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The Bonemender #2
The Bonemender's Oath
The war is over, but the danger is not.
In "The Bonemender" Gabrielle acepted her talent. Now, the war is over and both Gabrielle and her brother Tristan struggle to deal with the consequences.
They have yet to understand that the threat from across the mountains has only withdrawn and they will have to fight for their lives and those of the ones they love, as another threat arises closer to home.
In "The Bonemender" Gabrielle acepted her talent. Now, the war is over and both Gabrielle and her brother Tristan struggle to deal with the consequences.
They have yet to understand that the threat from across the mountains has only withdrawn and they will have to fight for their lives and those of the ones they love, as another threat arises closer to home.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2006
9 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Holly Bennett
27 books32 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 23, 2019
Bennett's second novel in the Bonemender series picks up right where the first left off, as the triumphant armies of Verdeau head for home. With the narrative voice alternating between various characters, this brief sequel follows Gabrielle and her brother Tristan, as they struggle to keep those they love safe - whether from maniacal merchants or their own misguided impulses...
I found The Bonemender to be a very competent first effort on the author's part, and was therefore all the more disappointed in this follow-up. Not only does Bennett's handling of the dual-narrative structure feel disjointed at times, but the writing itself is somewhat stilted. The plot elements frequently felt contrived and anti-climactic after the first book, as if Bennett had forgotten how to write epic fantasy. Worst of all, many of the characters (particularly Gabrielle, Tristan, and Féolan) were so artificially virtuous that they seemed flat and lifeless...
Although I couldn't recommend The Bonemender's Oath whole-heartedly, I do like some of the world-building that Bennett has put into her Krylian Basin. What is more, I find it refreshing to read a juvenile fantasy in which the author does not feel it necessary to make the heroine some kind of sword-fighter (no one could ever top Robin McKinley for that anyway). So despite my reservations, I still think I'll read the next installment in this series, The Bonemender's Choice .
I found The Bonemender to be a very competent first effort on the author's part, and was therefore all the more disappointed in this follow-up. Not only does Bennett's handling of the dual-narrative structure feel disjointed at times, but the writing itself is somewhat stilted. The plot elements frequently felt contrived and anti-climactic after the first book, as if Bennett had forgotten how to write epic fantasy. Worst of all, many of the characters (particularly Gabrielle, Tristan, and Féolan) were so artificially virtuous that they seemed flat and lifeless...
Although I couldn't recommend The Bonemender's Oath whole-heartedly, I do like some of the world-building that Bennett has put into her Krylian Basin. What is more, I find it refreshing to read a juvenile fantasy in which the author does not feel it necessary to make the heroine some kind of sword-fighter (no one could ever top Robin McKinley for that anyway). So despite my reservations, I still think I'll read the next installment in this series, The Bonemender's Choice .
October 26, 2017
I enjoyed this book and how fast paced it was. Little adventures, lots of view points and a little romance make this book a fun fast read. Love the strong willed female main character, Gabrielle. Hope she gets her wish.
June 8, 2020
Princess is recalled by healer oath and beloved elf to life, after helping former enemy causes mortal wounds. Her brother Tristan needs help to save Rosie from sneaky rival.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com
Readers met Gabrielle, the half-Elf princess of Verdeau with a talent for healing, in Holly Bennett's THE BONEMENDER. Now she's back in THE BONEMENDER'S OATH, along with many characters whom readers of THE BONEMENDER will be glad to see back in its sequel. The war between Gabrielle's people and those of the mysterious Greffier across the Krylian mountains is done, but Gabrielle's struggle to keep her people together and herself alive, while keeping to the oath she swore as a bonemender, is far from over. She's not alone, however; she's got Feolan, the Elf she loves, Derkh, the boy from Greffier whose life she saved during the war, and her family.
Speaking of her family, Gabrielle's brother Tristan has troubles of his own. He's fallen in love with Rosalie, but he's not alone in wanting her as his wife. The dark and dangerous LaBarque wants Rosalie for himself, and he's crazy enough to do whatever it takes--unless Tristan can stop him in time, saving himself as well as Rosalie.
Aside from their personal troubles, there are politics to consider for the people of Verdeau. They want peace in the Kryllian Basin, after the war in which many of their people, including Gabrielle and Tristan's father, the King, were killed. However, the Greffaires might have different ideas about what is to come.
Objectively, THE BONEMENDER'S OATH is not an exceptional book. The writing isn't breathtakingly brilliant, nor the plot. Still, though, everything mysteriously comes together to make a powerful story that will grab the reader's attention and refuse to let go! I read this book in one sitting, and I know I won't be alone in that. It is recommended to have read THE BONEMENDER before reading this novel; I don't know how confusing it would be to someone who has not read that, but certainly more so than to someone who has. THE BONEMENDER'S OATH will meet the expectations of readers of Holly Bennett's previous book, with the same great characters and way of drawing you in completely; it is a highly recommended read for fans of fantasy!
Readers met Gabrielle, the half-Elf princess of Verdeau with a talent for healing, in Holly Bennett's THE BONEMENDER. Now she's back in THE BONEMENDER'S OATH, along with many characters whom readers of THE BONEMENDER will be glad to see back in its sequel. The war between Gabrielle's people and those of the mysterious Greffier across the Krylian mountains is done, but Gabrielle's struggle to keep her people together and herself alive, while keeping to the oath she swore as a bonemender, is far from over. She's not alone, however; she's got Feolan, the Elf she loves, Derkh, the boy from Greffier whose life she saved during the war, and her family.
Speaking of her family, Gabrielle's brother Tristan has troubles of his own. He's fallen in love with Rosalie, but he's not alone in wanting her as his wife. The dark and dangerous LaBarque wants Rosalie for himself, and he's crazy enough to do whatever it takes--unless Tristan can stop him in time, saving himself as well as Rosalie.
Aside from their personal troubles, there are politics to consider for the people of Verdeau. They want peace in the Kryllian Basin, after the war in which many of their people, including Gabrielle and Tristan's father, the King, were killed. However, the Greffaires might have different ideas about what is to come.
Objectively, THE BONEMENDER'S OATH is not an exceptional book. The writing isn't breathtakingly brilliant, nor the plot. Still, though, everything mysteriously comes together to make a powerful story that will grab the reader's attention and refuse to let go! I read this book in one sitting, and I know I won't be alone in that. It is recommended to have read THE BONEMENDER before reading this novel; I don't know how confusing it would be to someone who has not read that, but certainly more so than to someone who has. THE BONEMENDER'S OATH will meet the expectations of readers of Holly Bennett's previous book, with the same great characters and way of drawing you in completely; it is a highly recommended read for fans of fantasy!
May 27, 2016
I'd like to start by saying that I've enjoyed this series so far,both Bonemender and now, Bonemender's Oath. I was enchanted by Gabrielle, the half-Elf princess of Verdeau with a talent for hand healing. What I liked about the main characters in the Bonemender series is that they are not only believable, but their people who I'd like to know personally as friends. The war between Gabrielle's people and those of the mysterious Greffier across the Krylian mountains is over, but Gabrielle's struggle to keep her people together and herself alive, while keeping to the oath she swore as a bonemender, is far from finished. She's not alone, however; she's got the Elf Feolan, her soul mate, Derkh, the boy from Greffier whose life Gabrielle saved during the war, and her family, including Tristan who has fallen in love with Rosalie, but he's not alone in wanting her as his wife. The dark and dangerous LaBarque wants Rosalie for himself, and he's crazy enough to do whatever it takes--unless Tristan can stop him in time, saving himself as well as Rosalie.
Objectively, THE BONEMENDER'S OATH isn't the best book I've read, but it's a moving story that will grab the readers attention and carry you through to the end of the story. It certainly drew me in completely and I certainly would recommend this fantasy to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Jack Murphy
Objectively, THE BONEMENDER'S OATH isn't the best book I've read, but it's a moving story that will grab the readers attention and carry you through to the end of the story. It certainly drew me in completely and I certainly would recommend this fantasy to anyone who enjoys this genre.
Jack Murphy
March 30, 2013
First Reactions: I read the prequel to this over a year ago and it took a few moments for me to catch up in the story of Gabrielle, Féolan and the other characters.
Holly Bennett's style is completely different from the most recent books I've read (or atleast for this small series). You will read a few paragraphs with one character and their POV and then the next moment you are somewhere else reacting to what the other Charry did or doing something at the same time as the last little scene.
Gabrielle's the main character, but the other characters you meet are equally as strong since you read about them a lot and experience their problems and thoughts. I think I'd say I like the style except she jumps just as I'm in the moment and I have to wait. Oh well though.
Here books aren't as long as Inkheart and Inkpell, but they hold that fantasy element that keeps the reader's attention throughout the novel.
Holly Bennett's style is completely different from the most recent books I've read (or atleast for this small series). You will read a few paragraphs with one character and their POV and then the next moment you are somewhere else reacting to what the other Charry did or doing something at the same time as the last little scene.
Gabrielle's the main character, but the other characters you meet are equally as strong since you read about them a lot and experience their problems and thoughts. I think I'd say I like the style except she jumps just as I'm in the moment and I have to wait. Oh well though.
Here books aren't as long as Inkheart and Inkpell, but they hold that fantasy element that keeps the reader's attention throughout the novel.
August 3, 2016
I read through this pretty quickly, though it's hard to tell if it's because it's a quick read, or if I just liked it so much I didn't want to put it down.
The book picks up pretty quickly where the first one left off, so at first, if you haven't read the first one very recently, it can be a little confusing. But it smooths out from there.
This time around, there were multiple storylines to follow, but it never got convoluted or confusing. Because of this, however, it was hard to figure out the over-all storyline of the book. However, the book flows well and the characters are just as fun as the first time.
The book picks up pretty quickly where the first one left off, so at first, if you haven't read the first one very recently, it can be a little confusing. But it smooths out from there.
This time around, there were multiple storylines to follow, but it never got convoluted or confusing. Because of this, however, it was hard to figure out the over-all storyline of the book. However, the book flows well and the characters are just as fun as the first time.
April 23, 2011
I'm enjoying these books. They are fairly non-complex ("simple" sounds so insulting); the action is not too intense or gorey; the romance is quite tame. In fact, I have to say that I like the fact that virtually all of the characters are not only believable, but nice people; the kind I would enjoy being around. So often, antagonists and side characters are neurotic and certifiably annoying; is it so they stand out? So the conflict is easier to write? I don't know. But these characters, I like. The plot is somewhat predictable, but interesting enough to keep me reading. Perfect sit-around-all-day-fighting-a-cold books.
January 4, 2014
This was a good sequel to The Bonemender. The shifting point of view is sometimes difficult to follow, but it also drives the story and kept me reading. I also like the balance of strong male and female characters. The only part I hate was the cover of the book. Who is that a picture of? Gabriele is supposed to be in her 30s so I don't think it could be her. Despite the unattractive cover I would still recommend this book to any fantasy lover.
July 29, 2010
This book was good if you liked the first(The Bonemender). It didn't have as much charm as the first, since we were already introduced to the world and wonder of the things in it, so it's not a book you want to pick up if you haven't read its predecessor. However, those who enjoyed The Bonemender will enjoy it for the continuation of the story and characters they liked.
May 29, 2007
Awful. Sequel to The Bonemender, which wasn't nearly as bad.
February 25, 2008
A great sequel to Bonemender.
March 4, 2009
The story keeps you interested and reads right along. If you liked the Bonemender you will enjoy this sequel.
February 17, 2009
I am hooked and can't wait to continue the story with the third book in this series..
March 11, 2009
i started this, but didn't finish completely. hehe
August 15, 2009
It was sweet but tried to have too many plot lines for such a short book. I hope things get more streamlined in the next one
December 17, 2009
Sequel to 'The Bonemender'. Didn't seem quite as strong or novel as the first, but still enjoyable.
April 8, 2010
This was the middle book and wasn't as memorable as the first or the last
November 18, 2010
2nd book in the bone mender series it was good too.
February 14, 2011
Even better than the first! Loved how it had more characters and more points of view. Kept the story interesting. Can't wait to read the next one, I want to know what happens!
April 9, 2011
It was really good and i thought that it wouldn't be as good as the first one but it was amazing
April 21, 2012
Continuing story of Gabrielle who has to the power to heal people and the subsequent aftermath of war.
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September 15, 2022
I actually do not recall this book at all. It was most likely a book I read during elementary school. I would like to revisit it one day.
July 8, 2013
Usually, I do not enjoy sequels, but this was just as good as the first book!
August 27, 2013
I liked the first book better but this book was by no means substandard. The story line wasn't as interesting to me but once again I loved the characters.
June 25, 2016
Review from 17 year old me: Not as amazing as the first, but a beautiful ending to the story.
October 1, 2017
Another lighthearted and fluffy novel, this time focusing on Tristan getting together with Rosalie and Drekh finding his place in life. Again: simple and sweet. The narrative voice is charming.
May 15, 2015
it wasn't bad but it was sort of like reading a good story for a high school student
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews