Crown of Horns (Bone #9), by Jeff Smith

Crown of Horns (Bone #9), by Jeff Smith, 232 pages

This was the last book in the Bone saga, and the journey was worth the destination.  Bone and Thorn, Phoney and Smiley- all are locked in a dungeon while Briar and the Locust King, along with a swarm of rat creatures and general ne'er do wells wage war on the stronghold of Atheia.  Thorn is drawn to the Crown of Horns, but it could spell doom for all of civilization.  And where are the dragons?? This is an excellent finale filled with excitement, danger, quiche, and an ending that offers closure for all plot lines.

Treasure Hunters, Bone Vol 8, by Jeff Smith

Treasure Hunters, Bone #8, by Jeff Smith, 144 pages

Fone Bone, Thorn and Granma Ben have reached Atheia, but things have changed since Granma lived there.  There are corrupt guards out to kill the long-thought-dead royals, and even the loyalists have their doubts about Thorn.  Meanwhile, Phoney schemes to make a fortune, Smiley feels torn between Bartleby and Boneville, and Fone Bone finds that it's not easy when a bee has a crush on you.

Ghost Circles (Bone #7), by Jeff Smith

Ghost Circles (Bone #7), by Jeff Smith, 184 pages

While I've heard the Bone series likened to The Lord of The Rings, it's only in this 7th volume where I can truly see the comparison.  This sweeping story of good and evil and love and friendship is finally getting somewhere! Thorn, Granma, and the three Bones have to cross the valley, which has become full of treacherous ghost circles.  Lucius' loyalties are questioned, the Lord of the Locusts is not yet finished with Briar, and readers get to see Phoney and Fone Bone dressed as Captain Ahab and Ishmael.  This particular edition was in color, which enhanced the reading for me.

Old Man's Cave, Bone 6, by Jeff Smith

Old Man's Cave (Bone #6), by Jeff Smith, 128 pages

Alright, now things are finally moving.  The whole valley is preparing for war, with the villagers surrounded by rat creatures at Old Man's Cave.  The identity of the Hooded One is revealed, but it raises many more questions about Thorn's family and what really happened the night her parents died.  The action is not completely resolved in this volume, but we do finally find out why everyone is searching for Phoney, 'the one who bears the star.'  Delightful as ever.

Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border, Bone 5, by Jeff Smith

Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border (Bone 5), by Jeff Smith, 128 pages

I thought this book would provide some resolution to the burgeoning conflict of Book 4, but... it doesn't.  Fone Bone and Smiley go off into the wilderness in order to return a rat creature cub (although it's not really clear why they have a rat creature cub...) and adventure ensues.  And by 'adventure,' I mean another run-in with the quiche-loving rat creatures, a giant cat by the name of Rock Jaw (sort of), some very cute orphan animals, and a very scary Kingdok.  Who might actually be comprised of locusts.

At least there was a reprieve from the antics of Phoney Bone.

The Dragonslayer, Bone #4, by Jeff Smith

The Dragonslayer, Bone #4, by Jeff Smith, 176 pages

Well, it takes until the end of this volume, but I think we're finally getting to some action.   Fone Bone, Thorn and Gran'ma Ben get into a real fight with the rat creatures, and someone loses an arm- exciting! The Lord of the Locusts gets more and more creepy; Lucius makes a bet with Phoney Bone that it looks like he might lose; and Phoney Bone convinces the whole town that he is a dragonslayer- but what will happen when he's asked to deliver? Book 5 will tell all... I hope.

The Great Cow Race, Jeff Smith

The Great Cow Race, Jeff Smith, 144 pages

This is the second book in the Bone series.  Phoney Bone tries to pull off the hugest cow-race scam ever heard of, Fone Bone worries about giant rat creatures and how to tell Thorn he likes her, and Smiley Bone remains the comic relief.  It's a cute, tame read, with more of a comic-strip feel than that of a graphic novel.  But clearly the series is leading up to a bigger adventure.

Out From Boneville, Jeff Smith

Out From Boneville, by Jeff Smith, 144 pages

These books have been out for quite awhile, but I never got around to reading them.  This first in the series offers alot of promise and I see a special appeal for reluctant readers and boys.  The story is about three separated cousins Bone trying to find each other after having stumbled into a world different from their own; but by the end of the book, one can tell that there is going to be a bigger adventure in store.  It's funny, cute, and there's a little something for everyone in here.  Definitely a "clean" comic.