Smoking Bones Travel Guide No 1, Brandimir Preview
I’m not even going to pretend to be a book reviewer. The only words I read these days are in rulebooks! So what is this all about then? Why is a book that is coming to Kickstarter featured on my website?
Well, the world of Smoking Bones is the vision of illustrator, Andrew Bosley. His name is synonymous with the artwork in Everdell, as well as other board game illustrations, such as Merchants of the Dark Road and Tapestry.
However, that is not the only board game adjacent link to this title. Stonemaier Games have committed to publishing ‘a series of games’ in the Smoking Bones world which should peak the excitement levels in this title a little more. The Smoking Bones Saga of Books is also coming soon!
Captain Red Jones
Island of Brandimir
More about the book
The Smoking Bones Saga is made up of three main story books that center around the expeditions and escapades of Captain Red Jones and his Smoking Bones travel company. This travel guide is an illustrated accompaniment to the saga, sharing some of the ‘Wonders’ that will appear in the other books. These are magical places that you can visit, and that the Smoking Bones travel company will gladly take you to see.
Glittering Glenbriar Illustration
You’ll also notice that this is volume 1, hinting that, as well as the main set of books, other travel guides will likely appear. This first tome concentrates on the island of Brandimir. It has some super cool places to visit, I really fancy gem collecting in the high-risk jellyfish sea although I’d likely be too scared, so would have to settle on seeing the sprites in the forest of Glittering Glenbriar. Although the illustrator’s favourite location, The Dunharrow Licks sounds pretty great too, I can imagine collecting beautifully sculpted tasty trinkets! You can find out more about why this is Andrew’s favourite location in my recent interview with him here.
It is easy to be lulled into thinking that these books are for a younger audience as they are so beautifully illustrated. Indeed, children will delight and be captivated by the pictures adorning the pages, but there is plenty for an older audience too. I have thoroughly enjoyed being whisked off to magical lands through the text and full-page illustrations in the book. I’m sure it will make the forthcoming books and board games even more brilliant, knowing about some of the settings before being imbued in the full narrative.
Detail from the Jellyfish Sea
Jellyfish Sea Diving Bell vignette
Final thoughts on Smoking Bones Travel Guide Brandimir
The illustrations and settings are fantastic! They have really got me excited for what is to come! I love that they are both modern and fantastical yet also embody the old vintage travel posters in their styling too, it’s a clever nod from one world to another.
I’m not someone who tries to instil FOMO (fear of missing out) onto others. However, I have a feeling that once the main series of books and the Stonemaier board games are published, many people are going to wish they had a copy of this travel guide.
Magnificent artwork of majestic locations offer an alluring look into the Smoking Bones World. So, don’t miss out, be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign and follow along with this project and the broader Smoking Bones universe through other books and board games!
You can find out even more information about this and other projects in a recent interview I did with Andrew Bosley, which you can read by clicking here!
