Prophet of Bones: A Novel by Ted Kosmatka

about book:

Paul Carlsson, a brilliant young scientist, is summoned from his laboratory job to the remote Indonesian island of Flores to collect DNA samples from the bones of a strange, new species of tool user unearthed by an archaeological dig.  The questions the find raises seem to cast doubt on the very foundations of modern science, which has proven the world to be only 5,800 years old, but before Paul can fully grapple with the implications of his find, the dig is violently shut down by paramilitaries.

Paul flees with two of his friends, yet within days only one has vanished and the other is murdered in an attack that costs Paul an eye and nearly his life.  Back in America, Paul tries to resume the comfortable life he left behind but can't cast the questions raised by the dig from his mind.  Paul begins to piece together a puzzle that seems to threaten the fabric of society, but the world's governments and Martial Johansson, the eccentric billionaire who financed Paul's dig, will stop at nothing to silence him.

my thoughts:

Gripping.  That is the word that pops into mind when I think of this novel.  It was utterly captivating!  From the first page, I got sucked into this alterna-world where history and science seem to be either too far behind or too far ahead.  We have scientists playing God with animals and humans - it was utterly crazy, terrifying, and fascinating all at the same time.  I couldn't help but be glued to my book!  Cripes, I even got so nervous for Paul that I would start to bite my nails in angst. How crazy is that?

I loved reading Prophet of Bones - I found it to be a thrilling, fun, and fast read.  It makes for the perfect airport, beach, vacation, bedtime read.  Okay, maybe not bedtime so much, as you won't be able to stop reading and will wind up staying up way later than you had planned - that happened to me!  Oh well, it was worth it!  I swear these suspense-thriller novels are starting to become something of a vice of mine, because I am so loving these books that keep me on the edge of my seat (they are amazing!).

Okay, so what was the book about?  Well, all I will say is that it involved scientists playing God with animals and humans; questions being answered in unthinkable ways; and history being explored in ways that it shouldn't.  It was the epitome of a science experiment gone bad, but to the nth degree.  You will be shocked and horrified.  Or at least I was - I found myself "OMGing" and clutching my tea cup tighter as I read through the story, because I couldn't believe what I was reading.  At the same time, I couldn't help but be kind of amazed by the scientific aspects being discussed and explored in the novel - it was crazy and rather mind-blowing (things that you can't even imagine!).  As far as the writing goes, it was quick-paced and suspenseful.  The characters were rather stereotypical and not as fully developed as I would have liked, but then again I still found myself rooting for Paul. Overall, I found this book to be a terrific example of what a thriller novel should consist of - excitement, action, horror, and tons of suspense!

I would most definitely recommend Prophet of Bones to fans of suspense-thriller novels - you will not be disappointed!  Head on over to the author's site and find out more about this exciting new book: Prophet of Bones.  And, considering this book is somewhat fantastical in the scientific aspects, I think that it counts towards another read for the Once Upon A Time VII Challenge being hosted by Carl over at Stainless Steel Droppings - Woo hoo!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!