Book Review: The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead

After nearly a year of waiting, I finally got my hands on book 2 of the Bright Empires series. The Bone House by Stephen R. Lawhead did not disappoint. I have eagerly anticipated its arrival since I finished The Skin Map in the early morning hours one day last fall.

The Bone House continues to unfold the fantastic story of Kit Livingstone. Kit is a young man from London, who discovers with the help of his great-grandfather Cosimo Livingstone, how to travel through the multiple dimensions of the universe. They travel through these dimensions by using ley lines. The dimensions are connected to the modern world, but they have differing time lines and geography. Kit and his friends are trying to find the Skin Map, so they can unravel the secrets of the universe.

The Bone House combines several elements of the science fiction and fantasy genres in a unique way to create a fast paced thrill ride. Although there is a fair bit of bouncing around in time and culture, the reader shouldn't get lost. Overall, I have really enjoyed these two books. They are extremely well-written and imaginative.

Let me share a couple of things I appreciated about this book. Although it is part of a series, there isn't extensive backstory. The author provides a quick catch-up in the beginning of the book for those who haven't read The Skin Map and those who read it when it came out. The reader doesn't have to be continually reminded of what happened in the first book which makes for a quicker (and more enjoyable) reading. The second thing I appreciate is Lawhead's vivid descriptions (especially about food).

There is one I didn't like about the book. I hate coming to the end of the book and knowing that I have to wait a year to find out what happens to the characters. I didn't like waiting to the next week for my favorite t.v. shows when I was a kid, and I haven't changed much. Making the audience wait a year is a bit extreme.

The Bone House is an imaginative piece of fiction. I encourage you to read it, but before you do check out The Skin Map. I found it easier to read the second book (probably because I read the first), while at the same time understanding the first one better through reading the second. They are both worth checking out.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Booksneeze.com for review purposes. I was not required to write a favorable review.

Inner Nerd Unleashed

I had a chance to unleash my inner nerd today.  I got to meet Stephen Lawhead tonight at the Barnes and Noble in Brentwood, Tennessee.  He is a fantastic author of historical fiction and fantasy, and he just released a new book.  The book, The Skin Map, is first in series called Bright Empires.

I had an enjoyable time listening to the reading, and getting to meet him.  He was a very gracious host, and spent time talking to each person in line.  I went just to get an autograph, so it was pretty exciting to actually talk to him, as well.

I have been a fan of his work since I read Taliesin in '96 or '97.  It was the first in a series of books about King Arthur.  At the time, I believe it was the longest book I had ever read.  I remember staying up all night to finish it.  It was so good I spent the next several days reading Merlin and Arthur.  Since then, I have read several of his books, and I really have enjoyed them all.  When ever I get the chance to read fiction, Stephen Lawhead's work is at the top of my list.  If you like historical fiction, fantasy, or science fiction, Stephen Lawhead has something that will enjoy. 

 

Thank you, Mr. Lawhead for taking the time to greet your fans and to share part of yourself with us.