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The Bloodstone Saga #4
My Tattered Bonds
It is always darkest before the dawn. Harmonia has certainly found this to be true. She has faced more than any one person, goddess or mortal, should ever have to face. She has lost her soul mate time after time, lies and deceit have surrounded her and in fact, she has even been misled about her very identity. Yet she has always emerged with strength and grace. But now she will face the unthinkable. Her daughter has been taken and Harmonia will risk everything to get her back. In this epic series finale, all will be revealed. The only question remaining is…Who will be left standing?
216 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2011
About the author
Courtney Cole
44 books4,545 followersCourtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who loves to eat your emotions for breakfast.
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
She believes in the power of blonde hair dye and red lipstick, and that a well-timed smile can save the world.
Learn more about Courtney and her books at www.courtneycolecreates.com
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/courtneyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 30, 2012
Reviewed by Megsly
*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*
Oh it’s been a while, I feel like I need to dust off the old trusty MacBook and stretch my fingers before writing this! It’s been nearly 3 months since I wrote my last review, and now that I have a few free seconds to breathe (actually, I have more free time then I let on but there are sooooo many books in this world that need reading…and sometimes it’s hard to put them down long enough to write a review of another one) I’m going to see if I still can write a complete, non-run on sentence…
My Tattered Bonds is the 4th book in Courtney Cole’s The Bloodstone Saga, which is a young adult series that has completely blown my mind away. The previous three books were Every Last Kiss, Fated and With My Last Breath and each was charming and unique in it’s own way. Cole has a knack for twisting the histories and mythos of the world to suit her own world, which left me (a rather obsessive history nerd – I write this while watching a special on King Tut. No lie) speechless. My Tattered Bonds is no exception to the series.
Immediately, we’re thrown back into Harmonia’s world where we find our heroine still fighting for those she loves, with a passion that so many female leads lack in current YA books. I find myself rooting for Harmonia with a fervor that I don’t normally carry for many main characters. Harmonia really tugs at my heart, I think it’s because in each book, she suffers greatly. This chick deals with things that would absolutely decimate me into nothingness, and I respect her for it. Throughout the series we’ve seen her endure events that would break the soul of the strongest man, and still come out swinging with an amazing amount of energy and passion.
As we, the readers, journey with Harmonia and Cadmus (among others who are traveling with them to help) into the depths of the Underworld, their quest to retrieve their daughter, we really get a treat in Cole’s outstanding ability to write. I believe she really shines as an author in this book, as she has completely vanquished all of my preconcieved notions of Hades and the Underworld. What I once envisioned as this sad waste land, and just a really morose place to spend eternity, Cole has turned into this realm that has many faces to fit with many different types of souls. Through her enchanting imagery, I find myself really wishing I could visit a few choice locations within the Underworld, and maybe…just maybe…say hello to Hades (I can’t really decide if I like him or not, he’s such a complex character!)
There’s so many times where I’ve picked up a series and have come to the end of it and been absolutely beyond disappointed… and then there are times where I’ve come to the end of the series and been heart broken because the ending, though good, didn’t satisfy me. I wanted to know more about the characters and I wanted their journey to never end. Which is sometimes a good or a bad thing. With My Tattered Bonds, I was completely and totally satisfied. I became thoroughly invested in these characters in book one, and by book four my heart was totally into every step they took. I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to let them go when the time came. I knew that the author had intentions of writing a spin off series, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to let Harmonia and Cadmus go and move on to the new focal point of this epic mythological adventure…and I was wrong.
Cole has so artfully spun this tale, that as the book came to a close, and we learned the final fate of Harmonia and Cadmus, I knew I could let them go. Their story was complete, they’d done their time in a hellish existence of pain and suffering, and they were finally free. The journey to the end was fast paced, intense and so excruciatingly delicious, and the end itself was perfect. It’s one of the few series I can say had a pretty much perfect ending. I will be re-reading this series again and again.
I totally give My Tattered Bonds 5 Moons, which means you should go read it! And be on the lookout for my interview with Courtney Cole in the near future when I review her new book Soul Kissed, the first book in the Moonstone Saga!
*Warning: possible spoilers ahead.*
Oh it’s been a while, I feel like I need to dust off the old trusty MacBook and stretch my fingers before writing this! It’s been nearly 3 months since I wrote my last review, and now that I have a few free seconds to breathe (actually, I have more free time then I let on but there are sooooo many books in this world that need reading…and sometimes it’s hard to put them down long enough to write a review of another one) I’m going to see if I still can write a complete, non-run on sentence…
My Tattered Bonds is the 4th book in Courtney Cole’s The Bloodstone Saga, which is a young adult series that has completely blown my mind away. The previous three books were Every Last Kiss, Fated and With My Last Breath and each was charming and unique in it’s own way. Cole has a knack for twisting the histories and mythos of the world to suit her own world, which left me (a rather obsessive history nerd – I write this while watching a special on King Tut. No lie) speechless. My Tattered Bonds is no exception to the series.
Immediately, we’re thrown back into Harmonia’s world where we find our heroine still fighting for those she loves, with a passion that so many female leads lack in current YA books. I find myself rooting for Harmonia with a fervor that I don’t normally carry for many main characters. Harmonia really tugs at my heart, I think it’s because in each book, she suffers greatly. This chick deals with things that would absolutely decimate me into nothingness, and I respect her for it. Throughout the series we’ve seen her endure events that would break the soul of the strongest man, and still come out swinging with an amazing amount of energy and passion.
As we, the readers, journey with Harmonia and Cadmus (among others who are traveling with them to help) into the depths of the Underworld, their quest to retrieve their daughter, we really get a treat in Cole’s outstanding ability to write. I believe she really shines as an author in this book, as she has completely vanquished all of my preconcieved notions of Hades and the Underworld. What I once envisioned as this sad waste land, and just a really morose place to spend eternity, Cole has turned into this realm that has many faces to fit with many different types of souls. Through her enchanting imagery, I find myself really wishing I could visit a few choice locations within the Underworld, and maybe…just maybe…say hello to Hades (I can’t really decide if I like him or not, he’s such a complex character!)
There’s so many times where I’ve picked up a series and have come to the end of it and been absolutely beyond disappointed… and then there are times where I’ve come to the end of the series and been heart broken because the ending, though good, didn’t satisfy me. I wanted to know more about the characters and I wanted their journey to never end. Which is sometimes a good or a bad thing. With My Tattered Bonds, I was completely and totally satisfied. I became thoroughly invested in these characters in book one, and by book four my heart was totally into every step they took. I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to let them go when the time came. I knew that the author had intentions of writing a spin off series, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to let Harmonia and Cadmus go and move on to the new focal point of this epic mythological adventure…and I was wrong.
Cole has so artfully spun this tale, that as the book came to a close, and we learned the final fate of Harmonia and Cadmus, I knew I could let them go. Their story was complete, they’d done their time in a hellish existence of pain and suffering, and they were finally free. The journey to the end was fast paced, intense and so excruciatingly delicious, and the end itself was perfect. It’s one of the few series I can say had a pretty much perfect ending. I will be re-reading this series again and again.
I totally give My Tattered Bonds 5 Moons, which means you should go read it! And be on the lookout for my interview with Courtney Cole in the near future when I review her new book Soul Kissed, the first book in the Moonstone Saga!
October 7, 2011
I had the wonderful opportunity to review an advanced copy of this book, and this review is of that edition. There might be some slight variations with the finished product that will be released next month. This will be a spoiler-free review. There are some wonderful twists in this last book of the Bloodstone Saga, and I don't want to ruin the experience for anyone. With that introduction, let me share my thoughts about My Tattered Bonds:
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous three books in the Bloodstone Saga series. In this series Harmonia has traveled from the modern day US to ancient Egypt, the world of the Greek gods, and Arthurian Britain. Each trip has been enjoyable to read. I feel like I have been immersed in the worlds in which Harmonia lived. The stories made me want to reaquaint myself with the histories and legends mentioned in the stories. Cole is able to transport Harmonia between these lives without anything really seeming out of place or unrealistic to this world she creates. In this newest book in the series Harmonia and Cadmus are back together with Ares and Aphrodite in the Spiritlands. Zeus and the other gods are still in captivity somewhere, and Harmonia is unhappy because her daughter, Raquel, is also captive somewhere. This is the book that will lead Harmonia to her daughter, and in the process hopefully finding the remaining gods, freeing them, and setting everything back to the way it needs to be.
In this book Harmonia, Cadmus, Ares, and Aphrodite are led to the Underworld, Hades's domain. This was a fascinating region to read about. This is not just one area of doom, gloom, gore, and sadness. This is another world with areas as diverse as you would find in our own world, although some of these regions are pretty horrible, to be sure. The regions of the Underworld vary, depending on those who inhabit those areas. The very worst are consigned to horrible pain and suffering, but there are regions of relative boring sameness for those who we neither good nor bad and then a paradise for those who were good. Cole does a wonderful job painting these regions so that I could really feel the atmosphere of this world. It wasn't just seeing the area, I could feel the feelings of those who entered these places.
In this Underworld Harmonia has to eventually encounter Hades. Hades is not some crazy scary monster that repulses. No, he's a hottie! He has a magnetic personality that draws others to him, even when they consciously know that they need to stay away. But it really makes sense, doesn't it? There would have to be some sort of magnetism that would lead people to make some of the crazy bargains that they do with Hades. This creates some interesting tension with Harmonia. Hades wants to be with Harmonia, and he will do whatever he can to make that happen. I think it is interesting, however, that although he is willing to manipulate situations to force Harmonia's hand a bit, he is unwilling to force her to do anything against her will. This Hades is not pure evil. He has layers to his personality. He is not all bad, and he is definitely not all good. He is described as being the god who just happens to be in charge of the Underworld. He says he isn't bad. He is just doing his job. Maybe. Maybe not. This makes him somewhat fascinating to read about. I was never quite sure what his motivations were and whether or not I should trust him and what he was saying. That almost made him scarier as a character. His relationship with Persephone was interesting, to say the least. I couldn't understand how they could function as a couple in the manner that they did, and yet they managed it. Sometimes it is crazy what people will put up with for love.
I loved the love between Cadmus and Harmonia. This has been strong throughout all of the Bloodstone Saga. They are soul mates. I love to read about soul mates with perfect love as they have. In this story, without giving anything away, I will say that they have an experience that will show either the depth of their love or the shallowness of it, and they come out with flying colors. They face a test. This test is wonderfully written, and it creates a dilemma that is interesting to ponder as a reader. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at that. It is just wonderful to read about a positive marital relationship in a story where the husband and wife love, respect, and honor one another through everything both good and bad. This has been a pleasure to read throughout this series.
There is also the wonderful family relationship between Harmonia, Cadmus, Ares, and Aphrodite. I enjoyed the care that each member of this family felt for the others. They were willing to stick together through thick and thin. They traveled to the far ends of the Underworld to rescue one member of this family. They worked to protect each other, even when common knowledge seemed to say that there was no hope. It was nice to see just how much this family would do for one another. I absolutely love the character of Ares. He was arrogant, powerful, caring, funny, and although it isn't kind to mention it with the god of war -- sensitive. He enriched all the scenes he took part in. Aphrodite is not my favorite in the series, but she holds her own in this family. I especially liked a vision of her with Raquel that Harmonia sees toward the end of the book that shows the love she feels for her family.
Ultimately this book becomes the story of what a woman (really two women) will do to protect her child. Harmonia is willing to travel to the depths of the earth to find Raquel. She is willing to do almost anything to find her and protect her. In the end she will have to make a choice that will require her to sacrifice something to protect her daughter. Will she be willing to do this? You'll have to read to see. Cole does a wonderful job of portraying just how deep the love is that Harmonia and Cadmus feel for their little girl. I could see the struggles that Harmonia faced as she had to decide how far she was willing to travel, what she was willing to do, to save her girl. Harmonia isn't the only one who makes a difficult choice for a child. Another is forced to make a difficult choice as well. The story also shows that sometimes those we love make poor decisions for the right reason, to protect us or someone else they love. How should we deal with those choices? It was interesting to ponder as I read. Cadmus, Ares, Aphrodite, Hecate, Ahmose, Annen, Persephone, Zeus -- all of these characters had to make some crazy hard choices in the face of danger toward those they loved and cared about.
I loved the ending. It was perfect to me. It isn't how I would have guessed that it would end, but it worked out just as I would hope for these characters I have gotten to know during this series. No spoilers here, so I won't comment any further on it.
So, this was probably my favorite book of this series. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great way for this series to end, and I highly recommend this to others.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous three books in the Bloodstone Saga series. In this series Harmonia has traveled from the modern day US to ancient Egypt, the world of the Greek gods, and Arthurian Britain. Each trip has been enjoyable to read. I feel like I have been immersed in the worlds in which Harmonia lived. The stories made me want to reaquaint myself with the histories and legends mentioned in the stories. Cole is able to transport Harmonia between these lives without anything really seeming out of place or unrealistic to this world she creates. In this newest book in the series Harmonia and Cadmus are back together with Ares and Aphrodite in the Spiritlands. Zeus and the other gods are still in captivity somewhere, and Harmonia is unhappy because her daughter, Raquel, is also captive somewhere. This is the book that will lead Harmonia to her daughter, and in the process hopefully finding the remaining gods, freeing them, and setting everything back to the way it needs to be.
In this book Harmonia, Cadmus, Ares, and Aphrodite are led to the Underworld, Hades's domain. This was a fascinating region to read about. This is not just one area of doom, gloom, gore, and sadness. This is another world with areas as diverse as you would find in our own world, although some of these regions are pretty horrible, to be sure. The regions of the Underworld vary, depending on those who inhabit those areas. The very worst are consigned to horrible pain and suffering, but there are regions of relative boring sameness for those who we neither good nor bad and then a paradise for those who were good. Cole does a wonderful job painting these regions so that I could really feel the atmosphere of this world. It wasn't just seeing the area, I could feel the feelings of those who entered these places.
In this Underworld Harmonia has to eventually encounter Hades. Hades is not some crazy scary monster that repulses. No, he's a hottie! He has a magnetic personality that draws others to him, even when they consciously know that they need to stay away. But it really makes sense, doesn't it? There would have to be some sort of magnetism that would lead people to make some of the crazy bargains that they do with Hades. This creates some interesting tension with Harmonia. Hades wants to be with Harmonia, and he will do whatever he can to make that happen. I think it is interesting, however, that although he is willing to manipulate situations to force Harmonia's hand a bit, he is unwilling to force her to do anything against her will. This Hades is not pure evil. He has layers to his personality. He is not all bad, and he is definitely not all good. He is described as being the god who just happens to be in charge of the Underworld. He says he isn't bad. He is just doing his job. Maybe. Maybe not. This makes him somewhat fascinating to read about. I was never quite sure what his motivations were and whether or not I should trust him and what he was saying. That almost made him scarier as a character. His relationship with Persephone was interesting, to say the least. I couldn't understand how they could function as a couple in the manner that they did, and yet they managed it. Sometimes it is crazy what people will put up with for love.
I loved the love between Cadmus and Harmonia. This has been strong throughout all of the Bloodstone Saga. They are soul mates. I love to read about soul mates with perfect love as they have. In this story, without giving anything away, I will say that they have an experience that will show either the depth of their love or the shallowness of it, and they come out with flying colors. They face a test. This test is wonderfully written, and it creates a dilemma that is interesting to ponder as a reader. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll leave it at that. It is just wonderful to read about a positive marital relationship in a story where the husband and wife love, respect, and honor one another through everything both good and bad. This has been a pleasure to read throughout this series.
There is also the wonderful family relationship between Harmonia, Cadmus, Ares, and Aphrodite. I enjoyed the care that each member of this family felt for the others. They were willing to stick together through thick and thin. They traveled to the far ends of the Underworld to rescue one member of this family. They worked to protect each other, even when common knowledge seemed to say that there was no hope. It was nice to see just how much this family would do for one another. I absolutely love the character of Ares. He was arrogant, powerful, caring, funny, and although it isn't kind to mention it with the god of war -- sensitive. He enriched all the scenes he took part in. Aphrodite is not my favorite in the series, but she holds her own in this family. I especially liked a vision of her with Raquel that Harmonia sees toward the end of the book that shows the love she feels for her family.
Ultimately this book becomes the story of what a woman (really two women) will do to protect her child. Harmonia is willing to travel to the depths of the earth to find Raquel. She is willing to do almost anything to find her and protect her. In the end she will have to make a choice that will require her to sacrifice something to protect her daughter. Will she be willing to do this? You'll have to read to see. Cole does a wonderful job of portraying just how deep the love is that Harmonia and Cadmus feel for their little girl. I could see the struggles that Harmonia faced as she had to decide how far she was willing to travel, what she was willing to do, to save her girl. Harmonia isn't the only one who makes a difficult choice for a child. Another is forced to make a difficult choice as well. The story also shows that sometimes those we love make poor decisions for the right reason, to protect us or someone else they love. How should we deal with those choices? It was interesting to ponder as I read. Cadmus, Ares, Aphrodite, Hecate, Ahmose, Annen, Persephone, Zeus -- all of these characters had to make some crazy hard choices in the face of danger toward those they loved and cared about.
I loved the ending. It was perfect to me. It isn't how I would have guessed that it would end, but it worked out just as I would hope for these characters I have gotten to know during this series. No spoilers here, so I won't comment any further on it.
So, this was probably my favorite book of this series. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a great way for this series to end, and I highly recommend this to others.
January 7, 2012
If any of you have not read the three Bloodstone Saga books prior to My Tattered Bonds, then this review will most assuredly contain spoilers.
It is always bittersweet when a great series comes to a close, and that is certainly true for The Bloodstone Saga – an intriguing compilation of Greek myth, historical event, and time-honored legend. Full of spine-tingling romance, epic quests, betrayals, journeys, ancient prophecy, gorgeous goddesses and handsome heroes, this series is an original read.
At the conclusion of With My Last Breath, Harmonia has succeeded in rescuing her beloved Cadmus from the clutches of the Keres sisters and has obtained Zeus’s sword. She’s one step closer to fulfilling her destiny as the Chosen One – overturning the devious actions of the Fates and restoring Olympus. And yet, by setting things right in her life as Heleyna, she’s lost one of the most precious things in her life – her daughter Raquel. Still searching for the lost Olympians and frantic to find her young daughter, Harmonia’s quest leads her to the gates of the Underworld and beyond. There she discovers new dangers, new tests of her strength and finds just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves.
Once again, Cole has successfully transported me into her realm of myth and legend. My Tattered Bonds takes place mostly in the Underworld, the whole concept of which fascinates me. The Underworld is a whole subterranean world guarded by Cerberus, inhabited by the dead, and ruled over by Lord Hades. Yet the living can venture there… if they dare. The Underworld of My Tattered Bonds is vivid, beautiful and alluring, but it is also horrifying, vicious and unforgiving. It is this contrast, that also appears throughout the themes in original Greek mythology, that appeals to me. The love of beauty, the power and tragedy of love, the harshness and permanence of consequences, the unyielding set of rules that govern man and god alike, the idea that fate cannot be changed, and man’s never-ending quest to do exactly that. Cole’s mythology also incorporates these ideas and this is perhaps the reason I enjoy this series as much as I do.
Throughout this series, Harmonia has grown on me. Cursed, betrayed, and misused time and time again by the Fates and the Keres, she’s continually maintained a wonderful sense of dignity, decency, strength, determination and a strong moral compass throughout her many ordeals. She’s the goddess of peace and yet her life often doesn’t reflect any kind of serenity as it has been in a state of constant upheaval for lifetimes upon lifetimes. Harmonia is a strong female character, but she also recognizes the value of depending upon others, that she can’t do it alone. She’s also an extremely understanding person whose empathy toward certain characters in the book is refreshing and commendable. She is the goddess of peace after all, but there were certain situations in which her reactions to things took me by surprise, in good ways that made sense for her character, and I just really enjoyed that. All in all, Harmonia’s gigantic reserve of inner strength, her compassion and her genuineness of character made her a lovely protagonist to share adventures with.
Storywise, there are a lot of elements I enjoyed in this novel. Topping the list is probably the character of Hades. Cole’s Hades is seductive, demanding, charismatic, he craves beauty and desperately desires the things he cannot have. He subscribes to his own moral code and his own philosophy of love. As I’ve probably stated before, I love characters that live in the moral gray, because they are just so interesting – their motivations and view of the world just so different from the accepted norms. Other characters that I’d love to know more about are Hecate, Empusa and their tragically strange family situation/relationship. Luckily, I will get that particular wish, because Cole has just released the first book in her new Moonstone Saga which happens to star …. Empusa! One last thing I enjoyed was the quest/journey aspect of My Tattered Bonds. The characters are constantly on the move and in true mythological fashion, undergo trials, complete quests and must fulfill destinies.
I have to admit, this final book did send me on a bit of a Wikipedia rampage. I have, what I consider to be, a decent knowledge of Greek mythology, but I had no idea how many details in the Bloodstone Saga are straight from or are inspired by original myth. Cole has certainly done her research to give her saga a solid foundation and yet she’s successfully molded certain established elements of these ancient stories to fit her own unique vision.
Despite all the things I previously stated that I did like, there are several things I was not so crazy about. The first and foremost that there seemed to be several plot holes, things that seemed a little too convenient, and alternately, things that may have been made overly complicated. Nevertheless, the book still is extremely enjoyable.
Overall, My Tattered Bonds is an exciting, romantic, adventurous and fitting conclusion to this wonderful series.
It is always bittersweet when a great series comes to a close, and that is certainly true for The Bloodstone Saga – an intriguing compilation of Greek myth, historical event, and time-honored legend. Full of spine-tingling romance, epic quests, betrayals, journeys, ancient prophecy, gorgeous goddesses and handsome heroes, this series is an original read.
At the conclusion of With My Last Breath, Harmonia has succeeded in rescuing her beloved Cadmus from the clutches of the Keres sisters and has obtained Zeus’s sword. She’s one step closer to fulfilling her destiny as the Chosen One – overturning the devious actions of the Fates and restoring Olympus. And yet, by setting things right in her life as Heleyna, she’s lost one of the most precious things in her life – her daughter Raquel. Still searching for the lost Olympians and frantic to find her young daughter, Harmonia’s quest leads her to the gates of the Underworld and beyond. There she discovers new dangers, new tests of her strength and finds just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves.
Once again, Cole has successfully transported me into her realm of myth and legend. My Tattered Bonds takes place mostly in the Underworld, the whole concept of which fascinates me. The Underworld is a whole subterranean world guarded by Cerberus, inhabited by the dead, and ruled over by Lord Hades. Yet the living can venture there… if they dare. The Underworld of My Tattered Bonds is vivid, beautiful and alluring, but it is also horrifying, vicious and unforgiving. It is this contrast, that also appears throughout the themes in original Greek mythology, that appeals to me. The love of beauty, the power and tragedy of love, the harshness and permanence of consequences, the unyielding set of rules that govern man and god alike, the idea that fate cannot be changed, and man’s never-ending quest to do exactly that. Cole’s mythology also incorporates these ideas and this is perhaps the reason I enjoy this series as much as I do.
Throughout this series, Harmonia has grown on me. Cursed, betrayed, and misused time and time again by the Fates and the Keres, she’s continually maintained a wonderful sense of dignity, decency, strength, determination and a strong moral compass throughout her many ordeals. She’s the goddess of peace and yet her life often doesn’t reflect any kind of serenity as it has been in a state of constant upheaval for lifetimes upon lifetimes. Harmonia is a strong female character, but she also recognizes the value of depending upon others, that she can’t do it alone. She’s also an extremely understanding person whose empathy toward certain characters in the book is refreshing and commendable. She is the goddess of peace after all, but there were certain situations in which her reactions to things took me by surprise, in good ways that made sense for her character, and I just really enjoyed that. All in all, Harmonia’s gigantic reserve of inner strength, her compassion and her genuineness of character made her a lovely protagonist to share adventures with.
Storywise, there are a lot of elements I enjoyed in this novel. Topping the list is probably the character of Hades. Cole’s Hades is seductive, demanding, charismatic, he craves beauty and desperately desires the things he cannot have. He subscribes to his own moral code and his own philosophy of love. As I’ve probably stated before, I love characters that live in the moral gray, because they are just so interesting – their motivations and view of the world just so different from the accepted norms. Other characters that I’d love to know more about are Hecate, Empusa and their tragically strange family situation/relationship. Luckily, I will get that particular wish, because Cole has just released the first book in her new Moonstone Saga which happens to star …. Empusa! One last thing I enjoyed was the quest/journey aspect of My Tattered Bonds. The characters are constantly on the move and in true mythological fashion, undergo trials, complete quests and must fulfill destinies.
I have to admit, this final book did send me on a bit of a Wikipedia rampage. I have, what I consider to be, a decent knowledge of Greek mythology, but I had no idea how many details in the Bloodstone Saga are straight from or are inspired by original myth. Cole has certainly done her research to give her saga a solid foundation and yet she’s successfully molded certain established elements of these ancient stories to fit her own unique vision.
Despite all the things I previously stated that I did like, there are several things I was not so crazy about. The first and foremost that there seemed to be several plot holes, things that seemed a little too convenient, and alternately, things that may have been made overly complicated. Nevertheless, the book still is extremely enjoyable.
Overall, My Tattered Bonds is an exciting, romantic, adventurous and fitting conclusion to this wonderful series.
October 13, 2011
What would you do to save the ones you love most? What price would you be willing to pay? What if the fate of the world, both mortal and immortal, rested on your choices?
Harmonia is about to find out!
In this spectacular series finale, Ms Cole pulls out all stops and takes her characters to places they've never been before. Places they've never imagined.
After treking through thousands of years in the mortal world, I wondered where Harmonia and Cadmus would be heading for this final adventure. After following them through Ancient Egypt, Olympus and the Realm of the Gods, and then through Camelot...where could they possibly go next? There was really only one place left to go...
With none other than Aphrodite and Ares at their side, our beloved friends, Harmonia and Cadmus travel to find their daughter Raquel, through a trial of souls filled with treachery and deceit, testing their limitations and forcing them to face things they most certainly weren't prepared for.
As expected, Ms Cole holds true to the series, eloquently describing a love that stands the test of time. What is different in this book that lets it stand out from the others is how she has ramped up the level of suspense, and blended it with a perfect touch of horror. The images in this book were vivid and spine chilling at times and kept the pages turning quickly! I was virtually sitting on the edge of my seat at times feeling the fear and uncertainty that Harmonia was experiencing. And once again, Ms Cole pulled me in with such emotion in so many parts that I became deeply invested in the characters, willing their happiness, and feeling their despair. I caution you, Dear Readers, a kleenex or two may be needed as a few moments also had me on the brink of tears, pulling me by the heartstrings.
Ms Cole's gift of imagery is impeccable, writing such incredible, vivid images that I feel as though I too have trekked through thousands of adventures, right alongside Harmonia and Cadmus. There has not been a series in sometime that I have become so invested in the characters, and while I'm sad to see their story end, I loved every moment.
To sum up my thoughts on My Tattered Bonds... I loved it. LOVED.IT. It gave me everything I needed for these final chapters. It held true to it's prequels, and gave me every ounce of epic adventure, closure and emotion that I craved if I was having to say goodbye to my dear friends. It was different in some ways than the other books, but in very good ways, and yet despite the differences, it was the same in it's heart. Epic is absolutely a way to describe this entire series and I have thoroughly enjoyed every page.
I was very fortunate to have an advanced reading of this final book of the Bloodstone Saga, and thank Courtney Cole for the opportunity to be a part of her writing journey. It was a true honour, Courtney, and I thank you for the incredible ride of this beautiful series. I can't wait to dive into your next series - The Moonstone Saga. Your newest character introduced in My Tattered Bonds has thoroughly piqued my interested and left me craving to learn more about her.
And so Dear Reader, as you finish the final pages of the Blood Stone Saga in My Tattered Bonds, I promise, you too will sigh with that satisfied feeling of knowing that things may not be as you imagined, but everything is how it should be. Enjoy it. I certainly did.
Harmonia is about to find out!
In this spectacular series finale, Ms Cole pulls out all stops and takes her characters to places they've never been before. Places they've never imagined.
After treking through thousands of years in the mortal world, I wondered where Harmonia and Cadmus would be heading for this final adventure. After following them through Ancient Egypt, Olympus and the Realm of the Gods, and then through Camelot...where could they possibly go next? There was really only one place left to go...
With none other than Aphrodite and Ares at their side, our beloved friends, Harmonia and Cadmus travel to find their daughter Raquel, through a trial of souls filled with treachery and deceit, testing their limitations and forcing them to face things they most certainly weren't prepared for.
As expected, Ms Cole holds true to the series, eloquently describing a love that stands the test of time. What is different in this book that lets it stand out from the others is how she has ramped up the level of suspense, and blended it with a perfect touch of horror. The images in this book were vivid and spine chilling at times and kept the pages turning quickly! I was virtually sitting on the edge of my seat at times feeling the fear and uncertainty that Harmonia was experiencing. And once again, Ms Cole pulled me in with such emotion in so many parts that I became deeply invested in the characters, willing their happiness, and feeling their despair. I caution you, Dear Readers, a kleenex or two may be needed as a few moments also had me on the brink of tears, pulling me by the heartstrings.
Ms Cole's gift of imagery is impeccable, writing such incredible, vivid images that I feel as though I too have trekked through thousands of adventures, right alongside Harmonia and Cadmus. There has not been a series in sometime that I have become so invested in the characters, and while I'm sad to see their story end, I loved every moment.
To sum up my thoughts on My Tattered Bonds... I loved it. LOVED.IT. It gave me everything I needed for these final chapters. It held true to it's prequels, and gave me every ounce of epic adventure, closure and emotion that I craved if I was having to say goodbye to my dear friends. It was different in some ways than the other books, but in very good ways, and yet despite the differences, it was the same in it's heart. Epic is absolutely a way to describe this entire series and I have thoroughly enjoyed every page.
I was very fortunate to have an advanced reading of this final book of the Bloodstone Saga, and thank Courtney Cole for the opportunity to be a part of her writing journey. It was a true honour, Courtney, and I thank you for the incredible ride of this beautiful series. I can't wait to dive into your next series - The Moonstone Saga. Your newest character introduced in My Tattered Bonds has thoroughly piqued my interested and left me craving to learn more about her.
And so Dear Reader, as you finish the final pages of the Blood Stone Saga in My Tattered Bonds, I promise, you too will sigh with that satisfied feeling of knowing that things may not be as you imagined, but everything is how it should be. Enjoy it. I certainly did.
October 22, 2011
If you have been following BelleBooks for a while, you will know by now that I am in love with The Bloodstone Saga. So I was thrilled when I got an ARC of the last book in the series, My Tattered Bonds. Massive thank yous have to go out to Courtney for once again sending me a copy to review, and for once again completely blowing my mind with her amazing plots, characters and writing style.
As I mentioned this is the last book in the Bloodstone Saga, I took a little bit longer reading this book than I have any of the previous books in the series, purely because I really wanted to savour this one and try to drag it out a bit longer, I really did not want the series to come to an end just yet!
My Tattered Bonds picks up where we left Harmonia and her family in With My Last Breath, confused, shocked and determined to get little Raquel back once and for all. Although in order to do that, they need to find her first.
Their search takes them into the heart of the underworld where they encounter a number of dangers and obstacles.
I loved reading about the underworld and the different lands in it. Hades is also a great new character to the book, at parts this book did remind me of Richelle Mead's Dark Swan series. Most of you know how much I gush about that series as well! My Tattered Bonds does have similarities but of course it is an entirely different plot with different characters. The fact that it reminded me of Dark Swan just shows how great the writing and plot line in this book truly is!
The book is full of unexpected twists and turns, just like the rest of the books in the series. The love story between Harmonia and Cadmus only seems to get better with each book, and with this one the love between them is beautifully written. There are a few familiar faces in this book from the previous books in the series, it was nice to see them again and find out what they are doing now as the saga draws to an end. There was also a few new characters in the book as well. To me bringing in new characters at the end of a series can be a bit hit or miss. On this occasion however the new characters bring the story to a whole new level.
The level of research that goes into each book in this series always amazes me, My Tattered Bonds is no different.
To write about the underworld , Hades, the greek gods and everything else that pops up in this book must require a lot of time and energy spent researching. That effort has really paid off in the case of the entire series. To me each book as well as being enjoyable to read has also taught and gave me a greater understanding about mythology and the ancient world.
The ending completely blew me away, I honestly was not expecting what I was reading!
I'm not going to say everything works out perfectly for out favourite characters, or that it's all doom and gloom, you will have to read it for yourself to find out!
I will say that the ending brought the entire saga to an end very nicely, and thinking back now I don't really see how it could have ended any differently.
I could gush all day about this book, and about the entire series but I think I will leave it there, i'm sure you get my point!
As sad as I am about the series now being finished, I am also super excited for Courtney's new project, The Moonstone Saga.
From the title you can kind of guess the books are going to be similar in a way to the Bloodstone Saga, but this time around we have a whole new leading lady!
As I mentioned this is the last book in the Bloodstone Saga, I took a little bit longer reading this book than I have any of the previous books in the series, purely because I really wanted to savour this one and try to drag it out a bit longer, I really did not want the series to come to an end just yet!
My Tattered Bonds picks up where we left Harmonia and her family in With My Last Breath, confused, shocked and determined to get little Raquel back once and for all. Although in order to do that, they need to find her first.
Their search takes them into the heart of the underworld where they encounter a number of dangers and obstacles.
I loved reading about the underworld and the different lands in it. Hades is also a great new character to the book, at parts this book did remind me of Richelle Mead's Dark Swan series. Most of you know how much I gush about that series as well! My Tattered Bonds does have similarities but of course it is an entirely different plot with different characters. The fact that it reminded me of Dark Swan just shows how great the writing and plot line in this book truly is!
The book is full of unexpected twists and turns, just like the rest of the books in the series. The love story between Harmonia and Cadmus only seems to get better with each book, and with this one the love between them is beautifully written. There are a few familiar faces in this book from the previous books in the series, it was nice to see them again and find out what they are doing now as the saga draws to an end. There was also a few new characters in the book as well. To me bringing in new characters at the end of a series can be a bit hit or miss. On this occasion however the new characters bring the story to a whole new level.
The level of research that goes into each book in this series always amazes me, My Tattered Bonds is no different.
To write about the underworld , Hades, the greek gods and everything else that pops up in this book must require a lot of time and energy spent researching. That effort has really paid off in the case of the entire series. To me each book as well as being enjoyable to read has also taught and gave me a greater understanding about mythology and the ancient world.
The ending completely blew me away, I honestly was not expecting what I was reading!
I'm not going to say everything works out perfectly for out favourite characters, or that it's all doom and gloom, you will have to read it for yourself to find out!
I will say that the ending brought the entire saga to an end very nicely, and thinking back now I don't really see how it could have ended any differently.
I could gush all day about this book, and about the entire series but I think I will leave it there, i'm sure you get my point!
As sad as I am about the series now being finished, I am also super excited for Courtney's new project, The Moonstone Saga.
From the title you can kind of guess the books are going to be similar in a way to the Bloodstone Saga, but this time around we have a whole new leading lady!
January 1, 2012
And here we are…at the end of a wonderful series! As a reader, this is always a scary moment. How will the author handle these beloved characters, what adventures lay ahead, and most importantly…how will it end? Now that I’ve finished this book, I can breathe again. All is right with the world. Ms. Cole has written another great book!!
Harmonia has experienced happiness and heartache in the first three books and, once again, her life is a whirlwind of emotion. And that is the beauty of this story (and this series as a whole). Harmonia continues to deal with deception, danger and mystery…she continues to experience love, confusion and fear until the very last page. And she learns that sometimes those we love can also disappoint us.
In My Tattered Bonds we go with Harmonia and Cadmus (and their family) to the Underworld in search of their daughter. This is where the real strength of Ms. Cole’s writing is exhibited. The imagery is so vivid that you see it clearly as you read…you walk the halls, you come face to face with it’s inhabitants…you all but believe that you are there. Where we might have thought the Underworld to be one-dimensional, in this book it is multifaceted, so much more than a place where evil souls reside. The characters we meet (including Hades who runs the underworld and is nothing like what you might expect him to be) have distinct personalities and they challenge your preconceived notions of good and evil.
Ultimately, before we are allowed to leave Harmonia for the last time, we must watch her make the biggest and most personal decision of her existence. This is where what we believe to be true about her is put to the test and where we ask ourselves the question “what would I do?”. I love it when books make you ponder your own decisions and questions your own character!
As for the end…well, all I can say is that I, for one, am satisfied. The only distress I feel is in knowing that I will not be returning to experience any more of Harmonia’s adventures! I will definitely miss her!
Harmonia has experienced happiness and heartache in the first three books and, once again, her life is a whirlwind of emotion. And that is the beauty of this story (and this series as a whole). Harmonia continues to deal with deception, danger and mystery…she continues to experience love, confusion and fear until the very last page. And she learns that sometimes those we love can also disappoint us.
In My Tattered Bonds we go with Harmonia and Cadmus (and their family) to the Underworld in search of their daughter. This is where the real strength of Ms. Cole’s writing is exhibited. The imagery is so vivid that you see it clearly as you read…you walk the halls, you come face to face with it’s inhabitants…you all but believe that you are there. Where we might have thought the Underworld to be one-dimensional, in this book it is multifaceted, so much more than a place where evil souls reside. The characters we meet (including Hades who runs the underworld and is nothing like what you might expect him to be) have distinct personalities and they challenge your preconceived notions of good and evil.
Ultimately, before we are allowed to leave Harmonia for the last time, we must watch her make the biggest and most personal decision of her existence. This is where what we believe to be true about her is put to the test and where we ask ourselves the question “what would I do?”. I love it when books make you ponder your own decisions and questions your own character!
As for the end…well, all I can say is that I, for one, am satisfied. The only distress I feel is in knowing that I will not be returning to experience any more of Harmonia’s adventures! I will definitely miss her!
October 17, 2011
******4.5 stars*****
And here we are...at the end of a wonderful series! As a reader, this is always a scary moment. How will the author handle these beloved characters, what adventures lay ahead, and most importantly...how will it end? Now that's I've finished this book, I can breath again. All is right with the world. Ms. Cole has written another great book!!
Harmonia has experienced happiness and heartache in the first three books and, once again, her life is a whirlwind of emotion. And that is the beauty of this story (and this series as a whole). Harmonia continues to deal with deception, danger and mystery...she continues to experience love, confusion and fear until the very last page. And she learns that sometimes those we love can also disappoint us.
In My Tattered Bonds we go with Harmonia and Cadmus (and their family) to the Underworld in search of their daughter. This is where the real strength of Ms. Cole's writing is exhibited. The imagery is so vivid that you see it clearly as you read...you walk the halls, you come face to face with it's inhabitants...you all but believe that you are there. Where we might have thought the Underworld to be one-dimensional, in this book it is multifaceted, so much more than a place where evil souls reside. The characters we meet (including Hades who runs the underworld and is nothing like what you might expect him to be) have distinct personalities and they challenge your preconceived notions of good and evil.
Ultimately, before we are allowed to leave Harmonia for the last time, we must watch her make the biggest and most personal decision of her existence. This is where what we believe to be true about her is put to the test and where we ask ourselves the question "what would I do?".
As for the end...well, all I can say is that I, for one, am satisfied. The only distress I feel is in knowing that I will not be returning to experience any more of Harmonia's adventures!
And here we are...at the end of a wonderful series! As a reader, this is always a scary moment. How will the author handle these beloved characters, what adventures lay ahead, and most importantly...how will it end? Now that's I've finished this book, I can breath again. All is right with the world. Ms. Cole has written another great book!!
Harmonia has experienced happiness and heartache in the first three books and, once again, her life is a whirlwind of emotion. And that is the beauty of this story (and this series as a whole). Harmonia continues to deal with deception, danger and mystery...she continues to experience love, confusion and fear until the very last page. And she learns that sometimes those we love can also disappoint us.
In My Tattered Bonds we go with Harmonia and Cadmus (and their family) to the Underworld in search of their daughter. This is where the real strength of Ms. Cole's writing is exhibited. The imagery is so vivid that you see it clearly as you read...you walk the halls, you come face to face with it's inhabitants...you all but believe that you are there. Where we might have thought the Underworld to be one-dimensional, in this book it is multifaceted, so much more than a place where evil souls reside. The characters we meet (including Hades who runs the underworld and is nothing like what you might expect him to be) have distinct personalities and they challenge your preconceived notions of good and evil.
Ultimately, before we are allowed to leave Harmonia for the last time, we must watch her make the biggest and most personal decision of her existence. This is where what we believe to be true about her is put to the test and where we ask ourselves the question "what would I do?".
As for the end...well, all I can say is that I, for one, am satisfied. The only distress I feel is in knowing that I will not be returning to experience any more of Harmonia's adventures!
January 3, 2012
This is one of my fave series that I know that I can read over and over again. Just like the beginning, My Tattered Bonds is an epic read from start to finish. Ms. Cole bring this exciting series to a conclusion with a bang!
I must say that in all of the books I always falling in love with the way that Ms .Cole can bring her readers to another place, another time so quickly. Even before starting this book, my heart is already racing from excitement. And I haven;t even started the book yet! LOL! I loved reading the book and falling right where we left off. Harmonia fighting for her family.
The plot line this book is more on edge. Harmonia is fed up with the fates, Gods & Goddesses ruining her life. She just wants peace and she will fight for it till the very end. I adore Harmonia and her strength to endure. She is strong and courageous never giving up. There were a few plot twist and changes that left me jumping up and down in my chair. Ms. Cole certainly knows how to bring her readers to the cliff, leaves us hanging for one more word.
The love interest never fails me in the book. Their love is stronger than ever. I adore most was the loyalty to fight to the end no matter what. That is real love. After her tattered bonds to her love ones are shaken over and over again, there are nothing but endlessly strong.
This is an great read of epic proportions! This is none series that I didn't want to end, but I am glad that it ended on a lovely note. Happiness and joy!
I must say that in all of the books I always falling in love with the way that Ms .Cole can bring her readers to another place, another time so quickly. Even before starting this book, my heart is already racing from excitement. And I haven;t even started the book yet! LOL! I loved reading the book and falling right where we left off. Harmonia fighting for her family.
The plot line this book is more on edge. Harmonia is fed up with the fates, Gods & Goddesses ruining her life. She just wants peace and she will fight for it till the very end. I adore Harmonia and her strength to endure. She is strong and courageous never giving up. There were a few plot twist and changes that left me jumping up and down in my chair. Ms. Cole certainly knows how to bring her readers to the cliff, leaves us hanging for one more word.
The love interest never fails me in the book. Their love is stronger than ever. I adore most was the loyalty to fight to the end no matter what. That is real love. After her tattered bonds to her love ones are shaken over and over again, there are nothing but endlessly strong.
This is an great read of epic proportions! This is none series that I didn't want to end, but I am glad that it ended on a lovely note. Happiness and joy!
October 30, 2011
*Possible Spoiler Alert*
"My Tattered Bonds" was a great ending to the Bloodstone Saga. While I wouldn't say that there was an overall HEA-the way things ended up for Harmonia and Cadmus were ideal for them (and a whole lot better than mythology reads). And, who knew how hot Hades could be (no pun intended)? Is it wrong that I found myself on Hades's side? He may have had the ability to attract others to him in the Underworld; but Ms. Cole made him just as enticing on the pages- I don't think I would've hesitated to stay in the Underworld with him. The most pleasant surprise I found in the book was finding out that Hecate had a daughter and being introduced to Empusa...I really liked her and can't wait to read "The Moonstone Saga" books. While I am sad to finish such an outstanding series, I am thankful that we aren't saying goodbye to Ms. Cole's writing- she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
"My Tattered Bonds" was a great ending to the Bloodstone Saga. While I wouldn't say that there was an overall HEA-the way things ended up for Harmonia and Cadmus were ideal for them (and a whole lot better than mythology reads). And, who knew how hot Hades could be (no pun intended)? Is it wrong that I found myself on Hades's side? He may have had the ability to attract others to him in the Underworld; but Ms. Cole made him just as enticing on the pages- I don't think I would've hesitated to stay in the Underworld with him. The most pleasant surprise I found in the book was finding out that Hecate had a daughter and being introduced to Empusa...I really liked her and can't wait to read "The Moonstone Saga" books. While I am sad to finish such an outstanding series, I am thankful that we aren't saying goodbye to Ms. Cole's writing- she has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
October 19, 2011
I've been a fan of this series from the beginning, so it's clear that I'm already going to say that I love the series. But to be even more honest this ending seriously blew me away. There was always somethings happening, and not even once did the action slow down. I feel like I've come to really know Harmonia, so it is agonizing to see her story end, but I'm complelety and totally happy and satisfied with the way it did end for her. There are so many people throughout this series that I've come to love and I hate to see them go, but I guess I can always do some re-reading. So I'm starting the series all over again...
THIS SERIES IS A DEFINITE MUST READ THAT WILL NOT ONLY KEEP YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT WITH ACTION, BUT IT'S CHARACTERS WILL WORK THEIR WAY INTO YOUR HEART, AND MAKE A HOME THERE. A+++++
THIS SERIES IS A DEFINITE MUST READ THAT WILL NOT ONLY KEEP YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT WITH ACTION, BUT IT'S CHARACTERS WILL WORK THEIR WAY INTO YOUR HEART, AND MAKE A HOME THERE. A+++++
December 21, 2011
Great end to a really a unique and fun series! This one was less "adventurous" I would say, although not necessarily in a bad way. There was still adventure, but it was a different type than the last book.
We get to learn more about the world that Harmonia and the other gods come from, which I really liked. Particularly, we learn about the Underworld, and it's obvious that Cole puts a lot of thought into the different areas of that world. It was really fun discovering all of that along with Harmonia as she searches for a way to find her daughter and release the gods of Olympus from their enchantment.
I loved how the story turned out. It is a "happy ending," but not quite in the way that I expected.
We get to learn more about the world that Harmonia and the other gods come from, which I really liked. Particularly, we learn about the Underworld, and it's obvious that Cole puts a lot of thought into the different areas of that world. It was really fun discovering all of that along with Harmonia as she searches for a way to find her daughter and release the gods of Olympus from their enchantment.
I loved how the story turned out. It is a "happy ending," but not quite in the way that I expected.
December 23, 2011
Starting with the cover again, this one is very different from the others in the series. It's much darker and more mysterious. It doesn't have the same look or feel as the others. And unlike the others, it doesn't tell anything about the setting of the story. I like it, but not for this story because it just doesn't quite fit.
This is a strong finish to the series, with a satisfying ending. I think books #2-4 are really just one long story, while book #1 is the only stand alone part.
Coming to the end of the series, I find I don't really have anything to say about this book in particular. It was just kind of okay. As for the series as a whole, the first book is the best, while the rest are still entertaining, they just don't have the same engagement level.
This is a strong finish to the series, with a satisfying ending. I think books #2-4 are really just one long story, while book #1 is the only stand alone part.
Coming to the end of the series, I find I don't really have anything to say about this book in particular. It was just kind of okay. As for the series as a whole, the first book is the best, while the rest are still entertaining, they just don't have the same engagement level.
October 24, 2011
If you havn't read this series I seriously urge you to do so, it is absolutely spectacular! But you should probably get them all at once because let me tell you that Courtney Cole's writing is addicting!
This final installment is a wonderful end to a wonderful series!
'Nuff said. :)
This final installment is a wonderful end to a wonderful series!
'Nuff said. :)
November 10, 2011
A wonderful end to an amazing saga. I got lost in the life of Harmonia and her trials. I truly enjoy the strength you felt in her actions. She is an amazing character.
October 13, 2011
Wow! I was left breathless after reading the book. This was one epic ride!!
xxx detailed review to follow xxx
xxx detailed review to follow xxx
March 4, 2019
Goodness. I can't believe it is over. Such a fantastic read. The entire series was.
I think now that I have finished the series...four books....I can be a little more critical in my finale review. Of course nothing bad, because as I said this series was so good. But there were somethings I noticed in book four that I want to mention and the ending was a tad bit lacking, but I will explain that.
Again I need to say how well written Cole is. There were missing words again and at times extra words, but none of that deterred from the story or made it difficult to read. Her writing is whimsical and complete and it fits so well in the theme of this story.
If you haven't read the series don't read below, just pick up book one. It is truly worth the read.
*minor spoilers below*
So in this book the group has traveled to Hades. The mission to find the Olympians and save the world. The description on Hades was vivid and I felt I was there with the group. I just can't gush enough about how much I loved this series.
Cole seemed to forget that Hades Helm made the wearer invisible, at times. On Page 105 she wrote "He held his hand out for the Helm of Darkness. "Aphrodite, may I?" He asked. She was wearing the helm, how did he know where to hold his hand out to? There were a couple of places like this, but this one is the one that stood out to me the most.
The other thing was the ending. Loved the red bow at the end, but I felt that there were things missed in the wrap up of the story. In one of the books before, it was mentioned that Harmiona was having a vision of Jenn, I believe, dying in an intersection, but after book 2 the mortals were basically just removed all together. I know that Hades (spoiler) erased their memories of Harmonia, Aphrodite and the rest, but I had felt there was going to be a story line with the twins and it just fell away.
Despite the couple things above I loved this story, oh wait did I say that already, and would recommend this series to anyone who loves Mythology with a twist.
I think now that I have finished the series...four books....I can be a little more critical in my finale review. Of course nothing bad, because as I said this series was so good. But there were somethings I noticed in book four that I want to mention and the ending was a tad bit lacking, but I will explain that.
Again I need to say how well written Cole is. There were missing words again and at times extra words, but none of that deterred from the story or made it difficult to read. Her writing is whimsical and complete and it fits so well in the theme of this story.
If you haven't read the series don't read below, just pick up book one. It is truly worth the read.
*minor spoilers below*
So in this book the group has traveled to Hades. The mission to find the Olympians and save the world. The description on Hades was vivid and I felt I was there with the group. I just can't gush enough about how much I loved this series.
Cole seemed to forget that Hades Helm made the wearer invisible, at times. On Page 105 she wrote "He held his hand out for the Helm of Darkness. "Aphrodite, may I?" He asked. She was wearing the helm, how did he know where to hold his hand out to? There were a couple of places like this, but this one is the one that stood out to me the most.
The other thing was the ending. Loved the red bow at the end, but I felt that there were things missed in the wrap up of the story. In one of the books before, it was mentioned that Harmiona was having a vision of Jenn, I believe, dying in an intersection, but after book 2 the mortals were basically just removed all together. I know that Hades (spoiler) erased their memories of Harmonia, Aphrodite and the rest, but I had felt there was going to be a story line with the twins and it just fell away.
Despite the couple things above I loved this story, oh wait did I say that already, and would recommend this series to anyone who loves Mythology with a twist.
February 5, 2021
This was rather interesting to say the least.
I hate endings of series just because i don't know what else to look forward to. Bitter Sweet.
The part of the story where Harmonia is basically diminishing is quite interesting, usually stories tend to not make you think about putting yourself in a depression. As much as i understand why she did that, it seems pretty dark, considering i enjoy reading dark stories.
In the end, it was a pretty good ending. I can't help but love an ending where everyone gets exactly what they deserve, and that's happiness. I do think that Hades gave is rather quickly, and i'm still a bit confused as to how they were just okay with trading his helm for their freedom. But again, i enjoyed this story so much.
Forever with the cheesy lines between harmonia and cadmus that are a bit cringy, but i may just be jealous and only wish i can actually have a soulmate like that.
I hate endings of series just because i don't know what else to look forward to. Bitter Sweet.
The part of the story where Harmonia is basically diminishing is quite interesting, usually stories tend to not make you think about putting yourself in a depression. As much as i understand why she did that, it seems pretty dark, considering i enjoy reading dark stories.
In the end, it was a pretty good ending. I can't help but love an ending where everyone gets exactly what they deserve, and that's happiness. I do think that Hades gave is rather quickly, and i'm still a bit confused as to how they were just okay with trading his helm for their freedom. But again, i enjoyed this story so much.
Forever with the cheesy lines between harmonia and cadmus that are a bit cringy, but i may just be jealous and only wish i can actually have a soulmate like that.
September 28, 2017
Some mistakes - eg handing someone the reigns (should be reins)
Spoiler
Harmonica mentions Cadmus' face after he has put on Hades Helm.... she shouldn't have been able to see his face
Spoiler
Harmonica mentions Cadmus' face after he has put on Hades Helm.... she shouldn't have been able to see his face
January 28, 2023
These books got me though and 8 hour job!
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
April 15, 2012
Reviewed by Meg
My Tattered Bonds is the fourth and final book in Courtney Cole’s The Bloodstone Saga, which is a young adult series that has completely blown my mind away. The previous three books were Every Last Kiss, Fated and With My Last Breath. Each was charming and unique in it’s own way. Cole has a knack for twisting the histories and mythos of the world to suit her own world which left me, a rather obsessive history nerd, speechless. My Tattered Bonds is no exception to the series.
We’re immediately thrown back into Harmonia’s world where we find our heroine still fighting for those she loves with a passion that so many female leads lack in current YA books. I find myself rooting for Harmonia with a fervor that I don’t normally carry for many main characters. Harmonia really tugs at my heart and I think it’s because in each book she suffers greatly. This chick deals with things that would absolutely decimate me into nothingness, and I respect her for it. Throughout the series we’ve seen her endure events that would break the soul of the strongest man, and still come out swinging with an amazing amount of energy and passion.
As we, the readers, journey with Harmonia and Cadmus (among others who are traveling with them to help) into the depths of the Underworld in their quest to retrieve their daughter, we really get a treat in Cole’s outstanding ability to write. I believe she really shines as an author in this book as she has completely vanquished all of my preconceived notions of Hades and the Underworld. What I once envisioned as a sad wasteland and a really morose place to spend eternity, Cole has turned into this realm that has many faces to fit with many different types of souls. Through her enchanting imagery, I find myself really wishing I could visit a few choice locations within the Underworld, and maybe…just maybe…say hello to Hades (I can’t really decide if I like him or not, he’s such a complex character!).
There’s so many times where I’ve picked up a series and have come to the end of it and been absolutely beyond disappointed… and then there are times where I’ve come to the end of the series and been heart broken because the ending, though good, didn’t satisfy me. I wanted to know more about the characters and I wanted their journey to never end, which is sometimes a good and a bad thing. With My Tattered Bonds, I was completely and totally satisfied. I became thoroughly invested in these characters in book one and by book four my heart was totally into every step they took. I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to let them go when the time came. I knew that the author had intentions of writing a spin off series, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to let Harmonia and Cadmus go and move on to the new focal point of this epic mythological adventure…and I was wrong.
Cole has so artfully spun this tale, that as the book came to a close, and we learned the final fate of Harmonia and Cadmus, I knew I could let them go. The journey to the end was fast paced, intense, and so excruciatingly delicious, and the end itself was perfect. It’s one of the few series I can say had a pretty much perfect ending. I will be re-reading this series again and again, and I hope some of you give it a shot as well!
My Tattered Bonds is the fourth and final book in Courtney Cole’s The Bloodstone Saga, which is a young adult series that has completely blown my mind away. The previous three books were Every Last Kiss, Fated and With My Last Breath. Each was charming and unique in it’s own way. Cole has a knack for twisting the histories and mythos of the world to suit her own world which left me, a rather obsessive history nerd, speechless. My Tattered Bonds is no exception to the series.
We’re immediately thrown back into Harmonia’s world where we find our heroine still fighting for those she loves with a passion that so many female leads lack in current YA books. I find myself rooting for Harmonia with a fervor that I don’t normally carry for many main characters. Harmonia really tugs at my heart and I think it’s because in each book she suffers greatly. This chick deals with things that would absolutely decimate me into nothingness, and I respect her for it. Throughout the series we’ve seen her endure events that would break the soul of the strongest man, and still come out swinging with an amazing amount of energy and passion.
As we, the readers, journey with Harmonia and Cadmus (among others who are traveling with them to help) into the depths of the Underworld in their quest to retrieve their daughter, we really get a treat in Cole’s outstanding ability to write. I believe she really shines as an author in this book as she has completely vanquished all of my preconceived notions of Hades and the Underworld. What I once envisioned as a sad wasteland and a really morose place to spend eternity, Cole has turned into this realm that has many faces to fit with many different types of souls. Through her enchanting imagery, I find myself really wishing I could visit a few choice locations within the Underworld, and maybe…just maybe…say hello to Hades (I can’t really decide if I like him or not, he’s such a complex character!).
There’s so many times where I’ve picked up a series and have come to the end of it and been absolutely beyond disappointed… and then there are times where I’ve come to the end of the series and been heart broken because the ending, though good, didn’t satisfy me. I wanted to know more about the characters and I wanted their journey to never end, which is sometimes a good and a bad thing. With My Tattered Bonds, I was completely and totally satisfied. I became thoroughly invested in these characters in book one and by book four my heart was totally into every step they took. I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to let them go when the time came. I knew that the author had intentions of writing a spin off series, but I was worried I wouldn’t be able to let Harmonia and Cadmus go and move on to the new focal point of this epic mythological adventure…and I was wrong.
Cole has so artfully spun this tale, that as the book came to a close, and we learned the final fate of Harmonia and Cadmus, I knew I could let them go. The journey to the end was fast paced, intense, and so excruciatingly delicious, and the end itself was perfect. It’s one of the few series I can say had a pretty much perfect ending. I will be re-reading this series again and again, and I hope some of you give it a shot as well!
October 15, 2011
Maybe it's just me, but I found this last book in the series very unsatisfying. I had high expectations for this book. In the end, it consisted mainly of talking, pondering and whining of the main character. I mean, sure, one of the parts in the book was meant to show that relationsships aren't always perfect and people do make mistakes, but I found that part of the story just plain annoying.
My Tattered Bonds deals mainly with Harmonia's journey to find her daughter in the Underworld. She meets Hades, who is interested in her to say the least.
The book has a nice build-up - Harmonia reads the entire prophecy about the Chosen One for the first time and finds out that she is in grave danger. Unfortunately, it turns out that she isn't. Because nothing happens in this book.
But that's not the only thing that bothered me. There were also logical gaps, like when Harmonia's birth mark grows but it is never explained why. Or when she sees Empusa on fire (ok, that's probably going to be explained in the spin-off series, but I found it annoying).
Then there's the meeeeeeeeean antagonist. In the three books before, we had the Fates. In my opinion, they were awesome antagonists that really did seriously evil stuff. But Hades? He's nothing more than a childish little egoist. The Olympians actually TALKED him into letting them go. WTF? That reminds me of my Twilight-trauma. In the last book, I was waiting and waiting for the final climax, the huge fight - it never came. But then again, the whole Twilight series was really boring, so I wasn't really disappointed.
The Bloodstone Saga, on the other hand, I really liked. It had so many twists and interesting characters - only to end in this big boring finale.
It wasn't only the plot that became boring, but the characters were as well. Cadmus for example was funny in Every Last Kiss and the two following books - in My Tattered Bonds? He transformed in a sad shadow of himself. He had practically no screen time and no real importance apart from the impact of his betrayal on Harmonia. The same goes for Aphrodite and Ares - no character development at all.
Of course, there were also things about My Tattered Bonds that I liked: how many people had been involved in the Fates' plans, for example. And why the Olympians were where they were. But these things could have been mentioned in the first three bokks of the series. Not all at once, but one after another. Writing an unecessary and boring fourth novel when the author could have put the information in the first three is really just ridiculous.
I was really disappointed in this finale, but maybe The Moonstone Saga (which will be a spin-off series of The Bloodstone Saga) will be better. I'm sad about this too, because I wanted this book to be awesome. But it wasn't
My Tattered Bonds deals mainly with Harmonia's journey to find her daughter in the Underworld. She meets Hades, who is interested in her to say the least.
The book has a nice build-up - Harmonia reads the entire prophecy about the Chosen One for the first time and finds out that she is in grave danger. Unfortunately, it turns out that she isn't. Because nothing happens in this book.
But that's not the only thing that bothered me. There were also logical gaps, like when Harmonia's birth mark grows but it is never explained why. Or when she sees Empusa on fire (ok, that's probably going to be explained in the spin-off series, but I found it annoying).
Then there's the meeeeeeeeean antagonist. In the three books before, we had the Fates. In my opinion, they were awesome antagonists that really did seriously evil stuff. But Hades? He's nothing more than a childish little egoist. The Olympians actually TALKED him into letting them go. WTF? That reminds me of my Twilight-trauma. In the last book, I was waiting and waiting for the final climax, the huge fight - it never came. But then again, the whole Twilight series was really boring, so I wasn't really disappointed.
The Bloodstone Saga, on the other hand, I really liked. It had so many twists and interesting characters - only to end in this big boring finale.
It wasn't only the plot that became boring, but the characters were as well. Cadmus for example was funny in Every Last Kiss and the two following books - in My Tattered Bonds? He transformed in a sad shadow of himself. He had practically no screen time and no real importance apart from the impact of his betrayal on Harmonia. The same goes for Aphrodite and Ares - no character development at all.
Of course, there were also things about My Tattered Bonds that I liked: how many people had been involved in the Fates' plans, for example. And why the Olympians were where they were. But these things could have been mentioned in the first three bokks of the series. Not all at once, but one after another. Writing an unecessary and boring fourth novel when the author could have put the information in the first three is really just ridiculous.
I was really disappointed in this finale, but maybe The Moonstone Saga (which will be a spin-off series of The Bloodstone Saga) will be better. I'm sad about this too, because I wanted this book to be awesome. But it wasn't
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2012
As much as I loved The Bloodstone Saga, the last two novels haven’t really shined for me. My Tattered Bonds probably could have been a couple chapters at the end of With My Last Breath, rather than an entire novel.
The romantic tension between Harmonia & Cadmus all but disappears in My Tattered Bonds, which is one of the things I really loved about the earlier novels. The adventure also wasn’t very exciting, as it was basically one long and boring trek through the Underworld.
The story of how the Olympians were banished (which we finally discover), was original but somewhat anti-climatic. I was expecting something so much more than it actually was and I was also really disappointed with the Gods attitudes once they were found. I also would have loved to see more of the Gods as well, particularly since Ares & Aphrodite don’t remember much of their lives as Olympians (another area of disappoint for me).
While I was expecting a lot more from My Tattered Bonds than I got, it was nice to see how the story ended. There is no way I would have been able to skip this novel after reading the rest of The Bloodstone Saga. While I wasn’t impressed, if you are already invested in the series it is worth the read.
The romantic tension between Harmonia & Cadmus all but disappears in My Tattered Bonds, which is one of the things I really loved about the earlier novels. The adventure also wasn’t very exciting, as it was basically one long and boring trek through the Underworld.
The story of how the Olympians were banished (which we finally discover), was original but somewhat anti-climatic. I was expecting something so much more than it actually was and I was also really disappointed with the Gods attitudes once they were found. I also would have loved to see more of the Gods as well, particularly since Ares & Aphrodite don’t remember much of their lives as Olympians (another area of disappoint for me).
While I was expecting a lot more from My Tattered Bonds than I got, it was nice to see how the story ended. There is no way I would have been able to skip this novel after reading the rest of The Bloodstone Saga. While I wasn’t impressed, if you are already invested in the series it is worth the read.
May 30, 2012
The fourth and final book in The Bloodstone Saga, My Tattered Bonds does not disappoint. Although the imagery was not as fluid as in the past three books, it does not detract from the wonderful story. What would you do for those you love? How far does a mothers love really go? Would you be able to find it in your heart to forgive those who have seemingly betrayed you? Would you risk your life yet again for those who have? Although we may never have to question these things, Harmonia does, time and time again, but this time from the depths of Hell.
Although I enjoyed the entire book, nay, the entire series, I must say my favorite aspect was the ending. It was perfection. There were no unanswered questions, no feelings of remorse, no sadness, just an overwhelming sense that it was the way it should be. Don't get me wrong, I hated to see it end, but there could not have been a better ending to Harmonia's tale...all for love. Thank you for the experience, Ms. Cole. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
Although I enjoyed the entire book, nay, the entire series, I must say my favorite aspect was the ending. It was perfection. There were no unanswered questions, no feelings of remorse, no sadness, just an overwhelming sense that it was the way it should be. Don't get me wrong, I hated to see it end, but there could not have been a better ending to Harmonia's tale...all for love. Thank you for the experience, Ms. Cole. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
May 11, 2012
Loved the book & the ending. As usual the visuals were stunning and Greek mythology references seemed on point [according to my basic knowledge from a greek mythology course i once took]. I loved how Hades was portrayed as young, gorgeous and dangerously sexy and i found myself sort of jealous of Persephone. Most books and films focus on his as being an evil monster banished to the underworld by zeus therefore always wanting to overthrow his brother. Though im sure there are legends of their power struggles, from what i can remember Hades actually wanted and liked having dominion over the underworld and wasnt just shunned thier by zeus as a punishment of something. Though i feel some things may have been a bit too easy and a bit anticlimactic, i still loved how everything played out & i feel it was a truly wonderful end to a wonderful series.
September 23, 2013
Absolutely heart wrenching what Harmonia had to go through just to put get family back together but in the end she prevailed just like i hoped and the prophecy said she would. When i got to the end i thought she truly finally did it her heartbreak and despair is over and she can go home but then hades dropped that bomb which surprised me but ever strong even in the most difficult times Harmonia was a warrior even if she didn't see herself as one and sacrificed yet again what she wants to what was being made available to her which also happened to be a good choice for her and her loved ones. I'm happy the book ended happy but don't get me wrong i am sad to know my time with these characters are over but this is a really good series to get lost in and never come back up.
October 24, 2011
I really loved this series...but the last couple of books didn't quite get the 5 stars. I can only say that, for whatever reason, I felt somewhat disconnected from the characters. I got really excited for a bit when Hades came into the picture! Maybe I have a bad boy fascination going on...BUT the writing is excellent and beautiful and the story was intriguing and very well developed. I love the different places that the author took us throughout this series...Egypt, Greece, Camelot, the Underworld...fascinating and full of adventure! Definitely recommend!
May 5, 2012
Even though it wasn't quite the ending I expected, I am so glad that Courtney chose the directon that she did. Harmonia and Cadmus had that love that we all long for and deserved to spend forever loving each other especially after all of their misfortunes.
As a Mom, I truly appreciated and loved Raquel's role in Harmonia's life.
Looking forward to House of Thebes and The Moonstone Saga!! And on a side note I loved that Courtney worked Empusa's Moonstone into this last series!! Clever clever!!!
As a Mom, I truly appreciated and loved Raquel's role in Harmonia's life.
Looking forward to House of Thebes and The Moonstone Saga!! And on a side note I loved that Courtney worked Empusa's Moonstone into this last series!! Clever clever!!!
September 21, 2016
Awaited finale
After being in the spiritlands and getting used to the immortal world, going into t he underworld in search for Zeus and Raquel was different. She built the landscape well, diversifying the sections giving them different access points and purposes. I enjoyed the final search and decisions Harmonia was forced to make. My heart tugged a few times in wonder of her decisions. I will probably continue onto the Moonstone series as well.
After being in the spiritlands and getting used to the immortal world, going into t he underworld in search for Zeus and Raquel was different. She built the landscape well, diversifying the sections giving them different access points and purposes. I enjoyed the final search and decisions Harmonia was forced to make. My heart tugged a few times in wonder of her decisions. I will probably continue onto the Moonstone series as well.
January 12, 2021
I have just one problem with the bloodstone saga as a whole: It is too short! I thoroughly enjoyed each book, and who wouldn't? Ancient Alexandria, Olympus, Camelot, and on to the depths of Hell, perfect! They took me less than a day each to read, and for me, that is just too short, perhaps it is because these are meant to be YA books, but I typically want a book to last more than a few hours.
February 15, 2013
it is an exciting, romantic, adventurous and fitting conclusion to this wonderful series.
an intriguing compilation of Greek myth, historical event, and time-honored legend. Full of spine-tingling romance, epic quests, betrayals, journeys, ancient prophecy, gorgeous goddesses and handsome heroes, this series is an original read.
love it <3 i got it as a gift from a friend
an intriguing compilation of Greek myth, historical event, and time-honored legend. Full of spine-tingling romance, epic quests, betrayals, journeys, ancient prophecy, gorgeous goddesses and handsome heroes, this series is an original read.
love it <3 i got it as a gift from a friend
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