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kblincoln's review against another edition
4.0
I read Van Eekhout's Norse Code lo these many years ago and while I was entertained, wasn't hooked enough to follow up with later work.
For some reason California Bones caught my eye and I decided to give him another try. Glad I did!
Whether I've matured or Van Eekhout's writing has matured is a toss up. However, this book did get me hooked-- right from the start when Daniel Blackland's father forces him to drink melted Kraken spine on a Southern California (that's the Kingdom of Southern California) beach.
Osteomancy is what runs California-- magic derived from the excavated bones (kind of like dinosaurs in our world) of sphinxes, dragons, and smilodons. Only the bones are running out (can anyone say "peak oil") and now the Hierarch, the strongest osteomancer who rules Southern California, has decided to turn to other..ah...sources...of bone magic.
Daniel has been in hiding all these years after his parents met a terrible end. The thief master who took him in is calling in his chips-- he's got one, last heist for Daniel and his team to pull off. Rob the Hierarch's ossuary.
So this is a heist novel. Daniel and his team plan to steal items from an impregnable fortress (guarded by things like Hyakume eyes). But it's also a well-developed world with cool and usually consistent use of bone-magic. And Daniel is cool.
And van Eekhout even managed to slip in some political commentary about how humans use non-renewable resources. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not, but very sly.
Urban fantasy with adventure, bone-magic, and heist capers.
For some reason California Bones caught my eye and I decided to give him another try. Glad I did!
Whether I've matured or Van Eekhout's writing has matured is a toss up. However, this book did get me hooked-- right from the start when Daniel Blackland's father forces him to drink melted Kraken spine on a Southern California (that's the Kingdom of Southern California) beach.
Osteomancy is what runs California-- magic derived from the excavated bones (kind of like dinosaurs in our world) of sphinxes, dragons, and smilodons. Only the bones are running out (can anyone say "peak oil") and now the Hierarch, the strongest osteomancer who rules Southern California, has decided to turn to other..ah...sources...of bone magic.
Daniel has been in hiding all these years after his parents met a terrible end. The thief master who took him in is calling in his chips-- he's got one, last heist for Daniel and his team to pull off. Rob the Hierarch's ossuary.
So this is a heist novel. Daniel and his team plan to steal items from an impregnable fortress (guarded by things like Hyakume eyes). But it's also a well-developed world with cool and usually consistent use of bone-magic. And Daniel is cool.
And van Eekhout even managed to slip in some political commentary about how humans use non-renewable resources. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not, but very sly.
Urban fantasy with adventure, bone-magic, and heist capers.
bzedan's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love this book, partly because I first read it when I’d recently begun my job, the commute which takes me past La Brea. But also it’s mean and raw and has a type of magic system I hadn’t encountered before, and the alternate LA is so lovingly built in it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
California Bones by Greg Van Eekhout is the first in a new urban fantasy series that takes place in California. In the world of California Bones osteomancy is the form magic takes as power if gained through distilling and consuming the bones of other creatures. Daniel Blackland, the son of a famous osteomancer was present when his father was killed by the powerful Hierarch of Southern California (I’ll leave to your imagination exactly how he was killed). Daniel escaped and was raised in the underworld of Los Angeles where he has survived through his wits and using just enough of the magic his father taught him so as to stay beneath the Heirarch’s radar. When his estranged criminal mentor contacts him for one last job Daniel assembles an Ocean’s 11 style magical team to rob the heart of the Hierarch’s magical kingdom, the La Brea Tar Pits.
There is an underlying sense of originality in California Bones. Van Eekhout presents a place and time that is familiar but transformed by the presence of magic. California is a land unto itself, no longer a part of the United States, a land with its own laws. The strangeness of the familiar sights and sounds of Los Angeles particularly the juxtaposition of modern technology and a sort of Old World vibe makes for an intriguing read. Van Eekhout doesn’t really delve into the rest of the world, though there is some acknowledgement of the greater world and even modern science, and I am definitely curious as to what is going on elsewhere.
While Daniel is the primary protagonist I found that the real star of the show was a character introduced later. A distant cousin to the Hierarch, Gabriel is something of an antagonist in the story but as a sort of a middle manager within the political structure of the Hierarchy he isn’t quite the villain that The Hierarch and his primary lieutenants are. Gabriel enlists the aid of Max, a prisoner turned into a hound used to sniff out magic users. Max isn’t even supposed to have a name and his fatalistic attitude, he was slated for execution, plays nicely against Gabriel’s laid back nature. The back and forth between Gabriel and Max, as well of Gabriels delicate maneuvers within the delicate political quagmire of the Hiearchy were as entertaining as the heist action. Daniels side of the story unfolds in the familiar pattern of most heist stories: gather the crew, plan the job, and execute the job. It is through Daniel’s side of the story that the reader comes to best understand the nature of the magical world. Van Eekhout crafts an anything is possible atmosphere while somehow simultaneously setting tangible limits on just what magic can do. Daniels comes with a lot of personal baggage both in the form of his family history and his connections to the crew he assembles and Van Eekhout manages to convey a sense of growth, even if it is somewhat reluctant, on Daniel’s part as the story progresses.
California Bones might take a familiar format but the world its set in his wholly original. Van Eekhout has a keen sense of character that helps ease readers into the world. The novels is fast paced, perhaps a bit too fast, and Van Eekhout doesn’t tend to linger too long on any one scene. Reading California Bones is sort of like sightseeing via high-speed train; it gets you where you’re going, is pretty damn thrilling, but you only catch glimpses of some other amazing things as flit by the window. California Bones is a novel that stands nicely on its but thankfully Van Eekhout will be returning to this weird world in the forthcoming Pacific Fire.
There is an underlying sense of originality in California Bones. Van Eekhout presents a place and time that is familiar but transformed by the presence of magic. California is a land unto itself, no longer a part of the United States, a land with its own laws. The strangeness of the familiar sights and sounds of Los Angeles particularly the juxtaposition of modern technology and a sort of Old World vibe makes for an intriguing read. Van Eekhout doesn’t really delve into the rest of the world, though there is some acknowledgement of the greater world and even modern science, and I am definitely curious as to what is going on elsewhere.
While Daniel is the primary protagonist I found that the real star of the show was a character introduced later. A distant cousin to the Hierarch, Gabriel is something of an antagonist in the story but as a sort of a middle manager within the political structure of the Hierarchy he isn’t quite the villain that The Hierarch and his primary lieutenants are. Gabriel enlists the aid of Max, a prisoner turned into a hound used to sniff out magic users. Max isn’t even supposed to have a name and his fatalistic attitude, he was slated for execution, plays nicely against Gabriel’s laid back nature. The back and forth between Gabriel and Max, as well of Gabriels delicate maneuvers within the delicate political quagmire of the Hiearchy were as entertaining as the heist action. Daniels side of the story unfolds in the familiar pattern of most heist stories: gather the crew, plan the job, and execute the job. It is through Daniel’s side of the story that the reader comes to best understand the nature of the magical world. Van Eekhout crafts an anything is possible atmosphere while somehow simultaneously setting tangible limits on just what magic can do. Daniels comes with a lot of personal baggage both in the form of his family history and his connections to the crew he assembles and Van Eekhout manages to convey a sense of growth, even if it is somewhat reluctant, on Daniel’s part as the story progresses.
California Bones might take a familiar format but the world its set in his wholly original. Van Eekhout has a keen sense of character that helps ease readers into the world. The novels is fast paced, perhaps a bit too fast, and Van Eekhout doesn’t tend to linger too long on any one scene. Reading California Bones is sort of like sightseeing via high-speed train; it gets you where you’re going, is pretty damn thrilling, but you only catch glimpses of some other amazing things as flit by the window. California Bones is a novel that stands nicely on its but thankfully Van Eekhout will be returning to this weird world in the forthcoming Pacific Fire.
namulith's review against another edition
3.0
I started this book as an audio book a long time ago. Probably last year. I liked it, but because I don't do audio books anymore I never continued. Until now. I remembered the book and decided to finish it with my eyes instead of my ears. That went over pretty quickly. It's an easy, fast read. The story is nice. I particularly liked the idea of bone magic and having to consume stuff in order to get to the magic. The characters are pretty typical. Young, competent people who achieve what they set out to do. No surprises, but still fun.
pam_sartain's review against another edition
5.0
This was a very different book of wizards and magic, and I really enjoyed it! I don't want to spoil anything for you, though!
It's funny - I used to enjoy knowing what was going to happen in a book or a film, and these days I just try to enjoy the experience, and after I've read for a bit, I'll have a read of the back cover, and find out if it matches what's happened!
I did the same with films! John Wick surprised me, as did the latest Thor! Just need to go and watch the latest Star Wars film before I have any spoilers!
It's funny - I used to enjoy knowing what was going to happen in a book or a film, and these days I just try to enjoy the experience, and after I've read for a bit, I'll have a read of the back cover, and find out if it matches what's happened!
I did the same with films! John Wick surprised me, as did the latest Thor! Just need to go and watch the latest Star Wars film before I have any spoilers!
csdaley's review against another edition
5.0
Posted originally on my blog www.csdaley.com
I should buy myself a rubber stamp with the word sucker on it. This way when I am looking at new books and say the words, urban fantasy, heist, alternate history, genre blending, fantasy, I can just stamp my head sucker and buy it. I don't even really know how to begin describing California Bones. At its heart it is an urban fantasy set in a Los Angeles dominated by magic and canals (you read that right, canals. It is one of my favorite parts of the book). Ruled by a nasty piece of work called the Hierarch. Calling him a brutal, tyrant of a dictator is probably too nice of a selection of words.
The magic is where the fun starts. You see bones make the magic system do its rounds. Any kind of bones; human, animal, fossils. Eekhout does a great job of building the magic system which is good because it is central to the plot. It seems the Hierarch likes to cleanse his Southern California nation of potential rivals and powerful Osteomancers (bone magicians).
This is the leaping off point where we meet young Daniel and his family. They are caught up in one of the cleansings and Daniel escapes into the city where he becomes a brilliant thief. Fast forward a few years and we get to the meat of the story. Someone hires Daniel and his crew to break into the Hierarch's fortress.
That's about as much of the plot as I want to give away. The joy of this book is the discovery. Eekhout does a bang up job of world building. Giving you just enough of a familiar Los Angeles to keep you guessing what surprise will come next and there are plenty of them. The book is relentless. It plows forward and barely gives you a chance to breath. Lots of action, magic, and suspense with a dash of dark grittiness thrown in for good measure.
California Bones is one of the best times I have had reading a book this year. I curled up in my reading chair yesterday and plowed through it. It is a book that is hard to put down. So hard in fact dinner was a little late. I needed to know how it finished up. The best news of all is that it is book one of a planned trilogy and book two Pacific Fire is already out. I know what I will be reading this week. Pick it up and set aside a few hours. You won't regret it.
I should buy myself a rubber stamp with the word sucker on it. This way when I am looking at new books and say the words, urban fantasy, heist, alternate history, genre blending, fantasy, I can just stamp my head sucker and buy it. I don't even really know how to begin describing California Bones. At its heart it is an urban fantasy set in a Los Angeles dominated by magic and canals (you read that right, canals. It is one of my favorite parts of the book). Ruled by a nasty piece of work called the Hierarch. Calling him a brutal, tyrant of a dictator is probably too nice of a selection of words.
The magic is where the fun starts. You see bones make the magic system do its rounds. Any kind of bones; human, animal, fossils. Eekhout does a great job of building the magic system which is good because it is central to the plot. It seems the Hierarch likes to cleanse his Southern California nation of potential rivals and powerful Osteomancers (bone magicians).
This is the leaping off point where we meet young Daniel and his family. They are caught up in one of the cleansings and Daniel escapes into the city where he becomes a brilliant thief. Fast forward a few years and we get to the meat of the story. Someone hires Daniel and his crew to break into the Hierarch's fortress.
That's about as much of the plot as I want to give away. The joy of this book is the discovery. Eekhout does a bang up job of world building. Giving you just enough of a familiar Los Angeles to keep you guessing what surprise will come next and there are plenty of them. The book is relentless. It plows forward and barely gives you a chance to breath. Lots of action, magic, and suspense with a dash of dark grittiness thrown in for good measure.
California Bones is one of the best times I have had reading a book this year. I curled up in my reading chair yesterday and plowed through it. It is a book that is hard to put down. So hard in fact dinner was a little late. I needed to know how it finished up. The best news of all is that it is book one of a planned trilogy and book two Pacific Fire is already out. I know what I will be reading this week. Pick it up and set aside a few hours. You won't regret it.
emsee33's review against another edition
4.0
Fans of MISTBORN are going to love Greg van Eekhout’s West Coast take on the magical heist story in CALIFORNIA BONES, with its alternate Los Angeles, quirky ensemble of thieves, and introduction to osteomancy. Though I devoured it with the same gusto that the Hierarch devours the bones of Daniel’s father, the narrative moves very quickly, cramming several books’ worth of story into a single novel. There are so many fascinating aspects of the world van Eekhout’s created that I want more time to get to know its intricacies, and I think the relationships, in particular, suffer for the speed.
Read the rest of this review at All Things Urban Fantasy.
Read the rest of this review at All Things Urban Fantasy.
sandy23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
alienor's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating : 3.5 stars
✘ A strong stomach - the whole magical system revolves around eating skulls, after all. Strangely it didn't gross me out as much as I thought it would (because I am weird?!), but you might need some "adaptation time", let's say. Also, Daniel licks someone else's cup at some point. Ewww, right? (why this scene struck me like this is beyond me. Okay I lied : GERMS) Purely original, though, and a breath of fresh air in this ocean of vampires, shapeshifters and other fairies.
✘ Interesting characters who *could* have been amazing if only they were a little more fleshed-out. Granted, Daniel dangerously swims in these grey waters I usually love but if [a:Greg Van Eekhout|1957584|Greg Van Eekhout|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1305822447p2/1957584.jpg]'s characters came very close to win me over sometimes, my heart never really surrendered itself. Shrugs. Dragon-scale skin and all that, I suppose. I could hold the 3rd person POV responsible, but it wouldn't be fair to all my beloved books using the same narrative voice. Something's missing is all, I guess.
✘ No boredom but on the contrary, a fast-paced and action-packed journey into this alternative Los Angeles where magic stands above everything and everyone. Also, HEIST! Did I say that I loved heists? Because I loooove them.
Annnnnd this is all you'll get from me today, because EXPRESS REVIEW, you all (also, I have yet to finish rating my students' copybooks, and it's 10pm. What's wrong with me really)
► [b:California Bones|18490594|California Bones (Daniel Blackland, #1)|Greg Van Eekhout|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393646834l/18490594._SY75_.jpg|25312108] was an entertaining and compelling book, whose little flaws won't stop me from continuing the journey with Daniel. I kinda hope he'll turn bad, alright?
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