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The Magic Within #1
Bound to Survive
In a realm where wizards govern, treachery is about to descend...
Born of prophecy, a boy is torn from the love of his family and 'Bound' with magic to survive.
Christopher is hidden from those who seek to destroy him.
Over the years, he grows discontent...
Until a secret is revealed...a journey begins...and a choice is made. A choice which will be for all in the realm.
Join Christopher and his friends as they hatch a daring escape, race with them across the country in a bid to save his love from certain death and find out how a secret will change the world they live in.
Bound to Survive is a tale of wizardly love, war and intrigue steeped in a mystical age of magic.
Born of prophecy, a boy is torn from the love of his family and 'Bound' with magic to survive.
Christopher is hidden from those who seek to destroy him.
Over the years, he grows discontent...
Until a secret is revealed...a journey begins...and a choice is made. A choice which will be for all in the realm.
Join Christopher and his friends as they hatch a daring escape, race with them across the country in a bid to save his love from certain death and find out how a secret will change the world they live in.
Bound to Survive is a tale of wizardly love, war and intrigue steeped in a mystical age of magic.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
24 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Gibbs
6 books27 followersSharon would probably write more books if we had another day in the week. Witches and wizards run wild in her imagination where heroes and villains battle and there's always room for a dragon or two. Magical cats and family curses take up most of her time and she's been searching for that secret ingredient in Mrs Junket's pudding. You can meet a few of these zany characters inside the pages of her Magic Within Series.
Sharon needs two cups of tea in the morning before she can function, loves sitting outside in the sunshine and enjoying every day. She sucks at remembering to water her plants but holds fast to the belief that anything is possible if you just try.
Sharon needs two cups of tea in the morning before she can function, loves sitting outside in the sunshine and enjoying every day. She sucks at remembering to water her plants but holds fast to the belief that anything is possible if you just try.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 10, 2015
Bound to Survive: The Magic Within by Sharon Gibbs is one of those books whose cover grabs your attention. It certainly did mine, and after reading the blurb, I decided to try it. Read on to find out what I thought!
Synopsis (from the author): Welcome to Solencia, a realm where the people live in peace and Wizards govern…
Until that fateful day, treachery swept across the land to slaughter the magic upon the mountain.
Told of in prophecy, a boy is torn from the love of his family and ‘Bound’ with magic to survive. He is hidden from those who seek to destroy him
Now the people struggle to survive under the rule of a tyrant Lord and his evil Sorceress and magic is rarely used.
Over the years, the young boy, Christopher, grows discontent…
Until the day a secret is revealed… a journey begins… and a choice is made. A choice, which will be for all in the realm.
Join Christopher and his friends as they begin a journey of discovery, a coming of age tale, which will see them face danger more than once and have them hatch a daring escape. Race with them across the country in a bid to save his love from certain death and find out how a secret will change the world they live in. Bound to Survive is a coming of age story of sword and sorcery, wizardly love, war and intrigue steeped in a mystical age of magic.
What I liked: Like the cover, the book itself is really good! The tale follows Henry, Christopher, and others as they live under the cruel yoke of Lord Arnak. Over the course of the story, we discover betrayal, sacrifice, Henry’s secret, and Christopher’s destiny. The characters are easy to identify and connect with - except Lord Arnak and his sister, who are both evil and easy to dislike. I really liked Clarence, the priest held prisoner and Elle, the young woman who cares for Clarence at great risk to herself. All told, a great story!
What I didn’t like: I know this is probably personal preference, but I didn’t like the way the story moved back and forth in time. I think if the chapters had given a time reference, it would have been easier to follow.
Overall impression: Good characters, an interesting tale, the battle between good and evil, and plenty of action made this a most enjoyable read. I would recommend it to any fantasy readers! Well done Sharon Gibbs!!
My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
Synopsis (from the author): Welcome to Solencia, a realm where the people live in peace and Wizards govern…
Until that fateful day, treachery swept across the land to slaughter the magic upon the mountain.
Told of in prophecy, a boy is torn from the love of his family and ‘Bound’ with magic to survive. He is hidden from those who seek to destroy him
Now the people struggle to survive under the rule of a tyrant Lord and his evil Sorceress and magic is rarely used.
Over the years, the young boy, Christopher, grows discontent…
Until the day a secret is revealed… a journey begins… and a choice is made. A choice, which will be for all in the realm.
Join Christopher and his friends as they begin a journey of discovery, a coming of age tale, which will see them face danger more than once and have them hatch a daring escape. Race with them across the country in a bid to save his love from certain death and find out how a secret will change the world they live in. Bound to Survive is a coming of age story of sword and sorcery, wizardly love, war and intrigue steeped in a mystical age of magic.
What I liked: Like the cover, the book itself is really good! The tale follows Henry, Christopher, and others as they live under the cruel yoke of Lord Arnak. Over the course of the story, we discover betrayal, sacrifice, Henry’s secret, and Christopher’s destiny. The characters are easy to identify and connect with - except Lord Arnak and his sister, who are both evil and easy to dislike. I really liked Clarence, the priest held prisoner and Elle, the young woman who cares for Clarence at great risk to herself. All told, a great story!
What I didn’t like: I know this is probably personal preference, but I didn’t like the way the story moved back and forth in time. I think if the chapters had given a time reference, it would have been easier to follow.
Overall impression: Good characters, an interesting tale, the battle between good and evil, and plenty of action made this a most enjoyable read. I would recommend it to any fantasy readers! Well done Sharon Gibbs!!
My rating: 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)
February 2, 2015
I was gifted an advanced copy of Bound to Survive in exchange for writing an honest review. Free book in exchange for talking about it? I'm so there. That being said, “gifted” is a wonderful word to describe Sharon Gibbs and the story she tells in Bound to Survive. The tale is told in a liquid, sweeping prose that makes the story of Christopher's fight for freedom something to be savored.
This is not your typical fantasy book of wizardry duels, odd creatures, and insane abilities; the world feels almost familiar at times in spite of the true magic involved. Yet this is clearly a world of the author's creation. By the end of Bound to Survive, I was deeply invested in our heroes and their fate and I wait in anticipation for this world to continue.
Why, then, is Bound to Survive not given a five star rating with all of this gushing praise? I came to this story with expectations of my own and those expectations tainted my experience. The beautiful sweeping prose is used continually throughout the story without a break in pace which lead to a feeling of trudging or dragging through content on a couple of occasions. A lot of the back-story was presented as part of the time-line in a way that, for me, muddied the clarity of Point of View and the flow of the plot.
Bottom line: I would read this book again; I would /will buy a copy of my own; and I would recommend it to a friend.
This is not your typical fantasy book of wizardry duels, odd creatures, and insane abilities; the world feels almost familiar at times in spite of the true magic involved. Yet this is clearly a world of the author's creation. By the end of Bound to Survive, I was deeply invested in our heroes and their fate and I wait in anticipation for this world to continue.
Why, then, is Bound to Survive not given a five star rating with all of this gushing praise? I came to this story with expectations of my own and those expectations tainted my experience. The beautiful sweeping prose is used continually throughout the story without a break in pace which lead to a feeling of trudging or dragging through content on a couple of occasions. A lot of the back-story was presented as part of the time-line in a way that, for me, muddied the clarity of Point of View and the flow of the plot.
Bottom line: I would read this book again; I would /will buy a copy of my own; and I would recommend it to a friend.
March 18, 2015
I, for one, am so grateful to the person who gave Sharon Gibbs a fantasy book to read because without this gesture Bound to Survive would never have come about.
It is not my genre and I had no idea what I had let myself in for. Usually I find this genre far too complicated. I liked the cover, pure and simple. I felt compelled to buy it then fell in love with the story.
The story, structure and characters have been well thought out and planned. Character names are simple everyday memorable names, none of the made up names you see in fantasy books which you don’t know how to pronounce and tend to forget once you have closed the book. Due to other commitments I had to put Bound to Survive down half way through (reluctantly I might add) but when I picked it up again the story and characters remained with me.
Plots, sub plots, places and people are rich in description and information. Like the book cover the story and characters are colourful and stand out. The timeline was a little bit hard to keep up with. I’m sure this won’t be the case in her next book; it didn’t distract me from a brilliant read.
Sharon Gibbs definitely put heart and soul into this book, and has set herself a standard that she will have to continue in her writing (and her next book in the series.)
It is not my genre and I had no idea what I had let myself in for. Usually I find this genre far too complicated. I liked the cover, pure and simple. I felt compelled to buy it then fell in love with the story.
The story, structure and characters have been well thought out and planned. Character names are simple everyday memorable names, none of the made up names you see in fantasy books which you don’t know how to pronounce and tend to forget once you have closed the book. Due to other commitments I had to put Bound to Survive down half way through (reluctantly I might add) but when I picked it up again the story and characters remained with me.
Plots, sub plots, places and people are rich in description and information. Like the book cover the story and characters are colourful and stand out. The timeline was a little bit hard to keep up with. I’m sure this won’t be the case in her next book; it didn’t distract me from a brilliant read.
Sharon Gibbs definitely put heart and soul into this book, and has set herself a standard that she will have to continue in her writing (and her next book in the series.)
January 26, 2015
gifted a copy from the author in return for an honest review - thankyou so much Sharon!
If you can imagine a book that is a little bit Harry Potter, a little bit Lord of the Rings, with some Game of thrones thrown in for good measure then that is how best i can describe this book!! Wizards, Magic, Battles, Love and Adventure - what more could you want from a book?!
I was soon swept up in the whole adventure and found myself imagining each scene so clearly as the author had captured every moment so perfectly! The time shifts in certain chapters were a little confusing at times but I soon got used to them and they added so much depth to the whole tale and added more interest to each of the main characters.
A book full of such strong characters and a story that has a character called 'Mace' is certain to be a winner with me! Found myself slowing down towards the end as i didn't want it all to end so now i'm just hoping book #2 will not be too far away!
Highly recommend for all fans of fantasy and adventure stories be they young or old!! But not too young as there are a couple of swear words!!
If you can imagine a book that is a little bit Harry Potter, a little bit Lord of the Rings, with some Game of thrones thrown in for good measure then that is how best i can describe this book!! Wizards, Magic, Battles, Love and Adventure - what more could you want from a book?!
I was soon swept up in the whole adventure and found myself imagining each scene so clearly as the author had captured every moment so perfectly! The time shifts in certain chapters were a little confusing at times but I soon got used to them and they added so much depth to the whole tale and added more interest to each of the main characters.
A book full of such strong characters and a story that has a character called 'Mace' is certain to be a winner with me! Found myself slowing down towards the end as i didn't want it all to end so now i'm just hoping book #2 will not be too far away!
Highly recommend for all fans of fantasy and adventure stories be they young or old!! But not too young as there are a couple of swear words!!
October 29, 2014
I fell in love when I wrote this book. Thank you to Henry for giving me the idea and inspiration and letting me finally find my passion in life. I hope you all love this story as much as I loved writing it.
Now open the cover and lose yourself amongst the pages as you travel to a time of wizards, war, survival and love in the land of Solencia.
Now open the cover and lose yourself amongst the pages as you travel to a time of wizards, war, survival and love in the land of Solencia.
January 25, 2015
Copy gifted by the author, and I thank Sharon for that!
A long time ago, a prophecy was written about a boy who was The One to save the land. A time ago, a child's magic was bound, to enable him to reach adulthood and be the man he needs to be, to save him from certain death. NOW, that man joins forces with all those who have had enough, to revolt against the Lord who controls them, to fulfill his destiny.
VERY different to my usual reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Magic, witches, evil Lords and sorceresses, long held sercets and plans made far too long agao for anyone in current memory to know WHO made them. This book has it all.
I'd like to make 2 points that stood out.
1. How normal the names are!
I know this might sound odd, but nearly all the characters have regular names, Christopher, Henry, James and Peter, Elle, Albert and Rose. The baddies have more obscure names, but it was such a refreshing change to read these names and not have to worry if I was pronouncing them right in my head!
2. The time line.
It flips from then and now. But there is no warning. Once I got my head round that flip, I loved the story, but I had to go back the first time, and see if I had misread something, cos I KNEW this character had just died, then he is a child again. A simple header to the chapter would suffice, jusy so the reader knows we've gone back in time.
Once the time line converges and it all up date, the book flies, it really does. It totally clean, although some reference to ladies who follow the troops for chance of coin is made. Some action in the sword fights gets a little bloody, but nothing else. I've filed it on my Young Adult shelf. I dont know if its meant as YA but its going there cos I would certainly let my 13 yr old read it.
If you like epics, (cos these is not a stand alone, there is more to come) and like the long ass way books come together (JR Ward, and George RR Martin, especially, but in a much cleaner way) this one is for you. If you like fantasy and magic, this is for you. If you like to try first time authors, again, one for you. For this IS Sharon's first book. And I cannot wait to see what she does next!
4.5 stars, simply because of the flipiing time line thing.
A long time ago, a prophecy was written about a boy who was The One to save the land. A time ago, a child's magic was bound, to enable him to reach adulthood and be the man he needs to be, to save him from certain death. NOW, that man joins forces with all those who have had enough, to revolt against the Lord who controls them, to fulfill his destiny.
VERY different to my usual reads and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Magic, witches, evil Lords and sorceresses, long held sercets and plans made far too long agao for anyone in current memory to know WHO made them. This book has it all.
I'd like to make 2 points that stood out.
1. How normal the names are!
I know this might sound odd, but nearly all the characters have regular names, Christopher, Henry, James and Peter, Elle, Albert and Rose. The baddies have more obscure names, but it was such a refreshing change to read these names and not have to worry if I was pronouncing them right in my head!
2. The time line.
It flips from then and now. But there is no warning. Once I got my head round that flip, I loved the story, but I had to go back the first time, and see if I had misread something, cos I KNEW this character had just died, then he is a child again. A simple header to the chapter would suffice, jusy so the reader knows we've gone back in time.
Once the time line converges and it all up date, the book flies, it really does. It totally clean, although some reference to ladies who follow the troops for chance of coin is made. Some action in the sword fights gets a little bloody, but nothing else. I've filed it on my Young Adult shelf. I dont know if its meant as YA but its going there cos I would certainly let my 13 yr old read it.
If you like epics, (cos these is not a stand alone, there is more to come) and like the long ass way books come together (JR Ward, and George RR Martin, especially, but in a much cleaner way) this one is for you. If you like fantasy and magic, this is for you. If you like to try first time authors, again, one for you. For this IS Sharon's first book. And I cannot wait to see what she does next!
4.5 stars, simply because of the flipiing time line thing.
May 2, 2015
Sharon was very kind to send me her book as a gift for drawing the cover-art. What a joy it was to be holding it in my hands and absorbing all the wonders in it!
Although the book started a little slow for me, I thoroughly enjoyed Sharon's incredible details. I found myself seamlessly drawn into the world as though I was really there. And when I got to the action part, I was totally engaged all the way to the end.
I really loved the complexity of the world Sharon created--the various towns and their roles and connections, the villages and villagers who run them, the mountains and forests. The culture of her world is fascinating, entwined with magic and traditions that breathe through Solencia as though it truly exists... or existed, maybe hiding somewhere in the depths of Europe or something. And the characters are all beautiful, their individual motivations clear and relatable. I could even understand why the baddies do what they do. Their history makes sense to me although of course it doesn't excuse them for making the heroes' lives miserable. But then there couldn't be light without darkness, could it?
And Sharon painted this contrast beautifully. The heroes shine to their brightest brilliance. Not only Christopher--the chosen one--but everyone around him too. I found myself enamoured by these wonderful people who help shape and empower him. Their devotion and fearless resilience is what makes the story for me. Henry's constant guidance, Rose and Albert's protection, Clarence's faith, all of the boys that stand by Chris in his battles, beautiful Elle who fights for what is right no matter at what cost… each of them has a special relationship with Chris and each of them risks everything they’ve got to make his destiny come true.
I would like to congratulate Sharon again. She should be proud with what she has created because 'Bound To Survive' is an exceptionally rich and engaging debut novel.
And I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
Although the book started a little slow for me, I thoroughly enjoyed Sharon's incredible details. I found myself seamlessly drawn into the world as though I was really there. And when I got to the action part, I was totally engaged all the way to the end.
I really loved the complexity of the world Sharon created--the various towns and their roles and connections, the villages and villagers who run them, the mountains and forests. The culture of her world is fascinating, entwined with magic and traditions that breathe through Solencia as though it truly exists... or existed, maybe hiding somewhere in the depths of Europe or something. And the characters are all beautiful, their individual motivations clear and relatable. I could even understand why the baddies do what they do. Their history makes sense to me although of course it doesn't excuse them for making the heroes' lives miserable. But then there couldn't be light without darkness, could it?
And Sharon painted this contrast beautifully. The heroes shine to their brightest brilliance. Not only Christopher--the chosen one--but everyone around him too. I found myself enamoured by these wonderful people who help shape and empower him. Their devotion and fearless resilience is what makes the story for me. Henry's constant guidance, Rose and Albert's protection, Clarence's faith, all of the boys that stand by Chris in his battles, beautiful Elle who fights for what is right no matter at what cost… each of them has a special relationship with Chris and each of them risks everything they’ve got to make his destiny come true.
I would like to congratulate Sharon again. She should be proud with what she has created because 'Bound To Survive' is an exceptionally rich and engaging debut novel.
And I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
August 31, 2015
I loved the book, the characters had been introduced in a fashionably rich and resourceful way, it was a beautiful and informative way to describe all of the characters as they had been introduced. The book was long enough to get the storyline and let me picture the world within my mind. I could envision the world and the characters with out trying to force my self into suffering through a story to only to be disappointed in the end. No I wanted to read this book slowly so I could absorb the full content and let the book engulf me in to the world and it did spark my imagination, this let me ride through the book like a newbie and left me with a sence of gratification that is rare in books. I was left wanting more, Christopher is the hero, and he was not forced on the reader because the writer left a leeway for his introduction, and thus the need to have a hero introduced at the rite time, as powerfull he was and he did not use his power in anyway unbecoming of a hero, I want to read the next book in the series. And I even donloaded the prequel and I never read a prequel to any book as it takes away from the story, and rips and tears its self from the original book, and thus it makes me feel like the story was not good anough the first time around, but the author left me with a yearning to know more about the past as well as the future, and yes I will be looking forward to a movie of the series if anyone would like this to become a series of movies please vote. and as for the reviews that I had seen writen with over bearing critcal words and seemed to be over kill and forced fed by the critcs, as they seemed to like the opinion they gave with an over bearing and aggressive view trying to sound like a professional. keep up the good work and I will wait for the next addition. You have a reader that wants more have it, be books and then a movie or just the books, well ok and a movie. thank you
March 17, 2015
I consider this a 4.5 star but that's not an option.
This is not your typical wizarding book of fighting with wands and spells. This book is a story of vengeance that turns to a desire for power. When Arnak believes the tales of his father Gerard of how his magic was stolen from him for no good reason, Arnak vows the people will pay. With his sorceress sister Athena they begin destroying town after town bending them to their will. Working with an underground wizard, they find out a prophecy foretells of someone who can defeat them. They try but cannot find him.
Christopher was raised by his aunt and uncle and from an early age despising the soldiers and the Lord they were ruled by. One day he learns he has a grandfather and that he is the one to lead the people to rid them of the current leadership. He knew no that he was a wizard as his magic had been removed and preserved at an early age to keep him hidden from Athena. He has to make a choice. Remain as he is or lead the people. His choice is reinforced when the girl he has begun to fall for is dying and only he can save her.
Sharon Gibbs writes a compelling story that had me swiping page after page instead of sleeping. The characters she developed and the cities she created felt so real it was like watching the movie play before my eyes. The back and forth in time initially confused me but it was easy to grasp once I figured out how she brought the story to life. This is truly a great first novel for Ms. Gibbs! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This is not your typical wizarding book of fighting with wands and spells. This book is a story of vengeance that turns to a desire for power. When Arnak believes the tales of his father Gerard of how his magic was stolen from him for no good reason, Arnak vows the people will pay. With his sorceress sister Athena they begin destroying town after town bending them to their will. Working with an underground wizard, they find out a prophecy foretells of someone who can defeat them. They try but cannot find him.
Christopher was raised by his aunt and uncle and from an early age despising the soldiers and the Lord they were ruled by. One day he learns he has a grandfather and that he is the one to lead the people to rid them of the current leadership. He knew no that he was a wizard as his magic had been removed and preserved at an early age to keep him hidden from Athena. He has to make a choice. Remain as he is or lead the people. His choice is reinforced when the girl he has begun to fall for is dying and only he can save her.
Sharon Gibbs writes a compelling story that had me swiping page after page instead of sleeping. The characters she developed and the cities she created felt so real it was like watching the movie play before my eyes. The back and forth in time initially confused me but it was easy to grasp once I figured out how she brought the story to life. This is truly a great first novel for Ms. Gibbs! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
September 2, 2015
For lovers of fantasy, this is a great story full of the usual elements that make the fantasy genre so wonderful: a cruel king bent on domination of all, an unbeatable, beautiful, and evil sorceress, ancient prophecies to be fulfilled, the guardian sorcerer, talisman’s of power, the heroic young man waiting to come into his power, and the final epic battle.
I enjoyed reading this novel very much. The author definitely weaves a compelling tale. Interestingly, there are no elves or dragons or other magical creatures that usually abound in fantasies. Because it is a tale for young adults, it is free of sexual content, and the romantic thread is very subdued and clean.
I found the sequence of events to be disorienting. The technique of working a scene in the present, switching to something that happened twenty years earlier, then switching back to the present, works only to confuse the reader. This is done several times in this novel. As an adult who has been reading most of her life, I found this very bothersome, and it’s the reason I did not give this book the top mark. I imagine for a young adult reader, the narrative jumps back and forth in time would be baffling.
All in all, this book was a great read. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. This is a stand-alone novel. It has a beginning and a satisfying end. There is, however, a thread left open for a sequel. I definitely look forward to it.
I enjoyed reading this novel very much. The author definitely weaves a compelling tale. Interestingly, there are no elves or dragons or other magical creatures that usually abound in fantasies. Because it is a tale for young adults, it is free of sexual content, and the romantic thread is very subdued and clean.
I found the sequence of events to be disorienting. The technique of working a scene in the present, switching to something that happened twenty years earlier, then switching back to the present, works only to confuse the reader. This is done several times in this novel. As an adult who has been reading most of her life, I found this very bothersome, and it’s the reason I did not give this book the top mark. I imagine for a young adult reader, the narrative jumps back and forth in time would be baffling.
All in all, this book was a great read. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. This is a stand-alone novel. It has a beginning and a satisfying end. There is, however, a thread left open for a sequel. I definitely look forward to it.
January 27, 2015
Review of Bound to Survive
I am an independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am giving Bound to Survive – 4 Fangs.
Ms. Gibbs brings us a fantasy tale of a prophecy. It was told that a boy was born who was THE ONE, he was going to save the land. His magic was bound and this was so he could become an adult and fulfill his destiny. The time has come for Christopher to join forces with others and lead a revolt to overthrow the Lord that is their Master.
The story is action packed and keeps you involved and turning pages. There is a bit of everything here – sorcery, villains, heroes, secrets and plans made long ago. Ms. Gibbs characters are vivid and alive.
I really enjoyed reading the book, the reason I only gave it 4 fangs is mostly because I found it a bit confusing as the story line goes back and forth between the past and present without warning and can become a bit confusing until you are well into the novel.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a YA action packed adventure. There are some minor reference to prostitution (women who follow the troops to make money), and the sword fights are graphic but not over the top. I would have loved for my children to have read this between the ages of 12 to 15. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I am an independent reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors that Rock. I am giving Bound to Survive – 4 Fangs.
Ms. Gibbs brings us a fantasy tale of a prophecy. It was told that a boy was born who was THE ONE, he was going to save the land. His magic was bound and this was so he could become an adult and fulfill his destiny. The time has come for Christopher to join forces with others and lead a revolt to overthrow the Lord that is their Master.
The story is action packed and keeps you involved and turning pages. There is a bit of everything here – sorcery, villains, heroes, secrets and plans made long ago. Ms. Gibbs characters are vivid and alive.
I really enjoyed reading the book, the reason I only gave it 4 fangs is mostly because I found it a bit confusing as the story line goes back and forth between the past and present without warning and can become a bit confusing until you are well into the novel.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a YA action packed adventure. There are some minor reference to prostitution (women who follow the troops to make money), and the sword fights are graphic but not over the top. I would have loved for my children to have read this between the ages of 12 to 15. I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 7, 2023
This book will take you back in time to when fantasy stories were epic in every good sense of the word. There is a tale to tell and you will be engrossed and want to stay with the story until it reaches its conclusion.
There are so many interesting characters in here but one who quickly wormed his way into my affections was Clarence. The dignity he showed whilst being held captive was so endearing, I couldn't help but love him. I also loved how we had the backstory incorporated in the tale although admittedly it spun my mind until I realised which time frame I was in.
Heroes with a secret past, baddies with attitude, sorcery, magic, sword and even axe play - they're all here. The world that Sharon has created is full of history and depth. This is Sharon's debut novel which I think is absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to the release of book 2 in The Magic Within series which should be later this year.
Highly recommended for all fans of fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2015
There are so many interesting characters in here but one who quickly wormed his way into my affections was Clarence. The dignity he showed whilst being held captive was so endearing, I couldn't help but love him. I also loved how we had the backstory incorporated in the tale although admittedly it spun my mind until I realised which time frame I was in.
Heroes with a secret past, baddies with attitude, sorcery, magic, sword and even axe play - they're all here. The world that Sharon has created is full of history and depth. This is Sharon's debut novel which I think is absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward to the release of book 2 in The Magic Within series which should be later this year.
Highly recommended for all fans of fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jan 30, 2015
January 26, 2015
3.5 Stars
A fast paced story with a great plot and good character interaction. A book on wizardry and sorcery, this goes beyond the normal use of wands and spells. It is a story of supposed slights and vengeance. Good versus evil, in a battle for domination of the lands and people.
For years, the people of Solencia have been subdued and trod on by the army of Arnak, and his sorceress sister, Athena. Christopher had his powers bound and was hidden at an early age. Now the truth has come out, and Christopher must decide if he wants to rise up and lead the people of Solencia in a rebellion to take back their land, or if he will continue on with his life the way things are currently.
Although, I felt the story was good, I did not feel that I could rate it any higher as the story bounced around with most chapters each being a different period of time, some past, some current, and some distant past. This made it difficult to follow along.
As a first book, I feel that Sharon Gibbs has done an amazing job. I look forward to future works from this author, along with the chance to watch her grow.
A fast paced story with a great plot and good character interaction. A book on wizardry and sorcery, this goes beyond the normal use of wands and spells. It is a story of supposed slights and vengeance. Good versus evil, in a battle for domination of the lands and people.
For years, the people of Solencia have been subdued and trod on by the army of Arnak, and his sorceress sister, Athena. Christopher had his powers bound and was hidden at an early age. Now the truth has come out, and Christopher must decide if he wants to rise up and lead the people of Solencia in a rebellion to take back their land, or if he will continue on with his life the way things are currently.
Although, I felt the story was good, I did not feel that I could rate it any higher as the story bounced around with most chapters each being a different period of time, some past, some current, and some distant past. This made it difficult to follow along.
As a first book, I feel that Sharon Gibbs has done an amazing job. I look forward to future works from this author, along with the chance to watch her grow.
February 2, 2015
Bound to survive by Sharon Gibbs
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars
If you are a fan of fantasy then this is a book for you to pick up. Sharon Gibbs did such an amazing job keeping you invested in the book. I was hook from the first page to the last page. Bound to Survive had so much detail it made you feel you were a part of the story.
When I first started reading Bound to survive I was a little nervous because it seemed like there were a lot of characters. I was wrong to be nervous. The characters that were in this story were amazing and interesting. Sharon Gibbs did such a great job giving back story with each character.
How well this story was written I would not have thought this was Sharon Gibbs debut novel. As I said the story was very well written. The character information was so in depth it made you believe you were a part of their lives and along with them in the story. I will be looking for the second book, and I will be adding Sharon Gibbs on my go to author lists. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy.
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars
If you are a fan of fantasy then this is a book for you to pick up. Sharon Gibbs did such an amazing job keeping you invested in the book. I was hook from the first page to the last page. Bound to Survive had so much detail it made you feel you were a part of the story.
When I first started reading Bound to survive I was a little nervous because it seemed like there were a lot of characters. I was wrong to be nervous. The characters that were in this story were amazing and interesting. Sharon Gibbs did such a great job giving back story with each character.
How well this story was written I would not have thought this was Sharon Gibbs debut novel. As I said the story was very well written. The character information was so in depth it made you believe you were a part of their lives and along with them in the story. I will be looking for the second book, and I will be adding Sharon Gibbs on my go to author lists. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy.
September 13, 2015
I read Bound to Survive with my teen son, and we had so much fun! The author, Sharon Gibbs, paints a clear picture of the world in the book. I fell in love with the value and magic of nature all over again, and in new ways, through the eyes of this story. I really appreciate the way she handled Dark Magic and the vengeful duo of Athena and Arnak--giving honest backstories and human justifications we can identify with. They were doing terrible things for reasons that readers understand. Christopher and Henry, the heroes, also have painful and difficult choices to make, with backstories and justifications we can all understand. They consistently choose to do good. I love that "choice" is forever clear! Although there are a vast number of characters in this book it is easy to follow which made it even more fun for my son and I. I recommend this book for young readers who enjoy an easy and thoughtful read filled with magic!
March 18, 2015
I had a copy give to me by the author for an honest review.
I have to say that I found the start a bit tiresome but it soon pick up speed and became a really nice story. If you love Fantasy, Wizards Prophecy, Witches, Evil Lords and Magic and this is a book for you. Sharon keeps the characters simple but they do stay in your mind so if you put the down (if you have to do something else) when you pick it back up they are all there with you just like you left them. There are many of them but you soon pick your favourite character yourself. Sharon writing style is easy to pick up and read. A great first book and I look forward to reading more from her
I will give it 4.5 but round it up to 5
I have to say that I found the start a bit tiresome but it soon pick up speed and became a really nice story. If you love Fantasy, Wizards Prophecy, Witches, Evil Lords and Magic and this is a book for you. Sharon keeps the characters simple but they do stay in your mind so if you put the down (if you have to do something else) when you pick it back up they are all there with you just like you left them. There are many of them but you soon pick your favourite character yourself. Sharon writing style is easy to pick up and read. A great first book and I look forward to reading more from her
I will give it 4.5 but round it up to 5
February 23, 2015
Sharon Gibbs delivers an amazing read, bringing magic and fantasy to the forefront. An enchanting debut novel with enough adventure and heart to fill an ocean. The story of a young boy named Christopher, who is "Bound" by prophecy. What I found the most appealing about Bound to Survive is the authors talent in creating colourful characters like Arnak and his sister Athena. It did take a couple pages to get into the story, but it wasn't a big deal. I really enjoyed this book. I read it in one sitting and was amazed to find that time had passed by so fast while I was in this other world :) If your looking for a fantastic story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you. Thank you Sharon for a wonderful story and I look forward to the sequel :D
February 3, 2015
RICH, POWERFUL AND AN AMAZING STORY TO THE VERY END. Oh my God, I almost can not believe that a woman wrote the depth of the battles, the weapons and this time period. I can not wait to see what else this Author holds in her next book.I mean she wrote this book as if she were right there going to battle. It is just unbelievable the attention to detail and I mean the detail in every single thing in this story. The lands, the travel and the characters their dress and everything just fits. It all fits and goes smoothly, you will be lost in another place and time. Gibbs you blew it out of the park and I can not wait to see where this story goes.
March 17, 2015
I wish there was a perfect way to write down my feelings after reading this book onto this review. I cant. The book was extremely well written, engaging, organized, great plot, wonderful character development and terrific description of the towns, lands, scenery, everything. I locked myself in my bedroom to read this and did not want to be disturbed. I loved how Sharon Gibbs was able to flip from past to future to present in multiple POV's heads and crafted it so well. This is something an experienced writer may attempt to do, but Sharon nailed it. She has me hooked, and i cannot wait to read the next book.
February 2, 2015
This story is beautifully written, and the overlapping story lines will keep you turning the page. Christopher is the hero (and future book boyfriend) that I couldn't stop rooting for, and Elle is the independent woman he falls for. Although the chemistry between these two are undeniable, the overall story is filled with amazing character developments that intertwine perfectly within the story. If you need a new fantasy series to read, grab this book! It's a must read for anyone who loves magic, adventure, and sweet romance.
April 16, 2015
Enjoyable journey
I enjoyed this beginning tale of a Hero's journey. The characters were well-developed and each one contributed to the task of the Hero's Quest. This is a good adventure story for YA readers.
One unique aspect of this story was the ability to follow the antagonists as well as the protagonists journey. The omniscient narrator allowed the reader to see into the mind of multiple characters to fully experience the events of the adventure.
I enjoyed this beginning tale of a Hero's journey. The characters were well-developed and each one contributed to the task of the Hero's Quest. This is a good adventure story for YA readers.
One unique aspect of this story was the ability to follow the antagonists as well as the protagonists journey. The omniscient narrator allowed the reader to see into the mind of multiple characters to fully experience the events of the adventure.
February 3, 2015
Great first book from Sharon Gibbs. If fantasy is your thing you will love this book of wizards prophecy and magic. The story does bounce around a little from past to present but once you get the characters in your head and the action starts you get drawn into their world. Well deserved of my 5 star rating.
January 22, 2015
I truly couldn't stop turning the pages. Fluid writing mixed with lovable characters, brilliant imagery, and spell-binding (pun-intended) plot keeps you reading until the very end.
You can't help but cheer for Christopher and Elle.
A must read.
You can't help but cheer for Christopher and Elle.
A must read.
February 23, 2015
Great finish that doesn't disappoint and leaves me wanting to read the next in the series. I found myself thinking about this book while I was at work wondering what was going to happen next.
Great Job Sharon!
Great Job Sharon!
August 12, 2015
If you are a lover of fantasy books, then you have to read this one!!! It is an amazing story. Sharon Gibbs has created a masterpiece. I would recommend this book to all of my friends, and anyone else who enjoys fantasy stories.
May 27, 2015
not normally my genre that I read, but it is good to branch out every once in a while and I am glad I did.
I could not put it down once i started.
So looking forward to book 2!!!
I could not put it down once i started.
So looking forward to book 2!!!
September 8, 2018
Cool!
A cool story. I enjoyed it mainly because of it being the first in a series. I may get book two. One never knows.
A cool story. I enjoyed it mainly because of it being the first in a series. I may get book two. One never knows.
January 23, 2025
Great read.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Can't wait to read the next one.
October 18, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 17, 2015
This being the authors first novel, I feel she has for the most part written an entertaining and imaginative story and I did indeed like it, very much so and look forward to reading more of her work. The genre “Fantasy” is for me personally one of the most difficult to write and takes a great deal of imagination to come up with new ideas and with the books written by George Lucas, J. K. Rawlings and J. R. R. Tolkien leading the way, finding new and different story lines and characters has to be a daunting task. For the most part Sharon did succeed in this. However, there are a few areas that did seem lacking or amiss.
I'm not a fan of the “jumping” story line, it disconnects the flow of the story and caused me to pause when it was becoming really interesting and then it's either back or forth and took extra effort to focus where we have gone off to. This was very disconcerting for me, I almost felt like I short circuited.
The books I've most enjoyed have depth in the characters, personality and when reading they jump from the page into my mind and I have a clear visual of them. I thought the characters in the story were rather flat and mundane.
One of my biggest pet peeves is running into a scenario or phase that my mind connects to another book or movie. I did have a moment in this story where I left the read and found myself in Star Wars with Obi-Wan Kenobi doing the mind control thing, I see the scene and have to shut it out.
A few of the items mentioned in the story seemed like they didn't belong and they stuck out for me, exp: orange juice, sugar, lobby and most importantly church (which I equate with Christian religion of some sort).
I'm not trying to be critical if I appear as such, this is just an honest personal opinion of the items that made this story a less than perfect read for me. I don't pay attention to grammar and spelling areas as they don't inhibit the telling of the tale. Sharon has the ability and the imagination to excel in this genre and this is just the start of what we as readers have to look forward to. I would highly recommend this series to all fans of “Fantasy Fiction”.
I'm not a fan of the “jumping” story line, it disconnects the flow of the story and caused me to pause when it was becoming really interesting and then it's either back or forth and took extra effort to focus where we have gone off to. This was very disconcerting for me, I almost felt like I short circuited.
The books I've most enjoyed have depth in the characters, personality and when reading they jump from the page into my mind and I have a clear visual of them. I thought the characters in the story were rather flat and mundane.
One of my biggest pet peeves is running into a scenario or phase that my mind connects to another book or movie. I did have a moment in this story where I left the read and found myself in Star Wars with Obi-Wan Kenobi doing the mind control thing, I see the scene and have to shut it out.
A few of the items mentioned in the story seemed like they didn't belong and they stuck out for me, exp: orange juice, sugar, lobby and most importantly church (which I equate with Christian religion of some sort).
I'm not trying to be critical if I appear as such, this is just an honest personal opinion of the items that made this story a less than perfect read for me. I don't pay attention to grammar and spelling areas as they don't inhibit the telling of the tale. Sharon has the ability and the imagination to excel in this genre and this is just the start of what we as readers have to look forward to. I would highly recommend this series to all fans of “Fantasy Fiction”.
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