Spirit Binder

The Cascadian Chronicles #1

by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Theodora Rudan woke severely injured, covered in blood, and missing ten years of her life. Just to complicate matters further, she was born under a prophecy, one that has rabid followers with three different interpretations, all of whom are willing to sacrifice her in order to fulfill it. Not knowing if she can trust the stranger she’s betrothed to, the warrior visiting her dreams, or even her own mother, Theo tries to piece together her past only to find that her present is far more dangerous. It’s the power of her own blood that scares her most of all. This is a responsibility Theo never wanted, and a destiny she cannot deny. ___________________ Spirit Binder is a stand alone fantasy novel set a thousand years after spirit (aka magic) rises to take back the world in an apocalyptic event. The young-adult novel Time Walker is set in the same universe, ten years after the events of Spirit Binder.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Paranormal, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Magic

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2012

About the author

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Reviews

[Heather Faville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imagine waking up one day to find you have lost 10 years of you life? Where knowing who to trust has become an issue, even within your own family? And the various interpretations of a prophecy that was made at your birth is continually causing feuds. This is exactly what happens to our protagonist Theo. She is a very strong female character, but her loss of 10 years has made her more vulnerable than she is comfortable with being. Over time and with some assistance, Theo's memory begins to return and this is where I had one of my only issues with Spirit Binder (The Cascadian Chronicles #1)...there were times when I became a bit confused. Was what I just read in the present or was it a part of the lost 10 years? Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind at the point where I was reading these particular scenes, but, as I said, they just seemed unclear to me.

The other characters we meet along Theo's journey are each in themselves unique and intriguing. She has 2 men vying for her affection, both of whom she has committed herself to in past and present. So, yes a bit of a love triangle going on. I actually disliked one in particular quite a bit, but I still liked his character. (I'm not telling which so as not to skew anyone's opinion). Theo's mother was a bit of a shrew, but there was something about her I respected.

Spirit Binder (The Cascadian Chronicles #1) is part one of I'm not sure how many and while it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger it is not so huge as to be extremely annoying that there is a wait involved. With magic and spells, blood ties and unknown enemies, Spirit Binder is dark, fun fantasy read that can take you away to another world.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was genuinely surprised by this particular book. The way it translated things magical and spiritual a complete surprise. The use of magic and spirit different from anything I've ever read before or since then. Here are my thoughts:

Theo doesn't remember the last ten years of her life much to her dismay. She's suppose to have powers of a mind mage and other unknown powers at this point. Yet her mother, Rhea, Apex of Cascadia, has finally gotten Theo back after a ten year absence. Rhea wants what is best for Theo even if it's not things that Theo wants for herself just yet. Dougal, Theo's uncle, has kept Theo hidden from Rhea because he was training Theo to use sword fighting to supplement her mind mage powers that have been locked away. Theo doesn't feel like herself with her missing memories, she's lost and confused by everything around her. Theo is apparently bonded already with Ren though has no memory of this happening. Theo is drawn to Hugh in ways that she can't even explain to herself or anyone else either. Hugh wants Theo to accept who she is and not what everyone else believes of her. A mysterious man called the Preacher has been stirring up unrest among the people yet no one knows who he is either. Will Theo regain her memories? Who will Theo chose to be bonded with Ren or Hugh? Why does the Preacher want to harm Theo? Who is the Preacher? What is a Spirit Binder? Your answers await you in Spirit Binder.

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine waking up 10 years in the future, not knowing what happened to you, why it happened, or who you can trust in your new life. Your mother is distant, you have few friends, and you find that you have some strange powers that scare many people, including yourself. All recollections of the past are gone, and you’re starting over. Just imagine.

Theo isn’t only imagining this; she’s living it. As scary as it is, Theo is a strong female lead character, attempting to find herself and understand the truth about her family—prophecy included. As she begins to get her memories back, and learns from her friends and “lovers” what she’s capable of, Theo becomes a self-assertive young woman set on doing what’s right and protecting those she loves, regardless of the costs.

This is a fairly fast-paced novel, moving very quickly and endearing the characters to the reader’s heart as it unfolds. I truly enjoyed all the characters, even Theo’s mother (after a while), and found the entire premise of this novel to be quite unique and very interesting. Though a cliffhanger is in tow, I didn’t feel like it left me hanging in such a way that I was dissatisfied, and I believe that lovers of science fiction and fantasy will really enjoy this novel.

To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirit Binder takes us into a world ruled by spirit and magic. It is full of mystery, intrigue, action and a touch of romance. It will keep you guessing to the very end.

Theo awakes covered in blood, in excruciating pain, in complete darkness, with a demon lapping at her blood and missing ten years of her life. She is twenty-six but she remembers being sixteen. What has happened to her and why can't she remember those last ten years of her life? She doesn't know who she can trust. Her mom is distant and keeping secrets from her. Theo is vulnerable and confused but has a growing power inside of her. That power not only scares her but others around her. Will she learn the secrets surrounding her and come to terms with this growing power?

The author does an excellent job developing each character and the story through her descriptive details. I really liked Theo and watching her character develop from vulnerable and confused to a strong heroine. Theo has an interesting companion, a magicial carpet, which reminds me of Aladin. I also enjoyed the twists and turns in this story. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book . I was intrigued from the very first page . Theo waking up in the caverns after being missing for ten years. The story builds from there. The betrothed Hugh and her love Ren . The prophecy that hangs over their heads, all this and Theo has to regain her memories of the missing 10 yrs . What's a girl going to do .
This book was a rollercoaster . You could feel Theo fighting to regain her memories as she fights for control of her life as she tries to figure out which man she belongs with . All the while trying to prepare for a war that is coming. Love the carpet that follows her around and is at her beck and call.
The dialogue is well written and some of it is written in the third person as she tries to figure out the memories . You cheer for them as you get to the end of the book . Even the characters you hated in the beginning will warm your heart in the end . This is the first book in the series can't wait to read the second book I recommend this book if you lime fantasy and magic . A great book to curl up on a winters evening . Hope you check it out

[Gertie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one... it is a little disconcerting and awkard in the beginning pages, because the main character Theo is surrounded by mysteries and confusion, and the reader is right there with her. Gradually she starts to gain her footing, events start to progress, and we meet new characters. I appreciated that the conflict the book builds up to is not a long drawn out bloody affair; after you've read nough of those they become tedious. I like fantasy but rarely love it - if fantasy is usually your thing then you will probably like this book as much if not more than I did.

Memorability factor 7/10

Recommended for fans of fantasies with likable leading ladies with some kick-ass skills.

[YA Novelties · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check this review out at our blog!

After being confused over many references in Time Walker, I have them all answered in Spirit Binder, so here is my recommendation people: read Spirit Binder first! Many little details, especially in the beginning of Time Walker, are references to this book, so please do read this first if you intend to try this series out at all.

Theo has just awoken from lying in a pool of blood and is now twenty-six, but only has her memories up to her sixteenth problem. This is the point where we expect Ms. Amnesia to go turn into a clueless numskull blaming everyone else for her problems. Thankfully, Theo does the opposite, despite the many secrets that are being hidden from her. While trying to uncover the secrets of her missing ten years of memories, Theo has to face a prophecy; the endearing Hugh, her betrothed of the prophecy; and the psychopathic uncle who comes along with the hot warrior who comes along with him.

I guess it's kind of obvious that Theo has a giant mess to sort herself out of. Like in Time Walker, Theo is a strong, independent heroine. However, I appreciated Theo more than Beth because she was willing to accept others' help more easily than Beth. It's hard to like characters who think that they can hold up the mountain, but end up screwing up everything. Noble idiocy is a serious illness that Theo has skillfully avoided, even with all of the trust issues she is having with everyone around her.

For the most part, all of the characters in Spirit Bound were hard to distinguish when it came to their motives. We see Theo's mother who obviously is hiding plenty of important things from Theo, but we still cannot dismiss her as a terrible mother. She clearly cares about Theo, but she is forced to allow Theo to follow her own path. Most fantasy novels have a syndrome called terrible parents, but thankfully the story is able to progress well without any abusive or negligent parents being the catalyst for the disasters. However, there is probably something that should be mentioned for horrible uncle-hood or something because I do not understand how Theo's mother and Theo's uncle can cooperate with all of the bad blood (Sorry, I just couldn't help myself with this pun) that Dr. Phil needs to remedy.

Although there is a hint of a love triangle in the blurb, the love triangle does not take over the entire plot. Since I already read Time Walker, I already knew how the love triangle would end up as, which was why I was glad that the love triangle did not consumer the story or Theo herself. Hugh, Theo's betrothed, and Ren, her warrior friend, are both extremely amazing guys that totally deserve Theo. Despite this, Theo knows to set her priorities straight and to not turn into a suicidal Bella. I do have to say that the rivalry between Hugh and Ren is adorable to read about, so there are definitely some bonuses for this love triangle if you are a hater for this clichéd plot device.

Unfortunately, my love for the characters could not prevent something serious from happening: lost plot lines. Notice, this does not mean that the entire story was fluff. What this means is that there were some instances that I felt somewhat lost while reading this book. I just wasn't sure about why certain things were said or done because they felt unnecessary or irrelevant to the overall whole of the book. Otherwise these few brief moments, everything else was well done when it came to the plot.

The conclusion of this book was really something that stands out among fantasy novels. There is definitely that climatic final battle that many fantasies do, yet I found this one so much more compelling because this was everything that I was anxiously waiting for. Some fantasy novels, such as Lord of the Rings or The Girl of Fire and Thorns, have these mini battles constantly throughout the entire book, making the last battle seem somewhat lackluster. Instead, there is the build-up for the finale that makes the battle seem more climatic and epic than it probably should seem. Regardless, the ending riled me up so much that I was spazzing out to discover what happened next.

After I finished Spirit Binder, I immediately went back to re-reading Time Walker to pick out the little details here and there that connect these two series. If you didn't know, Theo is a supporting character in Time Walker, so I was definitely glad to see more of her. There hasn't been a heroine that I have rooted for as much as Theo and I hope to find more similar to her.

-Angie @ YA Novelties

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Meghan Ciana Doidge.)
Theodora awakes, cold, and with what feels like a broken ankle, in a pitch-black place with a stone floor. She realises that she’s lying in a puddle of her own blood, and eventually manages to drag herself up and find a way out of wherever she is.

Stumbling back into her home, Theo has no idea what has happened to her, or even what her own name is, but after some time with a healer, begins to piece her life back together.

When she finds out that she is no longer about to turn 16, but instead 26, she is shocked and has no idea where the last 10 years have gone.
There are even more shocks in store for Theo as she learns more about her life though, including the fact that there was some kind of prophecy surrounding her birth, and that she is engaged to be married to a man (Hugh) who was also born under a prophecy.

Theo has some sort of magic powers, and is what is known as a ‘mind mage’, because of this she is able to sense other people’s magic, locate people, and read minds. Hugh also has magic powers, but they are different to Theo’s. Theo’s powers seem to be limited in some way once she awakes though, and there is a block in her mind that she doesn’t understand.
Where has Theo been for the past 10 years? Who kidnapped her? What destiny awaits her?


This book was not what I was expecting at all, it read very much like a historical fiction story, although I’m not entirely sure what age it was supposed to be set in, or whether this was in fact a dystopian society, as there is mention of ‘old cities of cement and steel’, and ‘buildings that touched the skies’.

I liked the mystery aspect of this story, and I was interested to find out what had happened to Theo, who had kidnapped her, and what had happened in the 10 years that she was missing.

Theo herself showed her true colours with her mercy and selflessness, especially when compared to her mother who just came across as being pretty evil. I didn’t feel a real connection to Theo though, I’m not sure why, but she was difficult to relate to for me.

I liked the romance between Hugh and Theo, and it was nice to see an arranged marriage actually appearing to work, but this then turned into a bit of a love triangle with the appearance of a man who had been part of Theo’s life in the 10 years that she was missing.

There was conflict in the story, with something going on between Theo’s uncle and her mother, and quite a bit of sword fighting later on in the novel. There was also some conflict with a man known as ‘the preacher’ who seemed to have something against Theo and her magic and kept trying to kill her!

I have to admit that I didn’t fully understand the whole ‘spirit’ thing – which seemed to be both magic and the giver of magic? Not really sure about this. Not sure if those who were born without magic were without spirit, or just not blessed by the spirit? I’m not sure if this is a problem with the book or with me though, ‘cause I seem to find it really hard to get my head around these fantasy worlds and all the stuff going on in them recently.

Overall; a fantasy tale with complex plotlines, and mystery. Recommended for fantasy fans.
6 out of 10.

[Tmk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, the disclaimers. I was offered my copy of Spirtbinder as a review copy. I don’t believe its altered my opinion on the book at all. Also, my review tackles generals more than specifics, but for the really spoiler sensitive, there are vague references- be wary.

Onto the important stuff:

“Fractured...unbound...pieces splintered, seemingly irretrievable...”
Spiritbinder is a book that takes its opening line seriously. It opens as Theodora, the central character, awakens lost and confused; injured and disorientated with ten years of her life missing. That sense of disorientation, of pieces of the puzzle still missing, carries through into the entire book and it did make it a story that was not simple to follow at times. . You don’t get answers or even a hint that they are coming for the first few chapters, but it also creates a sense that you have to hang in there to get them. It’s a tumultuous style that works for the particular circumstances of the narrative and draws you convincingly into Theodora’s own state of mind and confusion

The story is fast paced and development continual. I’ve always been a softie for the intricate, detail ladened fantasy world, and so the action developed a little too quickly for me- I wanted to know and be shown more about the fascinating world Meghan Doidge creates. Fans of swashbuckling, fast paced adventure will love it, however, and the core narrative is such that it sweeps you along for the ride, increasing the urgency Theo herself feels- it works for the book, although I think it’s a style that will mellow with even better results as time passes.

The book’s romantic subplot works. I can hardly believe I’ve written that, as I am naturally cynical to the often forced-inclusion of romance in the fantasy genre. Meghan Doidge handles the three characters involved with sympathy enough to interest the reader in all of them, resists the temptation to make the developments [and the choices] blaringly obvious and manages to make it a relevant part of the action as well.

I was rather pleased to note that a young-adult market spinoff is in the works, as the characters in Spiritbinder displayed a courage and strength and self sufficiency, whilst maintaining human flaw, that I would love to see modelled to the Young Adult Market ahead of some of the insipid and uninspiring ‘role models’ currently offered to that market. Sympathetic characterisation was, in fact, one of the strongest draws in this book.

Overall, Spiritbinder is a quick but satisfying read, a book I enjoyed and could easily see more of. It had rather a resolute ending, although I see it is suggested as Volume 1 of a series- I hope we do see further books set in this world as it is worth further consideration, but I will be keeping an eye out for future books by the author regardless. Above all, the book is unique, which makes it a gem in today’s market.

I rather want to kidnap Theo’s carpet, too!

[Chani · Rating 3 out of 5]

**This review can also be found at http://www.readinginthewindowseat.blo...**


At first I didn't think I was going to like this book. From the first chapter everything is written awkwardly which caused it to seem like it didn't have a good story flow. But then I read chapter two.......and didn't stop until chapter 14. The book got really engaging, and I fell for the characters and the story revolved around them. I really like the idea of these people basically pulling Theo in all these different directions because of how they interpret her prophecy. It was interesting to see how differently everyone took it. I would have liked more information on Hugh however, and on Ren. Especially Ren. He was kind of just tossed in and then we really only got to see one or two flashbacks with him in it. I think was this book really could have used was to be extended and given more depth. Characters were underdeveloped because they weren't given enough page time. I really liked Ren, but I also didn't know too much about him or his and Theo's relationship. She wasn't just dating the guy, she'd agreed to bind herself to him. That's a lot more commitment then just an invite over a fence warrants. I know there's more to it, but I didn't get to see that. I was happy with who she ended up with, however. But that brings me to the ending. Like the beginning it felt rushed and disjointed. Everything happened way too quickly with not enough information in between. It just felt like I was watching a movie with the forward button permanently on. I wanted more detail, to see more happen. One minute Ren is giving up his life the next he's terrified. We don't really get to see that change, it just happens. Sure, she did some crazy magic, but she also saved his life. You'd think he'd be a little grateful. On top of that, there was no fight scene and that whole ordeal happened in a blink. It was just so easy for her. She went down and said a few sentences and all of a sudden everyone agreed. I just wish it was a little more complex. They didn't actually need to war or anything, but it should have been a little harder. Everything in between was great, but the beginning and ending of this book kind of ruined a lot of it for me. I was left feeling unsatisfied. I would however read another of this author's books, and I do still recommend it simply because the rest of it really was that good. The characters were all given distinct personalities and the driving force with the Preacher was interesting.

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start this review, I should say that I owe Meghan an apology. She asked me to review her book over a month ago, and I just got so involved in my own life, it slipped out of my fingers. But here it is, and I can definitely say, I was denying myself a great pleasure by waiting so long!

I started my love of fantasy back in grade school, when I picked up a copy of Beowolf and was totally enthralled. I then was given a copy of Lord of the Rings and my reading fate was set thereafter.

Recently, I have found myself moving away from my love of fantastic literature and into more modern veins, and hadn’t even really realized it. Reading Meghan’s Spirit Binder brings me back to those times, and back to the feelings that they inured within me. The sense of scope, of breadth, of tales of magic and hopefulness that open out the soul and exercise the mind.

This isn’t Beowolf, nor is it Tolkein. It is a sweeter, gentler story all its own, filled with a magic that one can identify with and comprehended. There is a strong layer of a past dystopia, now forgotten and yet living all around – The Before. Now, magic and trolls and maybe even a dragon or two roam the lands. And much like Tolkein, and yes, the author of Beowulf, whomever that may be, lost in the annuls of time, this story encompasses as much the magic of the human soul as it does magic itself. Theo is a woman who is, supposedly, a prophesied fountain of power and magic, whose very being is to change the world. As a youngster she is spirited away, to an unknown location by person or persons unknown. Now, ten-years later, she has returned, bloody, battered and dying, to the world she used to know, with her memory gone. What happens after this is a story in the vein of the great old stories, and yet with a modern twist overall that makes the story eminently readable, understandable and immensely enjoyable.

Highly recommended.

_______________________________

As stated previously, this book was provided to me by the author for a realistic review. That has no impact on my opinion. I just simply loved the book.

[Elsa Carrion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Spirit Binder
Author: Meghan Ciana Doidge
Format: 453 ebook pgs
Genre: Urban Science Fiction Fantasy Romance Paranomal Dystopia YA
Cover: Loved it

I give this story 5 stars

1 Star for the Plot
1 Star for the Cover
1 Star for the Characters
1 Star for the Editing
1 Star for the Ending

Plot & Characters:
Something happened in Theo’s world that changed people and brought out mythical creatures. Before the rise of the Spirit everyone was equal now some individuals have very special spirit powers and others don’t. Those that do not have these special gifts are tired of the divide between the gifted and that not gifted and they will bring war to her front door. Theo doesn’t know it but she is the key to the two groups.

Characters:
Besides Theo, there is Hugh and Ren are the two male main characters. Loved them both, although I really dislike the love triangle relationships this one worked out pretty well. Hugh is her betrothed and Ren is her warrior. Brain and Bronze what more can a girl want.

Editing, Cover & Ending:
I noticed very few insignificant errors. I loved the cover it’s what caught my attention. And the ending well let me just say I didn’t see that coming!! I wish there was more but as of right now the book is a stand alone. The story ended in a good place, a very good ending to the story but it also left just a little unknown in case there might be something else in the future, nothing like a cliffhanger just something to keep your mind going. Will definitly be reading the next one in the series.


http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spiri...

http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Binder-C...

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I wanna say that I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I’m so glad I opted to read this one. Theo wakes up surrounded blood and a demon of some sort is eating bodies and blood around her. So I was thinking dark, gothic type writing. It does have a sense of this but it’s not dark, it’s a great story. I love when things are different and fresh. Theo is 26, yet the last thing she remembers was the evening of her 16th birthday. And lemme just tell you, this kids family takes the betrayal soap opera award!! You’ll be totally shaken up with all the things this poor girl has to go through.

An yet, I LOVE her character. She knows she’s freaking out, as she has no memories from the last 10 years, and she’s getting snippets from before but it’s painful. She’s got people around her she doesn’t know if she’s supposed to trust or stay away from. She’s got powers that she is literally terrified of. She knows she’s being lied to. And yet again, she’s my hero! I really wanna hug her.

And then there’s Hugh and Ren! Hugh is HAWT and has some seriously awesome powers, while Ren is HAWT but human! I was biased from the beginning but I liked them both so much that I would have been ok with her choosing either man. I’m really glad who she chose though but she isn’t left without a little damage. So yes yummy hot guys, but I dont think I can qualify this as a love triangle. Even with two different guys. You’ll just have to read.

I read this book in one sitting, and no it isn’t short, but it’s so good. I would classify it more on the fantasy side, with a distopian feel. And I would say its cool for YA on the mature side. There isn’t any sex scenes but some scenes are a little graphic & there’s some torture situations. Oh and awesome castles!! so, a great book worthy of my 5 PAWS!!

I received this book for review by the author as part of a blog tour! :)

[charlene ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

☞ Trigger warnings: war themes, blood, amnesia, arranged marriage, dissociation, murder & attempted murder


I need a quick read so I jumped at the chance to re-read one of my favourite books. Such a great comfort read about destiny, 'foretold' arranged marriages, dissociation and depersonalisation and autonomy.

I would usually love the tall, dark, broody boy but this book made me flip that script and wish that Theo ended up with the sweet, boy next boy-next-door who is also basically a Prince.
Just love this book. I wish it was more fleshed out and longer. Even made into a series (there is a 'sequel' but I have heard it's not very good so I'm pretending it doesn't exist).



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[Victoria Zigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book, with well-rounded characters and an excellently created world. I felt though that the plot was often confusing and sometimes slow, which I appreciate was because of the main character's attempts at making sense of things, but which I found distracting. I also noticed that there were several typing mistakes. So, it is because of the combination of several typos and my failure to get as in to the story as is usual for me due to the confusing and slow plot points that I feel I can only give this book 4 stars. I would like to stress however that this book is worth reading, and I am glad I took the time to do so; I did enjoy it, just not as much as I thought I would.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meghan told me that her books were very different from each other. I loved her first book, After the Virus! I thought Spirit Binder was ok. It kept my attention throughout although the beginning was a bit confusing. The confusion makes sense as you continue to read. And I did like the ending and how everything all ties together! I'm just not a fantasy fan as much as I used to be. My favorite books now are the post-apocalyptic genre (which is why I loved After the Virus!). If you love fantasy and magic, this book is for you!!

[Stephanie Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephanie Fletcher (angelstar59) | 3 comments I have just finished this book and really enjoyed it. The beginning was a bit confusing but once you get into the flow and understand the concept of 'the before' and 'the lacking's' it is a very intriguing story line, of which I would love to read more! It is an easy read as you don't have to keep flicking backwards and forwards to remember what is going on, the story carries you forward naturally. I can see this becoming film!

[Lj · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this book I struggled with getting in to it, but that said more about my state of mind. Once I persevered I couldn't put it down. I was able to sort out my feelings for the characters and how I liked them. I loved Thea's spirit against the odds of finding herself with a 10 year gap in memory. I walked with her as she came into her own.

Ms. Doidge's ability to change her writing style as she developed different series continues to enthrall me. She is not one to be boxed in to any given style. I highly recommend anything she's written (if you like stories of magic and the paranormal kind).

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The start of this book felt a little bit like when you get really drunk, and in the morning, as the memories come crashing back, you fade in and out of sleep, horrified at moments, smiling at others, but not quite feeling like you are in your own body. Oh, that’s just me? Well, Meghan’s writing re-created that for me, and that was so cool!!
I really enjoyed being transported to a different era, enjoyed the story of the princess and her suitors. A bit like a dark fairytale. Very enjoyable!

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy this author

A fun romp. I enjoy books where much of the “action” actually takes place in the main characters head instead of being actual action. If you don’t like that kind of book this might not be for you.

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been addicted to MCD books for a while now.
This book was no different. I found myself attached to the characters, and tried to figure out what would happen. Meghan kept me guessing, and feeling the emotions of the main character.

[Lisa Norvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

'sGood

I enjoyed this story very much. Theo's journey of discovery is engrossing and the world building is interesting. That there is more to come is a treat.

[Kimh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had great promise, but the ending was too rushed and easy for my taste.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a little while to get into, but I liked it.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Arranged marriage
Amnesia
Dissociation
Blood depiction
Murder & attempted murder
War themes

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF.

[Amy Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan has yet again brought us to a new world that is crafted perfectly. The book opens as a young woman awakens in a very dark place full of pain and covered in blood. How did she get there? Where is there? Theo will find out little by little all the answers to the many questions she has and who she truly is. What path should she take for the good of everyone not just herself? A tale as old as time but in a mystical world you've never glimpsed upon. A must read!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhh . ......

Im speechless...... i couldnt put it down. I am sure you will find it hard to not read it to the end once you start. More!! More!!

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, but definitely as good!

Meghan has done it again! I was captivated from the first chapter. I loved the characters and all their strengths and weaknesses. Flawed yet powerful. Human and magical. Brilliant!