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Orchard of Skeletons
Orchard of Skeletons is a dystopian novel about Isaac and Macy who are on the run from a psychopath that wants to kill one of them and return the other to a life of slavery.
During their run for freedom, they encounter an unlikely friend in the form of a replicant searching for something only they can help him find.
The land they journey through is full of bones, abandoned towns and starving wolves.
If they can reach Zeko's, the replicant promised it could save them from Finch.
Finch isn’t alone anymore. He has the support of the people under the mountain. The ones who would do anything to own people who can make babies.
During their run for freedom, they encounter an unlikely friend in the form of a replicant searching for something only they can help him find.
The land they journey through is full of bones, abandoned towns and starving wolves.
If they can reach Zeko's, the replicant promised it could save them from Finch.
Finch isn’t alone anymore. He has the support of the people under the mountain. The ones who would do anything to own people who can make babies.
264 pages, ebook
Published March 27, 2023
31 people are currently reading
8077 people want to read
About the author
Eli Wilde
17 books580 followersEli Wilde started writing when he was very young and stopped writing while he was still young. He didn’t pick up a pen again until many years later. Now that he is telling stories once more, everything feels as it should.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 27, 2023
5 stars don't even cover how hard i fell in love with this book from the very beginning!
I'm going to be extremely biased as this story plugged into all of my favourite tropes. It is a dystopian horror, a roadtrip along a bleak and dangerous landscape. There is a sentient AI (definite bonus), with a touch of found family and even cosy fantasy elements. And all of this comes together perfectly.
Isaac and Macy are two young people in need to escape the grim situation they're in. Their road trip explores this distant future world with all its horrors and wonders. Horrors mainly ...
They seek and get help from unlikely places and pick up a travel buddy in the form of a replicant.
However, while they dream of a beautiful and safe future for themselves, their pursuers are relentlessly biting on their heels and will stop at nothing to get hold of the treasure they unknowingly carry.
I will have you know now that you will fall head over heals for Macy and Isaac. I certainly did. They are very special in so many ways. Not your everyday young romance, not at all. And the replicant? Yea them too. You stand no chance.
The world Eli Wilde built is absolutely phenomenal. The past is shrouded in mystery and get only revealed bit by bit in brief but shocking glimpses, while the present is bleak and feral. Yet these characters bring so much light into it, that halfway through it i was literally terrified for them, reading at the edge of my seat. And the ending was incredible too.
The writing is wonderful, full of amazing stories and ideas and moments.
I need more of this world, i need this story to never end. Fingers crossed for a sequel (or 5).
I'm forever grateful for the free digital arc i received for an honest review, and these were my truest feelings about this book.
A paper copy of it will be gotten for my bookshelves as soon as it's out.
I'm going to be extremely biased as this story plugged into all of my favourite tropes. It is a dystopian horror, a roadtrip along a bleak and dangerous landscape. There is a sentient AI (definite bonus), with a touch of found family and even cosy fantasy elements. And all of this comes together perfectly.
Isaac and Macy are two young people in need to escape the grim situation they're in. Their road trip explores this distant future world with all its horrors and wonders. Horrors mainly ...
They seek and get help from unlikely places and pick up a travel buddy in the form of a replicant.
However, while they dream of a beautiful and safe future for themselves, their pursuers are relentlessly biting on their heels and will stop at nothing to get hold of the treasure they unknowingly carry.
I will have you know now that you will fall head over heals for Macy and Isaac. I certainly did. They are very special in so many ways. Not your everyday young romance, not at all. And the replicant? Yea them too. You stand no chance.
The world Eli Wilde built is absolutely phenomenal. The past is shrouded in mystery and get only revealed bit by bit in brief but shocking glimpses, while the present is bleak and feral. Yet these characters bring so much light into it, that halfway through it i was literally terrified for them, reading at the edge of my seat. And the ending was incredible too.
The writing is wonderful, full of amazing stories and ideas and moments.
I need more of this world, i need this story to never end. Fingers crossed for a sequel (or 5).
I'm forever grateful for the free digital arc i received for an honest review, and these were my truest feelings about this book.
A paper copy of it will be gotten for my bookshelves as soon as it's out.
March 18, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This is the first time I’ve done something like this and I’m so glad I did. I feel like the author gifted me a diamond. I LOVED this book. I absolutely fell in love with Macy and Isaac, and even though I also had a hard time trusting Ben, he won my heart over as well. I really appreciated the post story illustration of them. I really have no complaints about this book other than I suppose I could wish for a happier ending but it IS a horror book and the thing about horror is you don’t always get the ending you want, you get the ending the story needed. Beautifully written book. When it releases I plan to purchase a hard copy for my collection. If you like horror and dystopian stories, READ THIS BOOK ASAP. It’s available March 27th and bonussss it’s on kindle unlimited.
March 30, 2023
Orchard of Skeletons is an exciting dystopian thriller that follows the escape of Isaac and Macy fleeing death or slavery dictated by their captor Finch.
There is a well thought-out concept within Orchard of Skeletons with a great storyline to go with it. The characters of Macy and Isaac are engaging and very relatable, and the addition of the replicant makes an overall great blend to the character driven narrative. I was transported into an exciting adventure while reading, and the pages flew by as I got sucked in more and more. The book is pretty fast paced from the start, and got me hooked into the storyline very quickly.
Definitely worth the read for fans of dystopian thrillers. An interesting author I’ll be looking out for in the future.
There is a well thought-out concept within Orchard of Skeletons with a great storyline to go with it. The characters of Macy and Isaac are engaging and very relatable, and the addition of the replicant makes an overall great blend to the character driven narrative. I was transported into an exciting adventure while reading, and the pages flew by as I got sucked in more and more. The book is pretty fast paced from the start, and got me hooked into the storyline very quickly.
Definitely worth the read for fans of dystopian thrillers. An interesting author I’ll be looking out for in the future.
March 12, 2023
Eli does it again…beautiful writing, completely original concept, great world & character building without wasting words & details. Everything I’ve come to expect. I’m a sucker for great dystopian story, & this one delivered. Wilde told me to read the summary & let him know if I was interested in reviewing (I’m so honored to even be asked!), but I knew if he wrote it, I wanted to read it—so I went in pretty blind, & I’m so glad I did. This was realistic enough to hammer on the human horror that I love, with just a touch of sci-fi to really poke at what a dystopian future could really look like.
January 14, 2024
Omg! I absolutely LOVE everything about this book from this epic title to the desolation and the melancholic tone! Eli has, once again, nailed it!
"Orchard of Skeletons is a dystopian novel about Isaac and Macy who are on the run from a psychopath that wants to kill one of them and return the other to a life of slavery."
I love Macy! I think she is my favorite character so far this year! You will definitely feel something reading this book as you travel with our main characters, Macy, Isaac and Ben, the revenant, as they run for their lives!
"Orchard of Skeletons is a dystopian novel about Isaac and Macy who are on the run from a psychopath that wants to kill one of them and return the other to a life of slavery."
I love Macy! I think she is my favorite character so far this year! You will definitely feel something reading this book as you travel with our main characters, Macy, Isaac and Ben, the revenant, as they run for their lives!
March 17, 2023
I read a book of poetry written from the perspective of a vampire by Eli Wilde not too long ago. I wrote a brief review stating that I liked parts of it, but it fell a bit short for me. I rated it 3/5 because there was plenty that I did like about it. The author saw my review and offered me the opportunity to read his upcoming dystopian horror novel, Orchard of Skeletons. I read the synopsis on Goodreads and accepted.
Let me tell you, the synopsis does not do this book justice. The story is told from the perspective of a young man, who is initially unnamed, making his way through life in a dystopian future. Most of humanity was killed off by a sickness long ago. The remaining humans are mostly infertile, making fertile people (especially women) a hot commodity. Babies and fertile people are regularly kidnapped and sold to the Mountain People, remnants of a previous generation who fled the pandemic and hid under a mountain. The Mountain People didn’t anticipate the impending infertility crisis and now resort to kidnapping women and breeding them repeatedly to keep the population from dying out completely.
This story begins with our narrator, later given the name Isaac, telling us about his position as a mechanic at Sloan’s garage. He tells us that he is paid in crap food, beer, and sex with the owner’s daughter Macy. Sloan uses her to pay off his gambling debt and apparently his employees salaries. Macy’s entire existence before meeting Isaac has been inside her bedroom, waiting for meal time and whatever “guests” Sloan sent in.
One of those frequent visitors is a man named Finch, Sloan’s brother. Finch is as nasty as they come, a man made for survival in their world. He is known far and wide as the guy who doesn’t just take his vengeance on anyone who crosses him, he makes sure everyone around knows it. He likes to chop off and barbecue (and eat) the limbs of living people. He leaves heads and torsos lying around and burns buildings and vehicles to the ground as added warning. You know, in case anyone isn’t terrified of being dismembered and eaten while they’re still alive. It’s very effective and plays a big part in this story.
Isaac’s visits with Macy are different from the rest. She finds herself attached to him because he treats her like a person, something to which she is unaccustomed. They get to a point where they sort of acknowledge that there’s something different about their relationship, and then they find themselves in a predicament. Sloan and his wife are dead and they need to run or face Finch’s wrath. Unfortunately, neither of them have any real life experience so they have no idea what to take with them or where to go or anything practical. They steal some cash (which is no longer valuable to anyone other than Sloan) and a solar powered Mustang. Isaac’s driving skills are limited to moving cars around the garage, but he gets the hang of it and they are on their way to the beach, despite neither of them knowing where that is or if it’s even a real place. The rest of the book details their journey, the people (and replicants) they meet along the way, and the Finch’s relentless pursuit. He has plans for them and will not be stopped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. This was really good. The writing style evolves with the narrator. In the beginning it is simplistic and aloof, but as the story progresses and Isaac forms relationships and grows as a person, it reflects his growth. Orchard of Skeletons is the book Isaac wrote to chronicle their journey. Is that a spoiler? Whoops. I’m sure I’ll be reading more of Wilde’s work.
Big thanks to Eli Wilde for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. You can pre-order Orchard of Skeletons on Amazon and begin reading it on March 27, 2023.
Let me tell you, the synopsis does not do this book justice. The story is told from the perspective of a young man, who is initially unnamed, making his way through life in a dystopian future. Most of humanity was killed off by a sickness long ago. The remaining humans are mostly infertile, making fertile people (especially women) a hot commodity. Babies and fertile people are regularly kidnapped and sold to the Mountain People, remnants of a previous generation who fled the pandemic and hid under a mountain. The Mountain People didn’t anticipate the impending infertility crisis and now resort to kidnapping women and breeding them repeatedly to keep the population from dying out completely.
This story begins with our narrator, later given the name Isaac, telling us about his position as a mechanic at Sloan’s garage. He tells us that he is paid in crap food, beer, and sex with the owner’s daughter Macy. Sloan uses her to pay off his gambling debt and apparently his employees salaries. Macy’s entire existence before meeting Isaac has been inside her bedroom, waiting for meal time and whatever “guests” Sloan sent in.
One of those frequent visitors is a man named Finch, Sloan’s brother. Finch is as nasty as they come, a man made for survival in their world. He is known far and wide as the guy who doesn’t just take his vengeance on anyone who crosses him, he makes sure everyone around knows it. He likes to chop off and barbecue (and eat) the limbs of living people. He leaves heads and torsos lying around and burns buildings and vehicles to the ground as added warning. You know, in case anyone isn’t terrified of being dismembered and eaten while they’re still alive. It’s very effective and plays a big part in this story.
Isaac’s visits with Macy are different from the rest. She finds herself attached to him because he treats her like a person, something to which she is unaccustomed. They get to a point where they sort of acknowledge that there’s something different about their relationship, and then they find themselves in a predicament. Sloan and his wife are dead and they need to run or face Finch’s wrath. Unfortunately, neither of them have any real life experience so they have no idea what to take with them or where to go or anything practical. They steal some cash (which is no longer valuable to anyone other than Sloan) and a solar powered Mustang. Isaac’s driving skills are limited to moving cars around the garage, but he gets the hang of it and they are on their way to the beach, despite neither of them knowing where that is or if it’s even a real place. The rest of the book details their journey, the people (and replicants) they meet along the way, and the Finch’s relentless pursuit. He has plans for them and will not be stopped.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me. This was really good. The writing style evolves with the narrator. In the beginning it is simplistic and aloof, but as the story progresses and Isaac forms relationships and grows as a person, it reflects his growth. Orchard of Skeletons is the book Isaac wrote to chronicle their journey. Is that a spoiler? Whoops. I’m sure I’ll be reading more of Wilde’s work.
Big thanks to Eli Wilde for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. You can pre-order Orchard of Skeletons on Amazon and begin reading it on March 27, 2023.
March 11, 2023
That was so good, I couldn't put it down. The author really got me rooting for the characters despite myself.
He created an entirely new world, a new culture, even vocabulary really. It's entirely bleak and post-apocalyptic.
What a cracker. Eli did it again.
He created an entirely new world, a new culture, even vocabulary really. It's entirely bleak and post-apocalyptic.
What a cracker. Eli did it again.
March 30, 2023
Orchard of Skeletons, by Eli Wilde, is a well-written, creepy dystopian novel with the characters Isaac, and Macy. They are running from a crazy person who wants to kill one of them and capture the other. The action grabs you right away in the beginning pages as their journey leads them to a strange companion, a replicant with a severed head. If that isn't bad enough, the desolate, scary ground they cover is filled with skeletons, empty towns, and hungry wolves. The author keeps the pace going and only by reaching Zeko's can their companion get a new body and help them get away from Finch. This is a fun read, one that has you rooting for the main characters as they navigate a dangerous scenario. Simply an amazing book and so absorbing and scary. Highly recommend.
March 18, 2023
This book is amazing. The story is well written and is filled with epic parts. I started reading this and could not stop once i started. This is a must have. This was an arc for my honest review
April 15, 2023
I almost stopped reading this book at the beginning when Isaac said Macy’s dad pointed to her room and said “have at her” and then he said he gave Macy to his friends but I persisted because the summary sounded good and I hope for redemption and oh did I get it! This is a futuristic road/ocean/horror book with some AI aspects thrown in and it was so good! I loved Macy she was my favorite character so sweet And Drew can’t forget him the replicant there’s wolves gunshots spiders and it’s all mostly Macy and once again thank God for Drew. I love this book and highly recommend it if you love Magic and The best sci-fi has to offer when it comes to hora then you’ll love Orchard of Skeletons I certainly did. This is the kind of book you want to read again in the future it’s not just a horror book but one that gives you a happy feeling at the end that you can only get from a great book! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
February 15, 2024
Wilde has an undeniable knack for creating characters that make sense for their universe but here I feel like he flexed that creative muscle a little bit too hard and left us with a novel that's a little bloated and dialogues that were hard to read.
June 2, 2025
Stars: 4 out of 5.
This book takes an interesting approach - we discover this brutal and rather bleak world through the eyes of two young people who never knew the past or lived in a better reality. To them, those horrors we encounter are just a fact of life, an everyday occurrence that they have to live with.
And by shifting that focus from the horrors of this post-apocalyptic world, we get a wonderful story of self-discovery, of love, and yes, of sacrifice. We see that even in this brutal reality, people can still be good even despite horrible circumstances. That programming can be overridden, and even a replicant can choose to protect instead of killing. That beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, like a sunset on a deserted beach or an orchard full of hanging skeletons.
All this serves to give us a pretty hopeful story in a rather bleak world, even with the rather sad ending. I was still left touched and yes, uplifted, by the time I finished this book.
I would highly recommend this to my friends, but readers beware. There are mentions of rather horrible things like canibalism, rape, and abuse of minors. While they are not described in any detail, it can still trigger some people.
PS: I Received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes an interesting approach - we discover this brutal and rather bleak world through the eyes of two young people who never knew the past or lived in a better reality. To them, those horrors we encounter are just a fact of life, an everyday occurrence that they have to live with.
And by shifting that focus from the horrors of this post-apocalyptic world, we get a wonderful story of self-discovery, of love, and yes, of sacrifice. We see that even in this brutal reality, people can still be good even despite horrible circumstances. That programming can be overridden, and even a replicant can choose to protect instead of killing. That beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, like a sunset on a deserted beach or an orchard full of hanging skeletons.
All this serves to give us a pretty hopeful story in a rather bleak world, even with the rather sad ending. I was still left touched and yes, uplifted, by the time I finished this book.
I would highly recommend this to my friends, but readers beware. There are mentions of rather horrible things like canibalism, rape, and abuse of minors. While they are not described in any detail, it can still trigger some people.
PS: I Received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2023
I wont lie. I struggled with this one. About halfway through I had settled on giving this 3 ⭐️, but it missed so many opportunities to tie up loose ends. Instead, new holes were dug.
The beginning was strong. It gave an immediate impression of poverty, despair, utter loneliness. I initially thought this had some hillbilly horror vibes.
My biggest complaint though is the dialogue. Robotic and stilted don’t even begin to describe how unnatural it felt. Macy’s speech I could accept, and occasionally when Issac was being all disassociating & teenage boy - but how many times I wanted to scream “PEOPLE DONT TALK LIKE THAT!!!!”, especially uneducated people living in a dystopian wasteland but meh wtf do I know.
Overall, a good story concept but mediocre execution.
The beginning was strong. It gave an immediate impression of poverty, despair, utter loneliness. I initially thought this had some hillbilly horror vibes.
My biggest complaint though is the dialogue. Robotic and stilted don’t even begin to describe how unnatural it felt. Macy’s speech I could accept, and occasionally when Issac was being all disassociating & teenage boy - but how many times I wanted to scream “PEOPLE DONT TALK LIKE THAT!!!!”, especially uneducated people living in a dystopian wasteland but meh wtf do I know.
Overall, a good story concept but mediocre execution.
May 13, 2023
After getting an ARC to review, I started the story with an open mind, not entirely sure what to expect; by the end of chapter one I was hooked! This dystopian horror is a brilliant short read that constantly keeps you trying to guess what will come next. Ben is my favourite character as I was constantly trying to figure out his motives as the story progressed.
The character development and world building are superb; complimented with the references to the past, helping the reader to get a greater understanding of the world that Issac and Macy have found themselves in.
Having never read a book by Eli Wilde before, I can definitely say that I will be adding his books to my TBR list and will look forward to reading them.
The character development and world building are superb; complimented with the references to the past, helping the reader to get a greater understanding of the world that Issac and Macy have found themselves in.
Having never read a book by Eli Wilde before, I can definitely say that I will be adding his books to my TBR list and will look forward to reading them.
June 13, 2023
I just couldn’t get into this story. It certainly seemed interesting after reading the synopsis, but I just didn’t like/connect with the characters and the dialogue felt “off”.
It’s probably just me being particular, so I encourage everyone to read this and make their own opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy.
It’s probably just me being particular, so I encourage everyone to read this and make their own opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and BooksGoSocial for a copy.
October 28, 2025
Definitely very flagrant but I enjoy dystopian novels
July 14, 2023
I like to think that the writer of the book was really Isaac. That really suited him! And Macy–she was too pure and innocent to be in this ferocious world, and Ben–he was like a father figure to both of them and Droog–the best-replicant friend you could ever ask for.
This book is more than just horror, violence and the sentient AI. The meaning behind everything that happened in some chapters is the reality we live in nowadays. Suppose you take some time and think about it. Well, I can't spoil what they are. You have to read this book to find out.
The post-illustration of Isaac, Macy and Ben with the details... I love it so much!! Would love it if I'm able to see some of Macy's sketches and Isaac's writings too.
Whatever Eli Wilde writes, I'd be glad to read them! That's how much I've grown fond of his works. He's so underrated.
This book is more than just horror, violence and the sentient AI. The meaning behind everything that happened in some chapters is the reality we live in nowadays. Suppose you take some time and think about it. Well, I can't spoil what they are. You have to read this book to find out.
The post-illustration of Isaac, Macy and Ben with the details... I love it so much!! Would love it if I'm able to see some of Macy's sketches and Isaac's writings too.
Whatever Eli Wilde writes, I'd be glad to read them! That's how much I've grown fond of his works. He's so underrated.
October 8, 2024
Not my typical fantasy style (never ventured into sci-fi before) or my typical dystopian style but damn it was good. I was enthralled and I want more of this author. The writing style was delicious. The story had me feeling all the things. The characters… I loved every aspect of every character! It was magnificent. Utterly magnificent.
August 23, 2025
Exciting , fast paced and wild. When I first started I was thinking.. what am I reading? It quickly became a book I couldn’t put down.
June 10, 2023
Orchard of Skeletons is ripe with dystopian imagery that felt fresh and unique. Set a couple hundred years in the future, I enjoyed the historical references to the "olden times" of today. I also enjoyed the classic 1969 mustang modified with a solar-power electric engine. I am less of a sci-fi fan, but somehow, I found the replicant/robot characters fascinating. Maybe it's because of all the AI talk that has been in the news, but the thought of robots essentially living as an independent race (species?) among humans was intriguing. Overall, I appreciated the storyline of a post-pandemic dying civilization fighting for survival in a world of horrors they created. Isaac's and Macy's escape and journey to freedom is both horrifying and unsettling, and their application of ethics in a world that lost that a long time ago was refreshing. However, I do wish there was more explanation of the pandemic (real or imagined) and how infertility actually came to be. As a pharmacist, the scientific/medical justification would have been appreciated (I just need to know the "how"). Considering surviving groups went underground, lived on sequestered sea islands, or hoofed it to outer space and modern civilization/services ceased, I was also perplexed about the seemingly development and sustenance of futuristic technology (flying wings, satellites, solar cells, cryogenics, etc) without clear explanation. We never actually get to meet any of these peoples within the story, so it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief. How much was actually true vs. character manipulation of information within the story?
Overall, and interesting indie dystopian sci-fi/horror (precise genre is a bit bendy) read that makes you think a bit out of the box.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Overall, and interesting indie dystopian sci-fi/horror (precise genre is a bit bendy) read that makes you think a bit out of the box.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
November 25, 2024
This was a truly devastating read. I loved that the author wrote this dystopian tale in a way that made me feel very isolated with the characters in this barren, depleting world where humanity is not only near extinction but has devolved into such a primitive, feral state where there are no formal education or law systems, allowing people to become illiterate and brutal, and even cannibalistic. It was a very disturbing place. But I also liked the scifi elements that involved Android-like characters called ‘replicants’, futuristic weapons, and unusual flying machinery. Even time isn’t even measured anymore. However, our three main protagonists (one being a replicant) were definitely the highlight as we get to learn how they view their plights and see that there is still some hope in humanity through experiencing their emotional upheavals while dealing with the various dangers threatening them throughout this harsh world.
There was so much bizarre, surreal imagery in this book and it had one of the most tragic endings I’ve ever read in a story. But it was such an exquisitely written book and I loved the metaphorical references to likening this wasteland to an actual orchard of skeletons.
I’m rating this 5 stars and I highly recommend this book.
There was so much bizarre, surreal imagery in this book and it had one of the most tragic endings I’ve ever read in a story. But it was such an exquisitely written book and I loved the metaphorical references to likening this wasteland to an actual orchard of skeletons.
I’m rating this 5 stars and I highly recommend this book.
March 14, 2024
Thank you to the author for the free e-book in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book based on the synopsis, but it just fell a little flat for me. I would have loved to see some more world-building because I had so many questions about what happened in the world to make this setting the new normal. Everything just seemed a little vague to me. I enjoyed the plot but also would have liked to see that a little more fleshed out as well.
The characters were given minimal back stories, which made it kind of hard to connect with them, although I did grow to enjoy them a little more as the story progressed. The one thing I really didn't like about this book was the dialogue. It seemed so awkward and stilted that it was hard to see it as believable. I just had to tell myself they talked like that because of their pasts (which might be why it was like that?).
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book, and I'm glad I took the time to check this author out!
I really wanted to like this book based on the synopsis, but it just fell a little flat for me. I would have loved to see some more world-building because I had so many questions about what happened in the world to make this setting the new normal. Everything just seemed a little vague to me. I enjoyed the plot but also would have liked to see that a little more fleshed out as well.
The characters were given minimal back stories, which made it kind of hard to connect with them, although I did grow to enjoy them a little more as the story progressed. The one thing I really didn't like about this book was the dialogue. It seemed so awkward and stilted that it was hard to see it as believable. I just had to tell myself they talked like that because of their pasts (which might be why it was like that?).
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book, and I'm glad I took the time to check this author out!
March 4, 2025
This was a dark and unsettling dystopian read that I was not prepared for. It was very gruesome and disturbing which honestly made me dislike the book altogether. The only thing that kept me present was the relationship development between the main characters.
October 4, 2023
This one had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the main characters. Far from the usual. Definitely changed my perception of bones, in a good way. A quick read but a good one.
November 26, 2024
Damn… that was beautiful
July 29, 2024
Intense and creative and very different from anything I’ve ever read, couldn’t put it down but I am so scared
November 19, 2025
Well - this was absolutely delightful. Went into it knowing absolutely nothing; honestly, I can't even remember whose recommendation I bought this book on but I am glad I did.
Fast-paced, quick reading, and a story that I could not put down. Read it in one night. Sacrificed sleep on a vacation JUST to finish it.
Not going to spoil anything, but Eli Wilde has an EXCELLENT style of writing; easy to read, dark, foreboding, and holds nothing back. Incredibly descriptive of horrible actions but you won't want to look away from the page.
All of the characters were excellent - and while obviously this is the story of Isaac and Macy - for me, Ben and Droog stole the show. Just excellent character work all around.
Highly recommend if you like horror/thriller/adventure.
Who doesn't love a good dystopian world?
Fast-paced, quick reading, and a story that I could not put down. Read it in one night. Sacrificed sleep on a vacation JUST to finish it.
Not going to spoil anything, but Eli Wilde has an EXCELLENT style of writing; easy to read, dark, foreboding, and holds nothing back. Incredibly descriptive of horrible actions but you won't want to look away from the page.
All of the characters were excellent - and while obviously this is the story of Isaac and Macy - for me, Ben and Droog stole the show. Just excellent character work all around.
Highly recommend if you like horror/thriller/adventure.
Who doesn't love a good dystopian world?
June 10, 2023
Orchard of Skeletons is ripe with dystopian imagery that felt fresh and unique. Set a couple hundred years in the future, I enjoyed the historical references to the "olden times" of today. I also enjoyed the classic 1969 mustang modified with a solar-power electric engine. I am less of a sci-fi fan, but somehow, I found the replicant/robot characters fascinating. Maybe it's because of all the AI talk that has been in the news, but the thought of robots essentially living as an independent race (species?) among humans was intriguing. Overall, I appreciated the storyline of a post-pandemic dying civilization fighting for survival in a world of horrors they created. Isaac's and Macy's escape and journey to freedom is both horrifying and unsettling, and their application of ethics in a world that lost that a long time ago was refreshing. However, I do wish there was more explanation of the pandemic (real or imagined) and how infertility actually came to be. As a pharmacist, the scientific/medical justification would have been appreciated (I just need to know the "how"). Considering surviving groups went underground, lived on sequestered sea islands, or hoofed it to outer space and modern civilization/services ceased, I was also perplexed about the seemingly development and sustenance of futuristic technology (flying wings, satellites, solar cells, cryogenics, etc) without clear explanation. We never actually get to meet any of these peoples within the story, so it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief. How much was actually true vs. character manipulation of information within the story?
Overall, and interesting indie dystopian sci-fi/horror (precise genre is a bit bendy) read that makes you think a bit out of the box.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Overall, and interesting indie dystopian sci-fi/horror (precise genre is a bit bendy) read that makes you think a bit out of the box.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
November 28, 2023
Orchard of Skeletons is the story of two young people fighting for survival in a post-pandemic, futuristic, dystopian world where infertility is widespread. As a young fertile female our protagonist Macy is viewed as a commodity and has been confined to a single room for her whole life, that is until Issac takes her along on a road trip that promises to be anything but straight forward.
Pursued by her Uncle the young couple dream of escape to a beach they have only ever envisioned on their dreams, but when they discover Ben, a replicant head detached from it’s AI robot body, their road trip veers significantly off course, but can they outrun the numerous horrors that are hot on their trail?
Firstly, I have to say that I read this book in a day, I simply couldn’t put it down and believe me I tried as I had loads of other stuff I should have been doing! Also I need to say that it is a story that has sat with me and I have thought about loads since finishing it which for me is always testament to a good read.
As characters Macy and Issac are ones you’ll find yourself quickly behind and rooting for. They are both quite sheltered and naïve, especially Macy whose knowledge of the outside world is limited to the view from her fly ridden window. Despite the horrors they encounter along the way it is wonderful to tag along on their journey of discovery in the outside world as well as watch their tentative relationship blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Although it’s clear from the outset that the world in which this story is set isn’t our own it takes a while to understand how civilisation as we know it has fallen and Wilde cleverly drip feeds us information along the way. I particularly enjoyed historical references to what happened in the old days pre pandemic. The story has such a mix of dystopia, horror and hints of sci-fi thrown into the mix and I absolutely adored it. Wilde has such a unique voice when it comes to storytelling and the story he has woven is all absorbing thanks to his vivid, well-written descriptions.
Orchard of Skeletons is a beautifully written story of friendship, love and found family against all odds, set against the backdrop of a horror filled world we pray could only ever be fiction. My only criticism is that I want more from this world! I’d love to see a second book following different characters within this world and to gain a more expansive knowledge of how things deteriorated from the world we know. I’d highly recommend this book out and I will certainly be checking out Wilde’s backlist as well as keeping my eyes peeled for any future releases.
If you are considering reading this book please do be aware of TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, abuse and violence.
Pursued by her Uncle the young couple dream of escape to a beach they have only ever envisioned on their dreams, but when they discover Ben, a replicant head detached from it’s AI robot body, their road trip veers significantly off course, but can they outrun the numerous horrors that are hot on their trail?
Firstly, I have to say that I read this book in a day, I simply couldn’t put it down and believe me I tried as I had loads of other stuff I should have been doing! Also I need to say that it is a story that has sat with me and I have thought about loads since finishing it which for me is always testament to a good read.
As characters Macy and Issac are ones you’ll find yourself quickly behind and rooting for. They are both quite sheltered and naïve, especially Macy whose knowledge of the outside world is limited to the view from her fly ridden window. Despite the horrors they encounter along the way it is wonderful to tag along on their journey of discovery in the outside world as well as watch their tentative relationship blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Although it’s clear from the outset that the world in which this story is set isn’t our own it takes a while to understand how civilisation as we know it has fallen and Wilde cleverly drip feeds us information along the way. I particularly enjoyed historical references to what happened in the old days pre pandemic. The story has such a mix of dystopia, horror and hints of sci-fi thrown into the mix and I absolutely adored it. Wilde has such a unique voice when it comes to storytelling and the story he has woven is all absorbing thanks to his vivid, well-written descriptions.
Orchard of Skeletons is a beautifully written story of friendship, love and found family against all odds, set against the backdrop of a horror filled world we pray could only ever be fiction. My only criticism is that I want more from this world! I’d love to see a second book following different characters within this world and to gain a more expansive knowledge of how things deteriorated from the world we know. I’d highly recommend this book out and I will certainly be checking out Wilde’s backlist as well as keeping my eyes peeled for any future releases.
If you are considering reading this book please do be aware of TRIGGER WARNINGS for rape, abuse and violence.
September 7, 2024
"Orchard of Skeletons" by Eli Wilde is a heart-pounding, visceral journey into a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a devastating pandemic. The story follows Isaac and Macy, two teenagers thrust into a desperate fight for survival after their caretaker's death leaves them at the mercy of a ruthless killer.
Wilde's prose is both stark and poetic, painting a chilling picture of a world reduced to ruins. The relentless pursuit by Finch, their relentless antagonist, keeps the tension high throughout the narrative. But amidst the bleakness, there are glimmers of hope and humanity. The bond that forms between Isaac and Macy, their resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, and the unexpected kindness they encounter along the way all serve as powerful reminders of the enduring human spirit.
I found myself completely engrossed in Isaac and Macy's desperate struggle, rooting for them to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they faced. The ambiguous ending, while initially unsettling, ultimately left me with a sense of cautious optimism. It's a testament to Wilde's skill as a storyteller that even in such a desolate world, he manages to offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
"Orchard of Skeletons" is not a light read. It's a brutal, unflinching portrayal of a world teetering on the brink. But for those who crave a story that's both thrilling and thought-provoking, this book is an absolute must-read.
Wilde's prose is both stark and poetic, painting a chilling picture of a world reduced to ruins. The relentless pursuit by Finch, their relentless antagonist, keeps the tension high throughout the narrative. But amidst the bleakness, there are glimmers of hope and humanity. The bond that forms between Isaac and Macy, their resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, and the unexpected kindness they encounter along the way all serve as powerful reminders of the enduring human spirit.
I found myself completely engrossed in Isaac and Macy's desperate struggle, rooting for them to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles they faced. The ambiguous ending, while initially unsettling, ultimately left me with a sense of cautious optimism. It's a testament to Wilde's skill as a storyteller that even in such a desolate world, he manages to offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
"Orchard of Skeletons" is not a light read. It's a brutal, unflinching portrayal of a world teetering on the brink. But for those who crave a story that's both thrilling and thought-provoking, this book is an absolute must-read.
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