Title: Bound
Author: C.K. Bryant
First published October 3, 2011
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.91
Overview
When Kira’s life takes a tragic turn, she discovers that her best friend Lydia has been hiding a secret from her. Suddenly, Kira is thrust into a world full of magic, ancient curses and dangerous enemies.
As she learns to accept this new reality, Kira finds herself falling for a shape-shifting warrior who challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. With newfound strength and courage, Kira must navigate this treacherous new world and fight for everything she holds dear.
BOUND is a thrilling tale of true friendship, sacrifice and unstoppable love.
Editoral Review
Bound by C.K. Bryant is an entrancing fantasy novel aimed at young adults. This book, published on October 3, 2011, is the opening volume of Bryant’s Dark Reflections series.
Bound abounds with magical creatures, prophecies, and teenage romance. C.K. Bryant skillfully incorporates traditional elements seen in fantasy literature to create a captivating story featuring well-drawn characters.
The story is set in present-day Seattle, following two 17-year-old twin sisters, Jesse and Samantha. They were not allowed to have much contact with one another growing up due to their parents’ acrimonious divorce.
The girls have vastly different personalities; Jesse is quiet, studious, and sweet, while Samantha is rebellious, extroverted, and prone to trouble. However, everything changes when they reunite and find out that they are descendants of a magical bloodline that’s linked to the dangerous entity known as the Yuri.
The Yuri is a creature that feeds on human energy, and it seems that one of the sisters is the key to stopping it. The additional main characters are well-developed and add depth to the story, and the setting is serene yet mysterious.
Additionally, the author’s narrative style is both engaging and accessible, making Bound an unputdownable reading experience. What sets Bound apart from other fantasy novels is its emphasis on family, where the characters are forced to confront not only the Yuri, but also their complicated relationships.
C.K. Bryant provides a well-thought-out backstory for each of her characters, and the way she intertwines these stories with her fantasy elements is both credible and thrilling. Nonetheless, despite its strengths, Bound also has weaknesses.
The book had some pacing issues, particularly in the beginning, where a considerable amount of time is spent on character building. Additionally, the romance between the characters feels rushed, and some of the dialogue can be a little melodramatic, and predictable.
Otherwise, the novel possesses a gripping conclusion that immediately draws readers into the sequel. It’s a great book for readers who enjoy urban fantasy books, especially those with a strong emphasis on family dynamics.
In conclusion, Bound by C.K. Bryant is a captivating novel that blends mythical elements into modern society with great aplomb. Despite its minor weaknesses, this first book in the Dark Reflections series opens a window into a captivating universe that readers will undoubtedly enjoy.
