Library Journal
This is the penultimate chapter in one of the most widely acclaimed graphic novel series in the United States. It's the story of the three Bone cousins-good-hearted Fone Bone, avaricious Phoney Bone, and dopey Smiley Bone. Driven from their home, they become allies of the people of the valley in their struggle against the invading Rat Creatures and the Hooded One. In this volume, the Bones, along with Gran'ma Ben (a.k.a. Rose, the land's queen, returning from exile) and her granddaughter Thorn, enter the city of Atheia, where Gran'ma reunites with old allies and faces danger from a usurper while Phoney Bone schemes to take charge of the city's treasury. Meanwhile, the army of the Hooded One is advancing on the city, and the stage is set for the final battle. Adventure, comedy, imagination, and clean, accomplished artwork-bringing to mind such masters as Carl Barks, Walt Kelly, and Hayao Miyazaki-come together to produce a classic with wide appeal for readers ages ten to 100. Most libraries will want the sturdier hardcover editions, because these books will be checked out repeatedly. Winner of 17 Eisner and Harvey awards and many other awards besides, this is a series no library should be without. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.