Empire of Bones

Empire of Bones Cyrus and Antigone Smith continue their journey as members of the Order of Brendan, an ancient society tasked with protecting powerful artifacts and dangerous secrets. The siblings face mounting challenges as their list of allies grows shorter and their enemies gain strength. Two formidable opponents stand in their way: the brilliant young Dr. Oliver Phoenix and the immortal warrior Radu Bey. The Smiths must navigate a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and ancient power while working to restore their fractured Order. The third installment in the Ashtown Burials series combines elements of mythology, history, and adventure in a fast-paced narrative. At its core, the story explores themes of courage, leadership, and the weight of responsibility in the face of overwhelming odds.

Readers found this third book in the Ashtown Burials series faster-paced than previous installments, with higher stakes and more action. Many noted it feels darker and more complex than books 1-2. Readers praised: - Character development, especially Cyrus and Antigone - The blending of historical elements with fantasy - Strong sibling relationships - Resolution of plot threads from earlier books Common criticisms: - Complex plot can be hard to follow - Many characters to keep track of - Some felt the ending was rushed - Long gaps between book releases made it hard to remember previous events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Several reviewers noted they needed to reread the first two books before starting this one to fully understand the story. Multiple parents mentioned the book may be too intense for younger readers despite being marketed as middle grade.

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🔸 N.D. Wilson wrote the first draft of the Ashtown Burials series while recovering from a severe back injury that left him bedridden for several months. 🔸 The Order of Brendan in the series is inspired by the real Saint Brendan the Navigator, a 6th-century Irish monk famous for his legendary voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. 🔸 The author's father, Douglas Wilson, is a well-known theologian, and religious themes subtly influence the moral framework of the Ashtown universe. 🔸 Wilson deliberately set his fantasy series in real-world locations, including the actual historic Ashtown neighborhood in Milwaukee, to create a stronger connection between magic and reality. 🔸 The series' intricate world-building was partially inspired by Wilson's extensive research into ancient Mediterranean cultures and their mythologies during his graduate studies.