Sacred Orders

The Bone Men #3

by C.J. Tuma, Quinn Cameron

"Living bodies are fragile, temporary things.

Shaken by a brush with death, Kit Mosel and Penny Oliver push forward with their initiation rites. Dark trials edge them closer to uncovering the truth behind the god the cult worships, and what they learn bolsters their resolve to dismantle the Bone Men.

But they can't do it alone.

To stand a chance, Kit and Penny must risk everything by reaching out to others inside the cult, unsure who they can trust, or if betrayal is already brewing. Any misstep could mean exposure. And exposure means death.

Meanwhile, life in Ashpoint feels increasingly hostile as their enemies work to drive Kit and Penny away. With danger closing in and secrets pressing at every seam, Kit and Penny’s hard-won connection—and growing romance—may not survive what comes next.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 25, 2026

Reviews

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, like the others before it, is surprisingly sweet and cozy for a book about bringing down a cult of very bad men. There are some heart wrenching moments, but we get to watch Kit and Penny fall even more disgustingly in love. The writing in this series is SO well done, the characters are so well fleshed out, that you love who you are supposed to love and HATE who you are supposed to hate (looking at you, Anders!). The romance is so sweet in this one, but THAT ENDING took me out 😭😭😭😭

It was my pleasure to read this advanced copy! Here’s looking to book 4 and hope it fixes my bruised heart 🤣😭

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Sacred Orders. All opinions are my own and freely given.

Despite everything that was against them, Penny and Kit have survived the first three Oaths of the Bone Men, though not unscathed. Penny still suffers from the effects of the hemlock, and it's clear their enemies are numerous. As they embark on the Fourth and Fifth Oaths, Penny and Kit have to overcome one of their biggest adversaries yet, but they are nothing but resilient, and not even attempts on their lives will keep them down. Indeed, the more obstacles they overcome, the more their allies become clear. Penny has so much faith in Kit, and he knows that, together, they can change Ashpoint and and the Bone Men for the better. And on top of everything, Penny has never been more sure of his place at Kit's side. Their love is blossoming, Penny has never felt more content, and their future together has never been more clear. But when Penny and Kit return to Eastcliff for spring planting, winning over Penny's mother is a more daunting task than Kit could ever have guessed. And when a surprise visitor reminds him of all he has to lose, Kit is loath to bring Penny back to the dangers in Ashpoint. Kit has never been more sure of anything than he is of his love for Penny, but as he's told more than one person, he won't risk Penny's life. Not for anything. Even if it means doing the unthinkable. There's so much uncertainty waiting back at Ashpoint, but a resistance is brewing in the shadows, and Kit is bound and determined to finish what he started, to bring down the Bone Men. No matter what it takes.


Oooooh, my gosh. Every time a new Bone Men book comes out I don't think it will top the last one, and then it does. And Sacred Orders is no exception. I absolutely loved this book. The cult stuff was still totally creepy, and Merrick and Anders and Violette can kick rocks. But the romance was so freaking romantic, and I just couldn't get enough.


I loved Kit in this book. He was still so stoic and steadfast. But on the other hand he was so clearly planning out his future. I loved all of the little romantic gestures he made for Penny, especially going to Stagcross. I just couldn't get over it. It was absolutely perfect. And then I loved how he was so protective of Penny, always standing up for him and being supportive when Penny had weak moments. I loved how he so easily pulled Penny from being in his head and how he loved him with everything he had. I love that Kit makes Penny feel like he can be himself without shame or hesitation.


And then I loved Penny again, too. He believes in Kit so much, and I love to see him be so confident in his beau. I loved that he would face down Merrick again and again to defend Kit to the end. I loved that Penny took charge in gathering up their friends to build the resistance, and I loved that Kit deferred to him as a leader even when Penny didn't think he could do it. I love how stubborn Penny is and that he never gives up even when it would be easier to. And I love that he insists on being by Kit's side no matter what. 


These boys are just so freaking perfect for each other, and I just want them to have a happily ever after!


I really liked how the plot progressed. The Oaths are coming along and they were still dastardly but not nearly as terrible as the first three. I hated how the Fourth Oath ended, but I think Kit and Penny got retribution. And then I feel like we are getting a better sense of who Levitt is, but it makes me wonder about the rest of the Oaths and how Levitt still got to be the Right Hand. Merrick is a proper enemy now, but I really hope Kit can get the support he needs to finally turn the Bone Men towards good rather than evil. 


I really loved the lore surrounding Paneus and Eeus. It was a nice mirror of Kit and Penny's relationship, and it makes me hopeful for the future. 


I gotta say, the ending of this book freaking gutted me. It not only made me sad, it also made me so mad! I never thought it would end that way. I was ready to throw the book across the room! There is going to have to be sooooooo much groveling in the future. I will riot if there isn't!


But as a whole, this book might be my favorite of the series so far. Kit and Penny's mission and objectives are clear, and they have support to execute their plan. And the boys are so in love it makes my heart ache. 


Honestly, I have no notes. I just need the next book stat! 5/5 🌟!

[Jessie Coughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time a new Bone Men book comes out I swear it can’t possibly top the last one and then it just does, and Sacred Orders completely got me because Penny and Kit have already survived so much getting through the first three Oaths and they’re still standing even though Penny is clearly not okay after the hemlock and the danger just keeps building around them, but they keep pushing forward anyway, more determined than ever, facing even bigger threats and attempts on their lives like it’s just another day, and through all of it their bond only gets stronger, Penny’s faith in Kit is unwavering and Kit is so sure that together they can actually change things, and the love between them just feels deeper and softer and more certain than ever, like Penny finally knows exactly where he belongs, right beside him, but then they go back to Eastcliff and suddenly it’s not just enemies they’re fighting but family, and winning over Penny’s mother feels like a whole different battle, and when Kit is reminded of everything he could lose it hits so hard because he loves Penny so much he’d rather walk away than risk his life, even if it destroys him, and that tension between love and protection just sits heavy the whole time while everything in Ashpoint is still brewing and dangerous and this resistance is quietly building in the background, and you can feel Kit gearing up to finish what he started no matter the cost, and the whole book just keeps you locked in with all the creepy cult energy still there, all the characters you love to hate, and then that ending… I was not okay, like genuinely gutted and angry and ready to throw something because how does it end like that, there better be serious groveling coming because I cannot deal otherwise, but honestly this might be my favourite in the series so far because the stakes are higher, the mission feels clearer, and Penny and Kit being so deeply in love while everything is falling apart around them just makes it hit that much harder.

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I’ve learned that the best course of action when reading a new Quinn Cameron penned work is to clear your schedule for the day and lock in. From the first few pages I was sat. Devouring the novel in a single sitting.

This series is so enjoyable. A true cozy fantasy. Kit and Penny are absolutely adorable together. Glimpsing in on their domesticity, it’s easy to forget it’s against such a macabre backdrop.

I really enjoyed the direction this book took the characters (for the most part). It was satisfying seeing so many become empowered to make a change in the community. I also really appreciated the generosity of many of the new characters Penny and Kit interact with. The kindness they’re shown by strangers is the salve we as readers (and, I’m sure the boys) needed after the utter hell Merrick and Anders have been giving them.

Kicking my feet giggling at Kit calling Penny his husband!!! They’re both too cute! And what I wouldn’t give for them to just stay in that artisan town and live peacefully ever after. But of course, no such luck.

On that note: How DARE you, Tuma and Cameron, force Kit and Penny into such close proximity with Anders!

I just know Merrick put Anders up to murdering Penny. He likely gave him the idea that the cruelest method would involve fire. What a sadistic fucker. Both of them. I can’t wait for Merrick to die. I can’t with how evil he is.

I eagerly await the next edition! I’m looking forward to Kit and Penny’s wedded bliss and the demise of The Bone Men and their ilk For good!

Your Esteemed Reviewer, Lady M

[Delaney Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

KIT 😩 …

Ok so this is the absolute coziest series. I have loved every minute of the Penny and Kit adventures in morbid wonderland so far.

If you’ve made it to this book, you already know you love it too…

The lively taverns, the bubbling stews, the fresh breads and baked goods, the flickering candlelight, all set to the quiet scrape of coloring pencils on paper and the tinkering sounds of blacksmithing. The setting taps all the senses while teasing you with death and dismemberment every few chapters.

You really never can get too comfortable.

And if you’re reading along with the release dates, you already know the seasons feel like they align with what’s happening in the real world. Snow was actively melting outside alongside Kit and Penny’s, which made it such a fun read.

This one had a Zelda x Stardew Valley edge to it, and I was totally here for it. Some farming, some danger, camping on the road, a cozy village vacay, a not-so-cozy, not-so-vacay getaway, and a whole lot of scheming and world building.

But the true throughline and heart of this entire plot is the most ADORING relationship between Kit and Penny.

Kit is just a swoon worthy sweetheart who would ~literally~ take the shirt off his back and freeze to death if it meant Penny was a few degrees warmer.

And Penny, a firecracker that warmed his cold heart up from the inside out and will never ever let it go.

They’re adorable and I’ll follow them anywhere.

This was a great installment, but I can’t wait for them to finally get their happily ever after in the next one. ✨

Thank you to the authors for the early copy!

[Hetty♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one starts hot and doesn’t let up.
Penny is on another level in this book, and Kit? Still absolutely wrecking me in the best way. Their relationship keeps growing, but the pressure is real — everything around them feels unstable, dangerous, and one wrong move away from disaster.
The oaths take a turn here, and not everyone is on the same page (looking at you, Anders 🙄). The tension, the uncertainty, the who can you even trust energy — it’s constant and it works.
But what really makes this book hit is the balance.
In the middle of all the chaos, you still get those softer moments — the vulnerability, the connection, the them. And yeah… I was fully swooning more than once.
Kit opening up more? Penny being completely gone for him? Say less.
The stakes are higher, the world keeps expanding, and you can feel everything building toward something big.
And that ending??
MEAN. AF.
I’m obsessed. This series just keeps getting better, and I am not okay waiting for what comes next.

[c_reads_books_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy do I love Penny & Kit! I'm certain that I've said this in a previous review, but CJ Tuma and Quinn Cameron brilliantly tread the thin line between - of all things - the awfulness of a death cult setting and a loving, cozy romance. I don't know how it's possible, but it's true and I am delighted to have found this unique series.

If you've gotten to the third book in the series then I can guarantee that there is no need to convince you to continue; you are as gripped as I am. I can confirm that this installment is chocked full of all the good stuff found in book 1 and 2 as Pen and Kit continue to infiltrate the Bone Men while their relationship grows deeper and more loving. Proceed with caution though - there is a cliffhanger!

Thank you to Tuma and Cameron for the opportunity to read and honestly review Sacred Orders prior to its release.

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this novel. I have been reading this series from the first book, and as always, really enjoyed it. This entire novel felt very much like the "middle" of the overarching tale in a strong way. There's a lot of much needed tenderness and character growth between Kit and Penny. I can see them transforming into the best versions of themselves because of their relationship, as well as their ties to other people who matter to them. I'd also like to acknowledge that I like what the authors did with the gods. I think it takes this from the realm of fantasy romance into a bit of the literary zone because it's really, really saying something about what it is to be queer in spiritual/faith spaces.

A strong book, major cliffhanger. Can't wait to see how this series develops & concludes.

[V.R. Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a free e-arc, and all my opinions are my own.

My last two reviews have been long and drawn out, and I might come back to make this one concise and detailed, but the short if it is: I loved this so much.

Kit and Penny are so near and dear to my heart. I adore them so much. Their relationship is the sweetest thing ever.

The story, like always, is fantastic! It has such a natural progression that by the time I got to the end, I needed more immediately. And that cliffhanger... CJ and Quinn, when I catch you...

All in all, it's a superb third installment to my favorite series 🥰 (but I'll haunt you two for this ending)

[Leslie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review:

4☆ Just because it is sweetness level 10. I like a bit of angst.
1🌶

The sweetest book in the series—you spend the whole time swooning and rooting for the MMCs, completely wrapped up in their happiness. And then the ending hits… and absolutely wrecks you.

Let's hope this will bring us a lot of emotional damage in book 4! Fingers crossed.

Good news: you won’t be waiting forever.
Book 4 (titled “Last Rites”) is currently expected around September 2026

Book 3 (“Sacred Orders”) is slated for June 2026

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so much going on in this book -- and I mean that in a good way!

We get to see Kit and Penny's relationship continue to grow, but also see the two of them face continuing challenges. There's more glimpses of life in Ashpoint ... and maybe not all appears as it seems. I found myself just as invested (and worried!) for some of Kit and Penny's friends and allies too.

I still find myself gripped by the story even three books in and I cannot wait to see how everything plays out.

... especially with how this book ends and with so much still at stake!

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so great!! I love Kit and Penny's story and how it's unfolding. The two paths in this book don't have as much of a presence as the last book but that's ok. The dissidents are growing in Ashpoint and the boys aren't as alone in this as they thought they were. More of Levitt's character starts showing through too with everything that happens.

I do wish there was a more satisfying ending for what happened with Anders but maybe that will come in the next book. The only thing I can say about the ending is goddamnit Kit!!!!! Can't wait for the next one!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Orders is the third book in The Bone Men series.

In this book, they face the third and fourth oaths, which are nothing like the third, but still hold dangers—especially due to the schemes of certain cult members. Along with Kit and Penny’s relationship, this is what I like most about the series.

The ending (oh, the ending) which sets the stage for the fourth and final book.

They're finally getting around to doing what I would have done from the very beginning.

I can't wait to see how this series ends.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the authors for the gifted arc.

Big Not Thank You to the authors for MAKING ME CRY HELLO

This book was sweet. Very cozy and romantic and beautiful and then that ENDING. HOW. DARE. YOU.

I cannot wait to see what happens next. I am obsessed with this story.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is my favorite series. It makes me so happy to see Kit and Penny continue to interact with their community and build a family with the people of Ashpoint. These authors are so good at making such a dark book have so many sweet and cozy vibes. I can't wait for the next book 😍

[Marilyn Formosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart wrenching with few months moments of bliss. All the feels.

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid read. I did enjoy. This was a tad more calm than I was comfy with considering I know things are going to get worse before they get better. This was very sweet.