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A Throne of Bones (Arts of Dark and Light Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 801 ratings

In Selenoth, the race of Man is on the ascendant. The ancient dragons sleep. The ghastly Witchkings are no more; their evil power destroyed by the courage of Men and the fearsome magic of the Elves. The Dwarves have retreated to the kingdoms of the Underdeep, the trolls hide in their mountains, and even the savage orc tribes have learned to dread the iron discipline of Amorr's mighty legions. But after four hundred years of mutual suspicion, the rivalry between two of the Houses Martial that rule the Amorran Senate threatens to turn violent, and unrest sparks rebellion throughout the imperial provinces. In the north, the barbarian reavers who have long plagued the coasts of the White Sea unexpectedly plead for the royal protection of the King of Savondir, as they flee a vicious race of wolf-demons who have invaded their islands. And in the distant east, the war drums echo throughout the mountains as orcs and goblins gather in vast numbers, summoned by their bestial gods.

Epic fantasy at its deepest and most gripping, A THRONE OF BONES is Book I in the ARTS OF DARK AND LIGHT. DRM-free.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This hefty tome has a scope and grandeur rivaling George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, but instead of mocking heroic ideals, Day celebrates them."

"This book contains strong traces DNA from Umberto Eco and Neal Stephenson, but it stands on its own as a fantastically monstrous creature."

"There are beautiful moments, there is clever dialogue, there is deep mystery. It took some level of genius to write it."

"Fantastic read. The only flaw is that the book is only about 800 pages."

"There are gritty moments and complex characters. But what really distinguishes
A Throne of Bones from other recent epic fantasy is that Day hasn't forgotten the value of beauty. ARTS OF DARK AND LIGHT is the most promising new series in epic fantasy."

About the Author

Five-time Hugo Award finalist Vox Day is a platinum-selling gamedesigner who writes epic fantasy as well as non-fiction about religion,philosophy, and economics. His literary focus is historicalverisimilitude and realistic characters who represent the full spectrumof human behavior. He speaks three languages and is a three-timeBillboard top 40 recording artist.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00I6H0J7S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Castalia House (January 31, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 31, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4915 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 812 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 801 ratings

About the author

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Vox Day
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Six-time Hugo Award finalist Vox Day writes epic fantasy as well as non-fiction about religion, political philosophy, and economics. He is a multi-platinum-selling game designer who speaks four languages and a three-time Billboard Top 40 Club Play recording artist.

He maintains a popular blog called Vox Popoli that averages over 3 million pageviews per month. He is an American Indian and the Supreme Dark Lord of the Evil Legion of Evil. The Wall Street Journal described him as "the most despised man in science fiction."

He is the Lead Editor at Castalia House and Arkhaven Comics, and the Chief Content Officer at Unauthorized.TV. His novel A SEA OF SKULLS was a 2017 Dragon Award Finalist for Best Fantasy novel.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
801 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging with its compelling fantasy lore and world. They find the characters relatable and easy to follow. Readers praise the writing style as well-crafted and talented. They appreciate the good pacing and rapid action, which keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The intricate political details and themes of honor and duty are also appreciated.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

207 customers mention "Fantasy"187 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the compelling fantasy world and lore. They find the book's rich storytelling engaging, with an ambitious plot and well-written battle descriptions. Readers describe it as an excellent work of fiction worth checking out if you enjoy epic fantasy set in the Roman Republic around 91 BC.

"...it shuts the door to the world we know and provides an escape to a better reality, and one far more dangerous than the one in which we now dwell...." Read more

"...Vox Day has created some compelling lore and a world filled with the Good, the Beautiful & the True, as well as dark and monstrous things so vile,..." Read more

"...The battles are great, and they don't feel forced in just to add conflict...." Read more

"...It certainly works to organize very long works and makes following the story much more vivid, but I also thought that I paid too much attention to..." Read more

177 customers mention "Enjoyment"161 positive16 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it worth reading, with an engaging story and language that is easy to understand. The world has real problems and triumphs, and the lore is compelling. The fast pace keeps readers hooked, even though the book is over 500 pages long.

"...that are powerful, climactic, moving: not just great writing, but great in meaning...." Read more

"...Vox Day has created some compelling lore and a world filled with the Good, the Beautiful & the True, as well as dark and monstrous things so vile,..." Read more

"...Vox has laid a solid foundation, and I'm still looking forward to seeing who dies next, who betrays who, and how the alliances change...." Read more

"...get a better deal for 800+ pages of pure workable text, no fluff or evidence of boredom on the author's part, he is clearly interested in telling a..." Read more

109 customers mention "Believable characters"94 positive15 negative

Customers find the characters relatable and easy to track. They appreciate the multiple character stories and perspectives that weave together. The world of Selenoth is filled with various humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, orcs, and monsters. Readers praise the book's balance of realism and excitement.

"...Every page, for its grit and realism, its tragedy, folly and danger, the thwarted plans, curses, whoredom, brutality, the death of youth, the loss..." Read more

"...This world of Selenoth is filled with various humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, orcs, dragons, and even a few other surprises...." Read more

"...in imagination, fun, suspenseful at times, realistic, the characters are relatable, it has it all, and for 5 bucks on a Kindle, you can't really get..." Read more

"...2. Real people (and monsters), real problems, fantasy world. I have never felt sorry for a monster in an epic fantasy before...." Read more

97 customers mention "Writing style"73 positive24 negative

Customers praise the writing style as well-written and solid. They find the characters well-conceived and interesting. The prose shows the author's mastery of English and Latin. The book does a good job of showing the reader the difference between nation, state, and sorcery. It also details battles and societies thoroughly. Readers are not tormented with fancy misspellings, and the author has a real knack for fiction.

"...battles, fantastic beasts, sorcery & societies that are very well fleshed out...." Read more

"...This is good fantasy, well written, creative, the story is impressive in imagination, fun, suspenseful at times, realistic, the characters are..." Read more

"...- there are several assassinations and war deaths that are also well done, and a strength...." Read more

"...That being said, I think that the author has a real knack for fiction and am glad to hear that he will be devoting much more time to writing the..." Read more

64 customers mention "Pacing"53 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced, with a compelling storyline that doesn't lag. The plot develops well and keeps readers hooked.

"...Despite its length, A Throne of Bones is a fast read, and perhaps would benefit from the occasional gear-shifting song cycle or original poem, just..." Read more

"...written, creative, the story is impressive in imagination, fun, suspenseful at times, realistic, the characters are relatable, it has it all, and..." Read more

"...No disney prince and princess stuff. Refreshing 4. Fast pace. Every sentence feels like it has a point. This is a 500+ page book...." Read more

"...-of-view characters that spans several months, yet the plotting is easy enough to grasp...." Read more

36 customers mention "Political detail"36 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the political detail in the book. They find it blends war, politics, and fantasy into an engaging story. The book is filled with dark political intrigue, intense battles, fantastic beasts, and many varying viewpoints. Readers appreciate the strategies and conflicts masterfully woven together. It was great to see the interactions of humans, elves, dwarves, and orcs.

"...This epic work is filled with dark political intrigue, intense battles, fantastic beasts, sorcery & societies that are very well fleshed out...." Read more

"...There is a ton of Roman military and political language that was a real treat to work through, if you like running to your OED all the time...." Read more

"...I was also intrigued by the military emphasis- or more specifically the emphasis on an accurate portrayal of warfare...." Read more

"...I enjoyed every word of the Roman intrigue and internecine conflicts. The Fantasy portion is also excellent...." Read more

34 customers mention "Morality"34 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's morality. They find the religion portrayed in a realistic way, with sufficient complexity to engender respect. The story has philosophical considerations and an uplifting spirit. Readers mention that the main religion is Christian-like, though never preachy. They also appreciate the realistic battle scenes, questions of magic and faith, and decency among the clergy.

"...political intrigue, intense battles, fantastic beasts, sorcery & societies that are very well fleshed out...." Read more

"...royalty are not sniveling power tripping cowards, the holy are not greedy perverts, and so on...." Read more

"...The main religion is very Christian-like, though never preachy. It is used to add texture, and makes sense...." Read more

"...I was pleased to see that there was real faith, real soul seeking, real moral quandaries, and not just some glib or erroneous attempts at such...." Read more

28 customers mention "Length"21 positive7 negative

Customers find the book's length suitable for reading sessions of 15-20 minutes. They appreciate the phenomenal scale of the world and the convenient size of chapters for those who pace their reading. The world starts to feel smaller and cozy near the end, and the characters remain loyal and consistent with their iconic essence.

"...created some compelling lore and a world filled with the Good, the Beautiful & the True, as well as dark and monstrous things so vile, so malevolent..." Read more

"...Alpha males are undeniably attractive to women, hardened soldiers are not whipped easily, royalty are not sniveling power tripping cowards, the..." Read more

"...Clearly at several hundred pages this book is too short...." Read more

"...Devouring this book was easy because it never lulled. An impressive feat with the amount of words...." Read more

Uncompromising World Building
5 out of 5 stars
Uncompromising World Building
I am not a fan of fantasy; after all, if you are allowed to 'do anything' what prevents from 'magicing' difficulties away. I am wrong. There is enough tension built into ToB that I had to put it down for a while to get my gut under control. This is an extremely satisfying tale, combining all I ever knew or suspected about the Romans, all the Celtic guile, and Teutonic mythos into a single coherent world. Complicated, interwoven and emotionally honest, I found myself fascinated in a tale the likes of which I have not experienced since the 1960s LoR. Very well done.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2013
    Subtext flows fast through the story, providing a skeleton that never shows through the story's skirts. However, if you want elegant critiques on the distancing effects of television, the nature of cruelty, the excellence of warfare, the culture of the Church, the narrowness of postmodern expectation, the daft inner workings of pseudoscience, the shortcomings of theory versus application, the invisible nature of Modalism, or the psychological impact of human flight you'll find them, like a rake in his prime, waiting, ready and rich.

    But this is a book designed with a single primary purpose, to revive epic fantasy as a rooted form, and most readers of fantasy are going to receive this story as such.

    They will not be disappointed.

    Names are important in A Throne of Bones, and I'll highlight two: Selenoth, the continent upon which the action takes is, a nod, I believe, to the element selenium, which occurs naturally in volcanic areas. Considering the photosensitivity of the material, it seems natural that the land provides an elemental basis to the development of Selenoth's primeval magic.

    Even more interesting, however is the name of the main country: Amorr. Yes, it is a play on the legendary "secret name" of Rome, which provides a clever signal that this strange society will in some way mirror the Roman republic. However, more deeply, it is also a direct tip to the Latin word for "love" and this is where, if the magic of Selenoth draws the bow, the arrow of Amorr strikes the heart.

    Day is, after all, an incorrigible romantic, and not of the hopeless variety. The nostalgia, realism and richness of Selenoth is crystalized through the lens of Amorr, and, to put a fine point on it, love is all around. Love in degraded, if happy, form in the camp followers and brothels among the soldiery. Love between sibling reavers on a mission to draw former victim states into an alliance against certain doom. In a scene stunning, dreadful, long-coming but still shocking scene, love grips in stoic, complex anguish.*

    The raw and needful love between man and wife. Long-distance love between the clever (yet earnest) and the cruel (yet sympathetic). Love of complex relational intrigues. Love of language. Love of order. Love of family, of honor, of duty.

    Love of dragons. Love of gold. Love of knowledge. Love of good men, of good life, of good death. A love of the hope that all things, not some or most, will pass away, and yet that all things, not some or most, will be restored by the hand of the Almighty. Every page, for its grit and realism, its tragedy, folly and danger, the thwarted plans, curses, whoredom, brutality, the death of youth, the loss of ideals, the temporary victory of murder and evil, is an out and out love letter to the Immaculate. Death, in all its towering, all-consuming bleakness, is small, and soon to be swallowed by a love so great it lays its life down, and in defeat, quite literally overcomes all.

    A Throne of Bones is doorstopping fantasy for far more than its physical dimensions. Metaphysically, it shuts the door to the world we know and provides an escape to a better reality, and one far more dangerous than the one in which we now dwell. It expresses longings (to master dragons, to find treasure, to save the world on a mission from God, to restore and enjoy the family, to live abundantly and in reality, enjoy and defend the relationships that matter, and many, many more) in such richness of detail.

    An aside: fantasists are the bastard children of organized theology. I don't mean that fantasy is allegory, and certainly not direct, symbol for symbol theology. Instead due in part to the fact that every fantasy, from Phantastes to His Dark Materials, are created worlds that don't pop into existence at random. They each have creators who can't help that they leave traces of themselves in the handiwork of their model worlds. While science fiction is typically a practical exercise or applied thought experiment in galactic or atomic creation, fantasy distinguishes itself by fabricating the middle ground: the world as it is commonly known. A Throne of Bones expresses a theology that views an Almighty who is coming to restore all things, and the things, even in corrupted state, have their origins in good. Evil is small and dark and nothing, whose major temporary advantage is its ability to poison hope and occlude the truth.

    Ensoulment, the major theme of the previous novel in the series, Summa Elvetica, gets to play in A Throne of Bones in a way that was impossible when it was the primary pack mule for the plot of the previous work. As previously established, love is not possible without ensoulment. What is most fascinating is to see the care in which the author has ensouled each of his own characters, down to the idiotically short-lived and naturally evil goblin cannon fodder.

    Forget if elves might be ensouled. Can goblins win a fight?

    The book has tremendous surf. There are waves of no fewer than seven chapters that are powerful, climactic, moving: not just great writing, but great in meaning. I have been surprised to see (more than once) complaints about dropped plot threads (such as the dragon) which to me were quite obviously not dropped, characters that do not naturally develop (such as Severa) who seems to me to very naturally develop and comparisons to A Song of Ice and Fire where I see very little resemblance.

    A major criticism I have of the book is something I naturally expected after reading a chapter or two: music. The book itself is not lyrical, but technical (though elegant in technique), but the world of Selenoth, especially with its peculiar response to the Immaculate, simply cries out for various bits of poetry, hymn and common song to be in greater evidence. Aside from a muscular (and welcome) public recitation of poetry (during which Corvus, the listener, falls asleep!) they are not.

    I know, I know. Bad form knocking a book an entire half-star (out of ten) for what it did not include, but it really was that noticeable. It isn't like the author hasn't included poetics in previous works: the decision had to be conscious, and all I can say is that I missed the music. The reader gets smells, sights, sounds, textures and action, but the lack of music is curious. The lyrics are there, mixed in with more mundane plot-drivers - they are simply not drawn out and set to music to make it more obvious for the reader. There are prayers, but no psalms.

    On the other hand, despite an off-hand reference to musicians, there are also no minstrel bards to be found, and of that I can't complain.

    Despite its length, A Throne of Bones is a fast read, and perhaps would benefit from the occasional gear-shifting song cycle or original poem, just to remind the reader to linger and look around a moment longer.

    Of course, to truly succeed, the series will need to out-do itself until the penultimate book (where, if the series is to be great, it must peak, then echo that peak through the final book and achieve an elegant slight downslope), which will certainly be a challenge, perhaps an epic one. However, I simply can't express the joy in knowing this is a planned set - a part of a larger story (but don't worry, this one stands just fine on its own. Though it ends with a satisfying suspense, it is no annoying cliffhanger. It will build expectation for what comes next, but also satisfies.) - and that I have only just begun a lifelong escape into the reality of Selenoth and Amorr: or, as I think of their secret names - Magic and Love.

    A Throne of Bones (Vox Day, Hardcover Edition)
    9 out of 10

    *One note on this, yet trying to avoid major spoilers* - the scene of anguish is subtle and intensely complex, and argues, in a very brief moment, a detailed theological argument. I view it as a significant underpinning to the way the world of Selenoth "works" from a creator's point of view - a creator who fully intends to restore all things, and one who therefore allows space for a man to work out many critical and seemingly impossible choices for himself.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2024
    I have been a lifelong fan of such writers as Tolkien, Sanderson, Weiss & Hickman, and many other solid high fantasy authors, and must say this is the best novel I've read in years; in this genre or any other! Author Vox Day is extremely good at writing battle scenes. I felt as if I were right there on the front line with a legionary infantry unit. This was gripping!! I am immediately diving into book two of this Arts of Dark & Light series entitled A Sea of Skulls. Vox Day has created some compelling lore and a world filled with the Good, the Beautiful & the True, as well as dark and monstrous things so vile, so malevolent, that one shudders to even mention their names. This epic work is filled with dark political intrigue, intense battles, fantastic beasts, sorcery & societies that are very well fleshed out. If you are a fan of the genre you will most definitely NOT be disappointed. I've found myself thinking of these characters in my daily life. Been a long time since a book has done that for me.
    This world of Selenoth is filled with various humans, elves, dwarves, goblins, orcs, dragons, and even a few other surprises. Dark and forgotten ancient evils lie at the heart of the plot of this trilogy and they're intent on using the various races of beings in the world of Selenoth as pawns in an epic struggle for supremacy of the entire realm. A Throne of Bones takes place in a wondrous world, filled with both the sacred & the profane. I am very much looking forward to book two and am heavily suggesting that you, dear reader, join me on this thrilling journey! You will lose sleep. You must take precautions not to let your desire to read this novel overshadow your daily responsibilities in life. Believe me, it's easy to let this happen. Reading this book has been time most well-spent. Bravo, Vox Day, on a job extremely well done!!

Top reviews from other countries

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  • TheyCallMeWry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Martin. Believe it.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2017
    Epic fantasy fan who has grown bored with cookie cutter, formulaic, derivative dross pushed on us by the traditional publishers? Vox Day has your remedy to this in Selenoth. This book will have you furiously flipping pages to see what's next and surprising you along the way. Full of refreshing takes on the genre (mild spoilers ahead) featuring: mages, compelling court intrigue, a fully realised roman-esque society, a race of vikings who are battling for their lands and lives against a werewolf army, a powerful church and it's politics and machinations, dwarves, elves, orcs, goblins and of course some shadowy and malevolent primordial evil forces moving their chess pieces to what end we don't yet know... and yeah, maybe a dragon is in there too.
    Highly recommended.
  • Luisonmcbiel
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best fantasy book I have read
    Reviewed in Spain on May 13, 2019
    Forget A song of ice and fire. This book is as intriguing as the first books of asoif yet I think it has a way better backbone. I have read it in just a week. Cannot recommend it enough
  • K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wirklich zu empfehlen
    Reviewed in Germany on June 3, 2019
    Das, was Game of Throne hätte sein sollen.
    Was ich besonders mochte:
    -Realismus:
    Alle Schlachten, Politischen Intrigen und Charaktere sind 100 mal realistischer, als in GOT. Es wirkt nicht erzwungen und man lernt soviel über die realen Bedingungen und Gegebenheiten auf dem Schlachtfeld und dem politischen Geschacher.
    -Einzigartiges Setting, dass es ich so noch nie gesehen habe.
    Ein Imperium, dass dem Römischen Reich mit seinen schweren inneren Konflikten nachempfunden wurde, kombiniert mit der fantasy-version der Katholischen Kirche. Wirklich interessant, wie der Glaube in einer Welt voller Magie, Orks, Trolle etc. sich auspielt.

    Ich freu mich schon auf den zweiten Teil Sea of Skulls , von dem ich hoffe, dass die Vollversion bald rauskommt.
  • Ivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars While this book can be picked up and enjoyed 'cold', a little context helps you appreciate what ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2017
    While this book can be picked up and enjoyed 'cold', a little context helps you appreciate what this book is (and isn't).

    The author, Vox Day, was very critical of George Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series. He therefore set out to see if he could do better, and intentionally patterned Arts of Dark and Light on that earlier series. This is NOT a rehash, however. Other than the epic scope of the story, the use of pseudo historical cultures, and the deliberate use of 'point of view' chapters, this is a completely different story. The world building and the characters owe nothing George Martin's books.

    In my opinion, Vox has at least matched George Martin's epic saga. Some of the reasons for this are technical - tighter writing and better control of the plot, for example. However, the world, and the characters, that Vox presents simply make more sense.

    In SoI&F, Martin tries to make each character more depraved than the last, or have a more horrible back story. 'Good' characters are always stupid, and will usually die first, probably from being stupid.

    In AoD&L, Vox presents us with characters that have rational, and even reasonable, motives for what they do, on both sides of the conflict. When evil is done, it is done for a reason. One character, for example, arranges the rape of an elf sorceress to destroy her magic. He does this at the order of his king, who wants to put the elf in a position where she must turn to the humans for assistance, for which they will require her to share her arcane knowledge. Evil, but not evil done for the sake of evil.

    Equally, the characters are both consistent, and realistic. When Rob Stark from Martin's SoI&F - apparently a ruthless tactical genius set on avenging his murdered father, throws it all away to marry some girl he meets in an army camp, you can't help but feel that this is just to give Martin an excuse to set up the infamous Red Wedding. The successes and failures of the superficially similar Marcus Valerius from AoD&L are entirely in keeping with his character.

    And it is perhaps worth noting that while most readers of Martin's works have certain characters that they skip (or at least, dread), ALL of Vox's characters were interesting to read and felt relevant to the story.
  • David Griffiths
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Throne of Bones
    Reviewed in Australia on December 14, 2019
    The Throne of Bones is a great read so do yourself a favour turn off the Tele, turn the fake news off and the subverted you tube / net flix and use your imagination.
    Believe me it is still there,and it still works
    Vox Day is an entertaining writing and has the ability to paint a clear and at times remarkable and breathtaking picture and is able to direct the reader through a colourful ,exciting and complex story line with clarity and creativity.
    We follow a number of characters and situations who appear disconnected in the story but later he cleverly entwines some of them
    I highly recommend this fantasy tale of intrigue ,battles ,politics, betrayal ,bravery and loyalty.
    I love his ability to detail battle scenes both the macro and the individual even those who will later die in battle

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