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Dawn of a New Astral Age #1
bound together
This is a story about magic, cohabitation, loneliness, girls who love girls, investigating the arcane and survival in a supernatural world hidden from the eyes of modern civilization.
Karin Ashley lives a lonely life that feels hollow, with a job she hates and a family she loves but can't quite figure out. Called in late one night to respond to an electronic break-in at a branch office of the Records & Licensing Agency, she is introduced in the most terrifying way to a hidden world of legends, supernatural beings and plenty of corruption, both literal and metaphorical.
Behind corporate and political veils, evil spirits are summoned and bargained with for power. Fantastic powers and reality-bending magic lurks beneath the successes and conquests of modern corporate dynasties, descended from ancient arcane Houses that have influenced human history for centuries. Karin is thrust headlong into a world suddenly gone mad, but she won't have to fight alone. Mystically bound to an ancient spirit within the sword through a capricious twist of fate, will the new bonds they forge together prove to be the strongest yet?
Karin Ashley lives a lonely life that feels hollow, with a job she hates and a family she loves but can't quite figure out. Called in late one night to respond to an electronic break-in at a branch office of the Records & Licensing Agency, she is introduced in the most terrifying way to a hidden world of legends, supernatural beings and plenty of corruption, both literal and metaphorical.
Behind corporate and political veils, evil spirits are summoned and bargained with for power. Fantastic powers and reality-bending magic lurks beneath the successes and conquests of modern corporate dynasties, descended from ancient arcane Houses that have influenced human history for centuries. Karin is thrust headlong into a world suddenly gone mad, but she won't have to fight alone. Mystically bound to an ancient spirit within the sword through a capricious twist of fate, will the new bonds they forge together prove to be the strongest yet?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2015
20 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 5, 2018
I had originally read this 3 years ago and recently found it and book 2 sitting sadly on my Kindle. For whatever reason I hadn't continued the series, but that's what I'm going to fix now. She's up to book 5 from the looks of things so I need to buckle down.
This is science fantasy fiction at it's best. I think the MC's in this have got to be one of the most singularly unique pairings I've ever seen. And what's cool is, that it just works. Misaki and Karin truly kick ass together. I absolutely loved it. Very very entertaining. Sorry for the quick explanation/review, I'm heading out for book 2 :)
This is science fantasy fiction at it's best. I think the MC's in this have got to be one of the most singularly unique pairings I've ever seen. And what's cool is, that it just works. Misaki and Karin truly kick ass together. I absolutely loved it. Very very entertaining. Sorry for the quick explanation/review, I'm heading out for book 2 :)
June 11, 2017
I’m not sure why I bought this book, it was one of those recommendations on Amazon that I normally ignore, but for some reason it caught my attention and I had downloaded it before I could stop myself.
I am so pleased I did, it is such a fun, easy read and there is just enough different about the two heroines to make it distinct from many other paranormal/fantasy books.
I am so pleased I did, it is such a fun, easy read and there is just enough different about the two heroines to make it distinct from many other paranormal/fantasy books.
November 29, 2019
This was a pretty cute and interesting read. The MC, Karin has got to be the luckiest character I’ve ever come across considering her lack of defence or sword wielding training.
I’d have given this another star but the whole sister love thing wigged me out.
I’d have given this another star but the whole sister love thing wigged me out.
December 24, 2015
Urban Fantasy with a twist
I have looked at the blurb many times and always hesitated to grab it. But I'm glad I grabbed it, because this was a fun read.
Karin Ashley, a foul-mouthed, sarcastic, cynical, socially dysfunctional and chain-smoking Network Security Officer at a Federal Agency that keep tabs on the 1% and their shady dealings, finds herself one night caught up in a security breach which reveals a whole new world of paranormal. The story takes place in a not too disatant future (better save up your money, because 2019 heralds another financial crisis). She manages to stop the intruders, only to end up with a magical sword and a 600-year old artificial spirit that is bound to her when she picked up the sword.
The spirit comes in the form of a lovely 20-something woman with some rather...uniques features. I guess, if you're familiar with manga and anime, that doesn't seem much of a surprise, but I had no idea there was such a thing as Kitsune and it seemed very, well, nerdy.
But the author completely dodged the nerd trap. The spirit's features are used to convey emotions and feelings, and it's actually quite adorable. And Karin has her work cut out for her, as there is 600 years of forced servitude to dispel.
Much spectral butt-kicking takes place after both get recruited by a secret agency and the final showdown takes place in Japan. While it is a predominantly action oriented story, there are enough breathing spaces where the characters actually talk about what's happening to them and where their future might take them. I wish more action authors would do that (I'm looking at you, Cary Caffrey!). The romance, while of the insta-love variety is well done and the love scene is hot and not awkward (which was my main concern after I read about Misaki's features). There's also a bit of family drama involved. Of course, there's a trip to the mall to shop for clothes (it's somewhat of a trade mark item in Ms. Heathers' novels) and a happy ending.
I don't think this novel is for everyone, but all I can say is that I wish there was more of this kind of Urban Fantasy. It's going on my favorites shelf.
I have looked at the blurb many times and always hesitated to grab it. But I'm glad I grabbed it, because this was a fun read.
Karin Ashley, a foul-mouthed, sarcastic, cynical, socially dysfunctional and chain-smoking Network Security Officer at a Federal Agency that keep tabs on the 1% and their shady dealings, finds herself one night caught up in a security breach which reveals a whole new world of paranormal. The story takes place in a not too disatant future (better save up your money, because 2019 heralds another financial crisis). She manages to stop the intruders, only to end up with a magical sword and a 600-year old artificial spirit that is bound to her when she picked up the sword.
The spirit comes in the form of a lovely 20-something woman with some rather...uniques features. I guess, if you're familiar with manga and anime, that doesn't seem much of a surprise, but I had no idea there was such a thing as Kitsune and it seemed very, well, nerdy.
But the author completely dodged the nerd trap. The spirit's features are used to convey emotions and feelings, and it's actually quite adorable. And Karin has her work cut out for her, as there is 600 years of forced servitude to dispel.
Much spectral butt-kicking takes place after both get recruited by a secret agency and the final showdown takes place in Japan. While it is a predominantly action oriented story, there are enough breathing spaces where the characters actually talk about what's happening to them and where their future might take them. I wish more action authors would do that (I'm looking at you, Cary Caffrey!). The romance, while of the insta-love variety is well done and the love scene is hot and not awkward (which was my main concern after I read about Misaki's features). There's also a bit of family drama involved. Of course, there's a trip to the mall to shop for clothes (it's somewhat of a trade mark item in Ms. Heathers' novels) and a happy ending.
I don't think this novel is for everyone, but all I can say is that I wish there was more of this kind of Urban Fantasy. It's going on my favorites shelf.
April 6, 2015
I enjoyed the way the connection between the two main characters surfed from the real world to that of magic and how that added to the drama, with just the right touch of humor. How the rather unique main characters responded to frightening scenarios told me so much about their nature, allowing me to root for the good guys and boo the bad ones with pleasure. Though it starts a little slow in the first chapter, this novel will not let you down as the action dashes back and froth from pizza delivery to the space between time and a warlord that has given himself to the dark side of otherworldly demons. Strong author that will only get better.
February 25, 2017
I didn't quite know what to make of this at first. It's unlike anything I've read before. There's a mixture of cute anime imagery, violence, horror, magic and lesbian romance. I was a bit taken aback by the main character's incestuous love for her sister. I did really like it, though, it made for a great, and unusual, read.
May 5, 2021
I was pleasantly surprised. Even though it wasn't exactly groundbreaking I hadn't felt at any point as if I wasted my time reading it.
I would have rated higher, but the "in love with your biological sister" thing creeped me out...
I would have rated higher, but the "in love with your biological sister" thing creeped me out...
June 26, 2016
A good near future Sci-fy/ Fantasy love story.
Karin Ashley is a security specialist in near future america. She's a bit lonely, a bit of a slacker and totally unprepared for what's about to happen. One night late at work, there is a breakin at her work and Karin comes face-to-face with a real-life magical ninja wielding a katana. While defending herself she kills her attacker, but end up as wielder/ guardian of a magical sword and the incredible cute foxgirl the resides inside it's blade. What follows is a really sweet romance and fantasy-action story.
A sweet romance packed in a sci-fy/ fantasy story.
Karin Ashley is a security specialist in near future america. She's a bit lonely, a bit of a slacker and totally unprepared for what's about to happen. One night late at work, there is a breakin at her work and Karin comes face-to-face with a real-life magical ninja wielding a katana. While defending herself she kills her attacker, but end up as wielder/ guardian of a magical sword and the incredible cute foxgirl the resides inside it's blade. What follows is a really sweet romance and fantasy-action story.
A sweet romance packed in a sci-fy/ fantasy story.
December 21, 2015
The second chapter sets the tone for the novel, which reveals itself to be an emotionally raw and violent take an plot tropes that usually stop short of exploring the full extent of certain themes. The author has a skill for varying the story between periods of tension and periods of rest, letting the reader get to know the characters from multiple angles. Corinn Heathers is a matchmaker in relationships between readers and excellent, fully-formed characters.
April 3, 2015
A fun blend. A dose of a Manga style light novel blended with a romance and characters that go far deeper than usual. Action, adventure, love, well worth the 4 stars.
June 18, 2017
Au moment d'écrire cet avis, je n'arrive plus à me rappeler si j'ai fini ce livre, acheté il y a peu.
Pourquoi ? Parce que ça commence fort et bien, mais ensuite, le rythme ralentit, les personnages évoluent et perdent peu à peu ce qui faisait leur intérêt.
Donc en conclusion : Pas mal, mais n'a pas tenu ses promesses.
Pourquoi ? Parce que ça commence fort et bien, mais ensuite, le rythme ralentit, les personnages évoluent et perdent peu à peu ce qui faisait leur intérêt.
Donc en conclusion : Pas mal, mais n'a pas tenu ses promesses.
September 16, 2018
Really happy to give this book 5 stars, sometimes you need to read a book that leaves you feeling good and this is such a book. Often authors lose track of the fact that books are for entertainment a focus on a 'message' leaving a poorer book (film directors are guilty of this as well) - this author does not.
Highly recommended, now for #2!
Highly recommended, now for #2!
November 25, 2017
This is an anime in novel form but it's not awful.
A fun lesbian adventure-romance with an excellent final boss fight. The worst part of the book is the first page, after that it get better and better.
A fun lesbian adventure-romance with an excellent final boss fight. The worst part of the book is the first page, after that it get better and better.
August 6, 2022
Really interesting
So this book has some super interesting concepts and they really carried the story quite well. Misaki and Karin were also very cute together.
So this book has some super interesting concepts and they really carried the story quite well. Misaki and Karin were also very cute together.
October 18, 2015
A good read with a great pair of leading ladies
Bound Together is a great story with strong characters, a good action plot, and enough humor and cuteness to fill your heart up for at least a week. There are some predictable spots, but sufficient surprises and clever dialogue to make up for the "Yep! Saw that coming" moments. The relationship between Karin and Misaki is devastatingly sweet and the way Misaki's character comes to life as the story unfolds is wonderful to behold.
Bound Together is a great story with strong characters, a good action plot, and enough humor and cuteness to fill your heart up for at least a week. There are some predictable spots, but sufficient surprises and clever dialogue to make up for the "Yep! Saw that coming" moments. The relationship between Karin and Misaki is devastatingly sweet and the way Misaki's character comes to life as the story unfolds is wonderful to behold.
April 10, 2015
I love "bound together"
I loved reading this book very much . The writing style used in it has a very sarcastic tone and realistic dialogue . It just flows very well . I've never read a book that I laughed so much from. I found so much joy in reading all the sarcastic banter with all the lovely characters that where in this book. All in all, I gave this book five stars because I truly enjoyed reading it.
I loved reading this book very much . The writing style used in it has a very sarcastic tone and realistic dialogue . It just flows very well . I've never read a book that I laughed so much from. I found so much joy in reading all the sarcastic banter with all the lovely characters that where in this book. All in all, I gave this book five stars because I truly enjoyed reading it.
December 20, 2015
Cute and a lot of fun. Fun action, fun silly plot stuff. Easy to read in like a day. The biggest issue for me was that I never quite felt the relationship between the two main girls. I'm also super wary of any relationship where one character has so much power over another, even if they supposedly got over it so quickly. The writing style also grated on me a lot. But a fun quick read if nothing else!
January 20, 2016
Fun and a delightful romantic adventure
Loved the interactions between the leading ladies, the action and romance really blended together well. The snow scene where feelings were first realized was my favorite. Give this story a read and a purchase, there isn't much in the way of great girl/girl adventures out there and this is one of my faves.
Loved the interactions between the leading ladies, the action and romance really blended together well. The snow scene where feelings were first realized was my favorite. Give this story a read and a purchase, there isn't much in the way of great girl/girl adventures out there and this is one of my faves.
August 18, 2015
It was a refreshing story, of course it reminded me heavily of a anime. But it's worth every dollars to read it ! In a sense the book remind us that even if our life is shitty it can change and become better, but that you have to fight for your new found happiness because they are some people who wouldn't mind to snatch it away from you.
May 16, 2015
Fun trip
So often indie fantasy books just turn out to not live up to their blurbs. Bound Together was an even more enjoyable read than I expected. I will be sure to grab the next in the series when it arrives.
So often indie fantasy books just turn out to not live up to their blurbs. Bound Together was an even more enjoyable read than I expected. I will be sure to grab the next in the series when it arrives.
April 9, 2015
Sad to say
I'm sad to say that this is a waste of time. It's not the plot, the plot is wonderful it's the main women who, btw is not very likeable. She and her teenage ways
I'm sad to say that this is a waste of time. It's not the plot, the plot is wonderful it's the main women who, btw is not very likeable. She and her teenage ways
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews