The Bone Palace
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Fantasy fiction |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Amanda Downum |
| Products | Fantasy novel |
The Bone Palace by Amanda Downum is a 2010 American fantasy novel situated in the imaginary city of Erisin. The narrative centers on Issylt Iskaldur, a royal necromancer, and Savedra Severos, the princess’s mistress, both of whom defy conventional caste structures and gender identities. Critics have lauded the book for its distinctive approach to modern social issues. It received nominations for the James Tiptree Jr. Memorial Award in 2010 and the Spectrum Award for Best Novel in 2011.
Setting
The story unfolds in Erisin, the capital city that evokes the atmosphere of Enlightenment-era Rome, marked by a sharp contrast between affluent nobles and destitute commoners. The city is plagued by an ongoing epidemic, resulting in numerous deaths from both illness and violence. Erisin is inhabited by magical beings such as sorcerers, vampiric vrykoli residing in subterranean hideouts, and demons wandering its streets. This environment—comprising plague-stricken taverns, overgrown gardens, and a dilapidated palace at its heart—creates a richly textured and somber setting for a narrative steeped in magic, insanity, and political machinations.
Synopsis
Following the death of a prostitute bearing a royal signet, Issylt Iskaldur, who serves as necromancer and crown agent, delves into the murder investigation and uncovers vampire involvement within Erisin. Her determination to solve Forsythia’s murder leads her to uncover more extensive conspiracies. Simultaneously, Savedra Severos, the prince’s transgender mistress, survives assassination attempts and discovers that a Severos family member has been deliberately erased from history. Their investigations intersect as they unveil interconnected plots.
Seeking to solidify her status as princess within the Severos lineage, Savedra probes into the assassinations targeting Prince Nikos. Her inquiry brings her to Phaedra Severos, whose existence has been systematically wiped from records. With few allies to trust, Savedra enlists Isyllt’s assistance after exploring Phaedra’s abandoned fortress alongside Ashlin.
Isyllt pursues her own inquiry into the theft of the Queen’s jewels and Forsythia’s death, which leads her into the vampire underworld. There she reunites with Spider, a vampire whose apparent support masks revolutionary ambitions. Through summoning Forsythia’s spirit, Isyllt gains vital insights into the killer’s identity. Recognizing their cases are intertwined, Isyllt and Savedra collaborate.
Together they reveal a conspiracy orchestrated by Varis, Kiril, and Phaedra aimed at toppling the palace regime and transforming Erisin’s social order with Spider and young vampires as key players. Kiril—Isyllt’s former lover and principal conspirator—attempts to obstruct her investigation while advancing their coup.
Characters
- Ashlin: A barbarian princess adept at horseback riding and swordsmanship; married to Nikos; develops a close bond with Savedra.
- Savedra Severos: Transgender mistress of Prince Nikos; protector of Nikos and Ashlin; falls in love with Ashlin; instrumental in rescuing Nikos and defeating Phaedra.
- Captain Deneris: Member of the royal guard who aids Isyllt and Savedra in Prince Nikos’s rescue.
- Khelséa Shar: Dedicated but less skilled police inspector supporting Isyllt’s inquiries into Forsythia’s murder and pursuit of Phaedra.
- Forsythia: Prostitute slain by vampire Spider and demon Phaedra; possessed the late Queen’s ring bestowed by her vampire lover Whisper.
- Whisper: Courteous vampire lover of Forsythia; murdered by Spider to mislead Isyllt.
- Spider: Vampire with a complex relationship with Isyllt; conspires with Phaedra and Kiril to instigate revolution but is eventually captured by Tenebris.
- Tenebris: Elder vampire upholding traditional darkness; aware of Spider’s rebellion plans; executes Spider as punishment.
- Azarné: Vampire ally to Isyllt; enamored with Ciaran; informs Elders about revolutionary schemes.
- Isyllt Iskladur: Crown Investigator and sorceress trained under Kirilos; leads inquiries into palace conspiracies.
- Savedra Severos: Hijra bodyguard and mistress of Prince Nikos.
- Nikos: Crown prince of Erisin dedicated to safeguarding his realm.
- Kiril (Kirilos): Former spymaster and mentor to Isyllt; main conspirator pursuing power.
- Phaedra: Former lover of King Mathrios seeking vengeance and dominance over Erisin.
- Varis Severos: Sorcerer uncle to Savedra; romantically involved with Phaedra.
- King Mathrios: Father of Nikos; once involved romantically with Phaedra.
- Dahlia: Hijra sorceress investigating Forsythia’s murder.
- Ciaran: Musician; former lover and close confidant of Isyllt.
Societal Roles
The Bone Palace presents compelling female figures who enhance societal positions, highlighted by a transgender narrator acting as the Prince's consort. Feminine roles take precedence over masculine ones, yet characters seek social standing irrespective of their sexual orientation, fulfilling hierarchical functions without gender prejudice. Savedra, a transgender protector, breaks typical tomboy conventions and is depicted in a manner where her sexuality does not define her identity. The dynamic between Savedra and the Princess underscores collaboration rather than rivalry. The narrative's depiction of Erisin’s social stratification mirrors aspects of contemporary social frameworks.
Awards
The Bone Palace earned recognition through nominations for prominent honors in 2010 and 2011, notably including a Best Novel nomination at the 2011 Spectrum Award, which celebrates works with affirmative LGBTQ+ themes within science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. Additionally, it was acknowledged on the 2010 James Tiptree, Jr. Award shortlist, an accolade that honors speculative fiction challenging conventional gender norms by authors of any gender.