The Bonds That Break Us by Erin Mainord

This review copy was gifted to me by Erin Mainord through R&R Book Tours for my stop on The Bonds That Break Us book tour. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: The Bonds That Break Us

Series: Bound By Blood

Author: Erin Mainord

Release Date: March 5, 2024

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Romantasy

Source: digital, R&R Book Tours

TW: graphic sexual content, blood, violence, cursing, abandonment, alcohol

Synopsis

She wants revenge.

He wants her.

After learning of Sin’s dark deceptions, Wren travels to The Feral Vale where she is introduced to the rustic land of the elves. She vows to protect her family at all expense, even if that means keeping the Black Art’s treacherous secret.

When a realm divided draws the unwanted attention of a neighboring king, Wren and the elves must resort to clever schemes to gain leverage in the impending war. Wren and her family are determined to lay low—a challenging feat when the entire kingdom guard is searching for the “white-haired witch.” She longs to forget the betrayal that drove her here, more so, she longs to forget him, but when circumstance thrusts them together, the result is nothing short of incendiary.

As motives come to light, Wren isn’t sure who she can rely on, but one fact becomes startling, and infuriatingly, clear: Wren and Sin must combine forces if any of them has a hope to survive the disconcerting conflict ahead. With past hurts challenging them at every step, the road ahead is punishing.

War is brutal, but nothing is more maiming than furious love.

Thoughts

Erin Mainord's The Bonds That Break Us, captivated me as a compelling continuation of the "Bound By Blood" series. This book took me on a roller-coaster ride, filled with unpredictable twists and betrayals that kept me on the edge of my seat. The narrative unfolded at a pace that I can only describe as fast and exhilarating, making it almost impossible for me to put the book down.

In terms of plot development, The Bonds That Break Us excelled in creating a complex and engaging storyline. Each chapter brought a new revelation, further deepening the intrigue and suspense. The anticipation for the series' finale was masterfully built up, with a promise of a climactic battle that will undoubtedly be a showdown to remember.

I couldn't help but admire the intricate world-building in this book. It was detailed and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a universe that was as fascinating as it was daunting. The elements of high fantasy and dark fantasy were seamlessly weaved into the narrative, adding to its richness and depth.

Furthermore, the characters were well fleshed out, each with their own personalities, strengths, and flaws. Their development throughout the series impressed me, causing me to invest emotionally in them.

The Bonds That Break Us is a book that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. With its intricate plot, detailed world-building, and skillful character development, it is a definite recommendation for fans of high fantasy and dark fantasy like myself. This book proved once again that Erin Mainord is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of fantasy literature.