Bone Weaver
Contents ( 48)
Aden Polydoros grew up in Illinois and Arizona, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Arizona University. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys going to antique fairs and flea markets. He can be found on Twitter @adenpolydoros.
Praise for The City Beautiful
Winner of the 2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award
2021 National Jewish Book Award Finalist
2022 Lambda Literary Award Finalist
An Indie Next pick
A New York Public Library, BookPage, BuzzFeed, and Tor.com “Best Book of 2021”
“Polydoros seamlessly blends a murder mystery with Jewish folklore in this haunting historical fantasy.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A gorgeous, disturbing, visceral and mystical experience.”
—BookPage, starred review
“A wild ride of a queer gothic fantasy that’s a must-have for YA fantasy collections.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“The City Beautiful is a triumph, showcasing queer love, illuminating historical events, and guiding readers to an enthralling ending that will leave them satiated yet desirous to return to the world in which they have become immersed.”
—Booklist, starred review
“Like a darkly compelling dream; I dare readers to try to put down this queer triumph of a book where myth, mystery, and death lurk around every corner of the Windy City.”
—Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series
“With a keen eye for historical details, Polydoros deftly weaves together a gruesome murder mystery, a beautiful romance, and a rich depiction of Jewish life in the 19th century.”
—Allison Saft, author of Down Comes the Night
“A gripping, fast-paced book that expertly marries thriller and murder mystery. Polydoros is not afraid to tear aside the façade of beauty and civility to confront the darkest aspects of human nature, no holds barred.”
—Sophie Gonzales, author of Only Mostly Devastated
“Readers will become immersed in Alter’s world, rooting for his survival, hoping for his reunion with his family, and wishing for him to find the love that he deserves.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Details rich with specificity and research, and its joys tinged with sorrow...[make] it all the more moving.”
—NPR.org
Bone Weaver
Aden Polydoros
For more information about the terms and phrases used in this story, please see the glossary at the end of this book.
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Additionally, this book contains content and themes that may be difficult for some readers. For a list of content warnings, please visit adenpolydoros.com.
Dedicated to all those who’ve buried, silenced, and sacrificed parts of themselves in order to survive.
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31