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Metal Bones
Leo Spearman cares about one thing: getting a cure for Gaeth’s "Steel Elbow". Yet, when they decide to leave Earth to cure him, they realize they may have to break galactic law to get it. Leo believes everything is going according to plan but when their new ally Sonja comes along, Leo becomes more and more dedicated to the resistance, a group set on stopping the Sol Empire from taking over the galaxy. As Leo and Sonja’s connection starts to grow, Gaeth begins questioning his brothers’ dedication to finding his cure.
Across the galaxy, an alien named Tank is determined to win The Ceremony, hoping to find out what happened to his father, who won before him. Only when he finds his answer, he is forced to escape his home, losing his hand in the process. After being saved by Enzu, she equips him with an arm cannon, the only expense being to work for her and protect a small boy named Myca at all costs. Tank is grateful of Enzu for saving him, but the more time he spends at Bisekt, it makes him question everything and who to trust.
However when an outside threat forces Leo and Tank to work together, they’ll discover if they’ll be able to save the ones they love or if it’s already too late.
Across the galaxy, an alien named Tank is determined to win The Ceremony, hoping to find out what happened to his father, who won before him. Only when he finds his answer, he is forced to escape his home, losing his hand in the process. After being saved by Enzu, she equips him with an arm cannon, the only expense being to work for her and protect a small boy named Myca at all costs. Tank is grateful of Enzu for saving him, but the more time he spends at Bisekt, it makes him question everything and who to trust.
However when an outside threat forces Leo and Tank to work together, they’ll discover if they’ll be able to save the ones they love or if it’s already too late.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
7 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Contine
4 books23 followersKathleen Contine is an award-winning author who has always loved stories about aliens and far off galaxies. She graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelors in English with a concentration in professional writing.
When she isn't writing her newest sci fi book, she's watching Star Wars, playing video games, and reading other thrilling space operas. Metal Bones is her debut novel.
To keep up with Kathleen, visit her website at KathleenContine.com
When she isn't writing her newest sci fi book, she's watching Star Wars, playing video games, and reading other thrilling space operas. Metal Bones is her debut novel.
To keep up with Kathleen, visit her website at KathleenContine.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 14, 2020
Metal Bones was written by a debut author. She has created an entire galaxy with "good" and "evil" sides in a war for possession and power.
The author has done a good job of demonstrating that the definition of which side is "good" depends on who is doing the talking and who is listening.
The title "METAL BONES" comes from a disease that affects many people. It is called "Steel Elbow" and causes the infected person's bones and sinew to turn to metal and wires.
On Earth we see prejudices arise when people discover that someone has the disease. That person is ostracized and sent to another planet from which they are never able to return.
There are several races of characters and several subplots happening throughout this first book in a series.
I am rating this book as 3 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐ for the following reasons:
Upon reaching the end of METAL BONES there are many questions left unanswered. I realize that the ending is supposed to be a cliffhanger, but the motivations for the character's actions are thin at best. If this is to be rectified in the next book in the series, that is terrific. However I think some readers will not be willing to pay for a second book without this book being fleshed out better.
I do think that this brand new author has potential. She just needs a professional editor to point out plot points that need more details.
I wish the author all the best and wish to thank her and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book.
The author has done a good job of demonstrating that the definition of which side is "good" depends on who is doing the talking and who is listening.
The title "METAL BONES" comes from a disease that affects many people. It is called "Steel Elbow" and causes the infected person's bones and sinew to turn to metal and wires.
On Earth we see prejudices arise when people discover that someone has the disease. That person is ostracized and sent to another planet from which they are never able to return.
There are several races of characters and several subplots happening throughout this first book in a series.
I am rating this book as 3 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐ for the following reasons:
Upon reaching the end of METAL BONES there are many questions left unanswered. I realize that the ending is supposed to be a cliffhanger, but the motivations for the character's actions are thin at best. If this is to be rectified in the next book in the series, that is terrific. However I think some readers will not be willing to pay for a second book without this book being fleshed out better.
I do think that this brand new author has potential. She just needs a professional editor to point out plot points that need more details.
I wish the author all the best and wish to thank her and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book.
March 5, 2020
5 CRANKY STARS
Well, this is one creepy book from the cover to the end of the story. However, I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from page one. Leo (21) and Gaeth (19) are brothers and the main characters. Gaeth has an illness that causes his bones to turn to metal. Cool right? No, it’s contagious and when his neighbor caught it the townspeople insisted, he get sent to Oblurn. It’s a long way from Earth and home. Leo is the older brother and vows to keep him safe. If they stay on Earth, someone will eventually kill Gaeth. He is the subject of jeers and threats. So, off they go into space to find Oblurn.
Then the subject changes and we meet a character named Tank from another planet. He has trained all his life to win the Championship in his town on another planet. The result of the championship puts him in the path of Leo and Gaeth eventually. I’m telling you this because when the story switched to Tank, I thought there was a mistake in the book. I kept reading and eventually the story ties together. For one third of the book, it feels like two separate stories. This is a Science Fiction story and the author treats it well. The ending and several other spots leave you with questions. Hope there is a Book 2 before long.
Well, this is one creepy book from the cover to the end of the story. However, I absolutely loved it. I was hooked from page one. Leo (21) and Gaeth (19) are brothers and the main characters. Gaeth has an illness that causes his bones to turn to metal. Cool right? No, it’s contagious and when his neighbor caught it the townspeople insisted, he get sent to Oblurn. It’s a long way from Earth and home. Leo is the older brother and vows to keep him safe. If they stay on Earth, someone will eventually kill Gaeth. He is the subject of jeers and threats. So, off they go into space to find Oblurn.
Then the subject changes and we meet a character named Tank from another planet. He has trained all his life to win the Championship in his town on another planet. The result of the championship puts him in the path of Leo and Gaeth eventually. I’m telling you this because when the story switched to Tank, I thought there was a mistake in the book. I kept reading and eventually the story ties together. For one third of the book, it feels like two separate stories. This is a Science Fiction story and the author treats it well. The ending and several other spots leave you with questions. Hope there is a Book 2 before long.
Want to Read
June 9, 2020ARCs are available for request here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
April 23, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Metal Bones
Author: Kathleen Contine
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 17 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Plenty of conflict, plenty of battling, plenty of interstellar flight. If you enjoy sci-fi adventure, there's nothing not to like.” Female reader, aged 40
“This is a story of three parts, the first showing off the two brothers and the problem of one the brothers whose bones are turning to metal. The second follows Tank who must win a contest on his home world. The third part brings the characters together. This is solid sci-fi writing with a twisting plot and slightly underdeveloped characters. I would happily recommend this book to another reader, and I think, with the right editor, this could be a wonderful series.” Male reader, aged 52
“Although this reads a little rushed here and there, for the most part it's a cleverly plotted sci-fi thriller. The author has a strong imagination and a workmanlike writing style, getting the job done. I enjoyed this very much.” Female reader, aged 31
“This is a good start to a space opera, with plenty happening and plenty of futuristic tech to keep sci-fi readers content. The character development was not the best, but the author’s enthusiasm for the subject matter shine through on every page. I suspect this set of books will get better and better.” Male reader, aged 29
To Sum It Up:
‘A cleverly-crafted sci-fi adventure with a twisting plot. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Metal Bones
Author: Kathleen Contine
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 17 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
11 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Plenty of conflict, plenty of battling, plenty of interstellar flight. If you enjoy sci-fi adventure, there's nothing not to like.” Female reader, aged 40
“This is a story of three parts, the first showing off the two brothers and the problem of one the brothers whose bones are turning to metal. The second follows Tank who must win a contest on his home world. The third part brings the characters together. This is solid sci-fi writing with a twisting plot and slightly underdeveloped characters. I would happily recommend this book to another reader, and I think, with the right editor, this could be a wonderful series.” Male reader, aged 52
“Although this reads a little rushed here and there, for the most part it's a cleverly plotted sci-fi thriller. The author has a strong imagination and a workmanlike writing style, getting the job done. I enjoyed this very much.” Female reader, aged 31
“This is a good start to a space opera, with plenty happening and plenty of futuristic tech to keep sci-fi readers content. The character development was not the best, but the author’s enthusiasm for the subject matter shine through on every page. I suspect this set of books will get better and better.” Male reader, aged 29
To Sum It Up:
‘A cleverly-crafted sci-fi adventure with a twisting plot. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 11, 2021
METAL BONES is intriguingly crafted Science Fiction with overtones of coming-of-age, sibling bonding and rivalry, friendship and conflict. I definitely hope a sequel is in the offing! I warmed up to "the good guys" and further adventures are sure to be exciting, while I hope the really evil villains will face their downfall.
March 13, 2020
A great jam packed book with no filler. The leads are kick ass but have are wonderfully kind to their loved ones. Arm cannons are always awesome
January 12, 2020
Metal Bones was a wonderful read and a great debut novel from Contine!
You will cheer on the characters and love the worlds in MB!
Metal Bones is a multiple POV book. First, you have Leo and Gaeth leaving earth to find a cure for a disease called "steel elbow" which turns your bones into metal. Along the way our duo meet some cool new characters from Onyx(no not the pokemon or the rap group, but man, that would be cool huh?) and get involved in some illegal activities that could potentially get them into some big trouble, but the money is worth it. The thing is, Gaeth is the one who has Steel Elbow...and when Leo gets too caught up in his work for Onyx, he begins to wonder whether finding that cure is what really matters the most anymore.
MB also follows this alien named Tank, a Sovich who is searching for....wait. ..nah hold up! Tank needs more intro than this right here.
You like badasses? You like characters that can kick some ass while also have a soft side to take care of a kid? You like arm cannons?!?! Well let me tell you about my guy Tank! This dude has it all! Hes a badass! He kicks ass but also has a soft side! And the guy has a damn cannon on his arm! Which the last time I checked, is the proper requirements to be referred to as an arm cannon, so there you go! Tank is YOUR guy!
Okay now that I'm done fanboying...
Tanks father has been missing ever since he entered the Ceremony and won. So, to find his father, Tank enters the Ceremony as well and discovers far more than he thought he would. After almost getting killed, Tank escapes the planet, and gets saved by a lady who employs him to protect a kid, named Micah from attackers.
Some dope ass The Professional vibes ensue and Tank starts to find out some things about the kid hes supposed to protect that changes everything, he has to decide if he will continue doing his job, or risk it all.
The best thing about Metal Bones is theres no filler. Theres nothing holding you back, or put in there to keep the reader away from the big important stuff! And I have to he honest, as a guy who used to watch Naruto(other fans will feel my pain!), that means a lot to me. That's not to say there isnt proper build up to big scenes in this book though. There is! And I love how Contine lines everything up and makes everything come together along the way!
Closing things out, I'm just going to say the book is fun and I cant wait to read more from the author!
You will cheer on the characters and love the worlds in MB!
Metal Bones is a multiple POV book. First, you have Leo and Gaeth leaving earth to find a cure for a disease called "steel elbow" which turns your bones into metal. Along the way our duo meet some cool new characters from Onyx(no not the pokemon or the rap group, but man, that would be cool huh?) and get involved in some illegal activities that could potentially get them into some big trouble, but the money is worth it. The thing is, Gaeth is the one who has Steel Elbow...and when Leo gets too caught up in his work for Onyx, he begins to wonder whether finding that cure is what really matters the most anymore.
MB also follows this alien named Tank, a Sovich who is searching for....wait. ..nah hold up! Tank needs more intro than this right here.
You like badasses? You like characters that can kick some ass while also have a soft side to take care of a kid? You like arm cannons?!?! Well let me tell you about my guy Tank! This dude has it all! Hes a badass! He kicks ass but also has a soft side! And the guy has a damn cannon on his arm! Which the last time I checked, is the proper requirements to be referred to as an arm cannon, so there you go! Tank is YOUR guy!
Okay now that I'm done fanboying...
Tanks father has been missing ever since he entered the Ceremony and won. So, to find his father, Tank enters the Ceremony as well and discovers far more than he thought he would. After almost getting killed, Tank escapes the planet, and gets saved by a lady who employs him to protect a kid, named Micah from attackers.
Some dope ass The Professional vibes ensue and Tank starts to find out some things about the kid hes supposed to protect that changes everything, he has to decide if he will continue doing his job, or risk it all.
The best thing about Metal Bones is theres no filler. Theres nothing holding you back, or put in there to keep the reader away from the big important stuff! And I have to he honest, as a guy who used to watch Naruto(other fans will feel my pain!), that means a lot to me. That's not to say there isnt proper build up to big scenes in this book though. There is! And I love how Contine lines everything up and makes everything come together along the way!
Closing things out, I'm just going to say the book is fun and I cant wait to read more from the author!
May 2, 2020
Review originally published here at Reedsy Discovery: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/met...
Two brothers fleeing Earth and a strong alien on a mission cross paths in this science fiction novel about disease, loyalty, and corruption.
I keep a little stuffed animal version of Grunt from the Mass Effect video game series on my reading chair at home. I've always been drawn to the "muscle" characters in science fiction stories, the strong sidekicks who accompany the smart scientists and dashing adventurers--the creatures who get by with brute force. I enjoyed Kathleen Contine's action-driven speculative novel Metal Bones for many reasons, but mostly because she lets a muscle character take the lead. One of the main heroes of Metal Bones is an intimidating alien called a Sovich--a big, scaly being with a tail and a perfect name: Tank. As if I already didn't love this enough, he's soon equipped with an arm cannon.
But Tank's story isn't our only narrative: allow me to back up for a second. We're first introduced to two brothers, the 21-year-old protective older sibling Leo Spearman and his younger counterpart 19-year-old Gaeth. Gaeth has been infected with a horrible virus called "Steel Elbow" that gradually turns the sufferer's bones into metal. Unfortunately, this virus is contagious; when a neighbor contracts the disease from Gaeth, Leo is forced to ferry his brother away from Earth to a place called Oblurn. Oblurn is touted as the perfect community where Steel Elbow patients can live out their lives in safety (it was even created by the guy who accidentally created the virus itself, Dr. Oswald Moon). However, it quickly becomes apparent that there's something majorly off about Oblurn. When Leo and Gaeth flee to New Star City, a hotbed of crime and corruption, they're quickly recruited by Vanish--a woman who runs a resistance group called Onyx--to help fight the powerful Sol Empire.
Alongside this narrative runs the story of Tank. Tank is on his home planet Whukogantu, training to participate in a dangerous contest called The Ceremony--once young Sovichs come of age, they compete (often to the death) for a necklace, and the winner gets to leave on a pilgrimage. Tank wants to win so he can find his long lost father; instead, he ends up escaping Whukogantu after uncovering a shocking secret about his planet's leadership. He's taken in by a woman named Enzu Ruba--the CEO of luxury spaceship manufacturer Bisekt, which makes ships for the Sol Empire--and employed as a bodyguard for her adopted son Myca. So, what will happen when the characters from these two narratives collide?
Contine's novel moves fast enough and contains enough youthful characters to appeal to the YA audience. Honestly, what the narrative reminded me of the most is a great D&D campaign. The characters plan and train and get into scrapes that often go badly, while at the same time they're learning and growing and developing new understandings and allegiances. Contine's characters are all memorable and unique: I haven't even mentioned Scril, a cockroach-like alien called a Kekzin with a smart mouth and a bad gambling habit, or Naf, a weaker strangely orange-colored Sovich who Tank takes under his wing. Final word: given the ending, I'm hoping there's a sequel.
Two brothers fleeing Earth and a strong alien on a mission cross paths in this science fiction novel about disease, loyalty, and corruption.
I keep a little stuffed animal version of Grunt from the Mass Effect video game series on my reading chair at home. I've always been drawn to the "muscle" characters in science fiction stories, the strong sidekicks who accompany the smart scientists and dashing adventurers--the creatures who get by with brute force. I enjoyed Kathleen Contine's action-driven speculative novel Metal Bones for many reasons, but mostly because she lets a muscle character take the lead. One of the main heroes of Metal Bones is an intimidating alien called a Sovich--a big, scaly being with a tail and a perfect name: Tank. As if I already didn't love this enough, he's soon equipped with an arm cannon.
But Tank's story isn't our only narrative: allow me to back up for a second. We're first introduced to two brothers, the 21-year-old protective older sibling Leo Spearman and his younger counterpart 19-year-old Gaeth. Gaeth has been infected with a horrible virus called "Steel Elbow" that gradually turns the sufferer's bones into metal. Unfortunately, this virus is contagious; when a neighbor contracts the disease from Gaeth, Leo is forced to ferry his brother away from Earth to a place called Oblurn. Oblurn is touted as the perfect community where Steel Elbow patients can live out their lives in safety (it was even created by the guy who accidentally created the virus itself, Dr. Oswald Moon). However, it quickly becomes apparent that there's something majorly off about Oblurn. When Leo and Gaeth flee to New Star City, a hotbed of crime and corruption, they're quickly recruited by Vanish--a woman who runs a resistance group called Onyx--to help fight the powerful Sol Empire.
Alongside this narrative runs the story of Tank. Tank is on his home planet Whukogantu, training to participate in a dangerous contest called The Ceremony--once young Sovichs come of age, they compete (often to the death) for a necklace, and the winner gets to leave on a pilgrimage. Tank wants to win so he can find his long lost father; instead, he ends up escaping Whukogantu after uncovering a shocking secret about his planet's leadership. He's taken in by a woman named Enzu Ruba--the CEO of luxury spaceship manufacturer Bisekt, which makes ships for the Sol Empire--and employed as a bodyguard for her adopted son Myca. So, what will happen when the characters from these two narratives collide?
Contine's novel moves fast enough and contains enough youthful characters to appeal to the YA audience. Honestly, what the narrative reminded me of the most is a great D&D campaign. The characters plan and train and get into scrapes that often go badly, while at the same time they're learning and growing and developing new understandings and allegiances. Contine's characters are all memorable and unique: I haven't even mentioned Scril, a cockroach-like alien called a Kekzin with a smart mouth and a bad gambling habit, or Naf, a weaker strangely orange-colored Sovich who Tank takes under his wing. Final word: given the ending, I'm hoping there's a sequel.
August 3, 2020
I received a copy of METALBONES through NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
METALBONES is told between three different POVs: Leo, Gaerth, and Tank. Leo is sent to bring his brother Gaerth to another planet because he has Steel Bones, a contagious disease that slowly turns the body into metal. But the other planet, which claims the ability to heal the disease isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Tank has been training to win the yearly competition (similar to Hunger Games but much much smaller). But the person in charge turns out to be more conniving than philanthropic.
The way the stories go Leo/Gaerth and Tank are woven together is really good. With them on opposites sides of an interplanetary war, the reader is shown both perspectives so they can make their own decisions on who to root for.
I really enjoyed this book. The concept was interesting and the characters had powerful motivation influencing their decisions. The story was fast-paced with no dull moments. The only “slow” parts were really sweet and important.
My only complaint is the ex-machina feel of some of the events leading to unbelievable reactions. It caused me to stutter while reading, which I can’t stand. I think that if those set-ups had more foreshadowing or fixation on a lingering frustration this book would be high in my recommended list for spacy sci-fi. Sadly, even though it was great, I wish the plot points were bumped up in quality just a bit.
METALBONES is told between three different POVs: Leo, Gaerth, and Tank. Leo is sent to bring his brother Gaerth to another planet because he has Steel Bones, a contagious disease that slowly turns the body into metal. But the other planet, which claims the ability to heal the disease isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Tank has been training to win the yearly competition (similar to Hunger Games but much much smaller). But the person in charge turns out to be more conniving than philanthropic.
The way the stories go Leo/Gaerth and Tank are woven together is really good. With them on opposites sides of an interplanetary war, the reader is shown both perspectives so they can make their own decisions on who to root for.
I really enjoyed this book. The concept was interesting and the characters had powerful motivation influencing their decisions. The story was fast-paced with no dull moments. The only “slow” parts were really sweet and important.
My only complaint is the ex-machina feel of some of the events leading to unbelievable reactions. It caused me to stutter while reading, which I can’t stand. I think that if those set-ups had more foreshadowing or fixation on a lingering frustration this book would be high in my recommended list for spacy sci-fi. Sadly, even though it was great, I wish the plot points were bumped up in quality just a bit.
September 7, 2020
𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 ~𝑴𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A science fiction story which hooked me from start to the end. Loved the characters and the whole imaginative experience.
🌼Leo and Gaeth goes to find cure for Gaeth's Steel Elbow because of which Gaeth is not accepted by people on Earth where he is always ridiculed and jeered upon, only to break the galactic law and land on a different space station.
🌼On the other side of the galaxy, an alien called Tank aims to win the annual Ceremony only due to which he can leave the place and find his dad. When he finds out the truth behind what happens to the winners, he ends up at Bisekt with a lost arm, saved by Enzu.
🌼I was first worried how these two stories are connected but happy and satisfied with the way the author actually made it.
🌼One interesting part was that the Steel Elbow was a disease caused by Steel Elbow virus which was first hard to believe but the author had done really a great job making everything fit perfectly.
🌼Metal Bones is one action-packed fun story with light strokes of humor in it and the characters are amazing with their motivations concise and in depth.
🌼This is definitely recommendable very much for anyone looking for a science fiction. I hope you enjoy as much as I did
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A science fiction story which hooked me from start to the end. Loved the characters and the whole imaginative experience.
🌼Leo and Gaeth goes to find cure for Gaeth's Steel Elbow because of which Gaeth is not accepted by people on Earth where he is always ridiculed and jeered upon, only to break the galactic law and land on a different space station.
🌼On the other side of the galaxy, an alien called Tank aims to win the annual Ceremony only due to which he can leave the place and find his dad. When he finds out the truth behind what happens to the winners, he ends up at Bisekt with a lost arm, saved by Enzu.
🌼I was first worried how these two stories are connected but happy and satisfied with the way the author actually made it.
🌼One interesting part was that the Steel Elbow was a disease caused by Steel Elbow virus which was first hard to believe but the author had done really a great job making everything fit perfectly.
🌼Metal Bones is one action-packed fun story with light strokes of humor in it and the characters are amazing with their motivations concise and in depth.
🌼This is definitely recommendable very much for anyone looking for a science fiction. I hope you enjoy as much as I did
July 10, 2023
"I’m not exactly sure how to rate this book. The good parts are that it has a thoughtful story line with good character development. However, I think that science fiction should be grounded in some science. The concept of someone’s bones turning to metal based on a virus does not make sense. Nanotechnology would have a better chance. Where does the metal come from? How can the muscle and tendons handle that extra weight? Secondly, some of the interactions between characters seem almost childlike and not how I would expect adults to interact.
If your society is a small village and every year you take the strongest and brightest and pit them against each other where the winner is the only one to survive that would leave only the weakest to breed. How long could a culture survive with that structure? It does not make sense.
Overall, it’s not a bad read but definitely not the same caliber as well-known authors. I hope that Kathleen continues to write and improve. I do see some good potential."
If your society is a small village and every year you take the strongest and brightest and pit them against each other where the winner is the only one to survive that would leave only the weakest to breed. How long could a culture survive with that structure? It does not make sense.
Overall, it’s not a bad read but definitely not the same caliber as well-known authors. I hope that Kathleen continues to write and improve. I do see some good potential."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
If you're looking for an exciting sci-fi adventure story, look no further! I absolutely adored this story, and I'm ashamed I haven't reviewed it sooner. (I was lucky enough to receive an early peek into Kathleen's world, and I just finished my reread. <3) What an adventure! If you like space adventures, questionable characters, hesitant decisions, family tension, and brotherly love, this is absolutely the story for you! One of my favorite parts was the way that Kathleen describes her unique worlds!! There's so much vast differences in the world she's created, that I enjoyed every bit of the descriptions she shows us through Earth natives Leo and Gaeth's eyes!
October 14, 2020
This is a quick read - don't blink or you'll miss something important!
Metal Bones is populated with a range of interesting and unique characters, intergalactic organizations, and alien races. Follow Gaeth and his brother Leo as they search for their place in the universe after being exiled from earth for having a contagious disease called steel elbow. Then you meet Tank, who is basically a Krogan from Mass Effect meets MegaMan. His story starts with a simple goal: to find his father.
I love how the author ties everything together! Exploring space is an ambitious endeavor though, and there's plenty more to discover so I can't wait for book 2!
Metal Bones is populated with a range of interesting and unique characters, intergalactic organizations, and alien races. Follow Gaeth and his brother Leo as they search for their place in the universe after being exiled from earth for having a contagious disease called steel elbow. Then you meet Tank, who is basically a Krogan from Mass Effect meets MegaMan. His story starts with a simple goal: to find his father.
I love how the author ties everything together! Exploring space is an ambitious endeavor though, and there's plenty more to discover so I can't wait for book 2!
June 28, 2020
This book had so much, loyalty, aliens, disease, enemies, corruption, all inside a great SciFi book. Told from two narratives, Metal Bones takes you on a ride across the galaxy until they intertwine with each other. It was an easy read and I can always get behind a good SciFi. My only complaint was the "romance" ( if you can call it that) between Leo and Sonja. It seemed forced and I couldn't quite tell what was going on between them. Otherwise I enjoyed all the twists and turns this book has! Thank you GoodReads for the book!
August 4, 2020
I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.
This is what I assume to be the start of a new science fiction series that is marketed as 'adult sci-fi'. If it wasn't for the one f-bomb mid-way through I would have thought this was marketed for YA or younger. The story had potential, but I don't think it really got there, and I don't think the writing is as strong as it should be for an adult-aimed novel.
That being said, I would give the next book a chance to see how the author improves the story line and where the characters go from the end of this book.
This is what I assume to be the start of a new science fiction series that is marketed as 'adult sci-fi'. If it wasn't for the one f-bomb mid-way through I would have thought this was marketed for YA or younger. The story had potential, but I don't think it really got there, and I don't think the writing is as strong as it should be for an adult-aimed novel.
That being said, I would give the next book a chance to see how the author improves the story line and where the characters go from the end of this book.
January 6, 2023
This book kept me wanting more. I wasn't sure how the stories were going to collide, but when they did, they then splintered in the most wonderful way. I am angrily and excitedly ready for the next one.
There were a few typos and sentences that weren't correctly edited, but they never took me away from the story.
There were a few typos and sentences that weren't correctly edited, but they never took me away from the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2020
A good plot. Good characters. A fun read. I look forward to more from the author
Did Not Finish
June 1, 2021DNF at 10%
Just not feeling the quality of the audiobook
Just not feeling the quality of the audiobook
February 21, 2022
Such a great book! So fun to read and super exciting. I can’t wait to read more Metal Bones books!
September 9, 2022
Sci- Fy is not my thing, but I fell in love with this book! Great visuals, felt like I was right there with the characters. Can’t wait to read what’s next!
March 12, 2021
Other than seeming to end abruptly, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the characters. It was a fast, "I want to see what happens" read for me. And that is a good book.
June 9, 2025
4.5 ✨
I loved how easy to read this book was. I’ve been off and on with reading it all year, then finally sat my butt down and finished it off. Read 20+ chapters in a few days.
What I loved: The book’s plot was absolutely engaging and easy to follow. It’s really what shone through the best, weaving the two separate stories together to the final culmination. The individual characters stories were very simple and easy to remember/follow as well.
However, I do wish I could’ve spent more time with the characters and gotten to know them more. Scenes felt rushed, and pieces I wanted to have been explored more were rather glanced over. That being said, I’m looking forward to the second book in this series, fully expecting Miss Contine to knock that one out of the park!
I loved how easy to read this book was. I’ve been off and on with reading it all year, then finally sat my butt down and finished it off. Read 20+ chapters in a few days.
What I loved: The book’s plot was absolutely engaging and easy to follow. It’s really what shone through the best, weaving the two separate stories together to the final culmination. The individual characters stories were very simple and easy to remember/follow as well.
However, I do wish I could’ve spent more time with the characters and gotten to know them more. Scenes felt rushed, and pieces I wanted to have been explored more were rather glanced over. That being said, I’m looking forward to the second book in this series, fully expecting Miss Contine to knock that one out of the park!
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