To the Bone By Alena Bruzas

Ellis arrives in America with dreams of a better future, eager to begin her new life as an indentured servant at James Fort. The promise of financial security, the prospect of a fresh start, and the possibility of love with the fiery Jane Eddowes fill her with hope. But as the seasons change, so too does Ellis’s perception of her new world.

Beneath the veneer of prosperity, Ellis discovers a darker reality. The settlers' cruelty toward the Indigenous people is both shocking and brutal, while Henry Collins, her master, reveals a terrifying, controlling nature that traps both his pregnant wife and Ellis in a suffocating web of fear. The fort, which once symbolized new beginnings, now feels more like a prison.

As the harsh winter descends, the settlement is gripped by hunger, and the true nature of survival is laid bare. The colonists' desperation pushes them to unimaginable lengths, revealing the savage core beneath their civilized facade. Ellis must confront the horrors around her and within herself, as the line between humanity and monstrosity blurs.

"To the Bone" is a harrowing survival tale that strips away the romanticized veneer of America’s colonial past. It exposes the brutal realities of settler life and the human capacity for darkness when pushed to the edge. Visceral, unflinching, and unforgettable, this novel will haunt you long after the final page, leaving you to grapple with the unsettling truths of America's origins. 📚❤️