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Most Helpful Reviews
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Liked It “I was skeptical about this book at first, but then as I kept on reading it, I just couldn't stop! It is a short-easy read and I hate the fact that it leaves you with the biggest cliffhanger EVER! Over all the plot is interesting, the characters appear to be believable and the plot is different...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “I normally do not focus or point out typos in any book because I completely understand the edit process, digital formatting and how things can just slip through the cracks despite all the effort. However, I had to share this one because it made me laugh in a good way. It didn't determine my...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“I was skeptical about this book at first, but then as I kept on reading it, I just couldn't stop! It is a short-easy read and I hate the fact that it leaves you with the biggest cliffhanger EVER! Over all the plot is interesting, the characters appear to be believable and the plot is different from other books. Although, it does have the same romance element that every other book I read has (which I love!) I cant wait until I read the continuation of this book. :)”
bloodykitty wrote this review Tuesday, March 26, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is the first book in the Arelia LaRue Series and is set in present day Louisiana. Arelia decides to work a summer job with her best friend out at a local plantation that has been family owned since before the Civil War. She believes it will be a great way for her to help her Grandmother out. Only to find out there's more than meets the eye in store for her when they arrive. Battling between accepting who she is with who she wants to be Arelia finds herself in a fight for not only her life but that of others around her.
Kathryn G wrote this review Monday, March 18, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Once you reach the end of this book. It will make you want to hurry up and start reading the next book in the series. There are currently 4 books available with a 5th book set to be released in early Summer 2013! So if you start reading now, you'll have plenty of time to read the next 3 books in the series and finish in time for book #5's release. ”
“i loved this book. i thought the voodoo was reall interesting to read about and the story line kept me wanting to read more.”
emma wrote this review Sunday, March 3, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Dug this book. Love a creepy plantation and crazy historical flashbacks.”
TracySchoenberg wrote this review Wednesday, February 27, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Interesting. ”
AmK wrote this review Sunday, December 30, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I normally do not focus or point out typos in any book because I completely understand the edit process, digital formatting and how things can just slip through the cracks despite all the effort. However, I had to share this one because it made me laugh in a good way. It didn't determine my rating or enjoyment of the story, I just thought it was awesome.
Courtlandia wrote this review Friday, December 21, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The best typo quote! "...even if it meant staying outside in the horrible heat all day and getting bitten by misquotes."
Despite the typo, Bound still feels like it is in the first drafts based on content development. Although, the reader gets a clear picture of the estate and the characters, a few issues remain. Unfortunately, none of the characters are very likable. Arelia has moments, but her redundant rants and huge chip on the shoulder gets old and demonstrates a lack of growth. We are supposed to believe she is chosen for a reason we cannot yet see. In time, the reader should be provided with a glimpse of change. This should arrive near the end if we are to be drawn towards the second book in the series. I found myself disliking Arelia even more and losing faith in her so called strength. Although excuses are given for her close friendship with Sabrina, this girl is absolutely unappealing as a side-kick. She's downright mean and if this is friendship, Arelia needs more than magic, she needs therapy. A doormat often does not inspire sympathy, but rather pity. She talks a good game through her angry outbursts, but has no apparent resilience or backbone. The history of Darkwood is the meat of the plot, but yet it is told through surface and tour-guided stories. This is the place where the story can really take a deeper turn and provide dimension and meaning. It was frustrating to skim along with such a rich opportunity presented. Lasty, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference was odd and basing the guests on similar characters was insultingly obvious. Instead of being clever thematically, it just raised an eyebrow in lameness. I apologize for being so direct, but sometimes these techniques can be a hit or miss. In this case, a total miss for me.”
“I liked the way this book had voodoo, magic. The best part of the book was the drama with her best friend Sabrina and there crush on this one guy, Lucus. The twist at the end was incredible with him never getting old and dying...his curse.”
Cynthia wrote this review Thursday, December 13, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“(cross-posted from The Caffeinated Diva reads blog)
Kim @ The Caffeinated Diva wrote this review Tuesday, November 20, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The good...
I really enjoyed this book, despite the mixed reviews on Amazon. The voodoo mythology behind the story is fresh and unique, a twist on the witchy theme. It had a very real flavor to it, a lot of attention paid to incorporating true voodoo beliefs. Much of the story centers around Arelia and her dealings with the spirits, the ceremonial aspects of asking for and receiving favors very well done. Some of these spirits were clearly of the higher level, while many were simply the spirits of those who have passed.
The various relationships within the story were also dynamic and interesting, even those that were rather unhealthy. The friendship between Sabrina and Arelia, although it annoyed me, was very real. It took a lot for me to harbor anything but negative feelings for Sabrina! Lucas and Arelia were an interesting couple, blowing hot ad cold throughout this first book. The Dumptys, although minor characters, added to the story as well. The parents wre awful, but their son Ben was adorable and the mother in me wanted to take him home and take care of him.
One of the things that I liked about Arelia's character was the very thing that I have seen denounced in many reviews of this book and series. Her mercurial mood swings throughout this book. From moment to moment, she either believed or didn't believe in voodoo and her abilities. From moment to moment, she blew hot and cold. In my opinion, this worked. She was brought up to respect, but not embrace voodoo. She came to the plantation and was suddenly immersed in a world she really didn't understand. It was a lot for her to handle. She blew hot and cold with just about everyone for most of the book, but that, too, worked for me. She knew her grandmother was keeping secrets, Mae wanted things from her, James was constantly in her face, Sabrina was arrogant and dismissive, and she was fighting an attraction to Lucas. Any one of these things is explanation enough. For me, the mood swings supported her struggle to accept voodoo and to find herself.
The bad...
My only issue was in editing errors. There were quite a few of them. That can be distracting, but in this case, it was less so for me. The story was strong enough that it was easier to get past those things. The other thing was the conclusion. I didn't like where it ended. Even knowing there was a next book, it was a bit awkwardly placed.
Diva notes
Aside from the novel itself, the cover is gorgeous. Dark and mysterious, it fit the storyline and the location. Will I read more of Arelia? Absolutely!”
“Arelia was different. She can see and communicate with spirits and unfortunately, living in New Orleans, there are a lot of them floating around. She has learned to ignore them, for the most part, and to hide it when she has to communicate.
Jolie wrote this review Wednesday, November 14, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Deciding to take a summer job at a local historical mansion with her best friend Sabrina, Areilia is resigned to watch Sabrina hook up with every available male there. But, to her surprise, Areila catches the attention of Lucus LaPlante.....the mysterious son of the owners of the mansion. From there, she realizes that something is happening and she is part of it.
I enjoyed this book and I think I learned more about vodoo then I have ever know...lol. The sparks between Areila and Lucus flew off the page and I genuinely got annoyed when Sabrina entered the picture.
Will I read this book again? Yes and I want to read the 2nd and 3rd books badly.
Will I reccomend this book to family and friends? Yes.”