When TJ Klune has the chance to emotionally ruin me, consider myself ruined.

Nate has hit rock bottom, or at least he thought he did when he lost his job and his estranged parents died. Only it turns out things can and do get worse when he finds the remote cabin his mother left him to be occupied by a little girl calling herself Artemis Darth Vader and a very menacing grown man named Alex. And Alex has a gun. Now it's rock bottom!

Only it's not. It's the start of a wild, deeply weird, highly emotional interior and exterior journey for all three of these people. The circumstances are wild. All are required to bust out of their comfort zones and take unprecedented leaps of faith. Honestly for the first third of the book, readers are about as in the dark as Nate is. It's clear that Alex and Art are hiding something, and even when they offer up explanations they don't quite add up. But my curiosity beat out my passing frustrations (something I suppose Nate and I have in common), and in the end I spent two days in a row staying up WAY past my bedtime because I was completely invested in this strange little trio full of love and bacon. This is starkly different from the other Klune books I've read, and if I had to pick I would say it most closely resembles In the Lives of Puppets (except not at all). In this way, Klune's writing reminds me of Fredrick Backman's - he's an author with a signature voice, yet every story is uniquely singular.

This book was everything that I needed it to be. I was rooting for Art from the first page that we met her: the way she described love & what it means to be human was just chef’s kiss. This was such an insightful and delightful read - it was my first TJ Klune book but I know it won’t be my last. The characters were all very likeable and there were some laugh out loud moments that were both funny and touching at the same time. I’m also obsessed with the way the book ended - especially the final words; it felt so fitting and just a “duh” way to end the novel. Again, exactly what I wanted. 5/5 star read for me!

This paranormal MM romance will have you wishing for a grumpy ex-military man of your own.

This reminded me a bit of "To Be Taught If Fortunate" by Becky Chambers, if there was a helicopter crash in it.

I loved every bit of this book. Our main character Nate, is going through a mid-life crisis. His parents have recently died, he was fired from his job and is escaping to his family's remote cabin for a reset. When he gets there he finds a man with a gun and a curious ten year old girl who is so much more than she seems.

This book is a non-stop adventure, while also being tender and loving. I love how Nate is trying to navigate the things that are going on around him, while also trying to unravel the trauma from his past.

We have found family in the best way. Our 10-year-old Art provides the comic relief. And Alex, our grump ex-military soldier makes us work for his love and attention in a way that felt so authentic and real.

Also, this is my first TJ Klune book with an explicit love scene and I LOVED IT. Give us more books with this please TJ.

Read this if you love
🌟Bacon
🌟Found family
🌟Road trips
🌟Scary military car chases
🌟Humvees thrown into helicopters
🌟Tender MM romance
🌟Devastating first kiss

Thank you to TOR and NetGalley for the ARC.

Read this book while road tripping across the US, eating bacon and looking at the stars.

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. TJ Klune has a way of cracking open your soul and just creating this window that he pours his books into. That's how reading this book felt. It was a beautiful, hilarious, and heartbreaking story, and honestly it would be absolutely amazing if it were picked up by Studio Ghibli, because the visuals in this are so vivid and breathtaking that they need to be seen.

Nate has inherited a cabin from his parents. And a truck. And that's it. And his brother doesn't care that he wasn't at the funeral because they basically all disowned him when they found out he was gay. Ok. Well then. That's a bit close to home these days, isn't it? Finding Alex and Art is the best thing that's ever happened to him, even if it's not that way at first. Everything else that comes next is crazy and bizarre, and leads them on the adventure of their lives.

I appreciate so, so very much the fact that Klune puts his heart out there with his work, and writes romance that is true and beautiful. It's not just about physical stuff. The forming of bonds between characters and creating the found family is something that I've never seen another author do so well. To be human is to love, to be heartbroken, to hope in the face of certain doom while trying desperately to survive. Do your soul a favor and pick this one up. I'll just be over here with my new soul window open and ready for whatever magnificent weirdness TJ Klune writes next.

There is something so recognizable about this author's writing that even if you had censored his name from every page, it would still be obvious. I'll leave that upto each reader as to whether or not that's a good thing but in this case it's merely an observation. And thankfully the level of Klune-ness was about.. half of what he is capable of; by which I mean you won't find the extremes of Tales of Verania-level absurdity in this standalone. And it might even be a little toned down from Cerulean Chronicles -- mostly because there's only one precocious otherworldly child to deal with. So it's really a great entry level Klune book to pick up.. especially because it is a standalone.

What also makes this somewhat unique is that this is more of an action-style thrill ride than anything I've experienced before by the author. And those on the ride with you are a terse ex-Marine now current-bodyguard protecting a not-terse precocious and curious ten year old girl who is definitely not your average ten year old and the reluctant accomplice they, well, hold hostage and then sorta but not really kidnap. But all for good reasons. Mostly in order to evade the shadowy government who is chasing said ex-Marine and not-so-average ten year old.

Along the way there are mysteries and revelations and found family and conspiracies and cults and romance and more.

I will say that our POV, the reluctant accomplice, wasn't my favourite character. Artemis, the little girl, really is the star of the show and everything, and everyone, around her is mostly momentum to keep the plot going. But by the time we are nearing the end, and we have ironed out the kinks of the dynamic between all three of these characters, and some have softened up, some have chilled out, well. It's just really lovely. But most of my enjoyment of this one really was more from the story itself than the characters.

I'll admit I did start to lose a little bit of traction around, like, the halfway mark, but Klune brought it home in a big way and I ended up crying. Big surprise, I know, I am a sap. But this gave me a lot of warm and fuzzies and there were some long observational monologues that really did hit hard -- not quite Green Creek level monologing but I guess he was getting warmed up for those. It did though make me nostalgic for said aforementioned series, and not just because it was name dropped!, and the way I felt reading those books. Because I have to say the more recent Klunes haven't been doing it for me. And maybe the reason this did, too, is because it's a rerelease. Or maybe it was just the right time.

If you're already a fan, I won't need to convince you to pick this one up. But for everyone else, especially those who've had good and meh experiences, I think this could end up on the side of good for more people than not. It certainly did for me.

No one writes characters that worm their way into your heart like T. J. Klune's characters, even when those characters aren't even human. He has a magical way of making even the most fantastical situations seem normal, and creating a world in which humans and nonhumans develop loving, caring relationships. The Bones Beneath My Skin is no exception, and Alex, Nathan and Art will live in my soul for eternity.

This book has a lot more action in it than other books by this author; he actually describes it as an action movie in book form in the author's notes. There is also a fairly explicit MM love scene in it, so readers should be aware if that sort of thing bothers them. If, however, you love reading about found families, healthy loving relationships, and especially if you appreciate a little humor along with a road trip, this is definitely worth the time. For me, it was an unputdownable joyfest that will be one of my top reads of the year, I'm sure.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Books for the digital ARC of The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J.Klune. The opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you to TOR and TJ Klune for a gifted ARC!

After falling in love with “The House in the Cerulean Sea” and “Under the Whispering Door,” I will read anything TJ Klune writes. So I was beyond ecstatic when I found out he was re-releasing this sci-fi action novel with Stranger Things vibes.

🦴What did you love the most?

The serious tone sets this book apart from Klune's other works. It brings major sci-fi thriller energy with just a touch of romance—perfect for the plot and overall vibe.

Also, the Stranger Things feels totally delivered! I was hooked when Nate arrived at the cabin and met Alex and Artemis. And Artemis using spaghetti western references in every single sentence? Pure gold. 🤠🍝

🦴What to expect:

❤️Light, LGBTQ+ romance elements

🚀Sci-fi action

🕵️‍♂️Secret government agencies

😱Cults with eerie vibes

🦴How was the pace?
Fast-paced with gripping reveals.

🔥Steam level: Open-door scenes

🦴How was the romance?
Not primarily a romance, but there's definite tension between the two MMCs.

🦴Do you recommend this book?
If you love found family tropes, you'll adore Artemis, Alex, and Nate. I may have shed a tear or two—classic Klune with heartfelt, sappy moments near the end. Overall, I loved it and am thrilled he re-released it!

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune is a beautifully raw and emotionally gripping story that blends sci-fi, found family, and deep human connection in a way that lingers long after the last page. With Klune’s signature warmth and wit, the novel follows an ex-journalist, a mysterious girl with unimaginable power, and the man protecting her, weaving a tale of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to belong. The character dynamics are heartfelt and compelling, and the prose is both poignant and immersive. Klune masterfully balances tension, tenderness, and moments of quiet beauty, making this an unforgettable and deeply moving read.

4.5 ⭐️

This book was such a good read! I had such a hard time putting it down. I’ve been in a reading slump for the past year and this pulled me right out of it.

The relationship between Artemis and Alex was beautiful - add Nate in there and you have such a powerful dynamic. At the beginning of the story, I had such a hard time guessing where it was leading - I kept thinking she was going to be a robot/AI that became smart.

One thing I didn’t like is that the author sometimes tells you something is coming right before it happens which I found took away from the suspense.

Overall, great read and I HIGHLY recommend it!!

The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
4.5 (rounded up due to the rule of halves!)


T.J. Klune has a way of writing stories that highlight the depth of human spirit, connection etc…
Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this one hits hard. ❤️

This tale has two MMC’s, Nate and Alex, and the FMC Artemis Darth Vader. (You’ll have to read the novel to understand 😂) Nate and Alex are complete polar opposites and Art (Artemis,) is the magnet that pulls them together. She is the glue of the dynamic and the dynamic is beautiful. Art is written so, so well. She is infinitely wise and philosophical yet quirky and unintentionally hilarious.

There is just enough science fiction to classify this as a Sci-Fi novel but that doesn’t negatively impact the story and it is most definitely a romance. The environment and adventure are so vivid and enable the reader to feel like they are right there on this road trip with them. The real bones ( 😉) of this novel is the character development and relationships. T.J. really touches on human emotion, compassion and acceptance. I wouldn’t really say the first half of this book are slow but the second half is where the pacing really picks up. I was run through a gambit of emotions and along the journey I realized I was going to have my heart broken. Yes, this book brought tears to my eyes and had me to the point where I didn’t want to finish because I knew I was about to be destroyed.

If you’re looking for a sci-fi (lightly,) romance that plays either your emotions and has you deeply pondering the depth that human that are possible, this is the novel for you.
I’m forever a fan of T.J. Klune.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Part "Stranger Things," part "The Last of Us," and ALL of TJ Klune's ability to squeeze my heart, this book is a delightful departure from his most recent novels. Or maybe I should say that his most recent novels are the departure since this one was originally published in 2018! Either way, I'm so glad "The Bones Beneath our Skin" is getting the rerelease it deserves. A big thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC!

Featuring sci-fi action, a high-stakes road trip, the sweetest chosen family, and a heartfelt queer romance, this story asks us to think on what really makes us human. Love, acceptance, bravery, grief, and heartbreak all make an appearance. Oh, and BACON! Lots of bacon!! As I was reading this book, I told my husband, "It feels like going home." Because that's what TJ Klune books are to me...a safe space that's familiar, loving, and always kind.

I fell hard for Alex, Nate, and Artemis Darth Vader (best name ever BTW). Their witty banter and loyalty had me from the start. I felt all the feels watching them open their hearts towards each other as they became a family. My only nit is that some scenes, especially around the 70% mark, felt longer than they needed to be. The rest of the book is very fast-paced in comparison. But that also meant I spent more time with the delightful characters, so it's a small nit!

If you're down for an adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and consider the ways we're all very much alike even though we may come from different places, then THIS is the book for you!

A note...this novel features more adult content compared to, say, the Cerulean Sea Chronicles. I only bring it up in case those are the TJ Klune books you're familiar with! I'm here for all of the adult vibes, but could see the depictions of violence, strong language, or spicy bits catching certain readers off-guard ❤️

Yup, it's definitely a weird one as Klune puts it in his author's note at the end of the book which is a republication after he hit it out of the park with Cerulean.

Nate is traveling to a cabin in the woods as a last ditch effort to figure out things after his parents die and leave the cabin to him. Except when he gets there, it's already inhabited and he's thrown into an awkward situation with a young girl (Artemis Darth Vader) and her person (protector, relative, companion, question mark) Alex. The situation is definitely... different. The girl has powers or abilities and there's some cultish activities. Who is looking for them? Or are they looking for someone?

It's all a pile of mystery to unravel as the story goes on focused on the interactions of these individuals. It's curious and I don't know how to feel about it.

First off, I would like to thank Tor Publishing Group and #tjklune for allowing me to read the book, The Bones Beneath My Skin, via #netgalley. All opinions following are my own.

I had heard so many good things about this author, but I had never had the opportunity to read one of his books. I was really excited, then, when I got approved to read this one. Soon, though, I became a little weary because I realized it was more sci-fi than fantasy. Honestly, sci-fi really isn't my thing, but I knew I had to give it a try.

The story follows a man, Nate Cartwright, who has lost both of his parents to a murder-suicide, doesn't speak to his brother, and has recently lost his job as he tries to figure out what he wants to do next with his life. As he was estranged from both his parents, all he inherited was an old family cabin and beaten-down truck. Since he really has nowhere else to go, he decides to drive the truck to the cabin in the mountains.

Upon arriving, he is met with the surprise he is not alone. A rugged man named Alex Delgado and a young girl, who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader, or just Art, have been on-the-run and hiding in the cabin. Nate is soon faced with a choice: does he turn the duo in, or does he go on the adventure of a lifetime?

I, admittedly, had a hard time with the first 1/3 of the book. I felt like it dragged. However, I read the last 80% of this book in one sitting today, so I guess one could say I got invested! Overall, I gave this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, and this will NOT be my last TJ Klune book! Check out this book yourselves on February 04, 2025!

#brenbreathesbooks #brenreviewsbooks #thebonesbeneathmyskin #4starreads #lastbookofjanuary #netgalleyreviewer #ARCReader #ARC #lgbtqia #lgbtreads #thriller #fantasy #scifi #foundfamily #booknerd #bookworm #Reader #ReaderLife

He’s magical as he always it. My heart is full and TJ does with words not a lot of people can do. You should be so proud.

In The Bones Beneath My Skin, TJ Klune weaves a tale that blends the mundane with the extraordinary, set against the backdrop of a small mountain town in Oregon. The story follows Nate Cartwright, a man who has lost everything—his parents, his job, and his connection to his brother. Seeking solace, he retreats to his family's summer cabin, only to find it occupied by a mysterious man named Alex and an enigmatic little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis is no ordinary child; she possesses abilities that make her the target of powerful forces. As Nate becomes entangled in their lives, he must confront his past and decide whether to fight for a future he never imagined.

Klune’s signature elements are present: queer love, found family, quirky characters, and a touch of the fantastical. However, this book falls short compared to his other works. Nate, the protagonist, is difficult to root for; his constant self-pity and repetitive dialogue, often ending in questions, grow tiresome. Alex, the romantic interest, lacks any sort of charisma, making their relationship feel flat and unnecessary. Artemis, with her unique personality and mysterious abilities, is the standout character, but even she isn’t enough to carry the story.

The pacing is sluggish, and the narrative often feels bogged down by repetition. The Stranger Things-esque vibe is evident, but the marketing push to capitalize on the show’s popularity feels opportunistic, especially since this is a rerelease of a 2018 title. While Klune’s ability to create heartfelt, fantastical worlds is undeniable, The Bones Beneath My Skin struggles to find its footing, making it a disappointing read compared to his other works like The House in the Cerulean Sea or Wolfsong. For die-hard Klune fans, it might still hold some appeal, but for newcomers, it’s not the best introduction to his writing.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for an advanced readers copy of this book.

I don't even know where to begin with a review because this book was such a wild ride. I've been putting off reading this one, mentally preparing for the emotional rollercoaster I expected after reading "Under the Whispering Door", and honestly, I'm still reeling and processing what I experienced. It's only the end of January, but this will be a contender for my best of 2025, hands-down.

I don't know what I was expecting from the description, but this wasn't it. It was better. Beautifully written and SUPER WEIRD, I *loved* it. (I'm probably going to be telling everyone to read it from here on out.) With the mid-90's setting, aliens, and military, it was like a multi-episode run of The X-Files but with the lyrical word painting we love from TJ Klune.

I can't give you any more than this - you'll just have to trust and read it yourself. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the ride.

*Edited to add that I also listened to the 2023 audiobook narrated by Kirt Graves along with the digital eBook from NetGalley. (It was so good I couldn't put it down, so I switched to audio when appropriate.) The narration is beautiful and well worth the listen.

📚Trope(s): Reluctant Love (MM), Aliens, Military, Cults
What you get: 👨🏻‍❤️‍👨🏼💫🪐☄️🛸
⭐️Plot: 7/5
🔥Chemistry: 3/5
🌶️Spice: 1/5

When I think of a TJ Klune book, I think cozy and heartwarming with a good story, and that’s exactly what I got with this book.

This definitely had a bit more action than I’m used to with his other books I’ve read, but that wasn’t an issue at all. It really amped up the tension and helped move the plot along. The sci-fi/fantasy elements of the story were very easy to follow, and I think would work for people who are new to those genres and people who are lovers of those genres. There is a similarity to Stranger Things (which I absolutely loved), but the book was also its own story and took its own turns.

The characters were what really shone brightest for me. Nate, Alex, and Art are all so richly written, and I felt like I got to know each of them well. The slower beginning allowed for a lot of character building, which added to the depth of both their bond and the story. There were so many moments where they had me laughing out loud (especially Art), which balanced out the more serious/tense moments.

The found family trope is one of my favorites, and I loved how it was done here. I was 100% invested in these characters, and was picking this up every chance I got just to see what happened next. The end of the book had me in tears, and the epilogue wrapped things up nicely.

This is the best book I've read in a LONG time. I can already tell it's going to be one of, if not my favorite book of 2025.
After the death of Nate's parents (murder/suicide) (they hadn't talked to him in forever because he's gay), they leave him their cabin on Lake Hershel in the middle of nowhere Oregon and a truck. Since Nate has been recently fired from his journalist job, he figures he will go to the cabin, fall apart, then pick himself back up. But when he gets there, there is a large man with a gun and a little girl. Since the synopsis does not give anything else away, neither will I.
These characters. They have a permanent place in my heart now. Nate is alone. His parents are dead (and weren't speaking to him beforehand anyways), his brother hates him, and he is jobless. It's hard not to root for him from the beginning. Alex is the grumpiest grump I have ever read about. But after a few days, it's obvious he has a soft spot for the girl - Artemis Darth Vader. Art is the most peculiar 10 year old girl. She has never met a waitress, she has never tasted bacon, and she loves old western books. The things she says are so off the cuff and blunt and just absolutely hilarious. Each of these characters makes such a great internal journey. They learn so much about themselves and how they interact with things.
The plot was so good. Again, trying not to give much away, there were secret military groups, cults, conspiracy theories and more. Things just kept getting more and more wild. In recent years, I have found myself not thinking about a book I was reading during the day. But this one I just kept thinking about. I wanted to know what happened next, I wanted to know how it would end. The entire thing was so engaging and I got so invested in these characters.
This book reads like TJ Klune's more recent books, but also doesn't. It has the same lines of found family and hope and humor, but it also has a ton of action.
If you are a fan of any of TJ Klune's books, this one has to go on your TBR!

Four stars for the story, which is a beautiful found family tale that will make you tear up.

Nate is adrift, alone and jobless, when he learns that he has inherited a cabins in the woods of Oregon. When he gets there, he quickly discovers that it is not unoccupied. Enter Alex and Artemis. Art will steal your heart. I love the way she looks at the world.

Turns out that A&A are being hunted. Nate, against all odds, finds himself drawn to the both of them, despite the dangers.

Now, the things I didn’t care for. This isn’t closed door romance, in the slightest. There are also random explicit explanations of a previous encounter, which were jarring to me. This book would have been so much better with fade to black romance and without all of the swearing. There are probably more F words in here than in “The Wolf of Wall Street”, and that’s saying something. I’m disappointed because I adore “The House in the Cerulean Sea”, which is decidedly tamer. I’m realizing that, given this and his wolf books, Klune probably prefers to write spicier material, which means that I will do some research before automatically reading one of his books. Just food for thought if you don’t care for spice or excessive swearing.

Again, the story itself is beautiful and engaging. Artemis is so well-written!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for the advance copy. All opinions are mine alone.

TJ Klune is from the same part of Oregon that I am and I'm proud to have come from the same area as that weirdo! I don't know what his previous publisher was talking about when they said THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN was weird. Have they not seen STRANGER THINGS? Seen or read CARRIE? MATILDA? X-MEN's JEAN GREY?! Carpenter's STARMAN? MIDNIGHT SPECIAL? There are so many books, series, and movies similar to THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN but few have the emotional core that Klune's book does. I loved the found family of Artemis Darth Vader, Alex, and Nate in this book and frequently giggled and welled up with tears throughout. I don't really get what other readers don't get about this novel, but, in my humble opinion hoss, you should mosey on down to the bookstore and lasso yourself a copy on February 4th. I don't think you'll regret it, partner, especially if you like any of the aforementioned movies, series, and books.

Many thanks to TOR and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.