Call of the Bone Ships

The Tide Child Trilogy, Book 2

By: R. J. Barker

Narrated by: Jude Owusu

Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

A brilliantly imagined saga of honour, glory and warfare, Call of the Bone Ships is the captivating epic fantasy sequel to R J. Barker's The Bone Ships.

Dragons have returned to the Hundred Isles. But their return heralds only war and destruction. When a horde of dying slaves are discovered in the bowels of a ship, Shipwife Meas and the crew of the Tide Child find themselves drawn into a vicious plot that will leave them questioning their loyalties and fighting for their lives.

©2020 R. J. Barker (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK

Critic Reviews

"Swashbuckling awesomeness...a definite winner." (John Gwynne, author of Malice)

The bones the bones the bones

The Bone Ships story over the two currently-existing volumes envisions a pre-industrial maritime society in which wood does not exist -trees do not exist - and the great sailing ships are made of leviathan bones - extinct sea-dragon bones. This civilization is a matriarchy where rank is a matter of fertility and men are objectified for their beauty and fecundity. But similarities exist - there is enough steel for swords - ship-authority is absolute, and loyalty is the most prized virtue. Also there is song-magic. R J Barker fills the characters with passions and flaws, Jude Owusu’s unique interpretation Is stylized and effective, and magic bird-creatures conjure the winds for the ship wings. A wild ride!

Wow that was good

What a great book! Great narration too. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to the next book.

Fantastic

Book two of The Tide Child trilogy does not disappoint! Fantastic world building and character development. I won't reveal spoilers but if you enjoyed the first, you will absolutely love this.

Jude Owusu does an amazing job with the narration too.

Pirates and dragons, who could ask for more?

I very much enjoyed this series. The characters are rich and intriguing and I wanted to know what was going to happen to them next. Loved the world building. and the narration was great.

This was my first series from this author, and he had me hooked on the first book. I will definitely be listening to more from him.

great fun on the high seas

great world building & character creation! this story keeps you guessing and just keeps on wratcheting up the stakes. well worth the listen

I live this narrator!

This series is excellent but I can't help but think that the narration is the absolute cherry on top!

Awesome world ...

I've longed for a pirate story that wasn't just about pirates, if that makes sense. This is an amazing story, with great characters in a world that is captivating. so happy I didn't let the review count deter me. I can't wait for book 3.

A unique series

I continue to be in awe of the writing and the depth/expansion of the characters in this series. I’m totally enjoy the Gilaime - the narrator’s interpretation of this species (and other characters) is spot on. He has a gift for diversity of tone and expression. The next book can’t come fast enough!

Another 5 star review, wow

I don’t hand out 5 star reviews lightly, and it is very rare that the second in series receives one.
For me book two was just as stellar as the first. I hope the third can keep up and make this a perfect trilogy.

Damn good sequel, awesome series

yes, I would recommend 10/10
This does not suffer from middle book syndrome. so much growth, and closure and things happened and it felt like a solid book with a beginning and an end and not a terrible cliffhanger.

Joran grew so much in this book. I was very happy with his commitment to Meas and his friendship with her, as well as with the some of the other deck childer.

There was a lot of action and fights and it was fantastic. I will say that I found the two fights by the wind spires kind of repetitive, but that's not a big deal.

I love Gullaim, I wish they would give him a name though. Also, I really like Shorn and Medora. heh, Medora, she's feisty.

I like all the new world building bits in here and am super excited to read the 3rd book when it's out. maybe we'll finally meet Meas' mother, which would be great.

Great series, read it. you won't be disappointed

Outstanding is not a good enough word

Absolutely fantastic storytelling!

RJ Barker knows how to tell a tale and tell it well. You cannot help but root for, and like,Twiner, or follow Shipwife Meas to the ends of the earth if she ordered it, His style is easy and the pacing is nigh on perfect.

Jude Owusu‘s narration is perfect!

An amazing range of voices, an understanding of what he is narrating and an out and out joy to listen to.

Book 3 here we come.

Fantastic

Brilliant; beautifully horrifying world building with texture and depth, supported by gorgeous voice acting. Eee, I cannot wait for the next one, nor recommend this series more highly