What do you think?
Rate this book
The Final Formula #4.5
The Bonds of Blood
Born without a heartbeat or a soul, James Huntsman has never felt part of the mortal world. It’s an insecurity his abusive brothers reinforced daily, and with his very existence bound to theirs through the alchemically altered blood they share, James has always been at their mercy. All that changed when James found a home within the magical community and fell in love. Elysia Mallory doesn’t mind that he is technically dead. The only thing standing between them is her lethal magic. As her health continues to deteriorate, James searches for a cure, determined to save her and give them a chance at a life together. But his brothers aren’t willing to let him go, not when the Huntsman legacy is dependent on James. They will stop at nothing to capture their wayward brother, and that includes using Elysia as leverage. James is left to decide how far he is willing to go to save the family he has chosen from the family he was created to serve. (The Bonds of Blood is a 62,000 word novel.)
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2016
21 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Becca Andre
30 books241 followersBecca Andre lives in southern Ohio with her husband, two children, and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A love of science and math (yes, she’s weird like that), led to a career as a chemist where she blows things up far more infrequently than you’d expect. Other interests include: chocolate, hard rock, and slaying things on the Xbox. She also finds writing about herself in third person a bit strange.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 19, 2017
4.5. Some of the characters lost ground in Catalyst of Corruption, but Bonds of Blood spun them back into the right direction.
Plot:
James searches for a cure to counteract the effects of Elysia’s reaping.
Characters:
While we see glimpses of Addie, Ian and the Elements, this novella is pretty much all James with a little side of Elysia. Both characters really stepped it up this time, but the real scene-stealer is George. Unfortunately, I can’t say why without spoiling anything.
Writing:
As usual, the editing is spot on, and because of everyone’s setbacks and because of James’ brothers constant interference, there is a ton of suspense. There is some language (including the f-bomb). There are also some sexual situations, but they weren’t terribly graphic. If I had to give Bonds of Blood a rating, I would probably say it was a PG13 or a mild R.
The Bottom Line:
You don’t have to read Bonds of Blood to be able to move on to The Fifth Essence, but I highly recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of James and Elysia. It not only sheds some light on how to cure Elysia’s health issues, but also sets up the series finale perfectly.
Plot:
James searches for a cure to counteract the effects of Elysia’s reaping.
Characters:
While we see glimpses of Addie, Ian and the Elements, this novella is pretty much all James with a little side of Elysia. Both characters really stepped it up this time, but the real scene-stealer is George. Unfortunately, I can’t say why without spoiling anything.
Writing:
As usual, the editing is spot on, and because of everyone’s setbacks and because of James’ brothers constant interference, there is a ton of suspense. There is some language (including the f-bomb). There are also some sexual situations, but they weren’t terribly graphic. If I had to give Bonds of Blood a rating, I would probably say it was a PG13 or a mild R.
The Bottom Line:
You don’t have to read Bonds of Blood to be able to move on to The Fifth Essence, but I highly recommend it, especially if you’re a fan of James and Elysia. It not only sheds some light on how to cure Elysia’s health issues, but also sets up the series finale perfectly.
August 6, 2016
Best paranormal storyline ever!
The Final Formula series just keeps getting better with each story. FF5 is in progress and this sideline is fast paced and heart pounding! I won't surmise the story, too many spoilers folks!
Just read The Final Formula and get onboard this crazy ride, you'll love it!
The Final Formula series just keeps getting better with each story. FF5 is in progress and this sideline is fast paced and heart pounding! I won't surmise the story, too many spoilers folks!
Just read The Final Formula and get onboard this crazy ride, you'll love it!
August 1, 2017
Another Elysia and James Novella
I was totally engrossed in this book. As usual it was well written, and following past themes, was in both Elysia's and James' POV. It was entertaining and action packed, as is all the books are in this series. There are some twists and turns, and even some surprises. A major event happens for Elysia and James and then tragedy strikes at the end of the book.
This series has been well thought out and each book, including the novellas, follow one another. This whole world of necromancers and alchemists are getting more and more intertwined. It sure has been an up and down ride from the beginning. I whole-heartedly recommend this series. There is very little cussing and sexual situations. Of the latter, it is subtly done and in very good taste. Looking forward to reading the last book in the series.
I was totally engrossed in this book. As usual it was well written, and following past themes, was in both Elysia's and James' POV. It was entertaining and action packed, as is all the books are in this series. There are some twists and turns, and even some surprises. A major event happens for Elysia and James and then tragedy strikes at the end of the book.
This series has been well thought out and each book, including the novellas, follow one another. This whole world of necromancers and alchemists are getting more and more intertwined. It sure has been an up and down ride from the beginning. I whole-heartedly recommend this series. There is very little cussing and sexual situations. Of the latter, it is subtly done and in very good taste. Looking forward to reading the last book in the series.
June 18, 2017
Into the "soul" of James- no spoilers here
An emotional and officially action packed look into the mind and drive of a grim. Becca's writing completely pulled me into this world revolving around the otherworldly connection between James and Elysia. It also gave me the closer look into the character of James that I'd wished for since the first Final Formula book that I devoured. Thank you Becca Andre for another smoothly flowing story that captures the imagination while teasing the mind into exploring thoughts about the power of the human soul... and all the rest that Becca has created in the successful hunt to capture faithful followers of her series.
An emotional and officially action packed look into the mind and drive of a grim. Becca's writing completely pulled me into this world revolving around the otherworldly connection between James and Elysia. It also gave me the closer look into the character of James that I'd wished for since the first Final Formula book that I devoured. Thank you Becca Andre for another smoothly flowing story that captures the imagination while teasing the mind into exploring thoughts about the power of the human soul... and all the rest that Becca has created in the successful hunt to capture faithful followers of her series.
August 31, 2017
Becky i really enjoy the Final Formula series. Keep up the good work and write faster, i'm hungry for more. I would recommend this series to anyone.😊🐾
Keep up the good work. Becca I really enjoy the Final Formula series. Lease write faster because I' m hungry for more. I would recommend this series to anyone.😊🐾
Keep up the good work. Becca I really enjoy the Final Formula series. Lease write faster because I' m hungry for more. I would recommend this series to anyone.😊🐾
April 4, 2018
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better I reached the end of the book. I love the ending! Lots of twists to this book but you will enjoy what does happen. James, Elysia and the Elements plus Ian and Doug are very busy. The hunters are up to no good but watch what happens. I highly recommend this book!
Did not finish
October 10, 2021DNF. Elisia et James, je peux juste pas mais je dois me les coltiner pour lire le dernier tome. Je vais essayer de lire le 5 quand même mais le 4.5 avec ces deux-là, c'est presque de la torture. Et que ça se repousse et que ça veut mourir et que ça a aucune alchimie à part un truc littéralement magique. C'est nope pour le moment.
June 30, 2019
Some great moments in this one! I can’t remember where this one began and where the last one left off. All the novels blend together. But they are all great.
October 22, 2019
Some great highs and some painful lows in this one...hoping the ending is a good one!
March 4, 2020
OMG
what a ride. Just when I think things can’t be any better or worse something happens!! Damn you George!! Brilliant.
what a ride. Just when I think things can’t be any better or worse something happens!! Damn you George!! Brilliant.
November 23, 2020
Book 55 complete.
January 8, 2021
I was not expecting the ending
It’s not fair! I was not expecting the ending of this story. I can’t just stop here. Next book please!
It’s not fair! I was not expecting the ending of this story. I can’t just stop here. Next book please!
October 27, 2016
I love these books. I'm totally hooked. I've read the whole series and I've got to say it's getting better and better. I love how the story is unfolding and can't wait to see how it ends. I really enjoy the relationships between the characters and the humour of the books as well as the magical element ( yes pun intended) to the series. I thoroughly recommend reading the series from the beginning as you might get lost if you skipped some books. I could say all the usual stuff about not being able to put the book down, brilliant writing great story line etc but honestly the best thing to do is read them for yourself and hopefully you will come to love all the characters as much as I do.
December 24, 2016
Really awesome addition to the series! I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it in a few hours. Since I don't want to get into "spoiler territory" I'll just say this: Definitely worth reading for fans of this series, and it is an actual continuation of the story, not just an added side story. There was a lot of background for many of the characters *cough* Ian and James *cough cough* and I was so excited to learn about them.
If you haven't read the series yet, go check out the first book, because wow will you not regret it!! This is absolutely one of my favorite series and I'd recommend it to fans of magic, romance, and action!!
If you haven't read the series yet, go check out the first book, because wow will you not regret it!! This is absolutely one of my favorite series and I'd recommend it to fans of magic, romance, and action!!
December 26, 2016
It's not easy being dead. James knows this well. Hellhound, alchemist apprentice, brother, and part of the Flame Lord's inner-circle, James struggles with a love that can kill. Have you bought this one yet? Have you bought all of them yet? Do it. You want to.
I've noticed that a few of these later/middle books seemed rushed. There was an increase in grammar and spelling errors, and some thinning plot, but Becca manages to keep the reader immersed and weave the plotlines into the tapestry of the Final Formula Series skillfully.
I've noticed that a few of these later/middle books seemed rushed. There was an increase in grammar and spelling errors, and some thinning plot, but Becca manages to keep the reader immersed and weave the plotlines into the tapestry of the Final Formula Series skillfully.
December 1, 2018
Another Becca Andre triumph
Old and New Magic intertwine in this latest in the Final Formula series. As Addie would say, "Nothing is impossible." Longer and more exciting than the previous "point five" novellas.
Old and New Magic intertwine in this latest in the Final Formula series. As Addie would say, "Nothing is impossible." Longer and more exciting than the previous "point five" novellas.
December 6, 2016
Ok read
I am getting pretty bored by this series, especially the main characters. The author needs to up her game. Developing the characters of Ian and Doug with some sophistication may do the trick.
I am getting pretty bored by this series, especially the main characters. The author needs to up her game. Developing the characters of Ian and Doug with some sophistication may do the trick.
January 5, 2017
I discovered this series from one of those book suggestion emails and it sounded interesting. Well I ended up devouring this series in no time, I love the characters, the plot and fast pace. I can't say enough good things about these books, you need to read them all now!
November 3, 2016
Utterly brilliant
This series just keeps on getting better and better. This is mainlyJames story and Elys. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended to you
This series just keeps on getting better and better. This is mainlyJames story and Elys. I can't wait for the next book. Highly recommended to you
January 19, 2017
I need another one!
Each book is better than the last! I am hooked on this series! I highly recommend this author and this book series!
Each book is better than the last! I am hooked on this series! I highly recommend this author and this book series!
March 15, 2018
I was enjoying it but it ended on a cliffhanger. Good thing I already have the sequel ready to read or I’d be pretty upset.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews