This appears to be a reprint of an earlier book but it feels like typical Martha Wells. Interesting post-apocalyptic worldbuilding, featuring a snarky protagonist more soft hearted and principled than he will admit, who is just trying to get by but gets caught up in larger plans and powers. Includes a cast of interesting supporting characters with found family vibes, and an interesting mystery that holds your attention. I would definitely read about these characters or even just the world itself because it left me wanting more of the history. If you're a fan of Murderbot or the Raksura books you'll enjoy this, and as a stand alone story it wouldn't be a bad place to start reading her works either!

Not exactly what I expected, having mostly been exposed to Martha Wells through her Murderbot series, While this book differs a lot from the Murderbot series and has a lot more fantasy elements and world-building, it was still very enjoyable. The beginning is a bit slow, but it picks up and is bingeable shortly after.

Marth Wells has cemented herself as a must read author for me.

Thank you for this copy!
I always like the worlds that Martha Wells is creating as they are originals and full of mysteries (like this one !). I enjoyed the different characters and especially their specificities which were very well described and creative. I only gave 4 stars as I can't see images when I read a description and I felt there were too much "unuseful" informations sometimes (landscapes descriptions for example). But overall that was a nice journey through a very interesting world!

I loved reading every single page of Martha Well's City of Bones. I'm so glad that the publisher is re-releasing this book with new covers because I honestly was never tempted to pick up her previous work even after reading the Murderbot Diaries. I'm so happy to have gotten the opportunity to read this and definitely think that Martha Wells is a favorite sci-fi author. It's well written with amazing world building. There was never a moment where I felt bored or found the book lagging. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series and will be recommending it to everyone.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I love Ms. Well's world building, she is an absolutely superior sci-fi author, and her characters are SO well developed. I genuinely enjoy every minute I spend in her worlds. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

Martha Wells is one of the best fantasy and sci-fi writers we have today, and I am so happy her work is finally getting the recognition it deserves. This new, author's preferred edition is joined by the upcoming revised editions of the Ile-Rien novels, The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer. These should be automatic pre-orders for fantasy readers. Prepare yourselves for complex world-building with rich storytelling and compelling characters,

In the city of Charisat, there are those just trying to survive the rigid social class structure. There are also those that spend their lives learning about the Ancients, the ones that came before a great cataclysm that turned the world into scattered cities separated by great wastelands full of dangers both natural and created by man. And at the heart of it all is a delicate dance of power plays, magic, mystery, and scholastic desire.

Khat is at the nexus of these overlapping threads. A man that is not regarded as such, is relegated to working the relic trade with his partner Sagai. He ends up being roped into a plot to find and bring in artifacts that may or may not have incredible powers. During the course of his work, he is linked to Elen, a Warder with troubles all her own, and quickly sinks into a deeper mystery than anyone even realizes is going on until it is too late.

What I loved most about this book is the world-building. On every page, I could feel myself in the dusty streets of Charisat or in the vast danger that is the Waste. Everything felt real, lived in. The pacing was slow but never dragged. You are pulled along for the ride, following the tenuous breadcrumbs and wondering if anyone would make it out the victor. The small wins were often immediately overshadowed by crushing defeats. New threads of information were continually meted out, but it never felt like exposition. It all fits into the greater narrative and almost felt as if you could hear this story told over a campfire as if it were someone recalling a history of the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tordotcom for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for giving me a digital copy of "City of Bones" by Martha Wells in exchange for an honest review.

I said this with my review of Witch King and I think it's worth saying again for City of Bones.: if you came to this book by way of Wells's sci-fi masterpiece Murderbot series, please be aware that these are very different stories. The subject, the setting, the tone, and the style, are all completely different. If you want Murderbot but in epic fantasy form, you will not find it here. BUT if you want a fascinating fantasy read, go ahead and give this a try.

I enjoyed it very much. When I read the story description, I thought, "it's a fantasy by Martha Wells, with mystery, adventure, and ARCHAEOLOGY?!?" Well, dang. It's like she wrote it just for me.

City of Bones is set mainly in a desert, post-apocalyptic city. Charisat. Thousands of years ago, the land was lush and fertile. A catastrophe occurred, the likes of which present-day people are only just starting to understand. (There is more explanation than that, but explaining it here would be the worst kind of spoiler.) There is a robust and earnest industry devoted to researching, excavating, (looting), and collecting the artifacts left from that long ago age, including enormous stone structures in the desert called Remnants There is a legitimate trade system for the artifacts, and a not-so-legit one.

Our protagonist, Khat, is heavily involved in that industry. He's a kris, a humanoid species that evolved to survive the harsh desert conditions left after the catastrophe. He reads and speaks some of the old languages, and his business partner/best friend/found family is a former academic with equal expertise. Khat has done some shady things to survive, so when he's offered a significant amount of money to take a magic-wielding Warden Elen to examine the nearest Remnant, he takes it, knowing it's likely a setup.

Things predictably go south (even Khat saw that coming) and he's quickly embroiled in a treasure hunt, conspiracy, save-the-world adventure.

Khat is definitely my favorite character. He's loyal and intelligent, but not always terribly ethical,. There's always a kind of pleasure in watching someone do what must be done; his drive is admirable even if not all his actions are strictly "good." He had plenty of chances to withdraw from the big adventure, to run away and disappear; he kept going anyway. The other characters are interesting, but perhaps not as memorable or well developed; this is Khat's story.

The world-building in this story was fantastic. At times, the city of Charisat felt like a character all on its own. Yes, the world-building slowed down the plot at first; there's a lot of learn about this complex place, in terms of history, culture, and geography. The first third is a little slow, but it really gains momentum by the second. All that information is important to understanding the final third of the book, and I was so glad I stuck it out.

All in all, it's a very good fantasy adventure from Martha Wells.

I have enjoyed Martha Well's books, her writing style is fantastic and her world building is superb. This book was so good. I loved the adventure that this book gives and the story line is perfect. I loved this.
I just reviewed City of Bones by Martha Wells. #NetGalley
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Kind of slow at the beginning, but the pacing picked up really quickly. I'm pretty sure it had something to do with the outstanding climb-up in the plot. The author did an amazing job at layering different elements, resulting in a complex and fascinating story. The characters were intriguing and compelling, though none of them specially stood out to me. The fight scenes were the best part, in my opinion, with the right amount of tension. I would definitely recommend.

Final rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up)

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for giving me a chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This story follows Khat, a black market relics dealer and historian. He is recruited to help find some relics that have the potential to change the magical landscape, if the legends have any truth to them.

This is a fine fantasy book. That's my main takeaway.
The worldbuilding is fine, interesting but not blowing me away. The plot is fine, entertaining without ever surprising me. The characters are fine, well crafted but never really reaching into compelling.

The setting and pacing of this book will appeal to fans of The Fifth Season. There is a similar feeling of historical and looming apocalypse in the setting. The pacing is thoughtful without being too slow, with fight scenes interspersed.

A video review including this book will be on my Youtube channel, @ChloeFrizzle, in the coming weeks.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tordotcom for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this fantasy novel about a city in wastes, the mysteries that surround it, and the threats that are brewing that will tear everything down around them.

I first became familiar with the works of Martha Wells through the science fiction stories about Wells' character Murderbot. A great series for those who haven't read them. I was aware that Wells had been writing fantasy for a while, but except for Witch King, was not familiar with them. City of Bones is an early book that has been updated with the author's seal of approval. I like reading older books by authors, to see how they have changed over the years, the way they develope characters and plot, and the way their writing styles have changed. Early books can be fun since authors don't have agents or editors looking over their shoulder saying, polls show your fans like this and that, so more of that. Reading this proves one thing, Martha Wells was firing on all cylinders right from the beginning, and has only gotten better.

The time might be a post-apocalyptic future, or maybe a world of its own. The city of Charisat sits in the middle of a Great Waste, with roads and steamwagons travelling to other cities under attack from pirates and other denizens of the desert, eager for plunder or for food, sometimes human. Most of these pirates are castoffs from the city, no longer able to afford the tokens for water or food in the very caste orientated system that rules the city. Khat is a Krismen, people who long ago were altered through breeding to survive in the wastes, able to eat things that would poison most humans, find water where none exists, and be considered a lesser being in the eyes of all. Khat and his partner survive on the finds of the Ancients, artifacts from the past that can be sold, but sold carefully as the government has laws that usually end in one punishment, death. Khat is hired by a mysterious group to ferry a party out into the wastes, to a Remnant, towers built by the Ancients, but the party is attacked by pirates, and soon Khat and his companions find themselves trapped in a game they don't understand, with possible destruction of everything as the reward.

A great stand-alone fantasy novel that is big, sprawling, full of fun, and lots of great ideas. One can see some of the ideas for Murderbot here. Khat likes his alone time, has a small group of people Khat will do anything for, and is sarcastic, rude and not afraid of authority. The world is interesting different, but sadly with the tiered system of a lot at the top, and extinction at the bottom hits very close to home. The book is big, but works well, Wells controls the pace, and though there might be one capture/escape too many the pacing of the novel is quite good, and pages fly by. The ideas are novel and new, the characters are well developed and fit well in the story. This is a bit of romance, but the characters don't let feelings get in their way nor the story. I enjoyed this quite a bit, and really would like to see more featuring these characters.

Recommended for fans, and for fantasy readers who just don't want another long trilogy to read. The world is different, and would probably be of interest to role players for the hierarchy of the society and the many game ideas that could come from it. Another great read from Martha Wells.

When I came across City of Bones by Martha Wells on Netgalley, I must confess I felt a bit confused. I had previously read the book, and at first, I assumed Tordotcom was merely republishing it. However, after some research I discovered that it had been updated and revised. While I cannot precisely identify the specific revisions (given that I read the book long time back), I can certainly attest that City of Bones still remains exceptional a second time around.

If I were to provide a single-word characterization of City of Bones, it would be ‘unique’, as it stands out in every conceivable manner. While the narrative unfolds in a post apocalyptic realm, unlike the majority of novels that plunge us into nascent societies struggling amidst chaos, power conflicts, and the process of building themselves up, the world depicted in City of Bones is already considerably advanced and resides on the cusp of scientific breakthroughs and exploration.

It is no secret that Martha Wells is the queen of world building and City of Bones is no different. Every aspect of this book is exquisitely distinctive, distinguishing itself from any other work I have encountered. Firstly, Wells skillfully delves into the themes of xenophobia, bigotry and prejudice, vividly portraying a tiered social system in which Kris (genetically engineered humans created by the Ancients) and humans belonging to lower tiers and non citizens face discrimination in a manner that is both captivating and unflinchingly honest.

Furthermore, City of Bones unveils a meticulously constructed law enforcement system that is both intricate and well-conceived, complete with its own hierarchies and ranks. This system provides a comprehensive portrayal of the society that Wells seeks to present to the reader. Moreover, the novel introduces a distinctive monetary system based on tokens, where the value is derived from work days—an innovative concept that adds another layer of originality to the narrative. Additionally, the political landscape and power struggles between the law enforcement entities and the scholars further contribute to the richness of the story, establishing a captivating dynamic within the world Wells has crafted.

Martha Wells skillfully portrays the Ancient Remnants, colossal structures left behind by the Ancients, with a vividness that captures their awe-inspiring presence. These remnants stand as a testament to a bygone era and contribute to the sense of wonder and mystery in the story. Equally remarkable is Wells’ imaginative depiction of the Waste, an expansive desert teeming with deadly creatures that she has ingeniously crafted. This perilous environment becomes a breeding ground for pirates who prey upon traders and relic hunters, adding an element of danger and excitement to the narrative. Lastly, the fringe and free cities, where the present-day humans reside, are described in such a way that their unique characteristics and role in the story are vividly brought to life. Wells’ skill in describing these various settings contributes to the immersive nature of the world she has created.

In City of Bones, the narrative centers around three key characters who drive the story forward. Firstly, there is Khat, a relic hunter belonging to the Kris lineage. Khat’s expertise lies in unearthing and recovering artifacts of historical significance. Secondly, we have Sagai, Khat’s companion in the perilous endeavor of relic hunting. Sagai, a non citizen from the lower tiers of the Patrician class, adds a unique perspective to the dynamic duo. Finally, we encounter Elen, a Warder possessing the ability to wield magic. Together, these three characters embark on a series of adventures trying to recover certain Ancient Relics that would shed light on Ancient Arcane magic and help scientific advancements in the current world, their paths intertwined as they navigate the challenges and mysteries that unfold in the captivating world of City of Bones.

The interplay among these three characters is masterfully crafted, evoking both heartwarming moments and gut-wrenching honesty. One aspect I particularly admired was Martha Wells’ skill in depicting the interactions between Khat and Elen, gradually developing their friendship with subtle hints of romance sprinkled throughout, without ever imposing it upon the reader. Initially, suspicion and prejudice stemming from their disparate backgrounds and past experiences serve as barriers between them. However, as time progresses, an unbreakable bond forms, transforming them into an inseparable duo who can genuinely claim to be true friends, despite the obstacles their society throws their way. This progression not only showcases the growth and evolution of their relationship, but also adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, making their connection all the more compelling and relatable.

The plot of City of Bones is ingeniously constructed, leaving readers in constant suspense and intrigue. Just when I believed I had figured out the direction the story was taking, Martha Wells skillfully steers it in a different and unexpected path. This element of surprise and unpredictability adds a delightful twist to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The suspense woven throughout the story enhances the overall development, capturing the reader’s attention and heightening the sense of anticipation. Wells’ ability to maintain a captivating level of intrigue ensures that the story remains engaging and leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

In conclusion, City of Bones is one of the most unique stories written by Martha Wells I had the privileges of reading. While the book could serve as a satisfying standalone novel, it also holds great potential for expansion into a series. Personally, I would eagerly embrace the opportunity to delve back into the immersive world of City of Bones, as there is a wealth of possibilities waiting to be explored. The desire to revisit the intricate storytelling and engaging characters is a testament to the lasting impact of this remarkable tale, leaving me yearning for more.

My sincere thanks to Netgalley, Tordotcom and Martha Wells for providing me an advance copy of updated and revised version of City of Bones, giving myself to enjoy the story once more.

This eARC was given to me through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This was a bit different than what I expected when I requested to read this book. Definitely set in a world not like earth, or possibly a dystopian future. Khat, our main character, is of a race that many in the larger city-kingdoms consider beneath them. However, he has certain 'skills' that allow him to find relics and seemingly instinctively find their purpose and value. He ends up somewhat partnered up with the apprentice of a high level magistrate, and discovers he is the product of a race the Ancients created to withstand not only the changes in the world, but the battle from others in a distant other-world.

I have always enjoyed Wells' books, and this is not not I would toss aside. I felt it started off somewhat slow, but I understand the character and world setting had to be built in order to make the story understandable. It is a stand-alone read, so no worries about having to read multiples, or worry about the order.

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Summary
Khat is a krismen, of a race created by the ancients to withstand the perils of the Waste. In the city Charisat, he's distrusted and disregarded - but still sought after for his knowledge of relics and lore. And that combination attracts danger.
Review

City of Bones was the second (or perhaps first) Martha Wells book I read, and I still think it’s the best. While Wells has been uneven (her Raksura books seem like they’re by a different author), this book is her writing at its absolute best, and I strongly recommend it. Note that while this edition is billed as the author’s preferred text, the differences between this and an earlier version are just minor stylistic edits; the story itself is unchanged.

Efficiently and effectively, Wells builds up a fascinating, complex world that we never quite see the full outlines of but that is nonetheless easy to follow. The emotional scale of the story is small, with a focus on just a few individuals, but the implicit scope is huge, with actions affecting the whole world. These are all hard things to pull off, and she does it beautifully here.

No book is perfect, and there’s a somewhat muddled portion in the late middle of the book, where things happen a bit too fast, and there are a few too many muddy motives floated about. And there are some red herrings that we could have done without – e.g., Khat’s attraction to one particular character has no real basis, and feels careless. But overall, this is a great book, and one whose taste will linger, even if the complexities of the plot do not.

If you’re already a Martha Wells fan, you’ll love this. If you’re not yet one, you’ll love this.
taphorosis.com/review/city-of-bones-martha-wells/

City of Bones was an okay fantasy read. I first discovered Martha Wells through the Murderbot books, and this is now the second standalone of hers (reissued) that I've read. I love Murderbot, but so far her other works have been, for me, simply okay and not mindblowing. City of Bones had an interesting premise and there was nothing I can pinpoint that was 'wrong' with it per se; it just didn't captivate me in any way, and I read through only half invested in the characters and action. Perhaps it's because I am always expecting a Murderbot-style of writing from her books, whereas it seems that her earlier works are far more 'traditional', without that dry humour I love from Murderbot. If you are a big fantasy fan, there is likely to be something of interest to you in City of Bones, but if you are only coming to the book as a fan of Murderbot, then there is a chance it won't tick all the boxes for you. I am giving in 3.5 stars.

My first experience with Martha Wells writing and it was something…
This books is very slow paced, a little bit too slow for me, and it was a little too complex to get into, there were many new terms, and there was a lot of world building that I didn’t quite grasp at first. You understand what’s going on but you don’t get the repercussions or the real meaning of what’s being sad or done.
About 40% into it, it changed! I was hooked!
The overall plot is very original and interesting, the characters are very complex, as well as their relationships, this books also has a lot of political plot, and the different social status of the characters is something very obvious and explored extensive.
I did find the ending a little bit bland in comparison to the book, I was hopping for a different ending, I think that nothing really changed. We have this whole story and at the end everything remains almost the same.. it was not a satisfying ending.
It probably deserves another star for the complexity and the immersive world building but for me it just didn’t make it to four stars..

I was surprised with how much I loved City of Bones!
I've only read the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells which is one of my absolute favourite series so I was really excited to read this one.

I ended up really loving
It!
I'm pretty sure Martha Wells has become a favourite author of mine!

City of Bones was well written, I absolutely loved the world building and the characters were amazing.
I definitely highly recommend this book!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

if anyone absolutely knocks world building out of the park, it's Martha Wells. She creates such immersive, deep worlds with layers upon layers of history to get lost in. Occasionally I'll find the story gets lost in all of the world building information being thrown at the reader, and my attention would drift before getting pulled back in with the characters. The story starts slow, but the characters are immediately worth following, and the story is one so well rounded and satisfying that it's worth every minute. It's such a unique fantasy unlike anything else I've read, and I found I just had to know where it was going. I haven't read the original publication so I can't compare any updates or changes that have been made, but I know this is an epic fantasy in every sense of the word, and Martha Wells is a force to be reckoned with.

Great new book and universe by Martha Wells. I enjoy it a lot and will continue to explore this world for sure with her next entry!