A review by suzannedix
Empire of Bones by N.D. Wilson

2.0

Book three of the Ashtown Burials series finds siblings Cyrus and Antigone Smith in hiding, along with their mentor and leader, Rupurt Greeves, and other members of the Order of Brennan, an organization of protectors of ancient secrets. With their dwindling numbers, fighting back against Dr. Phoenix and his transmortals is taking its toll. A conspiracy is unmasked involving the O. of B.’s Brendan and his alliance with Dr. Phoenix. While a fast-paced adventure, Empire of Bones skirts the line of a horror novel, with terroryfing characters like the gilled Reborn or scorceror Radu Bey with dragon Azazel living within his body. There is a disproportionate amount of violence and gore for the intended age range. While the story is filled with constant action, this would be a difficult book to recommend to younger or more sensitive middle school students. Masterfully read by Thomas Vincent Kelly. His British, Irish and American accents are spot on and in truth, the narration is the only highlight in this violent, high fantasy story. Recommended as an optional purchase if the previous two books have been popular.

Gr 7 and up.