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The Ancients: A Promise of Bonds and Secrets
BOOK ONE - promised series
Catherine Black learns the hard way that some things are meant to fall apart.
Some rules, even ones that are centuries old, aren't supposed to last. Once the little community of Everett Valley slowly starts to deteriorate, Catherine knows she needs to decide quickly whether to stay or leave behind everything she held dear.
But what if deceit is cloaked in a pretty face?
What if the murderer won't be caught?
Apparently, everything that has been happening is connected to them.
The Ancients.
Whoever they are.
Catherine Black learns the hard way that some things are meant to fall apart.
Some rules, even ones that are centuries old, aren't supposed to last. Once the little community of Everett Valley slowly starts to deteriorate, Catherine knows she needs to decide quickly whether to stay or leave behind everything she held dear.
But what if deceit is cloaked in a pretty face?
What if the murderer won't be caught?
Apparently, everything that has been happening is connected to them.
The Ancients.
Whoever they are.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2022
6 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Virginia
4 books4 followersBorn in Mechanicsville, Virginia 1998 to an American mom and a German dad.
I grew up in Switzerland, where I still live, and will probably stay.
I first started writing when I was in fourth grade after my teacher asked me to read my story out loud to the class.
Ever since, I figured; hey, maybe I'm halfway decent at this!
And haven't stopped writing.
Don't think I ever will!
I grew up in Switzerland, where I still live, and will probably stay.
I first started writing when I was in fourth grade after my teacher asked me to read my story out loud to the class.
Ever since, I figured; hey, maybe I'm halfway decent at this!
And haven't stopped writing.
Don't think I ever will!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 7, 2022
It’s a self-published debut novel, but it does not feel like one, at all!!! I’ve been a fan of this book since it’s first drafts on Wattpad, and I know the author has gone through great lengths to edit this story to where it is now. The formatting is so professional and I love the chapter headers!!! It’s written very well, with some lovely moments of description, and action scenes that are engaging to read. Now, onto the plot that I love….
Without giving spoilers, it’s a book that has a romance simmering in the background, but it’s really about discovering oneself, making hard decisions, uncovering mysteries, building friendships, and lots of adventure that everyone loves about shifter stories. It hooks you in without you even realizing it, until something major happens, and then you find yourself emotionally invested in so many characters before you know it. Love the family dynamics too, and how they really feel like “packs” versus just being in a pack for the sake of it being a shifter romance.
My favorite thing about the book is how independent the characters feel, in terms of their own personalities and goals. I’ve read the drafts of the other books in this series, and oh man, does the character development build beautifully and with so much satisfaction! You get a sense of the characters not acting out in ridiculous manners, and yet they also make decisions that you can’t quite predict. No out of left field plot twists, yet it keeps you on your toes. The pacing is on point, and each chapter builds off the last one. Twist some major mystery and adventure into that, and it’s just a really entertaining read. Basically, I’m just trying to say it’s a solid story! Natalie blends the themes together very well, which is not easy to do, and so satisfying as a reader.
I’d recommend this book to readers who like mysteries, shifter stories, and adventure. If you also like fated tropes, then this is a story you’ll definitely enjoy. It’s got a really fun, unique process for bonding fated mates together, and it makes the tension soooo much fun :D
Without giving spoilers, it’s a book that has a romance simmering in the background, but it’s really about discovering oneself, making hard decisions, uncovering mysteries, building friendships, and lots of adventure that everyone loves about shifter stories. It hooks you in without you even realizing it, until something major happens, and then you find yourself emotionally invested in so many characters before you know it. Love the family dynamics too, and how they really feel like “packs” versus just being in a pack for the sake of it being a shifter romance.
My favorite thing about the book is how independent the characters feel, in terms of their own personalities and goals. I’ve read the drafts of the other books in this series, and oh man, does the character development build beautifully and with so much satisfaction! You get a sense of the characters not acting out in ridiculous manners, and yet they also make decisions that you can’t quite predict. No out of left field plot twists, yet it keeps you on your toes. The pacing is on point, and each chapter builds off the last one. Twist some major mystery and adventure into that, and it’s just a really entertaining read. Basically, I’m just trying to say it’s a solid story! Natalie blends the themes together very well, which is not easy to do, and so satisfying as a reader.
I’d recommend this book to readers who like mysteries, shifter stories, and adventure. If you also like fated tropes, then this is a story you’ll definitely enjoy. It’s got a really fun, unique process for bonding fated mates together, and it makes the tension soooo much fun :D
January 16, 2023
Very good read!
I enjoyed Book 1 of the Promised Series and read it in a day. I like the way the author builds conflict between the characters and heightens the tension in the story to keep the reader anxious about what will happen next. The characters are well drawn out with complex character arcs. The intricate plot kept me guessing as I followed along with Catherine’s discovery of her own abilities. I especially like how Catherine comes across as vulnerable with flaws that she is eager to overcome, while at the same time battling external forces such as difficult family relationships.
A story about shifters would not be complete without a romance and I love the slow buildup to finding her promised and what the fated bond will end up meaning for Catherine. Add to this the mystery of an unknown killer on the loose and the book brings together my favorite elements: a whodunit, fantasy and a well crafted love story.
Definitely recommend this and can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens to all the characters.
I enjoyed Book 1 of the Promised Series and read it in a day. I like the way the author builds conflict between the characters and heightens the tension in the story to keep the reader anxious about what will happen next. The characters are well drawn out with complex character arcs. The intricate plot kept me guessing as I followed along with Catherine’s discovery of her own abilities. I especially like how Catherine comes across as vulnerable with flaws that she is eager to overcome, while at the same time battling external forces such as difficult family relationships.
A story about shifters would not be complete without a romance and I love the slow buildup to finding her promised and what the fated bond will end up meaning for Catherine. Add to this the mystery of an unknown killer on the loose and the book brings together my favorite elements: a whodunit, fantasy and a well crafted love story.
Definitely recommend this and can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens to all the characters.
January 13, 2023
I think this book has a very beautiful story and writing style. I enjoyed the switches in the point of views.
Catherine is by far my favourite character until now because I can relate to her pretty well. For now she is my only favourite but I think that could change when I get to read the other parts.
The only thing what isn't clear to me after reading the entire book is what exactly the Macena-Bond stands for. By the Promised Bond I could grasp it very well but not with that. It would be nice if it was explained somewhere fully. Because I think it's not only the bond of a best friend but something more, like a soulsister.
But this is the only thing that I would criticize. Everything else I would pretty much do the same if I would write it.
Catherine is by far my favourite character until now because I can relate to her pretty well. For now she is my only favourite but I think that could change when I get to read the other parts.
The only thing what isn't clear to me after reading the entire book is what exactly the Macena-Bond stands for. By the Promised Bond I could grasp it very well but not with that. It would be nice if it was explained somewhere fully. Because I think it's not only the bond of a best friend but something more, like a soulsister.
But this is the only thing that I would criticize. Everything else I would pretty much do the same if I would write it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2023
Great take on wolf shifters
I love this book and the characters. I'd consider this a character-driven book, which is the very best kind. I got really attached to the characters, who are flawed and relatable, and their relationships with each other.
There's a big theme of friendship and family, and what loyalty means even when it comes at a cost, which I always love. These themes were prevalent throughout the whole book and are woven in with character arcs nicely. Most of the cast feels different from the beginning to the end—there is a lot of growth/change.
A bit of a grumpy-sunshine romance with the second point of view character (without spoiling anything!). I really love the grumpy characters, so this is exactly what I like in a book. If it's not your thing, this character isn't the main character, Catherine is.
She has a lot of depth and deals with insecurities and a feeling of not being good enough. A very real and well-executed character misbelief (that she thinks she isn't good enough and not worthy of love) that comes back to bite her and challenge her throughout. That was very relatable to me and how I felt as a teen. I think young adults will be able to relate to her and root for her to overcome her challenges.
The romance is sweet and I love the intensity the promised bond brings. This could have fallen into the "instant love" trope, but it makes PERFECT sense here and is executed well. It's one of those books where it just works. Especially because it's shown through the characters that even though there's an intense bond, they still have free will and have to develop these relationships to feel emotionally connected. So for me it avoids instalove. I guess you could call it more like instalust? A promised bond that still has to be nurtured to grow. I have always liked the idea of there being a soul mate in the world somewhere for everyone, and I like seeing that theme in books.
In full disclosure, there are some errors scattered throughout (probably because the author knows multiple languages). Some areas where things could be more concise/edited down. The beginning was a bit slow to start, and the epilogue seemingly came out of nowhere, but once I was hooked on the characters I became invested and had to know what happened. I'm looking forward to the next one to see what the characters will do next!
I love this book and the characters. I'd consider this a character-driven book, which is the very best kind. I got really attached to the characters, who are flawed and relatable, and their relationships with each other.
There's a big theme of friendship and family, and what loyalty means even when it comes at a cost, which I always love. These themes were prevalent throughout the whole book and are woven in with character arcs nicely. Most of the cast feels different from the beginning to the end—there is a lot of growth/change.
A bit of a grumpy-sunshine romance with the second point of view character (without spoiling anything!). I really love the grumpy characters, so this is exactly what I like in a book. If it's not your thing, this character isn't the main character, Catherine is.
She has a lot of depth and deals with insecurities and a feeling of not being good enough. A very real and well-executed character misbelief (that she thinks she isn't good enough and not worthy of love) that comes back to bite her and challenge her throughout. That was very relatable to me and how I felt as a teen. I think young adults will be able to relate to her and root for her to overcome her challenges.
The romance is sweet and I love the intensity the promised bond brings. This could have fallen into the "instant love" trope, but it makes PERFECT sense here and is executed well. It's one of those books where it just works. Especially because it's shown through the characters that even though there's an intense bond, they still have free will and have to develop these relationships to feel emotionally connected. So for me it avoids instalove. I guess you could call it more like instalust? A promised bond that still has to be nurtured to grow. I have always liked the idea of there being a soul mate in the world somewhere for everyone, and I like seeing that theme in books.
In full disclosure, there are some errors scattered throughout (probably because the author knows multiple languages). Some areas where things could be more concise/edited down. The beginning was a bit slow to start, and the epilogue seemingly came out of nowhere, but once I was hooked on the characters I became invested and had to know what happened. I'm looking forward to the next one to see what the characters will do next!
March 4, 2023
This is a wonderful first novel from this author. I loved every minute of the story and was sad to finish it. It has everything you could be looking for. From friendship to war, love to family drama, and everything in between. I cannot wait to read the next installment from these characters world.
March 15, 2024
A perfect mixture of Romance and mystery with character build up. I am happy to give it a 4 star,Maybe 5 even if it was my favourite genre.
P.S: I got this book free from someone but it doesn't matter, i am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
P.S: I got this book free from someone but it doesn't matter, i am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews