Bone Warriors by Bron Bahlmann

Bone Warriors
Author: Bron Bahlmann
Genres: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 268
Published: 2009
Publisher: Sweetwater Books

Craving power and lusting for human souls, the wicked Necromancer sweeps the land, leaving behind nothing but death and devastation. Returning home, fifteen-year-old Derrik and his friend Tweaks find their homes burning and families missing. They immediately embark on a rescue quest for redemption and retaliation. Such evil cannot be allowed to roam exempt.

The boys soon realize that their only hope to save their families comes from the very creature they cannot trust. But they're running out of time. How can they put an end to the Necromancer's terrifying reign?

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I know Shirley, Bron’s mother and a great writer, and she asked if I’d give Bron’s book a review here on my blog. I was happy to do it because: 1) I like to encourage young writers, and 2) I was interested to see what Bron—who started this book at age 11 and finished it at age 14—could come up with.

I was very pleasantly surprised with the scope and complexity of this story.

Derrik and Tweaks—best friends since children—are out in the fields when their village is destroyed and their parents and neighbors are taken hostage by the necromancer. The two boys set out on a long journey to rescue their families. Along the way, they meet Ssaska (a reptile man), Clatterin (a set of reanimated bones), a group of giants, “scales” and “furries” (man-like reptiles and mammals), boar-men, old men that turn into stone, and a whole host of other intriguing creatures—born from the imagination of Bron Bahlmann.

The storyline follows the basic path of a traditional hero’s journey, but with lots of fun twists and turns. Derrik and Tweaks grow and change, and become prepared to make the final battle when they stand against the necromancer and his army of bone warriors.

I thought the writing was pretty good, with just a few exceptions (too many adjectives; a couple of story holes, like how did they know Clatterin was female?). The plot and dialogue were good and tight. Overall, I liked the book.

If you like fantasy, I think you’ll enjoy this book. I’m looking forward to seeing what this young man will come up with next.

You can read Bron’s blog HERE.

You can purchase Bone Warriors HERE.

Related Posts