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“Doesn’t she know you can’t do real magic alone?”
Faylanna Derrion’s graduation from the Voleno Academy is marred by her father’s demand that she return to the family estate, Iondis. He refuses to accept her decision not to bind herself to another Magicia in an unbreakable partnership, insisting she must do so with his help. No one understands her need to prove she can succeed on her own.
Then her mentor and his partner are taken before her eyes by a terrible darkness, forcing her to flee, even as her father’s soldiers try to force her to go home. On her journey to find help, she meets Tavis, a farmer in search of his mother, who she can’t manage to refuse. The revelation that he’s a novice Magicia causes Faylanna to question everything she’s believed.
At the same time, a dream that’s haunted her since childhood begins to change and the unknown man in it calls to her. His words are sweet but she’s not quite willing to believe he’s anything more than a dream, until she can’t deny it.
As secrets are revealed and events unfold, will Faylanna hold to her solitary path or will she choose the one that now beckons her with new possibilities?
Revised edition published April 27, 2013
Faylanna Derrion’s graduation from the Voleno Academy is marred by her father’s demand that she return to the family estate, Iondis. He refuses to accept her decision not to bind herself to another Magicia in an unbreakable partnership, insisting she must do so with his help. No one understands her need to prove she can succeed on her own.
Then her mentor and his partner are taken before her eyes by a terrible darkness, forcing her to flee, even as her father’s soldiers try to force her to go home. On her journey to find help, she meets Tavis, a farmer in search of his mother, who she can’t manage to refuse. The revelation that he’s a novice Magicia causes Faylanna to question everything she’s believed.
At the same time, a dream that’s haunted her since childhood begins to change and the unknown man in it calls to her. His words are sweet but she’s not quite willing to believe he’s anything more than a dream, until she can’t deny it.
As secrets are revealed and events unfold, will Faylanna hold to her solitary path or will she choose the one that now beckons her with new possibilities?
Revised edition published April 27, 2013
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
J. Elizabeth Hill
7 books56 followersBorn in Toronto, Ontario, Julie Elizabeth Hill exported herself to Vancouver, British Columbia after many years of staring longingly at the map following every snowfall. For as long as she can remember, she's been making up stories, but it wasn't until high school that someone suggested writing them down. Since then, she's been hopelessly in love with story crafting, often forgetting about everything else in the process.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the storyline and the characters. The only thing I didn't like about this book that is the reason this will get a 4-star rating from me is that I didn't like how there was a main character that was independent in the story and wasn't going to let anyone tell her what to do and was going to do magic on her own without anyone holding her down only to be made to submit herself to a love interest to end the story. I understand now why it happened that way, but it irritated me that she had to second guess herself on what she stood for and what she believed in just for some stupid society norm that you had to have a partner to do anything in their magical world. Everyone was trying to make her do something she didn't want to do including her own father which made me really upset as I read the story. Other than that, it was a good story and I hope others will check it out.
November 22, 2012
I've been pretty much stalking Goodreads to see when I could talk about this book. Because I loved it. I had the wonderful opportunity to read it before it was released, and potentially not fully edited. About halfway through the book I remembered in shock that it wasn't final yet, and technically was still a manuscript. In essence? I was blown away.
I will sheepishly admit that my favorite character of Bound isn't even the main character, but a delightfully drawn out hunk that I want to breathe life into so I can date him. Or marry him. Whichever works. I'm not saying who he is, due to spoilers, but I will say that it has been a very long time since I've fallen in love with a male main character that isn't in the YA genre, so I was amazingly impressed.
My next favorite part about Bound is the growth of the main character. She's relatable, which can be a tricky task in fantasy novels. She is realistic, driven for real reasons, and intelligent - all characteristics that I really need to feel for a MC.
So...now I just wait for the next one. Quite impatiently, I might add. Until then, well I'll just reread Bound.
I will sheepishly admit that my favorite character of Bound isn't even the main character, but a delightfully drawn out hunk that I want to breathe life into so I can date him. Or marry him. Whichever works. I'm not saying who he is, due to spoilers, but I will say that it has been a very long time since I've fallen in love with a male main character that isn't in the YA genre, so I was amazingly impressed.
My next favorite part about Bound is the growth of the main character. She's relatable, which can be a tricky task in fantasy novels. She is realistic, driven for real reasons, and intelligent - all characteristics that I really need to feel for a MC.
So...now I just wait for the next one. Quite impatiently, I might add. Until then, well I'll just reread Bound.
February 3, 2013
This was a completely unique novel. Hill has a take on bound magic that I do not recall every having seen anywhere before. She combines history, with modernity and fantasy in such a seamless manner that you cannot help but enjoy yourself with this novel. The characters also interact in a way that is so realistic that you couldn’t ask for more.
This novel is very well written. It never becomes jumpy or disjointed. I appreciate the fact that Hill takes the time to explain and describe those things that need an explanation but does not waste time or slow down the progression of the novel by describing those things that do not need an explanation. I also greatly enjoyed how well she brought her characters to life. In this novel, no one is perfect. But they are all perfectly suited to their purpose.
As a whole, this novel is a brilliant first book in the series. It sets up everything for the progression of the storyline. I also greatly enjoy the fact that this is an entire story on its own. It is so much more than just an intro to the series. This is definitely a series that I will be following.
This novel is very well written. It never becomes jumpy or disjointed. I appreciate the fact that Hill takes the time to explain and describe those things that need an explanation but does not waste time or slow down the progression of the novel by describing those things that do not need an explanation. I also greatly enjoyed how well she brought her characters to life. In this novel, no one is perfect. But they are all perfectly suited to their purpose.
As a whole, this novel is a brilliant first book in the series. It sets up everything for the progression of the storyline. I also greatly enjoy the fact that this is an entire story on its own. It is so much more than just an intro to the series. This is definitely a series that I will be following.
January 16, 2013
I can't remember the last time I read such a character-driven fantasy novel. There's definitely a plot, of course, and there is a lot of suspense, especially once you hit the last third of the novel, but it's the characters that really kept me reading. The characters make mistakes sometimes (in some cases a lot of the time), but they're realistic, and most of them mean well. Even the side characters, which are often two-dimensional, had developed backstories and traits that made them more interesting to read about. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.
I also liked how the characters themselves created a lot of the drama and suspense. Some novels focus on huge plot devices to keep the readers guessing; Hill uses the characters' emotions a lot of the time. A character will say something that sounds completely innocent/normal, but they'll say it with fear or some other emotion they don’t normally show, and then I'm intrigued in a much more interesting way that I would have been if if an event had taken place. That's not to say, though, that there aren't suspenseful events, as well, because there are. I just think that this novel particularly shines when it's dealing with characters and their reactions to things.
I was a bit afraid of the dueling love interests in this novel, but this is one of the few novels I've read where the conflicting emotions make sense. There's a lot of magic involved, and many of the things that sort of bothered me as I was reading made more sense at the end of the novel, which was nice. I still think that Fay and Tavis's relationship progressed a bit more quickly than really made sense to me, but I will attribute a good deal of that to the society they live in and all the magic that goes along with that.
The magic was another thing that I enjoyed reading about. There didn't seem to be particular spells, or at least not spells with names and wand waving and things like that. The magic is more natural, almost. It's still something that has to be taught, of course, but it's more subtle than the magic I've seen in a lot of other books, which was definitely interesting.
The only thing that really bothered me about this novel was the editing. Some of the things that bothered me were things that I'm sure wouldn't bother most other people (after all, I did read through several of the Harry Potter books with a pencil in my hand, fixing all of the misplaced commas and adding semicolons where I felt they should have gone). That said, there were a few instances where a word was missing or where the punctuation was clearly wrong, and that took me out of the story a little.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this novel. I loved getting to know Faylanna and Tavis and all of the other characters, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to them. I eagerly await the next installment in the trilogy.
I also liked how the characters themselves created a lot of the drama and suspense. Some novels focus on huge plot devices to keep the readers guessing; Hill uses the characters' emotions a lot of the time. A character will say something that sounds completely innocent/normal, but they'll say it with fear or some other emotion they don’t normally show, and then I'm intrigued in a much more interesting way that I would have been if if an event had taken place. That's not to say, though, that there aren't suspenseful events, as well, because there are. I just think that this novel particularly shines when it's dealing with characters and their reactions to things.
I was a bit afraid of the dueling love interests in this novel, but this is one of the few novels I've read where the conflicting emotions make sense. There's a lot of magic involved, and many of the things that sort of bothered me as I was reading made more sense at the end of the novel, which was nice. I still think that Fay and Tavis's relationship progressed a bit more quickly than really made sense to me, but I will attribute a good deal of that to the society they live in and all the magic that goes along with that.
The magic was another thing that I enjoyed reading about. There didn't seem to be particular spells, or at least not spells with names and wand waving and things like that. The magic is more natural, almost. It's still something that has to be taught, of course, but it's more subtle than the magic I've seen in a lot of other books, which was definitely interesting.
The only thing that really bothered me about this novel was the editing. Some of the things that bothered me were things that I'm sure wouldn't bother most other people (after all, I did read through several of the Harry Potter books with a pencil in my hand, fixing all of the misplaced commas and adding semicolons where I felt they should have gone). That said, there were a few instances where a word was missing or where the punctuation was clearly wrong, and that took me out of the story a little.
Overall, though, I really enjoyed this novel. I loved getting to know Faylanna and Tavis and all of the other characters, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to them. I eagerly await the next installment in the trilogy.
December 17, 2012
In her debut novel, J. Elizabeth Hill tells the story of a student graduating from her academy of magic only to face the culmination of unknown plans laid around her for years. Strong in both her abilities and her character, Faylanna must survive trials never anticipated while trying to look beyond the alarming present to choices that will impact her life forever on.
Though this story is set in a magical world with characters possessing the ability to use spells, the story is one of familiar human decisions and the struggles and consequences of making them. Faylanna is a capable, intelligent, and kind heroine confronted with the looming uncertainty of her future, and those human aspects are not lost even as she is swept up into fantastic mystery. The characters become dear because of their believable relationships, goals, and troubles; not even the antagonists are exempt.
The natural way that Hill writes magic is another wonderful part of this story, with several fascinating concepts and interactions. The magic is pervasive, not something to just be pulled out when needed but a true extension of the characters, an extra sense or a malleable tool. The descriptions of the spells are subtle and yet spin out beautiful images in the mind of the reader. The world developed with the implications of this magic, which is incorporated into history, laws, and culture. There are items, critical partnerships to be made, and crimes through the use of magic, all building into a world the reader will soon become comfortable with and be free to focus on the story.
One point of frustration comes from the exclusion of Faylanna from knowledge possessed by other characters. It’s hard to shake the feeling that a lot of trouble could have been avoided if she had insisted on the opportunities that were not interrupted almost on cue when information was about to be revealed. Faylanna is a determined character who pushes for what she believes must be done, and watching her let those moments pass was confusing. To be fair, she continually receives more to worry about, as Hill is wonderful about piling on the stakes.
The characters are solid, strong beings that proved impressive in many areas. Not only do they help each other in physically dangerous situations, but the lessons the characters learn from one another resonate with the readers and have their part to play in the story. “Bound” is a brilliant story for fantasy fans and beyond, and we may all rejoice that it is the first in a trilogy.
Though this story is set in a magical world with characters possessing the ability to use spells, the story is one of familiar human decisions and the struggles and consequences of making them. Faylanna is a capable, intelligent, and kind heroine confronted with the looming uncertainty of her future, and those human aspects are not lost even as she is swept up into fantastic mystery. The characters become dear because of their believable relationships, goals, and troubles; not even the antagonists are exempt.
The natural way that Hill writes magic is another wonderful part of this story, with several fascinating concepts and interactions. The magic is pervasive, not something to just be pulled out when needed but a true extension of the characters, an extra sense or a malleable tool. The descriptions of the spells are subtle and yet spin out beautiful images in the mind of the reader. The world developed with the implications of this magic, which is incorporated into history, laws, and culture. There are items, critical partnerships to be made, and crimes through the use of magic, all building into a world the reader will soon become comfortable with and be free to focus on the story.
One point of frustration comes from the exclusion of Faylanna from knowledge possessed by other characters. It’s hard to shake the feeling that a lot of trouble could have been avoided if she had insisted on the opportunities that were not interrupted almost on cue when information was about to be revealed. Faylanna is a determined character who pushes for what she believes must be done, and watching her let those moments pass was confusing. To be fair, she continually receives more to worry about, as Hill is wonderful about piling on the stakes.
The characters are solid, strong beings that proved impressive in many areas. Not only do they help each other in physically dangerous situations, but the lessons the characters learn from one another resonate with the readers and have their part to play in the story. “Bound” is a brilliant story for fantasy fans and beyond, and we may all rejoice that it is the first in a trilogy.
January 24, 2013
Also posted on my blog: www.thebookcafeblog.blogspot.com
I received a free copy from author J. Elizabeth Hill in return for an honest review.
This the debut novel from Hill is a great start to what looks like is going to be an addictive series. Hill immerses you in a fantasical world of magic, romance and almost medievil like status structure. But even with all of the imaginative world building the main character Fay and everything she is dealing with is extremely realistic. She is my favorite kind of female MC, strong, smart, very capable, a little bit cocky, with A LOT of heart. She know what she wants and what she doesn't want and doesn't care what anyone has to say about it. Everything she is going thru completely sucks you in , pretty much from the get go. And then she goes and meets Tavis. Oh Tavis. His character is everything that Fay didn't realize she needed. He supports her when she lets him and doesn't resent her when she needs to be independent. He isn't afraid to lean on her and rely on her strengths. And he loves her unconditionally even through her seriously stupid decisions. That main decision is also known as Marcius. For being so smart, I've gotta say in this, Fay was pretty fricken stupid. It's her interactions with this guy that actually had my coffee cups drop. I can't really say too much on the matter without revealing a lot of the plot, but well she should've known better.
Aside from the MCs, a lot of what made this story so addictive and interesting was the strength of the supporting characters. As much as I loved Tavis and Fay, I have to admit my favorite character was actually Ki. He was so multi-dimensional and amazing you can't help but fall a little bit in love with him. But everyone from Ganson to Eliar to even Fay's father was completely fleshed out and consequential to the plot.
There were some editing issues, but not enough to be distracting, but I know they can be for some people which is why I even bother to mention it.
The ending wasn't by any means a cliffhanger (thank goodness!) but there were some very intriguing unanswered questions that I can't wait to read the next one!
My Rating is actually 3 1/2 stars, but I rounded up :)
I received a free copy from author J. Elizabeth Hill in return for an honest review.
This the debut novel from Hill is a great start to what looks like is going to be an addictive series. Hill immerses you in a fantasical world of magic, romance and almost medievil like status structure. But even with all of the imaginative world building the main character Fay and everything she is dealing with is extremely realistic. She is my favorite kind of female MC, strong, smart, very capable, a little bit cocky, with A LOT of heart. She know what she wants and what she doesn't want and doesn't care what anyone has to say about it. Everything she is going thru completely sucks you in , pretty much from the get go. And then she goes and meets Tavis. Oh Tavis. His character is everything that Fay didn't realize she needed. He supports her when she lets him and doesn't resent her when she needs to be independent. He isn't afraid to lean on her and rely on her strengths. And he loves her unconditionally even through her seriously stupid decisions. That main decision is also known as Marcius. For being so smart, I've gotta say in this, Fay was pretty fricken stupid. It's her interactions with this guy that actually had my coffee cups drop. I can't really say too much on the matter without revealing a lot of the plot, but well she should've known better.
Aside from the MCs, a lot of what made this story so addictive and interesting was the strength of the supporting characters. As much as I loved Tavis and Fay, I have to admit my favorite character was actually Ki. He was so multi-dimensional and amazing you can't help but fall a little bit in love with him. But everyone from Ganson to Eliar to even Fay's father was completely fleshed out and consequential to the plot.
There were some editing issues, but not enough to be distracting, but I know they can be for some people which is why I even bother to mention it.
The ending wasn't by any means a cliffhanger (thank goodness!) but there were some very intriguing unanswered questions that I can't wait to read the next one!
My Rating is actually 3 1/2 stars, but I rounded up :)
January 31, 2013
When I first dove into this book, I had a wee spot of trouble with the writer's style, kind of like run-on thoughts, like someone who talks a lot and doesn't think to take a breath but just keeps going and going and you're almost surprised that you haven't lost your train of thought from the beginning of the thought-train! Slightly out of (mental) breath.
Okay, yes, I jest a little. But once I got into the story, I either didn't notice this any longer, or the author got into a rhythm, or maybe it wasn't as bad as I'd originally imagined it. Whatever. The point is, I stopped caring cuz we have us some nice magic here.
I liked the characters, I liked the plot, I liked the world the author built, I liked the mystery and trying to figure out what the hell was going on and trying (and failing) to guess at the motives and foresee plot twists. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed myself, especially because I just had to keep reading to find out how it all ended, cuz I had no clue.
Did some things annoy me? Well, yeah. Especially with some of the downright stupid choices Faye makes. I mean, *I* could see who the bad guy was, and I wanted to reach into the page and throttle her sometimes. I think some of that was spell-work though, and maybe not entirely her fault. Plus, she's nineteen and new to the world of adults and betrayals and secrets and magic. I liked her independence and strength. I liked how she wanted to be her own woman who makes her own choices and her own mistakes. Good for you, Faye.
Tavis, supposed to be a strong hunk, but I had trouble getting past the country bumpkin image in my head. I like him, truly I do, and I get that he's strong both physically and magically...there was just some magic missing for me.
Maybe it's cuz I like me some bad boys. I found myself more drawn to Marcius. Shame on me. But hoo boy! Was there some heat going on between Marcius and Faye. I think I'm blushing.
So if you like magical worlds and twisty plots and a bit of mystery and romance, pick up a copy of Bound.
Okay, yes, I jest a little. But once I got into the story, I either didn't notice this any longer, or the author got into a rhythm, or maybe it wasn't as bad as I'd originally imagined it. Whatever. The point is, I stopped caring cuz we have us some nice magic here.
I liked the characters, I liked the plot, I liked the world the author built, I liked the mystery and trying to figure out what the hell was going on and trying (and failing) to guess at the motives and foresee plot twists. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed myself, especially because I just had to keep reading to find out how it all ended, cuz I had no clue.
Did some things annoy me? Well, yeah. Especially with some of the downright stupid choices Faye makes. I mean, *I* could see who the bad guy was, and I wanted to reach into the page and throttle her sometimes. I think some of that was spell-work though, and maybe not entirely her fault. Plus, she's nineteen and new to the world of adults and betrayals and secrets and magic. I liked her independence and strength. I liked how she wanted to be her own woman who makes her own choices and her own mistakes. Good for you, Faye.
Tavis, supposed to be a strong hunk, but I had trouble getting past the country bumpkin image in my head. I like him, truly I do, and I get that he's strong both physically and magically...there was just some magic missing for me.
Maybe it's cuz I like me some bad boys. I found myself more drawn to Marcius. Shame on me. But hoo boy! Was there some heat going on between Marcius and Faye. I think I'm blushing.
So if you like magical worlds and twisty plots and a bit of mystery and romance, pick up a copy of Bound.
January 26, 2013
Blurble: Bound by J. Elizabeth Hill
"Doesn't she know you can't do real magic alone?"
Freshly graduated from the Voleno Academy, Faylanna Derrion is trying to find her solitary place in a world where she and her fellow Magicia are expected to find their magical partner as soon as possible. When her mentor and his partner are taken by a terrible darkness before her eyes, her flight to find help brings Tavis into her life. Can she learn to see him as more than a simple farmer or will she accede to her father's demands to return to her family's home, following a path others have laid out for her? Can she choose her own course, after a lifetime of refusing to bind herself to anyone?
Review:
Bound is a book to savor. If you're a fan of fantasy, romance, and mystery, you must read this book. It's wonderful, with subtle influences from Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, and enough tingling tension to keep your toes curled.
The tension radiates not just from the evil dangers which abound, but within the main character as well. Her inner conflicts become the reader's personal crusade as Fay is alternately cheered and jeered by us when she's either headed in the right direction or headed down the wrong path.
Romantic tension also threads through the story, and readers will be cheering for the best partner to win.
Lastly, the world building that J. Elizabeth Hill is creating, within this first book of The Mirrors of Bershan, is on an epic scale without being overwhelming. Her characters will get out of the forest and take the reader along for the journey as they get drawn into the world, word by word.
I am sitting on the edge of my seat for the rest of The Mirrors of Bershan Series to be complete.
Pancake Perfect With a Cup o' Java 4.5 Stars
"Doesn't she know you can't do real magic alone?"
Freshly graduated from the Voleno Academy, Faylanna Derrion is trying to find her solitary place in a world where she and her fellow Magicia are expected to find their magical partner as soon as possible. When her mentor and his partner are taken by a terrible darkness before her eyes, her flight to find help brings Tavis into her life. Can she learn to see him as more than a simple farmer or will she accede to her father's demands to return to her family's home, following a path others have laid out for her? Can she choose her own course, after a lifetime of refusing to bind herself to anyone?
Review:
Bound is a book to savor. If you're a fan of fantasy, romance, and mystery, you must read this book. It's wonderful, with subtle influences from Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, and enough tingling tension to keep your toes curled.
The tension radiates not just from the evil dangers which abound, but within the main character as well. Her inner conflicts become the reader's personal crusade as Fay is alternately cheered and jeered by us when she's either headed in the right direction or headed down the wrong path.
Romantic tension also threads through the story, and readers will be cheering for the best partner to win.
Lastly, the world building that J. Elizabeth Hill is creating, within this first book of The Mirrors of Bershan, is on an epic scale without being overwhelming. Her characters will get out of the forest and take the reader along for the journey as they get drawn into the world, word by word.
I am sitting on the edge of my seat for the rest of The Mirrors of Bershan Series to be complete.
Pancake Perfect With a Cup o' Java 4.5 Stars
December 5, 2012
3.5 stars.
BOUND is a solid fantasy novel with rich characters and a plot that keeps the pages turned.
One of the my favorite things about BOUND is the characters. I really enjoyed Fay's journey. She is feisty and fiery and I could relate to a lot of her emotions. A number of the supporting cast also intrigued me, and I like that these characters were 3 dimensional. Sometimes minor characters fall by the wayside and come across as flat, but that is definitely not the case here.
The hero is also very swoonworthy. I admit he's not my particular hunk of choice, but then I unashamedly like my literary crushes a little more on the dark and tortured anti-hero side (i.e. Snape and the Darkling). But, I definitely rooted for him and think many people will fall to his charms.
My biggest criticism is in the editing. I found quite a few minor errors within the pages, which for me detracts from the overall experience. Without these errors, BOUND would be a solid 4 star read for me.
I eagerly await the next in the series so I can find out what happens to Fay and the others!
BOUND is a solid fantasy novel with rich characters and a plot that keeps the pages turned.
One of the my favorite things about BOUND is the characters. I really enjoyed Fay's journey. She is feisty and fiery and I could relate to a lot of her emotions. A number of the supporting cast also intrigued me, and I like that these characters were 3 dimensional. Sometimes minor characters fall by the wayside and come across as flat, but that is definitely not the case here.
The hero is also very swoonworthy. I admit he's not my particular hunk of choice, but then I unashamedly like my literary crushes a little more on the dark and tortured anti-hero side (i.e. Snape and the Darkling). But, I definitely rooted for him and think many people will fall to his charms.
My biggest criticism is in the editing. I found quite a few minor errors within the pages, which for me detracts from the overall experience. Without these errors, BOUND would be a solid 4 star read for me.
I eagerly await the next in the series so I can find out what happens to Fay and the others!
July 23, 2014
I finished Bound in one continuous reading session as it is a fast paced novel that makes one keep turning the pages; highly recommended and a full review in a week or two. The blurb gives one a good idea of what the book is about at least to start with and I will have more later.
For now I will note that the novel ends at a good stopping point with promise of a lot to come - the big picture in other words just starts coming into focus, while the novel's main storyline is solved more or less, though of course this leads to deeper questions.
As content I would say that the Collegia Magica series by Carol Berg is a good reference, while as style Paula Brandon's (Volsky) recent trilogy is a good comparison. The next book in the series is of high interest as I want to see where things go!
For now I will note that the novel ends at a good stopping point with promise of a lot to come - the big picture in other words just starts coming into focus, while the novel's main storyline is solved more or less, though of course this leads to deeper questions.
As content I would say that the Collegia Magica series by Carol Berg is a good reference, while as style Paula Brandon's (Volsky) recent trilogy is a good comparison. The next book in the series is of high interest as I want to see where things go!
February 12, 2013
I really appreciate this opportunity to read and review this book. I really enjoyed the story. I was a little slow starting out but not for very long. I am always up for a love triangle and you sometimes you wonder if Fay is going to do the right thing or not. I like how it kept me on my toes because sometimes when I thought I knew was going to happen it would go in the opposite direction. I really enjoyed it and would recommend this books to everyone.
June 22, 2013
I don't feel comfortable writing a review (even though it would be honest) for this book as I do work for Ms. Hill promoting her work.
If you want to know my thoughts I will tell you privately. :-)
If you want to know my thoughts I will tell you privately. :-)
August 11, 2015
It was a good mixture of strong heroine, magic, adventure, youthful mistakes and love. I liked it a lot even though it's not unique.
June 22, 2013
I enjoyed this book. It had a few ideas I haven't encountered before, such as the idea that mages ("Magica") are expected to choose a partner by the time they finish their magical education - effectively choosing a spouse for life. The main character, Fay, is stubborn and wants to prove herself as an individual before she chooses to tie herself to anyone, which I respected.
As some of the other reviewers have commented, Fay is headstrong. She regularly seems to get herself into trouble with her rebellion against anyone telling her what to do; I suspect part of the problem is that she's smart and knows it, so it doesn't occur to her that other people might actually know more than her on a given situation. It's a very appropriate flaw for the character given her age, and it's nice to see her grow past it as the book progresses.
However, her stubbornness doesn't extend to the mysterious man she sees in her dreams, Marius. I have to admit I found him odious; anyone that keeps insisting another person is theirs deserves a smack upside the spectral chops as far as I'm concerned. But Fay tolerates it. Fortunately the reasons for that (and a lot of her other less rational decisions) become clear by the end of the book; the characterisation hangs together, which was a relief.
Hill's writing style is quite good. There are a few typos here and there but nothing egregious. The one thing I found hard to adjust to is that she tends to write her dialogue in larger paragraphs rather than a back-and-forth between the characters. So Character A will make a statement and ask two questions, and then Character B will reply to the statement and answer the questions. In a way this suits the more formal style of the characters' speech, but it was still enough that I was sometimes thinking about it as a reader rather than being swept away by the conversations.
This may be because these days I tend to read urban fantasy set in the current day, though, where more natural conversations are the style. I've certainly read other fantasy novels with this same style of dialogue in the past, so I admit it might only be a "flaw" because of my perspective.
The only thing that stops me giving this book a five-star rating is that I found Fay's lack of curiosity or critical thinking frustrating at times. Given her personality, I found it curious that she never really pushed the people around her for answers. She's told early on that her father has evil plans for her, for example, but she never insists on being told what they are (the fact that the people around her don't actually know isn't clear till later). Likewise, I figured out who Ki was straight away because of a passing comment made to Fay earlier in the book, so I found it odd that she didn't make the connection too.
Her relationship with her father was another thing I felt was under-developed at first. She accepts without question that her father means her some sort of harm (he does send soldiers to detain her so it's clear he's up to no good), but it doesn't actually seem to bother her. I would have liked to see a bit more exploration of her feelings on the matter. (Betrayal, surprise, lack of surprise - whatever suited their relationship.) It meant that her feelings toward him at the end of the novel seemed to come out of the blue.
Anyway, that aside, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of romantic fantasy.
As some of the other reviewers have commented, Fay is headstrong. She regularly seems to get herself into trouble with her rebellion against anyone telling her what to do; I suspect part of the problem is that she's smart and knows it, so it doesn't occur to her that other people might actually know more than her on a given situation. It's a very appropriate flaw for the character given her age, and it's nice to see her grow past it as the book progresses.
However, her stubbornness doesn't extend to the mysterious man she sees in her dreams, Marius. I have to admit I found him odious; anyone that keeps insisting another person is theirs deserves a smack upside the spectral chops as far as I'm concerned. But Fay tolerates it. Fortunately the reasons for that (and a lot of her other less rational decisions) become clear by the end of the book; the characterisation hangs together, which was a relief.
Hill's writing style is quite good. There are a few typos here and there but nothing egregious. The one thing I found hard to adjust to is that she tends to write her dialogue in larger paragraphs rather than a back-and-forth between the characters. So Character A will make a statement and ask two questions, and then Character B will reply to the statement and answer the questions. In a way this suits the more formal style of the characters' speech, but it was still enough that I was sometimes thinking about it as a reader rather than being swept away by the conversations.
This may be because these days I tend to read urban fantasy set in the current day, though, where more natural conversations are the style. I've certainly read other fantasy novels with this same style of dialogue in the past, so I admit it might only be a "flaw" because of my perspective.
The only thing that stops me giving this book a five-star rating is that I found Fay's lack of curiosity or critical thinking frustrating at times. Given her personality, I found it curious that she never really pushed the people around her for answers. She's told early on that her father has evil plans for her, for example, but she never insists on being told what they are (the fact that the people around her don't actually know isn't clear till later). Likewise, I figured out who Ki was straight away because of a passing comment made to Fay earlier in the book, so I found it odd that she didn't make the connection too.
Her relationship with her father was another thing I felt was under-developed at first. She accepts without question that her father means her some sort of harm (he does send soldiers to detain her so it's clear he's up to no good), but it doesn't actually seem to bother her. I would have liked to see a bit more exploration of her feelings on the matter. (Betrayal, surprise, lack of surprise - whatever suited their relationship.) It meant that her feelings toward him at the end of the novel seemed to come out of the blue.
Anyway, that aside, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of romantic fantasy.
February 23, 2013
This is the story of Fay, a very powerful Magicia, and trying to find her way after graduation. Her father has set her forth on a path not of her choosing, and she must decide between Marcius or Tavis. She honestly really doesn't want to choose either, at least in the beginning. She wants to be known on her own merit. But it becomes pretty obvious that Marcius or her father will not let this happen.
Marcius is actually imprisoned in the Mirrors of Bershan. He was accused of murdering his partner, but claims his innocence. A few trusted friends of Fay's believe he was innocent of that crime, but they hint there is more to the story. Marcius is visiting Fay's dreams and she secretly longs to be with him. Tavis is a humble farmer, but whom also has the gift of magic in his blood. He has not been trained, though. She meets up with him on her flight away from her father, and they become friends rather quickly, although its pretty clear Tavis has more than friendship in mind.
I really really loved this world that Hill creates for us. The world building is spectacular. Most of the story is centered around the characters, which I loved. I really felt the emotions between the characters, and each of their personal struggles. All characters were very well written, and they all felt so real to me. I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next!
At times, I was very frustrated with Fay. She was obviously making some not so good choices, but it really kept the plot moving. I couldn't believe how stupid she was being, but towards the end of the book I understood her motives better. But what I loved about Fay was her tenacity and her independent, strong spirit. She could handle just about anything, and I love that in MCs. She had her moments of weakness, but it just made her seem more real. Tavis was absolutely amazing. He was totally fine with letting her take the lead, and giving her space and freedom, but also supporting her when it was necessary. I think Tavis is one of the best book boyfriends I have ever had the pleasure of reading!
The editing needed a bit of work, but after a couple of chapters in, I didn't even notice it. I was too into the story! I was thrilled with the ending, and I loved that it actually tied up the story. It still left things open for the rest of the series, but I really felt like this was a nice, full novel. I was amazed with Hill's writing, and I can't wait to read more of her books!
Marcius is actually imprisoned in the Mirrors of Bershan. He was accused of murdering his partner, but claims his innocence. A few trusted friends of Fay's believe he was innocent of that crime, but they hint there is more to the story. Marcius is visiting Fay's dreams and she secretly longs to be with him. Tavis is a humble farmer, but whom also has the gift of magic in his blood. He has not been trained, though. She meets up with him on her flight away from her father, and they become friends rather quickly, although its pretty clear Tavis has more than friendship in mind.
I really really loved this world that Hill creates for us. The world building is spectacular. Most of the story is centered around the characters, which I loved. I really felt the emotions between the characters, and each of their personal struggles. All characters were very well written, and they all felt so real to me. I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next!
At times, I was very frustrated with Fay. She was obviously making some not so good choices, but it really kept the plot moving. I couldn't believe how stupid she was being, but towards the end of the book I understood her motives better. But what I loved about Fay was her tenacity and her independent, strong spirit. She could handle just about anything, and I love that in MCs. She had her moments of weakness, but it just made her seem more real. Tavis was absolutely amazing. He was totally fine with letting her take the lead, and giving her space and freedom, but also supporting her when it was necessary. I think Tavis is one of the best book boyfriends I have ever had the pleasure of reading!
The editing needed a bit of work, but after a couple of chapters in, I didn't even notice it. I was too into the story! I was thrilled with the ending, and I loved that it actually tied up the story. It still left things open for the rest of the series, but I really felt like this was a nice, full novel. I was amazed with Hill's writing, and I can't wait to read more of her books!
September 6, 2013
I loved everything about this story and this world! Wonderful and engaging heroine, endearing love interest and a compelling villain with an amazing supporting "cast"! I am eagerly awaiting the sequel (which, thankfully, is only 4 days away from release!) ;) I'm particularly impressed with the author's impeccable talent with names.
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