Set in Northern California in the late ’70s, this timeless coming-of-age story examines the nature of evil, the art of storytelling, and the possibility of redemption.

Fifteen-year-old RJ Armante has never known a life outside his dead-end hometown of Arcangel, CA. The Blackjacks still rule as they have for generations, luring the poorest kids into their monopoly on petty crime. For years, they’ve left RJ alone…until now.

When the Blackjacks come knocking, they want RJ to prey upon an old loner. But RJ is at his breaking point. It’s not just about the gang who rules the town. It’s about Charley, his younger brother, who is disabled. It’s about Roxanne, the girl he can’t reach. It’s about the kids in his crew who have nothing to live for. If RJ is to resist, he must fight to free Arcangel of its past.

My Review:

“Welcome to Suicide City. It runs through your family.”

Have you ever looked at a cover of a book and felt instant love? That was me with this book. Then after I read the synopsis, I was captivated. The nature of evil always gets me excited.

It’s the late 70s in Northern California. The Blackjacks rule the area. You’re either with them or against them. When they call on you, you better run. You don’t ever double-cross a gang who has run that town for generations. But what happens when you think you can swindle a gang to get out of doing some horrible things?

This started off weird to me because I was a little confused and didn’t know where it was going. After about thirty pages or so, I got sucked into this nitty gritty town in California and I never wanted to leave.

RJ and his narrative had me glued to every page. The way he helped his family without even a horrible thought was touching. He always thought outside the box to fix what was wrong. And when he made friends with Mr. Leguin, it melted my black heart. It brought tears to my eyes when we find out the big secret between those two.

Bones of a Saint was truly an amazing read that I’m ready to read again. After finishing this book, I automatically went and preordered a copy. I will say that there’s a big clue about the story in the title of the book. I didn’t realize that until I was halfway through and it made me that much more excited to find out all the answers to my questions. This is definitely a book that will sting you with all of its chaos. It’s a coming of age story that you’ll never forget. I know that I never want to.