Customer Reviews

The Thread That Binds the Bones

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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...

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.).

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.

Once in a while you run across a book (or an author) that just kind of melts like butter to the hot knife of your reading pleasure. A can't-put-down, up-til-three, tour d'force that you think about for days, weeks, after finishing, wishing that the story hadn't ended. Much like "Tamlin" by Pamela Dean, I just love the characters in this book. They're so easy to get along with, and the ideas running through it about fantasy and ghostly presences remind me of a fantasy version of Neal Stephenson. Must read, must read again.

I read this book when it came out and loved it. I have read it three times since then and I love it more each time (and I do not re-read books, nor do I normally write reviews). It is not the best written book, but the story is so wonderful! I loaned my copy out and it never came back. It took months to find another! I wish there was a sequel. This book is just such a great little story. If you like love stories with a lot of real magic thrown in- this book is for you. Good luck finding it, though:-) Maybe they need to do a 2nd run?

If you can find it, get it! I put this at the top of my "obscure books" list, though I wish it were off the list. There's a small-press version which is bundled with short stories as well, which are wonderful.

I ran across "Silent Strength of Stones" by accident and enjoyed it so much I went searching and found "The thread that Binds the Bones". I have enjoyed both books greatly and have been anxiously awaiting continuations of these family tales, as both books sort of leave you in limbo with expectations of more great adventures of these characters and families to be explored in future books. Unfortunately, the author has not chosen to expand on these adventures; however you must try these 2 books if you can get your hand on them. I have read my copies several times and am sure they will get more use. Unfortunately none of Ms Hoffman's books have risen to the same level of these classics....

This has become one of my all time favorites because it's such a simple, beautiful book--Hoffman has a gift for imagery that is quite rare. It's a pretty basic plot--boy who doesn't understand his magical powers meets girl who understands (but denies) hers--but with an imaginative approach that makes this book unique. I've read the sequel, The Silent STrength of Stones, where she takes the approach further, and it's good but just not as fresh as this book. I highly recommend them both, but definitely start with this one!

This is a nice feelgood novel in a modern fantasy setting. It is part ghost story, part romance, and a little bit of cool magic stuff happening. The author's depiction of the nature of the magic makes for some interesting reading.

The characters, while not phenomenal, are interesting enough to keep you interested while the plot advances at a rapid pace. The plot is a lot of fun, as it morphs from a seemingly simple "man finds out he has cool magic powers" to more of a mystery confrontation.

Without spoiling the ending, it's sufficient to say that strange things are afoot that make it well worth reading to the end.

Like several other reviewers here, I bought this second-hand, intending to only read it once. I'm not going to let it go now! Her characters are three-dimensional, and it is clear how even the most dangerous of the "bad guys" became the way they were. You feel empathy for the villain who is struggling to reform after suffering a role reversal. The magic is well thought out - a race of Ilmonish (sorcerers) who are struggling to keep their failing bloodline pure in a modern worldfind that the younger generations are either crippled in their powers or corrupted by them. All that holds them together is tradition - the thread that binds the bones.

All this changes when a (literally) ghost-driven wanderer stumbles across their community and finds a soulmate in the weakest daughter of the Family. Possibly descended from the "lost tribes" who stayed in europe, he discovers that he too has powers he has no idea how to use.

Then there is the whole culture of the ancestor-worshipping Ilmonishti, whose ghosts guide their descendants, which I find refreshingly different from the usual fantasy cliches.

There is much that leaves room for a sequel, with a few unresolved plot threads left to be hinted at - does old Bert have a touch of Ilmonish blood? will Carroll ask to be transformed again? and will Tom heal himself?

Character motivations are well written throughout the story, and I long for a sequel to show where the families of Locke, Bolte, Seale and Keye are heading.