The Bone Houses Audiobook By Emily Lloyd-Jones cover art

The Bone Houses

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The Bone Houses

By: Emily Lloyd-Jones
Narrated by: Moira Quirk
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About this listen

Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Sky in the Deep in this bewitching historical horror novel, perfect for fans of Holly Black and V.E. Schwab.

Seventeen-year-old Aderyn ("Ryn") only cares about two things: her family and her family's graveyard. And right now, both are in dire straits. Since the death of their parents, Ryn and her siblings have been scraping together a meager existence as gravediggers in the remote village of Colbren, which sits at the foot of a harsh and deadly mountain range that was once home to the fae. The problem with being a gravedigger in Colbren, though, is that the dead don't always stay dead.

The risen corpses are known as "bone houses", and legend says that they're the result of a decades-old curse. When Ellis, an apprentice mapmaker with a mysterious past, arrives in town, the bone houses attack with new ferocity. What is it that draws them near? And more importantly, how can they be stopped for good?

Together, Ellis and Ryn embark on a journey that will take them into the heart of the mountains, where they will have to face both the curse and the deeply-buried truths about themselves. Equal parts classic horror novel and original fairy tale, The Bone Houses will have you spellbound from the very first minute.

An instant IndieBound best seller!

©2019 Emily Lloyd-Jones (P)2019 Little, Brown Young Readers
Fantasy Historical Historical Fiction Horror Literature & Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Paranormal Paranormal Romance Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Scary Fiction Heartfelt Funny
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Critic reviews

"The Bone Houses is an atmospheric and enthralling tale about life after death that mixes thoughtful characterization with whimsy, horror, and a dash of magic. Emily Lloyd-Jones instantly transports you to a northern Wales of old where the dead rise and legends may turn out to be histories. It pulled me -- and every bone I possess -- in from the start and refused to loosen its hold. It's a book best consumed with the lights on and a hand to hold. You'll definitely need them!" (Kalie Young, Barns & Noble at the Grove, LA)

"Throw excellent world-building, action-packed prose, and incredible representation for chronic pain into a cauldron, and you'll get The Bone Houses, a masterclass on the epic journey archetype with plenty of surprises in store." (Sami Thomason, Square Books)

"A dark, mesmerizing fairytale reminiscent of the Grimm Brothers, the Brontes, and Neil Gaiman in turn. The Bone Houses is a haunting and hypnotic novel that I drank deeply and savored. Emily Lloyd-Jones is an author who should be on everyone's radar." (Mackenzi Lee, NYT best-selling author of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue)

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Engaging Characters • Unique Storyline • Strong Heroine • Fairy Tale Atmosphere • Emotional Depth • Satisfying Ending
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This book was simply beautiful. It's told in a fairy tale like way, but is not a childrens tale. Magic is accepted as a reality for the mc but the memory of it is fading for others. Our heroine is unabashedly herself, strong, fierce, smart and brave. She protects, defends, rescues and pushes for resolution of the cause of her troubles. A wonderful potential love interest arrives in the form of a mild-mannered mapmaker. And the resultant adventure the two take is fairy-tale epic. The writing was pristine, the tone warm and true to character. The narration was among the best I've heard.

Incredibly well written fairy tale-like story

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honestly, the goat was the MVP and i grew so fond of it.
the story was nice, interesting, the main character is a cool sort of lady, yes she's a bit wild when compared to the context of her society but it wasn't too exaggerated.
a good book to listen to while doing chores during a rainy day!!

Quite entertaining

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The narrator was fabulous. she really made you feel the story and characters. characters were made real and what they felt and personal challenges we can all identify with. heart warming moral to life at end.

entertaining fantasy store with heart

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This story really has everything you need for a little escape. Completely relatable characters, a little bit of humor, a very unique story, and even a goat for a sidekick. It doesn't get better than a goat for a sidekick. I preview most audiobooks before I allow my kids to read them, mostly because it seems like a lot of authors like to slip in things that are inappropriate oh, even in books that are meant for younger audiences. I found this one to be really enjoyable, and not a chore like some of the books that I have to read first. I think this will be our next road trip book. the performance was awesome, and the narrator selection couldn't have been more spot-on.

Honestly a really fun read for any age.

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I was originally concerned this was a sappy romance but actually it's a pretty good fantasy and horror novel. I was very happy with the story and the performance.

A good fantasy tale not a drippy romance

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the narrator did a great job. I really enjoyed Rin's character as well as Ellis.
I could kind of guess the twist very early on. but it doesnt make the story any less fun.
4/5, just wish the climax and ending had a little more meat.
very enjoyable, will be looking for more from this author.

Fantastic. love the backstory for the bone houses

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This was a well written and paced story pulling on the Welsh Mythology tapped in Alexander's Prydain. The juxtaposed of female hero made it even more rich while never sacrificing the story. Ren's journey to find the "Black Cauldron" was an epic worth reading and rereading. I would recommend to anyone interested in Celtic mythology, especially that pulled from the Mabinogion.

Lloyd Alexander would be proud

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This is a great YA story. Think Garth Nix's Sabriel but in Wales (and with a zombie goat instead of a "cat"). This is also a book where I would 100% recommend listening to the audiobook. The narrator is great and her Welsh accent makes the characters voices and the place names come alive.

Great story made better by narration

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Has horror in it but in a tasteful way where there is more to the story. I quite enjoyed it and could listen anytime of day or night and typically I'm not one for horror.

Perfect spook factor

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Did I buy this for the goat?
Yes.
Did I forget I bought this for the goat?
Also yes.
Was I delighted to lean about the goat all over again?
YEP.

But goat aside, this feels like a classic fairytale with zombies. I loved all the characters, not just the goat. I would also love this with a sad ending, though I suppose the happy one fits the fairytale format better.

Goat is the MVP

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