This book was different from the Extraordinaries series and the House on the Cerulean Sea series, but I loved it. Artemis Darth Vader is fantastic! I love how she looks at the world, and while I don't share her love for bacon, I understand it. Alex and Nate are super cute; both checking each other out and taking their sweet time acting on their feelings. I am glad that TJ Klune believed in the power of his story enough to self publish it the first time and I am extra happy that Tor saw how awesome this book was and gave it a second publishing.

I’m basically a TJ Klune stan and so far have fallen hard for each book of his I’ve read. While I still really enjoyed this one, getting sucked into the story and needing to know what would happen next, I didn’t fall as deeply for the characters as I have with those from other books. Don’t get me wrong, I liked them - especially Art, and I’m a sucker for all the found family vibes that are front and center in Klune’s books, but I wanted the chance to get to know the characters better. All the action in the book kept things exciting and introduced some interesting elements as pieces of the larger picture fit together, but it left me feeling like I wanted more when I got to the end - I felt like I still didn’t know that much about Alex and Nate as people. I think what I tend to love most about his characters are how much they come to life/feel fleshed out by the quiet moments/interactions, but with the more intense/thriller/action story there wasn’t as much time or space to build those connections. That said, it was still a good story with quirky characters that kept me invested, I just like other Kline books/characters more. Thanks for NetGalley for the book, though I ended up listing to the audiobook (and the narration was great!)

I truly enjoyed this sci fi book by TJ Klune, it was light hearted with the small banter between the 3 characters. the story was amazing and sad at the same time that I kept rooting for them to get to their next stop without any hassles. I agree with author note that this is a different story but it was a great story and i am looking forward to reading more of his work.

As always, TJ Klune is fantastic at crafting a cozy, interesting, fantasy world. This wasn’t my favorite book by him, but I will ALWAYS pick up his stories whenever they are published. Thank you!!!

THE BONES BENEATH MY SKIN, TJ Klune ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫⁣
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Thank you @torbooks and @netgalley for this advanced copy.⁣
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Anyone who has read TJ Klune before knows that he is the king of found family stories. I’ve never read anyone before who could write such meaningful stories of love and make me fall in love with the most interesting of characters. Cue Artemis. She’s strange and she’s the best. The reason I marked this at 3.5 (which was hard to do) is because there’s one relationship in here that didn’t quite live up to Klune’s amazing storytelling. He’s usually so great at growing each relationship, but I felt like one in particular could have used more of his time. It was abrupt and I missed the build-up of it.⁣
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What’s really cool about this book though, is it’s a rerelease. Klune originally self-published this novel in 2018. I’m happy he decided to reshare it with the world.

I am a huge TJ Klune fan and all of his books have been amazing for me. This one was just as good as all the others if not better! The way he can tell a story through fictional character characters and make you feel the way you do is something I’ve not discovered from any other author. The story is truly beautiful And deserves nominations and awards.

A cosmic transcendence of the physical boundaries of being human.

Heartwarming yet action packed - full of thrilling adventure and astronomical entertainment.

Thanks Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

I’ve read several Klune books, but this is undoubtedly very different to his usual writing and storytelling. I am so used to his creations of endearing eccentric beings woven with life-affirming/uplifting tales or werewolf shenanigans wrapped in deadly mafia/family drama. But here, Klune has expanded his imagination literally to a galactic level.

I would refrain from giving the synopsis here and will recommend heading in blind for an all immersive experience which will allow for more marvel , curiosity and appreciation for this book.

The underlying trope however is worth considering. Klune explores the “found family” concept by delving deep into every primal human need of love, food, home and fitting in as well as our basic instincts of adaptability, learning, language, self preservation - ultimately resilience and survival.

The book also presents a refreshing perspective about symbiosis, acceptance, compassion, the idea of human bonding and the level of attachment we are capable of.

The narrative doesn’t lag even for a moment - for there is always a chase round the corner, cars flying off the ground, or even for that matter comets and helicopters falling from the sky.

I’ve always loved believable sci-fi and although this book veers far far away from the earthly possibilities of realism, I did quite enjoy it - albeit quite perplexed about some of the revelations that were seemingly beyond my brain’s grasp.

But the premise and originality with the storyline, however deserve all the attention and recognition they can get.

#TheBonesBeneathMySkin reminds us of our insignificance and smallness in the scope of our gigantic universe, that we are all made of dust and stars, how ‘home’ can just be one person, one true love and what a family really means.

Definitely give this a shot if you are Klune fan.

Thank you @torbooks @tordotcompub for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Here's your favorite unsponsored segment you didn't ask for where my only two friends get to hear my word vomit about books I think are 🧡 w o r t h 🧡 it! Now I can feel you rolling your eyes now because you see the Tj Klune book. I may be biased, but holy geez this book is awesome.

I need to take a moment to say I had a whole photo shoot planned where I'd go to @chamblinsbooks and take a picture of it in front of their HUGE selection of Louis L'Amour books in honor of Artemis Darth Vader but you know life.

If you guys are addicted to Stranger Things like me, this is your ticker into the Tj Klune-averse.

This book is (no surprise) wicked awesome. It has all the elements of all the past books we loved... characters who spend the rest of your lives in your heart (Nate, Benji and Art...I love you) Whimsical and magical worlds far beyond our reach. Dialogue that will leave your sides sore from laughing so much.

Most importantly, a message of giving love to all.

Consider this the prelude to my dissertation on how this book might take over The House in the Cerulean Seas spot as my favorite of his books. Truly, I could write pages about all the things there are to love about this. What keeps coming back to my mind is how much action and adventure are riddled throughout the pages. It's filled with moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. I seriously forgot I was reading and not watching an action movie half the time.

But what really gets the soft, mushy parts of my heart is the way Nate, Benj, and Art all accepted each other and created this beautiful little family. Happy sigh. Just writing this makes me want to go back and reread.

Mr. Klune is truly a master at his whimsical craft and there's a little section of my life savings dedicated to buying every single thing he publishes.

🧡 LGBTQIA
🧡 Fate
🧡 Found Family
🧡 Stranger Things Vibes
🧡 Extraterrestrial

❔️#QOTD What's your favorite TJ Klune book? Who's an author that you'd buy anything they publish?

Very fan fic.

It's not bad, but I wish it had stayed focused more on the main characters rather than diverting to a cult action movie. I recently read a different book about an alien coming to Earth and their reflections on humanity, so this book may have failed in comparison. I loved the characters and stayed invested in the story. The tone of the book felt a bit disjointed. I trust this book has readers that will be a perfect match, but it wasn't for me.

WOW.

I have read other TJ Klune books but this one, this one is probably one of my top favorite books of 2025. I should not be surprised based off his previous books but truly, his writing takes you into a completely different world. I was sucked into Nates world as Nate was sucked into Alex and Arts. I felt so connected to all three of them and to say that I was sad this story ended is an understatement.

TJ Klune says himself that this is a "weird" book. Is it? I thought it was "weird" but in SUCH a good way. I loved every second of the ride. It felt like every chapter there was a cliff hanger and I could not put this book down. The ending was *chef kisses* perfect. I loved how the author fast forwarded so you got the WHOLE story.

LOVE LOVE LOVE This book.

Thank you to Tor Books for the review copy! This was such a beautiful, quirky, romance that read like an action movie.

Check the CWs: The premise of The Bones Beneath My Skin was SAD, and I wasn’t really prepared for that.

If the only TJ Klune book you’ve read is The House in the Cerulean Sea, this is going to feel very, very different. Our main character, Nate, starts out in a pretty dark place. He’s just been fired, his parents have died horrifically, and he is estranged from his brother. Nate goes to his family cabin that he has just inherited, but is surprised to find a man and a young girl already there.

The young girl calls herself Artemis Darth Vader and at first Nate worries that the man, Alex, has kidnapped her. But she seems so comfortable and happy with him…

I LOVED all of these characters, especially Artemis, who was so funny. I devoured this one.

TJ Klune has a way of capturing the essence of what it means to be human—even when telling stories that are delightfully weird, heartfelt, and packed with sci-fi twists. The Bones Beneath My Skin is no exception. With its Stranger Things-esque energy, cult conspiracies, and a deeply emotional core, this book takes readers on an unexpected journey of connection, identity, and survival. The story follows Nate, a man who has lost his way, and Artemis Darth Vader (yes, really), a precocious young girl with a secret that could change everything. When they cross paths with Alex, a man running from his past, the three form an unlikely bond as they navigate government conspiracies and the weight of their own personal histories. Klune’s signature humor and warmth shine through, making the book as tender as it is thrilling.

Was this a perfect read for me? Nearly—though it had moments of inconsistency, and some aspects of the plot felt a bit scattered. But did I enjoy it? Absolutely--you have no idea! Art is an unforgettable character, and the relationships in this book, especially the found-family dynamic, are Klune at his best. Plus, the book asks some big questions about what it means to be human, which gives it a layer of depth beyond the sci-fi action. Is this book for everyone? Probably not. But if you’re a fan of found-family stories, love a good conspiracy theory, or just want a sci-fi novel that leans into humor and heart, this one is worth checking out. And if you ever find yourself in need of an Artemis Darth Vader to tell you when you’ve met the love of your life (and remind you to eat more bacon), even better.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!)

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune is a story about found family and choosing the life you want. It’s part romance, part fantasy, part road-trip.

The Bones Beneath My Skin book cover.
Poor Nate feels like he has nothing left in his life, after losing his parents, and then his job. He heads to the family’s cabin, where he meets Alex and Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis (a 10-year old girl) and Alex are on the run.

Will Nate join them? You’ll have to read it to find out!

This book is a fantasy, so if you are put off by the paranormal, cults, or evil government forces, it might not be for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 out of 5)

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for an advance copy in exchange for sharing my opinions. All opinions in this review are my own.

TJ Klune did not disappoint. This author is an automatic buy for me.

I really loved the dynamic between Nate, Alex, and Artemis.

Ok I can’t see why people like this book and while it wasn’t for me it was well written! I don’t think sci-fi is my jam. Fantasy yes but not true sci-if with aliens. Now is a book where the main character, Art, is speaking like an Old Western actor. Toto’s turn off.

However I liked the characters but wish we would have gotten to know them more. Especially Art as the being from another planet. We also needed more between Nate and Alex for me to believe they wanted to be together. I’ve the action started and they were on the run the book took off in a great direction. When they were gaming around the cabin it was getting stale.

I liked this book but appreciate his newer Cerulean Sea books more.

Goodreads Review:
Oh how I love T.J. Klune. I read this as an ARC from NetGalley. Thanks to them and to Tor!

I’m not sure I’ve ever not cried a good cry while reading a Klune book. To read Klune is to remember what it’s like to love and to feel and to be part of a family. And to know that life takes you on adventures that help you find your people. ❤️

Read if you like:
🛸 Science Fiction
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ2sIA+ Romance
🥰 Found Family
🥓 Bacon

1️⃣ Third Person POV
📍 Oregon

I would like to thank @NetGalley, @torbooks , and the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

“You think yourself alone. You think yourself lost. We wanted to show you that there was so much more than this place. We didn’t come to hurt you. We didn’t come to save you. Only you can do that. We came to be your friend. To make you understand that, in the end, you are never alone.”

Nate has lost everything. His parents are dead in a traumatic circumstance, his brother doesn’t want anything to do with him, and has lost his job as a journalist in DC. The only things he has left are his dad’s old truck and the family cabin in Oregon. He decides to head to the cabin to spend some time alone to figure out his next direction. But when he gets to the cabin, it’s not empty likely should be. He finds a man, Alex, with a special little girl, Artemis Darth Vader. Nate has to decide if he’s going to stay alone with his sadness, or take a risk and maybe discover more than he ever thought possible.

I have fallen in love with Artemis Darth Vader (Art). She is a brilliant character and I wish she was real. This book hit pretty much every emotion, I laughed, got angry, and had to fight back tears. TJ Klune is a master of found family and this little family is great. The romantic tension wasn’t quite right for me but I loved how everything ended up. I had no idea what to expect with this book and it was a little bit crazy but in a good way.

TJ Klune knows how to captive me from start to finish. I really enjoyed that this book was a little bit of sci-fi with some high intensity thriller elements (made me think of Stranger Things).

I had no idea what the main character Nate would choose to do when he had to make a split second decision, but I love the choices he made and the family he found in this story. I highly recommend picking this one up if you love action packed stories with emotional depth.

Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤 𝔹𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕒𝕥𝕙 𝕄𝕪 𝕊𝕜𝕚𝕟
𝗧𝗝 𝗞𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗲

TJ Klune’s imagination and the imagery his writing brings to life stand firm in The Bones Beneath My Skin.

My favorite character is Artemis Darth Vader, the young girl the story centers around. She is unique and honest to a fault.

The story delves into relationships, trust, the unknown, a government secret, and even a cult-type situation.

Full of mystery and love with wording that flows from the page like butter, I couldn’t put this one down.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this ebook to read and review.

Another Klune book that I absolutely adored. I loved the characters, the action, the love and the laughter. Artemis Darth Vader is a young girl I would be delighted to sit with and have a conversation. I have kids with Asperger’s that are like her and they are my most favorite conversations.
I also love the developing hate/love relationship between Alex and Nate. Add a little space princess to the mix, and you have the perfect trio for a remarkable story.
Artemis is from a place far far away and she gets left behind on earth. She inhabits the body of a young man for twenty years and then she is extracted from his body to be put in a young girls body who has died. Alex is her guardian, of sorts, and spends 20 years by her side, before planning a daring escape from “The Mountain”, and underground secret research facility.
The people who work there call Artemis “it” but she is so much more. More human than any of us. She’s quirky, smart, funny and loves bacon more than anything in the world.
Once they have escaped, they find an out of the way cabin, which was left to Nate, a young man that has lost everything due to bad choices. Trying to get his life back together, he heads to the cabin only to find this odd couple, a gruff brute of a man and a girl that he can’t seem to figure out.
Their relationship grows and blossoms into something so beautiful. The love they share is deeper than any love can be between the three of them.
For Klune fans, it’s a just read and it won’t be forgettable. It will top my list of books I recommend to my friends.