D.L. Taylor’s debut novel The Beasts We Bury is a captivating dark fantasy that weaves together political intrigue, moral complexity, and tender romance. Set in a world where magic comes at a devastating personal cost, this young adult novel tackles themes of power, autonomy, and the courage to break cycles of violence. While occasionally uneven in its pacing, the book’s strong character development and unique magic system make it a compelling addition to the YA fantasy genre.
Plot and World-Building
In the Cliff Realm, those who emerge from the mysterious Broken Citadel gain magical powers – but at what cost? For Mancella Cliff, heir to the throne, her “gift” requires her to kill animals with her bare hands before she can summon them. This brutal magic system serves as a perfect metaphor for how power is gained and maintained in this world, where violence begets violence in an endless cycle.
Taylor has crafted an intricate world with six remaining realms, each shaped by past conflicts and current political tensions. The author particularly excels at showing how magic has shaped society, from the glass trees that mark territory to the complex treaties governing who can access magical power. The world-building feels organic rather than exposition-heavy, revealed through character interactions and consequences rather than lengthy explanations.
Character Analysis
Mancella Cliff
The heart of the story lies in Mancella’s internal struggle between the brutal leader she’s been groomed to become and the compassionate ruler she aspires to be. Her character arc is masterfully crafted, showing how someone can maintain their humanity even when forced to commit acts of violence. The metaphor of the starsprout flowers—delicate blooms that persist despite attempts to destroy them—perfectly mirrors Mance’s own resilience.
Silver
As our second protagonist, Silver provides a street-level view of how the realm’s politics affect common citizens. His transformation from a cynical thief to someone willing to risk everything for what’s right feels earned rather than forced. His wit and charm make him an engaging narrator, though occasionally his quips feel slightly modern for the setting.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters are well-developed, particularly:
Mara, Mance’s sister, whose hidden magic and complex motivations add layers to the story
The duplicitous Alect, whose ability to split himself serves as both plot device and metaphor
Vie and Rooftop, whose loyalty to Silver grounds his character development
Writing Style and Pacing
Taylor’s prose strikes an effective balance between lyrical description and propulsive action. The author has a particular talent for depicting magic in visceral, sensory terms—you can feel the cold burn of Prime Gore’s explosions and the wrenching sensation of Mance’s summoning magic.
The novel alternates between Mance and Silver’s perspectives, which mostly works well for building tension and showing different aspects of the world. However, the pacing occasionally falters in the middle sections, with some scenes of political maneuvering dragging slightly.
Themes and Symbolism
The Beasts We Bury explores several interconnected themes:
The relationship between power and violence
Whether it’s possible to break cycles of abuse
The cost of maintaining control versus the risk of allowing freedom
The tension between personal desires and societal responsibility
The author employs recurring symbols effectively:
The glass trees represent both protection and oppression
The starsprouts symbolize hope and resilience
The various forms of magical barriers reflect emotional walls between characters
Romance and Relationships
The slow-burn romance between Mance and Silver develops naturally from initial distrust to deeper understanding. Their relationship serves the larger themes of the story, as they must navigate questions of trust, power, and redemption together. While the romance is central to the plot, it never overshadows the larger political and personal stakes.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
Unique and well-developed magic system
Complex, morally nuanced characters
Strong thematic coherence
Effective blend of political intrigue and personal stakes
Beautiful prose with vivid descriptions
Areas for Improvement
Middle sections occasionally lag
Some modern phrases feel out of place
The resolution of certain political conflicts feels slightly rushed
A few supporting characters could be more fully developed
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse series will appreciate the complex politics and morally gray characters, while readers who enjoyed Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series will find similar themes of power and betrayal. The book also shares some DNA with Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen in its exploration of magical hierarchies and revolution.
Impact and Relevance
While The Beasts We Bury works as a fantasy adventure, it also resonates with contemporary discussions about power, responsibility, and breaking cycles of violence. The questions it raises about whether one can maintain power without becoming corrupted by it feel particularly relevant to current political discourse.
Final Verdict
The Beasts We Bury is an impressive debut that delivers both as an entertaining fantasy and a thoughtful exploration of power and morality. Despite some minor pacing issues, the strong character work, unique magic system, and compelling themes make it a standout in the YA fantasy genre.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for:
Fans of morally complex YA fantasy
Readers who enjoy political intrigue
Those who appreciate unique magic systems
Anyone interested in stories about breaking cycles of violence
Romance readers who prefer slow-burn relationships with substance
This book may not be for readers who:
Prefer lighter fantasy fare
Are sensitive to descriptions of animal death
Want purely black-and-white morality in their stories
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. The ending, while satisfying on its own, leaves several threads that could be explored in future installments, particularly regarding the nature of the Broken Citadel itself and the relationships between the remaining realms.