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.

This was everything I needed it to be!!!

If you read this blurb and think “sci-fi isn’t for me”, read it anyway! TJ Klune’s books are notoriously cosy and wholesome and The Bones Beneath My Skin lives up to that.

Blended in with the cosiness you’ll find a girl named Artemis Darth Vader, as her name suggests, she brings a lil bit of humour and quirk to the book that makes it the perfect read.

The Bones Beneath My Skin will make you believe in humanity again.

I’m a relatively newbie to TJ Klune having only read/listened to a handful of his books in the last 12 months, all of which I have absolutely adored, and he is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Superb writing which encompasses suspense, romance, love, heartwarming and reminds us that falling in love and being part of a family isn’t all about where or who we are born into, which makes this book so special.

Kirt Graves narrates this book beautifully, he really makes the story and characters pop and come to life with feeling, an excellent listen.

Nate travels to his family cabin, that he has inherited from his parents, but when he finds a man and little girl already living there, a lot of questions need to be answered. 

But the child and man are mysterious and soon Nate will find himself in danger.

Caught in a life he never expected he will find a way to repair his heart and love a family that he chooses. 

This novel has a narrative that you won't see coming. I love the characters, who were all unique and heartbreaking in their own individual way.

Klune's writing is captivating and easy to follow. This is definitely an author that I can read again and again.

Another Klune story that just got me in the feels. I wasn’t sure how this book was gonna go for me, on the one hand i’m not really into sci fi thrillers but I just had a feeling this was going to be more sweet than scary and i’m so glad I was right. It was found family done wonderfully with a lot of focus on love and what it means to be family. I love the 3 main characters especially Art and her really unique way of viewing the world, it seemed so innocent and refreshing. It did get tense throughout aswell which kept it exciting but still having that cozyish feel to it

TJ Klune can always be relied on to write a compelling, emotionally engaging romantasy novel, and this is no exception. 'The Bones Beneath My Skin' has as its viewpoint character Nate, a recently bereaved and unemployed journalist. He travels to his remote cabin in the Oregon mountains, hoping for solitude, but finds it occupied by a man and child. Alex and Artemis are fugitives, unwilling to explain what they are running from or why. Despite himself, Nate begins to sympathise with and like the strange pair. But the people hunting them are closing in, and the truth of their flight is stranger than Nate could possibly have imagined.

There's a lot that's good about the book, but a few flaws as well. As with all Klune's novels (and indeed, any romance/romantasy story), the fact it is set around a budding romance means you always know roughly the shape the story is going to take. That can be comforting, but also stifles originality even when the specific circumstances around the love story are quite different from one book to another. Neither Nate nor Alex were characters I particularly liked, meaning I was less invested in their stories and potential love than I would have been otherwise. There are a couple of strong supporting characters, but they were dropped before the book was halfway through, which was a shame. Artemis was the best character, and certainly the funniest. Klune is a brilliant comic writer when he isn't being overly earnest, which is most apparent in 'In the Lives of Puppets' with the nurse-robot character. Artemis has flashes of that, although she's not in the same league.

Plot wise, it's gripping and exciting, again as I'd expect from Klune. It's also not got the edge of melodrama that some of his books slid into, which is a good thing. However there were a few plot holes/inconsistencies/things that just didn't ring true which bothered me. I can't describe them as it would give too many spoilers, but they did annoy me and make the story less believable. I have no problem with the supernatural elements, which he does well, and in a fantasy story it's strange to say the implausible bits were nothing to do with those that were clearly made-up.

If you enjoy fantasy/romantasy, this is a good book and well worth reading. It's not outstanding and there are a few issues, so I wouldn't recommend it to people who only dip into the genre occasionally (the quality of the alternatives is just too high in this area). It works well as an audiobook, and the narrator reads it well and at a good pace.

Nate has lost his job, his parents and his brother. He retreats to the family cabin but finds that a man and a young girl have broken in. The adventure begins. Special Forces are chasing the girl, Artemis Darth Vader and they go on the run.

Very well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Strong characters in this well paced novel. Artemis is very special and unique and the Government want her back. Can Nate and Alex keep her safe and will life ever be the same again?

I loved TJ Klune's House on the Cerulean Sea and I loved Somewhere Beyond the Sea so when there was an option for an advanced copy of "the sci-fi romance adventure I never knew I needed", I was in!

In the spring of 1995, Nate Cartwright has lost everything: his parents are dead, his older brother wants nothing to do with him, and he's been fired from his job as a journalist in Washington DC. With nothing left to lose, he returns to his family's summer cabin outside the small mountain town of Roseland, Oregon to try and find some sense of direction. The cabin should be empty. It's not. Inside is a man named Alex. And with him is an extraordinary little girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader. Artemis, who isn't exactly as she appears.

What I love about TJ Klune's writing is his ability to create and develop a character that you end up falling in love with, laughing with and crying with. I LOVED Art soooo much. I love the humour and warmth of this little girl and the adventure that she's living. Alex is the greatest protector of Art and I love how he and Art give Nate something to live for. This is a really great story and Art is undoubtedly the star of the show.. I don't want to give any more away as it's such a great adventure to go into blind - enjoy this out of this world adventure!

Thank you to Netgalley, TJ Klune, and Macmillan UK Audio/Tor for a complimentary audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Bones Beneath My Skin is the latest book by TJ Klune and is a love letter to the 90's and the sci-fi of that time. We follow Nate, who after his parent's deaths and losing his job, goes to stay at the cabin in the middle of nowhere that he inherited. However, the cabin is not empty and he finds a man and a little girl there who will change the course of his life forever and help him learn to live again.

This was a truly beautifully written book, steeped in nostalgia, wonder and love. I grew to really love the three main characters in this book and I rooted for them to be happy. Much like in Under the Whispering Door, this book deals with grief and being able to move on from it, as well as following a protagonist who learns what's truly important. This book has been compared to Stranger Things and I can definitely see the comparisons here with the character of Artemis Darth Vader and in the plot elements of government conspiracies, and escaping from the people out to get them - this book is more adult though in nature but it definitely took me back to movies I watched in the 90s like ET. The story arc and plot elements feel much like they came from era, in a way that really adds to the atmosphere and magic of the book. The found family was a perfect through line, and it felt very believable.

The audio narration for this book was good, though I really didn't like the voice given to Artemis unfortunately but overall it was a decent listen. I knocked off half a star because of the plotline involving the Farm which I really didn't like and was a very dark and uncomfortable turn that I don't think needed to be in the book. I know that despite this books release being in 2025, it was actually previously written and I assume, independently published back in 2018 and I'm glad it's getter a wider release now and this really is a special story.

Final rating: 4.5

This was my first experience of TJ Klune and now I know that it will not be the last.
While I found the first 50% of the book was paced a little slowly it was still engaging enough that I wanted to keep on listening which payed off in the second half when everything seemed to happen at once. I enjoyed the cult aspect especially the similarities to the hale bopp comet and heavens gate and found the three main characters to be super lovable, I really was cheering them on from the start.
The only thing that put me off a little was the quite intense sex scene about 80% of the way through as while the romance had been building throughout it felt a little out of place given the rest of the story however from reading other reviews it seems that this is quite normal for Klune so at least I will be prepared the next time!

Above all this is a love story between three quirky characters - Artemis, Alex and Nate. Original and emotional, sweet and full of joy. However I found it a little long / overly drawn out in places and a little too twee / sentimental in some ways.

I was incredibly excited to receive the opportunity to listen to Klune‘s newest release. This story did not disappoint - it has so much heart and was definitely a page turner!

The story begins with Nate. Nate is at his lowest low, we quickly find out that his parents have died in a murder suicide. Yep, his dad murdered his mum and then killed himself. I was shocked at how quickly this story became very heavy with very serious situations. Nate has been left a secluded cabin in the woods by his parents and has decided that he’s going to go out to stay there having nothing left for himself - no friends, no job, no life.


The story very quickly gets into the main plot and we meet Alex and Art. This is where the story becomes humorous. Klune has a brilliant way of writing his books to include such warm interactions between the characters. I laughed out loud so many times!
This is also where the story hooks you in - things are not as they seem. I don’t want to say too much more than this because there are so many parts that unravel and are slowly pieced together bit by bit that keep you wanting to know more.

I do feel it’s very important to say that having read Klune before, and having found his books very clean, this story is not! There are some seriously spicy scenes in this book that really did take me by surprise. For me , personally I didn’t need them in this story and didn’t feel that they added any more to the plot, however other people might see this very differently! The first kiss was written beautifully and I would have been happy enough with that!

I really enjoyed listening to this story. It was well narrated and each character had a distinct voice. There is a clear message to the story - a family is who you love, who you are willing to have your heart broken for, those you chose again and again.

I have definitely read certain similar themes before and will say that I didn’t feel that this was anything overwhelming new to the market, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same.

“You made me a home out of nothing, out of a place where one shouldn’t exist “

Thank you for the chance of an early listen.

T.J. Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin is a heartwarming exploration of healing, connection, and the importance of chosen family. The novel follows Nate, a disgraced journalist retreating to his deceased parents' cabin in an attempt to escape his complicated life and past. However, solitude is far from what he finds when he arrives, as the cabin is already occupied by Artemis Darth Vader, an eccentric and captivating young girl, and her gruff, protective guardian, Alex, an ex-Marine.

One of the book's most compelling elements is the found family dynamic that forms between these characters. Klune excels at creating relationships that feel both organic and deeply emotional. The bond between Nate, Artemis, and Alex evolves in beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, ways. Artemis, with her quirky personality and unique way of viewing the world, is the star of the show, bringing much-needed light and humor to the story. Her presence alone gives the narrative a sense of joy and warmth, as she draws out the best in those around her.

The romantic subplot, however, is a bit more underdeveloped. While there’s clear chemistry between the love interests, the development of their relationship feels somewhat rushed. Aside from shared experiences and a few tender moments, the emotional buildup between them isn’t as fleshed out as one might expect. While this doesn’t detract from the overall story, it’s a noticeable aspect for readers who are hoping for a deeper exploration of the romantic connection.

Overall, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel about the ways in which love and family can heal even the most broken of people. The strength of its characters and the light Artemis brings to the narrative makes it an uplifting read, despite its occasional underdevelopment in the romance department. Klune’s signature warmth and humor shine through, making this a book worth reading for fans of quirky, heartfelt stories about found family and personal redemption.

4.75⭐️. I loved this book so much and have already pre-ordered the sprayed edge edition from Amazon!

I read, and really enjoyed, the Cerulean Chronicles last year, and I think that anyone who liked that trilogy will also enjoy this book. It has a very similar vibe, although reads more adult.

This story follows Nate, a young man who’s recently lost his parents and his job, and who decides to head up to the cabin he’s been left to get some rest and regroup. Except, upon arrival, he finds an ex-marine and a child, squatting in his home.

“He wasn’t sure if he was being held hostage, or being robbed or was becoming the third person in their cult.”

TJ Klune writes supernatural children like no one else and I fell in love with Art throughout the course of this book, which also had Klune’s trademark irreverent humour:

“Oh, that’s ok. You know how to make toast, that’s good enough for me.”
Nate didn’t think he’d ever received such a simple validation in his life.

I felt the full spectrum of emotions while reading this book, from laughing out loud (“Mean dog that hides, how strange.”) to feeling introspective:

“You’re all capable of such great and terrible things, and in such a short amount of time. You are surrounded by millions of those like you, yet you can still feel alone…you’re complex and yet so simple at the same time, it’s a dichotomy that shouldn’t exist.”

I do think TJ Klune is sometimes quite heavy handed in the way that he delivers his messages (there’s not a lot of subtly) - “They’re scared of what they don’t understand” - but they’re important messages that need to be said and are, unfortunately, a reflection of the world we live in.

This is the second TJ Klune book that I’ve listened to rather than read (the other being Somewhere Beyond the Sea) and I really like the audiobook narrators he uses. 100% recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook arc.

Four stars for this tale of extra terrestrials, high octane action and what it means to be human.
Nate had lost everything, personally and professionally, except for a cabin in the woods. When he returns for the first time in years, he encounters an adult male and a little girl and a gun to his head. So why is Nate about to get everything he wants and needs?
This book is grittier and darker than TJ Klune’s other books so don’t pick it up expecting another House in the Cerulean Sea. The writing brilliant and the author still does what he does really well; found family. I can take or leave storylines about UFOs normally but I really liked how Artemis was like a mirror, reflecting all the nuances of what it means to be human. I was invested in the book by the fantastic characters. Who wouldn’t find themselves becoming fond and protective over Artemis? Or in the changing relationship between Nate and Alex and the changes in themselves as people. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the author’s other books, the sci fi genre and books about found family.

The narration of the good, keeping you engaged with the story. However, it’s a real personal bug bear of mine when male narrators attempt female voices. For me it sounds inauthentic and disengages me from the audiobook. I would really welcome dual narrators going forward.

Thanks for the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange of an honest review.

This book was such a beautifully unexpected mix of heartbreak, hope, and quiet brilliance. The Bones Beneath My Skin gave me serious Stranger Things vibes with its mix of mystery, danger, and an extraordinary little girl with secrets that will steal your heart.

The story starts with Nate, who’s down on his luck and dragging around his personal baggage like it’s an Olympic sport. When he stumbles upon Alex and Artemis (yes, Artemis Darth Vader), the tension builds almost immediately. Why are they hiding? What’s so dangerous about this little girl? TJ Klune lets the mystery unfold slowly, and I was hooked.

Artemis is pure magic. She’s this wonderful mix of childlike innocence and unimaginable power, and the way the adults in her life react to her is so deeply human. Nate’s journey from someone barely surviving to a man willing to risk everything for the people he loves is emotional and raw, and Alex? His quiet strength and loyalty were the glue holding it all together.

The themes of found family and redemption hit me hard, as they always do with TJ Klune’s books. The writing has that perfect mix of heart and humor, with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

If you love character-driven stories with a touch of sci-fi, complex relationships, and a ton of heart, The Bones Beneath My Skin is a must-read. It’s one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it, and I honestly can’t recommend it enough.



The narrator of The Bones Beneath My Skin did an incredible job bringing the story to life. Each character had a distinct voice, with Artemis’ innocence and mystery shining through, and Nate’s emotional journey felt raw and authentic. The pacing was perfect, balancing tense moments with heartfelt ones, making the audiobook an engaging and immersive experience