Thank you Tor Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Another stunner by TJ Klune! Nate has lost his parents and his job. The only family he has left isn’t speaking with him. Hoping to get some much needed clarity, he returns to his families cabin. However he’s surprised to find he’s not alone. There’s a man named Alex and a girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader there. As the mystery of who these two are unfolds will Nate find more than he bargained for or will they be the missing pieces in his life? I will always love the humor that Klune uses in his books! It adds to the engagement for me! I love the characters in this one, strange, fun, and super charming! A story with a lot of heart, hope, and just feel goods! Highly recommend!

*The Bones Beneath My Skin* by TJ Klune is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that blends mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. Klune's distinctive voice, infused with both humor and tenderness, makes this book an engaging and immersive experience. Set against the backdrop of a small coastal town, the story unfolds with a slow, simmering intensity that builds to a satisfying emotional climax.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the complex relationship between the two main characters, Noah and Oliver. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, and Klune’s careful attention to the nuances of their bond—how it deepens and shifts over time—is what truly elevates the narrative. A particular standout moment occurs when Oliver, a man with a mysterious past, reveals the emotional scars that have shaped him. The rawness of this confession is both heartbreaking and redemptive, showcasing Klune's skill at balancing vulnerability with strength. The way Noah, the more grounded of the two, supports Oliver through this moment of revelation is tender without ever feeling forced or melodramatic.

The book also shines in its exploration of themes like trust, healing, and the weight of past trauma. The small-town setting works wonderfully to create an atmosphere of intimacy, and the dynamics of the local community—full of quirky, sometimes suspicious characters—add both charm and intrigue. There’s a particular scene involving a town-wide event that serves as a turning point for the characters, where Klune’s knack for combining humor with emotional depth comes through brilliantly.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. While the pacing generally works well, there are moments where the plot feels a bit drawn out, especially in the middle portion of the book. The tension that builds up in the earlier chapters can lose some of its momentum, and the story occasionally becomes bogged down in secondary subplots that, while adding flavor, detract from the core emotional journey. The resolution of these subplots can feel a bit too tidy or convenient, especially given the darker themes that run through the narrative.

Overall, *The Bones Beneath My Skin* is a novel that resonates long after the final page. Klune's ability to blend heartache with hope, along with his vivid characterizations, make it a powerful read. Despite a few pacing issues, it remains an absorbing and moving story that explores the complexities of love, identity, and the weight of the past. Fans of Klune’s previous works will find much to enjoy here, and newcomers will likely be drawn in by the deep emotional core of the novel.

This book blew me away! This is my first book by T.J. Klune and is did not disappoint.

I found this book to be emotionally compelling and thought provoking. I love a good sci-fi and this book really checked all the boxes for me. I appreciated that we got to see some backstory of what happened under the mountain, and what happened with Oren. That was a crazy turn of events!
I was a bit annoyed by Art for the first handful of chapters, and she actually isn't my favorite character, even if she is the main catalyst of the story. I adore Alex and Nate. I found their story to be endearing, and funny, and steamy. They are just everything to me. I am so glad that they all got some kind of happily ever after. they deserve it after that journey.

Nate has come to his family's cabin in the mountains of Oregon after the horrendous deaths of his mom and dad. On top of his grief, his only brother no longer talks to him and he has lost his job as a journalist in Washington, DC. He figures he will start over where his family used to vacation. When he gets there, his plans are upended by a man named Alex and a young girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. But Artemis is not what she seems and soon Nate is on an adventure he never thought was possible.

I know this is a re-release but it just shows you how great he is at world building and the found family trope that he is so good at. I would love to see this as a movie.

This book was definitely unique, but in a good way!

The story starts with Nate, who's lost everything, trying to figure out his life by going back to his family's cabin. Unexpectedly, he finds a strange man named Alex and a little girl named Artemis Darth Vader - and that's where things get weird - but also really sweet. Artemis is such a fun and mysterious character, and I loved how Nate slowly finds something worth fighting for as the story goes on.

The plot was exciting, with some suspenseful parts (which is a little unlikely for TJ Klune books) and a bit of a magical feel, but what I liked most was the heart behind it which is on brand for Klune. It's really about second chances, family, and finding hope, even when things feel hopeless.

Sometimes the story was a little too strange for me, but it all came together nicely in the end.

Klune's writing is so heartfelt but also so dang funny. He can leave you in tears from heartbreak and laughter and it happens all in one chapter. This book is no exception. This book is a a beautiful example of found family and I loved every word of it.

Klune is a talented writer, which keeps this book going, but he does the same things in more effective ways in his other books.

TJ Klune continues to prove why he’s one of my all-time favorite authors with this kind of book. Every story he writes promises a rich emotional journey, and his signature touch with found family dynamics is unmatched. While I do enjoy his cozy fantasy tales as much as any fan, it’s his darker works that truly captivate me, refusing to let go until the final page.

This book carries echoes of his Green Creek series—there’s even a delightful Easter egg for fans that made my heart soar—but with a distinct sci-fi twist instead of fantasy. It also has some strong Stranger Things vibes, not only because of the compelling female lead but due to the strong relationships between the characters. Set in the ’90s (a nostalgic parallel to the ’80s setting of Stranger Things), the story’s atmosphere is both gripping and immersive. I devoured it in just two days, utterly compelled to discover what would happen to these characters I quickly grew to love.

Now that I’m finished with the book, I’m satisfied with a great story but mourning the fact that my journey with these characters is over.

Also - I did not expect to find a new book boyfriend in a TJ Klune book, but here we are. Alex, I love you! 💕

TJ Klune has done it again! Few authors capture the essence of found family and the beauty of humanity quite like he does—and the incredible part is how he achieves this with inhuman characters. One of TJ's standout talents is crafting lovable and hilarious child protagonists, and Artemis Darth Vader might just be one of my all-time favorites!

Another cozy found family story. I actually finished the first half of the book quickly. Immediately loved the characters and the mystery. I think what lost me a bit was when they arrived to the obvious cult. It seemed random and out of character. In fact there’s no strong reasoning behind it and then Alex not realizing it right away was also strange. I enjoyed the slow burn romance. Perfect for Stranger Things fans. I think it could have been slightly shorter but otherwise an enjoyable and heartwarming read. Thank you TOR for the ARC.

I didn't know until the Author's Note at the end that this was a previously self-published book. Even though it came out 6 years ago, it still is one of TJ Klune's best. He is just so good at writing an fast paced, compelling story, and finding the beauty in human relationships along the way. I can't think of another author that has this talent.

Love love love! This book was weird in all the best ways. TJ Klune continues to prove why he is my favorite author.

Artemis Darth Vader is an out of this world character. She is funny, lovable, inquisitive and a badass.

This story has the same charm that TJ is known for, but this one is packed full of action. Think exploding helicopters, running from secret agents, and so much more. I loved this story so much and am sad I hadn’t read it before now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for an ARC of the rerelease of The Bones Beneath My Skin!

First, thank you @torbooks and @netgalley for the chance to read this book ahead of its pub date on 2/4/25.

This was a wild, emotional ride - a supernatural thriller with a tender heart at its core.

Set in the mid 1990s, the story follows Nate, a man broken by loss and haunted by family trauma, who stumbles into an unexpected, life changing journey.

When he returns to his family's remote cabin in Oregon, Nate isn't expecting company - especially not Alex and a quirky, fierce 10-year-old girl named Artemis Darth Vader.

Oh, and Art isn't exactly human...

Klune weaves themes of identity, love, and belonging into a tense, high stakes chase - when Nate decides to join Alex and Art as they run from government agents who want to control Art.

Along the way, the trio forms a fragile yet profound connection, and there's an aching beauty in watching Nate rediscover his sense of purpose.

🔑 Fave quote: "It's better to be happy a little bit than to not be happy at all." (Art to Nate)

If you're into TJ Klune, books with positive queer representation, complex characters, and a touch of extraterrestrial mystery, this one's for you.

And yes, I promise there's hope in the end.

I found this one to be too slow-paced. The plot felt like it was dragging along too much, particularly in the first 40%. I struggled to connect with the characters or the story, despite the premise being very cool and intriguing.

I absolutely loved this book. After reading TJ's author note at the end I was blown away that he had self published this previously. I am hoping now that Tor is publishing it, it will get the recognition it deserves.

I knew nothing going into this book and was so pleasantly surprised that it turned out to be a Sci-Fi fantasy story. And this is for whoever criticized Klune's one spicy scene... You're high, because that was one of the hottest sex scenes I've ever read in my life and it was so unexpected for me after reading The House in the Cerulean Sea and Somewhere Beyond the Sea (among his other books.)

The characters in The Bones Beneath My Skin are so lovable, which tragic pasts that make you FEEL. Artemis Darth Vader is the star of the story in my opinion, and the humor was of course on point considering this is a Klune book.

I am going to be recommending this book to any/everyone that will listen.

5 million stars.

TJ. I just love you always. This book was incredible, as always, 10/10 no notes.

Ok for real - this was so weird and so fun. Can't say much without spoilers, but having read a slew of TJ's books thus far, I've finally come to expect and LOVE the strange and out there plot points and this one was certainly no expection. This whole book was written with so much heart and the relationships between the three main characters was jus the most adorable and heartwarming.

Absolutely pre-ordering a finalized copy of this to add to my collection and counting down the days until he announces his next book.

Right out the gate, a 5/5 -star rating slips its way into my very small list of 2024 5 star reads.

Are we surprised with T. J. Klune? No, no we’re not. His stories are always very lovely and enjoyable. What I am surprised about is that, even though this is one of his older books, I still loved it as much as I did his newer works. It’s insane guys. He’s always been this good?!?!

Buttttt, to give a little hindsight into THIS story, we follow Nate. (I’ve noticed I haven’t been writing brief summaries of the story in my reviews for the people who read reviews first before reading the actual book. I’ve decided I’ll do this from time to time.) In his need to start over and find himself after some LARGE things happen in his life, he takes the old truck his father gave him and goes out to stay in their family’s vacation cabin in the middle of nowhere. It’s been years since his family has been there. It should be empty.

It is not.

Nate finds that quite a pair has broken into his cabin: a large brooding man and a strange little girl. Before long he finds out that this pair is not only stowing away in a place they don’t belong, but they’re also on the run from the government. How could his life get any worse?

This is a ‘Found Family’ trope story with a little twist! If you know you know lmao XD
‘The Bones Beneath My Skin’ had all the best feels, from the humorous squabbles between Nate and Alex (Our Brute) to the warm bittersweet heartbreaks. I loved reading it and hated that it took me so long to welcome it into my life lol

A little tidbit I didn’t realize before going in: This title was originally released in 2018! So, though the rerelease isn’t out yet and won’t be out until February 4th in its stunning Hardcover edition, you can still buy and read this now through Amazon Kindle. (Unfortunately, I have no idea of the rerelease is different then the 2018 version, but I don’t think it is? Someone should let me know 😂) Here’s a BIG thank you to Tor and NetGalley for the Digital ARC of this beautiful rerelease. EVERYONE, go check it out and all of Klune’s other stunning works!

If you ever read firestarter by Stephen King and watch Stranger Things and put those two things together, that would be this book. The Bones Beneath my Skin is a vulnerable achingly, beautiful found family where two men adopt a space princess. If that premise isn’t interesting enough, you will absolutely fall in love with Artemis Darth Vader.

Dealing with heavy themes of tragic loss and identity the respite of having a child like character who gives these two men purpose was so beautifully done that I recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through a change in life or just needs a little pick me up.

I think this was a great novel. It is different than TJ Klune, usual style but I really think this book needs to exist some thing about it is so pure and delightful.

After a four day journey I have finally gotten to the Last Page of this book. I have read many of TJ Klune’s novels, 6 to be exact. Which if I am going to be honest is a lot seeing as how many authors I have read and how little I tend to stay interested in their work. But you if you have read The House in the Cerulean Sea then you understand why I have read 6 book by this wonderful man. So when I saw this book I lept at the chance to read it and I am glad that I did because it really is a different type of work by Mr. Klune.

If you have read In The Lives of Puppets, then you are prepared for this novel for out of 6 that I have read this is the most unlike the others that I have taken the time to read. That may sound like a bad things but this book still very much feels like a TJ Klune novel, the queer, the found family, the heartbreak but love, type vibe that he is known for. But it is wrapped up in such a different bow that it takes a second to get into the book and to feel Klune again.

I enjoyed the read, and the plot felt inspired by many sci-fi movies that I have watched but it felt new and exciting. I am not sure of the work that was done to the novel from its first self-publishing back in 2017/2018 and current 2025 edition of the novel but it read well. The plot moves along, the characters feel developed, and the writing flows. I do have some comments on the novel as it is not a 5 star, no notes, type of read but one I think fans will enjoy, as long as they are prepared for an adventure, and I mean that in more ways than one.

I have not read the Green Creek series yet so I will not speak to those but be warned this is not the soft core novels that you get from THITCS, TLOP, UTWD, or the superhero series he wrote. It is a little more graphic both in violence and spice level. Funny enough I saw someone gave Cerulean Sea a one flame in spicy, and I am sure they were forced to put something because that book has ZERO spice. This however have a graphic spicy scene, mention of another, and gun violence (which isn’t spicy but a warning area). So know that going into the novel.

Beware Spoilers
Let’s Talk
This book opens quiet quickly and Nate’s parent should have come with a trigger warning. Not only was there a murder/suicide where Nate’s Father was the aggressor but there was also the drop of the Faggot word. So yeah there was a bit of a trigger warning to begin with. Not only that but Nate was found with his pants down around his ankles and his member being taken within a mouth. Which was a shock to read from a TJ Klune novel but immediately told me this book would not be like the other 6 that I read.

Nate, our protagonist, is 27 come the beginning of our story, an age I also lost my father at. Now what the two of us went through is so vastly different but the void and lost sense that came with my lost made me connect to Nate in a quick way. This is where I think people are going to struggle connecting with him because he just goes along with the adventure. Completely lost within himself due to trying to find himself, Nate become a victim to his own lack of desire. I mean he did just become okay with a random man and girl in his cabin with a gun, but grief can and will do weird things to you. I mean I was in a job that was sucking the life out of me when I first lost my dad, but I just let it happen. I allowed someone to talk sexually about a customer because I did not feel up to defying the world. There was a quote that got me.

“Nate just take it for what it is. Kindness. Sometimes people need it, even if they don’t know how to ask for it.”

Page 14
Like come on… this was so true for me, and I think this tells us about Nate more than most descriptions about him. He lost his parent far before their death and in that I think he learned he was the only one that could protect him.

It’s what he wanted now. Quiet. Room to think. To figure shit out. He needed to decide what was going to happen next.

That was another quote that just made me feel more connect to Nate.

When I first met Artemis (Art) I thought she belonged on Marsyas Island with all of those special children. And when she made a comment about how Darth Vader chokes people with his mind not being correct, I knew she should go meet that family. She was a weird child clearly meant to be more than just some Stranger Things clone but I was here for her optimism and love of bacon.

The story feel into the classic Sci-Fi trope. A non believer stumbles upon a secret, they get swept into it, regardless of their desires. There is a standoff with the government, huge action scene and the characters are on the run until the final standoff. That is the whole book, it does not reinvent the genre, but it does fuel it with a change in sexualities, and the bonds that are created.

Over all the book was predictable. I had guessed what Art was, I had not likely Peter when I met him along with other little things that I do not want to fully ruin, on the off chance you have not finished the book yet.

The Good
We have a cast of three main characters told from the 3rd person perspective where one is the focal point in which the story is happening too. Our cast is

Nate Cartwright

Alex Delgado

Artemis Darth Vader (yes… you read that correctly)

Nate and Alex felt real most of the time. And I am thankful for that.

The romance between Nate and Alex thankful was not painful for me. I am the type of person that hates when romance is thrown into a story just for the sake of the Romance tag and chatter on BookTok, so I was scared when I saw a review mentioned romance. BUT it was done well. It built naturally, two lost men finding themselves in a action movie, each having a missing piece of themself. Nate – an urgency, a purpose, a spark, and Alex – kindness, thoughtfulness, safety. So when it started with the sugar in the coffee (Page 104) I knew where this was headed. Klune did a great job of not forgetting about this arc, clearly (I mean at one point Nate noticed the hair on Alex’s feet or something).

Ophiocordyceps unilateralis. My science brain nearly screamed when I read that word because I remember reading that in a textbook years ago. I was happy with the mention and TJ Klune did a great job of explaining it so props to that.

Something that made me laugh was that Art called the Greys (a type of alien) Jerks, which is now the second time I heard that, the first being in the TV show Resident Alien. Which if you like this book I recommend because it too is about an alien trying to figure out humanity and trying to find their own.

“I can like dolls and study UFOs at the same time. Just because I’m a girl doesn’t mean I’m not capable of deciding what my interests should be.”

Though I will never recommend this novel to a child I liked to see this type of thought process in my books. TJ Klune is known for his queer takes on things and because of that I love him. A girl can be whoever she wants to be, just the same as a boy can be too.

The Bad
The one sex scene was so out of place. Do not get me wrong I love a gay sex scene as much as the next gay man, but I would love there to be a little bit of a build up. Not so much a will they or won’t they vibe but a thick tense chemistry that makes me sweat. I will say I did not get that, it was very blunt and very quick (kind of like Nate himself, lol). I mean Nate got woken up from sleep while there were sleeping in a barn and Alex all of a sudden had to get one off? I mean it was sexy, and there was consent, and also realistic. I mean they had no lube so they just made due with a little spit and elbow grease.

Another things that rubbed me (hehe) the wrong way was that it took quite a while for the story to really get moving. I mean it took until Chapter 9, well over 100 pages to get to the action part. Up until then it was just Nate, Alex, and Art cohabitating in this cabin and us getting no answers.

The setting, 1995 does not really come up. Yes there is mention of the technology, the lack of phone service on a Nokia but it did not play a huge role in my opinion. I think the time period allowed for the crew to go unnoticed for a long period of time but outside of that there was no pro or con of that time.

Lastly the pacing was off. It felt like a long EKG reading, just up and down. Forward and regressive in character choices. For me this is Klune first full attempt at an action sci-fi, which I think he confirmed in this acknowledgements, and it struggled in places. Not nearly as bad as Infinity Son was for Adam Silvera. The book leaned on the tropes found in the sci-fi realm but did not bring too much new to the genre. That being said I think it was a great first attempt, and a book I recommend you getting through.

Rating
I liked this book. Will it be one that I turn to reread, most likely not but I am thankful that I got a chance to read it.

I happily give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Maybe its because its queer, or a plot of a movie I would have watched with my father but the book resonated with me strongly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Final Thoughts
I wonder does that reference to Green Creek mean that these books are set in the same universe or are they different?

We need more books like this. queer rep and found family rep. A book that comments on government’s belief that they can take whatever they want and that anything different from them they was to harm and control. The ride may have been bumpy but I am glad that it exists. Thank you TJ Klune!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with a copy of this book to review. Its expected (re)publication date is February 4, 2025.

I’ve given Klune a few too many tries since the magic of the Cerulean Sea, but it doesn’t seem to be replicable. Each subsequent work has felt more and more rushed and reaching, and unfortunately this was no improvement.