The story, action, and pacing here are exactly what I had wished for in “When the Wolf Comes Home” by Nat Cassidy. Both stories involve a child possessed with incredible powers. However, The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune is the much more fun read between the two and has more memorable characters. I needed a good laugh, and this definitely provided it. Here is a story wrapped in grief, unlikely friendships made, and a whole lot of love.

So the story starts off with our introduction to Nate. He’s coming off the tragic loss of his parents along with getting fired from his job as a journalist. He’s traveling westbound, all the way to Oregon, for a regathering of himself in a remote cabin in the woods left to him as an inheritance. Furthermore, he meets two very unlikely and suspicious individuals there, and everything just spirals into chaos from there. I don’t think it’s even considered a spoiler to say that there is something definitely wrong with Artemis. I’m assuming most readers will very soon make the connection, and their first guess will likely be the right one. Regardless of all that, readers will likely also very soon come to adore and love her just the same. How can we not love a little girl who chooses to be named Artemis Darth Vader along with being a lover of old classic cowboy tales and stories? Oh, and the bacon. The bacon! Artemis is literally my favorite part of the story, and I’m sure for many other readers as well.

As to both Nate and Alex, they were okay. I was quite surprised to learn that this was an LGBTQ+ novel. While I don’t have any issues with that, I was a bit shocked at the one scene between Alex and Nate in the barn. The author really went into the details of their lovemaking. And I mean, really, really get into the details. Usually I don’t care, as I just skip over these scenes anyway, but somehow, it just didn’t feel like it belonged in the overall story up to that point. It’s funny because in the author’s note section, he explained that his original publisher thought maybe the story should be categorized as “romance” because of one scene (I’m assuming it was that one in the barn). The author got upset and ranted that romance isn’t just based on sexual scenes. From my point of view, the romance label/category would be given not because of that one scene but because it’s clear day and night that Nate has a crush on Alex from the very beginning and has been working up the courage to express those feelings. As is evident, Nate and Alex do hook up in the end, so why not romance label?

If you’re looking for a fun read, I think The Bones Beneath My Skin is a good choice. Artemis really made the story, and I really enjoyed it because of her. If it was just about Nate and Alex, I’m not sure if I would have continued. That or if Artemis was replaced by someone less animated. Nate did get a bit annoying for me as the story went on. I also would have wished that more funny conversations would have happened, not just between the three but also with Artemis and other strangers they meet during their adventures on the road. For example, the waitress scene was hilarious. Sadly, they don’t meet that many new people along their way. Such a shame. Here we have a brilliant, strange, and witty kid, and we don’t get to witness more of those funny conversations and interactions between more people other than just Nate and Alex. I was okay with the ending. Predictable or not, it worked out, and I’m happy for it. It would be pretty fun if the author decided one day to create a sequel to this. Now, away I go to cook myself some bacon and toast.