I loved this book and timing of rerelease is perfect for todays climate. I love Artemis’ character. I found her sweet and so funny in a really smart way. Nate and Alex relationship could have used more development. I found this book a lovely ride though would def appreciate more 90s nostalgia as a millennial 🙂. Id read this mans grocery list but as someone who represents LGBTQIA+ in mental health, I am grateful TJ exists to represent our community, connection, adaptability, growth and creativity in such a quirky, thoughtful and fun way!

I have really loved every book that Klune has written thus far and this one is no exception. It is very different from his better known works though this one came first. This is an update of a book with the same name that he published in 2018. That said, if you're a fan of Klune you will also like this, but if this is your FIRST book by him I might do one of the others first and then come back to this one!

REVIEW: The Bones Beneath My Skin ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"You think yourself alone. You think yourself lost. We wanted to show you there was so much more than this place. We didn't come to hurt you. We didn't come to save you. Only you can do that. We came to be your friend. To make you understand that, in the end, you are never alone."― T.J. Klune

T.J. Klune is an author I will always read; he wrote one of my favorite books, The House in the Cerulean Sea. I have read many of his books, so I was surprised to see that this one was previously self-published and is now being re-released.

T.J. Klune is known for his magic, sci-fi, adventures, fantasy, romance, and LGBTQ+ representation, which is definitely shown through The Bones Beneath My Skin. I won't mention too much about the plot because I don't want to spoil the twists, but this was a feel-good story. Another thing aboutT.J. Klune's writing is that he is great at making characters with unique backstories and strong connections with the other characters. I love a good found-family story with connections that make you feel warm and fuzzy, and The Bones Beneath My Skin has that. Also, this story brings some spice as well, which is never a bad thing. I was captivated quickly by the story and just wanted to know more. Plus, the epilogue brought everything together so well.

While there was some repetition and rushed parts at times, I enjoyed The Bones Beneath My Skin. I will always be a massive fan of T.J. Klune!

Thank you, Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books, for the free advanced copy for my honest review!

This is a reprint/repackage of a self-published book before Klune was picked up by Tor. While I didn't love it quite as much as I've loved his other stuff, you can see the bones of what would become his common themes and stories. Beautiful characters, weird stuff happening, a relatively satisfying journey.

Knocking off a star because I thought that, while the romance was sweet, I didn't necessarily feel it building up to a place where I believed it other than because they were together. Also, I thought the ending was a little unsatisfying and I had questions that were unresolved.

Overall, a solid recommendation for a fan, though I'd start a new reader with Cerulean Sea or Puppets.

Artemis Darth Vader - best described as a mix of Seven and well…. If I tell you it may ruin any surprise. There is a lot going on this rerelease of T.J.Klune’s originally self-published novel. The Bones Beneath My Skin is a story of relationships, family, forgiveness, trauma and love. Oh and in between there is an alien, fugitives bei ng accused of “kidnapping”, a big government secret, a military attack, and a deadly cult. It was “weird” (T.J. Klune used that word to describe) and funny and creepy and sad and I could not stop reading it!

Spoiler: There is one sex scene in the book, more graphic than I expected. I understand why T.J. Klune included it but I do not think it necessarily contributed to the overall story. I note this as an FYI for school librarians (who may have purchased The House in the Cerulean Sea like I did) so they can make the best decision for their collection and patrons.

It's interesting to read something that an author published previously and see how their writing style and characterization have grown. Found family, a love story, trauma, grief, and forming new relationships are themes present throughout this work, with a setting slightly in the past (1995, so technology in this book is much less present, at one point I was wondering why Nate wasn't having WiFi set up at the cabin, before realizing that was not a thing/prevalent yet). I would recommend this for fans of reflective and life-affirming authors like Matt Haig, Shelby Van Pelt, Fredrik Backman, and Travis Baldree. There are very few explicit sex scenes, but I do want to flag that they are present for anyone considering adding this to a classroom (as opposed to more innuendos and closed-door romance found in Under the Whispering Door and The House in the Cerulean Sea).

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune

Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on February 4th, 2025

Aliens (non traditional, portrayed with depth), conspiracy theories, cults, and secret government facilities populate this action packed speculative fiction story with a lovely (and at times quite steamy) gay romance slowly percolating through. Beautifully woven themes of loneliness, love, grief and recovery suffuse the narrative. This is my third Klune book — each was completely different from the others, and all were creative in the way I found old style sci-fi to be, yet firmly rooted in the character development and personal experience that draws me to fiction. He has a very natural writing style — I get hooked at the very beginning and completely forget that I’m reading a book. More like I’m sitting in a comfy room listening to a storyteller bind me with sparkly spells.

In his own words, Klune is “gay as balls” and this is clearly reflected in the books he writes. I’ve never been drawn to specifically LGBQ+ fiction as it isn’t something I’m drawn to, but I like his matter-of-fact fiction where characters are individuals that continue personal development throughout the story, and increase my exposure to human experience significantly. Some of the (quite detailed) sex scenes took me a bit by surprise but I definitely learned a lot! As a complete aside, I did enjoy the little digs at veganism. I often feel surrounded by vegans, and it’s refreshing to hear someone unashamedly express a love for bacon and the superiority of meat over a lentil stew. :-)

My only complaint is about the pace — I found the beginning a little too slow. It felt like the characters were repeating, rather than developing. Once I hit the 35% mark, the pace stepped up to something that worked a lot better for me. In other words, skim if you have to to get to where things start really moving.

I loved the sci-fi aspect of the book. Although at times it felt similar to other books and tv shows, it's really the characters that make the story so enjoyable. I adored Artemis Darth Vader and her fresh outlook on the world, and the relationship between Alex, Nate and Art was beautifully written.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley for the Arc!

This was a DNF for me! It felt way out of klune's normal style of writing for me, and it seems like a re publication of an older book which makes sense. What I was expecting and what I got was way too different for me to grapple with. May try again in the future

As with all of TJ Klune's novels, a beautiful read. I loved the development of characters and held my interest. Finished in 2 days! Keep them coming TJ!

The Bones Beneath my Skin is actually a re-release. This book has a new cover. I was excited about reading this book since I have recently discovered this author. This book is not for everyone and I almost gave up on it about 1/2 way through. The magicalism and fantasy was just a bit too much for me. I am glad I finished as this story really is about family, friendship, and loss. All great themes. If you like books like this, give it a try.

Nathaniel Cartwright has lost everything: his job, his parents, and his dignity. Receiving only his father’s old truck and the family cabin from his childhood, Nate leaves D.C. behind for the Oregon wilderness in search of rest and solitude. Instead, Nate uncovers the US Government’s biggest secret: Artemis Darth Vader, a bacon-loving little girl who is actually an alien from outer space. And Alex- an ex Marine who will stop at nothing to harbor Artemis to safety- and Nate is caught in the crossfire. Heartwarming, action packed, and discovering what it means to be truly “human,” there is not one dull moment when these three are together. TJ Klune has absolutely captured my heart once again! The Bones Beneath My Skin is NOT to be missed.

Nate Cartwright is suffering and directionless after the death of his parents and recently being fired from his job as a journalist. He decides to escape to the family cabin that he now owns. Only when he arrives at the cabin is not empty. He is met by Alex and a young girl named Artemis Darth Vader. She is not an ordinary girl, and Nate must choose to help Alex protect her or allow her to be taken for another purpose.

This author can write enduring characters and explore loss and grief like no other. He will pull at all your heartstrings and let you laugh through the pain. You will quickly fall in love with Artemis and her enlightened take on human emotion. This book is more than a story of supernatural characters and space; it is how people can unite to heal one another from their past and find redemption. This author can do no wrong when writing the vulnerable, messy parts of the human condition and the transformative power of hope, love, and connection. Another winner!

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publishing, Tor Books.

An action packed and deeply emotional sci-fi adventure story. The three main characters will become like friends as you read their journey, and by the end you won’t want to leave this little family.

As always, Klune’s characters are fully developed and interesting. This was my least favorite of his books.

I love T.J. Klune and have for many years. I didn't realize that this book had been released before in 2018 and I had read it then. Below is my review from then. I will amend it if necessary after this read through!

T.J. Klune is a wizard with words. This book was undeniably powerful. However, though it touched me, there were also moments... Well, I knew they were supposed to have impact but... Let's just say, I could tell I was supposed to be gut shot, but all I felt was grazed. Art is fabulous (naturally). Alex is a snarly, loyal wolf-dog of a man (Loved him!). Nate is... I couldn't always deal with Nate. His panic and fear are understandable. But some of his responses to his situation felt ... unnatural for a repor... No, sorry, <i>journalist</i>. <spoiler>He actually <b>vomited</b> when he was told Art was an alien... Hadn't everything that had happened up until then already made him suspect this? Seems an odd reaction to me from an educated person -- not to mention a little over the top. I could understand if he'd vomited because he'd been shot at for the first time. He's not a war correspondent, after all!</spoiler>

That niggle aside, this is T.J. Klune. Absolutely, you MUST read this!

Like TJ Klune said “ This book is weird “

This book will not be for everyone but if you are looking for something different and willing to open your heart & mind I warmly recommend this book !

The Bones Beneath My Skin pleasantly surprised me!
I haven’t read a book that piqued my curiosity so much ,it was like an itch that wouldn’t go away and the more I scratched the more curious and itchy it became!

When I saw NetGalley had this as a request , I thought I’d request it because I had heard so much about this author and i totally get it , I really do !

The character building in this book 🤌 was perfection , and had the most charming character ever you couldn’t help fall in love with Art .

This book read like a movie for me , it had action, witty passages, thought provoking, romance and at times eerie moments.

Without giving too much away Nate is heading to his families cabin that has been left to him in the will after his parents died. He is looking for something but he doesn’t know what that is , but he knows it will be quiet and time to think…but he is quickly faced with some intruders in his cabin and must decide does he face his past troubles or does he fight for this peculiar little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader and her protector Alex ?

This book shows you , you can heal and you can find love if your willing to let your guard down, be vulnerable and true to yourself 🖤

Thank you NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group and TJ Klune for this gripping digital copy 💜🙏

Respectfully Another Read by Angie

I first read this story about two years ago and loved it. When I learned that it was getting republished and was available as an ARC I jumped at the chance to read it again. I might have loved it even more the second time. T.J. Klune writes a beautifully moving sci-fi adventure about love, grief, found family, and what it means to be human. No one writes about found family the way T.J. Klune does.

"𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙚, 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨. 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙩."

In this story, we follow Nate who is metaphorically lost and looking for a place to hide and regroup after the violent death of his estranged parents and losing his job. He travels to the family cabin he inherited just to find himself at the wrong end of a gun pointed by a man, Alex, who is squatting at the cabin along with an oddly endearing young girl named Artemis Darth Vader. This sets Nate on a course he never could have predicted.

"'𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣'𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠, 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙧𝙮.[...] 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩,' 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙. '𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙡 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙬𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣. 𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩. 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤.'"

I genuinely loved the characters in this story. I'm a big fan of T.J. Klune's writing style and how he confronts heavy topics with a light hand and creates quirky, lovable, flawed characters. You'll definitely find all of that in this book. The romance is slow-burn but is so worth it.

This one didn’t do it for me. The first part of the book instantly pulled me in. Once I had more information about the plot, and got to know more about the other characters, I lost interest.

Felt like it was similar to something that has been previously explored in the author’s other titles.

More sci-fi than fantasy for me.

TJ Klune never disappoints! This book is one of the best books I've read by Klune. It's funny, sad, action-packed, gut-wrenching, and heartwarming. I don't know how he creates magic the way he does, but he is a magician--a multi-talented author that I can always count on to put me in my feels. This book is like an adult spicy ET meets Escape to Witch Mountain story that dives deep into the conversation about humanity's need for control over and to destroy what they don't understand, which I think is a great representation of the way that people in the LGBTQIA+ communities are treated by radical christians. If aliens came to earth today, how do you think our governments would react? If history has taught us anything, I believe it has taught us that aliens would not be safe on earth even if an alien was in the form of a ten year old girl.

This book is truly something special that tugged on my heartstrings. Something that Klune is so good about is making sure that kindness is at the forefront of all of his books. Kindness would solve so many issues in our world. If majority of people stopped believing they were superior to others and showed them kindness, I think that the world would be a much happier place, which is what I believe Klune is discussing through the lens of two male characters who form a familial bond to an alien in The Bones Beneath My Skin. It's truly a beautiful story that I will admit made me cry. If you like Klune's work or if you are wanting to jump into his books, I think that this book is a great place to start.