The Bones of the Old Ones (The Chronicles of Sword and Sand #2) in Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"

Dec 17, 2012 Mike rated it it was amazing

Howard Andrew Jones’ debut novel The Desert of Souls was one of my favorite novels of 2011. The Bones of the Old Ones , released just this January , takes up bare months after the first novel left off. Asim and Dabir have taken up positions in the city of Mosul and as an uncanny cold grips the desert city the two long time friends find themselves called to action once more this time to aid the mysterious Najya; a woman hunted by a cabal of ancient sorcerer-assassins. The Bones of the Old Ones, e Howard Andrew Jones’ debut novel The Desert of Souls was one of my favorite novels of 2011. The Bones of the Old Ones , released just this January , takes up bare months after the first novel left off. Asim and Dabir have taken up positions in the city of Mosul and as an uncanny cold grips the desert city the two long time friends find themselves called to action once more this time to aid the mysterious Najya; a woman hunted by a cabal of ancient sorcerer-assassins. The Bones of the Old Ones, even more than in Jones’ first novel, is a pure and unadulterated Swords and Sorcery novel.

Featuring mysterious magicians, a beautiful woman in danger, and two very human yet extraordinarily capable heroes The Bones of the Old One rockets forth at breakneck pace barely pausing for a breath as our two hero manage to stay a hairsbreadth ahead of the villains. Whereas the first novel saw Jones taking time to introduce our Asim and Dabir he all but disposes of that formality here spending what felt like a very brief chapter reacquainting readers with the two protagonists before thrusting them into danger.

At the same time Jones also delves into the history of both Dabir and Asim. For Asim this comes by way via the mysterious damsel-in-distress Najya whose quiet strength, and capable nature (not to mention great beauty) attract the stoic Asim. Through this attraction we learn a little about Asim’s past love life, just enough to provide readers with a reason behind his hesitance when it comes to his feelings for Najya. Asim isn’t the only character whose past we get to visit, Dabir revisits his own past he contact his former mentor Jibril. Both offer insight into the makeup of each character while at the same time keep the novel focused on the plot.

As in the previous volume the narrative is experience from Asim’s point of view. It is an interesting choice for narration offering a one-sided means of interpreting thought, emotion, and action. Everything that happens is relayed through the filter of Asim’s perspective and Jones does a remarkable job of staying true to his rather limited point of view. I can only imagine how frustrating it must have gotten at some points wanting to portray things that didn’t happen in front of Asim or finding ways to have Asim relay things that didn’t happen directly to them. In the end I think the strict adherence to Asim’s point of view is not only part of the novel’s charm but also plays a strong part in keeping the action fast and plot tight.

The Bones of the Old Ones was a pleasure to read. Jones crafts a taught action-packed story that never suffers as a result of its pace. Dabir and Asim are well-crafted vibrant character with distinct personalities and attitudes that together create an effective and well-rounded partnership. The Desert of Souls was an excellent first novel and, while I didn’t think it possible, The Bones of the Old Ones manages to take a similar approach and make it even faster and more thrilling than its predecessor. I’ll definitely be on the lookout from more adventures with Dabir and Asim and I recommend all fans of adventure laden fantasy give Howard Andrew Jones a try. ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Dec 15, 2012 Joseph rated it really liked it

The Desert of Souls, the first Dabir and Asim novel, was very good. Bones of the Old Ones is even better. Once again we're in 8th Century Mosul, but this time the land is gripped by winter (I love the idea of an Arabian Nights-style adventure where everything is covered by snow and ice). And the set-up is classic noir -- when the dame walks in, you know she's going to be trouble. Before things have ended, there will have been the clash of swords, ancient ruins, sinister agents and dark, primal m ...more

8 likes · Like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Derek rated it liked it

Shelves: sword-and-sorcery

The components are familiar, but the craft of their assembly is undeniable. From the interaction between Asim and Dabir to Asim's running narration (mixing wit and wisdom and pragmatism) to a plot that locks together tight as a drum to fight sequences dripping verisimilitude, there is no doubting the high quality that runs through the story.

Yet, somehow its construction didn't really sit with me in a way I can't explain. Asim details a fight with a powerful warrior and while every aspect is undo ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 05, 2017 Peter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, adventure, arabian, sword-and-sorcery

Well crafted classic sword & sorcery.

While I loved the classical feel of this S&S duo, the plot felt a bit to overwrought. At times keeping track of who was an ally, or the actual antagonist took it bit more work than I'd like. The characters do have some banter, but they are obviously very serious people: a bit more lightheartedness would have been appreciated.

Don't take me wrong! This still is a page turner, and the way Jones mixed older mythologies into his Arabic setting is great. The stakes ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 12, 2020 Jason Ray Carney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, sword-and-sorcery, arabian-nights, historical-fantasy

This is an excellent sword and sorcery novel. It is the sequel to Jones' *The Desert of Eternity,* but it is a contained narrative and does not require knowledge of the first novel. The two protagonists, Assim and Dabir, complement eachother wonderfully: Assim is a duty-bound warrior who acts instinctively and with sincerity; Dabir is a pensive scholar who is haunted not only by his sorcerous knowledge but also by a lingering sorrow. This novel focuses on Assim and Dabir's fight against the immo ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Nov 20, 2012 Patrick rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

Howard Andrew Jones' The Bones of the Old Ones in the Sword and Sands Chronicle is a worthy successor to the first book in that series, The Desert of Souls.

We get more of the swashbuckling, historical fantasy. Asim and Dabir begin their journey when Tajya, a Persian noblewoman, arrives. She is in distress, and she needs the help of Asim and Dabir, who take on the task. An ancient and powerful magic threatens them at every turn.

The setup is wonderful, and Jones loses no time in jeopardizing our h ...more

Like · see review

Aug 23, 2022 Michael rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, science-fiction-fantasy

I enjoyed his story, though not as much as The Desert of Souls. Fun Middle Eastern flavored, low-magic fantasy. Asim and Dabir are a good duo, and I think the world building is great. I will read the final volume--short stories--about these characters. ...more

Like · see review