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Bound
After her mother dies, Elowyn Challis would do anything to bury the pain, but being shipped off to boarding school isn’t what she had in mind. Things could be worse. Wyn finds a place for herself in the academy and living in the capital is just sparkling. But under it all, her mother’s death still haunts her.
Then Wyn discovers a secret that changes everything she believes: the bedtime stories her mother told her as a child are real, the faerie realm exists, and she is the Binder—the one mortal on earth with the power to seal the gate to Fae. It’s a power Wyn’s not sure she wants or can even wield. But she must confront her nightmares and her grief, or two worlds will be torn apart.
Then Wyn discovers a secret that changes everything she believes: the bedtime stories her mother told her as a child are real, the faerie realm exists, and she is the Binder—the one mortal on earth with the power to seal the gate to Fae. It’s a power Wyn’s not sure she wants or can even wield. But she must confront her nightmares and her grief, or two worlds will be torn apart.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
About the author
Annie Oldham
11 books174 followersAway from her writing, Annie is the mother of the most adorable girls in the world, has the best husband in the world, and lives in one of the prettiest places in the world (the Wasatch mountains are breathtaking!). She loves to cook, sing, play the piano, and participate in community theater.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 10, 2012
Just six short months ago Wyn lost her mother and she might as well have lost her father too. He has closed himself off from her and she is left on her own to find a way to forget her mother's death. After unsuccessful attempts Wyn is sent to an all-girls academy and prays no one finds out about her mother and father. Believing she is suffering from the same mental problems that plagued her mother, Wyn struggles to be normal and tries to make at least one friend in Becky. But strange things happen her first night there and seem to get weirder by the second day. Could all the fairy tales her mother once told her actually be true and what does it all mean for Wyn? Take a journey alongside Wyn as she discovers secrets about a magical faerie realm and what role she will play in all of it.
Ok, here is how I work. When I tell an author I will do a review it’s usually about a month or two later before I get to it. So I usually forget what the whole story is about. I do this on purpose so I will be surprised at how the story unfolds. It is actually better for me that way. So with Bound, I had forgotten what the whole gist of the story was and I loved delving in and finding out what all was hidden in between the pages. And you know what I found? Goodness, absolute faery goodness. Oh and don’t forget Brownies, they were there too!
Faeries...oh how I adore thee. Yes, I love a good faery story and Bound is definitely a good one. But I would have loved to seen more about The Fates. Now that was very interesting to me. And the…eh, I better stop there. Don’t want to give anymore goodness away.
Annie Oldham you stole my heart with The Burn and now again with Bound. You know how to write a story that is unique and entertaining; with characters you can't help but root for. I love how your writing is clear and you don’t add a bunch of details that is pointless to a story. You got me…I am a huge fan of your books. Thanks for allowing me to read and review your work. Looking forward to more!
September 16, 2012
Bound has a little bit of everything between the pages. It's a fantasy adventure story with the feel of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series mixed with Lesley Livingston's Wondrous Strange series. Once I started this book it was hard to put down, the story is fast paced and mysterious. In the beginning the reader is stuck guessing what is going on as events unfold and secrets are shared. Strange things begin happening as the main character Wyn leaves home for an all girls academy.
The boarding school/academy aspect is always appealing to me. Upon entering the academy Wyn befriends Becky who is a great counterpart for her. They are instantly great friends and share a lot in the span of the story. Their relationship is easy and one that many girls can relate to.
Annie's characters are easy to follow, not complex, but still very interesting. The fantasy element and use of Fairy knowledge goes well with this book that could be a historical non fiction if not for the fantastical parts. It's a fun and enchanting take on a story that I've read but not in this way. Bound begins as a light read and the reader is quickly taken on a journey that turns darker and more serious. Wyn is a loyal friend and I believe she is an excellent person to be given the power she has. As the Binder she has responsibilities and she's a capable heroine, especially with the help of her friends.
My favorite character in the book is a Brownie named Pip. He's a feisty and fiery little guy who stands up for but what he believes in and is a loyal servant and friend. He's just an adorable addition to the book and has some comical parts in the book.
The love story in the book is a little fast moving, but it fits in well with the story. It's a refreshing part of the story, developing in the middle of serious events. Wyn's life has recently been difficult and she's endured a lot and I think opening her heart, even at a time like this, is moving and thoughtful. She's a great character, strong and sure, and any guy would be lucky to have her.
Bound is a wonderful read, especially for fans of books about the Faery realm, but I think others will enjoy it too. It features a great group of characters, strong story line, and an action packed adventure. If you're looking for a magical read I definitely recommend this one!
The boarding school/academy aspect is always appealing to me. Upon entering the academy Wyn befriends Becky who is a great counterpart for her. They are instantly great friends and share a lot in the span of the story. Their relationship is easy and one that many girls can relate to.
Annie's characters are easy to follow, not complex, but still very interesting. The fantasy element and use of Fairy knowledge goes well with this book that could be a historical non fiction if not for the fantastical parts. It's a fun and enchanting take on a story that I've read but not in this way. Bound begins as a light read and the reader is quickly taken on a journey that turns darker and more serious. Wyn is a loyal friend and I believe she is an excellent person to be given the power she has. As the Binder she has responsibilities and she's a capable heroine, especially with the help of her friends.
My favorite character in the book is a Brownie named Pip. He's a feisty and fiery little guy who stands up for but what he believes in and is a loyal servant and friend. He's just an adorable addition to the book and has some comical parts in the book.
The love story in the book is a little fast moving, but it fits in well with the story. It's a refreshing part of the story, developing in the middle of serious events. Wyn's life has recently been difficult and she's endured a lot and I think opening her heart, even at a time like this, is moving and thoughtful. She's a great character, strong and sure, and any guy would be lucky to have her.
Bound is a wonderful read, especially for fans of books about the Faery realm, but I think others will enjoy it too. It features a great group of characters, strong story line, and an action packed adventure. If you're looking for a magical read I definitely recommend this one!
March 30, 2012
This is a condensed version of this review, to see it in its entirety, please click here.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Annie Oldham for giving me this book to review.
The story starts with Wyn leaving for the girls academy school after her mother's death and that is where the adventure starts. Wyn was a character that I enjoyed learning about. She had a good heart and when she got the call she stepped up to the plate bravely.
Along with Wyn, I really liked the supporting characters. They were all intriguing and had distinct personalities. They didn't feel like they were cut out of a mold. I really like when characters seem real.
The pacing of the novel was excellent. The story never felt rushed or like it was dragging on. Oldham masterfully crafted a story that was intriguing and entertaining and felt like it was constantly moving toward the climax. I also appreciated that.
The world Oldham created was one full of intrigue and fantasy. I loved the idea behind the novel and loved the way she told this story.Oldham's writing was entertaining and very well constructed. I never felt lost in the story and her words left me captivated by the story.
This is the second novel I've read by Oldham and she is proving herself as a versatile writer that I will be keeping tabs on.
In Summary: A novel that I really enjoyed reading and a writer that I'll be keeping tabs on.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Annie Oldham for giving me this book to review.
The story starts with Wyn leaving for the girls academy school after her mother's death and that is where the adventure starts. Wyn was a character that I enjoyed learning about. She had a good heart and when she got the call she stepped up to the plate bravely.
Along with Wyn, I really liked the supporting characters. They were all intriguing and had distinct personalities. They didn't feel like they were cut out of a mold. I really like when characters seem real.
The pacing of the novel was excellent. The story never felt rushed or like it was dragging on. Oldham masterfully crafted a story that was intriguing and entertaining and felt like it was constantly moving toward the climax. I also appreciated that.
The world Oldham created was one full of intrigue and fantasy. I loved the idea behind the novel and loved the way she told this story.Oldham's writing was entertaining and very well constructed. I never felt lost in the story and her words left me captivated by the story.
This is the second novel I've read by Oldham and she is proving herself as a versatile writer that I will be keeping tabs on.
In Summary: A novel that I really enjoyed reading and a writer that I'll be keeping tabs on.
August 3, 2012
t starts out with a very mysterious tone to the story. Wyn starts noticing things around campus and making friends, getting to know the place. Her heartache over the loss of her mother does stick with her throughout the story and you really feel for her.
I think the thing that appealed to me most about this story (and it's the small things that matter) was the fact that the boarding school that Wyn goes to sounds amazing. It's was the royalties old home and located close to the Palace. I could just imagine the beautiful architecture and picturesque views throughout the story as I read. The writing had a great way of pulling you into the world and being able to imagine the setting and the people's eyes (they had glowing eyes) was so smoothly done that I was able to lose myself into this world very easily.
I found the story enjoyable, Wyn is a great main character. We get to see some strength and weaknesses in her. Also there is a great cast of other characters.
It's a fun, clean read that I enjoyed spending some time with.
I think the thing that appealed to me most about this story (and it's the small things that matter) was the fact that the boarding school that Wyn goes to sounds amazing. It's was the royalties old home and located close to the Palace. I could just imagine the beautiful architecture and picturesque views throughout the story as I read. The writing had a great way of pulling you into the world and being able to imagine the setting and the people's eyes (they had glowing eyes) was so smoothly done that I was able to lose myself into this world very easily.
I found the story enjoyable, Wyn is a great main character. We get to see some strength and weaknesses in her. Also there is a great cast of other characters.
It's a fun, clean read that I enjoyed spending some time with.
September 15, 2012
Full Review at: What's Beyond Forks?
Bound is the second novel I've read by Annie Oldham. Like The Burn, I was whisked away into a story only he could create. This time her story involved faeries, brownies, and a whole new fantasy World. There is some romance involved, but the story doesn't revolve around it. Wyn was a very believable character. She had her flaws as well as her strengths making her just like the rest of us, okay well obviously not just like the rest of us. But she is he type of girl we all fantasize we could be. What girl doesn't want to be that girl, with a sudden special power capable of saving the world or maybe even two worlds? Annie Oldham's writing makes it easy to escape reality and become Wyn for a few days.
April 11, 2014
2.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I didn’t particularly like it, but I didn’t particularly dislike it either. The writing wasn’t terrible, nor was it fantastic. The story was good, but not… well, you’ve figured out where I’m going by now.
Bound is a decent book. It’s full of magic and fairies and love stories and hot chocolate, and there’s nothing cringeworthy involved. It’s a nice, middle-of-the-road book, and I enjoyed taking a few minutes each day to read it.
Would I recommend it: Meh. I think perhaps I don’t like fairies or hot chocolate enough to recommend this book.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/04/re...
Did I enjoy this book: I didn’t particularly like it, but I didn’t particularly dislike it either. The writing wasn’t terrible, nor was it fantastic. The story was good, but not… well, you’ve figured out where I’m going by now.
Bound is a decent book. It’s full of magic and fairies and love stories and hot chocolate, and there’s nothing cringeworthy involved. It’s a nice, middle-of-the-road book, and I enjoyed taking a few minutes each day to read it.
Would I recommend it: Meh. I think perhaps I don’t like fairies or hot chocolate enough to recommend this book.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Book Reviews.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/04/re...
May 2, 2012
I won this book in a giveaway from GR. I think this book was written for YA , but I really enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I read a fairy tale--when I was a child I used to devour them. This one was written well and had a good plot. Thank you for allowing me to read it. Judie
April 6, 2013
2.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews