Jeff Smith pumps things up a few more notches in Treasure Hunters, book 8 of Bone.

When our heroes seek refuge in the great southern city of Atheia, they find politics and intrigue, not safety, awaiting them. Corruption and deceit leave the city woefully unprepared for the coming invasion of barbarians and rat creatures under the thumb of the Lord of the Locusts. Gran'ma Ben and Thorn dare not reveal their true identities, and the Bones must avoid detection in the busy, maze-like streets. They have allies -- but who are they?

Smith has crafted a masterful story, one that has evolved exquisitely from its simple beginnings in this magical valley. Shifting his attention from the rural lands up north, Smith now delivers a bustling (if beseiged) urban center, teeming with strange and exotic characters.

This tapestry of tales is definitely one of the best books on the market, and enthusiasts of fantasy, comics and well-told sagas do themselves a disservice to overlook it. My only complaint is that, at the time of writing, this is the last collection available in the ongoing series. I hope the next book is published soon!

- Rambles
written by Tom Knapp
published 13 December 2003