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The Guardians #1
Bound
Mellea Wendorn’s world is turned upside down when she stops to help a mysterious stranger who was left to die.
By that one decision, she is suddenly swept into the world of the Guardians: the sacred rulers of Selestia. The only way to escape the tyrannic regime of the former Lord Guardian is to agree to unite with Leo, the Guardian’s 19-year-old Successor. Mellea is disillusioned by the arrogance of the Guardians, and Leo doubts if he can handle her independent spirit.
Mellea’s determination to break free leads her to discover that this historic family are far different to what she has been told. With the help of newfound friends, Mellea wants to understand their world, and Leo.
When a dangerous enemy emerges from the shadows, only the Guardians have a chance to stop it. And Mellea must make a choice that will change her fate, forever.
By that one decision, she is suddenly swept into the world of the Guardians: the sacred rulers of Selestia. The only way to escape the tyrannic regime of the former Lord Guardian is to agree to unite with Leo, the Guardian’s 19-year-old Successor. Mellea is disillusioned by the arrogance of the Guardians, and Leo doubts if he can handle her independent spirit.
Mellea’s determination to break free leads her to discover that this historic family are far different to what she has been told. With the help of newfound friends, Mellea wants to understand their world, and Leo.
When a dangerous enemy emerges from the shadows, only the Guardians have a chance to stop it. And Mellea must make a choice that will change her fate, forever.
360 pages, ebook
First published January 20, 2014
2 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 12, 2016
See more of my reviews at We Live and Breathe Books
When I started reading Bound it kind of felt like a contemporary - Mellea is a girl who just graduated from high school and is working to save money to pay for college; however, my mistake was not for long. Soon after, M.J. Stevens began to introduce Selestia and the idea of the Guardians.
As I was reading, I was skeptical at first. The inciting incident is nothing less than alarming - throwing Mellea into the world of the Guardians, a world she cannot escape. It seemed almost cruel to me what was happening to Mellea, especially with some of her initial exchanges with Leo. There's one in particular that I found particularly alarming and I was worried that she'd forgive him without another mention of the happening. Fortunately, M.J. Stevens had Leo bring up the event and sort of rationalized it to a point where I was no longer appalled by his actions and unable to forgive him.
Throughout the story I found it very easy to understand Mellea's point of view and to care about her. While at times she felt younger than her age, more like the 16-year-old heroines in other young adult novels, I still felt like she had reason behind her thoughts and actions. The way she transforms when she finally decides to make the best out of the situation is something I think can apply to all people in various situations.
While the reveal of the enemy was fairly predictable, I still enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. The enemy was interesting and I was constantly intrigued by what they were up to and what the Guardians would do to defeat them. The action helped to balance out some parts of the story that were less eventful, such as Mellea's study time.
All in all, I did enjoy Bound. I liked the idea of the Guardians as well as the enemy and I'm intrigued by some of the elements in the story that were set up for later on. I look forward to see what M.J. Stevens has in store for Mellea, her relationship with Leo, and the Guardians' battle against their enemy.
When I started reading Bound it kind of felt like a contemporary - Mellea is a girl who just graduated from high school and is working to save money to pay for college; however, my mistake was not for long. Soon after, M.J. Stevens began to introduce Selestia and the idea of the Guardians.
As I was reading, I was skeptical at first. The inciting incident is nothing less than alarming - throwing Mellea into the world of the Guardians, a world she cannot escape. It seemed almost cruel to me what was happening to Mellea, especially with some of her initial exchanges with Leo. There's one in particular that I found particularly alarming and I was worried that she'd forgive him without another mention of the happening. Fortunately, M.J. Stevens had Leo bring up the event and sort of rationalized it to a point where I was no longer appalled by his actions and unable to forgive him.
Throughout the story I found it very easy to understand Mellea's point of view and to care about her. While at times she felt younger than her age, more like the 16-year-old heroines in other young adult novels, I still felt like she had reason behind her thoughts and actions. The way she transforms when she finally decides to make the best out of the situation is something I think can apply to all people in various situations.
While the reveal of the enemy was fairly predictable, I still enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. The enemy was interesting and I was constantly intrigued by what they were up to and what the Guardians would do to defeat them. The action helped to balance out some parts of the story that were less eventful, such as Mellea's study time.
All in all, I did enjoy Bound. I liked the idea of the Guardians as well as the enemy and I'm intrigued by some of the elements in the story that were set up for later on. I look forward to see what M.J. Stevens has in store for Mellea, her relationship with Leo, and the Guardians' battle against their enemy.
July 22, 2016
Mellea is a typical 17 year old. Unhappy with the way her life is going, it's boring everyday is the same. She would like to one day meet a member of the Guardians,the ruling family of Selestia. But her parents forbid her from even reading about them in the newspaper.
On her home from work one afternoon Mellea meets Leo the second son of the Guardians. He had just been shot at and wounded by strange people all dressed in black. Mellea stays with Leo until his people come to get him. When Leo's sentury's arrive he tells them that he chooses Mellea as his bride and she is taken back to the tower. Mellia must now learn the ways of the Guardians. Mellea's father hates the Guardians and Mellea fights against them as much as she can until she finally decides she cannot escape her fate and starts to learn the history of the Guardians. There is more to this family than meets the eye.But the MECHS have been planning for 60 years to bring the Guardian's rule to an end and Mellia must finally decide where her allegiance lies.
This is an amazing debut novel expertly written with her target audience of teenage girls 16+ in mind. You instantly form a bond with Mellea she lays her feelings and thoughts out and seems so vulnerable yet she has this tough veneer. She's fiesty and speaks her mind yet she has an innocence about her, from her parents being so overprotective. All the characters were likeable and there was just enough of their personality revealed to connect with the reader but not overshadow the two main characters (Mellea and Leo). Science fiction, suspense and a touch of romance all perfectly combined.
I was about 40 pages to the end of the book and I started thinking there is not enough pages to wrap up this story. Then it hit me of course this is book one. I don't think I can wait for book two!! I really need to know whats going to happen next......
I received my copy of Bound from Goodreads and M J Stevens in exchange for an honest review.
On her home from work one afternoon Mellea meets Leo the second son of the Guardians. He had just been shot at and wounded by strange people all dressed in black. Mellea stays with Leo until his people come to get him. When Leo's sentury's arrive he tells them that he chooses Mellea as his bride and she is taken back to the tower. Mellia must now learn the ways of the Guardians. Mellea's father hates the Guardians and Mellea fights against them as much as she can until she finally decides she cannot escape her fate and starts to learn the history of the Guardians. There is more to this family than meets the eye.But the MECHS have been planning for 60 years to bring the Guardian's rule to an end and Mellia must finally decide where her allegiance lies.
This is an amazing debut novel expertly written with her target audience of teenage girls 16+ in mind. You instantly form a bond with Mellea she lays her feelings and thoughts out and seems so vulnerable yet she has this tough veneer. She's fiesty and speaks her mind yet she has an innocence about her, from her parents being so overprotective. All the characters were likeable and there was just enough of their personality revealed to connect with the reader but not overshadow the two main characters (Mellea and Leo). Science fiction, suspense and a touch of romance all perfectly combined.
I was about 40 pages to the end of the book and I started thinking there is not enough pages to wrap up this story. Then it hit me of course this is book one. I don't think I can wait for book two!! I really need to know whats going to happen next......
I received my copy of Bound from Goodreads and M J Stevens in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
No good deed goes unpunished
There is no such thing as magic
The guardians can't be trusted
Watch your back
That's where people stick their knives
I won this book on a goodreads giveaway and was excited to start reading mostly due to the novelty of winning a free book :) Being self published, I was a little worried about how this book would go, however I was happily surprised. I found very few minimal mistakes and I was really engrossed in the story. I am going to note thought that the pages were split into lots of little tiny paragraphs, which I don't see very often. It was unusual at first, but got used to it and didn't mind by the end (it's not like its a bad thing, just not what I'm used to)
I liked the characters, the story and even though I could mostly figure out what was going to happen, still some unexpected turns that kept me wanting to read. After that cliffhanger ending however I now have the painful problem of having to wait forever for the next book, as this has only just been released. I will definitely be continuing with this series, it has exceeded all my expectations :)
There is no such thing as magic
The guardians can't be trusted
Watch your back
That's where people stick their knives
I won this book on a goodreads giveaway and was excited to start reading mostly due to the novelty of winning a free book :) Being self published, I was a little worried about how this book would go, however I was happily surprised. I found very few minimal mistakes and I was really engrossed in the story. I am going to note thought that the pages were split into lots of little tiny paragraphs, which I don't see very often. It was unusual at first, but got used to it and didn't mind by the end (it's not like its a bad thing, just not what I'm used to)
I liked the characters, the story and even though I could mostly figure out what was going to happen, still some unexpected turns that kept me wanting to read. After that cliffhanger ending however I now have the painful problem of having to wait forever for the next book, as this has only just been released. I will definitely be continuing with this series, it has exceeded all my expectations :)
November 23, 2014
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
Mallea Wendorn’s parents hate the Guardians – the royal family – but won’t share that reason with Mallea. To please them, she keeps herself in the dark about them. Then one day she stops to help a man who turns out to be a member of the royal family, and she ends up basically imprisoned as his soon-to-be bride. She soon finds herself torn between her requirement to conform as a future bride of the royal family and her father’s request she help him bring down the Guardians. When an uprising happens, things go from bad to worse and Mellea is in the middle of them.
This is the most creatively written world that I’ve encountered. M.J.’s storytelling brings it to life in vivid color. I felt the confusion and pain Mellea felt and the weight of responsibility Leo carried. I didn’t want the story to end but when it did, I think I actually yelled, “Oh my God.” I did not see the end coming, and I believe it was the best way to end Bound. I typically read Sci-Fi/Fantasy on the side, but I will not miss the rest of this series. I’m off to purchase Divided now! This is a must-read.
Mallea Wendorn’s parents hate the Guardians – the royal family – but won’t share that reason with Mallea. To please them, she keeps herself in the dark about them. Then one day she stops to help a man who turns out to be a member of the royal family, and she ends up basically imprisoned as his soon-to-be bride. She soon finds herself torn between her requirement to conform as a future bride of the royal family and her father’s request she help him bring down the Guardians. When an uprising happens, things go from bad to worse and Mellea is in the middle of them.
This is the most creatively written world that I’ve encountered. M.J.’s storytelling brings it to life in vivid color. I felt the confusion and pain Mellea felt and the weight of responsibility Leo carried. I didn’t want the story to end but when it did, I think I actually yelled, “Oh my God.” I did not see the end coming, and I believe it was the best way to end Bound. I typically read Sci-Fi/Fantasy on the side, but I will not miss the rest of this series. I’m off to purchase Divided now! This is a must-read.
May 13, 2014
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(3.5 stars) Even though the characters need some serious development overall it was an enjoyable read !
I am saying this, because the characters sounded immature at times, I expect that in ages 18 and 20 they should be more mature. Another thing that disturb me that Mella, many times, instead calling Leo in his privet name she used his title "the Successor". Maybe the author wanted to emphasize all this issue of Classes, but I am not sure. the last thing that bother me was Mella inclination to yell, gasp, squeal or squeak instead of talking.
The world of Selestia is an interesting one, there is the rich, sparkling and plasticy Poridos city where the Guardians live and the less affluent country side where the majority of the population seem to survive.
The Book start with Mellea, who like any other girl at her age. she is working a job in the city to help her poor family while she saves money up to school. Things star to change when.we find that she lives in the world of Selestia. Selestia ruled by a mysterious family of and magical Guardians. Mellea character has a lot of potential She is down to earth, brave and does not fall in love with just because he's cute and has dreamy blue eyes. And his class didn't impress her either. Mellea fights the engagement almost every step of the way. After she was taken against her will to the Crystal Towers (Mellea were trapped in them most of the story). Mellea meets the other members of the family. She gets to know Leo as a real person, and they seem to be the perfect match for one another.
Leo has always felt like the black sheep of his family. When he meets Mellea he can't help but feel an attraction to her. In order to save her life, Leo claims Mellea as his bride. Mellea has no choice in the matter.and forced into a life that she isn't ready for, to man she's not sure she actually likes .
Noran - Mellea's father hates the Guardians and everything they stand for due to something that happened in the past. Mellea's didn't know entire life why her father has hated the Guardians . He won't even let her to read a newspaper article about them. It is the same reason why he dislikes that Mellea works in Poridos, the big city where the crystal towers of the royal Guardian family are located, and where she can be exposed to the blind admiration of the rest of the citizens.
The Sentry - the privet Guardian guards. They hada reputation for being heartless. They also serves as a constant reminder of the Guardians rule. There are outposts all over Selestia Their No, had doubled when, people started to disappear. No body understand why it happened as there’s no pattern like age or gender, place in society or even money. People simply disappear and never come home
One day When Mellea returned from her work at Poridos, to Pekkin neighborhood where she lived with her parents. she came across a young man that has been shot. She insists on helping him and staying with him until help arrives, even though it seems like that is the last thing that the man wants and he is rude, arrogant and kind of a jerk. This is why it is such a surprise to Mellea for some reason he has chosen Mellea to be his bride.
BOUND to the guardians’ laws; Mellea learns the ways and customs of the Royals. When a Guardian enemy ( the MECHS have been planning for 60 years to bring the Guardian's rule to an end) unexpectedly appears from the shadows, Mellea must make a choice that will change the course of her destiny, forever…
And .... even though that MC almost gave up on the writing in the middle in the plot I am happy that she gave up and kept writing because along the plot you can see huge improvement and this ignite my interesting, I believe that in her next books we will see more and more from her talent to tell a more complicated story.
I would recommend this fantasy story to middle-grade/ younger readers, no hard languish, slightly simplistic prose and lack of weighty detail makes it a light, quick read.
(3.5 stars) Even though the characters need some serious development overall it was an enjoyable read !
I am saying this, because the characters sounded immature at times, I expect that in ages 18 and 20 they should be more mature. Another thing that disturb me that Mella, many times, instead calling Leo in his privet name she used his title "the Successor". Maybe the author wanted to emphasize all this issue of Classes, but I am not sure. the last thing that bother me was Mella inclination to yell, gasp, squeal or squeak instead of talking.
The world of Selestia is an interesting one, there is the rich, sparkling and plasticy Poridos city where the Guardians live and the less affluent country side where the majority of the population seem to survive.
The Book start with Mellea, who like any other girl at her age. she is working a job in the city to help her poor family while she saves money up to school. Things star to change when.we find that she lives in the world of Selestia. Selestia ruled by a mysterious family of and magical Guardians. Mellea character has a lot of potential She is down to earth, brave and does not fall in love with just because he's cute and has dreamy blue eyes. And his class didn't impress her either. Mellea fights the engagement almost every step of the way. After she was taken against her will to the Crystal Towers (Mellea were trapped in them most of the story). Mellea meets the other members of the family. She gets to know Leo as a real person, and they seem to be the perfect match for one another.
Leo has always felt like the black sheep of his family. When he meets Mellea he can't help but feel an attraction to her. In order to save her life, Leo claims Mellea as his bride. Mellea has no choice in the matter.and forced into a life that she isn't ready for, to man she's not sure she actually likes .
Noran - Mellea's father hates the Guardians and everything they stand for due to something that happened in the past. Mellea's didn't know entire life why her father has hated the Guardians . He won't even let her to read a newspaper article about them. It is the same reason why he dislikes that Mellea works in Poridos, the big city where the crystal towers of the royal Guardian family are located, and where she can be exposed to the blind admiration of the rest of the citizens.
The Sentry - the privet Guardian guards. They hada reputation for being heartless. They also serves as a constant reminder of the Guardians rule. There are outposts all over Selestia Their No, had doubled when, people started to disappear. No body understand why it happened as there’s no pattern like age or gender, place in society or even money. People simply disappear and never come home
One day When Mellea returned from her work at Poridos, to Pekkin neighborhood where she lived with her parents. she came across a young man that has been shot. She insists on helping him and staying with him until help arrives, even though it seems like that is the last thing that the man wants and he is rude, arrogant and kind of a jerk. This is why it is such a surprise to Mellea for some reason he has chosen Mellea to be his bride.
BOUND to the guardians’ laws; Mellea learns the ways and customs of the Royals. When a Guardian enemy ( the MECHS have been planning for 60 years to bring the Guardian's rule to an end) unexpectedly appears from the shadows, Mellea must make a choice that will change the course of her destiny, forever…
And .... even though that MC almost gave up on the writing in the middle in the plot I am happy that she gave up and kept writing because along the plot you can see huge improvement and this ignite my interesting, I believe that in her next books we will see more and more from her talent to tell a more complicated story.
I would recommend this fantasy story to middle-grade/ younger readers, no hard languish, slightly simplistic prose and lack of weighty detail makes it a light, quick read.
May 17, 2014
Bound was more than I thought it was gonna be. To be honest I didn’t I was gonna like it as much as I did, lets just say this book didn’t bore me at all. This story has futuristic elements and a touch of fantasy. It was really fast paced and I found myself glued to the paged and reading it in one setting.
The relationship between the two characters start out rocky and complicated. And I loved that the story isn’t about some fast in love kinda story. That it took them a little while to grow and like each other. And the fact that they both couldn’t stand each other at first…well short of since the mail love interest did make her be his bride and she didn’t really have much choice but you kinda knew why he did it. For the main character, Mellea. She has a lot of spunk. I just fell in love with her from the start. She is from what I would call a poor little country and works in the city with the guardians. she works hard to get what he wants and tries to get enough money to go to community collage but when she meets Leo her life is flipped upside down. Her father hates the guardians and she never knew why but knew there was a reason. While reading the book you really grow to hate the guy and trust me once you read it, you will to. He is a worst example of a father in my opinion.
With Leo, I didn’t like it at fist but the more the story goes the more you see his character open up and you get the glimpse of he is and I just fell in love with him slowly. He is very hard to read as a character at first and he kinda comes off as a “Dick” but you learn his not. While reading you realize how perfect the two are together. They both have such BIG personality that you wouldn’t think would work but it does.
There is a lot of the story you kinda feel puzzled on but that is understandable with it being a series. I would love to see more of Blade, Mellea “bestfriend” that you only really see in the beginning and don;t really hear about after.
Bound has a lot of drama and some action but it will definitely keep people reading and wanting more. I know I do. It’s one of those stories after read you feel kinda blank just wanting more and you know you can’t just yet and you don’t know what to do anymore. I am not gonna say this is the best book in the world but a really good one that is worth the read.
There is so much going on in Bound and more than I can say. Can’t spoil it. Bound is very unique and has such a cool concept. The city is run but guardians, that are said have magic and be very powerful and they are. They have a stone that has powers in them to fit each ones personalty. and each stone is different with different powers. I just loved that about the book. There was a few moments I didn’t see coming while reading and a many plot twist that just mind blown me.
Overall: amazing characters. The story has you hooked from the story and has such amazing storyline that I feel like readers will enjoy. It’s a very different story but too different. It’s very fast paced, a really easy read. It’s not to detailed and complicated at all. readers will slowly fall in love with the Mellea and Leo. There is no LOVE TRIANGLE! and let me tell you I need that right about now. I been reading so many books with love triangles recently that I thought I might explode, so reading this book give me a really happy relief. There is such much more I want to say about this book but it’s really hard not to spoil anything and I really hope my review isn’t crappy. Just do me a favor and give this book a chance, cause it’s a really good read and I really enjoyed every minute of it. I am not gonna say it’s on my top 10 but it is defiantly close to it. I will be definitely reading the next book.
The relationship between the two characters start out rocky and complicated. And I loved that the story isn’t about some fast in love kinda story. That it took them a little while to grow and like each other. And the fact that they both couldn’t stand each other at first…well short of since the mail love interest did make her be his bride and she didn’t really have much choice but you kinda knew why he did it. For the main character, Mellea. She has a lot of spunk. I just fell in love with her from the start. She is from what I would call a poor little country and works in the city with the guardians. she works hard to get what he wants and tries to get enough money to go to community collage but when she meets Leo her life is flipped upside down. Her father hates the guardians and she never knew why but knew there was a reason. While reading the book you really grow to hate the guy and trust me once you read it, you will to. He is a worst example of a father in my opinion.
With Leo, I didn’t like it at fist but the more the story goes the more you see his character open up and you get the glimpse of he is and I just fell in love with him slowly. He is very hard to read as a character at first and he kinda comes off as a “Dick” but you learn his not. While reading you realize how perfect the two are together. They both have such BIG personality that you wouldn’t think would work but it does.
There is a lot of the story you kinda feel puzzled on but that is understandable with it being a series. I would love to see more of Blade, Mellea “bestfriend” that you only really see in the beginning and don;t really hear about after.
Bound has a lot of drama and some action but it will definitely keep people reading and wanting more. I know I do. It’s one of those stories after read you feel kinda blank just wanting more and you know you can’t just yet and you don’t know what to do anymore. I am not gonna say this is the best book in the world but a really good one that is worth the read.
There is so much going on in Bound and more than I can say. Can’t spoil it. Bound is very unique and has such a cool concept. The city is run but guardians, that are said have magic and be very powerful and they are. They have a stone that has powers in them to fit each ones personalty. and each stone is different with different powers. I just loved that about the book. There was a few moments I didn’t see coming while reading and a many plot twist that just mind blown me.
Overall: amazing characters. The story has you hooked from the story and has such amazing storyline that I feel like readers will enjoy. It’s a very different story but too different. It’s very fast paced, a really easy read. It’s not to detailed and complicated at all. readers will slowly fall in love with the Mellea and Leo. There is no LOVE TRIANGLE! and let me tell you I need that right about now. I been reading so many books with love triangles recently that I thought I might explode, so reading this book give me a really happy relief. There is such much more I want to say about this book but it’s really hard not to spoil anything and I really hope my review isn’t crappy. Just do me a favor and give this book a chance, cause it’s a really good read and I really enjoyed every minute of it. I am not gonna say it’s on my top 10 but it is defiantly close to it. I will be definitely reading the next book.
May 13, 2014
Bound is set in Selestia where everyone is ruled by royalty, the Guardians. Our main character, Mellea is raised with the thought that the Guardians were evil because her dad absolutely detests them. She was told of how corrupted they were and her dad has always tried to prevent her from learning to much about them. However, her life starts to change when she saves a Successor of the Guardians.
The world that M.J. Stevens created is really unique. She combines both fantasy and science fiction elements in this series. I have a fondness for the transport system. It differs from the poor and well-off places. I like the way magic is used. I also love how the characters doesn't depend on magic and they still use weapons like guns, rifles and knives.
Another aspect of the book that I really liked were the characters. I really love all of them, both good and bad. It added some spice to the book. Each of them had a distinct quality and voice to them. My favourite characters would definitely have to be the Guardians. The Guardians are seen as cruel and merciless according to Mellea's dad and since we read from her point of view, we get the same impression. However, that's not necessarily true. We really get to see how much they care for each other as the story progresses. While some may be more closed off than others, you can't question that they will have each other's backs.
As for the relationship between our two main characters, I actually quite like it. Mellea and Leo are two opposites. They come from two completely different backgrounds and they annoy the hell out of each other. But that makes their relationship interesting and alive. They do not become close right away but it develops slowly throughout the story.
This book was really exciting and intriguing at the same time. I liked everything about the book but it does lack a few things. Firstly, there wasn't enough world building. Sure, there were a few descriptions of the places in Selestia that our character went to, but it wasn't enough. I think it was too simple and brief. I wished it was a little bit more detailed. Secondly, dialogue. While I did enjoy the banter between the characters here and there, I felt like it was a little basic and immature at times. Other than that, there wasn't much character development.
All in all, I had a really great time reading this book. The story may be lacking here and there but it didn't change the fact that it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed myself and would really love to read the sequel as the book left off in a cliffhanger. I'm dying to get my hands on it and continue with the story as I've grown a little attached to the characters and the world that M.J. Stevens has created. She has done well for her debut novel. A must read for those looking for an easy and fun read!
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
The world that M.J. Stevens created is really unique. She combines both fantasy and science fiction elements in this series. I have a fondness for the transport system. It differs from the poor and well-off places. I like the way magic is used. I also love how the characters doesn't depend on magic and they still use weapons like guns, rifles and knives.
Another aspect of the book that I really liked were the characters. I really love all of them, both good and bad. It added some spice to the book. Each of them had a distinct quality and voice to them. My favourite characters would definitely have to be the Guardians. The Guardians are seen as cruel and merciless according to Mellea's dad and since we read from her point of view, we get the same impression. However, that's not necessarily true. We really get to see how much they care for each other as the story progresses. While some may be more closed off than others, you can't question that they will have each other's backs.
As for the relationship between our two main characters, I actually quite like it. Mellea and Leo are two opposites. They come from two completely different backgrounds and they annoy the hell out of each other. But that makes their relationship interesting and alive. They do not become close right away but it develops slowly throughout the story.
This book was really exciting and intriguing at the same time. I liked everything about the book but it does lack a few things. Firstly, there wasn't enough world building. Sure, there were a few descriptions of the places in Selestia that our character went to, but it wasn't enough. I think it was too simple and brief. I wished it was a little bit more detailed. Secondly, dialogue. While I did enjoy the banter between the characters here and there, I felt like it was a little basic and immature at times. Other than that, there wasn't much character development.
All in all, I had a really great time reading this book. The story may be lacking here and there but it didn't change the fact that it was a lot of fun! I really enjoyed myself and would really love to read the sequel as the book left off in a cliffhanger. I'm dying to get my hands on it and continue with the story as I've grown a little attached to the characters and the world that M.J. Stevens has created. She has done well for her debut novel. A must read for those looking for an easy and fun read!
Originally posted on Met In Eleven
May 11, 2014
Mellea seems like any other seventeen year old girl. She is working a job in the city to help her underprivileged family while she saves money up to go to school. Then we find out that Mellea lives in the world of Selestia, ruled by the mysterious and possibly magic Guardians. Mellea's father absolutely hates the Guardians and everything they stand for due to a dispute years ago. Mellea's father won't even let her read a newspaper article about them and he really dislikes that Mellea works in the big city of Poridos, where the crystal towers of the royal Guardian family are located. When Mellea is leaving Poridos City after work one day, she comes across a young man that has been shot. She insists on helping him and staying with him until help arrives, even though it seems like that is the last thing that the man wants and he is rude, arrogant and kind of a jerk. This is why it is such a surprise to Mellea that the man she tried to help is a Successor to the Guardian throne, Leo; and for some reason he has chosen Mellea to be his bride. Now, Mellea finds herself bound to a man she hates and trapped in the crystal towers with the family that her father despises.
I ended up loving this story. It is a good mix of fantasy, science fiction, romance and action. Any young woman will find it easy to identify with Mellea's character. She is down to earth, brave even in uncertainty and does not fall in love with the hunky Guardian Successor just because he's cute and has dreamy blue eyes. In fact, Mellea fights their engagement almost every step of the way. At first, I was very confused at why Leo chose to be bound to Mellea (as was Mellea), but as the story progresses, Mellea meets other members of the family and gets to know Leo as a real person, they seem to be the perfect match for one another. The world of Selestia is an interesting one, there is the rich, sparkling and plasticy Poridos city where the Guardians live and the less affluent country side where the majority of the population seem to survive. The Towers are the most richly described, as Mellea is trapped in them for most of the story. As Mellea learns more of the history of the Guardians and the Tower, so do we. It seems that M.J. Stevens has put a lot of thought into the world-building of Selestia. I hope we get to explore it more in the next book, Divided. The action really picked up near the end of the book, enough that I had to read until I was finished. A foe from the Guardians past is back to hurt the family, there are a lot of plot twists and turns with Mellea's family and the old enemy to the Guardians. The story ends on a very suspenseful cliffhanger leaving Mellea with many choices to make and decisions of loyalty.
I ended up loving this story. It is a good mix of fantasy, science fiction, romance and action. Any young woman will find it easy to identify with Mellea's character. She is down to earth, brave even in uncertainty and does not fall in love with the hunky Guardian Successor just because he's cute and has dreamy blue eyes. In fact, Mellea fights their engagement almost every step of the way. At first, I was very confused at why Leo chose to be bound to Mellea (as was Mellea), but as the story progresses, Mellea meets other members of the family and gets to know Leo as a real person, they seem to be the perfect match for one another. The world of Selestia is an interesting one, there is the rich, sparkling and plasticy Poridos city where the Guardians live and the less affluent country side where the majority of the population seem to survive. The Towers are the most richly described, as Mellea is trapped in them for most of the story. As Mellea learns more of the history of the Guardians and the Tower, so do we. It seems that M.J. Stevens has put a lot of thought into the world-building of Selestia. I hope we get to explore it more in the next book, Divided. The action really picked up near the end of the book, enough that I had to read until I was finished. A foe from the Guardians past is back to hurt the family, there are a lot of plot twists and turns with Mellea's family and the old enemy to the Guardians. The story ends on a very suspenseful cliffhanger leaving Mellea with many choices to make and decisions of loyalty.
September 12, 2016
First and foremost, I didn't intend to read this in one sitting. I personally find present tense a little difficult to get into, so I thought, in the beginning, that I was going to have to take this book in small sections. That was at ten o' clock. At one o' clock I was giving my tablet the evil eye because it was over and I couldn't turn the page and find out what happens next.
Throughout Stevens' tale, she juxtaposes fast-paced action and dreamlike detail to create a world that feels believable, inhabitable, and as multi-layered as the "real" world. I like that although Bound, in some ways, seems to be a futuristic world with some advanced technologies, the tech is highly relatable and the concerns of Mellea, the young woman at the heart of the story, are the same concerns any girl who grew up in a family scraping for money with a dad who felt the aristocracy had ruined him and a mother who was, perhaps, somewhat too far immersed in her own dream world. Mellea's parents actually remind me a lot of Jeanette Walls' parents, from The Glass Castle (perspective changing nonfiction).
Bound's main characters, Mellea and Leo, are surprisingly likable. In the beginning Mellea seemed a little too likable, a little too good, and I worried that she was going to turn out to be something of a Bella Swan, but she has strong moral fiber, and that's different than being a blank canvas. Leo rather seemed like the rudest most horrid man alive, but there's a little bit of Pride & Prejudice meets Beauty & the Beast going on in Bound, so it's, ultimately, forgivable. Sometimes I read a book and characters are all good or all bad, and they fit only into one archetype or another, but M.J. Stevens sees to just be writing people for her constellation of main characters, and I enjoyed that.
There remains the Stockholm Syndrome issue to deal with in Bound. Mellea is abducted by the Guardians and told she has to unite with Leo (creepy much?), simply because he has chosen her, and is locked in their tower. Her consent to this arrangement is treated as unnecessary, and the threat of violence is ever present. This also represents a sudden escape from her poverty and a guiltless immersion into opulence. On the one hand, this is very much the stuff of dreamy childhood/teenage secret fantasy, on the other hand, it's a fundamental violation of her rights that ultimately *spoilers.* On the gripping hand, through the details, it makes for an interesting tale.
All in all, it was a good light read before bed. As the first in a series, I'm sure to be in for some frustration as the subsequent titles are released and things go from no good deed being unpunished to no good deed going unpunished with heaps of heart wrenching complication.
Happy reading, everyone.
Throughout Stevens' tale, she juxtaposes fast-paced action and dreamlike detail to create a world that feels believable, inhabitable, and as multi-layered as the "real" world. I like that although Bound, in some ways, seems to be a futuristic world with some advanced technologies, the tech is highly relatable and the concerns of Mellea, the young woman at the heart of the story, are the same concerns any girl who grew up in a family scraping for money with a dad who felt the aristocracy had ruined him and a mother who was, perhaps, somewhat too far immersed in her own dream world. Mellea's parents actually remind me a lot of Jeanette Walls' parents, from The Glass Castle (perspective changing nonfiction).
Bound's main characters, Mellea and Leo, are surprisingly likable. In the beginning Mellea seemed a little too likable, a little too good, and I worried that she was going to turn out to be something of a Bella Swan, but she has strong moral fiber, and that's different than being a blank canvas. Leo rather seemed like the rudest most horrid man alive, but there's a little bit of Pride & Prejudice meets Beauty & the Beast going on in Bound, so it's, ultimately, forgivable. Sometimes I read a book and characters are all good or all bad, and they fit only into one archetype or another, but M.J. Stevens sees to just be writing people for her constellation of main characters, and I enjoyed that.
There remains the Stockholm Syndrome issue to deal with in Bound. Mellea is abducted by the Guardians and told she has to unite with Leo (creepy much?), simply because he has chosen her, and is locked in their tower. Her consent to this arrangement is treated as unnecessary, and the threat of violence is ever present. This also represents a sudden escape from her poverty and a guiltless immersion into opulence. On the one hand, this is very much the stuff of dreamy childhood/teenage secret fantasy, on the other hand, it's a fundamental violation of her rights that ultimately *spoilers.* On the gripping hand, through the details, it makes for an interesting tale.
All in all, it was a good light read before bed. As the first in a series, I'm sure to be in for some frustration as the subsequent titles are released and things go from no good deed being unpunished to no good deed going unpunished with heaps of heart wrenching complication.
Happy reading, everyone.
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
Bound is the first book in the Guardians Series by M.J. Stevens. The first half of my book had me flip flopping my ideas on characters and my interest level in the plot, but by the time we hit around the half way point I was so invested in the story and the action and intensity was still on the rise. So much happens in the second half of this book, it was tough for me to put it down. Sometime that I loved from the start of the Bound was the futuristic setting. It is fantasy/science fiction and the book had cool helo pads and the main hub of the city/guardian tower was well described. I imagined it all as very stark and imposing with clean lines and harsh edges. It fit well for the tone of the story.
Mellea is just a girl from a not so well off family just trying to save enough money to go to university after secondary school. Her parents hit some tough times, but it was only ever alluded to in the beginning of the book what actually happened to them. We know that their father had some sort of "run-in" with the guardians of the city and now he hates them. The towns people and city people are all on edge because citizen after citizen are dissapearing. I felt like tension and conflict were only a moment away. Something bad could have happened at any point during the book. I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it did..oh boy things got intense very quickly. It was fast paced plot action, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I enjoyed how honest Mellea was. I think it was because she didn't grow up in this world of politics and scheming openly so she just tells it like it is. It was refreshing. I also liked how much of a hard time she gave Leo. He just met her and scooped her up and claimed her as his own. Rude much? As you can tell, I was not a huge fan of Leo. My opinion of him eventually changed, but it took a while. In fact, it wasn't even the claiming part that made me dislike him. It was his interaction with Mellea in her room the first time they met after the claiming that made me narrow my eyes in anger a bit. But as the story progresses we get to know him more and I liked the real Leo much better.
Bound is a good start to what looks to be a really interesting and fast paced action fantasy series. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? What just is going on with the Guardians and the disappearances. The answers might surprise you. Beware of a cliffhanger ending and some unanswered questions though. This was a solid start to the series and it has made me interested in continuing with book 2. A great job for M.J. Stevens debut novel.
Bound is the first book in the Guardians Series by M.J. Stevens. The first half of my book had me flip flopping my ideas on characters and my interest level in the plot, but by the time we hit around the half way point I was so invested in the story and the action and intensity was still on the rise. So much happens in the second half of this book, it was tough for me to put it down. Sometime that I loved from the start of the Bound was the futuristic setting. It is fantasy/science fiction and the book had cool helo pads and the main hub of the city/guardian tower was well described. I imagined it all as very stark and imposing with clean lines and harsh edges. It fit well for the tone of the story.
Mellea is just a girl from a not so well off family just trying to save enough money to go to university after secondary school. Her parents hit some tough times, but it was only ever alluded to in the beginning of the book what actually happened to them. We know that their father had some sort of "run-in" with the guardians of the city and now he hates them. The towns people and city people are all on edge because citizen after citizen are dissapearing. I felt like tension and conflict were only a moment away. Something bad could have happened at any point during the book. I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop. And when it did..oh boy things got intense very quickly. It was fast paced plot action, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I enjoyed how honest Mellea was. I think it was because she didn't grow up in this world of politics and scheming openly so she just tells it like it is. It was refreshing. I also liked how much of a hard time she gave Leo. He just met her and scooped her up and claimed her as his own. Rude much? As you can tell, I was not a huge fan of Leo. My opinion of him eventually changed, but it took a while. In fact, it wasn't even the claiming part that made me dislike him. It was his interaction with Mellea in her room the first time they met after the claiming that made me narrow my eyes in anger a bit. But as the story progresses we get to know him more and I liked the real Leo much better.
Bound is a good start to what looks to be a really interesting and fast paced action fantasy series. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? What just is going on with the Guardians and the disappearances. The answers might surprise you. Beware of a cliffhanger ending and some unanswered questions though. This was a solid start to the series and it has made me interested in continuing with book 2. A great job for M.J. Stevens debut novel.
April 13, 2014
An exciting new YA Fantasy of inspired imaginative vision
BOUND is an interesting novel of breathtaking scope that takes your breath away, with the exquisite blend of dazzling fantasy and heartrending romance. Amid the majestic splendour of the Royal backdrop was a deftly woven, appealing storyline that intertwined a variety of magical concepts and intriguing ideas. I was certainly kept in tense anticipation and suspense, as shocking revelations and unexpected twists in the tale kept me on edge throughout! Reaching out to its target readership, BOUND is an ideal read for teenagers and the younger YA reader. I can honestly say that this scintillatingly suspenseful sci-fi/ YA romance was a delight to behold and an addictive page-turner!
“What is your name?” Leo unexpectedly asks.
“Mellea Wendorn” I say, I have no idea why I felt a need to throw in my last name. In fact I should have used a fake name. Geez I'm a moron.
Leo mumbles, 'that is a very strange name. I do not really care for it.”
BOUND to the guardians’ laws; Mellea learns the ways and customs of the Royals. When a Guardian enemy unexpectedly appears from the shadows and into the light, Mellea must make a choice that will change the course of her destiny, forever…
This solid debut novel contains a likeable, feisty heroine whom many readers will warm to instantly. I really loved how well crafted the characters were and Mellea’s vulnerability and innocence that made her all the more endearing, especially with her magnetic relationship with Leo. My only negative aspect was how I felt the book was too short and that {in particular the ending} could have been ‘fleshed out��� a bit and extended. Left feeling numb and empty, I was so upset when finally I had finished reading; like the end of a thrilling roller coaster ride which you want to go on again!
I would definitely recommend this fantasy story to middle-grade/ younger readers, as the slightly simplistic prose and lack of weighty detail makes it a light, quick read. This is certainly an unexpected, enjoyable read and one that I would rate 3.5 stars.
*I won a copy of MJ Stevens debut “Bound” through a giveaway on her book blog*
Note: the beautifully striking, eye-catching cover!
BOUND is an interesting novel of breathtaking scope that takes your breath away, with the exquisite blend of dazzling fantasy and heartrending romance. Amid the majestic splendour of the Royal backdrop was a deftly woven, appealing storyline that intertwined a variety of magical concepts and intriguing ideas. I was certainly kept in tense anticipation and suspense, as shocking revelations and unexpected twists in the tale kept me on edge throughout! Reaching out to its target readership, BOUND is an ideal read for teenagers and the younger YA reader. I can honestly say that this scintillatingly suspenseful sci-fi/ YA romance was a delight to behold and an addictive page-turner!
“What is your name?” Leo unexpectedly asks.
“Mellea Wendorn” I say, I have no idea why I felt a need to throw in my last name. In fact I should have used a fake name. Geez I'm a moron.
Leo mumbles, 'that is a very strange name. I do not really care for it.”
BOUND to the guardians’ laws; Mellea learns the ways and customs of the Royals. When a Guardian enemy unexpectedly appears from the shadows and into the light, Mellea must make a choice that will change the course of her destiny, forever…
This solid debut novel contains a likeable, feisty heroine whom many readers will warm to instantly. I really loved how well crafted the characters were and Mellea’s vulnerability and innocence that made her all the more endearing, especially with her magnetic relationship with Leo. My only negative aspect was how I felt the book was too short and that {in particular the ending} could have been ‘fleshed out��� a bit and extended. Left feeling numb and empty, I was so upset when finally I had finished reading; like the end of a thrilling roller coaster ride which you want to go on again!
I would definitely recommend this fantasy story to middle-grade/ younger readers, as the slightly simplistic prose and lack of weighty detail makes it a light, quick read. This is certainly an unexpected, enjoyable read and one that I would rate 3.5 stars.
*I won a copy of MJ Stevens debut “Bound” through a giveaway on her book blog*
Note: the beautifully striking, eye-catching cover!
November 28, 2014
Throwing a tablet’s probably not a good thing to do, but it’s what I wanted to do after meeting first Mellea’s dad Noran then Successor Leo.
Noran just…weirded me out. From the beginning, there was something off. It went deeper than contempt, was hotter than hatred. He had zero tolerance for the Guardians. The cause of it was kept until almost the end but what a revelation it was when it was finally told.
Leo. He was an ass. Well, at the beginning. Rude, conceited, pompous, spoiled, everything he did rubbed me the wrong way. But as the story went on, as Mellea got to know him better, the real Leo made himself known. He wasn’t anything like the Leo I first met and, let me tell you, it was a good thing. Mellea didn’t need a husband like the old Leo. She needed a husband like the new Leo, who considered her his equal, who treated her fairly and respectfully.
Mellea was undoubtedly my favorite character. Not because she’s the heroine, but because she’s incredibly strong. When the ability to choose is taken from her, she doesn’t give up without fighting back first. Even when she accepts her new life, she accepts it on her terms, never letting go of who she is: a fighter. Her relationship with Leo was not ideal for her. The anger and hatred she felt toward him for robbing her of the life she had melted into acceptance and friendship. It was a terrific do-over for them both.
Disruptions happen, by choice or not. How they’re handled really shows a person’s character, their strengths and weaknesses, their ability to move on. Mellea wasn’t the only character to grow in this story. Leo and Noran did as well, in completely opposite ways. Seeing how far Noran would go because of his hatred for the Guardians was a brilliant move on Ms. Stevens part. His decision to forsake his family and join the MECHs (the Guardian’s oldest and most determined enemy) was a shock, but it was awesome to see evil twist a character into something or someone unrecognizable not just by me but by the other characters as well.
Sadly, this isn’t an HEA story. Oh, Leo and Mellea end on good terms, but that HEA is stolen, transforming this into a cliffhanger. *sigh* Means I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens.
It’s okay. Truthfully, I’d wait a year or two or ten for the next book. Why? Because this book is that good, because Ms. Stevens writes that good, and because I want to know what happens of course!
Noran just…weirded me out. From the beginning, there was something off. It went deeper than contempt, was hotter than hatred. He had zero tolerance for the Guardians. The cause of it was kept until almost the end but what a revelation it was when it was finally told.
Leo. He was an ass. Well, at the beginning. Rude, conceited, pompous, spoiled, everything he did rubbed me the wrong way. But as the story went on, as Mellea got to know him better, the real Leo made himself known. He wasn’t anything like the Leo I first met and, let me tell you, it was a good thing. Mellea didn’t need a husband like the old Leo. She needed a husband like the new Leo, who considered her his equal, who treated her fairly and respectfully.
Mellea was undoubtedly my favorite character. Not because she’s the heroine, but because she’s incredibly strong. When the ability to choose is taken from her, she doesn’t give up without fighting back first. Even when she accepts her new life, she accepts it on her terms, never letting go of who she is: a fighter. Her relationship with Leo was not ideal for her. The anger and hatred she felt toward him for robbing her of the life she had melted into acceptance and friendship. It was a terrific do-over for them both.
Disruptions happen, by choice or not. How they’re handled really shows a person’s character, their strengths and weaknesses, their ability to move on. Mellea wasn’t the only character to grow in this story. Leo and Noran did as well, in completely opposite ways. Seeing how far Noran would go because of his hatred for the Guardians was a brilliant move on Ms. Stevens part. His decision to forsake his family and join the MECHs (the Guardian’s oldest and most determined enemy) was a shock, but it was awesome to see evil twist a character into something or someone unrecognizable not just by me but by the other characters as well.
Sadly, this isn’t an HEA story. Oh, Leo and Mellea end on good terms, but that HEA is stolen, transforming this into a cliffhanger. *sigh* Means I have to wait for the next book to find out what happens.
It’s okay. Truthfully, I’d wait a year or two or ten for the next book. Why? Because this book is that good, because Ms. Stevens writes that good, and because I want to know what happens of course!
May 16, 2014
Mellea is a country girl, working to save up for college when she helps a hurt stranger. From one good deed her life gets turned upside down. She is taken away from her family and has to adjust to new ways. She can’t see how things could get worse, her life is in turmoil but that’s only the beginning. Danger strikes and she’s right in the middle of things. One decision will change her life forever.
I love the cover of Bound, the necklace she holds in her hand is beautiful and I love the relevance it has to the story.
I liked Mellea, she has a strong head on her shoulders, is stubborn as a mule, doesn’t take no crap from no-one and knows right from wrong even when faced with impossible decisions. But she knows when to save her breath too. And she doesn’t quit, I really liked that about her. She was dealt a bad hand of cards but she learnt to make the most of it. Plus she somehow managed to get Leo out of his shell, no easy task.
Leo was a pain in the butt but I enjoyed him. He was a ratbag at the start but once Mellea made an effort to befriend him he opened up little by little until his real self emerged. I hate it when characters hide behind who they think they should be, instead of just being themselves but at least it didn’t last throughout the whole book, that would have really ticked me off.
All the guardians besides the Lady Guardian think themselves above everyone else and I mean, come on! You’re just people right? Just because they rule doesn’t mean they can treat people like garbage. Just AARRGGGHHHH…
The story was fun to read and had a few twists and turns, I liked how everything worked together, all the little things that happened were for a reason and weren’t just random. What did irk me a little was how predictable parts where. I knew a few things (major things) that were going to happen and they did, even early on in the story. I don’t enjoy it as much when I know what’s coming, I should really not think ahead and just stay on the page but it’s one of my faults. Oh well.
Overall I really enjoyed Bound and look forward to reading Divided, book 2 in the Guardians series. If you’re a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy I would recommend giving Bound a go, definitely worth reading ;)
**A copy was provided for review purposes**
Original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
I love the cover of Bound, the necklace she holds in her hand is beautiful and I love the relevance it has to the story.
I liked Mellea, she has a strong head on her shoulders, is stubborn as a mule, doesn’t take no crap from no-one and knows right from wrong even when faced with impossible decisions. But she knows when to save her breath too. And she doesn’t quit, I really liked that about her. She was dealt a bad hand of cards but she learnt to make the most of it. Plus she somehow managed to get Leo out of his shell, no easy task.
Leo was a pain in the butt but I enjoyed him. He was a ratbag at the start but once Mellea made an effort to befriend him he opened up little by little until his real self emerged. I hate it when characters hide behind who they think they should be, instead of just being themselves but at least it didn’t last throughout the whole book, that would have really ticked me off.
All the guardians besides the Lady Guardian think themselves above everyone else and I mean, come on! You’re just people right? Just because they rule doesn’t mean they can treat people like garbage. Just AARRGGGHHHH…
The story was fun to read and had a few twists and turns, I liked how everything worked together, all the little things that happened were for a reason and weren’t just random. What did irk me a little was how predictable parts where. I knew a few things (major things) that were going to happen and they did, even early on in the story. I don’t enjoy it as much when I know what’s coming, I should really not think ahead and just stay on the page but it’s one of my faults. Oh well.
Overall I really enjoyed Bound and look forward to reading Divided, book 2 in the Guardians series. If you’re a fan of Sci-fi/Fantasy I would recommend giving Bound a go, definitely worth reading ;)
**A copy was provided for review purposes**
Original review at: http://morphybooksblog.wordpress.com/...
June 18, 2014
4-Stars with Notes
**Spoiler free review**
I found that I really enjoyed this story once we got through the initial section where I felt very confused and quite probably made this face the entire time.
This is the story of a girl in her late teens who is forced into a life that is not just foreign to her, it is the opposite of how she was raised. She struggles to adapt and to accept her new path however by the end of the book she has come to a place where she can move forward.
Seems pretty straightforward right?
Not really and here's where the notes come in.
1. I feel like I can describe in detail what the places look like and what our heroine wears but I have no idea what SHE looks like. To me, her appearance is very important.
2. I would have loved a little more to explain her upbringing so that events played out more smoothly.
3. I feel like this was either a lot longer and heavily edited or a lot shorter and filled out after the fact. I would love a little more plot/character development or a little less detail.
And yet I happily give it 4 stars?
Yep, sure did. It's got a lot of potential and that matters a lot. I want to know what happens, which matters even more. I understand how we got where we are and it is logical which is so important it's practically a unicorn. I'm looking forward to the next installment, I can't wait to see what develops.
**Spoiler free review**
I found that I really enjoyed this story once we got through the initial section where I felt very confused and quite probably made this face the entire time.
This is the story of a girl in her late teens who is forced into a life that is not just foreign to her, it is the opposite of how she was raised. She struggles to adapt and to accept her new path however by the end of the book she has come to a place where she can move forward.
Seems pretty straightforward right?
Not really and here's where the notes come in.
1. I feel like I can describe in detail what the places look like and what our heroine wears but I have no idea what SHE looks like. To me, her appearance is very important.
2. I would have loved a little more to explain her upbringing so that events played out more smoothly.
3. I feel like this was either a lot longer and heavily edited or a lot shorter and filled out after the fact. I would love a little more plot/character development or a little less detail.
And yet I happily give it 4 stars?
Yep, sure did. It's got a lot of potential and that matters a lot. I want to know what happens, which matters even more. I understand how we got where we are and it is logical which is so important it's practically a unicorn. I'm looking forward to the next installment, I can't wait to see what develops.
May 18, 2014
This was a nice beginning to the series. There were times that I wanted to smack Mellea and call her a petulant child but that helped to make the book. Mellea was brought up with a loathing of the Guardians and not knowing why. She was always kept from learning anything about them from her dad and he was critical at times of her. She wanted to better herself.
One day she is trying to get home and helps a stranger only it is Leo one of the Guardians. He gets shot and she doesn’t want to leave him. Leo not one to have friends or know how to react was rather snooty towards her but she was honest and kind. When people came for him there was some tension and in order to keep her from being killed he claimed her as his bride. Although for Leo it was more than that. He liked her and liked her honesty.
there beginnings didn’t go so well mainly because out of fear Leo acted like a jerk and a idiot. Making his mother disappointed in him. Mellea didn’t help the situation with her attitude and calling him a monster. Even after he risked everything so she could see her parents she still treated him poorly. It’s not until she talks to Leo’s mom that she begins to thaw. Breaking Leo’s barrier isn’t easy and it happens after tragedy occurs. Unfortunately she does something boneheaded that almost cost her everything. She tries to right that ship and when she does gets nothing but kindness and support from Leo. As they figure out what is going on in the Towers and who is the traitor they get closer. But battle ensues and Mellea is faced with some tough choices. She goes to leo’s side and fights and in the end this brings them closer.
As this is happening and they are agreeing that they could be more something happens and we are left with a cliffhanger that has you moan because you want to see this budding relationship continue.
A book about friendship, trust and betrayal. One that shows that if you don’t open up to change and giving someone a chance you may miss out on something wonderful. A cliffhanger to have you wanting more to. A wonderful beginning to this YA series that has action, drama and friendship with a little romance.
One day she is trying to get home and helps a stranger only it is Leo one of the Guardians. He gets shot and she doesn’t want to leave him. Leo not one to have friends or know how to react was rather snooty towards her but she was honest and kind. When people came for him there was some tension and in order to keep her from being killed he claimed her as his bride. Although for Leo it was more than that. He liked her and liked her honesty.
there beginnings didn’t go so well mainly because out of fear Leo acted like a jerk and a idiot. Making his mother disappointed in him. Mellea didn’t help the situation with her attitude and calling him a monster. Even after he risked everything so she could see her parents she still treated him poorly. It’s not until she talks to Leo’s mom that she begins to thaw. Breaking Leo’s barrier isn’t easy and it happens after tragedy occurs. Unfortunately she does something boneheaded that almost cost her everything. She tries to right that ship and when she does gets nothing but kindness and support from Leo. As they figure out what is going on in the Towers and who is the traitor they get closer. But battle ensues and Mellea is faced with some tough choices. She goes to leo’s side and fights and in the end this brings them closer.
As this is happening and they are agreeing that they could be more something happens and we are left with a cliffhanger that has you moan because you want to see this budding relationship continue.
A book about friendship, trust and betrayal. One that shows that if you don’t open up to change and giving someone a chance you may miss out on something wonderful. A cliffhanger to have you wanting more to. A wonderful beginning to this YA series that has action, drama and friendship with a little romance.
May 19, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect from his story. It starts off kinda slow as the story is set up through the eyes of Mellea. He life seems simple, mundane, and with parent who have a mysterious past that they will refuse to discuss with her,hence her ignorance of who and what the Guardians really are and really do besides that they are the ruling royal family who live in the The Tower in Poridos City. Her father harbors what seems to be unreasonable anger towards the Guardians.Though Mellea is curious about them and their lives all she really wants to do is be able to save enough money to attend college and maybe some day live above the financial status she has grown up in,maybe not rich like those in Poridos but enough to have all the amenities to keep her living comfortable without struggling to pay bills or keep enough food or heat in her home.
Mellea's Dad,Noran,told her "No good deed ever goes unpunished" and one wrong choice lands her right into the situation that proves him right,or so it would seem anyway. In strolls Leo,Guardian Successor,unnaturally handsome with a cocky attitude that does nothing to attract Mellea's attention. It's a wonder she even sticks around long enough to be a "Good Samaritan" to him,however he is caught of guard by her kindness to stop and help him and the fact that she is so unlike any other girl that he encounters because she doesn't fall at his feet all googly eyed and smitten by his high position.
The story picks up pace here and this is where I was reeled in and captured by the adventure that soon takes her on a journey she never dreamed of ever happening,especially to her. Surrounded by unfamiliar ways of life and rules she must follow,Mellea,though scared and uncertain of her future,meets almost ever challenge she encounters with courage and a strong will of self preservation.Lessons are learned,compromises are made,friendships forged,and unexpected betrayals, loved ones lost and an ending that will leave you shocked and wanting answers to questions you never saw coming.My mind is still reeling with desperation for book 2 and pleading to know how this sudden twist of events will affect Mellea and the Guardians.
Mellea's Dad,Noran,told her "No good deed ever goes unpunished" and one wrong choice lands her right into the situation that proves him right,or so it would seem anyway. In strolls Leo,Guardian Successor,unnaturally handsome with a cocky attitude that does nothing to attract Mellea's attention. It's a wonder she even sticks around long enough to be a "Good Samaritan" to him,however he is caught of guard by her kindness to stop and help him and the fact that she is so unlike any other girl that he encounters because she doesn't fall at his feet all googly eyed and smitten by his high position.
The story picks up pace here and this is where I was reeled in and captured by the adventure that soon takes her on a journey she never dreamed of ever happening,especially to her. Surrounded by unfamiliar ways of life and rules she must follow,Mellea,though scared and uncertain of her future,meets almost ever challenge she encounters with courage and a strong will of self preservation.Lessons are learned,compromises are made,friendships forged,and unexpected betrayals, loved ones lost and an ending that will leave you shocked and wanting answers to questions you never saw coming.My mind is still reeling with desperation for book 2 and pleading to know how this sudden twist of events will affect Mellea and the Guardians.
April 25, 2014
Bound is an interesting mix of fantasy with a touch of science fiction technology mixed in. Mellea is a poor country girl trying to save up money to go to university. She never expects to be picked up and "claimed" by one of the royal sons - a Successor. Leo is an ass. Yes, a giant royal pain in the butt. But there are moments when it seems he might be more. It's his only redeeming quality for most of the book. Mellea on the other hand, it stubborn, honest, and tells it how it is. Things don't go very well for this opposites attract type of couple.
There is also quite an adventure going on throughout the story. With people disappearing and the Guardians threatened, things quickly spiral out of control. M.J. Stevens does a fantastic job of balancing parts in this book. The Guardians are equal parts great people with good motives and stuck up snobs that can't admit when they're wrong. The bad guys (I can't tell you who they are) are smart with actual cause to want to fight, but they do it dirty and don't really care who may get caught in the middle.
This was a great start to a series. I wish I had liked Leo earlier in the book. It was difficult to read when he seemed like he was supposed to be a good guy and I didn't even like him. Their religion and magic and how it manifested was a great idea and well developed.
Be warned - there is a cliffhanger and it looks like we may have to wait until December (according to goodreads when I wrote this) to find out what happens.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
There is also quite an adventure going on throughout the story. With people disappearing and the Guardians threatened, things quickly spiral out of control. M.J. Stevens does a fantastic job of balancing parts in this book. The Guardians are equal parts great people with good motives and stuck up snobs that can't admit when they're wrong. The bad guys (I can't tell you who they are) are smart with actual cause to want to fight, but they do it dirty and don't really care who may get caught in the middle.
This was a great start to a series. I wish I had liked Leo earlier in the book. It was difficult to read when he seemed like he was supposed to be a good guy and I didn't even like him. Their religion and magic and how it manifested was a great idea and well developed.
Be warned - there is a cliffhanger and it looks like we may have to wait until December (according to goodreads when I wrote this) to find out what happens.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
July 24, 2016
I have seen many people complain about self published authors and how sceptical some are to read them so they often avoid them, I however have never had that problem but if you have these issues then DO NOT FEAR M.J. Stevens has written a fantastic debut novel that will have you hooked. It has all the goodies one could want in a book. Action, some romance (me being a big lover of romance would have liked a little more romance develop between Mellea and successor Leo, but I understand why there wasn't more as the actions he took to have her were extreme and would cause any normal person to hate their "captor")
Mellea's entire life her father has hated the Guardians without so much as a word to say why. All she knows about the people who rule over them is what her father has told her which is all bad things and his repeated warning of no good deed goes unpunished. So when she is on her way home from work and comes across a boy who is shot she try's to help him even after it is revealed he is a guardian successor whom are the children of the guardians. Lets just says things don't end well and this one act of kindness changes Mellea's life forever and not necessarily in a good way. But in saying that if you want to know the things of which she must endure, betrayals of which Mellea never would have thought possible and enemies they must face - go buy the book! and for a limited time only on smashwords and amazon it's FREE!!!!
It truly was a great read and can't wait for book 2 :D
Mellea's entire life her father has hated the Guardians without so much as a word to say why. All she knows about the people who rule over them is what her father has told her which is all bad things and his repeated warning of no good deed goes unpunished. So when she is on her way home from work and comes across a boy who is shot she try's to help him even after it is revealed he is a guardian successor whom are the children of the guardians. Lets just says things don't end well and this one act of kindness changes Mellea's life forever and not necessarily in a good way. But in saying that if you want to know the things of which she must endure, betrayals of which Mellea never would have thought possible and enemies they must face - go buy the book! and for a limited time only on smashwords and amazon it's FREE!!!!
It truly was a great read and can't wait for book 2 :D
August 9, 2016
There's a lot going on - and a lot to like - in Bound: magic, royalty, revolution, princess training, romance, betrayal, action and excitement.
We meet Mellea at a point in her life when she's lost, trying to figure out what to do with her life, but she never expected her life to change the way it does when she meets Leo. I respected the way she dealt with her changed life, with strength and determination. She was fun to watch as she was forced into dresses - the horror! - into princess training, into a new family and into a relationship that she didn't ask for.
Leo makes a terrible first impression. He's haughty and authoritative, basically a Beast to Mellea's Beauty. But I grew attached to him as I learned about his past, about the boy he really is, and especially as I saw the tender moments between him and Mellea. He's an interesting, surprisingly deep character, and I definitely want to see more of him.
I liked the way the world was presented to us. Mellea is ignorant of the political situation, of Successors and Guardians, so we're learning along with her. There were twists and turns and things I didn't see coming, which I enjoyed, but I do wish there had been more world building, more descriptions, but that's a minor complaint.
We're just beginning to scratch the surface of these people, of this world, and of their secrets. The book ends on an exciting - and worrisome - note, ensuring that I'll be back for book two in the Guardians series.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
We meet Mellea at a point in her life when she's lost, trying to figure out what to do with her life, but she never expected her life to change the way it does when she meets Leo. I respected the way she dealt with her changed life, with strength and determination. She was fun to watch as she was forced into dresses - the horror! - into princess training, into a new family and into a relationship that she didn't ask for.
Leo makes a terrible first impression. He's haughty and authoritative, basically a Beast to Mellea's Beauty. But I grew attached to him as I learned about his past, about the boy he really is, and especially as I saw the tender moments between him and Mellea. He's an interesting, surprisingly deep character, and I definitely want to see more of him.
I liked the way the world was presented to us. Mellea is ignorant of the political situation, of Successors and Guardians, so we're learning along with her. There were twists and turns and things I didn't see coming, which I enjoyed, but I do wish there had been more world building, more descriptions, but that's a minor complaint.
We're just beginning to scratch the surface of these people, of this world, and of their secrets. The book ends on an exciting - and worrisome - note, ensuring that I'll be back for book two in the Guardians series.
Disclosure: ebook provided in exchange for an honest review
April 22, 2014
First of all, I did enjoy this book. Though a couple things had me cringing at times it was overall an enjoyable read. I was pretty sceptical of this book after finding out it was self-published and her first novel, but for a first novel it was a pretty good attempt. I loved the idea of the guardians and thought the idea and plot were pretty interesting.
However something the author needs to work on is her world building and especially her characters. I really hope the characters go through some serious development, otherwise I'll be pretty disappointed. Mellea sounded very childish and immature at times, which really bugged me, and I hope that she does develop to join the ranks of the strong and no-bullshit female protagonists we've come to love.
I hated how as soon as her mother asked her to run away, she did, with out even considering the fact that the boy she left behind had just lost his mother and was going to loose her too. Something I hope the author does focus on is the fact Mellea killed someone. A lot of books fail to delve into the emotional and mental damage something like that does to a person.
The dialog at times felt very basic and childish, but writing is a skill that takes practice and experience like any other skill.
Overall it was a good book and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.
However something the author needs to work on is her world building and especially her characters. I really hope the characters go through some serious development, otherwise I'll be pretty disappointed. Mellea sounded very childish and immature at times, which really bugged me, and I hope that she does develop to join the ranks of the strong and no-bullshit female protagonists we've come to love.
I hated how as soon as her mother asked her to run away, she did, with out even considering the fact that the boy she left behind had just lost his mother and was going to loose her too. Something I hope the author does focus on is the fact Mellea killed someone. A lot of books fail to delve into the emotional and mental damage something like that does to a person.
The dialog at times felt very basic and childish, but writing is a skill that takes practice and experience like any other skill.
Overall it was a good book and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.
August 3, 2016
I received this book from Hot Tree Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
As a lover of Fantasy, I love it when I get something to read that is a bit 'different'. From the very start, you are taken along with Mellea as she struggles to find her place in the world, which is not helped by the strange proclamations and announcements that her father keeps making.
By doing a good deed, she finds herself locked in a tower with a bracelet locked onto her wrist which tells the world that she is the chosen bride of Successor Leo. Or at least it would tell the world if she was allowed out at all.
The story moves along at a fast but steady pace. There are twists and turns to the story and you will learn who and what is going on at the same time as Mellea. The attitude of Mellea is wonderfully written and she is not prepared to accept her 'fate' but also is not too proud to ask for help or to apologise for making mistakes.
One of the things that really stood out to me was that there was no insta-love! None at all and it was fantastic because of that. Instead, we get a "let's take it slowly and we'll see where it goes. I like you" which was so refreshing to read.
I would definitely recommend this book to all lovers of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Young Adult novels and I can't wait to read the next one and see the story continue.
As a lover of Fantasy, I love it when I get something to read that is a bit 'different'. From the very start, you are taken along with Mellea as she struggles to find her place in the world, which is not helped by the strange proclamations and announcements that her father keeps making.
By doing a good deed, she finds herself locked in a tower with a bracelet locked onto her wrist which tells the world that she is the chosen bride of Successor Leo. Or at least it would tell the world if she was allowed out at all.
The story moves along at a fast but steady pace. There are twists and turns to the story and you will learn who and what is going on at the same time as Mellea. The attitude of Mellea is wonderfully written and she is not prepared to accept her 'fate' but also is not too proud to ask for help or to apologise for making mistakes.
One of the things that really stood out to me was that there was no insta-love! None at all and it was fantastic because of that. Instead, we get a "let's take it slowly and we'll see where it goes. I like you" which was so refreshing to read.
I would definitely recommend this book to all lovers of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Young Adult novels and I can't wait to read the next one and see the story continue.
November 27, 2014
Mellea is a normal 18 year old girl going to work to save up for college. All that changed the day she met Leo. Leo is a Guardian second in line to the throne. When they meet she sees him though not the successor, and this makes him decide on her as his bride. Unfortunately Mellea didn't see it his way and was very angry with him. On the one time she is allowed to go home and see her family, her father turn her away stating that she was a traitor to him because she was promised to a guardian whom he hated. Torn up by the fact that her parents had turned on her she went back to the Tower with Leo and started her training to be a Guardian. Just as she's starting to get along with Leo tragedy strikes and war comes to their doors with a traitor inside they don't know who to trust and life as they know it has changed completely. Throughout all of this Mellea and Leo become closer as a couple, you could even say they have become friends. The fight between the Guardians and the MECHs is all out and only the Guardians stand in the way of protecting the country against the MECHs.
I loved this book it was freaking awesome. The only irritating part is that it just stops, a total cliffhanger, and I have to wait for the next segment in the series to come out. I can not wait. This is definitely one of my favorites and a must read.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's blog
I loved this book it was freaking awesome. The only irritating part is that it just stops, a total cliffhanger, and I have to wait for the next segment in the series to come out. I can not wait. This is definitely one of my favorites and a must read.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's blog
May 17, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Love the honest dedication from the author!
From childhood Mellea has been warned by her dad, Noran, of the 'evil' guardians. It sounds more like sour grapes to me and, the animosity towards them is rather intense! Just for the record Noran is a real douche! Not the most likeable character :/
Mellea's path crosses Leo's, a Guardian prince nonetheless, and her life is about to change, drastically, when she helps him. I feel trouble brewing .......
Leo claims Mellea as his bride and she has a tough time adjusting to the ways of the guardians, but I'll give it to her she's one tough cookie!
Leo and Mellea were easy to love and hate! Leo is really not lacking anything in the self confidence department! But as the story continues I find myself softening towards him, I think he's just misunderstood.
Millea, she's a real live wire! She speaks her mind when, where, and how she wants! She does what's expected of her but still on her terms.
There were moments where I felt like spanking the characters as you would a spoilt and insolent child but I must admit they do grow on the road to self discovery ♥
The ending was a bit of a shocker and unexpected.
Entertaining ★★★★ read
Reviewed by Heidi
Love the honest dedication from the author!
From childhood Mellea has been warned by her dad, Noran, of the 'evil' guardians. It sounds more like sour grapes to me and, the animosity towards them is rather intense! Just for the record Noran is a real douche! Not the most likeable character :/
Mellea's path crosses Leo's, a Guardian prince nonetheless, and her life is about to change, drastically, when she helps him. I feel trouble brewing .......
Leo claims Mellea as his bride and she has a tough time adjusting to the ways of the guardians, but I'll give it to her she's one tough cookie!
Leo and Mellea were easy to love and hate! Leo is really not lacking anything in the self confidence department! But as the story continues I find myself softening towards him, I think he's just misunderstood.
Millea, she's a real live wire! She speaks her mind when, where, and how she wants! She does what's expected of her but still on her terms.
There were moments where I felt like spanking the characters as you would a spoilt and insolent child but I must admit they do grow on the road to self discovery ♥
The ending was a bit of a shocker and unexpected.
Entertaining ★★★★ read
Reviewed by Heidi
June 5, 2014
I was lucky enough to have won a copy of Bound (The Guardians #1) by M.J. Stephens. I truly thank you for that.
I’m not normally a fantasy read gal, and to be honest, the book did start out a little slow but for some reason I could not put it down. Enter Leo and the Guardians and yep – ended up reading this one in 1 sitting. Pretty impressive.
Mellea is a strong young lady who tells it how it is and takes no shit from anyone, while Leo is a snobbish pain in the butt who seems to have a problem showing emotion. A little bit misunderstood due to the pandering that he receives being a Guardian but in time, opens up emotionally. Once they learn to trust in each other, their relationship is one of beauty.
Enter the crazy MECH’s, Mellea’s nutso father and a whole lot of other tests they need to pass to be together. It gets intense, action packed, fiery, magical, a hell of a cliffhanger and all in all a really good read.
The worst part about it all is that I have to WAIT for the 2nd book. I’m not a patient person! Please release it soon...I need to know what happens next....aaarrrggghhh!
Bound
I’m not normally a fantasy read gal, and to be honest, the book did start out a little slow but for some reason I could not put it down. Enter Leo and the Guardians and yep – ended up reading this one in 1 sitting. Pretty impressive.
Mellea is a strong young lady who tells it how it is and takes no shit from anyone, while Leo is a snobbish pain in the butt who seems to have a problem showing emotion. A little bit misunderstood due to the pandering that he receives being a Guardian but in time, opens up emotionally. Once they learn to trust in each other, their relationship is one of beauty.
Enter the crazy MECH’s, Mellea’s nutso father and a whole lot of other tests they need to pass to be together. It gets intense, action packed, fiery, magical, a hell of a cliffhanger and all in all a really good read.
The worst part about it all is that I have to WAIT for the 2nd book. I’m not a patient person! Please release it soon...I need to know what happens next....aaarrrggghhh!
Bound
November 27, 2014
Mellea has grown up with a curiosity about the Guardians and Successors that is unparalleled only because of the fact that her father has such a deep hatred for them that he will not explain. Though she knows the tales of them having magical powers and how they are the protectors of the city that is all she knows. She is forbidden from reading anything recent about them or even getting to meet them. Fate however has other plans. Leo sometimes feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Being a Successor there are certain expectations of him and one of those is to choose a bride but none that come before him are ones he wants. Then he meets Mellea and declares her his bride. Mellea fights Leo on their engagement on principle and the fact that she was raise to fear them. In her time at the Tower she does meet some normal people and she also learns more about the elusive Guardians. What no one expects is for the Guardians to come under attack. However when they do it is on such an epic scale that it will leave your heart pounding. The source of the attack is another heart stopper! This book is just WOW! A great mix of myth, magic and technological advancements that will leave you anticipating the next book.
April 26, 2014
Bound is a different type of book thank I usually read. It is different in many different ways, but kept me interested. About half way through things get really intense and I couldn't put it down. Its about a girl who is more of a nobody, works for what she has and loves her parents and friend dearly. One day changes things for her and her life is turned upside down by one very important, hot man that see's her as a match for him. Things happen and her parents disown her. Crazy things start to happen and she is heartbroken at what she finds out. Then she stands for what she feels is right, up until the point that everything goes dark. A great read that keeps you interested, on the edge of your seat and makes you want to jump into it!
November 22, 2014
Mellea's life has been anything but normal and full of hardships.
She graduates from high school and while she is working so she can go to college, she gets thrown into the world of the guardians.
I did not like Leo for a good portion of this book. But Thankfully the author makes sure to explain everything and redeem him.
I felt this book hung on the like between a adult/young adult book.
Mellea is put into some tough situations and you feel very sorry for her. You want to be there for her and help her. I loved that. It shows a great author when they can make you feel so much for a character.
Now I did love the story. It moved at a decent pace and you knew what to expect. I can not wait to see whats next.
I recevied a copy of this book in exchange for an hnest review
She graduates from high school and while she is working so she can go to college, she gets thrown into the world of the guardians.
I did not like Leo for a good portion of this book. But Thankfully the author makes sure to explain everything and redeem him.
I felt this book hung on the like between a adult/young adult book.
Mellea is put into some tough situations and you feel very sorry for her. You want to be there for her and help her. I loved that. It shows a great author when they can make you feel so much for a character.
Now I did love the story. It moved at a decent pace and you knew what to expect. I can not wait to see whats next.
I recevied a copy of this book in exchange for an hnest review
November 22, 2014
Wow... That was a heck of a story! It was interesting, unexpected and sweet. I love Young Adult books so much and this one reminded me why. The heroine, Mellea, was strong and brave and loving. The hero, Leo, was stupborn and made me hate him right away, then we glimpse the real guy under all the stress and expectations and see him for who he really is. The love story was sweet and understated which I loved.
For the first book in the series I think the story will be amazing carrying forward. I think her new family of guardians are wonderful complex character and I am looking forward to reading more of their journey.
If you are a Young adult Fantasy/Dystopian lover like I am you will love this book s much as I did.
For the first book in the series I think the story will be amazing carrying forward. I think her new family of guardians are wonderful complex character and I am looking forward to reading more of their journey.
If you are a Young adult Fantasy/Dystopian lover like I am you will love this book s much as I did.
May 6, 2014
First off this story was amazing in every way. This cover looks great and heck really kinda threw me for a loop with it lol. But surprise it left with a cliffhanger, now I'm in hopes that the author is writing book 2 as I write this well, why you ask? because that is how good this story was now wait not good it was Great!!! yes that's it Great!!! I think this is one story that everyone should read and give it a chance. I loved everything about it the characters, the writing, the story line, everything. lol.
MUST READ!!!
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com on 5-9-14***
MUST READ!!!
***I received this story for free in exchange for an honest review, see more of my review @ http://jmhoward2007.blogspot.com on 5-9-14***
May 11, 2014
**I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Fantasy, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
**The link to my review will be posted @ Gizmos Reviews on 05/12/2014 as part of the Xpresso Book Tours Blog Tour**
Published January 21st 2014 by M.J. Stevens (first published January 20th 2014)
*Genre* Fantasy, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
**The link to my review will be posted @ Gizmos Reviews on 05/12/2014 as part of the Xpresso Book Tours Blog Tour**
Published January 21st 2014 by M.J. Stevens (first published January 20th 2014)
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