale.com.
Editoral Review
Peternelle van Arsdale’s atmospheric and haunting YA novel, The Cold Is in Her Bones, published on January 22, 2019, is a remarkable retelling of the Greek myth of Medusa that will carve itself into readers’ hearts. The story is set in a remote village with a pervasive fear of the outside world and is drenched in Greek mythology, paranoia, and dark themes.
In this novel, we follow Milla, a girl whose parents keep her locked in the house, fearing that she might end up like her grandma, who died of madness. But when a girl named Iris comes to live next door, Milla’s life takes a sharp turn as she befriends the charismatic Iris, who is destined to host the cold in her bones herself.
Iris’ very presence forces Milla to confront the demons that have both imprisoned and sustained her, risking everything she knows to save her dear friend. Van Arsdales writing is beautiful and crisp, her images vivid, and her characters are vividly realized.
She expertly crafts an evocative story of girls who’ve been raised to fear and the power of female bonds. The novel’s prose has a haunting quality that reinforces the story’s sense of dread and foreboding.
The narrative weaves together a suspenseful mystery as Milla discovers secrets about her family and the village, all while carrying the emotional weight of someone living with the fear of being alone and lost. The Cold Is in Her Bones’ handling of Medusa’s myth is where the novel truly shines.
The story is rich with Greek mythology, yet it never feels heavy-handed or too academic. Van Arsdale has created a compelling retelling of an ancient tale that manages to feel fresh and relevant.
The Cold Is in Her Bones is unafraid to tackle tough themes like misogyny, agency, and depression in a story that positions the symbiotic power of female friendship at its core. While the novel’s storytelling and worldbuilding are exceptional, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow.
The narrative is contemplative rather than event-driven, which may not please everyone. Overall, The Cold Is in Her Bones is an evocative, engaging, and powerful novel that effortlessly reimagines the Greek myth of Medusa for a modern audience.
Van Arsdale’s prose is skilled, and her storytelling is gripping, making this a fantastic read for anyone who loves Greek mythology, a dark atmosphere, and young adult books. It is easy to recommend to readers seeking a book that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.
I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it to readers seeking a captivating, atmospheric mystery with strong themes.
