Customer Reviews

Bone Walk: The Journey of Thomas Shepard

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was a journey worth taking. From the first page of this book I was drawn into a well crafted fantasy world, believable enough to be truly compelling. I wait impatiently for a sequel.

I usually don't enjoy fantasy. But Kevin Howe's debut novel is far different and more exciting than any kind of fantasy I've ever read. A real page turner. How would you desribe it? Perhaps a cross between "Lord of the Rings" and the movie "The Usual Suspects". Stop reading this review and pick it up today!!!!

Set in a sleepy, oft-overlooked medieval village, Bone Walk: The Journey Of Thomas Shepard is the story of a warehouse keeper who sees terrible things happen around him due to an ancient book that has fallen into the hands of the counselor to the high lord. In order to learn the true nature of the deadly curse that has befallen his home, Thomas Shepard must journey with two companions into the forbidding Western Wood. Vivid, frightening, and filled with challenges to the human spirit Bone Walk is a fascinating, unforgettable, highly recommended debut novel by an obviously skilled and talented writer.

BONE WALK
By Kevin Howe
Published by: Firelight Publishing Inc.,...
Release Date: December 31, 2001
ISBN: 0-9707206-2-9
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
...
Format: Paperback
Stars out of 5: 4 ½

Kevin Howes stunning first novel is surely a sign that his future works will be even more unforgettable. His characters such as the Tree Walkers and Bone Eaters are straight from a creative mind. Tension explodes from the very first page, and the reader is able to become familiar with the conflict between the characters.
Main character, Thomas Shepard is a reserved warehouse keeper in a small, overlooked medieval village. His life changes when beautiful mysterious things start to emerge in his village, and at the same time as villagers vanish or end up dead.
Thrilling suspense engulfs each page as the reader learns of a book that is hard to decipher and that the book has landed in the hands of BONE WALKS villain, Varden. Varden is the high Lords counsel, annoyed by the incompetence of three previous messengers.
Immediately, he influences his master into choosing Thomas Shepard as the next man to enter the Western Wood, where danger lurks, and he is to bring back answers that will ultimately decide what happens to his village. Thomas and two dubious cohorts do just as they are told and head toward the Western Wood, and soon find themselves surrounded by danger, and the unknown, which in the end leads to horror.
What will happen to Thomass village? Does he find the answers he is sent to search for?

Kevin Howes book is one I will never forget. His plot-driven characters and down-to-earth dialogue enhances the storyline, giving the reader a more pleasurable fantasy read.
Mr. Howe lives in Iowa with his wife and two daughters. Reading books and storytelling is a few of this corporate attorneys passions. He is currently writing the sequel to BONE WALK.

I highly recommend Kevin Howes gripping book BONE WALK.

--Reviewed by Jennifer LB Leese...

While not what I normally read, I picked up Bone Walk because of the local buzz about it. The plot is complex but the author did an excellent job of keeping it all straight. Characters are well developed. It's a good novel, one worth your time.

I could not put the book down. My imagination could not keep up with the twists and surprises at every turn. Kevin engages the reader and continues to move to a new level just when you think it could not get more frightening. I loved the book and have recommended it everyone.

This book is a treat for people who like the fantasy world but it is definitely not restricted to that audience. It is also a must for anyone who just likes to get lost in a great story with fun characters. The story pulls you in early and builds very nicely. Just when a major plot twist is revealed, the story deepens and you find yourself wondering what will happen next. This builds throughout the book to a very intense and satisfying conclusion. I regret that the book is not for younger children (too intense in spots for pre-teens) because it would otherwise be a terrific 'time filler' as we wait for the next installment of Harry Potter. Thomas Shepard is a good 'hero'. He is far from perfect and certainly vulnerable, but that is what makes him so real to the rest of us who are not perfect either. He is a hero for the common person. This is good old-fashioned storytelling.

Bone-Walk: The Journey of Thomas Shepherd is a wondrous, artfully-crafted odyssey of adventure and self-discovery. Mr. Howe's characters find resources within and without on a mission full of mystery and maturation. This reader hopes Kevin Howe's next books will be available soon.