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The Bonemender #1
The Bonemender
Gabrielle is the princess of DesChenes. She is also a bonemender with special abilities so when she learns of the war that's threatening her borders she sets out to help her father and brother on the front. She knows that she must be present on the battlefield, but she never could have guessed why.
203 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Holly Bennett
27 books31 followersI was born and grew up in Montreal before moving with my family to Markham, Ontario as part of the “great Anglo exodus,” that strange era when head offices were moving out of Quebec in a panic to avoid having to do anything in French. I finished high school in Ontario and went on to study English and Native Studies at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario. I wasn’t done with Quebec though, going back for two summers in Quebec City to study and work in French.
After graduation I moved with my husband John to Toronto, where I worked as a researcher for a social research company and as school secretary at the Wandering Spirit Survival School, while completing my M.Ed in adult education at OISE.
Eventually we moved back to Peterborough in search of cheap housing, and I worked as a youth employment counsellor and on a number of aboriginal research projects before landing a junior editor job with Today’s Parent magazine. It was an instant, perfect “fit” and I was there for over 25 years, ending up as editor-in-chief of Special Editions. Now I work from home as a freelance writer and editor, including as editor of Education Canada magazine, and work on my fiction whenever I can find the time.
Along the way I’ve raised three boys and have read untold numbers of wonderful books with them. But I’m not sure what flipped the switch and turned me from a person who loves reading stories to a person who loves writing them. In any case, once I got started, I became instantly addicted. Now, if I'm not working on a story, I'm looking for one!
In my “non-writing” spare time I enjoy singing in choirs, gardening, birdwatching, reading in the bathtub, and hanging out at the cottage. I volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. And I’m a very good Scrabble player.
After graduation I moved with my husband John to Toronto, where I worked as a researcher for a social research company and as school secretary at the Wandering Spirit Survival School, while completing my M.Ed in adult education at OISE.
Eventually we moved back to Peterborough in search of cheap housing, and I worked as a youth employment counsellor and on a number of aboriginal research projects before landing a junior editor job with Today’s Parent magazine. It was an instant, perfect “fit” and I was there for over 25 years, ending up as editor-in-chief of Special Editions. Now I work from home as a freelance writer and editor, including as editor of Education Canada magazine, and work on my fiction whenever I can find the time.
Along the way I’ve raised three boys and have read untold numbers of wonderful books with them. But I’m not sure what flipped the switch and turned me from a person who loves reading stories to a person who loves writing them. In any case, once I got started, I became instantly addicted. Now, if I'm not working on a story, I'm looking for one!
In my “non-writing” spare time I enjoy singing in choirs, gardening, birdwatching, reading in the bathtub, and hanging out at the cottage. I volunteer with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. And I’m a very good Scrabble player.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 11, 2009
Bonemender, great premise, interesting looking cover. Unfortunately, it reads as though it was written by a tween pretending to be an adult. For example, on page 40 we read this paragraph:
"Like it's not obvious, a sly voice whispered in her mind. A teasing girlfriend's voice it was, and just as relentless. Like you haven't noticed him."
Kind of juvenile for someone who is supposed to be a well-adjusted 27 year old woman. The entire book is written in modern tween speech.
The other irritating feature of this book is that all of the characters have the exact same personality. A witty banter of sorts. It would have been great had only one or two characters had identical personalities, but every non-evil entity in this book is exactly the same. No individuality. Boring.
That aside, the bonemending idea was a good one. I wish someone would take that idea and rewrite the book on something higher than a fourth grade reading level.
EDITED TO ADD: I've since finished the book, and I think it actually WAS written for fourth graders. In which case, it was an okay read.
"Like it's not obvious, a sly voice whispered in her mind. A teasing girlfriend's voice it was, and just as relentless. Like you haven't noticed him."
Kind of juvenile for someone who is supposed to be a well-adjusted 27 year old woman. The entire book is written in modern tween speech.
The other irritating feature of this book is that all of the characters have the exact same personality. A witty banter of sorts. It would have been great had only one or two characters had identical personalities, but every non-evil entity in this book is exactly the same. No individuality. Boring.
That aside, the bonemending idea was a good one. I wish someone would take that idea and rewrite the book on something higher than a fourth grade reading level.
EDITED TO ADD: I've since finished the book, and I think it actually WAS written for fourth graders. In which case, it was an okay read.
July 10, 2009
My friend told me to read this book a few years ago, and it has become one of my favorite books to read. It isn't like your typical fantasy book, but once you read it you will find that you are hopelessly hooked.
March 23, 2019
The first book in an ongoing fantasy series which follows the fortunes of Gabrielle DesChenes, daughter of the royal house of the kingdom of Verdeau, and a Bonemender (healer) with extraordinary abilities. With the arrival on the scene of two elves - Féolan and Danaïs - one of whom is gravely injured, and the bleak news they bring of a terrible danger to the north, the stage is soon set for an exciting story. Throw in some magical healing, entertaining and occasionally moving family dynamics, a seemingly impossible love, and a surprise discovery at the end, and you have an engaging and satisfactory fantasy novel for young readers.
I have read the complaint elsewhere that this novel (Bennett's debut) lacks originality. While it is certainly true that the constituent elements of this story can be found in many other works of fantasy literature, Bennett weaves them together into a cohesive whole that is neither pedestrian nor derivative. In fact, I would argue that given fantasy's "folkloric" nature (the subject of my research), this sort of "un-originality" is one of the strengths of the genre.
I have read the complaint elsewhere that this novel (Bennett's debut) lacks originality. While it is certainly true that the constituent elements of this story can be found in many other works of fantasy literature, Bennett weaves them together into a cohesive whole that is neither pedestrian nor derivative. In fact, I would argue that given fantasy's "folkloric" nature (the subject of my research), this sort of "un-originality" is one of the strengths of the genre.
September 2, 2010
It was a good story but the plot was not very well developed. The story felt choppy at times. The story was predictable and the characters were lacking any real personality. It took me a while to finish the book and it was a real struggle.
July 27, 2008
This is a romantic fantasy of a strong female character who isn't a warrior but a healer or bonemender. War is looming and the surrounding kingdoms must unite, possibly including the elusive Elves. The presence of the Elves and their culture has the feel and tone of the Lord of the Rings' Elves, which many readers will like, but it's a much shorter, easier read than Tolkien. I liked this series, which now has 3 books.
February 7, 2013
BEST BOOK EVER!! This book is one of my favorites and the whole series is fantastic. The one problem for me is that the books are so short. I mean, you could seriously combine the whole trilogy and it would be around 250 pages. Anyway, it's a really good book.
August 10, 2016
The Bonemender turned out to be an interesting story, and not at all what I was expecting. Gabrielle, a 27-year-old bonemender- or healer- and princess, is extraordinary in how she can heal. The story picks up quickly, and doesn't slow down at all. It can be a little wanting for explaining in the beginning, but it all leads to a big explanation that adds to the storyline. It's a unique twist on the ordinary healing magic that tends to be found in such fantasy books.
Perhaps the story leans too much on all-around stereotypes--Gabrielle's father is a kind king who's well-respected, and the opposing kingdom's people are cruelly oppressed--but there isn't much focus on these, so the story flows well. It ends nicely, lending itself easily to the sequel, but is complete in itself that it doesn't feel like you're missing an explanation.
Perhaps the story leans too much on all-around stereotypes--Gabrielle's father is a kind king who's well-respected, and the opposing kingdom's people are cruelly oppressed--but there isn't much focus on these, so the story flows well. It ends nicely, lending itself easily to the sequel, but is complete in itself that it doesn't feel like you're missing an explanation.
February 7, 2011
Loved this book but I think it should be longer with all the different things that happen within it. The story is unique, and I love the characters. I just wish it didn't skip around so much. It seemed that Gabrielle just met Feleon and then all of a sudden they're in eternal love.. though that's usually what happens in fantasy novels dating back to medieval times. All in all, it was a wonderful book with intense fighting scenes, romance, and fantasy. I've picked up the second book in the series and hope it won't disappoint!
November 27, 2021
I really Didn’t like this book this just a lot of ways just felt like a lazy writing at times and some of the elements didn’t make sense all together I’d probably just not recommend this one.
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May 8, 2020Gabrielle is a bone mender of extraordinary talent. Between her work as a healer and her duties as one of the royal family of Verdeau, her life is busy, carefree and comfortable - until the day a stranger arrives at her gate, desperately seeking help for his injured friend.
To Gabrielle's wonder, the men are Elves, a people not seem in Verdeau for many years. And they bring news of a coming invasion that threatens the freedom of the entire Krylian basin - human and Elvish alike. Once she heals the Elf Feolan, Gabrielle cannot bear to see him go away, as she realizes she has fallen in love.
First in Bonemender trilogy.
To Gabrielle's wonder, the men are Elves, a people not seem in Verdeau for many years. And they bring news of a coming invasion that threatens the freedom of the entire Krylian basin - human and Elvish alike. Once she heals the Elf Feolan, Gabrielle cannot bear to see him go away, as she realizes she has fallen in love.
First in Bonemender trilogy.
January 25, 2021
I read this book in high school and loved it! I found it recently and decided to read it again so here are my thoughts: it’s a good book. Not really fantastic but lovely enough to bring you into the world and keep you there while reading. It is a simple book that I enjoyed reading and I would recommend to bring on holiday for a light read or to have on hand to read before bed to settle your brain.
There are definitely some cheesy parts but it’s worth pushing through them for the story as a whole.
There are definitely some cheesy parts but it’s worth pushing through them for the story as a whole.
August 31, 2023
Fantasy for me is always either hit or miss, but this was a total hit! The only reason it doesn't have a higher rating is because I wish it was longer. I wish I could see more of Gabrielle's story unfold, but I also appreciate the timeline of the story we were given. I see that this is a trilogy so I understand that there is more to the story, but I wish there was more to the story in this specific book. I don't know, perhaps I should read the others and then see if my opinion on the length of this one changes.
Regardless, would definitely recommend this to a friend, it is VERY good!
Regardless, would definitely recommend this to a friend, it is VERY good!
December 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this and was drawn in from the first paragraph. Exquisite writing that drew me in and seemed to speak to my very soul. Characters I felt intimately connected to and invested in from the very start! Seamless storytelling at its finest without all the garbage that saturates so much media today (sexual content, gore, language, etc). I can't wait to read the rest of the series and sincerely hope that Holly has more books I can read! Beautifully done, Holly! Thank you for such a wonderful adventure. I couldn't put it down.
June 6, 2018
Very simply written, plotted and developed. It’s a good book to read when you’re too tired to even think, but not yet ready to sleep. Although the characters are adults, it reads at middle grade level. Give it to your tween daughters, who will enjoy it thoroughly, all the more so because it’s a series.
December 21, 2022
A decent entry-level or middle grade fantasy novel. I'd give something like this to my ten year old niece to get her into the genre, but overall it's very entry level. That translates into friendly, but nothing really new here.
June 26, 2025
Sometimes you get lucky with a $1 used book from a bookstore! I loved this story, the author did a terrific job of taking what could have been a lengthy YA fantasy book and making it into a short and sweet read. If you're into YA fantasy, check it out.
February 18, 2018
Highly recommended for teens who enjoy fantasy but want something short and easier to read than classic fantasy novels.
April 23, 2020
Gabrielle, bonemender and daughter to the king of Verdeau, must help an Elven stranger prevent a coming invasion from the people beyond the mountains.
May 28, 2020
Some caring, some fighting. Healer goes to war, dad and brother Tris onside, loves elf, loses one, finds heritage.
Typo: 24.10 discrete IS discreet
Typo: 24.10 discrete IS discreet
May 26, 2022
The story of Gabrielle, bonemender and princess, is presented well in this young adult novel.
June 23, 2022
Bonemeader sounds like a good job to me. This is a story about 2 cultural that happened to each other, and go to war. This is a great story.
February 25, 2024
never read
March 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this little story and the characters in it. They stayed true to character and it was nice to given the different perspectives.
January 8, 2009
Gabrielle, daughter of King Jerome, is a talented healer, or “bonemender.” When the elf Danaïs is gored by a boar near her home (Verdeau), Gabrielle nurses him back to health with her skills, and draws the attention and curiosity of his companion, Féolan. As Danaïs heals, Gabrielle and Féolan become close. Féolan reveals that the elves have been scouting a threat to humans and elves alike – the Gref Oris, or Greffaires are mobilizing their armies to attack the kingdoms. The kingdoms quickly mobilize their own troops to stave off the attack, and Féolan sneaks into enemy territory to learn more about the size and plans of their army. Gabrielle can barely stand to let Féolan go, but she doesn’t see a future where they can be together, as he’s Elvish and will live for hundreds of years, while she – human – has only a century at most.
Gabrielle organizes her fellow bonemenders to support the kingdom troops – accompanying them against her father’s wishes. And she’s on the battlefield when her father falls. She attempts to save him, but fails, and is herself captured by enemy troops. The enemy Commander allows her to live when she saves the life of his son, and Gabrielle escapes and is rescued by a contingent of elves. The war ends and it is revealed that Gabrielle is actually half-elf, half-human (Jerome and his wife found her hidden away and her parents murdered), and was adopted by the royals of Verdeau. This is actually good news, because it means that she’ll probably live longer and probably will have more time with Féolan.
Holly Bennett hints at Gabrielle’s otherness from the very beginning of this novel. If you haven’t figured out that she’s at least part elf before the end of the book, then you’ve somehow (how?!) missed the foreshadowing. Despite that foreknowledge, it was a decent book. Gabrielle is a strong character, and she’s been raised among good people who respect her mind, her feelings, and her talent. Her adoptive parents and family love her, and she and Féolan develop their feelings for one another over time. It’s a rather short book, so things happen rather quickly – the war, for instance is almost over before it begins (what with the excellent intelligence the kingdoms have, thanks to the elves), and as Gabrielle and Féolan head back to Verdeau, Gabi has all kinds of uncertainties about what her new identity will mean in the future and Féolan quickly comforts her and assuages all of her fears. Fantasy for the attention deficit disordered. There are sequels – Bonemender’s Oath, and Bonemender’s Choice. I haven’t read either of these yet (doesn't look like they were picked up by many libraries in our system, so possibly they weren't as popular as the first).
Gabrielle organizes her fellow bonemenders to support the kingdom troops – accompanying them against her father’s wishes. And she’s on the battlefield when her father falls. She attempts to save him, but fails, and is herself captured by enemy troops. The enemy Commander allows her to live when she saves the life of his son, and Gabrielle escapes and is rescued by a contingent of elves. The war ends and it is revealed that Gabrielle is actually half-elf, half-human (Jerome and his wife found her hidden away and her parents murdered), and was adopted by the royals of Verdeau. This is actually good news, because it means that she’ll probably live longer and probably will have more time with Féolan.
Holly Bennett hints at Gabrielle’s otherness from the very beginning of this novel. If you haven’t figured out that she’s at least part elf before the end of the book, then you’ve somehow (how?!) missed the foreshadowing. Despite that foreknowledge, it was a decent book. Gabrielle is a strong character, and she’s been raised among good people who respect her mind, her feelings, and her talent. Her adoptive parents and family love her, and she and Féolan develop their feelings for one another over time. It’s a rather short book, so things happen rather quickly – the war, for instance is almost over before it begins (what with the excellent intelligence the kingdoms have, thanks to the elves), and as Gabrielle and Féolan head back to Verdeau, Gabi has all kinds of uncertainties about what her new identity will mean in the future and Féolan quickly comforts her and assuages all of her fears. Fantasy for the attention deficit disordered. There are sequels – Bonemender’s Oath, and Bonemender’s Choice. I haven’t read either of these yet (doesn't look like they were picked up by many libraries in our system, so possibly they weren't as popular as the first).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2020
(After July 4, 2009 reading:) I remembered having this checked out, but I couldn't remember reading it, which doesn't exactly bode well. So I checked it out again, and within the first couple of pages, it started coming back to me. Perhaps if I had read the teaser on the back cover, I would have remembered it sooner.
At first I want to say that this book is like many other fantasy novels, as its apparent forgetability would suggest. But only a few of my fantasy novels follow the adventures of a healer. Most of these novels follow a warrior, magician, both, or both-in-one. Healers are often characters, but less often the protagonist and usually just the protagonist's ally. And while the mystery of lost, forgotten, or hidden parentage finds itself in fantasy novels with some frequency, the character(s) whom the mystery affects often deal with the not-knowing in a much less graceful manner than Gabrielle. These aspects make this novel, though in some aspects the typical fantasy story, a unique and engaging novel that it was a pleasure to read.
At first I want to say that this book is like many other fantasy novels, as its apparent forgetability would suggest. But only a few of my fantasy novels follow the adventures of a healer. Most of these novels follow a warrior, magician, both, or both-in-one. Healers are often characters, but less often the protagonist and usually just the protagonist's ally. And while the mystery of lost, forgotten, or hidden parentage finds itself in fantasy novels with some frequency, the character(s) whom the mystery affects often deal with the not-knowing in a much less graceful manner than Gabrielle. These aspects make this novel, though in some aspects the typical fantasy story, a unique and engaging novel that it was a pleasure to read.
April 7, 2016
This book was okay, no literary masterpiece but it had some nice moral examples (the fact that Gabrielle gave her life to heeling when her heart was broken instead of moping around which seems to be the habit of most heroines). I must confess that I think that it should have been in the teen section instead of juvenile because of the battle scenes and some of the other things. I also thought that the romance was a little rushed, but clean except for kissing etc. Her writing got better through the book, and while a little predictable she still kept me very worried about one of her main characters for awhile (so much so that I found myself gripping the book and leaning toward the page) Overall a decent read, not amazing but above average.
May 25, 2016
I certainly enjoyed the Bonemender! The storyline's unique, and I love the characters, especially Princess Gabriel, the bonemender with her special gift of hand healing. I just wish it hadn't skipped around quite so much. It seemed that Gabrielle had just met the Elf, Feolan, saved his friend, Danais life when she discovers that Feolan's her soulmate. This book had everything...intense fighting scenes, romance, fantastic characters and this fantasy world that Holly Bennett created was terrific. I've picked up the second book in the series, "The Bonemenders Oath" at the Library and am almost finished. I certainly haven't been disappointed with this series.
Jack Murphy
Jack Murphy
March 27, 2011
It was sooooo awesome, and I didn't really want to finish it. I just thought that she was in trouble when her "mom" told her that she found her in the woods, because she didn't know where she came from. But when Feolan came and saved her life, and she figured out she was half-Elven, and it all confused me. I wanted to cry when her father was killed and she didn't save him. Didn't , COULDN'T!!!
January 28, 2013
The Bonemender wasn't as good as I expected when I read the description, but it was still a good read. I think the author tried to cram too much detail into such a small book and I hope the sequel is a little more slow moving. The detail brought good things as well though. The characters were very solid and strong. They grew throughout the book and showed real emotions. Gabrielle was a wonderful character, along with her younger brother Tristan and her two elf friends, Feolan and Danais.
April 20, 2013
This was amazing!!! I really enjoyed this book and the depth of the plot-it wasn't just a shallow story. Summary: Gabrielle is a princess who is also a healer. She falls in love with an elf, but hesitates because he will love much longer than she will. Meanwhile, war begins, and she goes to the battlefields to help. Also, she learns of her true identity-a half elf baby the queen found on the road. It's a really good read!!! 10+
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews