I had no expectations for this book, and found it to be a great YA novel. Filled with magic, suspense, action, and five heroes answering the question of what does one do after having "saved the world", only to find that maybe they haven't and ultimately, having to get the band back together.

I found the characters using bones as magical enhancements as a way to boost technology an interesting plot line, kind of combining the magical world and giving it a steampunk kind of feel. For the main character Kreya, she uses them to reanimate her husband, if only it means for one day and makes one wonder what you would do in her situation and how far grief can lead someone down a path for better or worse.

I couldn't help thinking that this story would make a great RPG (Role Playing Game)... something along the lines of D&D or WOW. I liked this story, this was my first time reading this author. I would be curious as to what her other books are like.

The Bone Maker reminded me why I enjoyed Sarah Beth Durst's previous novels so much because the storytelling is so incredibly immersive. After the defeat of the bone maker Eklor, the heroes of Vos have retired to their separate corners in luxury, family, and madness. The story opens with Kreya, the group's leader, living in exile as she tries to revive her dead husband using illegal bone magic. When her resources are depleted, she turns to her old companions for help in obtaining the remaining bones from the war. The journey that follows reveals more about their battle against Eklor and the disturbing truth that their victory may not have completed the job.

One of the biggest highlights of this novel is the group dynamic and it was made even more endearing and special because these characters have decades of history together. I surprisingly enjoyed reading from the perspective of an older group of heroes (all in their late 30s-40s?) because they had experienced so much of life already and were now called by their own sense of duty to finish what they started. On top of the character relationships, The Bone Maker has such a fascinating magic system and for a fantasy standalone, creates such a fleshed out world for the reader. Combined together, this made the story exciting and addicting to read.

I loved this one! What a ride and SO unique! I adored that the lead characters were all over 40 and still kicking butt and taking names; the world-building was amazing, and is one I want to live in, frankly. This is one of those books I’ll go back to again and again and it fully deserves a perfect rating. 5 Stars all the way! ⭐️

4.5 STARS.
I love stories that explore the question of After? After the chosen one defeats the big bad, after the heroes vanquish the villain, these are questions I believe should be explored more fully in books. The Bone Maker does an excellent job of portraying the heavy cost these heroes bore to defeat the big evil. It also explores complex themes of grief and love. I really enjoyed this book and was impressed by just how much the author was able to dive into. It was a different kind of fantasy, but it had a great magic system and awesome characters. The best line of this was- How do we save a world that doesn't want to be saved? It gave me goosebumps.

The concept behind this book is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. I have never read a fantasy novel with a magic system like The Bone Maker.

That being said, the pacing in this novel was off and I had a hard time rooting for some of these characters. The overall world building was also lacking in this book. I think this might have been better as a duology?

I’m way behind on my NetGalley books (sorry!), so I opted to listen to this on audio via Scribd. The narration is excellent and kept me engaged throughout.

The Bone Maker presents thought-provoking content on what it means to have power over life and death. While we glimpse other bits of bone magic throughout the story, the focal point is this power and the resulting moral dilemma.

Pacing is slow, but intentional rather than meandering. We spend a lot of time deep-diving into the relationships between the five heroes, as well as looking back to see the price each one paid for the war they fought. While this worked for building drama, I felt the slow pace lessened the tension and sense of urgency regarding the situation at hand.

I liked that Eklor was a complex villain, whose evil deeds could be understood on some level, rather than a typical evil villain.

The world-building isn’t all that intricate. We’re given enough detail to visualize aspects of the land, though I felt like I was missing pieces when putting it all together. Also, I didn’t get any sense of the “average” people in this multi-tiered land. I would’ve liked to understand more about them and how they felt about bone magic.

Overall, an entertaining listen that I felt stretched out too long in some areas, while coming up short in others.

Many years had passed since the Great War when Eklor, a famous Bone Maker raised an undead army to conquer the land. A group of warriors led by Kreya, fought, killed the bone maker and defeated his army. The area where all the dead lay unburied was walled off and the Forbidden Zone was left alone.
In the years since then, Kreya had become a recluse, living with her constructs and the body of her dead husband Jentt. She learned how to bring him to life using bone, blood and part of her life years, but it was always temporary. She now decides to go to the zone and gather enough bones to resurrect him permanently. She goes there with her friend and warrior, Zera, but they soon learn that there is still a hidden army of the undead and that Eklor is still alive. They need the others to go and fight the evil that they thought they defeated, and again become the Heroes of Vos.
An entertaining adventure fantasy with extensive world building and fully realized characters.
Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this e-galley of "The Bone Maker".

I need more people to read all the books by Sarah Beth Durst. This adult fantasy standalone was a breath of fresh air. The bone magic was really interesting all be it a bit gruesome to wrap my head around. It reminded me of The Bone Shard Daughter (which was also great). I really enjoyed the plot of a band of heroes getting back together for an adventure 25 years later. Their banter was a lot of fun. I don't always enjoy traveling stories but this one kept my interest. There were times while I was reading that I felt like I was on a ride at Universal Studios. Durst also does a great job of balancing the heavy with the light. Overall this was just such a fun book to read.

Full review on www.readandwander.com within 30 days.

I think this is an exceptional fantasy novel :) First, it was a good read, definitely hard to put down. Second, I like what happens with the "heroes". I only catch glimpses of the Marvel world when my kids are watching, I don't sit down for many full length movies, but I think this was more "real". Heroes are hurt, heroes die (Ok , so they got brought back to life, but with a little more sacrifice than you normally see ;) ). Everyone questioned their own motives, except for Eklor, but he was a sociopath anyway, not sure why he was so hung up on his wife and kid. Many times, decisions were made for the good of the many, and through group decision, not one person throwing themself into the void, which also happened, but you get that.... One hero was extremely weak and changed buy circumstances after their battle, it happens in real life too.

Very good feels, love the story. Interesting use of bone magic

TL;DR REVIEW:
The Bone Maker was a fun, creative standalone fantasy novel. I loved the characters, and I thought it did well with the “heroes: where are they now” premise.

For you if: You are looking for a quick, in-and-out foray into a new fantasy universe in between longer series.

FULL REVIEW
When I read the premise for The Bone Maker — a team of heroes, 25 years after they defeated the bad guy — and saw it was by Sarah Beth Durst, who has a zillion fantasy novels, I was on board. I’d read (and enjoyed) Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth, which is also a “heroes: where are they now” story, and I was happy to read another book with that kind of timeline.

I thought this was very well done. It’s a standalone, which is so rare in fantasy as to be refreshing. You get in, fall in love with some characters, go on an adventure, and get out. In this case, the main character is Kreya, who can animate constructs using animal bones. But in the 25 years since her husband was killed in the battle that made them heroes, she’s sequestered herself and learned the forbidden kind of bone magic that brings him back. That goal brings her back into contact with her friends — and they discover that evil may not be as vanquished as they thought.

I think the thing I loved most about this book was that even though it obviously deals with death and grief and trauma, it also managed to have lots and lots of moments that felt lighthearted and funny. The characters are lovable and entertaining, and the dialogue was often just plain fun. The worldbuilding also felt nice and satisfying despite this being a standalone (which is impressive), with just enough backstory to get us through this adventure without weighing us down too much.

If you are looking for a quick dip into fantasy between heavier reads or big series, this could be a really great choice!



CONTENT WARNINGS:
Death of a spouse; Violence/blood

When I heard about this book, I immediately put it on my TBR for two reasons. One being that synopsis - I mean the good guy potentially going bad for love? And five warriors who saved the world have to reunite?? Yes. Dear god yes. The second reason was the author. I read the Queens of Renthia trilogy by Sarah Beth Durst a few years ago and LOVED it, so I was definitely excited to read more from her. That trilogy had such cool magic, and a mom as a main character! I really love seeing older protagonists, so I was excited that this one also feature a group of older heroes.

If you have read any of my blog posts, you probably know what I'm going to mention first about this book. Yes! That's right! FOUND FAMILY!!!!! Let's go baby!!!! I think the cool thing about this one was that we don't actually get to see how they all came together, because that's in the past. However! We get to see how their relationships with one another have evolved, and just how strong found family ties can be. I like that Durst didn't make it easy for them to all reconnect, because obviously over 25 years people have changed a LOT.

Another thing I love: the bone magic. Yeah it's a little creepy, but it's also so cool!!!! Like enchanting specific bones from different animals to enhance specific traits? So awesome. If that doesn't make sense, then think like, using bear bones for strength/stability, or cheetah bones for speed, etc. And also being able to read the future in bones? Terrifying but awesome. I kinda do wish we could have seen a bit more of the magic, but maybe that's just me being magic greedy haha.

To be honest, reviews are kind of hard for me right now so I don't have much more to say. But just know that this is definitely one of my favorites of the year. The adventures! The magic! The found family! And also that villain!!!! He was very well done. I also just really like the concept of this book, i.e. dealing with what could happen after the heroes save the world. So yes, I hope you go pick it up and see for yourself!

Once again Sarah Beth Durst has done it, a fabulous standalone, adult fantasy book. In this story we follow the five heroes 25 years after they survived (or didn't survive) the war. Suddenly things seem to be coming back and old enemies are arising again.

What really drew me into this book (beyond that cover *heart eyes*) was the magic system. There are three ways that people control magic: bone makers, bone wizards, and bone readers. Each has a unique way of using animal bones to accomplish inhuman tasks. Out of our main heroes we got to see all three up close and in action. It was so amazing to get to learn about this world and see how magic was used by the people.

But I also absolutely loved the characters too. Each of them was so well thought out and had their own strengths, but together they made each other better. I loved being thrown into a story that had already started and we got to see these people years later coming back together. It was such a wonderful book and I loved reading it the entire time.

I highly recommend this story! Especially if you are a fan of adult standalone fantasy without the story getting too dark (there is a lot of blood and bones but they way it is used and described was not in a gross way).

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Beth Durst creates such interesting worlds for her books. This one is so cool with all the bone magic from bone readers who can see the future and past, to bone makers that can animate objects with pieces of bones and bone wizards who can turn bones into talismans, all animal by the way, human bones are taboo (as well as any type of necromancy). I also liked how the characters were actually middle aged, having hit the prime of their lives 25 years ago when they banded together to beat Eklor the first time. This is actually life after The End which doesn't happen too often in books. Kreyra and Jentt are cute together and though it was taboo, I am glad that she was able to bring him back permanently with the help of Zera (who is flippant but very helpful with her talismans and always ready to help her friends). Stran and Marso complete the Heroes of Vos and they are a good team, a bit broken at times, but there for each other when it matters.

Eklor is a good villain, very complicated and twisty. I wasn't sure how the story was going to go when he happened to not be as dead as the heroes thought they had left him 25 years ago but he is very good at being a villain. Kreya is a good foil for him, as one who also had the same powers but her intent was for good and that makes all the difference.

This was quite the enjoyable book!

Sarah Beth Durst's The Bone Maker is a standalone fantasy which explores the notion of second chances and what comes next after a hero's journey. The Bone Maker introduces new characters in a new setting but is written in Sarah’s captivating narrative style and explores the themes that make her novels favorites in the genre.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a really engaging premise and magic system with entertaining characters. I loved seeing what happens in the lives after hero’s fame and glory. I also liked to see an older age group get to be cast as hero’s once again. It was a different and fun read and I enjoyed the differences of each of the characters personalities

If you love Tim Burton movies, this book gives 100% of those twisty vibes!

I can’t tell you when the last time I’ve read such a uniquely, tragic-yet-beautiful story that will just take you on a up-and-down ride. The fact the main character can bring back inanimate objects to life AND a morbid, recently-deceased husband back from below was just the dark fantasy I’ve been looking for.

What I Liked:
Unique magic
Adult twist on a YA feel
Dark and Twisty
Fast-paced

What I Didn’t Like:
Little Repetitive
Character's Inner, Dreary Dialogue

I gave this standalone solid 3 out of 5 stars. The concept was 5/5, but I just wasn’t feeling the pacing and overall repetitive nature of the characters’ inner dialogue. But, if you are wanting a story that will take you on a darker, more adult journey most YA novels won’t go, this is definitely the story for you!

I’m excited to see what else this author will be putting out in the future. If it’s anything like this, I’m in!!

Sadly I was not able to get to this before the publish date, and will not be able to by the archive date either. It does interest me, so I will have to get to it soon!

"Their story should have been finished. But evil doesn’t stop just because someone once said, 'the end.'"

This is the story of five heroes after the great Bone War. The cost of the war still weighs heavy on each hero's shoulders. Their leader, Kreya, has lived in isolation studying the forbidden magic which their enemy once used against them. But for Kreya, its the only way to bring back her husband who died on the battlefield. Using forbidden bone magic by stealing bones from the recently dead, she can resurrect him for a day or two. But when she's caught in the act, she's left with one option, to face her former teammate and friend. Kreya knows it not going to be an easy meeting either. Despite their differences, the friends enter the forbidden zone only to discover their long lost nemesis might not be as dead as they once believed.

Durst does a great job bringing to life complex characters and even more complex relationships. Combined with a fantastic world of magic, this makes for a fun, hard-to-put-down read. Our heroes fought a war 20 years ago. They're older, more jaded, and a bit broken. While their age was never truly mentioned, it totally worked having characters in their 40s as the lead roles. I absolutely loved the character of Zera. She's a complete delight, hysterical, and challenges Kreya in unexpected ways.

What I appreciate about the novel is that nothing comes for free. Magic costs something. Sometimes recognizing that cost is the hardest thing to do, which the head of the bone workers guild fails at. Durst asks hard questions about life and death, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

This was an absorbing read about heroes after the great war, how they've coped with the losses, and how they must step up again to save a world that doesn't believe it needs saving. Well-written and fast-paced.

The Bone Maker is another enjoyable Sarah Beth Durst standalone, set in a magical world where bones can be used in the practice of magic, both for good and evil. Kreya is an aging bone maker, who creates magical bone objects that can animate devices and... dead people. When we meet her she is seeking the bones of a recently dead child in order to reanimate her dead husband Jentt. She has been doing this for more than twenty years, unable to accept his death. In order to escape detection, she has been using powerful talismans for strength and stealth, that allow her to sneak into burials and steal portions of corpses before they are burned to ash. In her most recent attempt, she is almost caught and obtains so small a fragment of bone that her husband is reanimated as a revenant for less than a day. Kreya decides to return to the city in which her reputation was forged to ask her friend Zera, a renowned talisman maker, for more talismans. Zera however, is angry because twenty years before, at the end of the Bone War against an evil bone maker named Eklor, Kreya abandoned her and all her companions, when Jentt died defending Zera. In the decades since, Zera has become wealthy and famous for her work. Kreya, however, is now virtually unknown. The two women initially squabble and Zera refuses to help her. After Kreya leaves, Zera has a chance of heart, remembering their friendship, and goes after her, only to be horrified when she finds out what Kreya has been doing for the past couple of decades with Jentt's corpse. In the end, however, Zera agrees to Kreya's crazy plan of going to a forbidden zone where the Bone War took place, to recover sufficient bone material to permanently restore Jentt, because together the two of them plan to burn the remaining bones as a burial ceremony for the dead lost to the Bone War. When they arrive, they are shocked to find that Eklor lives and has his own plans for the bones- he is rebuilding his army. Kreya and Zera must regroup with those who fought in the original war to finally defeat him.

The world-building in this novel is, as usual for Durst, absolutely stunning in its richness and creative thinking. And the two main characters of this novel, Kreya and Zera, are no less remarkable. How often do we see fantasy novels featuring not one but two aging female protagonists? I just can't say enough about how much I love Durst's female characters. They are unique, beautiful, and real women, with strengths and flaws and foibles. That said, I didn't love this quite as much as her previous outing, Race the Sands, though it's still a marvelous fantasy read. Part of this story is so steeped in a past we do not fully see for these characters. I wish I had more of that past. That past is what allows for the snappy dialog between Kreya and Zera. I enjoyed their renewed friendship.

I'll report back about the audiobook of the novel when it is released.


I received a digital and paper review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Maybe there were no perfect choices for anyone to make, hero or villain.”

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming into this one. Bone magic is something that is intriguing in general to me. It’s on that edge of it can either be really cool, or creepy af, but Sarah really pulled it off with the way she incorporated it into the world-building and the entire magic system in general. The line at the top is one that really stuck with me though and I felt a lot of people could relate to it as life is really just one giant grey area in general.

I really loved how we got to see what happened to the heroes after the fact. This novel wasn’t just the heroes saving the day and they ride off into the sunset. It was all about what happened after, and how it affected them. We got to see glimpses into the past, which really helped fill in the gaps and round out the story, which isn’t always done in a way that makes sense. Durst unfolded Kreya’s story in such a way that you weren’t left with a pile of shredded paper wondering how the hell that all made up a single cohesive piece prior to opening… instead you’ve got a perfect, if not slightly worn, blueprint of the world of Vos.

I also really enjoyed that Kreya wasn’t some young maiden out to see the world for the first time. She was battle-worn and older, but that being said, some of the characters weren’t as rounded out as I would have liked like in Sarah’s previous books. I also would have really loved to see a map of Vos to help with the locations of everything, as well as a bit more of the backstory for how the world was before the big bad was vanquished. Instead of a prequel, this one seemed more like a legacy novel of a series that hasn’t been written yet, but the world is one that I’d definitely be interested in seeing more of in the future from Durst.

I've heard great things about Sarah Beth Durst's previous books, so I was excited to give this one a go.

Reading The Bone Maker, I definitely got The Bone Shard Daughter and Chosen Ones vibes due to the magic system and the plot of the story. If you are a fan of either of those titles I'm sure that you will enjoy The Bone Maker. The Bone Maker is a multiple POV fantasy story that follows a group of chosen ones who defeated their Big Bad long now. Now the previous leader to the team lives as a hermit with her bone constructs and the corpse of her dead husband. As the story progresses the team gets back together for one more mission...

This book has themes focus on friendship, love, and how people cope with traumatic experiences.

My rating is middle of the road for a couple of reasons. I never felt super invested in our heros' quest, mainly because I didn't like the main character. I think the plot was predictable. I recently read The Bone Shard Daughter, which has a similar mgic system, so this magic system didn't feel very unique.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.