Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones

Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones by Pauline Hosking (Lilly Pilly Publishing) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN: 9780958038119

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Any book title that contains the words ‘prophecy’ and ‘bones’ sets off the wonder and intrigue synapses in my reading brain.

Then there’s the actual prophecy, which comes to light on page 2:

‘… four young shortlifes will stand against us. One who is wise, one who is foolish, one who is kind and one with royal blood.’

I am not a wide reader of fantasy, usually preferring other genres, so this instantly gave me Harry Potter vibes. (Sorry, that’s a bit cliché but you’ll know where I’m coming from.) These are good vibes though because I was, through a combination of the above factors, instantly intrigued.

The first chapter of Ana and the Prophecy of the Bones is spent worldbuilding and filling the reader in on a few essential details. For me, however, the story begins when we meet protagonist and magical prodigy, Ana, in chapter 2 and are invited into her world – that of a spellbinder in the Academia, an education institution for ‘bloom children’ who possess one of the three powers of magical protection, healing and technological invention.

In creating Ana, Pauline Hosking has given us a slightly unlikeable protagonist – one who is a little full of herself, thanks to being hailed as a prodigy from the start. I found this refreshing. Not all protagonists have to be likeable, and it paved the way for greater contrast between Ana and her two offsiders, nerdy and awkward Penn (a tek) and kind Gilly (a pothecary), and later, Tamin, a Pantheran who Ana saves from the clutches of the tyrant, Lord Karapaz.

Pauline Hosking does not leave us waiting for the action to begin. Led by hagwitch, Drabani-of-the-bones, the Var are ready to assist Karapaz and his band of seawolves across the swamplands with a view to vanquishing Academia, reclaiming their homeland and allowing the tyrant Lord to continue his quest for domination and power.

The staff at Academia swing into action, corralling the fourth years and sending home the younger students. Unfortunately, this includes Ana, who – as a prodigy with powers that rival the more experienced apprentices – is affronted at being asked to leave. To add insult to her injury, when she approaches her mentor, demanding to be allowed to stay and fight, she is granted the right to stay – but only as a helper to the pothecaries. No fighting allowed.

There is no love lost between the three groups of students, but despite her intentions, Ana finds that she needs Penn and Gilly.

Ana and the Prophesy of the Bones is an action-packed middle grade fantasy that also explores self-perception and acceptance. I can see readers aligning with one of the three bloom guilds, or possibly even the Pantherans, as they go head-to-head with multiple villains in the fight to save their island.

An enjoyable read that lends itself to a series … so over to you, Pauline Hosking!