It's been a little while since I've read (or re-read) a TJ Klune book and I'm so glad to be back. <3

TJ has such a singular way of storytelling and it's the most gut-wrenching combination of humor, fantasy, and a breathtaking and courageous commentary on the world and the human condition. As with TJ's other books, I laughed, I cried, and I finished reading viewing the world differently. I love these characters -- guarded, protective Alex, lost but loyal Nate, and bacon-loving, out-of-this-world (literally) space princess Artemis Darth Vader. I immediately lost myself in their journey and read the last page with a broken -- and put back together -- heart.

Thank you to Tor Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review!

The Bones Beneath My Skin is the story of Nate Cartwright, a journalist whose life has recently been upturned and who returns to his family's cabin to reevaluate things. He is not expecting to encounter, in his cabin, a young girl who seems to marvel at mundane things and the older man whose muscles Nate is definitely not checking out.

"'Are we going on an adventure?' Art asked him, eyes wide. Nate nodded. "That we are hoss.'"

I loved this book and the adventures of Nate, Alex and Art. TJ Klune's found family trope is unmatched, and I love how his characters find and support each other in dark and vulnerable moments. (Slight spoiler ahead!) I could have done with slightly less cults and slightly more outer space, but overall I really enjoyed the way our world and Artemis's were woven together. It was a beautiful exploration of humanity, love, family, what it means to care for each other, and what it means to not be alone, in this world or in the universe.

Thanks to Tor Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
4.5/5

"Aliens."
He breathed heavily through his nose. "Big heads. Big black eyes."
"What about them?" she asked.
"Are they....are they real?"
She looked up at him. "You really want to know?"
He nodded slowly.
"Yes. They're real."
"Oh," Nate said, unsure what to do with the information now that he had it.
"Yeah, but honestly? Those guys are jerks. Seriously. If you ever meet one, just punch it in the face."

I so adore Artemis Darth Vader......and of course, TJ Klune. I've only started into his catalogue, but so far, every book makes me laugh, think, cry and just fall in love with these characters. This story is a wonderful combination of science fiction, tense thriller and finding your family in the most unexpected way. After the deaths of his estranged parents, Nate has inherited the family cabin in the remote mountains of Oregan and he goes there to try and straighten out his life after losing his job as a journalist. Once there, he finds that the cabin has been broken into, and a man and young girl are hiding out there, Alex Delgado and Artemis Darth Vader. And in TJ style, this is where the tale goes in unexpected directions and the tension ramps up all the way to the end. Both Nate and Alex are trying to deal with grief and in Artemis these men find their way to each other and a shared purpose in protecting Art.
I was hooked right from the start and delighted in Art's discovery of new things, her steadfastness in trusting both Alex and Nate and her absolute love of bacon!! The story has a terrific pace, and the action and tension are well written with well-timed bits of humor throughout. I listened to the audiobook, and once again very much enjoyed Kirt Graves narration, it's well worth the listen. I will certainly be reading many more of TJ's books in the near future and highly recommend this story to all!!

Nate Cartwright is in a transition point in life, after the death of his parents and the loss of his job he decides to head to his inherited cabin in Oregon for some solitude. When he arrives, he finds out he's not alone - a man and a little girl are already there, squatting and refusing to leave. Something seems off about the pair, and as he connects with them more he finds himself in the middle of a truly out of this world adventure.

This book has a little bit of everything - suspense, thriller, mystery, sci-fi, and romance - really something for everyone! The setup takes a bit of time, but once things pick up they really take off. In typical TJ Klune fashion, the dialogue is witty and humorous, and the characters are flawed but downright lovable.

My feelings about the book fluctuated quite a bit. Sometimes it had my heart racing and other times my heart melting. There are some parts that I found either confusing or just over-the-top, but overall a good story.

Thank you to Tor Publishing and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I love TJ Klune’s writing. The way it plays with my brain is magical. This did not disappoint. I loved every page from start to finish. A beautiful story that was beautifully written.

The Bones Beneath My Skin is a quiet, powerful marvel—achingly tender, deeply human, and utterly unforgettable. TJ Klune strips away the whimsy of his more fantastical works to deliver something raw and resonant, a story rooted in grief, connection, and the fragile hope that blooms in the darkest of places. Set against the backdrop of a tense and uncertain world, the novel hums with vulnerability and quiet wonder, offering a meditation on what it means to love, to lose, and to choose softness in the face of chaos.

Klune’s characters are richly drawn and emotionally magnetic. The bond that forms between the world-weary narrator and the mysterious, luminous child at the center of the story is profoundly moving—built not just on protection or obligation, but on shared pain and growing trust. Every interaction feels charged with meaning, and the prose glows with quiet lyricism. Klune doesn’t need spectacle to keep you turning pages—just honesty, heart, and a gentle hand guiding you through the ache.

There’s a reverence to the storytelling here, a kind of stillness that invites you to breathe a little slower and feel a little deeper. The Bones Beneath My Skin isn’t just a story—it’s a feeling, a space to sit with sorrow and hope in equal measure. It’s one of Klune’s most intimate and emotionally resonant works, and a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are the ones grounded in love.

This book took me by surprise in many ways. When I felt like I had pegged its genre and created my expectations accordingly, it shifted on me again. Somehow it’s science fiction and romance, plot and character centered. The closest media I could compare would be Stranger Things or ET, crossed with the queer episode of The Last of Us season 1. Overall, I loved it. 💗

I love TJ Klune, but I didn't love this one. That has less to do with the writing and more to do with the type of book that I enjoy reading. This one leaned more into the thriller/mystery vibes, and that's just not the kind of book I gravitate toward. TJ is an extremely talented writer, and if you enjoy those types of stories, you will love this one!

This book is hard to describe, in the best way possible. Both a reflection of the self and a challenge to look past yourself. I loved how fresha nd nostalgic it felt, all at the same time

As a Klune fan, I got everything I expected: found family, humor, and a heartwarming (and tear-jerking) ending. Artemis Darth Vader stole the show – what a character! The bond she forms with Alex and Nate was beautiful. The plot was a wild ride of sci-fi, action, and romance with secret agencies and cults thrown in. It had a "Stranger Things" vibe, but with a unique twist. It was definitely sappy (in a good way!), but also explored deeper themes about love and belonging. The audiobook narration was fantastic too. Highly recommend!

At some point we are all going to have to accept that TJ Klune writes the same characters time and time again. Art was definitely giving Lucy vibes. Nate and Alex were giving Arthur and Linus. But I am here for it every single time.

TJ Klune always has interesting stories that are full of wonderful, heartfelt moments and found family, and this was no different. I loved the slow burn romance and the mystery of the little girl. I was intrigued by how it would all work out! This book falls into sci-fi but is set on earth so I didn't find it difficult to follow or enjoy (not a big sci fi fan) I did think it was on the long side and towards the end I found some of the themes feeling a little repetitive.

The Bones Beneath My Skin is an intriguing, quietly ambitious novel that plays with genre in unexpected ways. There’s a strong sense of atmosphere throughout, and moments where the prose really shines. The story unfolds with a kind of dreamlike intensity that will appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burning, introspective narratives.

That said, the novel doesn’t always maintain its momentum. Certain stretches feel repetitive or meandering, and some of the emotional beats don’t quite land as powerfully as they might. While the central characters are compelling, their development sometimes feels muted, and the relationship at the heart of the story is more thought-provoking than emotionally affecting.

Still, there’s something admirable about the book’s quiet confidence. It doesn’t pander or rush, and it’s clear the author had a vision. For readers willing to sit with it and let it unfold at its own pace, The Bones Beneath My Skin offers a thoughtful—if occasionally uneven—reading experience.

TJ Klune delivers a heartfelt, genre-blending story in The Bones Beneath My Skin, mixing sci-fi, found family, and deep emotional resonance in a way only he can. This book feels quieter than some of Klune’s other works, but it still packs an emotional punch, exploring themes of love, loss, and what it means to protect those we care about.

The characters are the standout here—Nathan is a beautifully flawed protagonist, reeling from grief and directionless until he finds himself drawn into an unlikely bond with Arthur and the mysterious, luminous girl, Olive. Their dynamic is tender and compelling, with Klune’s signature warmth shining through. The sci-fi elements are intriguing but take a backseat to the character relationships, which might not work for readers expecting a faster-paced plot.

At times, the pacing drags a little, and some moments feel more drawn out than necessary. However, the emotional depth, lyrical prose, and powerful themes more than make up for it. This is a book that sneaks up on you, burrowing deep and leaving a lasting impression.

A beautifully written, bittersweet story of found family and hope—perfect for those who love character-driven narratives with a touch of the extraordinary.

This book was just fine. I think I went into it thinking it would be like House in the Cerulean Sea or Somewhere Beyond the Sea, and it just wasn't on that level for me, but it wasn't bad, so I think this is where I landed.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I should just accept every time I read a TJ Klune book that I am going to cry. I am a sucker for found families and road trip narratives, so this book was right up my alley. The end had me feeling so many feelings. I was not expecting a spice scene in this book though, and I don't know how I liked that personally, but that is not a gripe against the book as a whole. That being said, this book had everything. Bacon? Check. Cults? Check. Aliens? Of course. A good time that had me laughing and crying all at once.

T.J. Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin was an unexpected yet thrilling departure from his usual style, blending suspense, sci-fi, and deep emotional resonance. While Klune is known for his heartwarming stories, this book introduces a gripping thriller element that kept me hooked from start to finish (with of course, some heartwarming elements that I absolutely adored!!)

The story follows Nate, a man struggling with his past, who stumbles into a life-changing situation when he meets Alex and Artemis Darth Vader, a young girl with extraordinary abilities. Their journey is filled with tension, mystery, and moments of breathtaking humanity. The supernatural aspect is seamlessly woven into the narrative, enhancing the stakes rather than overwhelming the story’s emotional core.

What I loved most was how Klune maintained his signature focus on found family and connection while exploring a darker, more suspenseful tone. The writing is immersive, the characters are unforgettable, and the pacing is just right to keep the reader on edge without sacrificing emotional depth.

This novel proves Klune’s versatility as a storyteller and delivers a thrilling, heartfelt experience that lingers long after the last page.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

I thought I would be reading a heartwarming story on what it means to be human in a world filled with pan, grief, and suffering. I was expecting the same nostalgia and comfort that I got from Cerulean Sea.

Sadly, this one just didn't work for me. It took me forever to read, which is unheard of, but the chapters were SO incredibly long, and in something marketed as a thriller, I need short and to the point to keep me engaged. Additionally, this book was far too long, and I was disappointed that so much of it read as filler.

Were there passages that took my breath away and made tears spring to my eyes? Most definitely. There were some truly beautiful moments in this one. I can't wait to see what's next. Thank you so much to Tor for my early copy. 2.5 stars rounded up.

This book was humorous, heartwarming, and full of classic TJ Klune charm. While it wasn’t my favorite of his novels, I still really enjoyed the blend of sci-fi thriller and emotional depth.

The story follows Nate, a man at rock bottom, who unexpectedly finds himself protecting a mysterious and powerful 10 year old girl named Artemis Darth Vader (yes really). As danger closes in, Nate, Artemis, and her guardian Alex form an unlikely found family.

Klune balances heavier topics such as grief, identity, and healing with witty dialogue and a sweet romantic thread. It’s a strange, tender, and surprisingly hopeful story. A solid 4 stars for me.

I love TJ Klune. I’ve yet to find a TJ Klune book that I didn’t rate infinity stars. This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. That’s a lot to put on a book! But thank god this delivered. Infinity stars, yet again. This book was incredible. Just incredible. The story, the characters, the way my whole heart was invested for every single page. TJ Klune is pure magic and I feel so fortunate that he shares his gift and talent with the world!