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Them Old Bones
Behind a veil of treachery and haunted bones, a dragon curse is about to set the world ablaze...
Dragons didn’t exist until recently. Neither did traitors, until Miriam Huckerpucker started nosing around in The Vault where she and the other undeads are holed up, when they are not out in the countryside picking up haunted bones, which is what they do for an unliving. For Miriam, who has been in the game for a while, with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes, the hard part is not bone picking but catching homing pigeons which like all living beings don’t fancy the undead at all. When no pigeons arrive from the undead expedition to barbarian lands, where the first known dragon’s bones lay waiting, Miriam suspects a traitor is messing about with the pigeon post. Mustering someone who is literally dying to get a new occupation and also getting an undead dog into the bargain, her investigations unravel a sinister plot far bigger than The Vault.
Dragons didn’t exist until recently. Neither did traitors, until Miriam Huckerpucker started nosing around in The Vault where she and the other undeads are holed up, when they are not out in the countryside picking up haunted bones, which is what they do for an unliving. For Miriam, who has been in the game for a while, with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes, the hard part is not bone picking but catching homing pigeons which like all living beings don’t fancy the undead at all. When no pigeons arrive from the undead expedition to barbarian lands, where the first known dragon’s bones lay waiting, Miriam suspects a traitor is messing about with the pigeon post. Mustering someone who is literally dying to get a new occupation and also getting an undead dog into the bargain, her investigations unravel a sinister plot far bigger than The Vault.
- GenresFantasy
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
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August 24, 2024
My SPFBOX review of Them Old Bones is published at Before We Go Blog.
“I would die to get a job like that.”
Them Old Bones is an absurdist fantasy comedy by Astor Y. Teller and the first book in the author’s Them Old Bones hexalogy. The lead protagonist is Miriam Huckerpucker, an undead bone assembler scouring the countryside for magical bones. As the novel opens, Miriam’s search leads her to Farmer Crazyjones and his undead dog Tenderloin, who has a knack for digging up these enchanted objects.
Death is a prerequisite to obtain the job of bone assembler. But not just any death: suicide is the only route toward earning this coveted undead employment. Even in her undead form, Miriam still bears the bloody scar across her wrist from where she took her own life.
In my opinion, there is a missed opportunity here to emphasize the tragic side of the story. I was expecting a book that holds suicide as a sine qua non of its magic system to treat the topic with more seriousness. Especially given the absurd nature of the novel, I feel that adopting a more Samuel Beckett-style tragicomic approach would have deepened the novel’s characterization significantly. The unsettling first part of the book led me to believe that this is where the story was heading, but by the end Them Old Bones took the more comfortable route of pure comedy.
One other bone to pick with the novel is its shift from first-person to third-person narration in the middle part of the book. I thought that Miriam was the perfect narrator for this tale, as demonstrated by her clever narration in the first and third parts of the story. However, the narrative suffers by losing her voice in the entire middle section.
Them Old Bones is a genuinely funny read, with plenty of humorous wordplay to enhance the absurdities of Astor Y. Teller’s world. However, the book left me craving some existential dread to balance the comedy.
“I would die to get a job like that.”
Them Old Bones is an absurdist fantasy comedy by Astor Y. Teller and the first book in the author’s Them Old Bones hexalogy. The lead protagonist is Miriam Huckerpucker, an undead bone assembler scouring the countryside for magical bones. As the novel opens, Miriam’s search leads her to Farmer Crazyjones and his undead dog Tenderloin, who has a knack for digging up these enchanted objects.
Death is a prerequisite to obtain the job of bone assembler. But not just any death: suicide is the only route toward earning this coveted undead employment. Even in her undead form, Miriam still bears the bloody scar across her wrist from where she took her own life.
In my opinion, there is a missed opportunity here to emphasize the tragic side of the story. I was expecting a book that holds suicide as a sine qua non of its magic system to treat the topic with more seriousness. Especially given the absurd nature of the novel, I feel that adopting a more Samuel Beckett-style tragicomic approach would have deepened the novel’s characterization significantly. The unsettling first part of the book led me to believe that this is where the story was heading, but by the end Them Old Bones took the more comfortable route of pure comedy.
One other bone to pick with the novel is its shift from first-person to third-person narration in the middle part of the book. I thought that Miriam was the perfect narrator for this tale, as demonstrated by her clever narration in the first and third parts of the story. However, the narrative suffers by losing her voice in the entire middle section.
Them Old Bones is a genuinely funny read, with plenty of humorous wordplay to enhance the absurdities of Astor Y. Teller’s world. However, the book left me craving some existential dread to balance the comedy.
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August 7, 2024RTC
Reading for SPFBOX - I’m on team Before We Go Blog
More Info:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Reading for SPFBOX - I’m on team Before We Go Blog
More Info:
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
May 5, 2024
3.5
Short yet funny. Packs a good punch.
Short yet funny. Packs a good punch.
January 27, 2024
Them Old Bones is a fine, humourous swords and sorcery novel with a blend of extraordinary spins and surprises. This is the first book in "Them Old Bones" hexalogy.
We follow our main character Miriam Huckerpucker who is as people titled it as a bone collector but Miriam would slightly disagree as "with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes." She begins to look rather inconspicuously in The Vault where just like her other undeads are holed up.
Catching pigeons are one of the few tasks and when no pigeons arrive from an undead expedition to barbarian lands, she reckons something is truly off. A traitor of all sorts is at play. With several events in conjunction with one another, her investigation will enable her to see the unfolding of a vile plot.
A humourous fantasy novel that
When I started reading this novel, I didn't have a speck of idea as to where was the storyline was pointing to. Gradually, the plot came into view and the protean twists and turns happen to have the best reading experience ever.
One thing is for sure, the author choices for names such as Crazyjones, Tenderloin, Juicycrunch was an absolute rollercoaster ride of hilarious introduction to the plot. The main character's internal monologue and the frustrations that peaked during her conversation Crazyjones was simply the beginning of the humour and fun. The author's writing style and creative imagination brings forth an uniquely crafted novel that will ultimately keep you glued to its pages till the very end. There are events and situations in the story that would astound you and I devoured this whole narration.
If you are a reader who has knacks for funny, catapulting interesting story with memorable characters and thoroughly explored and well-written characters then this book should be next on your reading list.
We follow our main character Miriam Huckerpucker who is as people titled it as a bone collector but Miriam would slightly disagree as "with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes." She begins to look rather inconspicuously in The Vault where just like her other undeads are holed up.
Catching pigeons are one of the few tasks and when no pigeons arrive from an undead expedition to barbarian lands, she reckons something is truly off. A traitor of all sorts is at play. With several events in conjunction with one another, her investigation will enable her to see the unfolding of a vile plot.
A humourous fantasy novel that
When I started reading this novel, I didn't have a speck of idea as to where was the storyline was pointing to. Gradually, the plot came into view and the protean twists and turns happen to have the best reading experience ever.
One thing is for sure, the author choices for names such as Crazyjones, Tenderloin, Juicycrunch was an absolute rollercoaster ride of hilarious introduction to the plot. The main character's internal monologue and the frustrations that peaked during her conversation Crazyjones was simply the beginning of the humour and fun. The author's writing style and creative imagination brings forth an uniquely crafted novel that will ultimately keep you glued to its pages till the very end. There are events and situations in the story that would astound you and I devoured this whole narration.
If you are a reader who has knacks for funny, catapulting interesting story with memorable characters and thoroughly explored and well-written characters then this book should be next on your reading list.
August 18, 2024
This is a refreshing, laugh-out-loud, fantasy story, that delivers action, adventure and mystery in bucket fulls.
I love the first person POV and the little insights into the thoughts of both Miriam and Crazyjones that the author has included. It really helps to get to know the characters and experience what they do alongside them. The world building and the magic systems used are so unique and I really enjoyed learning them as Crazyjones learnt them.
The trust-no-one and dark humour elements really resonated with me and I can’t wait to see how these develop in the next book.
I love the first person POV and the little insights into the thoughts of both Miriam and Crazyjones that the author has included. It really helps to get to know the characters and experience what they do alongside them. The world building and the magic systems used are so unique and I really enjoyed learning them as Crazyjones learnt them.
The trust-no-one and dark humour elements really resonated with me and I can’t wait to see how these develop in the next book.
May 7, 2024
If you enjoy a little bit of dark humor alongside your fantasy, this is a story for you. But it deals with a particularly mature theme that is tough for a lot of people, so make sure to check your trigger warnings.
Apparently, I have a bad habit of half-reading blurbs/emails, whatever it is that I get about books. I mean, some people really like to go in blind, maybe that can be my excuse x. It's not, but we'll pretend. I liked the blurb but didn't notice that the genre was humorous fantasy. I would have signed up faster!! x
Based on the blurb, which you can read on slide three, I would have known it had some elements of dark comedy, especially with the genre, and that's pretty much an auto-read for me. Can dark comedy go wrong? Absolutely. But when it goes right, oh boy, it is so incredibly awesome! Hmmm... now I feel a weird need to re-evaluate some things about myself. But, dark romance is super popular right now, so I'm just going to lean in here. x
Speaking of which, if you're up for a little comedic, sweet romance a la something akin to Warm Bodies, except everyone can talk but the dog, this features more than one budding romance. The relationships, whether romantic, professional, or friendly, were extremely well structured. The strange situation in which these individuals find themselves lends toward strange relationships, and that absolutely shows. I don't want to spoil anything, but among my favorite characters were Miriam, Crazyjones, Cirrikan, Mister Hunt, Raithea, and, of course, Tenderloin. And no, I didn't just name the entire cast of characters.
The magical system, especially the ranking system, was super cool! I enjoyed the "hinges" and the consequences to bad behavior and when recruits tried to go somewhere they shouldn't. The required classes were neat and helpful to world-building. I am so looking forward to the sequels!
If you enjoy dark humor and fantasy, this is a great book for you. However, it deals with some very mature and intense topics, so please check the Content Warnings. To be extra careful, it deals with some triggers that sometimes can be triggering even to be read in content warnings - so if you have some of those - please be extra forewarned! Except for that - which is unfortunately a big premise in the book - this is a great read for fantasy and comedy lovers!
Content Warnings: Murder, Death, Suicide, Gore, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Fear, Dark Humour
Apparently, I have a bad habit of half-reading blurbs/emails, whatever it is that I get about books. I mean, some people really like to go in blind, maybe that can be my excuse x. It's not, but we'll pretend. I liked the blurb but didn't notice that the genre was humorous fantasy. I would have signed up faster!! x
Based on the blurb, which you can read on slide three, I would have known it had some elements of dark comedy, especially with the genre, and that's pretty much an auto-read for me. Can dark comedy go wrong? Absolutely. But when it goes right, oh boy, it is so incredibly awesome! Hmmm... now I feel a weird need to re-evaluate some things about myself. But, dark romance is super popular right now, so I'm just going to lean in here. x
Speaking of which, if you're up for a little comedic, sweet romance a la something akin to Warm Bodies, except everyone can talk but the dog, this features more than one budding romance. The relationships, whether romantic, professional, or friendly, were extremely well structured. The strange situation in which these individuals find themselves lends toward strange relationships, and that absolutely shows. I don't want to spoil anything, but among my favorite characters were Miriam, Crazyjones, Cirrikan, Mister Hunt, Raithea, and, of course, Tenderloin. And no, I didn't just name the entire cast of characters.
The magical system, especially the ranking system, was super cool! I enjoyed the "hinges" and the consequences to bad behavior and when recruits tried to go somewhere they shouldn't. The required classes were neat and helpful to world-building. I am so looking forward to the sequels!
If you enjoy dark humor and fantasy, this is a great book for you. However, it deals with some very mature and intense topics, so please check the Content Warnings. To be extra careful, it deals with some triggers that sometimes can be triggering even to be read in content warnings - so if you have some of those - please be extra forewarned! Except for that - which is unfortunately a big premise in the book - this is a great read for fantasy and comedy lovers!
Content Warnings: Murder, Death, Suicide, Gore, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Fear, Dark Humour
January 27, 2024
A humourous encapsulation of haunted bones, sinister plot and a dragon curse "Them Old Bones" is such a captivating read. The story starts when Miriam Huckerpucker goes to Crazyjones' place for a quick task however the deed is bigger than what she knew.
She would rather be looking in The Vault with her appropriate ace skills than bone- picking and catching honing pigeons but it is what it is.
But things become unstable when from a particular undead expenditure, not a single pigeon return. Turns out Miriam Huckerpucker has a lot of double playing coming her way.
This book is a very groovy read. I made sure not to include any spoilers however you must know that the storyline contains far more intriguing and funny also a little peculiar themes that will have you gripped in no time. I read this in a single because the author's writing style surprised me beyond my expectations. The author doesn't hold back any funny retorts and scenes rather puts all the elements of surprises, anticipation, comical aspects and more to its full potential. And that's one of main reasons why I liked this story.
With such extraordinary additions, this book will allure readers to believe in this world building and the characters involved.
If you are looking for an exciting sword and sorcery novel or series then I highly recommend you check this one out.
She would rather be looking in The Vault with her appropriate ace skills than bone- picking and catching honing pigeons but it is what it is.
But things become unstable when from a particular undead expenditure, not a single pigeon return. Turns out Miriam Huckerpucker has a lot of double playing coming her way.
This book is a very groovy read. I made sure not to include any spoilers however you must know that the storyline contains far more intriguing and funny also a little peculiar themes that will have you gripped in no time. I read this in a single because the author's writing style surprised me beyond my expectations. The author doesn't hold back any funny retorts and scenes rather puts all the elements of surprises, anticipation, comical aspects and more to its full potential. And that's one of main reasons why I liked this story.
With such extraordinary additions, this book will allure readers to believe in this world building and the characters involved.
If you are looking for an exciting sword and sorcery novel or series then I highly recommend you check this one out.
May 4, 2024
I really had no idea what I was letting myself in for with this tale, but the blurb caught my interest, and the cover, while not my usual bright and pretty, really peaked my interest.
This is the start of a series, and I am really looking forward to learning more.
I really like all the characters. Obviously, Crazyjones and Miriam are the leads and have a unique relationship.
I really like the premise, I like the idea of the different hinges in their tier system.
The action is full on from the start, and I read this in under 24houra because I couldn't put it down, and it's also a very quick read.
There are some laugh out loud moments, some mad moments, and some lovely acts of kindness throughout.
I can't wait to dive back into this madcap world.
Fans of fast-paced, light fantasy reads, will really enjoy this.
This is the start of a series, and I am really looking forward to learning more.
I really like all the characters. Obviously, Crazyjones and Miriam are the leads and have a unique relationship.
I really like the premise, I like the idea of the different hinges in their tier system.
The action is full on from the start, and I read this in under 24houra because I couldn't put it down, and it's also a very quick read.
There are some laugh out loud moments, some mad moments, and some lovely acts of kindness throughout.
I can't wait to dive back into this madcap world.
Fans of fast-paced, light fantasy reads, will really enjoy this.
May 8, 2024
‘Them Old Bones’ is a charming novel full of dark humour and great character names - Crazyjones, Tenderloin, Miriam Huckerpucker to name just a few. It is an entertaining and quick read packed full of excitement and witty conversations between all the characters and it feels like there are a lot of characters to love in this novel. I especially like Tenderloin, the loyal undead dog.
This novel touches on some intense subject matters which may be triggering to some people so please check your triggers before reading. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys an engaging mix of dark humour and fantasy.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
This novel touches on some intense subject matters which may be triggering to some people so please check your triggers before reading. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys an engaging mix of dark humour and fantasy.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
May 9, 2024
This is the first book in the Them Old Bones Hexalogy. Miriam Huckerpucker, the main character, is a bone collector, even though she disagrees with the title, and she is one of the undead. When she starts investigating into the Vault, where the undead are, she soon discovers an evil plot is unfolding.. The author has a fabulous, creative and imaginary writing style. I loved Miriam‘s inner thoughts being displayed as she makes her way through the events in the story. There is plenty of humour in the book, especially in the names of the characters: Tenderloin, Crazyjones, and Juicycrunch! This is a quirky, entertaining and enjoyable book. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 21, 2024
This is the first book in the Old Bones Hexology series, and is quite unlike anything I've read before! It was a really quick read, with short chapters which were full of dark humour.
I loved the unusual names of the characters, Crazyjones is possibly my favourite book character ever, and Miriam Huckerpucker has to be the best name I've heard!
The writing was quirky and engaging, and I loved the story being told from Miriam's point of view so we know all of her thoughts as the story unfolds.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this fun series, and finding out what Miriam and the others get up to next.
I loved the unusual names of the characters, Crazyjones is possibly my favourite book character ever, and Miriam Huckerpucker has to be the best name I've heard!
The writing was quirky and engaging, and I loved the story being told from Miriam's point of view so we know all of her thoughts as the story unfolds.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this fun series, and finding out what Miriam and the others get up to next.
May 6, 2024
Them old bones by Astor Y Teller.
Them Old Bones Hexalogy Book 1.
I did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and the sound of the blurb. This was a quick read, and I got into it straight away. I did like Miriam and crazyjones, and i loved Tenderloin. I loved the unusual names of the characters. Different. I didn't know how I felt about Cerrakin. I didn't trust him. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I can't wait for the next book. 5*.
Them Old Bones Hexalogy Book 1.
I did enjoy this book. I loved the cover and the sound of the blurb. This was a quick read, and I got into it straight away. I did like Miriam and crazyjones, and i loved Tenderloin. I loved the unusual names of the characters. Different. I didn't know how I felt about Cerrakin. I didn't trust him. There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I can't wait for the next book. 5*.
April 23, 2024
My honest thoughts
The first bit of this story made me laugh and so gripped me in quick.
I liked the concept of the bones and how they possess, with crazyjones actually being able to see the soul fire.
I really enjoy crazyjones and 'mirry' their relationship in this is shy and cute, as well as the adventure this bring them.
I'm intrigued to see where the next book takes them in this storyline.. as well as the other characters.
Well written, funny, and brought me a day of sitting on the sofa reading and munching till it was gone.. 🤭
The first bit of this story made me laugh and so gripped me in quick.
I liked the concept of the bones and how they possess, with crazyjones actually being able to see the soul fire.
I really enjoy crazyjones and 'mirry' their relationship in this is shy and cute, as well as the adventure this bring them.
I'm intrigued to see where the next book takes them in this storyline.. as well as the other characters.
Well written, funny, and brought me a day of sitting on the sofa reading and munching till it was gone.. 🤭
May 12, 2024
Dark humor is a rare treasure and you definitely find that in Them Old Bones! The characters are just as whacky as their names and the little chuckles amidst the action are worth the read! And the author’s name? GENIUS!
Them Old Bones is a quick read, perfect for an afternoon by the pool or a cozy, rainy day. Miriam is a fun character, with a lot of dimension. We meet her as a grumpy-ish bone assembler out on a collection mission and we end with the a slightly less grumpy start to a new adventure. I’m excited to get started on the next book in the series!
Them Old Bones is a quick read, perfect for an afternoon by the pool or a cozy, rainy day. Miriam is a fun character, with a lot of dimension. We meet her as a grumpy-ish bone assembler out on a collection mission and we end with the a slightly less grumpy start to a new adventure. I’m excited to get started on the next book in the series!
July 11, 2024
This is an amusing and charming novel that builds towards a satisfying climax. Adjectives like quirky, different, and non-templated come to mind. Mr Teller has a unique and comfortable voice. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to book #2.
May 7, 2024
Them Old Bones was a delightful whimsical read that didn’t take me long to finish due to Aster Y Teller’s brilliantly quirky storytelling.
I laughed out loud so many times reading this book, even the names of the characters are very entertaining eg. CrazyJones and Juicycrunch and I loved the part when they were voting on what their name translated to 🤣.
This book just had a brilliantly creative and unique storyline it’s very well written and I can’t wait to join Miriam, CrazyJones and Tenderloin for more bizarre and entertaining adventures!!
I laughed out loud so many times reading this book, even the names of the characters are very entertaining eg. CrazyJones and Juicycrunch and I loved the part when they were voting on what their name translated to 🤣.
This book just had a brilliantly creative and unique storyline it’s very well written and I can’t wait to join Miriam, CrazyJones and Tenderloin for more bizarre and entertaining adventures!!
May 13, 2024
What a fab book! Completely different to my usual thing but enjoyable all the same.
Some amazing characters and unforgettable scenes throughout, Tenderloin being my favourite animal and Crazyjones probably the best character ever in a death/afterlife fantasy book. Miriam is a bone assembler and meets Crazyjones during a call out. What happened next is quite extraordinary - he dies, gets a new job and helps get rid of vermin!
A really fab written book that I breezed through, can’t wait to read the next one in the series (look out for my review of that one too!)
Some amazing characters and unforgettable scenes throughout, Tenderloin being my favourite animal and Crazyjones probably the best character ever in a death/afterlife fantasy book. Miriam is a bone assembler and meets Crazyjones during a call out. What happened next is quite extraordinary - he dies, gets a new job and helps get rid of vermin!
A really fab written book that I breezed through, can’t wait to read the next one in the series (look out for my review of that one too!)
May 28, 2024
This was a brilliant read from start to finish!
It grabbed me right in from the very first page which instantly gave me that quirky vibe which I knew I was going to enjoy!
I'm not normally a huge fantasy reader - but this was such a great mix of fantasy, humour, whimsy and the downright quirky!
I don't know what age target audience this is for, but I blooming loved this combination and feel like it could span such a big range.
The first thing that hit me were the characters.
Introduced in drip form, we learn about the vault and the undead, who are dislikes by the living, even though their job is to protect them.
My favourite thing was the character names - I mean Miriam Huckerpucker, CrazyJones and Tenderloin, just had me chuckling right from the start.
The humour doesn't dwindle throughout and the storyline flows nicely as we learn more and more about the world and journey in with Miriam and the gang.
This actually made me feel quite nostalgic, as my dad used to make up bedtime stories which were just bonkers and although this was obviously much more advanced - it just brought back some great memories too.
I believe that this is the first book in a 6 book series and I can't wait to find out more and see what book 2 holds in store for us....
It grabbed me right in from the very first page which instantly gave me that quirky vibe which I knew I was going to enjoy!
I'm not normally a huge fantasy reader - but this was such a great mix of fantasy, humour, whimsy and the downright quirky!
I don't know what age target audience this is for, but I blooming loved this combination and feel like it could span such a big range.
The first thing that hit me were the characters.
Introduced in drip form, we learn about the vault and the undead, who are dislikes by the living, even though their job is to protect them.
My favourite thing was the character names - I mean Miriam Huckerpucker, CrazyJones and Tenderloin, just had me chuckling right from the start.
The humour doesn't dwindle throughout and the storyline flows nicely as we learn more and more about the world and journey in with Miriam and the gang.
This actually made me feel quite nostalgic, as my dad used to make up bedtime stories which were just bonkers and although this was obviously much more advanced - it just brought back some great memories too.
I believe that this is the first book in a 6 book series and I can't wait to find out more and see what book 2 holds in store for us....
October 22, 2023
"Them Old Bones" is the first installment of a series. It's narrated primarily by Miriam Huckerpucker and her protégé, both members of an organization that collects ancient magic bones.
The book's atmosphere reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, albeit a bit less absurd. The characters' quirks were a strong point for me, offsetting some of the parts that I did not like and overall the characters all felt unique and interesting, even the side characters. My favorites were some of the kids in the introduction to part two. They felt real and reminded me of how me and my friends acted when we were that age.
The story moves forward kind of fast and I would have liked it to dwell a bit more on the major plot points. It sets up what seems to be the "main quest" of the series and given that the first part is just the introduction I don't mind it so much. I would have liked to learn a bit more about the world in the first part though as I feel there are still some unanswered questions at the end. The conclusion did make me excited to read the next part though so I hope it will be addressed there.
The book's atmosphere reminded me of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, albeit a bit less absurd. The characters' quirks were a strong point for me, offsetting some of the parts that I did not like and overall the characters all felt unique and interesting, even the side characters. My favorites were some of the kids in the introduction to part two. They felt real and reminded me of how me and my friends acted when we were that age.
The story moves forward kind of fast and I would have liked it to dwell a bit more on the major plot points. It sets up what seems to be the "main quest" of the series and given that the first part is just the introduction I don't mind it so much. I would have liked to learn a bit more about the world in the first part though as I feel there are still some unanswered questions at the end. The conclusion did make me excited to read the next part though so I hope it will be addressed there.
February 25, 2024
Them Old Bones by Astor Y Teller is a fun and quick read. I found myself laughing out loud which is always fun when reading in public. The characters are interesting and their narrative voices are distinctive from each other. I liked how Astor used phrases that you’ve heard (and probably said) and twisted them to have new meanings in the world of Them Old Bones. The story is self-contained but sets up a bigger narrative which has me intrigued as to where it will lead. Looking forward to the next installment.
May 16, 2024
Here is my review of Them Old Bones by Astor Y Teller
This book was a brilliant read and I got into it straight away from the start. The characters are great and their names are just brilliant, ie crazyjones, tenderloin etc. The premise is one I haven’t come across before so it’s great to explore the author’s imagination with this story which is just perfect in its storytelling. The writing is excellent, the plotting is superb whereas the descriptive text is natural making for a good reading experience. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series which hopefully continues where this story finished.
Blurb :
Behind a veil of treachery and haunted bones, a dragon curse is about to set the world ablaze...
Dragons didn’t exist until recently.
Neither did traitors, until Miriam Huckerpucker started nosing around in The Vault where she and the other undeads are holed up, when they are not out in the countryside picking up haunted bones, which is what they do for an unliving.
For Miriam, who has been in the game for a while, with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes, the hard part is not bone picking but catching homing pigeons which like all living beings don’t fancy the undead at all.
When no pigeons arrive from the undead expedition to barbarian lands, where the first known dragon’s bones lay waiting, Miriam suspects a traitor is messing about with the pigeon post.
Mustering someone who is literally dying to get a new occupation and also getting an undead dog into the bargain, her investigations unravel a sinister plot far bigger than The Vault.
This book was a brilliant read and I got into it straight away from the start. The characters are great and their names are just brilliant, ie crazyjones, tenderloin etc. The premise is one I haven’t come across before so it’s great to explore the author’s imagination with this story which is just perfect in its storytelling. The writing is excellent, the plotting is superb whereas the descriptive text is natural making for a good reading experience. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series which hopefully continues where this story finished.
Blurb :
Behind a veil of treachery and haunted bones, a dragon curse is about to set the world ablaze...
Dragons didn’t exist until recently.
Neither did traitors, until Miriam Huckerpucker started nosing around in The Vault where she and the other undeads are holed up, when they are not out in the countryside picking up haunted bones, which is what they do for an unliving.
For Miriam, who has been in the game for a while, with a refined skill set in magic spelling and swordy gymnastics and mourning classes, the hard part is not bone picking but catching homing pigeons which like all living beings don’t fancy the undead at all.
When no pigeons arrive from the undead expedition to barbarian lands, where the first known dragon’s bones lay waiting, Miriam suspects a traitor is messing about with the pigeon post.
Mustering someone who is literally dying to get a new occupation and also getting an undead dog into the bargain, her investigations unravel a sinister plot far bigger than The Vault.
January 26, 2024
I thoroughly loved this quick little read. I have seen another review comparing this book to the discworld series and I get it. The humour is in the same vein and its executed similarly.
One of my favourite things in this book was its magic system yes, I know I am sucker for a good magic system. This is a compliment, but I enjoyed the word salad of spell casing there was no over complicated language it was just great word salad and made me giggle. There is a lot of clever word play in this book from character names, locations, and spell word salad.
The interlude chapter in this book is a brilliant lesson in word building as I thought it was a great tool to get the lore and world building across and is also a great way to get a more in-depth description of the main protagonist Miriam into the book without seeming too info dumpy.
The story is a quick read, and the story grabs your hand and tells you to run from the very first chapter. The story doesn’t let up, the story and the characters aren’t lost though. The cheeky one liners made me giggle and really help speed the story along also the death humour is just chefs’ kiss.
I can’t wait to read the second book in the series and have added to my kindle tbr.
One of my favourite things in this book was its magic system yes, I know I am sucker for a good magic system. This is a compliment, but I enjoyed the word salad of spell casing there was no over complicated language it was just great word salad and made me giggle. There is a lot of clever word play in this book from character names, locations, and spell word salad.
The interlude chapter in this book is a brilliant lesson in word building as I thought it was a great tool to get the lore and world building across and is also a great way to get a more in-depth description of the main protagonist Miriam into the book without seeming too info dumpy.
The story is a quick read, and the story grabs your hand and tells you to run from the very first chapter. The story doesn’t let up, the story and the characters aren’t lost though. The cheeky one liners made me giggle and really help speed the story along also the death humour is just chefs’ kiss.
I can’t wait to read the second book in the series and have added to my kindle tbr.
May 14, 2024
This was quite an interesting read! The touches of humor that the author gave to the book made it special, the story itself is nothing extraordinary, but the way it is told makes us not want to put the book down. I felt fun reading "Them Old Bones" and I look forward to reading the next book "Accidental Dragons" in this 6-book saga, which I also believe will be an incredible experience. I loved the two main characters, for me, Crazyjones and Miriam, the interaction between the two and the good team they form. I hope these two form a super powerful couple at the end of the saga 🤭
May 7, 2024
A very funny book and a great start to a series. Great characters that are fun to follow and made me laugh out loud many times. The dark humor was totally my speed! Magic in this series is very fun and I love the hinges and seeing what happens to people when they do something wrong.
The relationship building is lovely and there are so many to follow! And since this is the first of six we have so much more to learn about all of them!
The relationship building is lovely and there are so many to follow! And since this is the first of six we have so much more to learn about all of them!
August 17, 2024
I'm not quite sure how I forgot to even put a rating here. This was a fun and quick read with some good humor. It does include an undead character who has committed suicide to end up in their position so if that is something that is triggering for you be aware. I'll definitely pick up the second installment.
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