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Singing Bones
Nearly 8,300 years ago, a sudden climate collapse reshaped the earth. Winters grew longer and colder, harvests failed, coastlines flooded, and the ground itself became unstable. For the Téuta, a settled Neolithic village that had endured for generations, survival became uncertain.
Eini is born with troubling visions of disaster—warnings her people dismiss as superstition. As the climate worsens and violence spreads among desperate neighbors, Eini spends her lifetime trying to protect her family and preserve the fragile traditions that hold her community together. When catastrophe finally strikes, the Téuta must face the unthinkable: abandoning their ancestral home and redefining who they are in a transformed world.
Told across generations, Singing Bones follows the lives of women whose strength, memory, and resilience shape the fate of their people—from prophecy, to survival, to leadership forged in loss. Song, story, and shared history become tools of endurance in a world where nothing can be taken for granted.
Grounded in real archaeological and climate research, Singing Bones is ancient historical fiction set during the Neolithic era. Its spiritual elements arise from a prehistoric worldview in which nature, belief, and survival are inseparable. Sweeping yet intimate, it explores how early civilizations responded to climate catastrophe, displacement, and change.
Perfect for readers of immersive historical fiction, ancient civilizations, prehistoric survival stories, and epic sagas rooted in humanity’s deep past.
Eini is born with troubling visions of disaster—warnings her people dismiss as superstition. As the climate worsens and violence spreads among desperate neighbors, Eini spends her lifetime trying to protect her family and preserve the fragile traditions that hold her community together. When catastrophe finally strikes, the Téuta must face the unthinkable: abandoning their ancestral home and redefining who they are in a transformed world.
Told across generations, Singing Bones follows the lives of women whose strength, memory, and resilience shape the fate of their people—from prophecy, to survival, to leadership forged in loss. Song, story, and shared history become tools of endurance in a world where nothing can be taken for granted.
Grounded in real archaeological and climate research, Singing Bones is ancient historical fiction set during the Neolithic era. Its spiritual elements arise from a prehistoric worldview in which nature, belief, and survival are inseparable. Sweeping yet intimate, it explores how early civilizations responded to climate catastrophe, displacement, and change.
Perfect for readers of immersive historical fiction, ancient civilizations, prehistoric survival stories, and epic sagas rooted in humanity’s deep past.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2026
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Did Not Finish
April 18, 2026Unfortunately I'm DNFing this ARC at 22%.
RTC
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world is cooling rapidly. Life in Téuta, as it has been for generations, is about to change, and survival depends on many different factors—belief, determination, and maintaining a firm grasp on humanity while moving through disaster and loss as a collective. Telling an intricate yet epic story spanning multiple generations, Singing Bones is not only a novel of human survival, but also one of vitality, determination, and love.
What I found in this novel was not what I expected going into it. I anticipated a story of an ancient civilisation struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. However, what I discovered within these pages was human resilience: a poetic and deeply touching story of community, hope, and belief. The world created within this novel does not simply depict early humans in the Neolithic era fighting for everyday survival, but rather complex communities of intelligent people caring for their homes and legacies with a deep commitment to family and friends. Following different characters across generations, I found myself utterly enthralled by the survival of this early civilisation. The immense importance of Téuta—as such a large village for its time—bleeds through the pages until I, too, felt committed to the survival of its people and their legacy.
The connection the characters have to Téuta is more than a simple attachment to a hometown—it is an intense desire to protect a place that is sacred to them. Their ancestors settled there, and they have grown up surrounded by legends passed down through generations. Their devotion to their home is both a blessing and a curse. The legend of Téuta binds the community together, giving its inhabitants something in common and a reason to care for one another. Yet, because Téuta has provided safety and stability for so long, the desire—or even the ability—to leave seems impossible. There is too much history embedded in the land to abandon. When faced with life and death, how could they leave the place where their ancestors are buried, where they themselves expect to rest one day? The bond the people of Téuta feel with their homeland is written with a profound understanding of the sacredness of ancestral ground. This unwavering commitment, even in the face of danger, is portrayed with a realism that allows the reader to deeply sympathise with the community and feel a similar connection to this legendary place.
A deep spirituality runs through the novel, seeping into every aspect of the characters’ lives. Their unwavering belief in a deity beyond their everyday existence gives them hope that they are not alone. While beliefs differ between villages and tribes, the presence of faith remains constant, lending purpose to both joy and suffering. Loss is ever-present—lives are lost, but so too is the sense of security for those who remain. As winters grow harsher and summers drier, once-abundant food becomes scarce. Desperation rises, and with it, violence. Hunger drives people to extremes in their fight to survive. Entire communities are wiped out, leaving only a few survivors to navigate a world without the protection of a collective. This growing desperation intensifies as the novel progresses. The cooling world not only brings longer, harsher winters but also pushes communities to their limits. How long can people endure without food before taking rather than asking? The destabilisation of communities, as survival begins to outweigh cooperation, introduces a sense of mistrust and uncertainty. How long before another village falls—or before they do?
We meet many characters throughout the novel, but the most prominent are those followed across generations, as the narrative passes from one to the next. Many of them possess an additional, almost mystical sense that sets them apart. The story begins with Eini, who has dreamt of the future since childhood. Lacking proof, her visions are often dismissed by adults as the imaginings of a child. Yet she cannot ignore what she sees. As she grows and builds a family, her faith in her abilities never wavers, and her unease deepens as she senses an approaching threat she cannot fully understand. Eini is instantly likeable—someone who continues to speak her truth even when unheard. In the next generation, we encounter Welo, whose abilities are less dismissed but equally mysterious. He can sense what lies beyond sight, locate game in the forest, and detect danger. As Eini and Welo begin to use their gifts together, the need to protect Téuta from the looming, unknown threat becomes urgent. Welo’s journeys beyond Téuta expand the story, introducing new people who prove vital to the community’s survival.
Spanning generations, Singing Bones by S. G. Ullman is written in lyrical prose that transports the reader into the distant past, among early civilisations entirely dependent on the natural world. Spirituality intertwines with a deep respect for nature and community, and a sense of gratitude for life itself. A profound loyalty emerges in the characters, and as the narrative expands beyond Téuta to include those not born into its legend, an important question arises: is Téuta’s power rooted in the land, or in the hearts of those who believe in it? This novel is captivating in a quiet, almost magical way. Its exploration of spirituality, nature, and human connection draws the reader in until stepping away feels impossible. For those interested in early human communities and survival during ecological catastrophe, this is a novel that goes beyond storytelling—it brings the Neolithic era vividly to life.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
What I found in this novel was not what I expected going into it. I anticipated a story of an ancient civilisation struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. However, what I discovered within these pages was human resilience: a poetic and deeply touching story of community, hope, and belief. The world created within this novel does not simply depict early humans in the Neolithic era fighting for everyday survival, but rather complex communities of intelligent people caring for their homes and legacies with a deep commitment to family and friends. Following different characters across generations, I found myself utterly enthralled by the survival of this early civilisation. The immense importance of Téuta—as such a large village for its time—bleeds through the pages until I, too, felt committed to the survival of its people and their legacy.
The connection the characters have to Téuta is more than a simple attachment to a hometown—it is an intense desire to protect a place that is sacred to them. Their ancestors settled there, and they have grown up surrounded by legends passed down through generations. Their devotion to their home is both a blessing and a curse. The legend of Téuta binds the community together, giving its inhabitants something in common and a reason to care for one another. Yet, because Téuta has provided safety and stability for so long, the desire—or even the ability—to leave seems impossible. There is too much history embedded in the land to abandon. When faced with life and death, how could they leave the place where their ancestors are buried, where they themselves expect to rest one day? The bond the people of Téuta feel with their homeland is written with a profound understanding of the sacredness of ancestral ground. This unwavering commitment, even in the face of danger, is portrayed with a realism that allows the reader to deeply sympathise with the community and feel a similar connection to this legendary place.
A deep spirituality runs through the novel, seeping into every aspect of the characters’ lives. Their unwavering belief in a deity beyond their everyday existence gives them hope that they are not alone. While beliefs differ between villages and tribes, the presence of faith remains constant, lending purpose to both joy and suffering. Loss is ever-present—lives are lost, but so too is the sense of security for those who remain. As winters grow harsher and summers drier, once-abundant food becomes scarce. Desperation rises, and with it, violence. Hunger drives people to extremes in their fight to survive. Entire communities are wiped out, leaving only a few survivors to navigate a world without the protection of a collective. This growing desperation intensifies as the novel progresses. The cooling world not only brings longer, harsher winters but also pushes communities to their limits. How long can people endure without food before taking rather than asking? The destabilisation of communities, as survival begins to outweigh cooperation, introduces a sense of mistrust and uncertainty. How long before another village falls—or before they do?
We meet many characters throughout the novel, but the most prominent are those followed across generations, as the narrative passes from one to the next. Many of them possess an additional, almost mystical sense that sets them apart. The story begins with Eini, who has dreamt of the future since childhood. Lacking proof, her visions are often dismissed by adults as the imaginings of a child. Yet she cannot ignore what she sees. As she grows and builds a family, her faith in her abilities never wavers, and her unease deepens as she senses an approaching threat she cannot fully understand. Eini is instantly likeable—someone who continues to speak her truth even when unheard. In the next generation, we encounter Welo, whose abilities are less dismissed but equally mysterious. He can sense what lies beyond sight, locate game in the forest, and detect danger. As Eini and Welo begin to use their gifts together, the need to protect Téuta from the looming, unknown threat becomes urgent. Welo’s journeys beyond Téuta expand the story, introducing new people who prove vital to the community’s survival.
Spanning generations, Singing Bones by S. G. Ullman is written in lyrical prose that transports the reader into the distant past, among early civilisations entirely dependent on the natural world. Spirituality intertwines with a deep respect for nature and community, and a sense of gratitude for life itself. A profound loyalty emerges in the characters, and as the narrative expands beyond Téuta to include those not born into its legend, an important question arises: is Téuta’s power rooted in the land, or in the hearts of those who believe in it? This novel is captivating in a quiet, almost magical way. Its exploration of spirituality, nature, and human connection draws the reader in until stepping away feels impossible. For those interested in early human communities and survival during ecological catastrophe, this is a novel that goes beyond storytelling—it brings the Neolithic era vividly to life.
Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
April 14, 2026
History, though often recorded in the rise and fall of kingdoms, is equally shaped by quieter stories—those of communities who endure, adapt, and survive in the face of forces far beyond their control. In "Singing Bones", S. G. Ullman presents a deeply evocative work of historical fiction that explores not conquest or empire, but the fragile persistence of human life within an ever-changing world. It is a novel concerned not with dominance over nature, but with the difficult art of living within it.
Set within a prehistoric landscape where survival is uncertain and the environment itself is in a constant state of quiet transformation, the narrative follows the Teúta people, a community whose existence is closely bound to the rhythms of the natural world. Ullman approaches this setting with careful attention to detail, creating a world that feels both distant and immediate. The land is not merely a backdrop to human activity, but an active force—at times sustaining, at others unforgiving—shaping decisions, relationships, and the fragile balance upon which survival depends.
At the centre of the novel lies Eini, whom we first encounter as a child, already set apart by her unusual perception of the world around her. From these earliest moments, Ullman establishes a quiet sense that Eini’s experience of reality is not entirely shared by those around her. Her sensitivity to subtle shifts—both within her environment and within herself—introduces an awareness that this is a story concerned with change on a scale not yet fully understood. Through Eini, the novel explores the idea that perception, while powerful, does not always bring clarity, and that there are forces at work which cannot be fully understood, only sensed. This awareness is not presented as something distant or abstract, but as part of daily existence, woven into the way individuals respond to the world around them. In this, Ullman introduces a quiet but persistent tension, where awareness exists without certainty, and knowledge remains incomplete.
As the narrative unfolds, the perspective gradually broadens, introducing a wider cast of characters whose lives intersect in ways that feel both organic and purposeful. This expansion is handled with a natural fluidity, allowing the story to deepen without ever losing its cohesion. Each character brings with them a distinct response to the challenges of their world, reflecting differing ways of confronting uncertainty, loss, and the necessity of adaptation.
One of the novel’s most compelling qualities lies in its portrayal of community. Survival is not presented as an individual achievement, but as a shared endeavour, sustained through cooperation, experience, and the bonds between people. Ullman captures the quiet strength found within these connections, illustrating how resilience is often rooted not in isolation, but in the relationships that endure even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Underlying the narrative is a persistent awareness of change—gradual, often imperceptible, yet ultimately transformative. Ullman conveys this with remarkable subtlety, allowing the reader to sense the shifting balance of the world long before its full implications are understood. In doing so, the novel invites reflection on how individuals and communities respond when the familiar begins to give way to the unknown.
Thematically, "Singing Bones" engages with questions of continuity and memory, asking what is preserved when a way of life is altered, and what must be relinquished in order to endure. Ullman does not offer simple answers. Instead, he presents a thoughtful meditation on the ways in which culture persists—not solely through place, but through tradition, shared experience, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Ullman’s prose is measured and immersive, unfolding at a deliberate pace that reflects the lives it portrays. There is a quiet lyricism within his descriptions of the natural world, reinforcing the sense of a landscape that is both beautiful and unforgiving. This restraint allows the narrative’s emotional and thematic depth to emerge naturally, without ever feeling imposed.
At times, the novel invites deeper reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment, raising questions that resonate far beyond its historical setting. In this sense, "Singing Bones" becomes not only a story of the past, but a meditation on enduring human concerns—adaptation, resilience, and the necessity of change, as well as the unseen forces that shape human experience in ways not always fully understood.
Rich in atmosphere and thoughtful in its exploration of human experience, "Singing Bones" is a quietly powerful novel that lingers long after the final page has been turned. S. G. Ullman has crafted a work that speaks to the enduring strength of community, the persistence of memory, and the deeper currents that run beneath human understanding, offering a nuanced and deeply reflective reading experience.
Highly recommended.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions
March 25, 2026
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: Nearly 8,300 years ago, a sudden climate collapse reshaped the earth. Winters grew longer and colder, harvests failed, coastlines flooded, and the ground itself became unstable. For the Téuta, a settled Neolithic village that had endured for generations, survival became uncertain.
Eini is born with troubling visions of disaster—warnings her people dismiss as superstition. As the climate worsens and violence spreads among desperate neighbors, Eini spends her lifetime trying to protect her family and preserve the fragile traditions that hold her community together. When catastrophe finally strikes, the Téuta must face the unthinkable: abandoning their ancestral home and redefining who they are in a transformed world.
Told across generations, Singing Bones follows the lives of women whose strength, memory, and resilience shape the fate of their people—from prophecy, to survival, to leadership forged in loss. Song, story, and shared history become tools of endurance in a world where nothing can be taken for granted.
Grounded in real archaeological and climate research, Singing Bones is ancient historical fiction set during the Neolithic era. Its spiritual elements arise from a prehistoric worldview in which nature, belief, and survival are inseparable. Sweeping yet intimate, it explores how early civilizations responded to climate catastrophe, displacement, and change.
Perfect for readers of immersive historical fiction, ancient civilizations, prehistoric survival stories, and epic sagas rooted in humanity’s deep past.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Three years ago, I gave Author Ullman's The Téuta's Child four stars. It's a deeply human story of dealing with the hand that's dealt to you, one that patiently invites you to be in a human world long vanished and still, because humans are truly never going to change in basic needs, familiar within its fascinating surface differences.
One basic reality of human life is loss, losing love, losing comfortable certainty; the other angle of view on this is change, that difficult-to-endure condition of uncertainty and adjustment and learning. The world our characters inhabit is changing with relentless momentum. It was a time in human history wherein the very earth beneath people's feet was vanishing, prey animals were simply vanishing, the whole basis of life was unsettled, no longer trustworthy and familiar. The last days of vanished Doggerland brought to vivid life through the story of a woman and her descendants is poignant and very emotionally involving.
I was a little confused about how Eini's visions could be dismissed in a time of supernatural reality being the only way to understand the world. It's necessary, of course, for there to be a story...the hero faces the obstacle of disbelief in order to make the reader invest in their rightness...but rwally, simply being required to question how that could happen made me reflect on how, eg, climate scientists must experience their world. I bear down hard on the concept of "vanishing" because its connotation of helplessness, of cruel inevitability and enforced absence. It is inherent in the idea of seeing the world around you change into something you've never seen before, have no idea how to deal with, can't even imagine what to change in yourself to cause positive adjustment.
There's a lot to be said for that kind of rattling uncertainty to make a story work. This story made me sit still and absorb the fear, the panic, the resolve summoned from one's depths, as these brave human beings took their lives in their hands and...angrily, fearfully...made the changes they needed to in order to survive.
I hope very much we will get more stories in this dynamic world.
The Publisher Says: Nearly 8,300 years ago, a sudden climate collapse reshaped the earth. Winters grew longer and colder, harvests failed, coastlines flooded, and the ground itself became unstable. For the Téuta, a settled Neolithic village that had endured for generations, survival became uncertain.
Eini is born with troubling visions of disaster—warnings her people dismiss as superstition. As the climate worsens and violence spreads among desperate neighbors, Eini spends her lifetime trying to protect her family and preserve the fragile traditions that hold her community together. When catastrophe finally strikes, the Téuta must face the unthinkable: abandoning their ancestral home and redefining who they are in a transformed world.
Told across generations, Singing Bones follows the lives of women whose strength, memory, and resilience shape the fate of their people—from prophecy, to survival, to leadership forged in loss. Song, story, and shared history become tools of endurance in a world where nothing can be taken for granted.
Grounded in real archaeological and climate research, Singing Bones is ancient historical fiction set during the Neolithic era. Its spiritual elements arise from a prehistoric worldview in which nature, belief, and survival are inseparable. Sweeping yet intimate, it explores how early civilizations responded to climate catastrophe, displacement, and change.
Perfect for readers of immersive historical fiction, ancient civilizations, prehistoric survival stories, and epic sagas rooted in humanity’s deep past.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Three years ago, I gave Author Ullman's The Téuta's Child four stars. It's a deeply human story of dealing with the hand that's dealt to you, one that patiently invites you to be in a human world long vanished and still, because humans are truly never going to change in basic needs, familiar within its fascinating surface differences.
One basic reality of human life is loss, losing love, losing comfortable certainty; the other angle of view on this is change, that difficult-to-endure condition of uncertainty and adjustment and learning. The world our characters inhabit is changing with relentless momentum. It was a time in human history wherein the very earth beneath people's feet was vanishing, prey animals were simply vanishing, the whole basis of life was unsettled, no longer trustworthy and familiar. The last days of vanished Doggerland brought to vivid life through the story of a woman and her descendants is poignant and very emotionally involving.
I was a little confused about how Eini's visions could be dismissed in a time of supernatural reality being the only way to understand the world. It's necessary, of course, for there to be a story...the hero faces the obstacle of disbelief in order to make the reader invest in their rightness...but rwally, simply being required to question how that could happen made me reflect on how, eg, climate scientists must experience their world. I bear down hard on the concept of "vanishing" because its connotation of helplessness, of cruel inevitability and enforced absence. It is inherent in the idea of seeing the world around you change into something you've never seen before, have no idea how to deal with, can't even imagine what to change in yourself to cause positive adjustment.
There's a lot to be said for that kind of rattling uncertainty to make a story work. This story made me sit still and absorb the fear, the panic, the resolve summoned from one's depths, as these brave human beings took their lives in their hands and...angrily, fearfully...made the changes they needed to in order to survive.
I hope very much we will get more stories in this dynamic world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman
“The past is what we are, and the future is what we have.”
Historical fiction set 8300 years ago
Multiple POV
Ancient tribal society
Mysticism and visions
Slow paced character driven story
Set around 8300 years ago, this story follows the ancient Tuéta people as they come to terms with the aftermath of a devastating natural event.
They must adapt to new ways of living, learning and working together to ensure their people survive and flourish, even after losing so much.
This book is beautifully written. It isn’t hard to imagine how meaningful life must have been for the Tuéta people, especially their generosity and connection to one another. I experienced many different emotions while reading, including grief, desperation, resilience and hope. At many points in the story, I felt a deep connection to the characters and could really sense their emotional despair.
This is a slow paced story, which I felt was necessary to truly understand the world and connect with its characters. Maintaining that pace while still building depth in the characters is not easy to achieve, and I appreciated the care the author took in developing the Tuéta people and their world. I also enjoyed exploring the abilities some of the characters possess, including visions, heightened senses and elements of mysticism.
Having the story told through multiple perspectives worked beautifully and added further depth to the reading experience.
A few of my favourite characters:
Eini, whom we meet at the beginning of the story. She has visions that warn of the disaster to come.
Seneks, the shaman and healer who understands Eini and does not judge her for her visions, even when she doubts herself.
Welo, who like Eini is different and able to sense things others cannot. I enjoyed following his journey as he sets out to explore what Eini believes he must.
Akesh, with her beautiful voice, who has lost so much yet continues moving forward.
Prsedi, the leopard girl, who does not yet know the importance of the role she will eventually play for the Tuéta people.
This is the prequel to The Tuéta’s Child, and I will definitely be reading that next as I enjoyed this book so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and S.G. Ullman for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman
“The past is what we are, and the future is what we have.”
Historical fiction set 8300 years ago
Multiple POV
Ancient tribal society
Mysticism and visions
Slow paced character driven story
Set around 8300 years ago, this story follows the ancient Tuéta people as they come to terms with the aftermath of a devastating natural event.
They must adapt to new ways of living, learning and working together to ensure their people survive and flourish, even after losing so much.
This book is beautifully written. It isn’t hard to imagine how meaningful life must have been for the Tuéta people, especially their generosity and connection to one another. I experienced many different emotions while reading, including grief, desperation, resilience and hope. At many points in the story, I felt a deep connection to the characters and could really sense their emotional despair.
This is a slow paced story, which I felt was necessary to truly understand the world and connect with its characters. Maintaining that pace while still building depth in the characters is not easy to achieve, and I appreciated the care the author took in developing the Tuéta people and their world. I also enjoyed exploring the abilities some of the characters possess, including visions, heightened senses and elements of mysticism.
Having the story told through multiple perspectives worked beautifully and added further depth to the reading experience.
A few of my favourite characters:
Eini, whom we meet at the beginning of the story. She has visions that warn of the disaster to come.
Seneks, the shaman and healer who understands Eini and does not judge her for her visions, even when she doubts herself.
Welo, who like Eini is different and able to sense things others cannot. I enjoyed following his journey as he sets out to explore what Eini believes he must.
Akesh, with her beautiful voice, who has lost so much yet continues moving forward.
Prsedi, the leopard girl, who does not yet know the importance of the role she will eventually play for the Tuéta people.
This is the prequel to The Tuéta’s Child, and I will definitely be reading that next as I enjoyed this book so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and S.G. Ullman for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2026
Singing Bones by S G Ullman takes us back 8000 years to a civilization called the Teuta. These people lived together in the mountains, herding, farming, and living off the land. They lived in the same place, generation after generation, keeping their ancestors memories alive with them. However, their world seems to be changing through the years. Winters are becoming colder and there was less rain in the summer. Raiders were always a worry as they sometimes wiped out entire villages, killing people and taking what they wanted.
Our story takes us through the lives of some of those members, Eini, Seneks, Sntodi, Welo, Akesh, Belisse and Prsedi, plus their families. As it unfolds, it brings us to the disaster that takes place around 6100 BCE. An ice sheet at the top of their world collapses, sending mountains of rocks and debris raining down on their land. Much of the village was killed. Those that were left had to figure out how to go on living. The idea of leaving their home was not something they wanted to do. Setting up home in a new land was terrifying. Because of all the changes taking place on the earth, they decided to move down from the mountains into the lowlands where winters were not as cold. The river was closer so they did not have to go as far to water their crops or for their own use. This is where they set up their new village with those of the Teuta that were left.
The story is a prequel to The Teuta’s Child. I would have liked to have read this one first and now feel the need to reread The Teuta’s Child. I found that the story parallels our lives in many ways. The earth seems to be going though climate change as well as countries fighting for their land or finding new ones after being displaced from their present one. I enjoyed the book and found it very interesting to learn about ancient civilizations. I would definitely recommend reading.
Thank you Net Galley as well as The Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Our story takes us through the lives of some of those members, Eini, Seneks, Sntodi, Welo, Akesh, Belisse and Prsedi, plus their families. As it unfolds, it brings us to the disaster that takes place around 6100 BCE. An ice sheet at the top of their world collapses, sending mountains of rocks and debris raining down on their land. Much of the village was killed. Those that were left had to figure out how to go on living. The idea of leaving their home was not something they wanted to do. Setting up home in a new land was terrifying. Because of all the changes taking place on the earth, they decided to move down from the mountains into the lowlands where winters were not as cold. The river was closer so they did not have to go as far to water their crops or for their own use. This is where they set up their new village with those of the Teuta that were left.
The story is a prequel to The Teuta’s Child. I would have liked to have read this one first and now feel the need to reread The Teuta’s Child. I found that the story parallels our lives in many ways. The earth seems to be going though climate change as well as countries fighting for their land or finding new ones after being displaced from their present one. I enjoyed the book and found it very interesting to learn about ancient civilizations. I would definitely recommend reading.
Thank you Net Galley as well as The Book Whisperer for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC review.
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman
Release date: March 25, 2026
I enjoyed Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman. This is a prequel to Téuta’s Child, which I have not read, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything as Singing Bones worked well as a standalone.
Set about 8,000 years ago in the Neolithic age, it’s a historical fiction based around a real climate event that in this story threatens the survival of the Téuta people. Eini, a young girl in the village, starts having strange dreams and visions and feels deep down that something terrible is coming. Eini can’t pinpoint what it is, but she knows it is going to put her village in danger, and most don’t believe her. She meets a shaman named Seneks, who understands that she is telling the truth and is willing to support her.
I really loved the writing as it was so beautiful and filled with vivid descriptions that made it easy to picture the land and fully sink into the world of the Téuta.
The pacing is on the slower side, but I think that really works for this story. It fits the atmosphere and the time period. Even though it unfolds gradually, I was never bored and stayed interested in the story.
What really stood out to me was the strong sense of love and respect for the earth, along with the resilience and endurance of the people. While there were several memorable characters, Eini was my favorite. The story follows her throughout her life, and her determination to protect and help her people never wavers, even when others doubt her or think she’s strange. She has so much heart, and that’s what stayed with me most. She trusted herself, didn’t care what others thought about her and continued to care and want to protect her people.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written story full of hope, love, and meaning.
Big thanks @netgalley @bookwhispererink and S.G. Ullman for sending me an ARC of Singing Bones for an honest review.
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman
Release date: March 25, 2026
I enjoyed Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman. This is a prequel to Téuta’s Child, which I have not read, and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything as Singing Bones worked well as a standalone.
Set about 8,000 years ago in the Neolithic age, it’s a historical fiction based around a real climate event that in this story threatens the survival of the Téuta people. Eini, a young girl in the village, starts having strange dreams and visions and feels deep down that something terrible is coming. Eini can’t pinpoint what it is, but she knows it is going to put her village in danger, and most don’t believe her. She meets a shaman named Seneks, who understands that she is telling the truth and is willing to support her.
I really loved the writing as it was so beautiful and filled with vivid descriptions that made it easy to picture the land and fully sink into the world of the Téuta.
The pacing is on the slower side, but I think that really works for this story. It fits the atmosphere and the time period. Even though it unfolds gradually, I was never bored and stayed interested in the story.
What really stood out to me was the strong sense of love and respect for the earth, along with the resilience and endurance of the people. While there were several memorable characters, Eini was my favorite. The story follows her throughout her life, and her determination to protect and help her people never wavers, even when others doubt her or think she’s strange. She has so much heart, and that’s what stayed with me most. She trusted herself, didn’t care what others thought about her and continued to care and want to protect her people.
Overall, it’s a beautifully written story full of hope, love, and meaning.
Big thanks @netgalley @bookwhispererink and S.G. Ullman for sending me an ARC of Singing Bones for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Singing Bones is a prequel to the already published book, The Teuta's Child, which I haven't read. Some of my confusion about the Teuta culture and geographical location is probably made clear in that first book. That said, this story is a fascinating look at the global consequences of a real geological event that occurred about 8,000 years ago when an ice sheet collapsed. The Teuta was a large, settled, permanent village whose people had farmed and raised sheep and goats for many generations. Now, for reasons they don't understand, the summer rains are fewer, the winters colder, and there are roving bands of violent raiders. This story is told through a multitude of voices as they struggle with what they cannot control. This may be a story of a prehistoric people, but the similarities with today's climate change are unmistakable. The hesitancy to leave a home, even when it's no longer viable, and the social issues that arise with displaced communities are in today's headlines. It was easy to understand the reluctance to leave behind not just their dwellings and familiar landscape, but the very bones of their Tueta ancestors. Singing Bones tugged at my heartstrings while giving me plenty to think about.
My thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
My thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman is a prequel to The Teuta’s Child. Set in the Ancient Neolithic World, we start out by following Eini as a 10 year child who possesses the ability to foresee the future. Her vision is showing her the devastation of the Teuta people, a permanent village that is very different from the nomadic groups of the time period. The story spans from Eini’s childhood through several succeeding generations, each leading closer to Eini’s vision. We follow several different members of the Teuta, each adding their own mystical abilities to story.
This is a slower paced book, almost a slice of life story showing the everyday lifestyle of the Teuta people. It’s not until the very end where the event happens that Eini predicted. I appreciated the author’s note at the end explaining that the event is an actual real life documentable natural disaster that took place around 6100 BCE. Otherwise, I would not have really understood what was happening. If you enjoy stories that introduce you to lesser known cultures of the past, with a touch of mysticism, I think you will enjoy this book. This is not my normal genre, but I found it interesting to learn about this era and the events that shaped the world as it was known.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
This is a slower paced book, almost a slice of life story showing the everyday lifestyle of the Teuta people. It’s not until the very end where the event happens that Eini predicted. I appreciated the author’s note at the end explaining that the event is an actual real life documentable natural disaster that took place around 6100 BCE. Otherwise, I would not have really understood what was happening. If you enjoy stories that introduce you to lesser known cultures of the past, with a touch of mysticism, I think you will enjoy this book. This is not my normal genre, but I found it interesting to learn about this era and the events that shaped the world as it was known.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
June 2, 2026
3.5⭐️ (rounded up)
This is a beautifully atmospheric story set thousands of years in the past. It is a prequel to The Teuta's Child (which I haven't read yet). The story follows the Teuta people as their world slowly begins to change around them, exploring themes of climate change, displacement, survival, and the deep connection they have to their land and ancestors.
The writing is incredibly descriptive and immersive, and it's clear how much care went into building the culture and everyday life of the Teuta. Eini was easily my favorite character, and I really enjoyed following her journey as she tried to make sense of the visions warning her that something terrible was coming.
That said, this is definitely a sloow burn. The focus is much more on the people, the setting, and the passage of time than on plot. While that created a really strong sense of place, it also made parts of the story feel repetitive. I kept waiting for a big emotional payoff or dramatic climax, but when it finally arrived, it felt a little underwhelming and never quite hit as hard as I was hoping.
Overall, this wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I still found it thoughtful, unique, and worth the read. If you enjoy historical fiction with rich world-building, beautiful descriptions, and don't mind a slower pace, this one is worth checking out.
This is a beautifully atmospheric story set thousands of years in the past. It is a prequel to The Teuta's Child (which I haven't read yet). The story follows the Teuta people as their world slowly begins to change around them, exploring themes of climate change, displacement, survival, and the deep connection they have to their land and ancestors.
The writing is incredibly descriptive and immersive, and it's clear how much care went into building the culture and everyday life of the Teuta. Eini was easily my favorite character, and I really enjoyed following her journey as she tried to make sense of the visions warning her that something terrible was coming.
That said, this is definitely a sloow burn. The focus is much more on the people, the setting, and the passage of time than on plot. While that created a really strong sense of place, it also made parts of the story feel repetitive. I kept waiting for a big emotional payoff or dramatic climax, but when it finally arrived, it felt a little underwhelming and never quite hit as hard as I was hoping.
Overall, this wasn't a perfect fit for me, but I still found it thoughtful, unique, and worth the read. If you enjoy historical fiction with rich world-building, beautiful descriptions, and don't mind a slower pace, this one is worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Life was quite different around 8300 BC. Hunter-gatherers got fresh meat daily and developed jerking and salt storage. The calendar was kept by a medicine man or shaman and life hinged around them as they were the keys to the health and welfare of the population.
Trading with other villages that had expertise in stone work and spear making as well as agriculture and herding helped to settle tribes into static areas rather than wandering with the seasons.
But time is forcing climate change and tribes are dealing with it differently. Told from multiple POVs, the differences in tribal leadership, the decisions and directions each takes are engaging. The book is informational and thought provoking. Recommended to any who enjoys historical fiction or exploration of ancient civilizations and their societies! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Life was quite different around 8300 BC. Hunter-gatherers got fresh meat daily and developed jerking and salt storage. The calendar was kept by a medicine man or shaman and life hinged around them as they were the keys to the health and welfare of the population.
Trading with other villages that had expertise in stone work and spear making as well as agriculture and herding helped to settle tribes into static areas rather than wandering with the seasons.
But time is forcing climate change and tribes are dealing with it differently. Told from multiple POVs, the differences in tribal leadership, the decisions and directions each takes are engaging. The book is informational and thought provoking. Recommended to any who enjoys historical fiction or exploration of ancient civilizations and their societies! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Singing Bones
By S. G. Ullman
The story here begins in 6262 BCE. It is a highly speculative telling of how, in ancient times, climate change remade the world for the people living then.
In this book, people are either nomadic or they are farmers/hunters who live in one place. They worship gods and honor their dead as their shamans direct. Their language is advanced. The Teuta people are of the farming group with a stationary lifestyle.
Eini, as the story begins, is a young girl who experiences vague dreams/visions of bad things to come. When she tries to speak of them to her elders, she is ignored – by all except Seneks, the shaman. But as her visions become reality and her people are forced from the only home they have known, Eini and other women must take on leadership roles to help their people adapt to their new way of life, leaving behind not only their village but the bones of their ancestors.
The book is well written but somewhat slow paced. Its parallels with our current preoccupation with climate change are what make it worth reading. After all, the earth is always in constant flux.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By S. G. Ullman
The story here begins in 6262 BCE. It is a highly speculative telling of how, in ancient times, climate change remade the world for the people living then.
In this book, people are either nomadic or they are farmers/hunters who live in one place. They worship gods and honor their dead as their shamans direct. Their language is advanced. The Teuta people are of the farming group with a stationary lifestyle.
Eini, as the story begins, is a young girl who experiences vague dreams/visions of bad things to come. When she tries to speak of them to her elders, she is ignored – by all except Seneks, the shaman. But as her visions become reality and her people are forced from the only home they have known, Eini and other women must take on leadership roles to help their people adapt to their new way of life, leaving behind not only their village but the bones of their ancestors.
The book is well written but somewhat slow paced. Its parallels with our current preoccupation with climate change are what make it worth reading. After all, the earth is always in constant flux.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
April 1, 2026
Hmmmm. I was given an advanced reader’s copy of this book to read from NetGalley, and my opinions are voluntary. At first I found it difficult to become interested in the book, and I found the writing extremely unpolished and sophomoric. However, the more I read, the more I became interested in the main characters, if not the actual storyline. For me, the writing seemed to improve somewhat, and by the end of the book it seemed to have improved considerably, but I would never contend that the writing is anywhere close to being polished or even very good.
Despite these negatives, however, as I said I found myself interested in and even rooting for the main characters. Throughout most of the book, people come and go as in the natural order of life. However, as foreshadowed by prescient sight by one of the story’s main characters, a major calamity eventually befalls the populace, and those remaining must figure out how to continue. The concepts are interesting and imaginative, and I’m glad I read the book. However, I can’t say it’s one I necessarily would recommend to anyone I know.
Despite these negatives, however, as I said I found myself interested in and even rooting for the main characters. Throughout most of the book, people come and go as in the natural order of life. However, as foreshadowed by prescient sight by one of the story’s main characters, a major calamity eventually befalls the populace, and those remaining must figure out how to continue. The concepts are interesting and imaginative, and I’m glad I read the book. However, I can’t say it’s one I necessarily would recommend to anyone I know.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This historical fiction book takes place maybe 8000 years ago. It opens with Eini who intuitively knows something dangerous is in the future. She can't seem to nail down what it is so her tribe ignores her. But each winter is longer and colder than the ones before. The crops don't grow as before. There are changes, but the tribe adapts and again, no thought is given to the perilous future -
Until the future comes to the tribe and then it's too late for the bulk of the tribe. They eventually have to move from the place of their ancestors and they follow Prsedi because Eini is dead.
Ullman does a good job of indicating the differences in the tribes - in the way they dress, their cultures and their social mores.
I did not read the previous book so this certainly works as a stand alone.
Until the future comes to the tribe and then it's too late for the bulk of the tribe. They eventually have to move from the place of their ancestors and they follow Prsedi because Eini is dead.
Ullman does a good job of indicating the differences in the tribes - in the way they dress, their cultures and their social mores.
I did not read the previous book so this certainly works as a stand alone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and will write my honest review. This book was amazing! In it, I learned about how the Teuta came to be, the mountain village they lived in, their religious beliefs, and the important members of their community. These characters were well developed, believable, and I became so invested in their lives. This book brought tears to my eyes several times, and I found it very difficult to put down. I found out that this book is the prequel to The Teuta's Child, developing the world that is the setting for that book, and I can't wait to continue this saga. Once again, this is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.
April 8, 2026
I found this book compelling once I got into it a bit. The characters were almost spiritual in nature. Some had an unnatural ability to see and hear things that others couldn't. It was this ability that helped the Teuta grow and survive. This world, though fictional, was based on the realities of 8000 years ago. It was an interesting journey.
One thing that would have helped considerably would have been a pronunciation guide to the names of people and places featured in the book. I have to admit that I struggled with some of them. It was a minor distraction but would have been a nice addition.
One thing that would have helped considerably would have been a pronunciation guide to the names of people and places featured in the book. I have to admit that I struggled with some of them. It was a minor distraction but would have been a nice addition.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. This book focuses on a tribe set in BCE, the Teuta, who have some people with special senses who feel like something terrible is coming to them in the future. The book is great at setting the scene and feeling like you are far back in time with the Teuta people. The characters felt complete and I was invested in their stories. There are some time jumps forward between chapters, but it felt natural to get to the next story point and not forced. I would read more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Singing Bones by S.G. Ullman
NetGalley review
Singing Bones is a slow read. There is a lot of repetition of scenes, thoughts and descriptions. The story is interesting in itself. Multiple generations of families and villagers in the 6000 BC era are followed. The long, drawn-out experience of climate change is plausible, but painfully slow in this tale. It is almost like watching a silent movie as it is 90 percent storytelling with minimal dialogue. If a reader likes reading descriptions, they will appreciate this novel.
NetGalley review
Singing Bones is a slow read. There is a lot of repetition of scenes, thoughts and descriptions. The story is interesting in itself. Multiple generations of families and villagers in the 6000 BC era are followed. The long, drawn-out experience of climate change is plausible, but painfully slow in this tale. It is almost like watching a silent movie as it is 90 percent storytelling with minimal dialogue. If a reader likes reading descriptions, they will appreciate this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 🌟 (rounded up to 4)
A historical fiction based in tribal times around 8000 years ago.
-3rd person, following multiple characters
-An unknown danger
-Mild magic (more like senses)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were points I got a little muddled, but otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.
Favourite characters
-Eini
-Prsedi
-Senek
Thank you, Netgalley & S G Ullman for the advanced copy!
A historical fiction based in tribal times around 8000 years ago.
-3rd person, following multiple characters
-An unknown danger
-Mild magic (more like senses)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were points I got a little muddled, but otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.
Favourite characters
-Eini
-Prsedi
-Senek
Thank you, Netgalley & S G Ullman for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book before its publication. It was not really my thing. The writing was very repetitive which annoyed me. None of the characters really got my attention. I did like the story about Prsedi and the jaguar. Although, except to give her a name it really had no place in the overall story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The past is what we are, and the future is what we have".
Singing Bones takes place around 8300 years ago and the story follows the Tuéta people as they struggle after a horrible natural event.
The novel is well written but sometimes a bit slow paced.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Singing Bones takes place around 8300 years ago and the story follows the Tuéta people as they struggle after a horrible natural event.
The novel is well written but sometimes a bit slow paced.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
April 29, 2026
This book completely transported me to another time. The slow unraveling of a world through climate collapse feels both ancient and eerily relevant. Eini’s journey is powerful, and the generational storytelling adds so much depth. It’s emotional, immersive, and unforgettable.
April 29, 2026
This is not just a story about the past, it’s about humanity. The exploration of loss, identity, and survival is incredibly powerful. The generational perspective makes it feel rich and meaningful. Highly recommended.
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