Quick Take

A stunning supernatural thriller set in Siberia, where a film crew is covering an elusive ghost story about the Kolyma Highway, a road built on top of the bones of prisoners of Stalin's gulag.Kolyma Highway, otherwise known as the Road of Bones, is a 1200 mile stretch of Siberian road where winter temperatures can drop as low as sixty degrees below zero. Under Stalin, at least eighty Soviet gulags were built along the route to supply the USSR with a readily available workforce, and over time hundreds of thousands of prisoners died in the midst of their labors. Their bodies were buried where they fell, plowed under the permafrost, underneath the road.Felix Teigland, or "Teig," is a documentary producer, and when he learns about the Road of Bones, he realizes he's stumbled upon untapped potential. Accompanied by his camera operator, Teig hires a local Yakut guide to take them to Oymyakon, the coldest settlement on Earth. Teig is fascinated by the culture along the Road of Bones, and encounters strange characters on the way to the Oymyakon, but when the team arrives, they find the village mysteriously abandoned apart from a mysterious 9-year-old girl. Then, chaos ensues.A malignant, animistic shaman and the forest spirits he commands pursues them as they flee the abandoned town and barrel across miles of deserted permafrost. As the chase continues along this road paved with the suffering of angry ghosts, what form will the echoes of their anguish take? Teig and the others will have to find the answers if they want to survive the Road of Bones.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Road of Bones

Introduction

"Road of Bones" is a supernatural thriller by Christopher Golden, set in Siberia. The story follows Felix Teigland, a documentary producer, and his cameraman as they embark on a journey to cover the legend of the Kolyma Highway, a road built on top of the bones of prisoners from Stalin's gulag. Along the way, they encounter strange characters and face the wrath of a malignant shaman and his forest spirits. This book offers a chilling and atmospheric read, blending horror and suspense with historical elements.

About Christopher Golden

Christopher Golden is a New York Times bestselling author known for his novels such as "Road of Bones," "Ararat," "Snowblind," and "Of Saints and Shadows." He has also co-created the Outerverse comic book universe with Mike Mignola. Golden's work has been nominated for various awards, including the British Fantasy Award, the Eisner Award, and multiple Shirley Jackson Awards. He has been praised for his ability to create immersive and atmospheric stories that keep readers engaged.

Analysis of Views

Atmospheric and Chilling: Readers praise the book for its immersive atmosphere and ability to create a sense of dread and suspense. The cold Siberian setting and the haunting narrative keep readers on edge, with many describing it as a thrilling and chilling read.
Strong Historical Context: The book's historical context adds depth to the story, exploring the dark history of Stalin's gulags and the construction of the Kolyma Highway. Readers appreciate the incorporation of real-life events and the way they are woven into the narrative, making the story both fascinating and thought-provoking.
Engaging Characters: The characters in the book are well-defined and relatable. Felix Teigland, the protagonist, is portrayed as a complex and flawed individual, which adds depth to his journey. Readers connect with the characters and find themselves invested in their fates as they navigate the dangerous road paved with suffering.
Tense and Fast-Paced: The book maintains a tense atmosphere throughout, with action-packed scenes that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced narrative keeps the story moving forward, preventing any lulls or dull moments. Readers appreciate the book's ability to keep them engaged from beginning to end.
Supernatural Elements: The supernatural elements in the story add an extra layer of intrigue and mystery. Readers enjoy the blend of horror and suspense, as well as the way the supernatural elements are integrated into the historical context. The book's ability to balance these elements seamlessly is praised by many readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

Atmospheric Setting: The cold Siberian setting adds a unique and immersive element to the story, creating a sense of isolation and danger that enhances the reading experience. Readers appreciate the way Golden captures the harsh environment and its impact on the characters.
Well-Developed Characters: The well-defined characters in the book make for a compelling read. Felix Teigland's complex personality and his journey of redemption resonate with readers, making them invested in his fate and that of his companions. The supporting characters also add depth to the story, making it more engaging overall.
Tense Narrative: The book's tense atmosphere keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The fast-paced narrative and action-packed scenes maintain a sense of suspense, making it difficult to put down. Readers appreciate the book's ability to keep them engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Predictability: Some readers find that the plot becomes predictable towards the middle of the book, making it less engaging. While some appreciate the historical context and supernatural elements, others feel that they are not enough to compensate for the predictability of certain aspects of the story.
Lack of Definitive Ending: A few readers express disappointment with the lack of a definitive ending. They feel that certain aspects of the story remain unresolved or open to interpretation, which can be frustrating for readers who prefer clear resolutions in their reading experiences.

Conclusion

"Road of Bones" by Christopher Golden is a supernatural thriller set in Siberia that combines historical context, atmospheric settings, and engaging characters to create a chilling and suspenseful read. Readers praise the book for its immersive atmosphere, strong historical elements, and well-developed characters. While some find certain aspects predictable or lacking in definitive endings, overall, "Road of Bones" offers a thrilling journey that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. If you enjoy horror, suspense, or historical fiction with supernatural elements, this book is definitely worth considering.