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Bonesetter #1
Bonesetter
This is a "coming of age" story about a boy who learns to "set bones" in caveman times. Kind of a "Clan of the Cave Bear" type of story
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2010
350 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
60 books670 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 24, 2024
Has some real potential hidden here.
However, a good fresh edit is in order.
There are grammar and spelling errors along with a few plot holes, over embellishing, and way too much Mary-Stu with the main character: Pell.
3 Stars (nearly 4).
Pell starts off as an outcast from a young age due to bullies and his small, seemingly unskilled waif-like form. When, due to circumstances, he is run out from his small, starving tribe. It’s only once he leaves that he starts to really see his talents for what they really are, growing into himself and earning himself the name "Bonesetter" is the local surroundings.
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As, I said, this book has real potentional, I would have happily given the story a 4 or even 5 star if it wasnt for the amount of things the main character "discovered" randomly without failures first.
Despite this, I really enjoyed reading the book and will, at some point, pick up the next novel.
However, a good fresh edit is in order.
There are grammar and spelling errors along with a few plot holes, over embellishing, and way too much Mary-Stu with the main character: Pell.
3 Stars (nearly 4).
Pell starts off as an outcast from a young age due to bullies and his small, seemingly unskilled waif-like form. When, due to circumstances, he is run out from his small, starving tribe. It’s only once he leaves that he starts to really see his talents for what they really are, growing into himself and earning himself the name "Bonesetter" is the local surroundings.
- - - - - -
As, I said, this book has real potentional, I would have happily given the story a 4 or even 5 star if it wasnt for the amount of things the main character "discovered" randomly without failures first.
Despite this, I really enjoyed reading the book and will, at some point, pick up the next novel.
April 6, 2024
I love Dahner's bare-bones writing style. He puts the plot first and knows how to keep a reader interested.
I've put off reading this series for many years, worried that his earlier work wouldn't hold up. No need to fret, the standard is just as high.
My only concern is how much this series matches Jean Auel's "Earth's Children" series. I won't list all the beats they share, but there are many. I'm guessing these two authors independently arrived at the same essential premise and that's why so many of the pre-historic technologies were similarly handled.
I've put off reading this series for many years, worried that his earlier work wouldn't hold up. No need to fret, the standard is just as high.
My only concern is how much this series matches Jean Auel's "Earth's Children" series. I won't list all the beats they share, but there are many. I'm guessing these two authors independently arrived at the same essential premise and that's why so many of the pre-historic technologies were similarly handled.
April 2, 2024
Very good!
July 4, 2018
Good read
The hero is really a superhero well he would be if this book was set in future sifi times. Although it is still a good read I really did enjoy reading it but I wish it had more depth to the characters I do realise that man aged far quicker but the way everyone looked up to him was just far too much he never made a single mistake
The hero is really a superhero well he would be if this book was set in future sifi times. Although it is still a good read I really did enjoy reading it but I wish it had more depth to the characters I do realise that man aged far quicker but the way everyone looked up to him was just far too much he never made a single mistake
July 12, 2016
Well, while it's not Clan of the Cave bears, it has its own unique charm.
August 22, 2016
A good YA for middle school. The main point:problem solving! If you give yourself some time, if youlay attention, even accidents and even better, just messing around can change the world.
May 4, 2018
While this series doesn't feel as authentic as "The Clan of the Cave Bear" series, I'm still having a lot of fun reading this series.
June 7, 2021
Dahners, Laurence E. Bonesetter. Bonesetter No. 1. Kindle, 2013.
For the last decade, Laurence E. Dahners, an orthopedic surgeon from Chapel Hill, NC, has had a second career as a science fiction author, publishing more than two dozen short novels and novellas. The Bonesetter series offers a coming-of-age story about how his medical specialty might have begun, if an early human band of hunter-gatherers had in their midst a prodigy with the observational skill of Sherlock Holmes and the adlib engineering genius of Angus MacGyver. The hero, Pell, is the son of a flint toolmaker, who dies before he has a chance to teach Pell his trade. Pell is a clumsy, inept spear hunter, which makes him an economic drag on his group. He thinks he will gain status when he discovers how to reset a dislocated finger and help reduce the swelling. But nope. He and his mother soon find themselves exiled, surviving only with the help of Pell’s inventions, including smoking meat and trapping small animals. Bonesetter is a nicely told story if you can suspend your disbelief enough to buy the idea that one young man could invent technologies that probably took many generations to discover. One very minor gripe: the book has been published with three different covers, all of which are bad. One is a forensic shot of a badly twisted broken foot that would lead one to think the book is a medical text, one is a black-and-white silhouette that gives little clue about the book’s content, and one is the image of a young man dressed in a loincloth that no one in the Pell’s preagricultural society could have produced. Three and a half stars rounded up.
For the last decade, Laurence E. Dahners, an orthopedic surgeon from Chapel Hill, NC, has had a second career as a science fiction author, publishing more than two dozen short novels and novellas. The Bonesetter series offers a coming-of-age story about how his medical specialty might have begun, if an early human band of hunter-gatherers had in their midst a prodigy with the observational skill of Sherlock Holmes and the adlib engineering genius of Angus MacGyver. The hero, Pell, is the son of a flint toolmaker, who dies before he has a chance to teach Pell his trade. Pell is a clumsy, inept spear hunter, which makes him an economic drag on his group. He thinks he will gain status when he discovers how to reset a dislocated finger and help reduce the swelling. But nope. He and his mother soon find themselves exiled, surviving only with the help of Pell’s inventions, including smoking meat and trapping small animals. Bonesetter is a nicely told story if you can suspend your disbelief enough to buy the idea that one young man could invent technologies that probably took many generations to discover. One very minor gripe: the book has been published with three different covers, all of which are bad. One is a forensic shot of a badly twisted broken foot that would lead one to think the book is a medical text, one is a black-and-white silhouette that gives little clue about the book’s content, and one is the image of a young man dressed in a loincloth that no one in the Pell’s preagricultural society could have produced. Three and a half stars rounded up.
July 11, 2024
it didn’t sound interesting, but everything else was so good. I read anyways.
This series didn’t sound interesting to me at all, I mean prehistoric man sounded like a boring story to me. But I had exhausted every other other series by this Arthur which I really enjoyed so I said well it might not be my normal genre, sci-fi, but this author is really good, so I’ll give it a try. This is an excellent series and I highly recommend it even though I know the principles the main character discovers it’s very interesting reading as the main character launch the process of discovery and share it with his small community as he builds it.
This series didn’t sound interesting to me at all, I mean prehistoric man sounded like a boring story to me. But I had exhausted every other other series by this Arthur which I really enjoyed so I said well it might not be my normal genre, sci-fi, but this author is really good, so I’ll give it a try. This is an excellent series and I highly recommend it even though I know the principles the main character discovers it’s very interesting reading as the main character launch the process of discovery and share it with his small community as he builds it.
December 4, 2018
I really liked the idea of this book, but I struggled to get into it. The basic story was fine, but I found Pell a bit grating. Part of my problem was the author was trying to portray Pell as being clever and intuitive, but at the same time he didn’t seem to learn from his mistakes.
However once he left his clan the story picked up and I began to like Pell a little more. The best part of the book was the way the author wove in the different medical and simple technological achievements into the story.
However once he left his clan the story picked up and I began to like Pell a little more. The best part of the book was the way the author wove in the different medical and simple technological achievements into the story.
November 13, 2019
A really great tale.
I gave this series 5 stars because I've read these books over and over, proof of their lasting worth. I'm always trying to get my friends and family to read them. Whenever I want to settle in happily with a great book I'm thrilled when I recognize that enough time and other books have renewed my eagerness to start again. My only complaint is that I'm still waiting for the next book. Will the new wolves be trained hunters and protectors? Will Pell have fire? Farming?
I gave this series 5 stars because I've read these books over and over, proof of their lasting worth. I'm always trying to get my friends and family to read them. Whenever I want to settle in happily with a great book I'm thrilled when I recognize that enough time and other books have renewed my eagerness to start again. My only complaint is that I'm still waiting for the next book. Will the new wolves be trained hunters and protectors? Will Pell have fire? Farming?
April 9, 2020
5 Stars
I actually passed over this book quite a few times for some reason the title bonesetter did not appeal to me. I finally decided to give it a try and then couldn't hardly put it down. Pell a young boy of 13 years wasn't much of a hunter after he caused an accident that hurt one of the main hunters he was banished from the tribe. But Pell had brains and soon figured out other ways to hunt. He soon decided he just might make it on his own. And let's not forget his ability to set broken bones.
I actually passed over this book quite a few times for some reason the title bonesetter did not appeal to me. I finally decided to give it a try and then couldn't hardly put it down. Pell a young boy of 13 years wasn't much of a hunter after he caused an accident that hurt one of the main hunters he was banished from the tribe. But Pell had brains and soon figured out other ways to hunt. He soon decided he just might make it on his own. And let's not forget his ability to set broken bones.
July 27, 2020
Prehistoric Lessons
I initially chose this book as a companion for my daughter's history lessons. I wanted it to be imaginative and exciting, especially because we don't know what actually occurred during prehistory besides relics and fossils left behind. I then proceeded to read the whole book because it drew me in so deeply. I felt connected with the main character from changing one's perspectives to continually wanting approval regardless of the circumstances. Enjoyable and easy to read.
I initially chose this book as a companion for my daughter's history lessons. I wanted it to be imaginative and exciting, especially because we don't know what actually occurred during prehistory besides relics and fossils left behind. I then proceeded to read the whole book because it drew me in so deeply. I felt connected with the main character from changing one's perspectives to continually wanting approval regardless of the circumstances. Enjoyable and easy to read.
December 4, 2023
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time!
Bonesetter, by Laurence Dahners is truly among the best books I have read in a long time. Mr. Dahners development of the main character, Pell, the Bonesetter, captured my attention quickly. I was rapidly caught up rooting for his survival and success. The story drew me in such that I devoured the book in two days. I’m now hooked on this series and really glad I discovered Mr. Dahners writing.
Bonesetter, by Laurence Dahners is truly among the best books I have read in a long time. Mr. Dahners development of the main character, Pell, the Bonesetter, captured my attention quickly. I was rapidly caught up rooting for his survival and success. The story drew me in such that I devoured the book in two days. I’m now hooked on this series and really glad I discovered Mr. Dahners writing.
May 19, 2025
I Love a great Laurence Dahners book
What an awesome story. I love the art of thinking of something new or learning things as you go. It’s something that has been part of my generations culture and something my parents taught me to do when I was a child. And seems to be somewhat lacking in today’s culture. I appreciate this book encouraging us all to take another look at our problems and discover new ways to solve them.
What an awesome story. I love the art of thinking of something new or learning things as you go. It’s something that has been part of my generations culture and something my parents taught me to do when I was a child. And seems to be somewhat lacking in today’s culture. I appreciate this book encouraging us all to take another look at our problems and discover new ways to solve them.
September 3, 2025
Trigger Warning!
After finishing Mender Magic, I couldn’t resist exploring more of Laurence Dahners’ books. Though this three book series is short, it's filled with vivid storytelling and imagination.
Book 3 took a darker turn, though, there were scenes involving sexual assault that I had to skip. They were gut-wrenching and emotionally tough to get through. Still, the story’s prehistoric setting and raw emotional power makes this story a must-read.
After finishing Mender Magic, I couldn’t resist exploring more of Laurence Dahners’ books. Though this three book series is short, it's filled with vivid storytelling and imagination.
Book 3 took a darker turn, though, there were scenes involving sexual assault that I had to skip. They were gut-wrenching and emotionally tough to get through. Still, the story’s prehistoric setting and raw emotional power makes this story a must-read.
April 16, 2018
Very Good Reading
I enjoyed this one. The author says in the back of it that it's Science Fiction, but I think it's Historical Fiction.
It's comparable to Clan of the Cave Bear.
It could have been edited better, but it's still very good.
I'm going to purchase the second book because I and to read more!
I enjoyed this one. The author says in the back of it that it's Science Fiction, but I think it's Historical Fiction.
It's comparable to Clan of the Cave Bear.
It could have been edited better, but it's still very good.
I'm going to purchase the second book because I and to read more!
May 31, 2018
More of a novella than a novel. this is an entertaining coming of age story about a young pre-historic boy who thinks differently than those around him. I enjoyed its sense of inquiry and use of ideas...excellent "science" fiction. If you liked Aeul's "The Clan of the Cave Bear" you will enjoy this novella.
September 1, 2020
Bone setter is 100% my favorite book. I so so so recommend reading it. Pell, tando, woday, gontra, Gia- all amazing characters!! You really get sucked into the book, and I couldn’t put it down! This prehistoric fiction book is extremely entertaining, and a joy to read! Not only that, but it also teaches you things, like how you’d survive in the wilderness! Laury Dahners has outdone himself!!
April 1, 2024
An exciting and very entertaining start to this series!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
May 10, 2018
Loved this book!
Well written,exciting,intreging,interesting. I loved the adventure ,self discovery. Anyone working with a bunch of people will get insights from the tribe. onto the next book!
Well written,exciting,intreging,interesting. I loved the adventure ,self discovery. Anyone working with a bunch of people will get insights from the tribe. onto the next book!
May 23, 2018
Primitive people learn new ways!
I found this story very interesting. People are always suspicious about changes. It is human nature. Poll was a thinker and could think of new and better ways of doing things. He improved the lives of everyone. Well done.
I found this story very interesting. People are always suspicious about changes. It is human nature. Poll was a thinker and could think of new and better ways of doing things. He improved the lives of everyone. Well done.
August 16, 2018
Historical tale with a Writer's creativity!
A good author has to be a good researcher and this author has done so. He has also used his writer's knack to make his tale a good one. Read and enjoy!
A good author has to be a good researcher and this author has done so. He has also used his writer's knack to make his tale a good one. Read and enjoy!
February 4, 2019
Good read and believable fiction.
Seems like a believable explanation of how some things may have evolved during this time period. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Seems like a believable explanation of how some things may have evolved during this time period. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 13, 2019
Great story
So many writers have turned to profanity to express themselves. I have closed a lot of books lately because of this. I'm going to try another of Mr. Dahners books and see if he can pass the profanity test.
So many writers have turned to profanity to express themselves. I have closed a lot of books lately because of this. I'm going to try another of Mr. Dahners books and see if he can pass the profanity test.
November 22, 2019
Interesting book and certainly credible. Not as detailed as Jean Auel's Earth's Children series but kept me reading all the time. It was exciting to see what next invention Pell would come up with. Certainly reading the next book.
May 5, 2020
Story of people
It was a great read and I'm always looking for something for my 11yr old nephew to read and this might keep him reading but it was adult enough for me at 69yrs of age
It was a great read and I'm always looking for something for my 11yr old nephew to read and this might keep him reading but it was adult enough for me at 69yrs of age
October 5, 2023
Pre-historic sci-fi!
Sci-fi often answers posed start-up questions and also often deals with the advent of previously unknown technologies and societal reactions thereto. Why not in a prehistoric setting. Well presented,well thought out.
Sci-fi often answers posed start-up questions and also often deals with the advent of previously unknown technologies and societal reactions thereto. Why not in a prehistoric setting. Well presented,well thought out.
July 24, 2024
A really entertaining story
Over fifty years since I was earning merit badges in the Boy Scouts of America it still brought me back to thinking how I might survive in a primitive environment. And I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story developed.
Over fifty years since I was earning merit badges in the Boy Scouts of America it still brought me back to thinking how I might survive in a primitive environment. And I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story developed.
March 20, 2018
Wonderful story
I haven't yet read a book by Laurence Dahners that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This one included. The characters are engaging and the world building is first rate.
I haven't yet read a book by Laurence Dahners that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. This one included. The characters are engaging and the world building is first rate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews