In 1994, Nate Cartwright finds himself standing in a cabin with a gun pointed at his head. He’s terrified. Then he hears the voice of a little girl. Things just get stranger from then on.
But with this strangeness comes Nate’s greatest adventure. He meets the loves of his life, Alex and Artemis Darth Vader. The science fiction adventure that is The Bones Beneath My Skin begins. TJ Klune’s 2018 self-published novel is being rereleased under Tor Books.
Those familiar with Klune may read this book with certain expectations, but push them away. Allow yourself to experience The Bones Beneath My Skin from a fresh perspective. Take the adventure along with Nate, Artemis, and Alex.
Zero expectations make the novel more fun because you’re open to the book’s possibilities.
The Bones Beneath My Skin operates on two levels: As an action-adventure novel and a character-driven found family story.
The action-adventure elements immediately make the book reminiscent of science fiction shows and movies like Firestarter, E.T., The X-Files, Roswell, and Stranger Things. It is a very cinematic novel.
Therefore, you feel and see all these action scenes with sharp clarity and precision. The Bones Beneath My Skin already seems ready to come to life on the screen. It would work well as a limited mini-series.
All the necessary characteristics and scenes for a really captivating TV show are already built within the book.
It’s enjoyable to compare this work of fiction and others in the genre. But some may wish it didn’t feel like so many popular TV shows and movies. The book’s familiarity with the science fiction genre gives The Bones Beneath My Skin a sense of nostalgia.
You can’t help but fondly remember shows such as The X-Files while reading it.
The action-adventure elements may keep people turning pages. However, it’s the three main characters that make this book enjoyable, especially Artemis.
She’s such a strange creature that starts annoying but becomes endearing by the end. Like Nate, you grow to adore this strange child.
Alex isn’t as strong of a character as Nate and Artemis. This may be why the Nate and Alex romance isn’t as compelling as it could have been. It happens mainly in the background.
If you’re expecting some grand romantic gestures from this couple, they are there but mainly in small ways. This makes it clear that The Bones Beneath My Skin is a book about love, familial and romantic, but it’s not a romance novel.
However, Alex and Nate’s connection could have used some more building and quiet moments. This would have really made readers need them together. You’re happy for them but not dying to know what happens next with them.
Artemis, you want daily life updates.
She’s a fascinating character because she is such an anomaly, Artemis shines on the page.
The Bones Beneath My Skin could have been stronger if it didn’t feel at times like it dragged, especially towards the end. Otherwise, it’s a solid novel that works because of Artemis and its cinematic quality.
Thank you to Tor Books for providing an advanced reader copy of The Bones Beneath My Skin.
The Bones Beneath My Skin is available nationwide on February 4.
