Skinned bodies are turning up in broom closets and garages, but when these bodies are identified, the ‘victims’ are found to be very much alive. Was there a mistake at the morgue? Is the murderer a serial killer with a gruesome fixation on taxidermy?
Human killers aren’t the responsibility of the Templars, even non-knight ones, but when a vampire is found dead and skinned north of the city, Aria suspects the killers aren’t human. She’ll need all of her friends – both alive and dead – to help catch these killers before they strike again.
Debra lives in a little house in the woods in Maryland with three sons, and a Noah’s ark of four legged family members. She has a corporate job during the day, and writes novels at night, after the kids are tucked in bed.
She drives an Excursion affectionately called The Beast, couldn’t carry a tune if you duct taped it to her back, and enjoys an occasional cosmopolitan (heavy on the vodka). On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground.
Her only known super power is ‘Identify Roadkill’.
Life hasn't been good to Aria lately. Yes, she's got a bf and a brand new set of acquaintances, but she's also lost her best friend, been marked by a demon who wants her soul. Her vampire friend, Dario has got his hands full elsewhere and as usual, her funds are running dangerously low. Being a renegade templar is hard business.
It's enough for anyone to want to crawl out of their skin...
Which is ironic, because all of a sudden, skinned human corpses start turning up while other people claim that their family members have started acting weird. Could it be a case of possession?
Ever the chivalrous not-quite-templar and student of the occult, Aria offers her expertise to the local law enforcers, led by detective Tremelay, who are not exactly used to these sorts of cases. And what a chase it turns into...
Expect gore, expect skin suits... and some really interesting grandmas! (Asia's granny is a hoot. I'd love for her to be included more in the books, the horny old perv.)
While I appreciate any and every book Debra Dunbar will send our way, this one was not my favorite. It could simply be because I'm such a fan of her supernaturals (demons and vampires; Imp or Templar style) that human detectives, I don't know... tend to underwhelm me a bit. Perhaps I'm simply no connoisseur of police procedure type novels.
There is, however still much to like. This novel can in some way be described as a bridge book leading up to several interesting story lines that I for once can't wait to see played out. Most noticeably the return - but hopefully not banishment - of Balsur. (Can't help it, he's an interesting bad-guy! Mea Culpa and all that...) But most of all the return of Dario. I appreciated the chemistry between the two of them in the two first novels, and now that Aria has experienced her epiphany, I hope he will start tempting her a bit more. There is just something really appealing about a templar who steps off the straight and narrow path and into Balaj territory;-)
I'm certainly looking forward to the next book in the Templar series!
Important notice: To celebrate the release of Bare Bones, the first book in this series; Dead Rising is currently on offer for only $0.99. Grab it while you can :-)
~Many thanks to Debra Dunbar who gifted me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review ~
Disclaimer: The eARC for Bare Bones (The Templar, #3) was kindly provided to me by the author Debra Dunbar in exchange for an impartial review.
This book was a 3 star book for me, the why is unascertainable. (I know not helpful.) As a result I found it extremely difficult to write a cohesive review. That said please have patience with me as I share my convoluted thoughts on Bare Bones (The Templar, #3) by Debra Dunbar.
The "heads & tails" of it: Heads: I thought the spirit fox figurine was a creative way for Aria to get some magical "tutoring"& a speedy way of resolving that pesky demon problem. Tails: I don't think it's a sustainable long term solution for what amounts to gaps in Aria's magical education. A figurine is limited in the amount of assistance it can offer without the idea & communication method losing its appeal. IMO The spirit's "unresolved" task was completed the moment the document was located. One word: Closure.
Heads: I'm extremely happy with the change in Aria's relationship status. The attempt at a "normal" romantic relationship with that particular human was imo ill conceived. Might I suggest a certain detective as a better option should a "normal" romantic relationship continue to be the Templar's goal? Tails: In this case the coin is one sided. It's rainbows & unicorns, as far as I'm concerned Aria's status went from lackluster to it's complicated. (Complicated makes for fun reading lol)
Heads: Outward appearances seem to indicate Dario's interest in Aria surpasses keeping the newly appointed liaison informed on Balaj dealings. Dario's open line of communication seem to be increasingly of a more personal nature. I'm happy but not surprised. Tails: None it's a win win. Dario is my favorite character in the Templar series. So it's no surprise any relationship between those two will exponentially increase my interest in any future installments. As an added bonus alongside (the smart & intriguing) Dario we have the Balaj which amounts to supernatural involvement & possible Balaj politics. #DarioCentricPlotsAPlus
Heads: I found having a spotlight on Tremely facilitated character growth. As a reader I enjoyed "getting to know" the detective. I'm hopeful the relationship between he & Aria progresses past a business/casual acquaintance. I may be overly hopeful but it seems the potential for romance may exist. (??) Tails: The Detective allowing Aria free raign in a non-supernatural police investigation prior to suspecting a need for an occult specialist seemed like an unnatural leap of logic. I suspect the reason I found it odd was the lack of value she'd add to a "run of the mill" murder. Aria serves as law enforcement's occult consultent. Why involve the Templar prior to suspecting a supernatural element?
Final Thoughts: Bare Bones (The Templar, #3) had a different "feel" in comparison to Dead Rising & Last Breath. This book may have been a 3 star read for me but it wasn't without a purpose. Bare Bones (The Templar, #3) "filled in gaps" i.e added depth to multiple pre-existing relationships & provided insight into what I suspect are Aria's core group of friends. Oh & then there was that epiphany towards the end...... My lips are sealed on the details - go read the book!
I really liked this book. The action is great, the heroine is interesting, the plot odd and imaginative, the writing great, and the book is actually funny enough to make people look at you when laugh. Debra Dunbar is an excellent writer and I really enjoy 90% of her books and the other 10% I also enjoy, but without the "really".
The story starts when Aria decides to neck in a closet (at a museum) with a guy that she's less than super exited about. When she opens the door a skinned body falls on her. Aria's cop pal, Tremelay, shows up to investigate. He knows all about Aria's world, but this case seems to a normal, although very icky, one.
A few days later Janice, a reporter friend, takes Aria to an exorcism. The sister of the "possessed" man seems to be worried about nothing and it looks like she has the issues, not the brother.
The police think they've identified the dead guy, but when they get a name it turns out he's alive and a friend of the brother from the exorcism. The guy's wife says he's been acting funny, which is the same thing the sister said about her brother at the exorcism.
As usual with a Debra Dunbar book the plot is very dense with lots of interesting things happening. My only problem with the book is Dario. I could do without his entire subplot. I get that Aria feels intense guilt and no small amount of insecurity about her choice not take her Templar oath, so the fact that she would be in a relationship of sorts with an unavailable man isn't beyond the realm of possibility. It's just sad and I would prefer to do without it. She's in love with a man who goes home to his lover every night (if you read the last book you know this). No matter how he feels about Aria, this is not a healthy relationship and in real life I like to think that Janice would try and talk Aria into getting some professional help. Obviously, since I gave this book four stars it didn't stop me from enjoying Bare Bones - I just chose to mentally edit those parts.
I think the author or their assistant see these reviews so I'll mention one other thing. Ms. Dunbar's books are usually very clean in terms of typos. I only started counting after noticing several, but I counted 12. They included a bunch that a spell checker would have picked up (Brandley for Bradley, franticly for frantically).
I tried so hard to continue with this series. I like the plot. But there is so much unimportant information, I found my self skipping page after page trying to keep my interest in the story. This book is worse than the first two. I won’t be finishing or continuing on with the series.
I’m not a fan about how more in-depth this book went into the religious aspect than the first two books. The first two books, religion was on the periphery and part of the book. It influenced the main character. But in this book I felt the author was cramming it down the readers throat. I really didn’t want to read about the differences in church teaching/Practices catholic versus Episcopalian. This was something that should have taken maybe a paragraph to explain instead of several pages. Pages I got half way thru and had to skip it. They were not necessary to the story. I found myself trying to find the story again. Trying to get interested in continuing reading.
The same can be said for the paranormal aspects. I really don’t care about chupacabra‘s. I think there was an entire page about them. What is the significance to the story? There wasn’t any. Just filler and fluff the fill the pages and distracted from the actually story.
Also, Character development is very very slow. The author is going on and on about the minute aspects of the FMC’s life; Going to work, eating, gaming. None of this should fill up pages when the important stuff is like a side mention and it’s getting lost. After 3 books there should be some type of personal improvement/ development for better or worse of the FMC and I see no change.
I had to stop reading when I reached chapter 18. I think I skipped the last 5 pages of chapter 17. I only read the actual conversation markers trying to stay interested. When I reached the point of Dario asking what took so long and the author started going in about toll roads and traffic, I had enough myself. I closed the book and returned it via KU. A reader shouldn’t have to fight so hard to stay interested in a book.
Aria continues her journey as the Templar of Baltimore
The Templar series exemplifies what is best about urban fantasy. The setting is modern and familiar with enough of the supernatural thrown in the mix to make it unpredictable and exciting. Ms. Dunbar has done a fabulous job of world building that allows her to pull from traditional folk tales and mythology with enough flexibility to craft her stories in new and unique ways. The characters are well developed and complex. With each book we get to learn more about them and their journey on the path. In book three, Aria is struggling with the issue of how to remove her demon mark and mourning the loss of her friend, Raven. She has accumulated an eclectic group of friends but none of them have the answers she seeks. Her family is willing to help, but finding answers in the Templars' vast vaults may take more time than she has. Meanwhile, Aria accidentally becomes involved in a perplexing series of murders. Is it a human serial killer or something else?
Aria and her Detective take on a new gruesome trio of killers. Teenage runaways from a group raised by a Grandmother figure. Janice’s new boyfriend aides Aria and the Detective because he’s from the same group. The vampires help capture the female from the group and hold her for Aria. Exciting and chilling caper but no more romance for Aria and her LARP guy who’s been friend zoned. Dario aides Aria from afar but still sends cannolis via Renfields.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Intense and very interesting read. Great characters in an amazing fast paced plot. This book and series delivers everything you want in a paranormal read!
So this is instalment number 3, and yet I don’t feel like I know much more than book number one. There just doesn’t seem to be much character development to me, it’s just plodding along.
This was quite a mystery. I don't want to give too much away. Just know that Raven isn't out for the count yet. I am starting to have some hope for Dario and Aria's family make get a new member. It's very interesting.
Strange things are happening in town. What are these things that are skinning people and wearing their skin as theirs? Read to find out the whole story.
In Bare Bones, Aria is still dealing with the fallout from the battle with the mages from the previous book. Unfortunately for Aria, there's no time to rest, or grieve for that matter. Having lost someone dear to her, what she really needs is downtime. Unfortunately, the magic users of Baltimore have other plans. After stumbling upon a skinned corpse, Aria finds herself once again embroiled in a case that may or may not involve the mages. There's some magic involved, and Aria and her lack of magical education are at a loss as to who or what may be behind the murder. Oh, if only Raven were around for magical advice...
Debra Dunbar's new Templar series is quickly growing to become one of my favorites. While this series is quite different than her previous offerings, readers will be delighted to know that the elements they've grown to love from a Dunbar offering are worked in to this new series -- humor, a bit of romance, murder and mayhem galore. And demons! What makes this series stand out for me is the maturity and the departure of having a supernatural as a main character. Aria is simply a human. A Templar with some magical abilities, but a human nonetheless.
Based on the previous two installments, I had such high hopes for Bare Bones. Upon finishing, I was left feeling like this installment was missing ... something. I like Tremelay, but I'm not overly fond of how he looks incompetent when Aria is helping him on cases. She takes charge, and I'm left scratching my head over why she isn't more of a consultant vs being the one who does a lot of questioning. I'm also not sure I like how much time she spends with the human cops when the vampires and the demons can offer so much more :) Hopefully the next book will have more demons, more Balaj, and definitely more Dario.
Speaking of Dario, there was one moment in the book where Aria sort of has a revelation about him and, well, her. I have to say, I wasn't feeling it. It didn't seem authentic, I certainly didn't feel anything, and I was rather disappointed. It seems that majority of the relationships in this series are mostly on the surface and for me, they're missing that depth and emotion that makes relationships feel genuine. I would have liked to have seen Aria go through more turmoil before coming to her realization, but even without, I'm ecstatic that she's thinking that way.
Bottom line -- not my favorite installment, but it did have its merits. I'm hoping that the next book in the series delivers on the things I'm wanting more of and if the cover with Dario is anything to go by, I'm sure my wish will be granted.
**Many thanks to Debra Dunbar for providing a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was not so satisfied with this one as I was the other two, but it was still enjoyable. I'm still enjoying the series enough that I have marked my calendar with the release date for the next one.
This could have been a very good book. There is a good story inside. But ...
One rule of storywriting is that the reader allows for only ONE absolutely improbable coincidence. After that the author needs to stay with probable events. This book broke several rules and nearly threw me out. After recovering from the shock, it was an enjoyable read, although Aria's constant lack of money becomes boring as well.
Great Read! The characters continue to build and evolve, really building and enhancing them and he over-all story! I'm loving how Aria's definition of her 'Pilgrims on the Path' is growing and changing - adapting to the situations. I really think Aria's parents should petition the Council to get a special status for her and a decent salary/allowance to go with it.. hehe
I noticed a marked improvement with the timeline of things and grammar. It could still use additional BETA or proofreaders for a more finished read but better than before.
Once again a series I love from Debra Dunbar! The characters are fun,exciting and loving This book had a great storyline. With unexpected turns it gave me warm feelings through out as well as intense ones with the skinless Hog bag actually made me look up a few things in as the story went, definitely can't wait for the next book as usual when reading Debra s books.
Debra Dunbar is truly a gifted writer. I am grateful for the ability to have such a plethora of her books to read. The Templar series is an excellent one. This book is quite interesting and I am very impressed with the layering of the characters and storyline. Aria is definitely a great protagonist who gets better each chapter of every book. Kudos to Dunbar.
As Always, I Wish Happy Reads to All from the Unapologetic Book Junkie 😉!
This one wasn't ad good as I'd come to expect from this author. The story was predictable in a lot of places, it was easy to see what was coming at times and that made it so it wasn't as enjoyable to read. It was still a decent story and I'm glad I read it, but I know Debra can do much better.
I'm gonna be really sad when this series is over. I tell ya though, at this rate there is going to be quite a lot of wrap ups in the end...there are several loose ends that have yet to come to completion. Little things, but things all the same that I need to know what happened. Though Debra only has one more book in this series listed I'm secretly hoping there will be more!
Oh this series is great. The characters are strong. The story is great. I love it. Can't put it down!! The thought of this tougher templar just makes me ready to read more of her adventures!!!
I've read nearly all of Dunbar's work, and for the most part I thoroughly enjoy her stories; Some I've read more than once. But this one just doesn't work. It reads like an interlude. The "villians" are somewhat interesting, but lacking. The solution is also rather weak.
Clever plot. Love the idea Templar embraces all humanity regardless of religion. Good twist in mystery, magic, paranormal and everyday life. Don't forget the tall dar handsome sexy vampire.
I'm really enjoying this new series. Three stars rather than four because I really wanted to see a bit more Templar action - hopefully coming up in the next instalment.
Has anyone else noticed the cover shot is the same as the kindle edition of Ilona Andrews 'Magic Bleeds?
I love this series, and Aria is one of the best female protagonists to come along in a good while as far as I'm concerned. I ate this book up in one sitting and am now waiting impatiently for book four to come out. Keep up the good work Debra Dunbar.
It's an okay series, nowhere near as good as the imp series, though. I'm giving it a 4 star review just because I love Deborah Dunbar. This book needed an editor and a friend to say "Hey, how can she talk with a gag in her mouth?".