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BloodAngel #2
Lord of Bones
Jess is a beautiful young artist whose prophetic dreams led her to Ramsey, a young teenage boy with an angel trapped inside him. Together, they stopped a demon intent on bringing about the apocalypse - but a gate was opened, and more demons have made their way into the world.
The demons need to inhabit human bodies to survive, and this makes them vulnerable. Ramsey and Jess travel from town to town to find and slay the demon hybrids. Ramsey thing that in time they can kill every demon that made it through the gate, but Jess knows it's not that simple.
The hybrids are preparing for the arrival of the one who will lead them - the one known as Soulbreaker, the Lord of Bones. The gate is still open...and he is coming.
The demons need to inhabit human bodies to survive, and this makes them vulnerable. Ramsey and Jess travel from town to town to find and slay the demon hybrids. Ramsey thing that in time they can kill every demon that made it through the gate, but Jess knows it's not that simple.
The hybrids are preparing for the arrival of the one who will lead them - the one known as Soulbreaker, the Lord of Bones. The gate is still open...and he is coming.
378 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
8 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Justine Musk
9 books201 followersJustine Musk was born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada and earned a degree in English literature from Queen's University. After working and traveling in Australia and Japan, she moved to California. She is divorced and lives in Los Angeles.
Her website is www.tribalwriter.com.
She's the author of three books: a YA supernatural thriller called UNINVITED (MTV Books/Simon & Schuster), the dark urban fantasy BLOODANGEL and its upcoming sequel LORD OF BONES (Roc/Penguin).
"Justine Musk is a talented, vivid writer and a voice we'll be hearing for a long time." -- Poppy Z. Brite
"Full of wicked delights and devilish charm. I really, really loved UNINVITED." -- Holly Black
"A fantastic, nightmarish tale of temptation and redemption and a fresh twist on fears as old as humanity." -- Christopher Golden
"Musk has created an array of fascinating characters and an intricate plot which is vaguely reminiscent of early Anne Rice." -- Romantic Times
"Reading BLOODANGEL is like avidly watching three separate trains race towards each other at neck break speed...The excellent writing and engrossing story lines fill the mind with evocative imagery that lingers long after you put the book down."
-- Black Gate
Her website is www.tribalwriter.com.
She's the author of three books: a YA supernatural thriller called UNINVITED (MTV Books/Simon & Schuster), the dark urban fantasy BLOODANGEL and its upcoming sequel LORD OF BONES (Roc/Penguin).
"Justine Musk is a talented, vivid writer and a voice we'll be hearing for a long time." -- Poppy Z. Brite
"Full of wicked delights and devilish charm. I really, really loved UNINVITED." -- Holly Black
"A fantastic, nightmarish tale of temptation and redemption and a fresh twist on fears as old as humanity." -- Christopher Golden
"Musk has created an array of fascinating characters and an intricate plot which is vaguely reminiscent of early Anne Rice." -- Romantic Times
"Reading BLOODANGEL is like avidly watching three separate trains race towards each other at neck break speed...The excellent writing and engrossing story lines fill the mind with evocative imagery that lingers long after you put the book down."
-- Black Gate
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 8, 2022
I don't know...
Maybe I let this duology sit too long on my shelves and I let myself build up too much hype for it. The books are easy and quick to read, but are kind of lacking in plot, characters and meat to the worldbuilding. I think Musk wanted more than two short books allowed.
Maybe I let this duology sit too long on my shelves and I let myself build up too much hype for it. The books are easy and quick to read, but are kind of lacking in plot, characters and meat to the worldbuilding. I think Musk wanted more than two short books allowed.
May 12, 2009
Have you read the prequel to this, Blood Angel ? No, then back away from this book and go get that one. It’s darn good in its own right and while, Lord gives you several hints to what happened it’s not really enough to fully enjoy this story. This one took me a tad longer than usual to read partly due to my work schedule but partly due to the dense plot that needed chewing over. The story is told from several points of view (each getting its own labeled chapter so it’s easy to follow).
Jess, one-time artist and current spell-caster, and Ramsey, a young man who had an angel inside him once, think they beat the demons back, leaving only the hybrids, demons who have pushed into human form. The duo is traveling and taking them out where they can but all too soon they learn that the evil wasn’t stopped last book, only delayed. Jess has even bigger problems, her mentor and lover, Kai Youngblood who is Sajae (i.e. not quite human) wants her to undergo a magical rite of passage of his people, something most Sajae aren’t too thrilled with. To top it all off, she’s dreaming of Lucas Maddox, musician who did some Unkind Things to Ramsey last book.
While Jess is dealing with all of this, Lucas is the focus of the latest big bad and his very creepy followers. As one might expect, things go sideways for all of them. Lucas, Jess, Kai and Ramsey all have to face their demons (personal and literal) throughout a novel laced with the history of an alien world as the Lord of Bones gains strength to remake the world in his image. It’s a smart, engaging read. Oddly I don’t quite click with Jess even though she’s the type of heroine I like (i.e. intelligent and not relying on the men to save her every ten minutes). I like her but the character I click with best is Ramsey. He fascinates me.
Jess, one-time artist and current spell-caster, and Ramsey, a young man who had an angel inside him once, think they beat the demons back, leaving only the hybrids, demons who have pushed into human form. The duo is traveling and taking them out where they can but all too soon they learn that the evil wasn’t stopped last book, only delayed. Jess has even bigger problems, her mentor and lover, Kai Youngblood who is Sajae (i.e. not quite human) wants her to undergo a magical rite of passage of his people, something most Sajae aren’t too thrilled with. To top it all off, she’s dreaming of Lucas Maddox, musician who did some Unkind Things to Ramsey last book.
While Jess is dealing with all of this, Lucas is the focus of the latest big bad and his very creepy followers. As one might expect, things go sideways for all of them. Lucas, Jess, Kai and Ramsey all have to face their demons (personal and literal) throughout a novel laced with the history of an alien world as the Lord of Bones gains strength to remake the world in his image. It’s a smart, engaging read. Oddly I don’t quite click with Jess even though she’s the type of heroine I like (i.e. intelligent and not relying on the men to save her every ten minutes). I like her but the character I click with best is Ramsey. He fascinates me.
March 14, 2019
DNF I just couldn't get into this book even though I persevered until the end. Out of the characters only Lucas and Del were interesting to me. The other thing which hindered me was the swapping of character viewpoints. I would just get going with one character and then it would swap to another. I've read books like this before but this time it just didn't work for me. Other people seem to have enjoyed the book but it just wasn't for me.
February 3, 2020
This was a decent sequel to Blood Angel. I enjoy Justine Musk’s writing style. It’s gritty and full of imagery. The concept of the Dreamlines is so fascinating and there are many great characters in this 2-part series. If you liked Blood Angel it’s worth reading this novel for the rest of the story. However, I thought Blood Angel was the better book and actually among the best I read last year.
October 16, 2010
I actually liked this book a lot more than I thought I would. I had tried to start it twice before, obviously without success. But third times a charm I guess. I think I will also like the first book,which I didn't have the pleasure of reading first. Thought let it be known that I didn't find it to be a hindrance to reading this one.
The characters, though, I found to surprise me and not all of them in a good way. Maybe it is due to being a second book, and certain things are assumed to be 'common' knowledge amongst readers. Be that as it may, I found Ramsey to be left without definition at times. Let me clarify that. I just felt,or believed, and still do, that as such a pivotal character should be more 3D. His emotions and even his actions are not clearly defined at any point. The few times you see him express emotion, or even the author describing him emotional, it is vague, short-lived and it's on to the next one. Even more rare is a sense of his thought pattern or what path even that his thoughts take. How does he feel about Jess? And Kai? Let alone the lose of the angel 'within' him. Or heaven forbid he have a stray thought about magic or death or demons or the myriad of other things happening to him. Due to that I found most of the book to be very child-like. 'See Dick run. See Dick jump." ok... Why is Dick running, Is he tired? Has he run far? Is he running from or to something, or someone? Does he even know why? Does he like running? Oh, 'Here come Jane. Jane is so happy to see Dick, she runs along side him. She quickly tires of his one dimensional character and stops running.' I am sure you get my point.
Above and beyond the fact that you can compare some main characters to store mannequins set up to make it look like a lot of people came to your party. They may be dressed in the newest fashion, wear beautifully done make-up, be placed among the cliche of famous people that did show up, but they are still store dummies, and not interesting people, sharing and enjoying your party.
I hate having said this. For though it is true, I did still like the rest of this book. I think the author had a great idea to continue the story from the first book, but maybe the editor made her take out parts to shorten it, and removed vital bits, or maybe that character had not transferred to text this time, was essentially left behind in the authors memory.
Maybe, I am wrong, it happened once, years ago.(we try not to talk about that day)*giggle*
The characters, though, I found to surprise me and not all of them in a good way. Maybe it is due to being a second book, and certain things are assumed to be 'common' knowledge amongst readers. Be that as it may, I found Ramsey to be left without definition at times. Let me clarify that. I just felt,or believed, and still do, that as such a pivotal character should be more 3D. His emotions and even his actions are not clearly defined at any point. The few times you see him express emotion, or even the author describing him emotional, it is vague, short-lived and it's on to the next one. Even more rare is a sense of his thought pattern or what path even that his thoughts take. How does he feel about Jess? And Kai? Let alone the lose of the angel 'within' him. Or heaven forbid he have a stray thought about magic or death or demons or the myriad of other things happening to him. Due to that I found most of the book to be very child-like. 'See Dick run. See Dick jump." ok... Why is Dick running, Is he tired? Has he run far? Is he running from or to something, or someone? Does he even know why? Does he like running? Oh, 'Here come Jane. Jane is so happy to see Dick, she runs along side him. She quickly tires of his one dimensional character and stops running.' I am sure you get my point.
Above and beyond the fact that you can compare some main characters to store mannequins set up to make it look like a lot of people came to your party. They may be dressed in the newest fashion, wear beautifully done make-up, be placed among the cliche of famous people that did show up, but they are still store dummies, and not interesting people, sharing and enjoying your party.
I hate having said this. For though it is true, I did still like the rest of this book. I think the author had a great idea to continue the story from the first book, but maybe the editor made her take out parts to shorten it, and removed vital bits, or maybe that character had not transferred to text this time, was essentially left behind in the authors memory.
Maybe, I am wrong, it happened once, years ago.(we try not to talk about that day)*giggle*
August 1, 2008
Every so often, I stumble across that proverbial 'needle in a hay-stack'.
I had only read one other title by Justine, and that was Uninvited. While Uninvited was a good read, it was more young-adultish to me, so I assumed 'Lord of Bones' to be more of the same.
I was wrong.
'Lord of Bones' proved to be one of those 'sleeper' hits for me, and it was able to grab my attention from the start, which is no small feat I might add. The scene with the surfer in the ocean staring in disbelief as a large dark shadow passes beneath him, only to realize that it has teeth -- genious -- one of my worst nightmares!
The story follows Kai, a 'lone-ranger/renegade/Summoner' of the dreamlines; Jess, an 'i'm-to-powerful-for-my-own-good-and-don't-know-it-girl'; and Ramsey, a basic human that has been taught to fight and lead by the legendary Kai himself as they fight to keep peace on earth and prevent the 'Lord of Bones' (a fallen angel) from being released.
The read was filled with action, love, betrayel, personal sacrafice, demons and Magic, and will satisfy anyone who has an interest in this genre. The pacing was pretty much spot on, with a few areas that were just a too little chatty for me, but all-in-all, it was fantastic.
My Final verdict: A highly recommended read, that is sure to please fans that are not afraid of the dark.
- Dan.
I had only read one other title by Justine, and that was Uninvited. While Uninvited was a good read, it was more young-adultish to me, so I assumed 'Lord of Bones' to be more of the same.
I was wrong.
'Lord of Bones' proved to be one of those 'sleeper' hits for me, and it was able to grab my attention from the start, which is no small feat I might add. The scene with the surfer in the ocean staring in disbelief as a large dark shadow passes beneath him, only to realize that it has teeth -- genious -- one of my worst nightmares!
The story follows Kai, a 'lone-ranger/renegade/Summoner' of the dreamlines; Jess, an 'i'm-to-powerful-for-my-own-good-and-don't-know-it-girl'; and Ramsey, a basic human that has been taught to fight and lead by the legendary Kai himself as they fight to keep peace on earth and prevent the 'Lord of Bones' (a fallen angel) from being released.
The read was filled with action, love, betrayel, personal sacrafice, demons and Magic, and will satisfy anyone who has an interest in this genre. The pacing was pretty much spot on, with a few areas that were just a too little chatty for me, but all-in-all, it was fantastic.
My Final verdict: A highly recommended read, that is sure to please fans that are not afraid of the dark.
- Dan.
February 20, 2009
** This rating is based purely on personal preferences; I have nothing to complain about the author's writing quality or style.
I may end up finishing this book, since I own it and only have a few more chapters to go--but not right now, not at this time in my life. Stories about demons are invariably oppressive, depressing and gratuitous in a morbid and ick way rather than a violent one--which I understand is how they're supposed to be. This one delivered. But I realized finally that they're just not worth living with that gross feeling in my stomach to find out what happens to the characters.
There was one demon Del who I admit I'm curious what happens with. He was a well-written character that I enjoyed. Just not enough. ^__^
I may end up finishing this book, since I own it and only have a few more chapters to go--but not right now, not at this time in my life. Stories about demons are invariably oppressive, depressing and gratuitous in a morbid and ick way rather than a violent one--which I understand is how they're supposed to be. This one delivered. But I realized finally that they're just not worth living with that gross feeling in my stomach to find out what happens to the characters.
There was one demon Del who I admit I'm curious what happens with. He was a well-written character that I enjoyed. Just not enough. ^__^
July 24, 2010
This is the sequel to BloodAngel and it is a worthy sequel. It spans the line between dark fiction and horror (think Simon R. Green with an even edgier bent). This author draws me in like I don't usually get drawn in, and creates a world so believable that you just go along for the ride, even though it's very weird and not always comfortable. And anything can happen, as readers found out in BloodAngel. I hope we'll be seeing a lot more of Justine Musk. I don't know if this book calls out for a sequel, but I'm sure she has plenty of other stories inside her that I for one will be very happy to read.
Rated: A+
Rated: A+
October 5, 2011
not quite what i was expecting from this book. did not realize there was a prequel until i started reading this one. not that you have to have read the prequel first but it would have helped give some insight first. i just felt like it kept jumping too much and i had to keep going back remembering who was who and doing what. b/c of this for me, it did make the characters stand out to me. no one to really relate to like i'm use to. i was struggling to finish the book and then when it was over it was like "really i read this whole book for nothing to really happen at the end". just my opinion though. will give the author another shot though and try one of her other books.
September 21, 2008
I found LORD OF BONES to be confusing. I had a difficult time, sometimes, keeping track of the characters. I'm still not sure about the plot - was the world as we know it saved or not? If this is part of a series, that nebulosity is probably a good thing, but it didn't inspire me to track down the first book in the series and I certainly don't feel any compulsion to read anything else by this writer. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, although I didn't have any trouble putting it down for 2 days, so it's not poorly written. It just didn't make me want to read any more.
September 30, 2008
I have read all the hype about Lord of Bones, and will admit it peaked my inner creep and it did not disappoint! I would recommend this book as well as Blood angel. I am on to read The Uninvited next.
January 25, 2012
The writing was excellent, and I enjoyed the evolution of the characters and their relationships. The villain, however, I didn't find nearly as powerful as Asha, and his schemes and the climax itself never came together for me.
April 27, 2009
A good book but I likeed Blood Angel better. Having said that there were parts and visualizions that were really exceptionally good. For example Mr. "Web". WOW!! This is an author I will be watching!
December 11, 2013
Descriptions are lacking. I understand that she is trying to describe abnormal/fantastical things but the situations and events are so 'far' out there that the descriptions of events/places lack any relatable connection and just end up as confusing.
July 19, 2016
Something just seemed lacking from this second book from the first... but I still enjoy the story and characters enough to want more.
I think that this story suffered from the Perspective jumps which left large gaps in certain parts of the narrative.
I think that this story suffered from the Perspective jumps which left large gaps in certain parts of the narrative.
December 30, 2010
pretty much the same as the first, but a bit better. 3.5 stars, would be good as a movie.
November 30, 2012
Haven't seen work this good in a long time
December 14, 2014
There is just something about this and the first book that completely pulls me in.
I just wish I knew what the heck was going on at the end!
I just wish I knew what the heck was going on at the end!
May 4, 2009
Also loved it. Will comment more on it later.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews