Read If You Like:
- Supernatural road-trip thrillers
- Complex, morally ambiguous characters
- High-stakes, intense narratives
- Themes of trauma and healing
- Steamy, slow-burn chemistry

In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright finds himself at a crossroads: the loss of his parents, a fractured relationship with his brother, and the end of his journalism career in Washington, D.C. Seeking solace, he retreats to his family's summer cabin near Roseland, Oregon.

Upon arrival, Nate discovers the cabin is not as he left it. Inside, he encounters Alex and a remarkable ten-year-old girl named Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, with her unique abilities, is far from ordinary.

As Nate becomes entwined in their lives, he faces a pivotal choice: succumb to the shadows of his past or embrace a future filled with unexpected connections and challenges. The narrative delves into themes of healing, the search for belonging, and the transformative power of love.

The pacing is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that balances humor and heartfelt moments. The chemistry between Nate and his companions is palpable, making their journey both believable and compelling. This novel is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and heartfelt narratives, offering a perfect blend of passion, intrigue, and emotional depth.

Thank you so much for my ARC and finished copy!

🧡❤️ The Bones Beneath my Skin Review ❤️🧡

Thank you so much to TJ Klune and Tor publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Bones Beneath my Skin is a standalone queer sci-fi novel. Set in spring 1995, Nate has just had his whole life turned upside down. After losing everything, he moved back to the family cabin in small town Oregon…only to find the cabin isn’t as empty as he expected

This was a fun read! Nate was an interesting character and I really enjoyed his growth in this story. Alex and Art were such fun characters and I really liked their bond in this book. The world building was unique and I enjoyed the 90’s nostalgia a lot. I would have really liked to have seen some of Alex’s PoV throughout the book

Overall this was a four star read! I enjoyed the characters and the story, but found myself wanting more PoVs. This book does have some potential triggers so please check if you’re sensitive. This book does have a romantic subplot, but it was very slow burn and had a few moments later on, so two flames for spice

If you’re a fan of sci-fi reads with fun characters, government conspiracies and found family vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!

The Bones Beneath my Skin is another fantastic story by T.J. Klune. There is just something about the way this author writes that I'm always excited for. The writing sucks me in and immerses me in a rich, vivid world. The author always packs so much emotion in the books he writes. The characters were complex and unique. This is a must read for fans of Klune!

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I had been eagerly awaiting this novel, as I usually do with T.J. Klune's fantasies. I'm pleased to say that it didn't disappoint one bit!

There was a lot of suspense in this story as the main characters were on the run and you never knew who to trust from one moment to the next. I really loved the dynamic between Nate, Alex, and Artemis. The story reminded me of Stranger Things, as well as another show I'm watching that will be a spoiler if I say anything more about it. There was a lot of heart to this story that kept me invested and caring about the characters and what would happen to them. I also enjoyed the pop culture references. Given that this took place in 1995, I was hoping for even more 90s references though. However, I appreciated the simplicity of not being able to rely on technology as much. Artemis ranks up there with Chauncey (from The House in the Cerulean Sea) as one of my favorites of T.J.'s characters. I just loved everything about her!

Some parts felt a little confusing or hard to picture and I ended up having to re-read sentences or paragraphs to get what was going on. However, that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.

I would recommend this to anyone 18 and up, as there is a really steamy scene between two characters.

I didn't have many casting ideas for this one, but I was watching Here recently and there was a child actress that I pictured as Artemis: Faith Delaney. (Funny enough, she was in a Stranger Things play in the UK.)

Overall, another winner from T.J. Klune and one that will definitely keep you glued to your seat, wanting to know what will happen the entire time!

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TW: Death of spouse. Death of child. Murder/suicide. Rejection of gay child. (All happened in the past, but still mentioned a few times.)

Nate inherits a cabin from his parents after a tragedy. He's recently been fired so figures he will got to the cabin for a while to try to figure out life. He is surprised when there is a man and a girl there already. The girl calls herself Artemis Darth Vader and seems to be very strange for a girl. He soon realizes that she might literally be not from this world. As he joins them, he finds himself finding new family.

Overall, I enjoyed this! It took a little for me to really not want to put it down, really once they were on the run. I also think after the Peter-Oren situation it was a little rushed plot wise. But I loved the characters, especially Artemis. I think Klune is best at giving the readers characters we love and building great relationships among those characters.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In his notes at the end, TJ Klune says his editor called this book “weird.” That’s not wrong, but it’s also very enjoyable. The cult feels like a little too much, but otherwise it’s everything you want from an action book that’s also a sci fi that’s also a romance. Good for people who want something a little thinky, but not heavy.

TJ Klune does it again. His writing style is engaging and unique. I love that this is a re-release. It’s not my typical read, subject matter wise, but his books have changed my perception on what a typical read is. I was hooked right away and couldn’t stop reading. The main characters are endearing and you build a connection with them. You just want to keep rooting for them. Fast paced, suspenseful, witty, funny, tear jerking, this book is all of that, and then some. I hope a director somewhere picks this up and decides to make it a movie. It would be Hollywood gold. Do not hesitate to read!

Thank you for the ARC.

I liked this book. True TJ style of friendship and love being the theme. I liked the character giving Stranger Things vibes. Made for a fun new take. Overall a sweet, funny read.

Another absolute favourite read by TJ Klune. This make me gross ugly cry, and close the book smiling by the end. There is lots of tension to keep readers on the hook while also being comedic, in classic Klune fashion.

Thank you, Tor! This was such a fantastic read—one I was just discussing with my favorite local bookseller earlier this week, as we’re both big fans of TJ Klune.

Klune has a remarkable way of restoring my faith in humanity, crafting stories that invite readers to explore empathy, compassion, love, and relationships in creative and compelling ways. His books always feel like a journey, with engaging, nuanced plots and unforgettable characters. I was completely won over by Artemis and loved witnessing Nate’s self-growth throughout the story. The way everything came together beautifully captured what it truly means to be family.

This didn’t touch me quite the way that IN THE LIVES OF PUPPETS or UNDER THE WHISPERING DOOR did, and felt a little drawn out at times, but overall this still delivers on all of the found family vibes we’ve come to expect from Klune with a hint of sci-fi.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! TJ hits it out of the park again, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read this early (although my review is quite late). Artemis Darth Vader has my heart forever, and the themes of found family are always a heartwarming hit for me.

This book is intense and makes you feel all the emotions. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The journey of the characters is realistic and emotional, and kept me captivated from start to finish.

I went into this hoping to absolutely love it, especially considering how much I enjoyed The House in the Cerulean Sea, but I reaaaally didn't get on with the style of this one. Right from the start I knew the storytelling technique would not be up my alley, and the supernatural elements are not for me either.

"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."

Every time I read a new TJ Klune book I think that it cannot possibly become my new favorite, but yet again Klune has defied the odds and The Bones Beneath My Skin is a new favorite book.

Following a trio of heart-rending characters, this story is not like Klune's more recent works of House in the Cerulean Sea. This book feels much more like the Wolfsong books and for that I am so happy. There is heart here, as you can see in the quote above from Art, but there is also car chases and houses blowing up and cults. This is an action movie book and I loved every minute of it.

Art is the best character I have read in a while and Nate and Alex are the romance couple that every good action movie needs.

I don't feel like it needs to be said at this point, but in case you are out of the loop, read whatever TJ Klune publishes, you won't be disappointed.

BOOK: The Bones Beneath My Skin
AUTHOR: TJ Klune
PUB DATE: February 4, 2025, by Tor Books
PAGES: 416
RATING: 5 STARS
GENRE: Romantasy Fiction , LQBTQIA,+, & a lil’ Sci-Fi

I can’t begin to thank @netgalley & @TorBooks for an advanced copy of TJ Klune’s new book! Over the Moon AND Stars!

QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: The Bones Beneath My Skin was my 4thh book by talented author, and I was over the moon (and stars) to have been given an advanced copy! This book is unlike any other book I’ve ever read. It’s part sci-fi and part romance. It’s action-packed and I found myself easily sucked in from the very beginning! I did not want to put this book down once I started. I loved the found family trope and was immediately drawn to the 3 main characters in this story. This is a thought-provoking, emotional story that delves into the true, humanistic thoughts & decisions that come to play when you’re up against the entire world & unforeseen forces. I’m so excited to hear how everyone enjoys this one when it comes out this week!

Oh my gosh. I was not expecting this book. The beginning was a little slow, but once it got moving, it zoomed along. Art was adorably written, and I found myself giggling so much throughout the book. The love bond between Nate and Alex, their tragic pasts fading as they learn to love another again. I was quite shocked about the sexual scene. I was hoping to have this in my high school library but can't because of that. I will however, have this in my personal library. I think the way both characters grow to learn and trust another, the idea of them being predestined, and the concept of choosing your home, was absolutely beautiful. I loved it.

This was such a fun read! Think of an action movie with heart, but in book format and I think you hit close to what this book is stylistically.

The story follows Nate, whose life is in shambles after losing his parents tragically and his job for scandalous reasons. With no one and nothing, he retreats to his parent’s cabin in the remote woods only to find his life is about to get crazy. There’s a man and a girl, Alex and Art, squatting there and they are about to change Nate’s life completely.

I love all three of our main characters and getting to know them each was a real treat. Klune has crafted such completely unique characters out of each of them and watching as they sort out a future together in their weird forced family situation is captivating. Add to this that Alex and Art are hiding some major secrets and are on the run and you’ve got all the action you need to keep you glued to the pages. Klune somehow manages to balance all of this action with genuine heartfelt moments that serve to further endear our characters to the read.

If you’re looking for something unique, fun, and action-filled that comes with a side of you getting teary eyed, this is the book for you!

TJ Klune does not disappoint. I fell in love with these characters just like I expected. Klune does a great job taking me on a journey and it is one I never regret. (4.5 stars)

🎧 The Bones Beneath My Skin 🎧⁣
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⁣Genre: Fantasy. ⁣
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⁣Length: 416 pages. ⁣
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⁣What a unique book! The Bones Beneath My Skin is a fantasy, sci-fi romance with thriller vibes! As always, TJ Klune’s storytelling is *chef’s kiss* and I was sucked into his beautiful writing! ⁣
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⁣Read this if you enjoy:⁣
⁣- Quirky characters. ⁣
⁣- Found family. ⁣
⁣- Slow burn romance. ⁣
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⁣I did think this one worked better for me in audio. I think it would have been a little too weird for a physical read! Four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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⁣Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of The Skin Beneath My Bones. It’s out now!