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Bone

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 1991

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Book Brief

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Jeff Smith

Bone

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | YA | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

1332

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

Valley • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-15 years

Lexile Level

GN360L

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Super Short Summary

Bone by Jeff Smith follows three cousins—Fone, Phoney, and Smiley Bone—who are exiled from Boneville and become entangled in a Tolkienesque war featuring dragons, monsters, and a lost princess, Thorn Harvestar, who seeks to defeat the Lord of the Locusts. Their adventures blend humor, fantasy, and epic battles, shifting from lighthearted to intense as they uncover secrets and fulfill Thorn's destiny.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Humorous

Fantastical

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.5

91,009 ratings

78%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jeff Smith's Bone receives high praise for its engaging storytelling, detailed artwork, and memorable characters. Critics commend the seamless blend of humor, fantasy, and adventure. However, some note a slow start and pacing issues. Overall, it is celebrated as a compelling graphic novel with wide appeal.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bone?

Readers who relish imaginative, genre-blending narratives will gravitate towards Jeff Smith's Bone. Similar to aficionados of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, these readers appreciate epic adventures, richly-drawn fantasy worlds, and a blend of humor and dark themes.

4.5

91,009 ratings

78%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Fone Bone

The central character of Bone often portrayed as the voice of reason among his cousins, with a penchant for moderation and humility. He is recognizable for his iconic, simple design and deep appreciation for long stories, mirroring the author's own interests.

The active protagonist of Bone, she is a farmgirl who embarks on a journey to discover the truth of her origins and fulfill her destiny. Over time, she evolves from a civilian to a warrior, and ultimately to a queen with deep connections to the spirit world.

Fone's cousin and a deuteragonist known for his greed and mischievousness, often causing trouble with his schemes. Despite his flaws, he plays a crucial role in both inciting and resolving the story's events.

A formidable antagonist who serves as the sorceress and intermediary for the overarching evil in Bone. Her sinister presence is enhanced by her mysterious identity and powerful magic.

Recurring comic antagonists depicted as bumbling, inept henchmen who contribute to Bone's humor. They often engage in humorous antics while also posing a legitimate threat at times.

Book Details
Pages

1332

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

Valley • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

1991

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

10-15 years

Lexile Level

GN360L

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