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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
3.25 stars
This book had an interesting premise but it fell a bit flat for me. It had the action sequences, the badass women, a focus on friendships, but the characters never grew much and the world building just wasn’t there. Fun read if you’re not looking for something overly complex or serious.
This book had an interesting premise but it fell a bit flat for me. It had the action sequences, the badass women, a focus on friendships, but the characters never grew much and the world building just wasn’t there. Fun read if you’re not looking for something overly complex or serious.
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ARC review - The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
4.25 stars
I requested this ARC based solely on the cover, and only skimmed the blurb. I mean fire breathing lizards and a full female cast? Consider me sold!
We follow multiple POVs, and I enjoyed all of them for different reasons, even the villainess's. The characters are well written and funny, and you really feel the emotions they go through. There is a sapphic romance subplot, and I can't wait to see where that goes!
I loved the story line concerning the huge lizards, and I think How to Train Your Dragon fans will, too!
Overall, this is a strong start to the series with a really satisfying ending which sets up the sequels perfectly.
PS Protect Khun at all cost!!
A massive thank you to Little Brown UK, Netgalley and the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
4.25 stars
I requested this ARC based solely on the cover, and only skimmed the blurb. I mean fire breathing lizards and a full female cast? Consider me sold!
We follow multiple POVs, and I enjoyed all of them for different reasons, even the villainess's. The characters are well written and funny, and you really feel the emotions they go through. There is a sapphic romance subplot, and I can't wait to see where that goes!
I loved the story line concerning the huge lizards, and I think How to Train Your Dragon fans will, too!
Overall, this is a strong start to the series with a really satisfying ending which sets up the sequels perfectly.
PS Protect Khun at all cost!!
A massive thank you to Little Brown UK, Netgalley and the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
<b>Disclosure Statement: I received an advanced reading copy of this novel from the publisher. My thoughts and opinions on the book are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by either author or publisher.</b>
I'll keep this short:
<i>The Bone Raiders</i> is almost exactly what it says it is in its description, but it's also an absolute triumph as a story. It's funny, it's heartwarming, it's surprising at times, and I absolutely fucking loved it.
But it's also deceptively smart, an exploration of what it means to stand up and actually take a side. It's all about making choices and living by consequence, of having to actually look at one's life and one's position and realize what it means to have to take a stake. It's got some absolutely brilliant character moments, and the plot feels tight.
If dragon fantasy is your thing, this is a fresh take on that genre--with a cast of colorful characters and a hell of a good time.
I'll keep this short:
<i>The Bone Raiders</i> is almost exactly what it says it is in its description, but it's also an absolute triumph as a story. It's funny, it's heartwarming, it's surprising at times, and I absolutely fucking loved it.
But it's also deceptively smart, an exploration of what it means to stand up and actually take a side. It's all about making choices and living by consequence, of having to actually look at one's life and one's position and realize what it means to have to take a stake. It's got some absolutely brilliant character moments, and the plot feels tight.
If dragon fantasy is your thing, this is a fresh take on that genre--with a cast of colorful characters and a hell of a good time.
Give me fire breathing lizards and a baddass group of woman any day. Follow through with some banter and great pacing. I got through this in a day easy. A great entry into a new series. I have never read Jackson Ford before but. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and checking out the authors backlog.
This story is told in the third person and has 4 povs. For those who are picky about their povs. But I totally found it to be a fun read and am anticipating the next installment! I need more!
Thank you to Orbit for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story is told in the third person and has 4 povs. For those who are picky about their povs. But I totally found it to be a fun read and am anticipating the next installment! I need more!
Thank you to Orbit for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“Giant Lizards could f@ck right off!”
Yes you have my attention and yes I am all in now! This books starts out running and rarely lets up. I was totally engrossed from he first page. Is there a better intro for a character then Sayana’s? I think not. When we meet her she is tied to a pole with a giant fire breathing lizard called araatan burning people to a crisp.
The written is well done with lots of humor and banter between characters. The world building is immersive and well done. The characters are the best part. The others character development is spot on. The author easily creates characters that feel real and are relatable. Sayana and Hogelun are not perfect but they know that and just do not care. It was easy to get emotionally involved with the characters and stay interested in them as they evolved throughout the story.
Overall this was an fun and action backed read! How long do I have to wait for book 2?
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A Fiery, and Emotionally Gripping Start to an Epic New Series!
The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford is a searing introduction to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy saga. From the very first page, Ford plunges readers into a brutal, vibrant world teetering on the edge of war, ruled by fear, (perceived) loyalty, and betrayal -all anchored by a cast of remarkably distinct and deeply human characters.
Each of the protagonists stands vividly apart, from the stoic yet burdened leader whose past sins weigh heavily on her decisions, to the sharp tongued rogue whose defiance masks a battered heart, and the quiet cook whose courage blossoms into heartbreak and mending. The character development is a key! Each arc is meticulously woven, allowing growth, doubt, resilience and love to prosper in the most harrowing of circumstances. They are people you ache for, scream with, and ultimately cheer on as they defy impossible odds.
And those odds? They include a colossal fire spitting lizard that terrorizes and scorches its way into the most intense scenes of the novel. Ford created a beast and gave it a presence as symbolic as it is thrilling, mirroring the uncontrollable violence that the Bone Raiders themselves struggle against/with both externally and within.
At the heart of the story lies a chilling truth: the real danger often comes from those closest to us. Ford handles betrayal with great precision, showing how trust, once fractured, can redefine destinies. These emotional gut punches will burn themselves into your mind.
One of the most powerful themes running through The Bone Raiders (this one impacted me the most) is the struggle to find and protect one’s own voice, even when doing so means disrupting the status quo. Ford crafts a poignant message about "the cost of keeping peace at the expense of truth", and the courage it takes to speak up in a world that demands silence and subjugation.
The pacing of the novel is high, straight out of the gate. Around the 30% mark, there's a slight dip..more of a breath than a flaw..but once the 50% threshold is crossed, the narrative becomes relentless. Each chapter builds on the last with explosive momentum, drawing us (the readers) into a fire storm of battle, sacrifice, and revelation.
The ending is satisfying, a sort of full circle moment that ties up key threads while leaving just enough unresolved to make waiting for the sequel an exquisite kind of torture.. wetting the tongue and igniting anticipation for what comes next.
Jackson Ford’s The Bone Raiders is an emotional and exhilarating triumph. A must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with teeth, heart, and fire.
Thank you to Jackson Ford for this adventure, I am totally looking at the little lizards in front of my house in a different light.. Thank you to Orbit Books and Netgalley for making it happen!
The Bone Raiders by Jackson Ford is a searing introduction to what promises to be an unforgettable fantasy saga. From the very first page, Ford plunges readers into a brutal, vibrant world teetering on the edge of war, ruled by fear, (perceived) loyalty, and betrayal -all anchored by a cast of remarkably distinct and deeply human characters.
Each of the protagonists stands vividly apart, from the stoic yet burdened leader whose past sins weigh heavily on her decisions, to the sharp tongued rogue whose defiance masks a battered heart, and the quiet cook whose courage blossoms into heartbreak and mending. The character development is a key! Each arc is meticulously woven, allowing growth, doubt, resilience and love to prosper in the most harrowing of circumstances. They are people you ache for, scream with, and ultimately cheer on as they defy impossible odds.
And those odds? They include a colossal fire spitting lizard that terrorizes and scorches its way into the most intense scenes of the novel. Ford created a beast and gave it a presence as symbolic as it is thrilling, mirroring the uncontrollable violence that the Bone Raiders themselves struggle against/with both externally and within.
At the heart of the story lies a chilling truth: the real danger often comes from those closest to us. Ford handles betrayal with great precision, showing how trust, once fractured, can redefine destinies. These emotional gut punches will burn themselves into your mind.
One of the most powerful themes running through The Bone Raiders (this one impacted me the most) is the struggle to find and protect one’s own voice, even when doing so means disrupting the status quo. Ford crafts a poignant message about "the cost of keeping peace at the expense of truth", and the courage it takes to speak up in a world that demands silence and subjugation.
The pacing of the novel is high, straight out of the gate. Around the 30% mark, there's a slight dip..more of a breath than a flaw..but once the 50% threshold is crossed, the narrative becomes relentless. Each chapter builds on the last with explosive momentum, drawing us (the readers) into a fire storm of battle, sacrifice, and revelation.
The ending is satisfying, a sort of full circle moment that ties up key threads while leaving just enough unresolved to make waiting for the sequel an exquisite kind of torture.. wetting the tongue and igniting anticipation for what comes next.
Jackson Ford’s The Bone Raiders is an emotional and exhilarating triumph. A must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy with teeth, heart, and fire.
Thank you to Jackson Ford for this adventure, I am totally looking at the little lizards in front of my house in a different light.. Thank you to Orbit Books and Netgalley for making it happen!
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ford did it again! He delivered a book that was funny, adventurous and interesting. The Bone Raiders is about this group of (gorgeous and amazing) women who are just trying to live in peace, but are always bothered by the Khan and his minions. It’s a story about friendship, love, loyalty, justice and family, because even if they aren’t related by blood, they still are family.
I love the different personalities of the Rakada members, how we can all easily identify to them. The world building was top tier, the plots were amazing. After having read the frost files a few years ago, I’m still in love with Ford’s writing. I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for the next one, that’s for sure!!
SPOILERS AHEADDDDD
Let me just say that Khun is the funniest character ever. Her origin story is devastating, but that girl is hilarious.
Also, this impossible love story between Sayana and Tuya?!?!?! I aint fan of romance, but DAMN GAWD!!!!
And the deaf representation with Erhi?!?! The way they all acknowledge that what Tuya did was a big no?! Here I though I couldn’t be more a fan of you Jackson!!
That treason, let me tell you, I was NOT expecting that!!! You got me fooled there. AND THE BABIES?!?!
I love the different personalities of the Rakada members, how we can all easily identify to them. The world building was top tier, the plots were amazing. After having read the frost files a few years ago, I’m still in love with Ford’s writing. I’ll be waiting (im)patiently for the next one, that’s for sure!!
SPOILERS AHEADDDDD
Let me just say that Khun is the funniest character ever. Her origin story is devastating, but that girl is hilarious.
Also, this impossible love story between Sayana and Tuya?!?!?! I aint fan of romance, but DAMN GAWD!!!!
And the deaf representation with Erhi?!?! The way they all acknowledge that what Tuya did was a big no?! Here I though I couldn’t be more a fan of you Jackson!!
That treason, let me tell you, I was NOT expecting that!!! You got me fooled there. AND THE BABIES?!?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt