Review of Bone Necklace
Posted: 27 Jun 2022, 04:52
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bone Necklace" by Julia Sullivan.]
Bone Necklace by Julia Sullivan is a historical fiction novel set in the American West in 1877. After an attack by the Nez Perce Indians, Jack Peniel searches for his stepmother, Sally. Unable to find her, he joins forces with his father to deal with the Indians and possibly find peace. To make matters worse, his mule doesn't listen, and Jack is out of whiskey. Things never quite seem to come together for Jack. Will he ever be able to make his way in this war-torn frontier? To find out, you must read this book!
In just the first few chapters, I was aware of a lifetime of history belonging to Jack Peniel. It was so effortlessly woven into the storyline that it never felt like too much information. This skillful and adept writing style makes this book not only entertaining but an easy read. The flowing narrative carries a reader swiftly through from event to event seamlessly as the action mounts and the pace quickens at times.
There are welcome instances of humor in the narrative of this story that comes upon the unsuspecting reader without warning. I found myself enjoying that element on occasion. That moment of lightness would overtake the seriousness of a particular scene, such as when a hapless bugler blew his horn near the ear of Jack Penial, who was nursing a hangover.
What I liked best about this story was the excellent character development. As the reader follows Jack through one battle to another, there is a subtle transformation in how Jack views current events. The subject of right and wrong becomes a more prevalent issue, and the novel's tone changes. I feel that these aspects will resonate with readers on a deep and personal level.
As the book progresses, it is divided into four parts. Each part deals with different stages of events that affect sets of characters. This format helped break the book up and kept it from becoming tedious due to its length. The battle scenes are numerous and lengthy, and at times it felt like the story was getting lost in the long descriptions of gruesome deaths and mutilation.
I enjoyed the depth of feeling in many of the characters. The love between Running Bird and Prairie Dove was important to the novel. Their relationship echoed the strength and bond of people throughout generations who have lived through times of war. Readers will enjoy how vivid and intense the character's personalities are in this story.
I found nothing too negative to mention about this book. It is exceptionally well edited and without error. It employs fictional characters that are supported by the foundation of true history. This tactic has given the book depth of feeling along with historical accuracy. I especially enjoyed how it included photos of historical characters. For these reasons, it has achieved a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a novel that takes them back in time and delivers a close account of what it was like during the Indian wars. It will appeal most to students of history who love a good story. This book has frequent severe profanity scattered throughout. The grotesque injuries, gruesome scenes, massacres, and violence that one would expect when reading about Indian wars are present in this novel. Therefore it is best suited to a mature audience. Fans of historical novels set in the American West will enjoy this book.
******
Bone Necklace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Bone Necklace by Julia Sullivan is a historical fiction novel set in the American West in 1877. After an attack by the Nez Perce Indians, Jack Peniel searches for his stepmother, Sally. Unable to find her, he joins forces with his father to deal with the Indians and possibly find peace. To make matters worse, his mule doesn't listen, and Jack is out of whiskey. Things never quite seem to come together for Jack. Will he ever be able to make his way in this war-torn frontier? To find out, you must read this book!
In just the first few chapters, I was aware of a lifetime of history belonging to Jack Peniel. It was so effortlessly woven into the storyline that it never felt like too much information. This skillful and adept writing style makes this book not only entertaining but an easy read. The flowing narrative carries a reader swiftly through from event to event seamlessly as the action mounts and the pace quickens at times.
There are welcome instances of humor in the narrative of this story that comes upon the unsuspecting reader without warning. I found myself enjoying that element on occasion. That moment of lightness would overtake the seriousness of a particular scene, such as when a hapless bugler blew his horn near the ear of Jack Penial, who was nursing a hangover.
What I liked best about this story was the excellent character development. As the reader follows Jack through one battle to another, there is a subtle transformation in how Jack views current events. The subject of right and wrong becomes a more prevalent issue, and the novel's tone changes. I feel that these aspects will resonate with readers on a deep and personal level.
As the book progresses, it is divided into four parts. Each part deals with different stages of events that affect sets of characters. This format helped break the book up and kept it from becoming tedious due to its length. The battle scenes are numerous and lengthy, and at times it felt like the story was getting lost in the long descriptions of gruesome deaths and mutilation.
I enjoyed the depth of feeling in many of the characters. The love between Running Bird and Prairie Dove was important to the novel. Their relationship echoed the strength and bond of people throughout generations who have lived through times of war. Readers will enjoy how vivid and intense the character's personalities are in this story.
I found nothing too negative to mention about this book. It is exceptionally well edited and without error. It employs fictional characters that are supported by the foundation of true history. This tactic has given the book depth of feeling along with historical accuracy. I especially enjoyed how it included photos of historical characters. For these reasons, it has achieved a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a novel that takes them back in time and delivers a close account of what it was like during the Indian wars. It will appeal most to students of history who love a good story. This book has frequent severe profanity scattered throughout. The grotesque injuries, gruesome scenes, massacres, and violence that one would expect when reading about Indian wars are present in this novel. Therefore it is best suited to a mature audience. Fans of historical novels set in the American West will enjoy this book.
******
Bone Necklace
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
And I always cherish that authors take the time, even in serious books, for a bit of humor.