The Thread That Binds the Bones (A Chapel Hollow Novel) [Paperback]

Nina Kiriki Hoffman (Author), Richard Bober (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1993

Tom Renfield, a drifter possessed of extraordinary powers, and Laura Bolte, the equally gifted daughter of an ancient family, are wed amid a supernatural tumult that threatens the thread that binds the bones.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Avon Books (Mm) (May 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380772531
• ISBN-13: 978-0380772537
• Product Dimensions: 4 x 0.8 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,165,917 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Close to Home, and Far Away, October 24, 2002

By 

Lawrence E. Wilson (Mayfield, East Sussex, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Thread That Binds the Bones (A Chapel Hollow Novel) (Paperback)

I picked this up by chance, was entranced by it, and immediately sought and bought everything I could find by Hoffman. Exactly the kind of story that I love, in that twilit area where This-world touches some Other-world---think of Zenna Henderson, think of Ray Bradbury, think of Marion Zimmer Bradley, but different, edgier, more close-to-home and more far-away... It's the story of an extended, inbred Family where half-magical, half-psychic powers are inherited, and one's status within the family dependent on the strength of those powers. Into this mix comes an outsider with powers like and unlike those of the Family, in love with a semi-outcast daughter, who together seem to be a hope for a very different future. An exciting adventure, with exact and careful characterization and evocative, beautiful writing. Its sequel, The Silent Strength of Stones, is just as interesting, and I am eager for the next Family novel.

This is one of those books I bought because the cover was interesting---not that we judge a book by its cover, but let's never forget that the cover is an integral part of the total book experience...

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible imagination, April 28, 2003

By 

E Rice (western ny state) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Thread That Binds the Bones (A Chapel Hollow Novel) (Paperback)

this is not hoffman's best written book, but that is a minor drawback, since her second best is still better than many other author's. if you think of the exposition being a form of writerly shorthand, so to speak, it isn't such an issue.

the wonderful thing about this book is the world building. the families, their history, their talents are completely thought-out, made to seem completely real. behavior, actions, reactions, all ring true to life.

just fyi, in case any of the previous reviewers review, and for new readers, there is a semi-sequel, _the silent strength of stones_. now, if hoffman would only write a THIRD installment (and forth, fifth, etc.).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wanting a sequel in a BAD way!, December 23, 1999

By 

"jamminn" (Cleveland, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread That Binds the Bones (A Chapel Hollow Novel) (Paperback)

I found this book in a little half-priced used book store. I liked the cover and figured what the heck. I rarely keep them after I read them once. This book however, is being kept and has already been read twice. I love the ideas and imagination that flows through these pages. Nina has made them come to life with a force that is not duplicated often. I am hoping that she does not stop this story line where she left it. There's so many possiblities on how these characters and possibly new members of the family may be introduced into many books on how this unique family will fit itself into the world. I'd rate it as a "must read" for anyone who enjoys truly wonderful fantasy reading.