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Bonds
Phaidros and Charon, sons of a respected member of The Order of The Ignited, find their lives forever altered when tragedy strikes. As the threat of exile looms and avenging their father's death becomes their desperate mission, the brothers embark on divergent paths.
Phaidros, determined to protect his cindered brother, reluctantly joins the Order. Bound by loyalty and a ticking clock, he navigates the treacherous path of following in the footsteps of his father, risking his life and soul in the process. Meanwhile, Charon's affliction takes a surprising turn when he stumbles upon a hidden power, a power that may hold the key to defeating their father's killer and saving his brother from the same fate.
Join Phaidros and Charon on their perilous journey, and discover the extraordinary depths of strength and loss between siblings trying to find meaning in the chaos of their lives. Endure the heat of battle, witness the clash of wills, and lose yourself in the breathtaking turmoil of Bonds.
Phaidros, determined to protect his cindered brother, reluctantly joins the Order. Bound by loyalty and a ticking clock, he navigates the treacherous path of following in the footsteps of his father, risking his life and soul in the process. Meanwhile, Charon's affliction takes a surprising turn when he stumbles upon a hidden power, a power that may hold the key to defeating their father's killer and saving his brother from the same fate.
Join Phaidros and Charon on their perilous journey, and discover the extraordinary depths of strength and loss between siblings trying to find meaning in the chaos of their lives. Endure the heat of battle, witness the clash of wills, and lose yourself in the breathtaking turmoil of Bonds.
- GenresFantasy
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
5 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Drew Goodman
1 book14 followersI am posting my stories on Royal Road now
An avid reader of epic fantasy and sci-fi from youth whether it be watching and reading anything involving Star Wars or diving into the Stormlight Archives or the Cradle series. I spend most of my days with one ear bud in at work listening to audiobooks in these settings.
I have taken a lot of influence in my writing from these as well as the Warhammer 40k universe and from my studies in ancient history while I was getting my degree.
An avid reader of epic fantasy and sci-fi from youth whether it be watching and reading anything involving Star Wars or diving into the Stormlight Archives or the Cradle series. I spend most of my days with one ear bud in at work listening to audiobooks in these settings.
I have taken a lot of influence in my writing from these as well as the Warhammer 40k universe and from my studies in ancient history while I was getting my degree.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2023
I received this novel in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for their generosity.
This is the debut novel from this author and the beginning of a series. This is a fantasy novel. In this one we visit a world where the inhabitants can become ignited and become protectors. Tragedy strikes a family of two brothers and this tells the tale of how they handle grief.
I am usually a little hesitant with debut novels from an author. I feel like they need to polish their craft. That is not so with this debut. Right away I could tell that this author could write as he immediately caught my attention. Within the first pages I was hooked. The author has crafted an unique world which contains magic but also incorporates technology. I said this was fantasy but I would classify this as more space fantasy. As for the story this hit home for me. We all suffer tragedy and we get to see in this book how different people handle tragedy differently. There is no black and white to this handling. The characters commit their actions because that is what is needed for them at the moment. Good fantasy tells an exciting story but also tells a message. This book does that effortlessly. We explore the concept of grief but we also explore other themes including religious undertones. This all would not work if there are weak characters and I can say there are no weak characters in this novel. We have seen the story line of two brothers. This author's handling of the two brothers is terrific as I was invested in both of them. The minor characters are strong also as they provide either a lighthearted break in the story or guidance for our main character.
Everything works in this book. I was invested in the story, the characters, and the world that this author created. More importantly this book hit home for me as I can identify with the overall theme of the novel. It is a self contained story which hints at so much more. I for one cannot wait for the next one and spend more time in this universe.
This is the debut novel from this author and the beginning of a series. This is a fantasy novel. In this one we visit a world where the inhabitants can become ignited and become protectors. Tragedy strikes a family of two brothers and this tells the tale of how they handle grief.
I am usually a little hesitant with debut novels from an author. I feel like they need to polish their craft. That is not so with this debut. Right away I could tell that this author could write as he immediately caught my attention. Within the first pages I was hooked. The author has crafted an unique world which contains magic but also incorporates technology. I said this was fantasy but I would classify this as more space fantasy. As for the story this hit home for me. We all suffer tragedy and we get to see in this book how different people handle tragedy differently. There is no black and white to this handling. The characters commit their actions because that is what is needed for them at the moment. Good fantasy tells an exciting story but also tells a message. This book does that effortlessly. We explore the concept of grief but we also explore other themes including religious undertones. This all would not work if there are weak characters and I can say there are no weak characters in this novel. We have seen the story line of two brothers. This author's handling of the two brothers is terrific as I was invested in both of them. The minor characters are strong also as they provide either a lighthearted break in the story or guidance for our main character.
Everything works in this book. I was invested in the story, the characters, and the world that this author created. More importantly this book hit home for me as I can identify with the overall theme of the novel. It is a self contained story which hints at so much more. I for one cannot wait for the next one and spend more time in this universe.
November 23, 2023
I love when an author releases a debut novel that exceeds expectations. I was drawn to this book first by its cover. The story between the cover was even better. This story had everything you want in an epic fantasy. Good and evil forces at play, protagonists that you care for and want to see succeed. It has beasts and a cool magic system and even a mysterious book. This story also covers the struggle with disabilities and the desire to be accepted. There is a bond between two brothers, Phaidros and Charon, who are out to avenge the death of their father. But I finally realized that the “Bonds” went further than just between the two brothers. I love that there was a little necromancy in the book. The undead make things interesting. The ending is unexpected that sets up a new adventure in the series. I highly recommend.
I want to thank the author, Drew Goodman, for an electronic copy of this book. This is my honest opinion that I give voluntarily.
I want to thank the author, Drew Goodman, for an electronic copy of this book. This is my honest opinion that I give voluntarily.
December 2, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. On every level. I am an *incredibly* picky reader, and I tend to DNF books for just about every reason under the sun. If I don't like it within the first few pages. I usually don't read it.
I got the audio book for this one, and I was hooked. From the prolog to the epilog, I did not put it down aside from sleeping!
The world building is phenomenal, a mixture of fantasy and science fiction that made me feel like I was walking into a complete and lived in galaxy. It reminded me of games like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, to the point that I am willing this book into popularity for the sheer selfish desire to play it as a game. I wanna be Pheidros, I wanna fight Dom as a boss, I feel like it would translate so effortlessly to the medium.
The story, though, has me fully by the ribs. The relationship between Pheidros and his brother Charon is the likes of Moses and Rameses from DreamWorks, Prince of Egypt. But with NECROMANCY and the God's are far more interesting.
Speaking of God's, Bonds is a fascinating deconstruction of organized religion that is not only deeply relatable but incredibly easy to understand. With themes about questioning one's faith, or the supposed tenets of that faith, losing one's religion, and even further, it I a near immaculate representation of how religious dogma can harm its followers through lies, manipulation, and even exclusion.
Goodman does a phenomenal job taking a classic Tale of Two Brothers story and weaving in beautiful themes, imaginative world building. And downright fantastic character writing. Each character felt real and relatable. The ending feels less like an ending and more like the opening of a world itching to be explored, and I am strapped in, ready for this ride across the galaxy.
The only conceivable negatives I could find were the same ones anyone might find from a new or debut author, a little bit of repetitive phrasing. But in comparison, this book has become one of my most loved in a very *very* long time. I implore everyone to read it, and I will be waiting with baited breath to see where this story goes!
I got the audio book for this one, and I was hooked. From the prolog to the epilog, I did not put it down aside from sleeping!
The world building is phenomenal, a mixture of fantasy and science fiction that made me feel like I was walking into a complete and lived in galaxy. It reminded me of games like Dragon Age and Mass Effect, to the point that I am willing this book into popularity for the sheer selfish desire to play it as a game. I wanna be Pheidros, I wanna fight Dom as a boss, I feel like it would translate so effortlessly to the medium.
The story, though, has me fully by the ribs. The relationship between Pheidros and his brother Charon is the likes of Moses and Rameses from DreamWorks, Prince of Egypt. But with NECROMANCY and the God's are far more interesting.
Speaking of God's, Bonds is a fascinating deconstruction of organized religion that is not only deeply relatable but incredibly easy to understand. With themes about questioning one's faith, or the supposed tenets of that faith, losing one's religion, and even further, it I a near immaculate representation of how religious dogma can harm its followers through lies, manipulation, and even exclusion.
Goodman does a phenomenal job taking a classic Tale of Two Brothers story and weaving in beautiful themes, imaginative world building. And downright fantastic character writing. Each character felt real and relatable. The ending feels less like an ending and more like the opening of a world itching to be explored, and I am strapped in, ready for this ride across the galaxy.
The only conceivable negatives I could find were the same ones anyone might find from a new or debut author, a little bit of repetitive phrasing. But in comparison, this book has become one of my most loved in a very *very* long time. I implore everyone to read it, and I will be waiting with baited breath to see where this story goes!
September 26, 2023
I received this book as an arc and this is such a wonderful story. Nothing about the writing style, character development, and world building is debut author level to me. I was invested in the characters and the story early on and can’t wait to see where this series goes. I loved the different paths the brothers journeyed on in an attempt to accomplish the same goal. Their duality and the growth they both experienced kept me engaged throughout. The story built and opened up enough towards the end to leave me with questions that need answered, but still had a satisfying ending. If this is a debut novel, I can’t wait to see where this author goes from here as well. Highly recommend!
October 16, 2023
"Bonds" is a spellbinding tale of tragedy, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between two brothers in the face of adversity. Phaidros and Charon, thrust into a world of danger and intrigue after their father's death, are compelling protagonists whose journeys captivate the reader from start to finish.
The novel excels in its portrayal of the complex relationship between Phaidros and Charon. As they face the looming threat of exile and their father's killer, their paths diverge, setting the stage for a gripping narrative. Phaidros's reluctant entry into The Order of The Ignited and his unwavering determination to protect his brother is both heartwarming and fraught with tension. Charon's discovery of a hidden power adds an element of mystique and intrigue to the story, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
The author's skillful storytelling draws readers into a world where loyalty is tested, sacrifices are made, and the pursuit of justice becomes a desperate mission. The heat of battle scenes and the clash of wills are vividly depicted, immersing readers in the thrilling turmoil of the narrative.
What truly sets "Bonds" apart is its exploration of the depths of strength and loss between siblings. The emotional resonance of the story is palpable, making it a compelling read for anyone who values the power of family and the enduring connection between brothers.
As readers follow Phaidros and Charon on their perilous journey, they will be spellbound by the richly woven narrative and the profound themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. "Bonds" is a must-read for those who crave epic tales of adventure, complex characters, and the enduring bonds that define our lives
The novel excels in its portrayal of the complex relationship between Phaidros and Charon. As they face the looming threat of exile and their father's killer, their paths diverge, setting the stage for a gripping narrative. Phaidros's reluctant entry into The Order of The Ignited and his unwavering determination to protect his brother is both heartwarming and fraught with tension. Charon's discovery of a hidden power adds an element of mystique and intrigue to the story, creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
The author's skillful storytelling draws readers into a world where loyalty is tested, sacrifices are made, and the pursuit of justice becomes a desperate mission. The heat of battle scenes and the clash of wills are vividly depicted, immersing readers in the thrilling turmoil of the narrative.
What truly sets "Bonds" apart is its exploration of the depths of strength and loss between siblings. The emotional resonance of the story is palpable, making it a compelling read for anyone who values the power of family and the enduring connection between brothers.
As readers follow Phaidros and Charon on their perilous journey, they will be spellbound by the richly woven narrative and the profound themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience. "Bonds" is a must-read for those who crave epic tales of adventure, complex characters, and the enduring bonds that define our lives
December 4, 2023
I was given this as an audiobook by the Author for an honest review and thankful for the opportunity. I don't typically write reviews but for the first time in a while I actually want to.
Bonds or as I like to call it Monster Hunter: Space Knights is fantastic from start to finish, I didn't want to put it down. You like Science Fiction? ✔️ Fantasy? ✔️ Hunting Godzillas? ✔️ It gives me Sanderson litRPG vibes but stands on its own ground. Mech Warriors training to go Super Saiyan, I AM SO ON BOARD! It was extremely fun and it checked all the boxes for me. I am eager to follow the series to the end.
Bonds or as I like to call it Monster Hunter: Space Knights is fantastic from start to finish, I didn't want to put it down. You like Science Fiction? ✔️ Fantasy? ✔️ Hunting Godzillas? ✔️ It gives me Sanderson litRPG vibes but stands on its own ground. Mech Warriors training to go Super Saiyan, I AM SO ON BOARD! It was extremely fun and it checked all the boxes for me. I am eager to follow the series to the end.
April 3, 2024
Bonds follows the story of two brothers from a jungle laden planet far away, where an elite group of warriors known as the ignited reside. When their father dies, the two brothers are left with a choice in order to stay under the protection of the ignited group. The youngest brother, Phaidros, decides to become one of them; one of the many who strive to become shaped, and his first mission is to avenge their father. The oldest brother, charon, having become cindered (a debilitating reminder that failed to strive for self improvement), feels shamed that his brother must do this to protect him. Charon retreats into the jungle only to find an opportunity to overcome his affliction and aid his brother in vengeance. But will this path drive the brothers farther apart?
Bonds is reminiscent of The Mandilorian in that the members of the ignited wear this sophisticated armor and helmet ensemble that protects them. Even tho the armor, coms systems, oath taking, and tight knit community echos the epic STARWARS spinoff, Bonds has its own unique elements. The armor is self re-generating, the jungle comes alive and can sense weakness, the story line is completely unique, and the magic system is impeccable.
Things I really loved about this book are plentiful. You really get invested in both brothers and root for them. I also love the battle of morals that is presented. This idea that you can never stop working toward protection, I found toxic. But this idea that everything can come easy is also unhealthy. It kept be guessing as to who was in the wrong or if this is a matter of perspective. The world building was phenomenal. The characters had so much depth and their own worries and hardships. I love the dragon. I don’t think I have read a book yet with necromancy and I have to say it was way cooler than what it sounds like. Drew Goodman can paint with words. You see the scenes playing out in great detail and can feel what the characters feel. It was over all a very well done book.
There aren’t many things I didn’t enjoy. There is just the ending that I stewed over for a hot minute because I didn’t think it was fair and I was really struggling with that moral inquisition and wasn’t satisfied with the penalties. I think it was intentional though.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a rich and vibrant fantasy that is easy to digest and isn’t overly complex while still keeping its depth. If your a Mandalorian fan, you’ll love this.
5/5
Bonds is reminiscent of The Mandilorian in that the members of the ignited wear this sophisticated armor and helmet ensemble that protects them. Even tho the armor, coms systems, oath taking, and tight knit community echos the epic STARWARS spinoff, Bonds has its own unique elements. The armor is self re-generating, the jungle comes alive and can sense weakness, the story line is completely unique, and the magic system is impeccable.
Things I really loved about this book are plentiful. You really get invested in both brothers and root for them. I also love the battle of morals that is presented. This idea that you can never stop working toward protection, I found toxic. But this idea that everything can come easy is also unhealthy. It kept be guessing as to who was in the wrong or if this is a matter of perspective. The world building was phenomenal. The characters had so much depth and their own worries and hardships. I love the dragon. I don’t think I have read a book yet with necromancy and I have to say it was way cooler than what it sounds like. Drew Goodman can paint with words. You see the scenes playing out in great detail and can feel what the characters feel. It was over all a very well done book.
There aren’t many things I didn’t enjoy. There is just the ending that I stewed over for a hot minute because I didn’t think it was fair and I was really struggling with that moral inquisition and wasn’t satisfied with the penalties. I think it was intentional though.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a rich and vibrant fantasy that is easy to digest and isn’t overly complex while still keeping its depth. If your a Mandalorian fan, you’ll love this.
5/5
October 15, 2023
Receiving this book as an ARC was a delightful experience, and I must say, the narrative is exceptional. The author's writing style, coupled with remarkable character development, places the world-building at a level akin to that of a debut author. I became engrossed in the characters and the unfolding story, finding the diverse paths the brothers treaded toward a common goal both intriguing and engaging.
The last part of the book opened up new avenues, leaving me with lingering questions that demand answers, yet it provided a satisfying ending. I eagerly anticipate the authors future works. Despite a few minor aspects that led to a four-star rating instead of five, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
The last part of the book opened up new avenues, leaving me with lingering questions that demand answers, yet it provided a satisfying ending. I eagerly anticipate the authors future works. Despite a few minor aspects that led to a four-star rating instead of five, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
October 17, 2023
From page one, the lush jungle and the unique abilities had me immersed in this story. The setting felt both familiar but different enough that I felt like a visitor and there were things I could learn from this world. I loved the brotherly bond and the dichotomy between them, what they were both willing to do to grow into themselves. I recommend this fantasy book and author to anyone who enjoys the genre, as I found it captivating, unpredictable, and packed with action-adventure.
I received an ARC copy from the author.
I received an ARC copy from the author.
October 9, 2023
This book is absolutely amazing I love every bit of it I give this book 30 Stars I can't wait for everyone else to read this amazing adventure and love it as much as I do
October 9, 2023
Okay. So I got this ARC as soon as I got burned out of fantasy books. Oh yeah I was like I give it a shot and so glad I did. I loved this story of the bond of two brothers and there loyalty.
October 16, 2023
Sci-fi adventure. Think mandalorian but with brothers and it takes place on Pandora. I would have liked more works building (a few things are never explained). Overall a good sci-fi story with magic.
July 28, 2024
Every once in a while I come across a newbie author that I can't wrap my head around the fact I'm reading a debut novel. Drew Goodman is one such... like DEBUT???? THIS MAGNIFICENT PIECE OF WORK IS A DEBUT NOVEL??? Yeah, kinda mindboggling. The richness of the prose, the command over the narrative, the immensely powerful world building, fully fleshed and compelling characters....all speak to a seasoned author with many books under their belt. So gobsmacked me will attempt to give my insignificant impressions.... This sentence sums it up, " There is a fine line between ambition and foolishness". I'm delighted the author took to heart the "ambitions" and brought this story to life, despite what can be perceived as "foolishness" in an industry where little fish struggle not to be devoured by bigger ones. Already from the prologue, the scene is set for an action packed and tension filled read.
Charon and Phaidros, brothers, both part of a religious order, The Order of the Ignited, have their life turned on it's head at the demise of their father. But now they both are desperate for vengeance, to avenge their father and to do so, they must be fully Ignited, a trial that carries many dangers, that doesn't guarantee they will ascend. Charon didn't, once an exalted Ignited, he became a Cindered, burned, useless, until he could barely move. I honestly felt the pain of his "failure" and when a mysterious being appeared, promising him greatness, I was so torn between yelling "DON'T DO IT" and "YES DO IT". The struggle to reconcile with the fact that there is a higher power screamed "wrongness". WHO was wrong? The Order and their teachings or the being who spoke of duplicity and a great power? But necromancy? Heck no! Red flag right there! The brothers challenge themselves to the max, they push aside their fears and apprehension, determination their ultimate igniter (oops, I did it again!😂)
Daxia is someone who ignited (yep, pun intended!) a burning desire to know her past. So many characters present themselves throughout, notably Dom. Who would have thought that an axe wielding brute could be so sage, so gentle. Not I. There were a few times I was surprised by a character, an event, so unlikely did it seem yet it just fit perfectly! The brothers train hard, the brothers have the same aspirations and goals, with two completely different approaches, the outcome neither could have anticipated. The outcome I couldn't have anticipated....
So there you have it, a very impressive, very well presented debut, not only of immense imagination drawn in a very distinctive manner, likewise, a story that has a fabulous magic system, a story shrouded mysteriously by edicts, by manipulation and a toughness of the soul to do whatever is necessary, at any personal cost, a desperation that bleeds through all rationality. So once more I say, debut? Impossible to comprehend THAT!
Charon and Phaidros, brothers, both part of a religious order, The Order of the Ignited, have their life turned on it's head at the demise of their father. But now they both are desperate for vengeance, to avenge their father and to do so, they must be fully Ignited, a trial that carries many dangers, that doesn't guarantee they will ascend. Charon didn't, once an exalted Ignited, he became a Cindered, burned, useless, until he could barely move. I honestly felt the pain of his "failure" and when a mysterious being appeared, promising him greatness, I was so torn between yelling "DON'T DO IT" and "YES DO IT". The struggle to reconcile with the fact that there is a higher power screamed "wrongness". WHO was wrong? The Order and their teachings or the being who spoke of duplicity and a great power? But necromancy? Heck no! Red flag right there! The brothers challenge themselves to the max, they push aside their fears and apprehension, determination their ultimate igniter (oops, I did it again!😂)
Daxia is someone who ignited (yep, pun intended!) a burning desire to know her past. So many characters present themselves throughout, notably Dom. Who would have thought that an axe wielding brute could be so sage, so gentle. Not I. There were a few times I was surprised by a character, an event, so unlikely did it seem yet it just fit perfectly! The brothers train hard, the brothers have the same aspirations and goals, with two completely different approaches, the outcome neither could have anticipated. The outcome I couldn't have anticipated....
So there you have it, a very impressive, very well presented debut, not only of immense imagination drawn in a very distinctive manner, likewise, a story that has a fabulous magic system, a story shrouded mysteriously by edicts, by manipulation and a toughness of the soul to do whatever is necessary, at any personal cost, a desperation that bleeds through all rationality. So once more I say, debut? Impossible to comprehend THAT!
September 24, 2023
From the get-go, this book fills you with intrigue, and the desire to unravel the mystery of the Ignited Galaxy kept me coming back for more.
In the first novel of this series, Drew Goodman depicts the lives of fairly complex characters who quickly become dear to the reader. I found myself relating to Charon and Phaidros numerous times during all the trials and obstacles they had to overcome on their separate quests, and their emotional depth and internal struggles are things I really enjoyed.
That leads to another major strong point in this story: the characters are well-written and they each have their own memorable personalities. The group dynamics and strong bonds formed between them keeps the story alive as they all progress on their individual journeys.
Another highlight for me are the numerous fight scenes and scenery descriptions. Everything feels so vivid and enthralling, as though I was pulled into this world that felt completely realized. The combat sequences are detailed and incredibly engaging from the very start! I love books that actually make it easy to picture the action in my head, and this one did just that.
In my opinion, the only minor setback is the quality of the writing which occasionally impeded the legibility of certain passages. Usually, this took the form of overly long sentences without separations, pushing me to reread segments several times until I'd grasped them fully.
However, as a whole, this fact doesn't diminish the quality of the story in any way. Although I'm not the biggest sci-fi/fantasy reader, this book scratched that itch for me, and I was left content with the ending and pleased with my reading experience.
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
In the first novel of this series, Drew Goodman depicts the lives of fairly complex characters who quickly become dear to the reader. I found myself relating to Charon and Phaidros numerous times during all the trials and obstacles they had to overcome on their separate quests, and their emotional depth and internal struggles are things I really enjoyed.
That leads to another major strong point in this story: the characters are well-written and they each have their own memorable personalities. The group dynamics and strong bonds formed between them keeps the story alive as they all progress on their individual journeys.
Another highlight for me are the numerous fight scenes and scenery descriptions. Everything feels so vivid and enthralling, as though I was pulled into this world that felt completely realized. The combat sequences are detailed and incredibly engaging from the very start! I love books that actually make it easy to picture the action in my head, and this one did just that.
In my opinion, the only minor setback is the quality of the writing which occasionally impeded the legibility of certain passages. Usually, this took the form of overly long sentences without separations, pushing me to reread segments several times until I'd grasped them fully.
However, as a whole, this fact doesn't diminish the quality of the story in any way. Although I'm not the biggest sci-fi/fantasy reader, this book scratched that itch for me, and I was left content with the ending and pleased with my reading experience.
Looking forward to the rest of the series!
October 19, 2024
The world of Bonds is incredibly unique. From one of the coolest magic systems, to dragon people, beetle people and space necromancy, there's a lot here to love if you like fantasy.
I really cannot over state how cool/fun/unique this setting and magic system are, clearly a lot of time and effort has been put into it. That said, the book to me feels like it could have used another round or two of developmental editing. There is a noticeable frequency of repeated words that the average reader probably won't be bothered by but that stuck out to me. Additionally, for this 8 hour audiobook it felt like 6.5 hours of it were spent on exposition and telling rather than showing. I love world building, but so much of that here felt purely for the audiences benefit and didn't make sense for the characters of this world to be so ignorant of.
I will also say I really enjoyed how small scale this story was despite being part of an expensive sci-fi universe. 3/5, this isn't a bad book, it just wasn't quite there for me but I really enjoyed the world and magic system.
I really cannot over state how cool/fun/unique this setting and magic system are, clearly a lot of time and effort has been put into it. That said, the book to me feels like it could have used another round or two of developmental editing. There is a noticeable frequency of repeated words that the average reader probably won't be bothered by but that stuck out to me. Additionally, for this 8 hour audiobook it felt like 6.5 hours of it were spent on exposition and telling rather than showing. I love world building, but so much of that here felt purely for the audiences benefit and didn't make sense for the characters of this world to be so ignorant of.
I will also say I really enjoyed how small scale this story was despite being part of an expensive sci-fi universe. 3/5, this isn't a bad book, it just wasn't quite there for me but I really enjoyed the world and magic system.
September 29, 2023
"Bonds" is a breathtaking journey into the imagination, a blend of science fiction and wonder that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the world long after you've turned the final page.
Drew Goodman has crafted a truly mesmerizing world within these pages. I enjoyed the scientific concepts blended with a solid narration. The characters of Phadros and Charon were expertly crafted and the description of the setting (specifically Dasos) was so detailed that it felt as though I was there in person.
Science fiction is not a genre that I'm familiar with, but I am impressed at how well Goodman presented some of the complex ideas in a way that was not only accessible but also thrilling. I felt as though I was an an active participant in the scientific discoveries.
Looking forward to the next novel!
Drew Goodman has crafted a truly mesmerizing world within these pages. I enjoyed the scientific concepts blended with a solid narration. The characters of Phadros and Charon were expertly crafted and the description of the setting (specifically Dasos) was so detailed that it felt as though I was there in person.
Science fiction is not a genre that I'm familiar with, but I am impressed at how well Goodman presented some of the complex ideas in a way that was not only accessible but also thrilling. I felt as though I was an an active participant in the scientific discoveries.
Looking forward to the next novel!
December 8, 2023
Overall, I want to say that I thought this book was okay. However, there is a lot of easy Potential *wink* for the next installments to be much better. While I liked the characters and I thought the setup of the entire society was interesting, I think where this story falters the most is in its emotion.
We have a setup of two brothers who are seemingly equal protagonists in the story but it turns out it's really only one of them, while the other is absent for most of the story. As such, we don't feels their Bond *wink again* with each other nor do we get much of the connection they have to the thing they lost that spurs on the story.
I look forward to more but I hope the author is able to make us feel a bit more for these people as the series continues.
We have a setup of two brothers who are seemingly equal protagonists in the story but it turns out it's really only one of them, while the other is absent for most of the story. As such, we don't feels their Bond *wink again* with each other nor do we get much of the connection they have to the thing they lost that spurs on the story.
I look forward to more but I hope the author is able to make us feel a bit more for these people as the series continues.
September 27, 2023
I received the book as an ARC reader (I read it in PDF version) and am giving an honest review for the author.
This is Goodman's debut novel to a series and is beautifully written for a debut novel. Some of the sentences I did need to re-read due to length and the occasional awkwardly written line- but I feel that way about a lot of sci-fi books.
As the title suggests, this book is about bonds, specifically between the brothers Phaidros and Charon, and I loved the way it was implemented in the story. Both characters are also fleshed out and well-written. Same with the universe.
The book grabs the reader by the first page and leaves you wanting more.
This is Goodman's debut novel to a series and is beautifully written for a debut novel. Some of the sentences I did need to re-read due to length and the occasional awkwardly written line- but I feel that way about a lot of sci-fi books.
As the title suggests, this book is about bonds, specifically between the brothers Phaidros and Charon, and I loved the way it was implemented in the story. Both characters are also fleshed out and well-written. Same with the universe.
The book grabs the reader by the first page and leaves you wanting more.
September 29, 2023
I received a copy of Bonds as an arc reader. First of all I'm not a sci-fi reader, so completely different genre from my usual. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was hooked from the first page. I especially liked the storyline between Phaidros and Charon and how their sibling relationship develops.
The book is beautifully written. I won't give out any spoilers but for any readers that want to try out Sci-fi I would definitely recommend Bonds.
The book is beautifully written. I won't give out any spoilers but for any readers that want to try out Sci-fi I would definitely recommend Bonds.
March 18, 2024
I really loved the worldbuilding in this book! Angry forest, Battle hammer weilding bug man, need I say more. A compelling magic system and two brothers on opposite sides. Cant wait for book two!
July 23, 2024
The book was amazing…It was hard to put it down…Drew created an entire world that was fun for me to follow…Looking forward to his next book in the series…Gary
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