What do you think?
Soul Bound
How far would you go to defy fate?
One man went too far.
Eva Greene will be his reckoning.
When Eva Greene is mortally wounded, she accidently stumbles into the lair of the last creature she expected to find in her humble valley. Arkon is a storm dragon, the last of his kind, forced into hiding by the cruelty of fate. He heals her mortal wound, but, in doing so, Eva's life will never be the same again.
Eva embarks on a journey of loss, heartache, and betrayal, but amongst all her pain, she forms true friendships, unexpected allies, and finds love. She has to learn quickly if she is to survive. Is she strong enough to protect Aboria and everyone she loves, or will her enemies get the best of her and burn her world to ash?
One man went too far.
Eva Greene will be his reckoning.
When Eva Greene is mortally wounded, she accidently stumbles into the lair of the last creature she expected to find in her humble valley. Arkon is a storm dragon, the last of his kind, forced into hiding by the cruelty of fate. He heals her mortal wound, but, in doing so, Eva's life will never be the same again.
Eva embarks on a journey of loss, heartache, and betrayal, but amongst all her pain, she forms true friendships, unexpected allies, and finds love. She has to learn quickly if she is to survive. Is she strong enough to protect Aboria and everyone she loves, or will her enemies get the best of her and burn her world to ash?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
About the author
Holly Hobson
3 books8 followersHolly Hobson is the author of Soul Bound, the first installment of the Dragon Knights of Aboria series, and Dragon Tamer from the Adventure of Wala series. Both books are captivating blends of action, adventure, and romance set in richly imagined worlds. With a passion for sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal storytelling, Holly takes readers on unforgettable journeys filled with heart and adventure.
Born and raised on the west coast of British Columbia, Holly grew up with the forest as her backyard and the ocean as her sandbox. She is currently pursuing a degree in environmental science. For inspiration, she often hikes mountain trails with her fiancé. At home, they share their space with two snuggly cats, Ninja and Baron. When not writing, Holly enjoys going to metal concerts or watching anime.
To learn more, follow Holly on Instagram at @h_hobbs42.
Born and raised on the west coast of British Columbia, Holly grew up with the forest as her backyard and the ocean as her sandbox. She is currently pursuing a degree in environmental science. For inspiration, she often hikes mountain trails with her fiancé. At home, they share their space with two snuggly cats, Ninja and Baron. When not writing, Holly enjoys going to metal concerts or watching anime.
To learn more, follow Holly on Instagram at @h_hobbs42.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 3, 2025
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you like...read this book:
- protective dragons
- realistic grief
- morally grey characters
- found family
- hidden prophecies
I really enjoy Holly Hobson's books. Her other books also include dragons but with a completely different magic/dragon system and different stakes. I appreciate that even with similar environments, she is able to keep them distinct and engaging. My favorite human characters were Grayson and Anna. They both have scars but are doing their best to do better. My favorite dragon is Arkon. He has so much emotional depth, which you don't always find with animal characters in books (even the sentient ones). I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to what happens next, especially to see if the Greene siblings manage to stay out of trouble.
Favorite Line: "Congratulations. You must be the only person in the world who has pissed off the Slayer of Souls and lived."
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you like...read this book:
- protective dragons
- realistic grief
- morally grey characters
- found family
- hidden prophecies
I really enjoy Holly Hobson's books. Her other books also include dragons but with a completely different magic/dragon system and different stakes. I appreciate that even with similar environments, she is able to keep them distinct and engaging. My favorite human characters were Grayson and Anna. They both have scars but are doing their best to do better. My favorite dragon is Arkon. He has so much emotional depth, which you don't always find with animal characters in books (even the sentient ones). I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to what happens next, especially to see if the Greene siblings manage to stay out of trouble.
Favorite Line: "Congratulations. You must be the only person in the world who has pissed off the Slayer of Souls and lived."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Holly Hobson's “Soul Bound” transports readers to a world filled with Dragon Knights, and dragons. If you are a fan of "Eragon" By Christopher Paolini or a fan of "Talon the Black" By Melissa Mitchell, then this one is for you.
Holly Hobson is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She has the ability to transport us readers into the land of Aboria. Where we meet our courageous Eva, who strives to do whatever is right for her family. She is a Character that anyone can relate to, she is strong, fearless, and very charismatic.
She finds a Dragon (Arkon) while being in an accident and they become bound. This is a tale that echoes the values of having love for those that are important to you, being resilient, and having full faith and trust in your partner, while also having a dash of romance in it.
Arkon is such an amazing dragon who is so caring and loving towards his bond mate. He honestly reminds me so much of Toothless from the movie How to Train Your Dragon and he reminds me so much of Saphira from Eragon. He is literally the best of both worlds you can’t help but love him.
This story takes on swooping turns. For one second you believe you know the plot, and what is going on but then there is another surprise in another corner. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Holly Hobson is such a talented and brilliant writer. She has woven a tale filled with mystery, friendship, action, danger, and adventure. She has the ability to transport us readers into the land of Aboria. Where we meet our courageous Eva, who strives to do whatever is right for her family. She is a Character that anyone can relate to, she is strong, fearless, and very charismatic.
She finds a Dragon (Arkon) while being in an accident and they become bound. This is a tale that echoes the values of having love for those that are important to you, being resilient, and having full faith and trust in your partner, while also having a dash of romance in it.
Arkon is such an amazing dragon who is so caring and loving towards his bond mate. He honestly reminds me so much of Toothless from the movie How to Train Your Dragon and he reminds me so much of Saphira from Eragon. He is literally the best of both worlds you can’t help but love him.
This story takes on swooping turns. For one second you believe you know the plot, and what is going on but then there is another surprise in another corner. I cannot wait for the sequel!
February 27, 2026
Eva is such an amazing character. I feel like she has so much trauma and yet she never gives up. She always puts her family and friends first, so seeing the dragon choose her and save her makes so much sense.
She does not pursue her dream of being a dragon knight, instead choosing to take care of her family and village in her brothers absence. She does everything she can to provide. Unfortunately when there is nothing left holding her back she gets thrust into her dreams.
It’s a beautiful and tragic thing to see her end up as a dragon knight, being bound to a dragon and learning how to navigate new powers when you think of how she got there. Her journey is organic and beautiful, she’s not instantly a master and has to work her way up to learn her new skills.
Shes an underdog and doubted by her peers. In a way even her closest friends underestimate her and her abilities. They withhold secrets because they don’t think she will react well. I think they sell her short as an individual, she would have taken Grayson’s secret better if she knew all along.
I will admit I guessed who he was earlier in the book. I do enjoy the controversy and twist of his identity.
Book two is within reach and I’m kicking myself that I have other reading obligations before I can start it. I promise you nothing is on my mind quite like Blood Bound is.
She does not pursue her dream of being a dragon knight, instead choosing to take care of her family and village in her brothers absence. She does everything she can to provide. Unfortunately when there is nothing left holding her back she gets thrust into her dreams.
It’s a beautiful and tragic thing to see her end up as a dragon knight, being bound to a dragon and learning how to navigate new powers when you think of how she got there. Her journey is organic and beautiful, she’s not instantly a master and has to work her way up to learn her new skills.
Shes an underdog and doubted by her peers. In a way even her closest friends underestimate her and her abilities. They withhold secrets because they don’t think she will react well. I think they sell her short as an individual, she would have taken Grayson’s secret better if she knew all along.
I will admit I guessed who he was earlier in the book. I do enjoy the controversy and twist of his identity.
Book two is within reach and I’m kicking myself that I have other reading obligations before I can start it. I promise you nothing is on my mind quite like Blood Bound is.
December 28, 2024
I base my reviews on one simple metric: was I entertained while reading the novel? In the case of Soul Bound I was thoroughly entertained.
*** Warning, plot spoilers ***
Soul Bound is the story of Eva Greene whose dreams come in second place to the needs of her family. But a series of events, including the death of her family, put Eva in a position that where her dreams become reality, if only to enact revenge for her family.
The characters are fully realized, with complex back stories that guide their current actions, making them feel more like an organic part of the story instead of a plot device. The story uses common tropes to set up plot points and character evolutions, but they don't feel contrived or added on at the last minute.
But, as I said at the beginning, it all comes down to entertainment. For an author to entertain me they have to present realistic characters, acting in a reasonable manner, working towards a resolution that makes sense both for the characters and the plot. This all happens in Soul Bound. I was mildly disappointed when the story came to an end as I wanted to keep tabs on the characters and what happened afterwards.
I look forward to Holly's next novel with great anticipation.
*** Warning, plot spoilers ***
Soul Bound is the story of Eva Greene whose dreams come in second place to the needs of her family. But a series of events, including the death of her family, put Eva in a position that where her dreams become reality, if only to enact revenge for her family.
The characters are fully realized, with complex back stories that guide their current actions, making them feel more like an organic part of the story instead of a plot device. The story uses common tropes to set up plot points and character evolutions, but they don't feel contrived or added on at the last minute.
But, as I said at the beginning, it all comes down to entertainment. For an author to entertain me they have to present realistic characters, acting in a reasonable manner, working towards a resolution that makes sense both for the characters and the plot. This all happens in Soul Bound. I was mildly disappointed when the story came to an end as I wanted to keep tabs on the characters and what happened afterwards.
I look forward to Holly's next novel with great anticipation.
January 2, 2025
Honestly this is in my top 5 for fantasy books!
This story is beautifully written. You are fully immersed in to the world of Aboria. The characters are fully developed with complex backgrounds. With each pov you get to learn more and more about them.
The main character Eva is one of the most relatable fmc I have read about. She is strong, badass, independent woman who will always fight for the people she’s loves.
The sparking romance between Eva and Grayson is one that had me wanting more! I absolutely love them.
Overall I’m extremely in love this book! I can wait for the sequel!
Favourite quotes:
“Fuck being a lady if this is what it’s like. Let’s see a man wear a corset- then we’ll talk about etiquette” ~ Eva Greene
“I always thought people were over exaggerating when they said they could see love until I met her” ~ Grayson Smith
This story is beautifully written. You are fully immersed in to the world of Aboria. The characters are fully developed with complex backgrounds. With each pov you get to learn more and more about them.
The main character Eva is one of the most relatable fmc I have read about. She is strong, badass, independent woman who will always fight for the people she’s loves.
The sparking romance between Eva and Grayson is one that had me wanting more! I absolutely love them.
Overall I’m extremely in love this book! I can wait for the sequel!
Favourite quotes:
“Fuck being a lady if this is what it’s like. Let’s see a man wear a corset- then we’ll talk about etiquette” ~ Eva Greene
“I always thought people were over exaggerating when they said they could see love until I met her” ~ Grayson Smith
December 28, 2024
Received a copy as an ARC reader
This is a slowburn, fantasy with elements of romance. Triggers included rape (off page), violence, death, family members dying/dead.
This book had an intriguing story and interesting characters. I loved the characters and the plot line was familiar but still different enough from other books I have read. Would I say this is the best written work? No. The first chapters were a little awkward and difficult to follow and the changes in POVs throughout the book weren't always clear to me. Would I read the sequel? Yes! The story develops really well and I am very curious to see what happens with the characters moving forward. Eva is a strong female lead and Grayson is an enigma still to be solved!
This is a slowburn, fantasy with elements of romance. Triggers included rape (off page), violence, death, family members dying/dead.
This book had an intriguing story and interesting characters. I loved the characters and the plot line was familiar but still different enough from other books I have read. Would I say this is the best written work? No. The first chapters were a little awkward and difficult to follow and the changes in POVs throughout the book weren't always clear to me. Would I read the sequel? Yes! The story develops really well and I am very curious to see what happens with the characters moving forward. Eva is a strong female lead and Grayson is an enigma still to be solved!
July 9, 2025
If you are a dragon lover and enjoyed either Fourth Wing or Eragon, you will enjoy this book! While the pacing is a bit fast at parts, I enjoyed this book and think it is really well written! This story follows Eva in the path that she follows after saving her sister's life and narrowly escaping death. All of the characters are enjoyable, and Hobson's choice to swap between POVs without announcing it was a good choice. Eva, Jacob, Grayson, Anna, Arkon, and Eran are all super interesting and well fleshed out characters. It does get somewhat graphic at parts, but that doesn't overshadow the story too much.
April 26, 2025
100% better than fourth wing in my opinion. I was definetly hooked from the start. Super cute story, and complitly in love with the characters.
I thought how Eva handled the whole death of her entire famile kinda odd. It was almost ass tho it was a dearly belived pet which died.
Loved Dex, definitely a new book boyfriend material that will give xaden a run for his money.
Thought the dialogue between Eva and Arkon could have been more intriguing but I really loved the book.
Super excited to see how this wil unfold🤟🏼☀️
I thought how Eva handled the whole death of her entire famile kinda odd. It was almost ass tho it was a dearly belived pet which died.
Loved Dex, definitely a new book boyfriend material that will give xaden a run for his money.
Thought the dialogue between Eva and Arkon could have been more intriguing but I really loved the book.
Super excited to see how this wil unfold🤟🏼☀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
Not really for me, but this is a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy romance, adventure, and self-discovery, who will be swept away by the gripping tale of Eva's journey as she navigates love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship in a world of magic and wonder.
January 6, 2026
The character building in this book was amazing. Being able to see the characters internal battles as things progressed through the story was really interesting.
May 29, 2026
4.2-4.3
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews