Review of Bones at the Crossroads (Blood at the Root, #2) by R. T. Williams
There’s something incredibly gratifying about diving into a sequel, especially one that addresses the hopes and concerns I had after finishing its predecessor. When I closed the last page of Blood at the Root, I practically jotted down a wishlist of what I wanted to see in the next installment. Thankfully, R. T. Williams didn’t just listen—he delivered! With Bones at the Crossroads, I felt that Williams has taken a brave leap forward into darker themes and more profound emotional depths, making for a gripping read that I couldn’t put down.
From the outset, one striking aspect of this second book is its tone. While the first installment had its share of excitement, Bones at the Crossroads dives headfirst into the murkier waters of violence and death. It’s not excessively graphic for the late YA genre, but the stakes are unmistakably high, and I found myself navigating through these tense, emotionally-charged moments with my breath held. Malik, portrayed with all his messy complexity, is surrounded by a world that feels unforgiving. Williams successfully captures the adultification of Black youths, raising significant questions about trust, trauma, and resilience.
Williams made some deliberate narrative choices that have sparked conversations among readers. For example, the reduction of in-narration AAVE might elicit mixed feelings, but I appreciated Williams’s willingness to experiment with his prose. I was still entertained by the exaggerated “NOOOO!!!” moments, even while I found the editorial choices occasionally grating. It’s a small hiccup in an otherwise well-crafted narrative.
And then there’s Malik himself. The emotional turmoil he endures is palpable, and I was both frustrated and sympathizing with his reactions, especially regarding his treatment of Alexis in the first book. In this sequel, Williams thoughtfully unpacks Malik’s anger and pain, allowing readers to witness his growth—and let me tell you, his journey through therapy is both realistic and refreshing. The familial dynamics, showcasing parents who prioritize their aspirations over their children’s needs, struck a profound chord with me. It’s a big OOF moment that conveys a raw, relatable truth.
Williams’s writing has noticeably matured; the prose flows more smoothly, and the worldbuilding is richer. Gone are the rushed moments of book one, replaced with layers of detail that make the environment feel fully realized. The commentary on queer and trans identities within the Black community is also heartening, and Williams doesn’t shy away from exploring these themes with finesse. I confess, I now find myself retroactively parsing the earlier mention of the House of Transcendence—how did I miss that?
Humor weaves through the narrative like a welcome thread, catching me off-guard with snort-worthy moments, especially in the characters’ biting critiques of Miller’s The Crucible—oh, the delight of finding our own truths in fiction! And the line about "Mercury retrograding the hell outta me" hit home; who hasn’t felt that cosmic chaos?
Yet, as much as I basked in the story’s brilliance, I found myself occasionally scratching my head at certain plot developments—was that purely for plot reasons? The climax left me a bit frustrated, especially with Malik’s procrastination, but these quibbles did little to tarnish my overall enjoyment.
In conclusion, Bones at the Crossroads is a beautifully crafted, intricate sequel that will resonate with anyone who’s grappled with identity, trauma, and the complexities of growing up. It opens avenues for critical conversations about personal and social challenges, all wrapped in a story that’s both engaging and thought-provoking. If you loved Blood at the Root or are looking for a story filled with depth, humor, and emotional honesty, this book is a must-read. I am eagerly anticipating what Williams has in store for us next, and if you’re as curious as I am, trust me—you won’t want to miss this journey.
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