Title: Bone Warriors
Author: Bron Bahlmann
Publisher: Sweetwater Book
Release Date: May 15, 2009
ISBN: 978-1599553221
Size: 278 pages, 6×9, softcover
Genre: YA Fantasy
Craving power and lusting for human souls, the wicked necromancer sweeps the land, leaving behind nothing but death and devastation. Returning home, fifteen-year-old Derrik and his friend Tweaks find their homes burning and families missing. They immediately embark on a rescue quest for redemption and retaliation. Such evil cannot be allowed to roam exempt.
Sinister Giants, colossal green jungle cats, and undead monsters confront them as Derrik and Tweaks encounter inconceivable threats in the forbidden woods, as well as gain unlikely allies. The boys soon realize that their only hope to save their families comes from the very creature they cannot trust. But they re running out of time. How can they put an end to the necromancer’s terrifying reign?
I liked this book. I read it as my first book for the Summer Reading Thing.
My main complaint was too many adjectives but other than that, I thought it was pretty good. I recommended it on my blog.
Review by Morgan.
Remember when Eragon came out? And everyone was raving over what a wonderful book it was and that a 15-year-old was capable of writing such a great story? Personally, I didn't like it. I didn't think it was a wonderful book. The writing was weak. Good for a 15-year-old, perhaps, but not good enough to stand against other books in the genre.
Now, I'm hearing the same things about Bone Warriors. But guess what? This one really is good.
Derrik and Tweaks, the two main characters, were well developed. I loved Tweaks (almost cried at the end). I wasn't quite as fond of Derrik, but that's probably because he behaved more like a typical 15-year-old boy. They gain a couple of traveling companions on their journey to save their family. I liked Ssaska; I wish Clatterin had been a little better developed.
I was amazed at the unique characterizations of the various groups of "people" Derrik and Tweaks encountered—the giants, the boars, the bird people, the alligator pirate, and more. Bahlmann gave them very distinct voices and personalities. I also thought the various fauna and flora in this world were ingenious and very clever.
The storyline was complex and kept me interested. However, as a hero's journey, I felt I needed to see a little more change and growth in Derrik's character. I also thought we needed a little more foreshadowing of the eventual demise of the necromancer and his bone warriors.
My biggest complaint about this book is the overuse of adjectives. It was sometimes too distracting. I'd recommend that on his next book, Bahlmann pull out half of them. And I do hope there is a next book. Bahlmann's book was good, regardless of his age.
I recommend this book to teens who enjoy fantasy. Many adults will enjoy it, as well.
I give Bone Warriors 4 stars.
Review by Erin.
Overall, I liked this book but felt it needed a little tighter edit. (Quit with all those adjectives, already!) I hovered between 3 1/2 and 4 stars. I think that as his writing matures, we'll see some great things from Bron Bahlmann in the future.