Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

From the very first page, the ninth installment in the BONE graphic novel series starts off with a bang.

It begins with Thorn and Fone Bone, who are imprisoned by their own people, having the recurring dream of when her parents gave her away to the dragons. This time, however, the dream is clearer than before - she is able to see her mother.

With this dream, Thorn figures out that the only way for the war to end is if she finds the Crown of Horns. But Fone Bone is quick to object, since the object could just lead to an unclear end to the war.

Outside, the war has begun between the enemies - the Pawan and rat creature army led by Briar - and the city of Atheia. Although Atheia's army are able to force the enemy to retreat, they are still surrounded by them. With this, despite objections, Thorn understands that it is up to her to save her Gran'ma and her city, even if it could mean that it will end her life.

So as Phoney and Gran'ma hold down the fort and venture off on their own journey, Thorn and Fone Bone, along with Bartleby, are off to seal the fate of their city. Whether or not Fone Bone is right is a different story. Finding the Crown of Horns is a challenge with so many obstacles standing in their way, and what it could possibly awake is what makes this installment darker than those before.

As the first BONE graphic novel I've ever read, it definitely grabbed me from the start. For one, the art and the colors are extremely stunning. The plot itself is intriguing and compelling and is full of action and ferocious creatures that no one should ever have to encounter. The intensity of the war is balanced by the hilarious characters of Phoney and Smiley, who just put a smile on the reader's face whenever they are featured in the story.

This is a wonderful series for those reluctant to pick up a book, and BONE: CROWN OF HORNS makes for a thrilling addition. ( )

Crown of Horns is the last book in the amazing Bone series. This book is the crowning point (pardon the pun) to a great series. When I read the first book, I wasn't sure I'd like the Bone series. But it sucked me into its whirlwind of wit and drama and I couldn't stop. When I finished book 6, I didn't own any of the others. Luckily, a close friend stepped in and helped me out by lending me her copies of books 7, 8, and 9. Another devout Bone reader, she and I decided that Jeff Smith should definitely write more. I mean, the ending of Crown of Horns was somewhat a cop-out. I mean, who's going to believe they actually get back to Boneville? Even if Smiley and Phoney did, I think Fone Bone should have stayed behind with Thorn and Gran'ma Ben.
Anyone could tell that's what he would have been happier doing. And, to tell you the truth, I think Smiley would have been happier staying behind in the valley as well. The Bone characters were amazingly three-dimensional, not just flat goof-balls that don't have any personality.
The Bone series was a great read for me. I just LOVED it. It was possibly the best graphic novel(s) I've ever read.
Thanks for reading my review! I think I'll go write Jeff Smith a letter telling him to write some more Bone books now...

This book is so funny and ilike it. ( )

Crown of Horns is the final volume in the Bone series. Both the summary and the review assume you've read the other volumes. At this point it's almost impossible not to reveal something about the earlier books, so you might want to jump to my final thoughts.

My Summary. All the action and plots culminate at the gates of Atheia. Everyone and every creature, good and bad, meet in the battle of the age. Meanwhile, Thorn, Fone, and Bartleby head off to find the Crown of Horns that Thorn has so often dreamed about. Will they find it in time, and will it save the day?

My Thoughts. Crown of Horns is about twice as long as the other books in the series. The pace is quick, and we finally learn the answers to many of the mysteries and find out which legends were true and which were not. Although the characters and their personalities are unique, the plotting was reminiscent of the last chapters of Lord of the Rings. From the battle at the city gates to the way in which the enemy is finally defeated, the parallels to Tolkien are clear.

Final Thoughts about the Series. I loved the Bone books, and I highly recommend the series for anyone who likes humor, graphic novels, fantasy, and/or fun characters. I was caught up in the story from beginning to end, but I think I would have been happier to have read the entire series in either a much shorter or a much longer time period. Reading and reviewing the 9 books in the series within 6 weeks was a bit wearying.

The books are rated for a fairly young audience (9 to 12 years old), but I think the humor, the larger themes of good and evil, and the motivation behind some of the characters' behavior would be lost on the younger kids. Even some of the drawings are better suited to the 14 and up crowd.

The artwork and colorization were outstanding. The faces and postures of the characters clearly conveyed the emotions and thoughts of the individuals. The scenery, from forest to desert and from village to city was arresting. ( )