A parent might reach for this book when their child is ready for a more complex fantasy adventure that explores how friendship and bravery are tested under immense pressure. As the third book in the epic Bone saga, this story plunges readers deeper into a world of magic and danger. The main characters, Fone Bone and Thorn, are on the run, and Thorn begins to uncover the secrets of her royal past through powerful, unsettling dreams. The story masterfully balances high stakes fantasy, featuring monstrous Rat Creatures and a looming dark lord, with genuine humor and heartwarming loyalty. For middle grade readers who can handle mounting peril and a serialized plot, this graphic novel is a fantastic choice for modeling resilience and the importance of trusting your friends and your own inner strength.
The Rat Creature attack on the farm and Thorn's intense nightmares can be frightening for some readers.
Mild PerilModerate
Characters are frequently chased by monsters and are in life-threatening situations.
Rating EscalationMild
The tone is more serious and the stakes are higher than in the first two books in the series.
Sensitive Topics
The story deals with the growing threat of war and the fear of an overwhelming evil force. This is handled metaphorically through the fantasy concept of the Lord of the Locusts, a being that consumes light and dreams. The approach is secular, fitting classic high fantasy tropes. While characters are in constant danger, the resolution of each conflict within the book is hopeful, though the larger threat remains and intensifies.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9 to 12-year-old who is invested in long-form fantasy epics. They enjoy complex world-building and character arcs that unfold over multiple books. This child loves a mix of high adventure and comedy, similar to the experience of reading *The Hobbit* or watching *Avatar: The Last Airbender*. They are ready for a story where the danger feels more real and the plot threads become more intricate.
Parent Prep
This book cannot be read cold. It is essential to have read the first two volumes, *Out from Boneville* and *The Great Cow Race*, to understand the characters and the plot. Parents should preview the final chapters (starting around page 130), which depict a large-scale monster attack on the farm. The scenes are intense and could be frightening for more sensitive children. The parent trigger is a child's readiness for the next level of fantasy storytelling. The child has likely finished the first two *Bone* books and is asking, "What happens next?" They may also be expressing a desire for stories that are "more serious" or have bigger challenges, while still wanting something fun and not overly grim.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the action, the scary Rat Creatures, and the slapstick humor of the Bone cousins. They will experience it as a thrilling adventure. An older reader (11-14) will engage more deeply with Thorn's emotional journey of self-discovery, the intricate lore of the dragons and the Veni Yan, and the rising political tensions. They will appreciate the masterful storytelling and the balance of different tones.
What Makes It Special
Among countless fantasy graphic novels, *Bone* stands out for its unique and seamless fusion of disparate genres. Jeff Smith masterfully blends classic cartoon comedy, reminiscent of old Disney and Warner Bros. shorts, with high-stakes, epic fantasy on a Tolkien-esque scale. This volume, in particular, showcases this blend as the story pivots from the lighter tone of the first two books to the much darker epic that will define the rest of the series.
Read plot summary
In this third volume of the Bone saga, Fone Bone and Thorn flee Barrelhaven, pursued by the Hooded One and an army of Rat Creatures. They take refuge at Gran'ma Ben's farm, where Thorn's intense dreams begin to reveal fragments of her past and her connection to the dragons. The lore of the Valley deepens as they learn more about the impending return of the Lord of the Locusts. The book's climax is a massive, storm-drenched battle at the farm, forcing the heroes to make a stand against the forces of darkness.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Thorn keeps having dreams that seem to be visions or memories of her past. Why do you think Gran'ma Ben chose not to tell Thorn the truth about being a princess? Do you think she made the right decision?
2
Fone Bone tells Thorn he will stick with her no matter what. How does their friendship give them courage when they are facing scary things, like being lost in the woods or fighting Rat Creatures?
3
The 'Stupid, Stupid Rat Creatures' are often funny, but in the final battle at the farm, they are a very real threat. How does the author make them both comical and scary? Does it change how you feel about them?
4
Gran'ma Ben is incredibly strong and brave. Besides her physical strength, what other qualities make her such a powerful and respected leader in the Valley?
