Of Blood and Bone

Nora Roberts

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About this book

Return to the world of The Chronicles of The One, where hope and humanity battle against unimaginable darkness. In the wake of the devastating Doom, Fallon Swift is growing into her power as The One, destined to unite those who still possess the gifts of magic and fight back against the forces that seek to control the ravaged earth.

But the path is fraught with peril. Traveling through a landscape scarred by violence and disease, Fallon must hone her skills and gather allies, facing relentless attacks from savage Raiders and fanatical Purity Warriors. As she embraces her destiny, Fallon finds strength in her growing relationships, especially with Duncan, who sees and accepts all that she is.

With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Fallon must navigate treacherous betrayals and learn to trust in the power of blood and bone, of love and loyalty, if she is to fulfill the prophecy and lead the final stand against the darkness.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Rebuilding Society from the Ashes

    The struggle to rebuild society is a central theme. After the 'Doom,' the world is fractured, and communities must find ways to establish new social structures, laws, and ways of life. This involves not only physical reconstruction but also redefining societal norms and values in a world where the old rules no longer apply. The challenges of leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution are highlighted as essential for the survival and growth of these nascent communities. This key idea reflects the resilience of humanity and its capacity to adapt and create in the face of overwhelming adversity.

  • The Rise of Magic and the Uncanny

    The emergence of magic and the division between those who possess it and those who do not is a crucial element. The 'Uncanny' are individuals with extraordinary abilities, and their presence changes the dynamics of the world. This division creates both opportunities and conflicts, as some seek to use their powers for good, while others are corrupted by them. The relationship between the magical and non-magical populations is fraught with tension, prejudice, and the potential for both cooperation and exploitation. This dynamic shapes the social and political landscape of the post-apocalyptic world.

  • The Eternal Conflict of Good vs. Evil

    The battle between good and evil is a recurring motif. The forces of darkness, embodied by those who seek to control and dominate, clash with the forces of light, represented by those who strive for freedom and justice. This conflict is not always clear-cut, as individuals may grapple with their own internal struggles and make difficult choices. The struggle between good and evil plays out on both a grand scale, in the form of wars and political maneuvering, and on a personal level, as characters confront their own moral dilemmas. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the importance of courage, compassion, and the willingness to fight for what is right.

  • The Strength of Family and Kinship

    The importance of family, both biological and found, forms a cornerstone of the narrative. In a world ravaged by chaos, the bonds of kinship and friendship provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging. Characters rely on each other for support, protection, and emotional connection. Family is not limited to blood relations but extends to those who share common values and goals. The theme of family highlights the enduring human need for connection and the power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity. These relationships often drive the characters' actions and decisions, shaping the course of the story.

  • Self-Discovery and Personal Transformation

    The journey of self-discovery and personal growth is central to many of the characters' arcs. As they navigate the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world, they are forced to confront their own strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. Through trials and tribulations, they learn to overcome their fears, embrace their potential, and discover their true purpose. This theme emphasizes the transformative power of adversity and the human capacity for resilience and growth. The characters' individual journeys contribute to the overall narrative by showcasing the diverse ways in which people adapt and evolve in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

  • Preserving Knowledge for the Future

    The preservation of knowledge and culture is portrayed as vital for the future of humanity. In a world where much has been lost, the characters strive to protect and transmit the wisdom of the past. This includes not only practical knowledge, such as farming techniques and medical practices, but also cultural traditions, stories, and artistic expressions. The preservation of knowledge is seen as essential for preventing the mistakes of the past and building a better future. Libraries, schools, and other institutions of learning become symbols of hope and resilience, representing the enduring human desire for understanding and enlightenment.

Chapter Recap

PrologueNora Roberts sets the stage by describing a world devastated not just by a virus, but by a surge of dark magick, leading to chaos, death, and the collapse of civilization. Governments crumble, and the surviving humans face threats from both the Uncanny and their own kind, with some exploiting the ch
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About The Author

Nora Roberts

Main Quotes

"Love isn't finite, Fallon. If you take nothing else from me, take that."

"Hope is the most precious thing in the world—it brings light to the darkest of places."

"In the face of darkness, ordinary people become heroes."

"Your ignorance does you no credit."

"You owe what you are to all who came before you. To their bounty and their battles, their cruelty and their compassion."

"I will be in you, you will be in me. Your bones are soft still, and the break is clean. I'm in you, you're in me. We share the pain."

"Without control, my power, my strength, my feelings are a weakness."

"Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings."

"We're all just walking each other home."

"You can't save everyone, Fallon."

Who Should Read This Book

Readers of Nora Roberts' previous books

Fans of post-apocalyptic fantasy

Readers interested in stories with magic and quests

Fans of strong female characters

Readers of epic fantasy series

Book Summaries Like

Of Blood and Bone

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