Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Young Adult + Historical + Fantasy + Mystery
Beastly Bones is the second novel in the Jackaby series written by William Ritter. In this installment, the two main protagonists continue their investigation into the disappearance of recently found fossils as well as the killings of townspeople. The presence of a dangerous beast is uncovered with the assistance of the law enforcement officer Charlie, and the misfit group is tasked with vanquishing it in order to save people.
When I initially started reading the book, I had conflicting feelings since the first story, "Jackaby," was not as entertaining to me as I had anticipated it to be. In spite of the fact that Jackaby is not my favorite, I still consider it to be superior to this one and more interesting. The plot of Beastly Bones was even more disappointing than that of Jackaby since it lacked the same sense of mystery and appeal. It was difficult for me to fully commit myself to the tale since the plot was lacking in strength and failed to hold my interest.
I continue to believe that the characters in Beastly Bones as well as in Jackaby were both interesting and fun to read about, which was a saving grace for this book in particular. Abigail Rook, who serves as the story's main protagonist, is a courageous and self-reliant young lady who is simple to root for. The supporting characters were also well-crafted and contributed a witty and appealing element to the narrative. However, the storyline was so uninteresting that even these intriguing personalities were not enough to make up for it. I am unable to put my finger on exactly what it is that is not working for me. Perhaps this series is not for me. I'll have to check to see if book three follows the same formula or takes a new approach.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I wasn't sure what I was going to get from Beastly Bones. I really enjoyed Jackaby, but I had high hopes that Ritter's writing would see development in this second book.
I have to say, I think it did. The storyline was much more complex, and when everything finally came together at the end, I TOTALLY DIDN'T SEE IT. I felt all "Duh!" afterwards, but I was genuinely surprised at the resolution of the mystery. The mystery itself kept me intrigued, the plot was well-paced, and the story line was a lot more multi-layered than Jackaby. Not to mention, the comedy relief of the two paleontologists was wonderful!
We get a lot more of Abigail in this book. Even though the series is told from her point of view, I think we get to see more of her true self in this second book. I thought her uncertainty and giddiness over Mr. Cane felt genuine, and it made the relationship more palpable.
We also learn more about Mr. Jackaby. We see new sides of him in Beastly Bones, and he feels more human. He truly cares about the women in his life, and we see that in this book as he pushes them to be their best.
While Beastly Bones reaches a conclusion, it also ends open-ended for the next book. I thought this was done really well, and now I'm dying to know!!
I have no idea how many books are supposed to be in this series, but I've seen rumblings that it's only going to be a trilogy?! MAN DO I HOPE NOT!! These two books have convinced me that I need far more of Mr. Jackaby and Abigail than three books!
Overall, I thought this was a great second book, and really want to see how the characters and story continue to develop!
This review was originally posted on Books Are My Thing
I wasn't sure what I was going to get from Beastly Bones. I really enjoyed Jackaby, but I had high hopes that Ritter's writing would see development in this second book.
I have to say, I think it did. The storyline was much more complex, and when everything finally came together at the end, I TOTALLY DIDN'T SEE IT. I felt all "Duh!" afterwards, but I was genuinely surprised at the resolution of the mystery. The mystery itself kept me intrigued, the plot was well-paced, and the story line was a lot more multi-layered than Jackaby. Not to mention, the comedy relief of the two paleontologists was wonderful!
We get a lot more of Abigail in this book. Even though the series is told from her point of view, I think we get to see more of her true self in this second book. I thought her uncertainty and giddiness over Mr. Cane felt genuine, and it made the relationship more palpable.
We also learn more about Mr. Jackaby. We see new sides of him in Beastly Bones, and he feels more human. He truly cares about the women in his life, and we see that in this book as he pushes them to be their best.
While Beastly Bones reaches a conclusion, it also ends open-ended for the next book. I thought this was done really well, and now I'm dying to know
Spoiler
who the pale man isI have no idea how many books are supposed to be in this series, but I've seen rumblings that it's only going to be a trilogy?! MAN DO I HOPE NOT!! These two books have convinced me that I need far more of Mr. Jackaby and Abigail than three books!
Overall, I thought this was a great second book, and really want to see how the characters and story continue to develop!
This review was originally posted on Books Are My Thing
Beastly Bones was a very nice follow up to Jackaby. I can't say it drew me in quite as much as the first novel, but it didn't have the element of surprise that you get when starting a new, unique series. I knew a bit more what to expect with this one.
That being said, I continue to enjoy the narrative of Abigail Rook, written just like Watson "wrote" about the good old adventures of Mr. Holmes. Jackaby is not quite as exciting as Sherlock, or as unique and likable as the Doctor, but he has enough quirkiness that's all his own to keep me from disliking his character as a cheap knock off. I don't feel like I connect with him as much as I would like, but I really enjoy Abigail and am happy to continue to see depth and growth in her character.
The story itself was fairly interesting, had some good mystery, and a nice, neat conclusion with a newly introduced story arc that will keep me reading to find out what happens!
That being said, I continue to enjoy the narrative of Abigail Rook, written just like Watson "wrote" about the good old adventures of Mr. Holmes. Jackaby is not quite as exciting as Sherlock, or as unique and likable as the Doctor, but he has enough quirkiness that's all his own to keep me from disliking his character as a cheap knock off. I don't feel like I connect with him as much as I would like, but I really enjoy Abigail and am happy to continue to see depth and growth in her character.
The story itself was fairly interesting, had some good mystery, and a nice, neat conclusion with a newly introduced story arc that will keep me reading to find out what happens!
I read this book in a matter of hours. I was hooked from start to finish and loved every part. I need my hands on the third installment right now.
didn't like this one as much as the first book in the series, but will keep reading on...
adventurous
mysterious
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:
No
Great second volume
I liked it! I very much enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was excited to see what came next. This time I was impressed with the snappy dialog, and genuinely laughed at the humorous tone the author took at times.
5/5, definitely recommended.
I liked it! I very much enjoyed the first book in the series, so I was excited to see what came next. This time I was impressed with the snappy dialog, and genuinely laughed at the humorous tone the author took at times.
5/5, definitely recommended.
Enjoyed this even more than first volume in the series. Ritter's series may have a tad more formula than true originality, but the mixture he comes up with is most satisfying to my Holmes/Dr. Who/Harry Potter loving sensibilities!
P289
"How long has he been at it? Did he orchestrate the reclusive redcap's rise to become a predator in public office? Plant the swarm of brownies on the mayor's lawn? Promote the adoption of the Dewey decimal system in libraries across the continent? It's the not knowing I find most irksome"
"The Dewey decimal system?"
"It's gaining popularity. I don't trust it"
❤
"How long has he been at it? Did he orchestrate the reclusive redcap's rise to become a predator in public office? Plant the swarm of brownies on the mayor's lawn? Promote the adoption of the Dewey decimal system in libraries across the continent? It's the not knowing I find most irksome"
"The Dewey decimal system?"
"It's gaining popularity. I don't trust it"
❤