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The Spark That Started Metal Bones
Metal Bones follows two story lines, one following brothers on the hunt for a cure to a ‘steel elbow’ disease and another following a man with a cannon for an arm who’s looking for his long lost father. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling science fiction story?
The spark that started Metal Bones was a song called ‘Alive’ by Phil Lober. When I listened to it I pictured a scene in my mind that I had to write a story around. I was also watching Star Wars a lot at the time and I think some of those themes crept their way in as I was writing.
Leo and Gaeth were intriguing and well developed characters. What were some ideals that guided their character development?
Thank you! The main thing that guided their character development was the dynamic between an older sibling and younger sibling. Leo wants to help Gaeth get better but Gaeth doesn’t want to be the one who has to be taken care of all the time. I used that to guide their decision making throughout the story.
I enjoyed the unique world you’ve created for your story. What were some themes that were important for you to incorporate in your galaxy?
I’m glad! A big one was family. Obviously Leo and Gaeth are a huge part of that, but I wanted to explore it with Tank as well. Even though his family isn’t blood related, I believe it doesn’t have to be and can even be stronger than biological family at times.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on the sequel to Metal Bones! I don’t have a specific release date yet but it’ll be 2021.
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Leo Spearman cares about one thing: getting a cure for Gaeth’s “Steel Elbow”. Yet, when they decide to leave Earth to cure him, they realize they may have to break galactic law to get it. Leo believes everything is going according to plan but when their new ally Sonja comes along, Leo becomes more and more dedicated to Onyx, a group set on stopping the Sol Empire from taking over the galaxy. As Leo and Sonja’s connection starts to grow, Gaeth begins questioning his brothers’ dedication to finding his cure.
Across the galaxy, an alien named Tank is determined to win the Ceremony, hoping to find out what happened to his father, who won before him. Only when he finds the answer, he is forced to escape his home, losing his hand in the process. After being saved by Enzu, she equips him with an arm cannon, the only expense being to work for her and protect a small boy named Myca at all costs. Tank is grateful for Enzu saving him, but the more time he spends at Bisekt, it makes him question everything and who to trust.
However when an outside threat forces Tank and Leo to work together, they’ll discover if they’ll be able to save the ones they love or if it’s already too late.
Fans of Mass Effect will love the first installment in the Metal Bones series!
Metal Bones
Metal Bones is an enthralling science fiction story that connects two separate story lines. The first one is about Leo and Gaeth, brothers who are on a mission to cure Gaeth’s contagious “steel elbow.” After their neighbors have unfairly shunned them, they set off on a space faring journey to Oblurn, where all those affected by this mysterious condition reside. They encounter a series of interesting and unique characters which sets off a bunch of misadventures along the way. The second story line follows one of the most interesting sci-fi characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year: Tank, a man on a mission. His father has been missing for a long time and Tank almost loses his own life in search of his long lost father. A mysterious woman saves him and gives him an arm cannon (yes! a cannon for an arm) under one condition: he must protect a Myca, a child, at all costs. Tank agrees but soon discovers that everything is not as straightforward as it seems.
Metal Bones is an action packed novel with a quick pace interrupted only by necessary exposition that drives a far flung plot that’s held together by intriguing characters. Although the premise and situations of the characters are somewhat difficult to believe (a steel elbow? How would that work?), Kathleen Contine makes it work and the suspension of disbelief is pulled of quite easily. Everything is serious without being grave, and the light touches of humor really add to the whole experience.
Some of the comments and behaviour made towards his “disease” spoke multitudes about the way humans themselves deal with those with disabilities or conditions. I’m not sure whether the author intended to make a comment or draw attention to this situation, but it was a topic that was subtly and sensitively explored; I greatly appreciated that.
The characters and their motivations were also portrayed with great depth. Leo was not simply the selfless, sacrificial brother to Gaeth. And neither was Gaeth a helpless, grateful, steel elbow victim. All the characters were complex and human- that’s what made them so compelling.
Metal Bones a fun and interesting book that sets up an intriguing universe and places some engaging characters within it. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a science fiction novel with a bit of humor that’s rife with action.
Pages: 299 | ASIN: B084H9BMDF
LITERARY TITAN 