T.J. Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin is a novel that effortlessly intertwines science fiction, family drama, and queer identity into an emotional and immersive reading experience. The story follows Nate Cartwright, a man on the brink of self-destruction, who stumbles upon Alex and Artemis—a man with a dark past and a child with an extraordinary secret. What begins as a simple attempt to escape his own shattered life transforms into a deeply human tale of connection, survival, and the overwhelming power of love.
Klune, best known for The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, and Under the Whispering Door, is an author whose works are often marked by warmth, humor, and a profound sense of found family. The Bones Beneath My Skin is no exception, yet it takes a darker, more contemplative turn, exploring themes of trauma, secrecy, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. While the novel doesn’t achieve the same level of narrative finesse as some of Klune’s later works, it remains a compelling and deeply touching story.
Plot Overview: A Stranger in the Woods
Nate Cartwright has lost everything—his family, his job, and any sense of belonging. In search of solace, he retreats to his late parents’ isolated cabin in the Oregon mountains, hoping to find some meaning in the wreckage of his life. What he doesn’t expect is to find Alex and Artemis, a mysterious duo hiding from an unnamed threat.
Artemis, a 10-year-old girl with an impossibly bright mind and an unusual power, immediately captivates Nate. She speaks in a mixture of scientific observations and cowboy slang, creating a unique and endearing presence. Her guardian, Alex, is an enigma—wounded, cautious, and utterly devoted to protecting her. As their paths intertwine, Nate finds himself drawn into a world where love and duty collide, and where danger lurks just beyond the trees.
What follows is a slow-burning yet gripping tale of survival as they are pursued by shadowy forces desperate to claim Artemis. The narrative oscillates between moments of quiet, heartwarming intimacy and adrenaline-fueled suspense, making for an engaging read.
Character Analysis: The Heart of the Novel
Nate Cartwright: A Man in Search of Himself
At the core of the novel is Nate, a man defined by his loss and self-loathing. Klune paints him with an authenticity that makes his pain palpable—his grief over his estranged parents, his struggles as a gay man in an unaccepting world, and his quiet resignation to loneliness. Yet, his transformation throughout the novel is one of its greatest strengths.
As he bonds with Artemis and Alex, Nate rediscovers his capacity for love and protection. He moves from being a passive observer of his own life to someone willing to fight for others. Klune excels at writing broken yet hopeful characters, and Nate is a prime example.
Artemis Darth Vader: A Child of the Stars
Artemis, the heart of the novel, is unlike any child protagonist in recent memory. She is a paradox—both incredibly wise and adorably naïve. Her speech patterns, filled with scientific terminology juxtaposed against Wild West idioms, create a character that is both fascinating and deeply lovable.
What makes Artemis particularly compelling is the way Klune captures the essence of childhood wonder and fear. Despite her extraordinary abilities, she remains a child who just wants to be loved and safe. Her bond with both Alex and Nate is profoundly moving, making her one of the novel’s most memorable characters.
Alex: The Guardian with a Past
Alex is a study in contradictions—brutal yet tender, secretive yet honest in his devotion to Artemis. His backstory, though gradually revealed, adds layers to his motivations and his relentless need to protect the girl at all costs. His dynamic with Nate is one of cautious trust that evolves into something deeply emotional and, at times, heartbreakingly real.
However, while Alex is an intriguing character, he remains somewhat underdeveloped compared to Nate and Artemis. His past is hinted at rather than fully explored, which makes some of his decisions feel less impactful than they could have been.
Themes and Symbolism: Beyond the Surface
Found Family and Belonging
At its core, The Bones Beneath My Skin is about the power of chosen family. Nate, Alex, and Artemis are all, in their own way, lost souls. Yet, through each other, they find a place to belong. Klune beautifully explores the idea that family isn’t always about blood but about the connections we choose to nurture.
Humanity vs. The Unknown
The novel subtly questions what it means to be human. Artemis, with her extraordinary abilities, is seen as something ‘other’ by those who hunt her. Yet, it is her love, her laughter, and her fierce need to protect her makeshift family that makes her more human than those who seek to use her for their own gain.
Survival and Sacrifice
The story is as much about survival as it is about love. Nate must decide if he is willing to risk his own safety for Artemis and Alex. The novel asks: What would we be willing to sacrifice for those we love? And at what cost?
Writing Style and Narrative Execution
Klune’s writing in The Bones Beneath My Skin is poignant and lyrical. His use of humor—often juxtaposed against moments of deep emotional weight—prevents the novel from becoming overly heavy.
However, the pacing is uneven. The beginning is slow, allowing readers to sink into Nate’s loneliness, but it takes too long for the stakes to become clear. The action-heavy final act feels rushed in comparison, leaving some plot threads feeling unresolved.
Additionally, while Klune’s dialogue is often witty and heartfelt, there are moments where Artemis’s speech feels too precocious, pulling the reader out of the immersion. Though charming, her character sometimes strays into the realm of unrealistic.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Emotional Depth: Klune crafts characters that feel real, making their pain and joy deeply affecting.
Unique Protagonists: Nate and Artemis are dynamic, memorable characters.
Themes of Love and Found Family: The novel excels in exploring themes that resonate deeply with readers.
Lyrical Prose: Klune’s ability to blend humor with heartbreak creates a compelling narrative voice.
Weaknesses:
Uneven Pacing: The novel takes too long to establish its central conflict and rushes through key revelations.
Underdeveloped Antagonists: The forces chasing Artemis remain vague, which lessens the tension.
Some Overly Stylized Dialogue: Artemis’s speech, while unique, sometimes feels forced.
Final Verdict: A Touching Yet Imperfect Read
TJ Klune’s The Bones Beneath My Skin is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that blends science fiction with deep emotional storytelling. While it doesn’t reach the narrative heights of The House in the Cerulean Sea, it remains a powerful story of love, loss, and human connection. The book’s strengths lie in its characters and thematic depth, but some structural issues prevent it from being truly exceptional.
For fans of Klune’s other works or readers who enjoy found family narratives with a touch of the extraordinary, this book is a rewarding read. However, those looking for a fast-paced thriller may find its introspective nature frustrating.