The opening scene of These Old Bones immediately captures the imagination of anyone who has felt the desire to harness magic. While Tomm struggles to properly capture a raincloud we're reminded that anything worth having is never easy. The loss and remembrance of his Gran and their relationship makes Tomm relatable from the start, and connects him to the reader who will want to watch his journey unfold while cheering for his success.  Just as Tomm's mom reminds him that 'the summoner's life chose you,' Ainsworth's writing has chosen us as readers and those that are worthy must follow through with accompanying Tomm.