I loved this book! A totally different take on time travel, reversing the usual storylines. The story follows through well, the characters develop as the story unfolds with so many twists and turns. The narrator is actually quite good although I wasn't sure to start with. His vocalisation of the different characters is slight but instantly recognisable. I would thoroughly recommend and will be looking out for more titles by this author. A really good listen.

As a huge fan of TJ Klune's audiobooks I was very excited to see this reissue of one of his older novels with a new audiobook narrated by one of the best Klune narrators - Kirt Graves.

Everything that I love about Klune's work is present in some form here - phenomenal narration, found family, quirky humour, queer romance and loveable characters. But what was missing for me was a sense of heart at the core of the story. Despite Kirt Graves narration I just couldn't get invested in the story or the characters and felt the romance was a little lacking especially in comparison to what we saw in Under the Whispering Door. I was also spoilt with In The Lives of Puppets which was a standout five star and I feel that the sci-fi elements were more effective in that story.

One that I think will grow on me in future but in comparison to his most recent new releases it is definitely lacking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan UK Audio for the audio review copy of "The Bones Beneath My Skin" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan UK Audio for the ARC of this audiobook 🎧!

3.25 stars 🌟

A very interesting book from TJ Klune that felt like a sort of hybrid of some of his more warm and fuzzy work (HOTCS and UTWD) and some of his more dark/mature work (Wolfsong series). Perhaps it’s because I’m familiar with his other work and enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t quite get comfy in this story…

The sci-fi 👽 element was a vibe—I did like the plot and really liked the found family element (true TJ style!!). Artemis was of course the star of the show. But I really wanted more chemistry and romance development between Alex and Nate (it felt lacking compared to other work)… I guess I do appreciate that maybe romance was just more of a subplot here. The pacing was good and the ending was solid. The explicit intimate scene felt a little unnecessary/out of place to me in this book (I’m sorry!!).

In terms of the audio narration, Kirt Graves did an awesome job. He always does! ❣️

Overall I enjoyed it, but it may be disadvantaged from me having enjoyed TJ’s other work so much!

I loved art what a quirky character I think I would have preferred to read the book though I struggled to pay attention to what was happening via audiobook as I found the narrators voice a bit monotone, but I appreciate that is my personal preference

You may see "Klune" on the cover, but beyond acknowledging that that means with 99% certainty that it'll be a good book, throw out all expectations. Is it good? Yes. Is it what I expected? No (and I go in with very few preconceived ideas when it comes to Klune). Would I have guessed it was Klune had I not known? Probably not.. So whilst I definitely recommend it, this is Klune like you've not seen before (for better or worse).

The world-building was (as ever when it comes to Klune) exceptionally well-done, proving both evocative and imaginative. When done right, it's definitely something that's easy to take for granted, but had it not been done so well, this book would have been a lot less enjoyable and effective. Sure, it's not the most different to reality Klune's ever gone - far from it - but with the serious tone (and because of it's similarity to the everyday setting) it was essential to get it right in this one, which he does.

Yet, I felt the usual depth and exceptional quality of the inter-character relationships was lacking, leaving me unconvinced by the romance and let down by how weak the resultant found family moments felt. However, it was gripping and an incredibly moreish read (which I'll admit was definitely enabled by some great audiobook narration that really helped bring the characters to life, especially Artemis).

I really enjoyed this. Plot wise, I wasn't completely blown away, though I did like it. But what Klune has done exceptionally well, as usual, is create absolutely fantastic characters. Artemis was nothing short of brilliant - I laughed at her dialogue with Nate and Alex on multiple occasions. I also loved the budding relationship between Nate and Alex. I could definitely see it coming but was so glad when they finally gave in to each other.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I’ve not read much sci-fi before, but I read one of TJ Klune’s other books last year and LOVED it so I was drawn in!

The story is set in 1995 and follows Nate, a man in his late 20’s who after a series of events has retreated to a cabin left to him by his parents… where he finds a man called Alex and a little girl called Artemis Darth Vader (name choice - impeccable).

This was a slow paced read for me but thoroughly enjoyable throughout. I especially loved Art’s insights (and adoration of bacon!)

To me, this felt like a cross between The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and The Host by Stephanie Meyer, but with a bit of that TJ Klune magic sprinkled in.

Some lovely memorable quotes in here which I will be adding to my reading journal (may update here post-release date) about the beauty of being human.

I would absolutely read this book again!

After losing his job and grieving the death of his parents, Nate decides to visit his family’s lakeside cabin for some peace and a much needed reset. But when he arrives, the cabin is not empty and he finds a strange, impossible young girl, Artemis, and her fierce gun-weirding protector, Alex. Nate soon learns that Artemis is not what she seems and the government will stop at nothing to get her back under their control. Now Nate finds himself on the run with this unlikely but endearing pair, united by their determination to save Artemis…and he might just save himself in the process.
✨
T.J.Klune’s books are always so strange and unique, and this one didn’t disappoint. It definitely has some dark elements, but the found family vibes were really cosy and the characters were loveable. There is a sub-plot romance between Nate and Alex (and one spicy scene) but this is definitely not the focus of the book. The plot was fast moving but easy to follow and kept me hooked throughout. I thought it was really interesting how it has the theme of conspiracy theorists throughout and how some actually hit the mark whilst others were deemed crazy. Overall, I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend to fans of the genre.
✨
Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Diverse Rep: gay MC, bi MC, mlm romance
Content warnings: homophobia, slurs, grief, suicide

I went into this audiobook blind and was not disappointed.

This was my first foray into TJ Klune and won’t be my last.

Sci-fi, sort of thrillery, found family, romance…

The narrator does a fabulous job.

I love Art she is a whole vibe and constantly had me laughing out loud.

I even shed a wee tear at the end

Wholesome 🖤

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy (approved after I preordered the special edition hehehe)

Overall the story was pretty nice. I love the parental love they have for Art, and she is just so sweet!
In my opinion the last few chapters are unnecessary though. It would have been better to end it right after the tunnel.

I'd imagine this one will be a hit with fans of TJ Klune who enjoyed the found family of The House in the Cerulean Sea. The audiobook narration was very well done.

Thank you for my copy of this audiobook. While I did enjoy it - the narrator was excellent - it isn’t one of my favourite by TJ Klune. I enjoyed the suspense, I somewhat enjoyed the characters, although, again are not as memorable as others from previous Klune books. I would recommend it, particularly the audiobook, as the narrator was very engaging. I would say it’s a sold 3 stars.

4.5 stars

Headlines:
Stockholm sweetness
Wholesome weirdness
ET phone home

What a ball of gorgeousness this book turned out to be, while placing me in full-on tension in the latter half of the story. Klune did a lot with this sci-fi plot, taking us on a tour of hostage situations, cult crazies and the most adorable person shining through the whole thing in Art.

I like how this author presents flawed characters and finds them an authentic space to be who they are without redeeming their messes in the past. Nate was such an endearing character from the start. This guy had not known love and nuture in his past but he sure could show those facets of himself to the two other MCs of this novel, Alex and Art. Alex was all hard edges and protective guarding and Art wasn't just likeable immediately, she was loveable.

Art's dialogue was something to behold. Her obsession with 'western' veranacular, straight talking without tact and the ability to trust and love was the core of this story. This was a weird plot on the one hand but tangible to things society is fascinated about in terms of other beings from galaxies far away. You don't have to believe in extraterrestrials to be down with this book, this was as much about connection and love as it was about the plot.

In some ways this story got super weird towards the end but I was there for every page and devoured this book in a day. It was captivating, beautiful and quintessentially found-family Klune.

Oh and a nod to the drive through Green Creek :)

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review. I am always amazed by TJ Klune and this new story has to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. An amazing magical masterpiece that had me hooked straight away. The characters Alex, Nate and Art were written so beautifully and I fell in love with them early on. It’s difficult to review this book without any spoilers so I will just say that you have to read it! I laughed and cried and absolutely sobbed my heart out at the end. A beautifully written story that I will remember for a long time. 5 stars

This book was exceptional - a new favourite - such a unique beautiful story with so many poignant messages.

Book review: The Bones Beneath my Skin by T.J. Klune⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you could pick any name, what would it be?
Artemis Darth Vader is the most precious alien space princess alive. Eleven from Stranger Things meets E.T!
TJ Klune made me care about robots, ghosts, the anichrist and now an alien.🙌
Just like every other TJ Klune story at the heart this novel is a found family. However, in this one the military gets involved and our precious family is not safe due to it being a crazy government project from "the mountain".
We have a budding queer romance and a crazy alien cult. This book has truly everything and honestly the banter and dialogue with Artemis Darth Vader is to die for.💕
This precious book is coming out next week February 6, please pick it up if you love a cosy read with high stakes!

Thanks to the Author, Pan Macmillan Tor and Netgalley for the ARC and ALC.

T.J. Klune has an incredible talent for taking dark, weighty topics and presenting them in a lighthearted yet never dismissive way. It’s a delicate balance, but Klune handles it with grace, ensuring the story's emotional depth is never overshadowed by its humour or charm.

At first glance, the plot may feel familiar, especially to fans of Stranger Things. The story follows Nathaniel, a man struggling to piece his life together after a series of personal failures. His world is turned upside down when he meets a mysterious young girl named Artemis and her fiercely protective guardian, Alex. The trio embarks on a road trip, fleeing from sinister forces determined to capture Artemis and exploit her unusual abilities.

While the premise and some narrative beats echo elements of Stranger Things, Klune’s distinct voice and emotional depth make The Bones Beneath My Skin a unique and unforgettable experience. The bond between the characters, particularly the tender yet complex relationship between Nathaniel, Alex, and Artemis, is beautifully written and deeply moving.
The tone of the book is another standout feature. The first half carries a surprisingly light and whimsical feel, even as danger looms. But as the story progresses, the back half takes a sharp, dramatic turn into much darker territory. It’s a shift that feels natural and impactful, pulling the reader deeper into the emotional core of the narrative.

One of the most memorable lines perfectly encapsulates the book’s blend of wonder and heartbreak: “And strangely, somehow he was okay with it. He was okay with all of it. He’d been lonely. He’d been sad . But he’d found a purpose . He’d found a reason. Two, in fact. If he died right here, right now, there was a very real possibility that he’d done something good. That his life had mattered. That he’d loved and been loved in return.”

The audio production on the ALC was excellent and the ARC also had excellent font choices and chapter graphics. The upgraded cover art (by Chris Sickels) is always a joy on the Author's books.
For readers familiar with earlier self-published versions of the book, the updated author notes provide an intriguing insight into Klune’s journey as a writer. They shed light on the struggles of self-publishing and the hard-earned lessons he’s gathered along the way. These reflections give a new appreciation for the challenges of bringing a book to life and highlight the author’s gratitude for the process.

Overall, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a compelling read that blends heart, humour, and darkness in a way only T.J. Klune can. It’s a testament to his growth as a storyteller and a reminder of the unique perspectives he brings to the genre. Fans of heartfelt sci-fi with a touch of the strange and poignant will find plenty to love here.

#TheBonesBeneathMySkin #NetGalley

DNF at 16%. I tried this from 24/01/25 to 27/01/25. I requested this arc because I wanted to try this author’s work but this is just fine and I cannot be bothered to finish it. It seems promising at times but I am becoming annoyed by Art and I’m just not feeling this at all. I also didn’t realise this was a re release.

The Bones Beneath My Skin is my first 5 star book of the year, and I loved it so much! The characters were fantastic, and I kept smiling while reading. It was both cute and emotional. I definitely didn’t expect to cry at the end, but here we are. T.J. Klune's writing is amazing; he creates very unique characters, and the found family aspect of his books always feels so cozy. Apart from the story, the narrator was phenomenal. Each character had a distinctive voice. Artemis, Alex, and Nate will stay with me forever, and I know I will reread this book in the future. I highly recommend it if you enjoy wholesome sci-fi or are looking for an incredible found family story featuring an alien and a crazy cult. Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan UK Audio for an audio arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

3.5-4⭐️. With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher of the audiobook for an arc of this book.

I was so excited to listen to this audiobook, having absolutely loved The House on the Cerulean Sea and much of the same charm of that novel is also present here.

Klune is incredibly talented at creating characters that are lovable and idiosyncratic. They are also usually damaged and this is true of Alex, Nate and Artemis Darth Vader.

After a family tragedy, Nate retreats to the remote cabin that he has inherited. He wants nothing more than to be alone and lick his wounds and ponder on how his life has gone so horribly wrong.

It’s a Klune book and so you know that an introverted outsider is never going to be left to his own devices. Sure enough, it isn’t long before Nate realises that he isn’t alone and that the cabin isn’t empty. Before he knows it, Nate is on a journey that will change his life forever, forging bonds with found family and finding love along the way.

There’s lots to like but I think that the book was much longer than the plot demanded and I did find myself getting bored in parts. I’m also not a great fan of sex scenes in books - especially audiobooks that I’m listening to on a speaker because it had all been pretty tame until then 🙈!

Final shoutout to the narrator who did a great job.