Seventeen-year-old Aderyn (“Ryn”) only cares about two things: her family, and 
her family’s graveyard. And right now, both are in dire straits. Since the death of their parents, Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meager existence as gravediggers in the remote village of Colbren, which sits at the foot of a harsh and deadly mountain range that was once home to the fae. The problem with being a gravedigger in Colbren, though, is that the dead don’t always stay dead.
The risen corpses are known as “bone houses,” and legend says that they’re the result of a decades-old curse. When Ellis, an apprentice mapmaker with a mysterious past, arrives in town, the bone houses attack with new ferocity. What is it about Ellis that draws them near? And more importantly, how can they be stopped for good?
Together, Ellis and Ryn embark on a journey that will take them deep into the heart of the mountains, where they will have to face both the curse and the long-hidden truths about themselves.
Besides the dazzling cover, this intriguing description caught my attention. I’ve read numerous stories about risen corpses, but they were usually zombies. Bone houses are a unique take, and I had to know more about them.
Characterization is strong in this novel. From the main characters, supporting characters, and down to the loyal, territory-defending goat, I enjoyed all of them. Ryn is a take-charge, driven main character and as a gravedigger possesses a strong sense of compassion and respect for the dead. After losing her parents, providing for her brother and sister is her priority. Ellis has a mysterious past, and it’s refreshing to see a male character who knows his strengths and limits and isn’t afraid to let a female take the lead. Their relationship develops naturally with occasional sarcastic banter that gave me some laughs.
It’s difficult to put a new spin on zombies, but this author manages to do it. Bone houses aren’t the typical risen dead – no spoilers – and they provide some nail-biting moments.
This isn’t really a fast-paced novel, and some parts are predictable, but the story pulls you in and makes it difficult to put down the book.
Because it features risen corpses, don’t think The Bone Houses is a horror novel – it’s far from it. The overriding themes are the importance of family and learning to move on after a loss. It’s an unusual story I’d recommend to fans of supernatural tales.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Sounds like an interesting and different premise. You’re right about the cover, awesome! Thanks for posting your review.
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It was, Priscilla – and that’s hard to do with the undead folks.
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I admit I’m not a fan of zombies, so it’s cool to see an author put a fresh spin on the dead rising from graves. And the idea of caring for a cemetery is a bonus. Good review, Teri!
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Thanks, Mae! The fresh spin and characters kept me glued to the pages.
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Great review! I agree on the pacing. I was surprised by how much I liked this. I usually struggle with slower paced books.
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I know what you mean, Kristi. I was so wrapped up in the characters and the bone houses, I didn’t mind the slower pace at all.
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It was the atmosphere for me, I think. There are certain slower paced books (like this one, sawkill girls, etc) that I loved. But others are just hard for me to get through. I love the creepy ones.
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This cover is stunning. And an original take on zombies? That’s compelling.
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It really is a beautiful cover. Even though they’re undead, they didn’t really seem like zombies in this story.
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Great review!
I’ve got an arc for this one, I really want to pick it up now 🙂
(www.evelynreads.com)
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Hope you enjoy it just as much, Evelyn – I’ve seen some other good reviews for it also.
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I seriously need to go on a reading vacation. This has to go on my TBR list. I mean, honestly. And the cover really is gorgeous.
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I’ll go on that reading vacation with you. We’ll only takes breaks to refresh the wine or get more chocolate.
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Great review, Teri. I’m not into zombie stories but you make this one sound enticing. 🙂
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Thanks, Kevin! They were different – don’t think zombies like The Walking Dead. Can’t really explain more without spoilers.
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Fair enough. 😀
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Oh well, if you even enjoy the goat Teri ;-)))) Excellent review!
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That was some goat, Sophie, lol. When I looked at other reviews, most of them also mentioned the goat – but I can’t give away spoilers.
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An intriguing idea for a book, Teri, and I thought your last comments about the books genre were very interesting.
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It’s hard to go into more detail without giving spoilers, Robbie, but I’d go more toward the light horror area, if at all.
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