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The Mountain Fell #1
A Bond of Thread
Enter the Nine Lands of the Mountain Fell.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they are scarce, she has survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. Only starvation could draw her close to a village, but when a chance encounter and a bit of bad luck launch her into the arms of a man whose soul is bonded to hers, hiding who she is may no longer be possible.
Ilyas is a hunted man. Wanted for killing the last High Queen of Vine, he is plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter. He never wanted another Queen, and certainly not a half-feral, distrustful girl who gave up on the Fae a long time ago. Unfortunately, Soulbonds are not so easily walked away from, no matter how hard they both may want to, especially when trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they are scarce, she has survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. Only starvation could draw her close to a village, but when a chance encounter and a bit of bad luck launch her into the arms of a man whose soul is bonded to hers, hiding who she is may no longer be possible.
Ilyas is a hunted man. Wanted for killing the last High Queen of Vine, he is plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter. He never wanted another Queen, and certainly not a half-feral, distrustful girl who gave up on the Fae a long time ago. Unfortunately, Soulbonds are not so easily walked away from, no matter how hard they both may want to, especially when trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2021
72 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Allegra Pescatore
14 books126 followersBorn in a small Italian village, I went on a quest around the world and have finally settled into a magical cottage in PA. I write a lot, and I read a lot. Love all fantasy and sci-fi, especially if it features diverse characters or authors.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
My ratings:
5 stars - Wonderful. I loved reading it, had a great time, and will likely read it again and talk about it with my friends.
4 stars - good, solid, enjoyable book. I had fun and while I may not read it again, I'm glad I did.
3 stars - Not particularly memorable, but I'm happy I found it. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I'm glad it exists.
2 stars - This had issues. Not unreadable, but not something I finished or enjoyed in the end.
1 star - DNF or read because I am a masochist to loves pain. Someone else might love it, but it was not for me.
No rating: Either I haven't gotten around to writing a review, I didn't finish it, or it was not my genre of choice and therefore I chose not to review it because I am not the intended audience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 29, 2021
If The Black Jewels and Mortal Instruments had a baby born in Faerie this is how it would read like.
Enter the Nine Lands of the Mountain Fell where Fae warriors may find themselves soulbonded against their will to High Queens of the Fae and where Feral Fae threaten to devour anything and anyone in their path.
It is here that Ilyas a hunted warrior, wanted for breaking a bond and killing the last High Queen of Vine has found a somewhat private cave to hide from Fae and fate alike. Plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter, he's determined to do the best with the rest of his life. 'He was trying to do less killing' and fairly managed at that too, until a certain nosy mouse started stealing from his cave.
Get rid of the mouse and back to the peace and quiet. That's all Ilyas wanted to do. Unfortunately however, fate or the mountain had other plans and our grumpy warrior unexpectedly found himself saddled with yet another bond to another queen. One perhaps just as mad as Maevian, just in an entirely different way.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they were scarce, she had survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. A Soulbond was the last thing she desired and exactly what she got when caught pilfering the Vine warrior's stores. A soulbond with 'Mr.Stick-up-his-butt' who seemed to utterly hate her despite or perhaps because he was forced to become her Heart.
A chance encounter in between two broken souls and a Soulbond both resent mark the beginning of their tale. Part ways ignoring the bond would be the best for them both. And that's what they may have done, had it not been for the pack of Feral Fae seemingly hell bent on making a meal out of a full village. Neither queen nor warrior can allow that to happen, especially after ending up trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.
Hiding is no longer an option, Soulbond or not.
A fascinating world and wonderful magic, intriguing creatures and downright adorable little fae, as well as deliciously creepy ferals, these authors deliver on all counts. But character development and feeling is where they truly shine. As well as those little nuggets of wisdom delivered between the lines and the themes embedded throughout the read. Wonderfully done.
'Bad luck is like a storm; it is in how you choose to face it that determines if it breaks you.'
The soulbond reminds me of that between a warlord prince and his Queen in Anne Bishop's The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness, while the fights with the Feral Fae bring to mind those with the demons from The Mortal Instruments series. And I loved them both.
Ilyas himself is a kind of Lucivar Yaslana with his kill first ask questions latter gruffy grumbling attitude.
'Lord Heart is good at stabbing things. Even the fair folk know this.'
Lucivar is one of my all-time favourites and yet, if I were to choose between him and Ilyas ....
'Lucivar baby, I'll always love you!!! But I'll pick Ilyas any day!!'
A grouchy anti-social, emotionally distant Bonded and a ruler without magic or training or a people. Both in over their heads and driving each other crazy, while slowly getting to know each other and falling in love. Theirs is a relationship where resentment and fear slowly and gently turn into respect and admiration, affection and love. A very slow burn that will have any romance fan sigh.
And their dynamic... Irresistible!! I absolutely loved that!
As far as Skye is concerned, crazy is kind of her style. She excels at alienating the high fae and driving Ilyas nuts. Why you ask?
Because
'Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - being a brave idiot was something Skye excelled at. When it came to the lives of others on the line, Skye's logic was thrown out of the cave to be eaten by the Ferals.' And Ilyas had his hands more than full trying to keep her out of trouble.
She is hope to his despair and light to his darkness. She's a ruler worth being Soulbonded to.
Despite her bossy attitude, yelling and foul mouth.
'Take the wise lectures and shove them up your ass.'
'That does not sound comfortable Lady.'
All in all, because I already held you too long, A Bond of Thread is a wonderful tale that will appeal to any high fantasy fan out there, especially those who love Anne Bishop. It's fun and snarky, dark and full of feeling. Highly entertaining and beautifully layered, this is a tale of fear and prejudice, acceptance and understanding, healing and love.
My only complaint - where is book 2 because I want it RIGHT NOW!! Especially after that end.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Enter the Nine Lands of the Mountain Fell where Fae warriors may find themselves soulbonded against their will to High Queens of the Fae and where Feral Fae threaten to devour anything and anyone in their path.
It is here that Ilyas a hunted warrior, wanted for breaking a bond and killing the last High Queen of Vine has found a somewhat private cave to hide from Fae and fate alike. Plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter, he's determined to do the best with the rest of his life. 'He was trying to do less killing' and fairly managed at that too, until a certain nosy mouse started stealing from his cave.
Get rid of the mouse and back to the peace and quiet. That's all Ilyas wanted to do. Unfortunately however, fate or the mountain had other plans and our grumpy warrior unexpectedly found himself saddled with yet another bond to another queen. One perhaps just as mad as Maevian, just in an entirely different way.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they were scarce, she had survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. A Soulbond was the last thing she desired and exactly what she got when caught pilfering the Vine warrior's stores. A soulbond with 'Mr.Stick-up-his-butt' who seemed to utterly hate her despite or perhaps because he was forced to become her Heart.
A chance encounter in between two broken souls and a Soulbond both resent mark the beginning of their tale. Part ways ignoring the bond would be the best for them both. And that's what they may have done, had it not been for the pack of Feral Fae seemingly hell bent on making a meal out of a full village. Neither queen nor warrior can allow that to happen, especially after ending up trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.
Hiding is no longer an option, Soulbond or not.
A fascinating world and wonderful magic, intriguing creatures and downright adorable little fae, as well as deliciously creepy ferals, these authors deliver on all counts. But character development and feeling is where they truly shine. As well as those little nuggets of wisdom delivered between the lines and the themes embedded throughout the read. Wonderfully done.
'Bad luck is like a storm; it is in how you choose to face it that determines if it breaks you.'
The soulbond reminds me of that between a warlord prince and his Queen in Anne Bishop's The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness, while the fights with the Feral Fae bring to mind those with the demons from The Mortal Instruments series. And I loved them both.
Ilyas himself is a kind of Lucivar Yaslana with his kill first ask questions latter gruffy grumbling attitude.
'Lord Heart is good at stabbing things. Even the fair folk know this.'
Lucivar is one of my all-time favourites and yet, if I were to choose between him and Ilyas ....
'Lucivar baby, I'll always love you!!! But I'll pick Ilyas any day!!'
A grouchy anti-social, emotionally distant Bonded and a ruler without magic or training or a people. Both in over their heads and driving each other crazy, while slowly getting to know each other and falling in love. Theirs is a relationship where resentment and fear slowly and gently turn into respect and admiration, affection and love. A very slow burn that will have any romance fan sigh.
And their dynamic... Irresistible!! I absolutely loved that!
As far as Skye is concerned, crazy is kind of her style. She excels at alienating the high fae and driving Ilyas nuts. Why you ask?
Because
'Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - being a brave idiot was something Skye excelled at. When it came to the lives of others on the line, Skye's logic was thrown out of the cave to be eaten by the Ferals.' And Ilyas had his hands more than full trying to keep her out of trouble.
She is hope to his despair and light to his darkness. She's a ruler worth being Soulbonded to.
Despite her bossy attitude, yelling and foul mouth.
'Take the wise lectures and shove them up your ass.'
'That does not sound comfortable Lady.'
All in all, because I already held you too long, A Bond of Thread is a wonderful tale that will appeal to any high fantasy fan out there, especially those who love Anne Bishop. It's fun and snarky, dark and full of feeling. Highly entertaining and beautifully layered, this is a tale of fear and prejudice, acceptance and understanding, healing and love.
My only complaint - where is book 2 because I want it RIGHT NOW!! Especially after that end.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
September 17, 2023
Very Romantasy. Very well done. I both shipped the couple and I'm intrigued to read the sequel because of the fantasy plot.
December 5, 2022
5 Stars for Quality of writing and storyline
3 Stars for Enjoyment
This book has every single element to make it an outstanding fantasy story. The world building was amazing. The descriptions were brilliant and I adored all the characters. Every single character in this book had a defined personality. They had backstories and they were all incredibly original. No cookie cutter characters in this book.
The romance was good. This was a sloooow burn romance. This was an enemies-to-lovers story. It was also on the lowest of low on the spicy scale. There was only one instance of on page sex in this story and it was not at all descriptive.
I never felt convinced of the romance or the relationship though. MMC never treats FMC with anything close to respect. She’s his bonded queen and even at the end, when they’re in love, he doesn’t respect her opinion or her voice. He’s not even very attracted to her. I can’t tell you how many times he thinks ‘she’s so dirty’ and ‘she’s not beautiful’…it’s sad. It ruins my enjoyment of the romance elements.
I just honestly think the male main character is too damaged to make a good hero or lover. He has voices in his head telling him to kill her! Those voices never go away. He wants to hurt her more often than not, and yet he crumples on the ground in submission if she gets angry (angry because he’s being a huge bully)…this guy to too damaged to be sexy.
All in all, if you’re looking for an amazingly written fantasy story then you should read this.
If you’re looking for a quality romance then skip this one. If you’re looking for steam then skip this one. If you’re looking for a devoted alpha male then skip this one.
I would be okay with this story and continue reading the series if it were to turn into a reverse harem. FMC needs more than just this guy. She still needs to collect 8 more people for her “ring”…but I don’t see that happening here lol.
Written in third person POV.
This is NOT a standalone - book 2 is already out. Not sure why it’s not on goodreads…
3 Stars for Enjoyment
This book has every single element to make it an outstanding fantasy story. The world building was amazing. The descriptions were brilliant and I adored all the characters. Every single character in this book had a defined personality. They had backstories and they were all incredibly original. No cookie cutter characters in this book.
The romance was good. This was a sloooow burn romance. This was an enemies-to-lovers story. It was also on the lowest of low on the spicy scale. There was only one instance of on page sex in this story and it was not at all descriptive.
I never felt convinced of the romance or the relationship though. MMC never treats FMC with anything close to respect. She’s his bonded queen and even at the end, when they’re in love, he doesn’t respect her opinion or her voice. He’s not even very attracted to her. I can’t tell you how many times he thinks ‘she’s so dirty’ and ‘she’s not beautiful’…it’s sad. It ruins my enjoyment of the romance elements.
I just honestly think the male main character is too damaged to make a good hero or lover. He has voices in his head telling him to kill her! Those voices never go away. He wants to hurt her more often than not, and yet he crumples on the ground in submission if she gets angry (angry because he’s being a huge bully)…this guy to too damaged to be sexy.
All in all, if you’re looking for an amazingly written fantasy story then you should read this.
If you’re looking for a quality romance then skip this one. If you’re looking for steam then skip this one. If you’re looking for a devoted alpha male then skip this one.
I would be okay with this story and continue reading the series if it were to turn into a reverse harem. FMC needs more than just this guy. She still needs to collect 8 more people for her “ring”…but I don’t see that happening here lol.
Written in third person POV.
This is NOT a standalone - book 2 is already out. Not sure why it’s not on goodreads…
July 17, 2023
This book was a fun read. Ilyas lives alone in his cave, and he's certain he has a mouse stealing his grain. He discovers that the mouse is actually a thief. A beautiful thief. Meeting Skye brings a chain of events that forces Ilyas out of his comfy isolation. The nearby village is attacked by the bloodthirsty Feral and his cave is the only safe place to hide. I liked the idea of a group of people/creatures being trapped together while the enemy lurks outside. Panic ensues, tempers rise. There was a wide range of emotions that I felt were nicely expressed in the writing.
It did start to drag a bit for me. I was eager for a change of setting from inside a cave. Thankfully, halfway through the characters hatched a plan of escape and things started to pick up. I really enjoyed the last half of the book. It ends on a cliffhanger that makes me eager to know what happens next.
I enjoyed the world building. I liked learning the backstories of both Ilyas and Skye, and the emotions their pasts brought to the table. Their slow-burn romance was nice and added a steamy element that gave depth to the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
It did start to drag a bit for me. I was eager for a change of setting from inside a cave. Thankfully, halfway through the characters hatched a plan of escape and things started to pick up. I really enjoyed the last half of the book. It ends on a cliffhanger that makes me eager to know what happens next.
I enjoyed the world building. I liked learning the backstories of both Ilyas and Skye, and the emotions their pasts brought to the table. Their slow-burn romance was nice and added a steamy element that gave depth to the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book!
July 8, 2021
Props to the authors for making an entire book set in one place (a cave) interesting from start to finish. This was a fun read, with a cool, intricate world that you definitely want to spend time getting to know. The hook is a brilliant one, because I definitely want to know who the rest of Skye's Ring are. The eye color / power level and Ring idea remind me of Anne Bishop's Black Jewels, which is not a bad thing, because I enjoyed those books - this is not as dark toned as those, and it's only a passing resemblance.
October 11, 2021
An interesting beginning to a series with a complicated world...
An interesting beginning to a series with a complicated world. You never knew where this book was going to go next and it held my attention well until the end. The only issue I had was I wished that the world were explained a bit more clearly toward the beginning so the reader could understand what the MCs were up against.
An interesting beginning to a series with a complicated world. You never knew where this book was going to go next and it held my attention well until the end. The only issue I had was I wished that the world were explained a bit more clearly toward the beginning so the reader could understand what the MCs were up against.
July 27, 2021
A fantastic read with a unique plot and amazing world-building. I didn't know what to expect while starting the book. The description seemed simple, like a lot of others books I'd read. But, as the story progressed, I was fascinated by every detail. The different creatures, magic, and the whole concept of Soul Bonded were crafted beautifully.
I was sucked into the book completely, mainly because the characters were so well-written. My ability to connect to a story depends on the characters. If I can imagine myself in place of the female MC, I enjoy the reading experience. In this case, that's exactly what happened. Skye was great! Her compassion, craziness, and the habit of getting into trouble immediately made me like her.
Ilyas annoyed me in the beginning due to his attitude towards Skye, but when I got to know his story, I understood where he was coming from and my heart broke for him. The authors' attempts to show his trauma and coping mechanism are commendable.
The supporting characters were equally important and helped to move the story forward. My favorite was Mycellica. Their ability to annoy Ilyas and take things in their literal sense was entertaining.
Apart from this, I enjoyed the way Ilyas and Skye's relationship developed. I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope. The banter and humor made me laugh on several occasions. The romance was lovely and the major intimate scene was interesting.
There was some part in the middle where I felt like the story was slowing down and I wanted something to happen quickly. Other than that, it was all good. The book concluded on a cliffhanger and now I'm going crazy wondering what will happen next. I hope the next book comes out soon. I recommend this to readers who enjoy epic fantasy with detailed world-building and diverse characters.
I was sucked into the book completely, mainly because the characters were so well-written. My ability to connect to a story depends on the characters. If I can imagine myself in place of the female MC, I enjoy the reading experience. In this case, that's exactly what happened. Skye was great! Her compassion, craziness, and the habit of getting into trouble immediately made me like her.
Ilyas annoyed me in the beginning due to his attitude towards Skye, but when I got to know his story, I understood where he was coming from and my heart broke for him. The authors' attempts to show his trauma and coping mechanism are commendable.
The supporting characters were equally important and helped to move the story forward. My favorite was Mycellica. Their ability to annoy Ilyas and take things in their literal sense was entertaining.
Apart from this, I enjoyed the way Ilyas and Skye's relationship developed. I'm a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope. The banter and humor made me laugh on several occasions. The romance was lovely and the major intimate scene was interesting.
There was some part in the middle where I felt like the story was slowing down and I wanted something to happen quickly. Other than that, it was all good. The book concluded on a cliffhanger and now I'm going crazy wondering what will happen next. I hope the next book comes out soon. I recommend this to readers who enjoy epic fantasy with detailed world-building and diverse characters.
June 28, 2021
I highly recommend this book. I loved the world-building, with its unique take on fae and faerie (and I’m glad they included a map because I like to know the geography of my fantasy worlds).
There are some skilled touches in the character work with a diverse array of species in the book and I loved the interpersonal conflicts that developed as the plot unfolds. Most of the book takes place in a confined space, a shelter from some very nasty monsters, with a melding of survivors of the initial attack suddenly forced to interact. Conflicts inevitably arise and bad things happen, but in a very organic and believable scenario. The events definitely had me turning the page.
The romantic subplot was a standard (with a bit of a fantasy twist) antagonist to lovers storyline, but solidly executed. I appreciated that there were no eye-rolling moments, and it made perfect sense that the two characters went from adversaries, to reluctantly civil, to working as a team. And I loved the fact neither character acted like a ridiculous fool or lost their own sense of self.
The ending was a nail biter and wrapped things up nicely, if not entirely happily, while setting up more goodies for the rest of the series.
There are some skilled touches in the character work with a diverse array of species in the book and I loved the interpersonal conflicts that developed as the plot unfolds. Most of the book takes place in a confined space, a shelter from some very nasty monsters, with a melding of survivors of the initial attack suddenly forced to interact. Conflicts inevitably arise and bad things happen, but in a very organic and believable scenario. The events definitely had me turning the page.
The romantic subplot was a standard (with a bit of a fantasy twist) antagonist to lovers storyline, but solidly executed. I appreciated that there were no eye-rolling moments, and it made perfect sense that the two characters went from adversaries, to reluctantly civil, to working as a team. And I loved the fact neither character acted like a ridiculous fool or lost their own sense of self.
The ending was a nail biter and wrapped things up nicely, if not entirely happily, while setting up more goodies for the rest of the series.
June 21, 2021
Skye is a Queen in a time where Royals are being hunted, so she keeps to herself and steals to survive. Ilyas is part of the Gentry, but he’s on the run, wanted for the murder of the late Queen of the Vine. When these two vastly different souls meet, they becomes “Soulbonded,” a special type of connection that means they’re tied to each other, which neither Skye nor Ilyas is happy about. But as things start getting dangerous, Ilyas and Skye must get over their dislike of each other and work together in order to survive.
Eeeeeek! I read this book in three straight hours. It sounds like a cliche, but I literally couldn’t make myself put it down. This book is slow burn romance at its finest. And the fantasy elements were spectacular! It’s original, and somehow manages to be completely serious in some parts and absolutely hilarious in others. I really, truly loved this book. 5 freaking stars. Completely recommend!!!
Eeeeeek! I read this book in three straight hours. It sounds like a cliche, but I literally couldn’t make myself put it down. This book is slow burn romance at its finest. And the fantasy elements were spectacular! It’s original, and somehow manages to be completely serious in some parts and absolutely hilarious in others. I really, truly loved this book. 5 freaking stars. Completely recommend!!!
August 12, 2022
This was a fun slow burn fantasy romance with an expanding world even though in this book we only really get to experience the characters being trapped in a cave in this book (which the authors really pulled off).
The magic system and hierarchy are interesting and I really look forward to learning more about the worlds and how the fairy ring portals decide where to send you.
What seemed like a simple and straight forward plot at the beginning, quickly became intriguing and exciting and I had to keep turning the page.
The romance between Illyas and Skye developed naturally even though they both knew they were bonded and it was sweet even though their personalities were grumpy and firecracker.
I'm really REALLY looking forward to continuing this series. I have to know more about ...things (no spoilers) and who certain people will be...
3.5 stars
The magic system and hierarchy are interesting and I really look forward to learning more about the worlds and how the fairy ring portals decide where to send you.
What seemed like a simple and straight forward plot at the beginning, quickly became intriguing and exciting and I had to keep turning the page.
The romance between Illyas and Skye developed naturally even though they both knew they were bonded and it was sweet even though their personalities were grumpy and firecracker.
I'm really REALLY looking forward to continuing this series. I have to know more about ...things (no spoilers) and who certain people will be...
3.5 stars
September 4, 2021
This is a four star read, albeit one that I wasn't sure I would like in the beginning, but I graded down a star for the hook ending. Not a cliff hanger, but a blatant and ugly hook.
I suspect this is going to be a mostly slow burn reverse harem fantasy romance. The story was creative and interesting, the characters easy to invest in even if I didn't like the male lead at first. I did warm up to him by the end, though, and I'm usually a hard sell on redemption for people who start out as assholes.
There were a few spots where the writing seemed a bit disjointed but it was never significant enough to pull me out of the story and it was only a couple of times. I'd give the story and characters alone a resounding yes in general, but that ending...
I suspect this is going to be a mostly slow burn reverse harem fantasy romance. The story was creative and interesting, the characters easy to invest in even if I didn't like the male lead at first. I did warm up to him by the end, though, and I'm usually a hard sell on redemption for people who start out as assholes.
There were a few spots where the writing seemed a bit disjointed but it was never significant enough to pull me out of the story and it was only a couple of times. I'd give the story and characters alone a resounding yes in general, but that ending...
June 22, 2021
One reluctant Faerie Queen. Nine bonds. One enthralled and impatient reader.
Knight
Defends the Ruler
Warden
Defends the Ring
Blade
Defends the Land
Heart
Nurtures the Ruler
Keeper
Nurtures the Ring
Seer
Nurtures the Land
Herald
Speaks for the Ruler
Weaver
Speaks for the Ring
Envoy
Speaks for the Land
July 25, 2021
Holy crap.
I was not ready for the intensity of this book. I’m not sure what I expected, but this book went above and beyond my expectations. I loved the lore and the world building and the character development. This is such a unique story and I don’t even want to wait for more. I wish the next book was out now.
I was not ready for the intensity of this book. I’m not sure what I expected, but this book went above and beyond my expectations. I loved the lore and the world building and the character development. This is such a unique story and I don’t even want to wait for more. I wish the next book was out now.
December 26, 2022
I have loved Prescatore’s previous works, so this was one I had to pick up and overall it was an entertaining read, although it left me with somewhat mixed feelings –
Firstly, there is a bonus point for the map. I love a map, and the one in A Bond of Thread is a great example of how you can play with maps and is another example of how this book takes a relatively limited geographical scope and gives it depth and keeps the excitement building. There are also some handy guides to the fae and their society at the beginning (and I actually really appreciate having that info at the start, rather than having to flick all the way to the end! But that is a personal preference), and again is another nod to the worldbuilding that has gone into the book, and the authors have done an amazing job with that aspect of the book.
This is a geographically limited world, and yet the authors have built up a layered and detailed society with a history and weight of lore that makes it feel far more expansive than the geography. The multi-layered society from High to lesser fae and the fair folk, is both a wonderful exploration of what fae can encompass, and that is before we even get into the role that the gentry like Skye play in this world and the hierarchy that develop around them. Prescatore and Burnison have shaped a truly interesting society here, and even though a lot of elements like magic and soulbonds are essentially predetermined and just part of who the fae are, a gift (depending on your point of view), there is still very much a feeling of conflict and stakes. There are cultural conflicts, language barriers, and the threat of the void-corrupted, along with the intrigue of a society like this, made for an engaging read.
Soul bonds. I ADORE soul bonds, and there are just so many ways to play with the concept and they can range from the positive to the negative and everything in between, so as soon as I realised this book dealt with that concept I was invested. It was one of my favourite aspects of the book as well, especially as the authors have taken such an interesting approach to it – where it goes from an unwanted bond, mired in history and memory, and personality clashes, to something that brings closeness and a strength. I like to see there be complications and a struggle, whether internal or external when dealing with this kind of bond, and in A Bond of Thread that is captured really well on multiple levels, and I like that it shaped both the relationship and the conflict between our main characters.
However, this is also one of the areas that gave me conflict. I love soul bonds, and the main characters here are the complex, messy characters I have come to expect from a book that Prescatore is involved with, and as individuals even when they frustrate me and I want to shout at them, I am invested in them. Yes, Ilyas is a bit of an asshole (or a lot of an asshole depending on how you want to look at it) and it certainly took me longer to warm to him than Skye, but the characterisation makes this work. We get to see why they are both how they are, the events that have shaped them, and I love seeing how their pasts are influencing their present and future, and how they work through that while dealing with their situation and the events around them. It’s our point of connection, and the characters are absolutely the strongest part of the book for me.
But, despite that I was not sold on their relationship, even taken into account the fact that I loved how the soul bond was portrayed between them, and the fact that it did feel like the authors gave the relationship time to develop as they learned to work together and temper the parts of themselves that were like oil and water at times. Now, I will readily admit this might be more due to personal preference more than anything, but as well as the development was done, it felt like more time was needed to work through the issues at hand – and I feel that Ilyas was not quite at the point of being redeemed from his assholery to a point where I could truly invest in the relationship between them, at the moment, there is still enough jagged parts that it’s not quite there for me – but again personal preference.
However, this is book one,
Which is why, I think this is a book that needs its sequels. Not for its world – the authors have done a fantastic job of establishing the world already, while leaving the scope for us as the reader to discover more as the story unfolds; but to see where this soul bond and relationship, and the other relationships (romantic or platonic) that are promised by Skye’s search for her other bonded. Whether or not those relationships fall into friendship or romance, it will temper and shape the bond with Ilyas, and I am interested to see whether that counterbalance helps or harms it. For me, A Bond of Thread felt like a beginning and we’ve been left with a clear path forward, and we need to see where that goes – and I think this is a book that I will revisit once I’ve read at least the next book, to see if those elements that didn’t quite mesh for me look different in the light of the wider context.
That said, I did enjoy A Bond of Thread and it’s always interesting to see a co-authored book. Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I enjoyed the worldbuilding especially as fae is not something I typically read and I liked the spin the authors took on the world, and I loved seeing soulbonds have such a dominant feature in the story. This is a series I will be continuing, because as I said I feel like this was a foundation-building book and that I need more of the series to really get a feel for it. Definitely a book to pick up if like me you’re fascinated with interesting plays on soul bond, or you enjoy fae stories with a complex world/society, that brings something different to fae romances.
Firstly, there is a bonus point for the map. I love a map, and the one in A Bond of Thread is a great example of how you can play with maps and is another example of how this book takes a relatively limited geographical scope and gives it depth and keeps the excitement building. There are also some handy guides to the fae and their society at the beginning (and I actually really appreciate having that info at the start, rather than having to flick all the way to the end! But that is a personal preference), and again is another nod to the worldbuilding that has gone into the book, and the authors have done an amazing job with that aspect of the book.
This is a geographically limited world, and yet the authors have built up a layered and detailed society with a history and weight of lore that makes it feel far more expansive than the geography. The multi-layered society from High to lesser fae and the fair folk, is both a wonderful exploration of what fae can encompass, and that is before we even get into the role that the gentry like Skye play in this world and the hierarchy that develop around them. Prescatore and Burnison have shaped a truly interesting society here, and even though a lot of elements like magic and soulbonds are essentially predetermined and just part of who the fae are, a gift (depending on your point of view), there is still very much a feeling of conflict and stakes. There are cultural conflicts, language barriers, and the threat of the void-corrupted, along with the intrigue of a society like this, made for an engaging read.
Soul bonds. I ADORE soul bonds, and there are just so many ways to play with the concept and they can range from the positive to the negative and everything in between, so as soon as I realised this book dealt with that concept I was invested. It was one of my favourite aspects of the book as well, especially as the authors have taken such an interesting approach to it – where it goes from an unwanted bond, mired in history and memory, and personality clashes, to something that brings closeness and a strength. I like to see there be complications and a struggle, whether internal or external when dealing with this kind of bond, and in A Bond of Thread that is captured really well on multiple levels, and I like that it shaped both the relationship and the conflict between our main characters.
However, this is also one of the areas that gave me conflict. I love soul bonds, and the main characters here are the complex, messy characters I have come to expect from a book that Prescatore is involved with, and as individuals even when they frustrate me and I want to shout at them, I am invested in them. Yes, Ilyas is a bit of an asshole (or a lot of an asshole depending on how you want to look at it) and it certainly took me longer to warm to him than Skye, but the characterisation makes this work. We get to see why they are both how they are, the events that have shaped them, and I love seeing how their pasts are influencing their present and future, and how they work through that while dealing with their situation and the events around them. It’s our point of connection, and the characters are absolutely the strongest part of the book for me.
But, despite that I was not sold on their relationship, even taken into account the fact that I loved how the soul bond was portrayed between them, and the fact that it did feel like the authors gave the relationship time to develop as they learned to work together and temper the parts of themselves that were like oil and water at times. Now, I will readily admit this might be more due to personal preference more than anything, but as well as the development was done, it felt like more time was needed to work through the issues at hand – and I feel that Ilyas was not quite at the point of being redeemed from his assholery to a point where I could truly invest in the relationship between them, at the moment, there is still enough jagged parts that it’s not quite there for me – but again personal preference.
However, this is book one,
Which is why, I think this is a book that needs its sequels. Not for its world – the authors have done a fantastic job of establishing the world already, while leaving the scope for us as the reader to discover more as the story unfolds; but to see where this soul bond and relationship, and the other relationships (romantic or platonic) that are promised by Skye’s search for her other bonded. Whether or not those relationships fall into friendship or romance, it will temper and shape the bond with Ilyas, and I am interested to see whether that counterbalance helps or harms it. For me, A Bond of Thread felt like a beginning and we’ve been left with a clear path forward, and we need to see where that goes – and I think this is a book that I will revisit once I’ve read at least the next book, to see if those elements that didn’t quite mesh for me look different in the light of the wider context.
That said, I did enjoy A Bond of Thread and it’s always interesting to see a co-authored book. Overall, this was an entertaining read, and I enjoyed the worldbuilding especially as fae is not something I typically read and I liked the spin the authors took on the world, and I loved seeing soulbonds have such a dominant feature in the story. This is a series I will be continuing, because as I said I feel like this was a foundation-building book and that I need more of the series to really get a feel for it. Definitely a book to pick up if like me you’re fascinated with interesting plays on soul bond, or you enjoy fae stories with a complex world/society, that brings something different to fae romances.
June 22, 2023
Re-read via Audible: I was absolutely won over by the narration and voice acting here. It is absolutely phenomenal. Every single character was absolutely distinct, which is an impressive feat considering there are more than a few characters here. It truly brought the narrative to live and in a wonderful way. I particularly enjoyed the voices for the lesser fae, with the droozies being the absolute stand out favourites. The narrator captured the musical intonations of their voices without sounding daft. I enjoyed the story and the characters just as much this time as before and the rest of my old review stands.
A Bond of Thread is a fantastically written fantasy novel with a rich and varied world, characters that leap off the page at you and a well woven narrative full of mystery and threat. For those of you looking for romance, there is a slow burn romance that threads its way through the majority of the novel, but doesn't over power the main fantasy narrative. That said, I am glad that I read the entire thing before recommending it; the explicit sex scene at the end of the second part caught me off guard and made me rapidly rethink recommending the novel to my much younger sister. It's a shame in a way, as I think she'd love the characters, world and humour.
I really enjoyed the variety of characters and how they are split into High Fae and Fair Folk, each with their own personalities, quirks and abilities. Much of the novel is set in very close quarters as the trapped group of Fae try to defend themselves against the Ferals and survive when food and water are rapidly running out. That added a real layer of tension and threat to the story, as there was no way the group could hold out indefinitely and racial prejudices and anxiety over the safety of loved ones brings things to a boiling point.
The relationships between characters and the fraying of nerves as the tensions build is also excellently portrayed. Other than the Ferals, there are very few truly 'black or white' characters; even characters who act in appalling ways do so for understandable reasons. I really appreciated this focus on ensuring that all the characters were well rounded, and whilst you might not like a certain character, you could still see why they were behaving in such a manner. The relationship between Skye and Illyas is entertaining as they go from being at each others throats to learning to depend on each other. Both have their own traumas to overcome, and I felt those were portrayed sensitively and realistically. I also loved the innocence and humour the Fair Folk brought to the existing tableau of High Fae politics and prejudices.
All in all, this is an excellent adult epic fantasy, with a focus on the adult. Whilst the romance is slow burn for the most part and didn't detract from the wonderful world building, it does build into an explicit erotica scene that is not suitable for younger readers.
A Bond of Thread is a fantastically written fantasy novel with a rich and varied world, characters that leap off the page at you and a well woven narrative full of mystery and threat. For those of you looking for romance, there is a slow burn romance that threads its way through the majority of the novel, but doesn't over power the main fantasy narrative. That said, I am glad that I read the entire thing before recommending it; the explicit sex scene at the end of the second part caught me off guard and made me rapidly rethink recommending the novel to my much younger sister. It's a shame in a way, as I think she'd love the characters, world and humour.
I really enjoyed the variety of characters and how they are split into High Fae and Fair Folk, each with their own personalities, quirks and abilities. Much of the novel is set in very close quarters as the trapped group of Fae try to defend themselves against the Ferals and survive when food and water are rapidly running out. That added a real layer of tension and threat to the story, as there was no way the group could hold out indefinitely and racial prejudices and anxiety over the safety of loved ones brings things to a boiling point.
The relationships between characters and the fraying of nerves as the tensions build is also excellently portrayed. Other than the Ferals, there are very few truly 'black or white' characters; even characters who act in appalling ways do so for understandable reasons. I really appreciated this focus on ensuring that all the characters were well rounded, and whilst you might not like a certain character, you could still see why they were behaving in such a manner. The relationship between Skye and Illyas is entertaining as they go from being at each others throats to learning to depend on each other. Both have their own traumas to overcome, and I felt those were portrayed sensitively and realistically. I also loved the innocence and humour the Fair Folk brought to the existing tableau of High Fae politics and prejudices.
All in all, this is an excellent adult epic fantasy, with a focus on the adult. Whilst the romance is slow burn for the most part and didn't detract from the wonderful world building, it does build into an explicit erotica scene that is not suitable for younger readers.
February 18, 2022
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
“A Bond of Thread” is mostly about the developing relationship between Ilyas, who killed his last queen, and Skye, the shy young fae queen he is now bonded to.
Here’s what I loved: the writing style. Fluid and lovely, beautiful prose, and Pescatore’s ability to shapeshift from one book and genre to another is really impressive. This was no exception.
Ilyas and Skye’s relationship was really lovely. Like I said, I don’t usually care too much for romance-heavy fantasies, but their relationship was delightful. They felt like true equals, both struggling and both supporting one another. I especially liked Skye as a character. She was very believable as a different kind of protagonist, and her relationship to her royal power was very interesting.
Maybe my favorite thing about this book was the in-world folktales that were told in it. There was so much worldbuilding in just those few pages, and it left me wanting to learn more but also understanding this world on a newly deep level. It felt appropriately significant and mythic, too.
However, this still wasn’t an entirely five-star read for me. A few things, all pretty much conventions of the genre, took me out of it. I’ll mention them here, but I think for someone who likes fae books and romance more than I do they might be positives rather than negatives!
I just never find a sex scene in a book that doesn’t make me uncomfortable. I don’t know why–I read plenty of explicit scenes in fanfiction–but for some reason in a more established narrative it always feels out-of-place to me. This scene, though well-written, didn’t get beyond that.
The worldbuilding was clearly there, as shown through the fascinating fables, but the book didn’t give us much of a chance to explore this world. Also, and I think I just recognized this as I was reading, it very much falls into one of the patterns that has generally kept me from falling in love with fae books. The world has such a complex internal logic, with all different types of queens and bonds and planes, but pretty much all of it is magically predetermined, handed down to the characters regardless of their feelings on the matter. To me, this collapses a lot of the stakes inherent in the world. It doesn’t help that these roles and rules are all fictional, and there are so many of them it’s hard for me to feel what it would mean to take on one rather than another, or to fall short in one area, or so forth.
Personal quibbles aside, this is certainly a brilliantly executed book with great characters in a potentially fascinating world with huge potential.
See full review: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
“A Bond of Thread” is mostly about the developing relationship between Ilyas, who killed his last queen, and Skye, the shy young fae queen he is now bonded to.
Here’s what I loved: the writing style. Fluid and lovely, beautiful prose, and Pescatore’s ability to shapeshift from one book and genre to another is really impressive. This was no exception.
Ilyas and Skye’s relationship was really lovely. Like I said, I don’t usually care too much for romance-heavy fantasies, but their relationship was delightful. They felt like true equals, both struggling and both supporting one another. I especially liked Skye as a character. She was very believable as a different kind of protagonist, and her relationship to her royal power was very interesting.
Maybe my favorite thing about this book was the in-world folktales that were told in it. There was so much worldbuilding in just those few pages, and it left me wanting to learn more but also understanding this world on a newly deep level. It felt appropriately significant and mythic, too.
However, this still wasn’t an entirely five-star read for me. A few things, all pretty much conventions of the genre, took me out of it. I’ll mention them here, but I think for someone who likes fae books and romance more than I do they might be positives rather than negatives!
I just never find a sex scene in a book that doesn’t make me uncomfortable. I don’t know why–I read plenty of explicit scenes in fanfiction–but for some reason in a more established narrative it always feels out-of-place to me. This scene, though well-written, didn’t get beyond that.
The worldbuilding was clearly there, as shown through the fascinating fables, but the book didn’t give us much of a chance to explore this world. Also, and I think I just recognized this as I was reading, it very much falls into one of the patterns that has generally kept me from falling in love with fae books. The world has such a complex internal logic, with all different types of queens and bonds and planes, but pretty much all of it is magically predetermined, handed down to the characters regardless of their feelings on the matter. To me, this collapses a lot of the stakes inherent in the world. It doesn’t help that these roles and rules are all fictional, and there are so many of them it’s hard for me to feel what it would mean to take on one rather than another, or to fall short in one area, or so forth.
Personal quibbles aside, this is certainly a brilliantly executed book with great characters in a potentially fascinating world with huge potential.
See full review: https://anyajosephs.wordpress.com/202...
July 27, 2021
A story in a cave.
I'm amazed that about 98% of this story was set in a cave with only a few central characters, yet was so rich and compelling. The story of Skye who is a Queen and Ilyas, a warrior from Vine. The different types of a Fae are a little confusing but I love the Fair folk, skitterlings and Mosskins. I could have lived without the racy bits but overall I think I'm hooked.
I'm amazed that about 98% of this story was set in a cave with only a few central characters, yet was so rich and compelling. The story of Skye who is a Queen and Ilyas, a warrior from Vine. The different types of a Fae are a little confusing but I love the Fair folk, skitterlings and Mosskins. I could have lived without the racy bits but overall I think I'm hooked.
June 29, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. Such a unique way to have High Fae and fair folk within a world, separate but together. It’s a beautiful addition to the “normal” magical world that is typically written.
The slow burning romance was enticing where you want to just scream “GET IT OVER WITH ALREADY” but honestly it made this book more enthralling. I cannot wait for Book2.
The slow burning romance was enticing where you want to just scream “GET IT OVER WITH ALREADY” but honestly it made this book more enthralling. I cannot wait for Book2.
March 2, 2022
It is refreshing to find a great first book in series that captures my interest so quickly! The two main characters are developed as they are discovered by each other. I am looking forward to exploring the new world scape and witnessing the ever growing magic spaces in it. Well formed, well received!
July 7, 2021
This book was a pleasure to write and has been a bright spot in a dark year. Getting to be part of J.P. Burnison's debut book has been so much fun, and I look forward to our next one!
October 31, 2022
Beautifully Amazing!!
Amazingly written! Great world building. Characters suck you into their world!! Excited to continue Skye & Illyas story. Prepare to not be able to put it down
Amazingly written! Great world building. Characters suck you into their world!! Excited to continue Skye & Illyas story. Prepare to not be able to put it down
September 7, 2024
I tried but I just wasn't feeling it. I may come back when I'm more in the mood for books with fae. 3 ⭐
June 23, 2022
I read this because of the SPFBO Round 8. I am NOT a judge. This is one the of many titles that caught my interest and it is the first on my list to be read.
Review below synopsis.
Synopsis: (Enter the nine lander of the Mountain Fell.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they are scarce, she has survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. Only starvation could draw her close to a village, but when a chance encounter and a bit of bad luck launch her into the arms of a man whose soul is bonded to hers, hiding who she is may no longer be possible.
Ilyas is a hunted man. Wanted for killing the last High Queen of Vine, he is plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter. He never wanted another Queen, and certainly not a half-feral, distrustful girl who gave up on the Fae a long time ago. Unfortunately, Soulbonds are not so easily walked away from, no matter how hard they both may want to, especially when trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.)
Everything in this review is solely based on my opinion.
VERY MILD SPOILERS BELOW
First I would like to say that I really enjoyed this book and am so happy to have found it. I would never have learned of it if it weren’t for SPFBO8.
We follow the two POV’s of Skye and Ilyas throughout the book in 3rd person. I found myself sometimes getting confused whose head we were in but something would eventually remind me. For the most part each chapter alternates between them but like I said a few times I questioned whose POV I was reading from.
I found Skye to be a fun character to follow and enjoyed her views on the world and the people. I loved that she cared more for the lesser fae and stood up for them all the time. I also liked that even if they were in danger she always thought of others first and never wanted anyone to get hurt. The fact that Skye had some serious secrets added even more intrigue to her character.
Ilyas is a different story altogether. Forced and tortured to do things in the past by the last High Queen has left Ilyas with some major trauma. I loved how it wasn’t just pushed to the side and we got to see true representation of it throughout the book.
These two characters were so different but in the best ways that when they came together sparks really flew and had me flustered during some scenes.
I’d briefly like to mention a side character that stole my heart. Mycellica was such a fun little creature and great comedic relief when things got tense.
Moving onto the world and magic I really enjoyed both. For the entirety of this book we really only get to be in one location and it just so happens to be a cave. However, the authors did a great job at utilizing every nook and cranny and making it feel like its own world. We were fed snippets of the different places and what they represented and it made me want to know more about each one.
As for the magic I thought it was explained in a way that was easy to understand and I liked that it had limits for the users. I can’t wait to see the magic expanded on even more in the next book.
The plot was thought out and had a clear direction and I could even see where an overall plot for a series may go. I understood what was happening and what the end goal was and all the little twists along the way.
Overall, this book was fun, fast-paced and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The added bonus is that I got to read from indie authors and help support them and their work. I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series. I need to know what will happen to these characters.
I highly recommend this book if you like fantasy romance, fae, humor and good representation of PTSD
Review below synopsis.
Synopsis: (Enter the nine lander of the Mountain Fell.
Skye has only ever known pain and solitude since waking up with neither memories or magic. Hunted for being a Ruler in a time when they are scarce, she has survived in the wilds near the Rim, always on the run from the rest of her kind. Only starvation could draw her close to a village, but when a chance encounter and a bit of bad luck launch her into the arms of a man whose soul is bonded to hers, hiding who she is may no longer be possible.
Ilyas is a hunted man. Wanted for killing the last High Queen of Vine, he is plagued by his past of wholesale slaughter. He never wanted another Queen, and certainly not a half-feral, distrustful girl who gave up on the Fae a long time ago. Unfortunately, Soulbonds are not so easily walked away from, no matter how hard they both may want to, especially when trapped together in a cave with a pack of Feral Fae right outside.
With long-held enmities breaking out between the besieged villagers and all their lives on the line, Ilyas and Skye must learn to work together and trust each other if they want to survive.)
Everything in this review is solely based on my opinion.
VERY MILD SPOILERS BELOW
First I would like to say that I really enjoyed this book and am so happy to have found it. I would never have learned of it if it weren’t for SPFBO8.
We follow the two POV’s of Skye and Ilyas throughout the book in 3rd person. I found myself sometimes getting confused whose head we were in but something would eventually remind me. For the most part each chapter alternates between them but like I said a few times I questioned whose POV I was reading from.
I found Skye to be a fun character to follow and enjoyed her views on the world and the people. I loved that she cared more for the lesser fae and stood up for them all the time. I also liked that even if they were in danger she always thought of others first and never wanted anyone to get hurt. The fact that Skye had some serious secrets added even more intrigue to her character.
Ilyas is a different story altogether. Forced and tortured to do things in the past by the last High Queen has left Ilyas with some major trauma. I loved how it wasn’t just pushed to the side and we got to see true representation of it throughout the book.
These two characters were so different but in the best ways that when they came together sparks really flew and had me flustered during some scenes.
I’d briefly like to mention a side character that stole my heart. Mycellica was such a fun little creature and great comedic relief when things got tense.
Moving onto the world and magic I really enjoyed both. For the entirety of this book we really only get to be in one location and it just so happens to be a cave. However, the authors did a great job at utilizing every nook and cranny and making it feel like its own world. We were fed snippets of the different places and what they represented and it made me want to know more about each one.
As for the magic I thought it was explained in a way that was easy to understand and I liked that it had limits for the users. I can’t wait to see the magic expanded on even more in the next book.
The plot was thought out and had a clear direction and I could even see where an overall plot for a series may go. I understood what was happening and what the end goal was and all the little twists along the way.
Overall, this book was fun, fast-paced and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. The added bonus is that I got to read from indie authors and help support them and their work. I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series. I need to know what will happen to these characters.
I highly recommend this book if you like fantasy romance, fae, humor and good representation of PTSD
January 11, 2023
This one took me a little longer to get drawn in than some of Allegra’s books, but once it caught me it was a delightful blend of world building, good characters, plot, and just enough steamy romance. Can’t wait for the next one!
November 5, 2021
Engaging
This book was fascinating.
Enemies to lovers with two High Fae who are not looking for love and would each rather be alone, running from their pasts. Danger throws the two together in a confined space for a time, where they have to deal with their own personal issues, as well as the connection between them. It's the first of series it seems, but doesn't leave on too much of a cliffhanger. Other characters alluded to in this book will have their stories explored in the next book,but it's set up that they will all be part of growing circle where the current mains will still feature in decent chunks I think. There's plenty slow burn culminating in steam towards the end.
I loved how refreshing the new world they created was. Yes it's to do with fae and mythical creatures of all things fae, but I somehow found it refreshing and different from the usual romance novel fae tropes. Reading the blurb about queens, a mouse etc was abit confusing because I wasn't sure how much was literal. And the introductory aspects of the book were confusing for me because I was a bit slow to grasp the concepts around the world building, and the narratives used. It wasn't over the top or complex, but that initial novelty of a new world and structure took me a minute to get my head around. I don't think it's something that everyone will struggle with, but I'm the sort of person that gets disorientated easily in real life and not good with maps :)
The premise wasn't new, but characters were still engaging and relatable despite being in a fantasy setting. There were a lot of traits that made all the characters realistic and grounded and not too 'fictional'. Perhaps because the struggles they faced were as much about self perception, insecurities and shame, as much as they were about actual monsters and mortal danger.
My worry with this book is that it will turn out out be reverse harem, only the female protagonist is set to have multiple people soul bonded to her, but after reading the intro snippet for the next book- I realise it may very well not be the case. Our experiences with romance novels are so cliched that we automatically assume having multiple soul connections to other people will only ever be romantic, but I don't know. This book has a made itself a bit unique despite being in a not very unique genre.
The only complaint is that of language and tone, but I always pick at that in books set in a historical sounding setting, with bits of contemporary speech and language breaking through in conversation. It's a personal preference thing and not so jarring that it disrupted the flow.
This book was fascinating.
Enemies to lovers with two High Fae who are not looking for love and would each rather be alone, running from their pasts. Danger throws the two together in a confined space for a time, where they have to deal with their own personal issues, as well as the connection between them. It's the first of series it seems, but doesn't leave on too much of a cliffhanger. Other characters alluded to in this book will have their stories explored in the next book,but it's set up that they will all be part of growing circle where the current mains will still feature in decent chunks I think. There's plenty slow burn culminating in steam towards the end.
I loved how refreshing the new world they created was. Yes it's to do with fae and mythical creatures of all things fae, but I somehow found it refreshing and different from the usual romance novel fae tropes. Reading the blurb about queens, a mouse etc was abit confusing because I wasn't sure how much was literal. And the introductory aspects of the book were confusing for me because I was a bit slow to grasp the concepts around the world building, and the narratives used. It wasn't over the top or complex, but that initial novelty of a new world and structure took me a minute to get my head around. I don't think it's something that everyone will struggle with, but I'm the sort of person that gets disorientated easily in real life and not good with maps :)
The premise wasn't new, but characters were still engaging and relatable despite being in a fantasy setting. There were a lot of traits that made all the characters realistic and grounded and not too 'fictional'. Perhaps because the struggles they faced were as much about self perception, insecurities and shame, as much as they were about actual monsters and mortal danger.
My worry with this book is that it will turn out out be reverse harem, only the female protagonist is set to have multiple people soul bonded to her, but after reading the intro snippet for the next book- I realise it may very well not be the case. Our experiences with romance novels are so cliched that we automatically assume having multiple soul connections to other people will only ever be romantic, but I don't know. This book has a made itself a bit unique despite being in a not very unique genre.
The only complaint is that of language and tone, but I always pick at that in books set in a historical sounding setting, with bits of contemporary speech and language breaking through in conversation. It's a personal preference thing and not so jarring that it disrupted the flow.
July 17, 2021
A bond. The word conjures up a multitude of images. Some unpleasant ones like unbreakable chains, impenetrable prisons, freedom snatched away instantly, and the captive wrestling against the shackles that holds the one firmly in place. Then there’s far more pleasant images, the ones shared between two people, filled with moments of laughter, heartfelt talks, shared dreams, and whispered words of love that turn into a wonderous passion in seconds. Yet sometimes these two bonds are not so far apart, because people are broken at their core many times and can come with a lot of baggage. The bond ends up looking downright messy, at least at the start. A lot like Skye and Ilyas when they meet. Skye is royalty, but doesn’t want to claim it. All it has done is kept her on the run so far, and frankly it’s a miracle she’s survived as long as she has. Somehow, she lost her magic along the way and half of her memories. However, as we get to know her, she’s got more going for her than she gives herself credit. She has an authority about her, but we get the feeling it’s not the royalty thing. It’s also not a bad part of her. Not like the last queen. People have seen how ugly that can get. Ilyas sure did. He’s a force to be reckoned with, a true warrior. He’s able to withstand blow after blow and keep fighting. He’s trained to be an army to himself, and he delivers. Yet for all his fortitude on the battlefield, he can’t win against the horrifying assault that replays in his spirit of what he endured under the bond of another queen and what it finally drove him to do. So, he finds himself in a new battlefield as every fiber of his being draws him close to Skye, and the other part screams for him to run away as fast as he can. Skye is different though. He sees it as she defends the outcast, brings laughter to the children in their fear, uses her leadership to preserve the lives of those around her, and sacrifices herself if needed to save those same lives from the pack of Feral Fae. The hard exterior he has built around his spirit begins to break down, and he begins to hope that being bonded to this queen isn’t the curse he imagined at the start. Yes, they’re both broken, so very flawed. Together though they can see what is possible in the other if they give it a chance and see past their own brokenness long enough. What can emerge between the two is a bond that can weather the toughest battles ahead and be what their soul truly longed for all this time.
April 10, 2023
I've read other books by Allegra Pescatore. So when she offered me a review copy of this one, I was happy to accept!
I listened to most of the book in audio form and I truly enjoyed the narrator. The voices for all the characters were easy to make out. I particularly enjoyed the voice for Mysellica... even as I know I wouldn't want to hear it for very long. Although I did read the last 100 pages in ebook form. I just can't with spicy scenes in audio books.
I'm not usually a very big fan of enemies to lovers, but I truly enjoyed this one. Their reasons for hating the very idea of each other were well-established and made the insta-dislike palpable. The following forced proximity due to Plot allowed for some excellent chemistry. It never felt like it was simply the bond that made them want to be near each other.
I also loved the worldbuilding. I tend to struggle to understand how the world is supposed to look in books, but this one was easy to follow. The magic system, the fair folk, the set up of the mountain, I understand the gist of it without any long paragraphs of exposition. And while the world wasn't anything new for it's genre, I did enjoy the little mechanical additions of things like Bonded and the different magic realms.
There were a lot of themes on ruling and philosophy that I thoroughly enjoyed, although it might not be everyone's cup of tea. There are a lot of scenes of the characters plotting and strategizing their way through the giant issue ahead of them. So if you're looking for a more fast-paced, action-oriented plot, you might be disappointed. But as I love the deep thought experiments, they were some of my favorite scenes.
All in all, a delightful read! Really hope the sequel comes out soon.
I listened to most of the book in audio form and I truly enjoyed the narrator. The voices for all the characters were easy to make out. I particularly enjoyed the voice for Mysellica... even as I know I wouldn't want to hear it for very long. Although I did read the last 100 pages in ebook form. I just can't with spicy scenes in audio books.
I'm not usually a very big fan of enemies to lovers, but I truly enjoyed this one. Their reasons for hating the very idea of each other were well-established and made the insta-dislike palpable. The following forced proximity due to Plot allowed for some excellent chemistry. It never felt like it was simply the bond that made them want to be near each other.
I also loved the worldbuilding. I tend to struggle to understand how the world is supposed to look in books, but this one was easy to follow. The magic system, the fair folk, the set up of the mountain, I understand the gist of it without any long paragraphs of exposition. And while the world wasn't anything new for it's genre, I did enjoy the little mechanical additions of things like Bonded and the different magic realms.
There were a lot of themes on ruling and philosophy that I thoroughly enjoyed, although it might not be everyone's cup of tea. There are a lot of scenes of the characters plotting and strategizing their way through the giant issue ahead of them. So if you're looking for a more fast-paced, action-oriented plot, you might be disappointed. But as I love the deep thought experiments, they were some of my favorite scenes.
All in all, a delightful read! Really hope the sequel comes out soon.
July 3, 2021
I've been looking at this book to read for awhile and keep making excuses to put it off. I finally started reading it and finished in one sitting, it is SO GOOD!!
I love the world building, the different Lands and their powers, and how a persons eye colour is indicative of their power (though I do wish I had read a physical copy so I could easily flip to the front to remind myself where on the scale each colour falls!). I also really enjoyed the Fair Folk, their almost innocent existence in a world of High Fae politics and wars was a bright spot through the whole book.
I liked seeing the predjudice between the High Fae and the Fair Folk, it felt very much in line to how the groups are depicted in most other tales involving Fae. Having that sense of continuity even in a whole new world made this book feel like a much loved favorite even though this was my first time reading it.
I loved reading about Skye, her literal view of things is a refreshing break from typical Fae character. I enjoyed how, despite her lack of self-belief, she never actually stops trying to make things better or save everyone. She may not believe she can, or that she is worthy, but when push comes to shove she steps in and does what needs doing.
Ilyas is such an interesting character, his history and trauma is still such a strong influence on his life and choices, it was neat seeing how he and Skye overcame their respective pasts and learned to trust each other.
I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next book as well as rereading this one in the future!
I love the world building, the different Lands and their powers, and how a persons eye colour is indicative of their power (though I do wish I had read a physical copy so I could easily flip to the front to remind myself where on the scale each colour falls!). I also really enjoyed the Fair Folk, their almost innocent existence in a world of High Fae politics and wars was a bright spot through the whole book.
I liked seeing the predjudice between the High Fae and the Fair Folk, it felt very much in line to how the groups are depicted in most other tales involving Fae. Having that sense of continuity even in a whole new world made this book feel like a much loved favorite even though this was my first time reading it.
I loved reading about Skye, her literal view of things is a refreshing break from typical Fae character. I enjoyed how, despite her lack of self-belief, she never actually stops trying to make things better or save everyone. She may not believe she can, or that she is worthy, but when push comes to shove she steps in and does what needs doing.
Ilyas is such an interesting character, his history and trauma is still such a strong influence on his life and choices, it was neat seeing how he and Skye overcame their respective pasts and learned to trust each other.
I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next book as well as rereading this one in the future!
June 21, 2021
A great adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Two characters broken in their own way, one wanting solitude, the other without memories, that clashed together in the most life-changing of ways.
It's probably the most extreme "forced cohabitation" I ever read and I'm so glad Ilyas and Skye were thrust together with no way to wiggle out of it, because both of them really wanted to escape the other!
Their back and forth at the beginning was both funny and infuriating. The way their relationship evolved was coherent and followed its own course.
The way their past traumas were portrayed was realistic and really made me want to hug them both hard!
The background was pretty well detailed, even more because I skipped the initial part, with all the explanations, and decided to let the book explain things to me: it absolutely did!
I loved the portrayal of this society of High and lesser fae, the fair folk and the part Skye played with these two different cultures. The fair folk doesn't speak in a language comprehensible by the High Fae (except for children) so you can imagine the kind of problems and prejudice that brings. After all, if we can't understand them, are they even sentient beings? *grunt*
The only problem is that this was the first book of a series. There is a reason I usually avoid reading unfinished series... because I want the next one, like, yesterday, and it isn't out yet 😭
Two characters broken in their own way, one wanting solitude, the other without memories, that clashed together in the most life-changing of ways.
It's probably the most extreme "forced cohabitation" I ever read and I'm so glad Ilyas and Skye were thrust together with no way to wiggle out of it, because both of them really wanted to escape the other!
Their back and forth at the beginning was both funny and infuriating. The way their relationship evolved was coherent and followed its own course.
The way their past traumas were portrayed was realistic and really made me want to hug them both hard!
The background was pretty well detailed, even more because I skipped the initial part, with all the explanations, and decided to let the book explain things to me: it absolutely did!
I loved the portrayal of this society of High and lesser fae, the fair folk and the part Skye played with these two different cultures. The fair folk doesn't speak in a language comprehensible by the High Fae (except for children) so you can imagine the kind of problems and prejudice that brings. After all, if we can't understand them, are they even sentient beings? *grunt*
The only problem is that this was the first book of a series. There is a reason I usually avoid reading unfinished series... because I want the next one, like, yesterday, and it isn't out yet 😭
June 29, 2021
4.75 stars
This book kept me up too late. It starts out brilliantly (see below) and the humor and banter is delicious. I was caught early in the hook and curious about the grumpy winged warrior and the fiesty and feral lady Skye. The end is tense, satisfying and sets up for book 2 without torturing the reader with a cliffy cliff. I loved how it started out with the map, the levels of fae, the bonded and just set the stage. Perfect.
There is a long sex scene at around 75% with some tease before and after.
The only... awkwardness I found was regarding the intimacy at around 72% in. It wasn't written poorly, it was well described. But the
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.
.
.
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(possible spoiler) winged warrior is suffering from PTSD from an abusive psycho queen who forced his bond, tortured his compliance and rewarded with sex. And so. While the authors did a delicate and lovely job wooing the warrior to healing and to rewrite the abuse of his past, it made the scene complicated and bittersweet. Bitter bc the evil queen is always there and tainting. Tainting even a wonderful "enemies" to lovers romance.
When I put that aside, all in all the world was awesome, the characters (both high fae and fair folk) were amazing and vibrant. I love sassy sprites. The arc of Skye was believable and engaging. It's nearly coming of age in terms of her growth and agency. I look forward to more books from this duo!
This book kept me up too late. It starts out brilliantly (see below) and the humor and banter is delicious. I was caught early in the hook and curious about the grumpy winged warrior and the fiesty and feral lady Skye. The end is tense, satisfying and sets up for book 2 without torturing the reader with a cliffy cliff. I loved how it started out with the map, the levels of fae, the bonded and just set the stage. Perfect.
There is a long sex scene at around 75% with some tease before and after.
The only... awkwardness I found was regarding the intimacy at around 72% in. It wasn't written poorly, it was well described. But the
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(possible spoiler) winged warrior is suffering from PTSD from an abusive psycho queen who forced his bond, tortured his compliance and rewarded with sex. And so. While the authors did a delicate and lovely job wooing the warrior to healing and to rewrite the abuse of his past, it made the scene complicated and bittersweet. Bitter bc the evil queen is always there and tainting. Tainting even a wonderful "enemies" to lovers romance.
When I put that aside, all in all the world was awesome, the characters (both high fae and fair folk) were amazing and vibrant. I love sassy sprites. The arc of Skye was believable and engaging. It's nearly coming of age in terms of her growth and agency. I look forward to more books from this duo!
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