Solus

Walking Shadows #2

by Talis Jones

Born in an experimental lab before two outlaws stole him away, Bones has been planted into the vengeful earth growing strong with a gun in each hand. Given freedom by a group called Sanctuary he’s trained his powers carefully until one day they let him leave. Until one day he witnesses something that will cause his loyalty to waver. Until one day it’s his own name they vow to write with blood.

As the life he thought he knew threatens to crumble beneath his feet he takes to the road determined to explore with no tether but his plans quickly go awry when old adversaries capture him to pay for the sins of his saviors. Whether there remains any place in this harsh land that might dare call itself Home, he fights each challenger with a gun aimed at their chest and a laugh in his step.

When the world wants you dead,
dare to smile.

342 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2019

About the author

Talis Jones is a Mexican-English author of magic and mischief with several series published in print, digital, and audio.

Dog mom, Broadway enthusiast, and life-long bibliophile, Talis currently resides in North Carolina.

Find out more about Talis and her books at www.talisjonesofficial.com.

Reviews

[Angela Jones-Cuéllar · Rating 5 out of 5]

pooled ink Reviews:

In the beginning, a young girl is torn from her home when society shattered around her and as she grew up in the callous aftermath she faced the world with fire in her veins. In this series continuation a boy is set free by the crimes of that same girl and he grows up fighting back prisons at every turn. While book one was a tale of fiery redemption, book two is a journey towards finding home. Bones is sweet, intelligent, a touch arrogant, and handy with both guns and medicines, and I loved following his battle against a tumultuous past determined to find a slice of peace where he belongs, no strings attached. 

You don't necessarily have to read Alarum to read Solus but I think it definitely adds a depth to the story if you do.

Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/06/21/blog...

[Shannon Miz · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight .

When I found out that this was a companion and not a direct sequel, I was scared. Because fine, I had fallen in love with the first set of characters and I wasn't ready to move on! And while Solus can be read by itself and still be a great book on its own, I highly recommend reading Alarum first. The author sprinkles in so many little morsels from Alarum that gave me all the feels. As it turns out, I actually grew to love Solus even more. 

I adored Bones almost immediately. He's been through a lot, more than most of us could imagine. Yet he still somehow holds onto his hopefulness, and his ability to see the good in people. And in the world he lives in, that's no small feat. During his journey, we learn so much more about both him and the world around him. We're introduced to many more side characters who of course I also grew to love and care about. 

While I am sad to be departing Bones's POV, I am equally excited for whoever and wherever we head next! 

Bottom Line: Such an incredible follow-up with tons of action and fabulous characters!

[Cynthia (Bingeing On Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer to get into this one than the first one, but once I did, I still loved it. Yes, I missed Fury and Riker from the first one SO MUCH, but I did manage to fall in love with Bones. Poor Bones, born in a lab and pretty much hunted by every single group in this horrible universe. I loved how he found and created his own family and how he looked beneath the people who didn't think of him as human until they were forced to see him as a person. This was SUCH a great book with new characters that I fell in love with and so much action. Great finale to the series.

[Richard Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect you will really enjoy “Solus” by Talis Jones. This book is second in her “Walking Shadows” series. It’s probably not necessary to read “Alarum” (the first book), before delving into book two. Solus refers back to three major characters in Alarum. You can get to know them by the snippets about them in this book.
Solus an exciting and suspenseful adventure story of one man’s journey through a strange and intriguing land. He is seeking a home and a clearer mission for his life. There are plenty of adventures along the way, from encounters with wicked child slavers to tribes that reminded me of native north Americans (AKA American Indians). Also, there is much suspense about the final outcome of the book. Events are highly unpredictable. A lot like real life.
The main character, who calls himself “Bones” livens up the story with his own humor and sarcasm. He has special powers, largely given him through experiments (drugs and probably DNA manipulations) performed by a skilled but really unethical scientist. He is captured at least twice by hostile groups. He has an endearing personality and good intentions. He is a bit of a smart Alek. You will like him if you are fond of humor and sarcasm. I found His friend and sidekick in the latter part of the story, very likeable in a rough, rude sort of way. Must have been how she was raised.
The setting makes the story more dramatic. “Sanctuary” seems to have drifted to the dark side. Another land is filled with dust, evil, and violence. Yet another seems to me like the realm of cavemen or American Indians (AKA native north Americans). These settings are described well visually. But the best description was the way the people tended to act in each place. They seem to me like good places to move away from.
I did encounter one minor inconsistency. A character with only one eye is sometimes noted to have tears in her “eyes.”
Solus is definitely my favorite so far in the Walking Shadows series. It is also one of the best Talis Jones books I have read, perhaps second to only “Wings of Ruin” in the Otherworld trilogy.
A five-star read, earning every star. You won’t be disappointed.

[Talis Jones]

SOLUS, the second installment in the Walking Shadows saga, follows the story of Bones as he abandons the walls of Sanctuary and forges onward to discover what fate has in store next as enemies and allies alike attempt to keep hold of his leash.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bones, Bones, Bones :)