Title: Bonded
Author: Mande Matthews
Published Dec 2011
Pages: 286 Kindle
I hadn't gotten to the book store and was dying for something to read (and by that I mean truly desperate to get into another world ...dying!) If you're a reader you get it ;)
Anyway, I was looking through Goodreads (A gift from the gods btw;) and I happened upon a free book prequel by the name of The Light Keepers.
Looking at the cover, it was obviously fantasy and after reading the description, appeared to have a strong female lead...usually a good thing ;) Also... I'm not gonna lie, free is always worth a shot ;)
So I took a chance.......and I really enjoyed it :D
The only thing was, it gave me a preview of the next book, Bonded...which (not unexpectedly) left me hanging. So of course I purchased it (Only $3.99 btw, quite a steal if you ask me ;)
Aaaaaand here's what I thought of it :D
Bonded is the first installment of the ShadowLight Saga series. This book introduces us to a young man named Hallad Avarson. He's the son of Avarr Godhi the village chieftain and has a younger sister named Emma. Two other important characters are Erick Sigtrigson, Hallad's sworn blood brother who is in love with Emma, and Ericks brother. Rolf.
One night a mysterious young woman appears before them and Hallad feels an instant unexplainable connection to her. Shortly after she appears a shadow seeps in, and when it clears....it takes Emma with it. That night is the turning point in this story.
It changes everything, and none of their lives will ever be the same.
Lots of mystery, adventure, hardship, deceit...and also comedy in this one :D It was a quick read because I never wanted to put it down. The Norse mythology aspects of this book were a risk in my opinion, but the author added them fairly seamlessly and they worked :D There were no real lulls. Bonded kept me engaged and entertained throughout it's entirety. A definite recommend :D Can't wait till the next installment ;)
Also, there's a fun little quiz on Mande Matthews website
"Are You Touched by the Shadow or by the Light?"
Apparently I'm a Shadow Walker ;)
What a great touch :D
