This was a great story based on prophecy, magic and mystery. I loved the relationship of Assefa and Sanura but honestly, I wanted them to complete the pomp and circumstances (bonding) to their union and come out kicking with all the evil cleverly named Mata Wata and Oya brought down upon them.
Yes, I loved N.D.'s writing style with very vivid mythology descriptions (500 years) and memorable characters (I am not giving out any spoilers) but I really wanted it my way after reading the first book.
Still this series was a great one but remember this: to find one's soul mate in "Of Beasts and Bonds" Assefa and Doc Sanura did test their bonds while freeing pure evil (beasts).
4.5 magical stars even though it ends in a dang-blasted cliffy!!!!!!!!
If you think the first book was great, this one outdid the last one! I read half of the book in one night, but was drawn away by pressing matters I had to take care of, then I finished the other half the next night or is it morning since I stayed up till almost 4 am to finish reading it. It was that gripping good!
I really enjoyed the love story between Sanura and Asefa, a bond strengthened, not destroyed despite Mata Wata inflicting immense tragedies upon them and their love ones. You can feel the deep emotional connection between the two lovebirds, but not only that with cherry on top, the sex scenes were scorching hot, which is how I like it.
Another thing I like what the author did was creating intrigue between Asefa's right hand man, Zareb, who was referred to also as the "Shield," and Sanura's best girlfriend, Cin. I could feel the irresistible attraction between them, pulling like a moth to a flame. You will know what I mean if you read the first book in regard to Cin's relationship status. Just the whole interactions between her various characters had me fascinated.
One moment I was fanning myself from the heat, the next I had tears welling in my eyes from the exchanges between Sanura and her mother or the grief of one of Asefa's close friends. There were other moments too, but I don't want to give spoilers here. You have to read to feel for yourself what the author had evoked in me with her story. It's the hallmark of a great writer if she can touch a chord in the reader's heart. She sure did for me. I can't wait for the next installment!
The whole story is well done—the whole trilogy for that matter. I love that the two main characters are revealing themselves to each other bit by bit, and that both their magic are developing in tandem. I love the intricate and rich relationships both main characters enjoy, giving a sense of the deep roots they have and what they have to lose. Technically, when the time comes, they will fight for the world, for a goddess, but you know they’re really fighting for their circle of friends and family and I think it’s fantastic that the extended characters are also developed enough to make us feel their connections.
I was fully immersed in the world of witches and were-cats when I began this story. N.D. Jones has crafted a trilogy that swept me up and carried me on. I went from finishing Book 1 to beginning Book 2 in the space of minutes, so I will say that the devil’s in the details, and there are many details in the second book, not all of them necessary and not all of them felt consistent. Nothing major, however, and it was easy to lose myself in the pages.
I am so glad I found this trilogy. It’s been too long since I enjoyed a paranormal romance from a new-to-me author, and I’d forgotten how exciting it is to find a gifted storyteller who writes stories you want to read again and again.
"...I found it quite entertaining and delightful, and would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys magic, fantasy and a realistic review of cultures foreign to their own..."
Sefia Curator, SEFIA Star, Seal of Excellence for Independent Authors
