Actual rating: 3 stars but very very stretched (I'm feeling magnanimous...) 
 This review will be short, the book was so dreadfully dull I don't even have the strength to rant. However thanks to Anne Bishop's writing the reading flowed nicely. At least it didn't feel like wading through swamps like other books did (see Snow like Ashes & ACOMAF). 
 Most parts of Etched in Bone were basically a lengthy essay on sociology titled: "Others Vs Humans", (too) much of the book felt unnecessary and oh-so-boring. Basically, everything this book had to day could have been said in half the pages. 
 I also had big problems with Jimmy's characterization. He felt too stereotyped to the point that - at times-it was almost comical. 
 Sadly and disappointingly, Etched in bone was everything but eventful. I liked the ending but I can't say it felt convincing (view spoiler)[(besides we had to wait 5 freaking books just to see a kiss between Simom & Meg?! Seriously??) (hide spoiler)] 
 I now have said everything I had to say *yawns* 
 PS: By the way, I'd like a spin-off about the Elementals & the Sanguinati lol