Review Posted at Ruby's Books


If there's one thing I love more than anything is a good fantasy book. The Binding was, in my opinion, more than just "good". It was more than great, actually.

The first thing that caught my attention was that we don't have just one perspective, but two. The book is written in first person, but we get to see Lily's and Tharin's take on the action, alternatively. That's where I, as a reader, tip my hat to the author. Seriously. As a reader that's weary of books written in 1st person, it was so refreshing not having to worry about that. Because you get two views on the same scene (or almost the same), it's like actually seeing the entire picture, like having eyes on the back of your head also and seeing every little detail around you.

The world we find in The Binding is new, fresh, surprising. Out of all the supernatural creatures, elves are the least used, so it was a nice change to see them as the main species in a story. You also find ogres, orcs, demons, wizards, wolves and a few other creatures I've never encountered before.

The characters were amazing. Lily, the heroine, managed to surprise me a lot. Just when you think you have her figured out, she does or says something that changes everything you think you know about her. She can be both strong and weak, she can be fair and she can overreact at some point, she can be happy and sad. The one thing that is constant through the entire book is that she's an extremely friendly person. And when she cares about someone, she'll do whatever it takes to protect them, even if it means endangering herself. I liked her friendship with Julie. It's one of those really rare friendships and I for one haven't found them in a lot of the books I've read.

Tharin was a very interesting hero. I'm sure that if the book was told only from Lily's perspective, I would've wished to smack him a few times. But since I got to be inside his head, see why he said the things he said, why he acted in a certain way, I can't imagine a better hero. And I liked that Tolan, his twin brother, wasn't as perfect as I first thought. There were times when I laughed alongside Tharin at his brother's behavior. So don't think that one twin is flawed, while one is perfect. They both have faults as they have moments of utter perfection. That, in my opinion, makes this characters real, it gives the idea of layers upon layers and it just made me want to uncover everything about them.

I loved the ending. It made me groan and scream in frustration, but the cliffhanger is AMAZING! I think it's best if I say there are at least two cliffhangers, not just one. I am impatiently waiting for book two.

If you like fantasy, paranormal, young adult, you should definitely try The Binding. You won't be disappointed! ( )

am not one to normally read books about elves or fairies. When I saw The Binding I had to check it out. The author doesn't write about tree dwelling fairies, no, elves are the star of the one. I don't know much about elves except that the keebler ones make some rocking cookies. :)

The Binding is the beginning for Lily and Tharin. Lily is part elf and doesn't know it until her fiancé, since birth, saves her life one night. Tharin is none too happy to be saving Lily, but he always keeps his word. plus he wants to keep peace amongst the elf clans so he has to marry Lily even though he loves another. They set off with Lily's BFF Julia and Tharin's twin Tolin to go back to Veslei. Things are not what they seem when it comes to Lily's brother Lucas. Before she gets to find out the truth, everything goes wrong.

The author writes an interesting story through the eyes of both Lily and Tharin. She uses multiple POV's and gives you both of their perspectives for each scene. The fact that she does this adds a little something to the story. It no longer seems one dimensional. The one thing I wish that the author had done was explain things a little more. I like that some things are hidden because it keeps you wanting more but maybe if we knew more about Lily's parents or maybe the powers the elves have.

Tharin is a character you love to hate. He comes into the situation basically blaming Lily for the fact that he had to leave Kalis, the girl he loves behind. It's not Lily's fault that he has to marry her. She may be part Elf but she had absolutely no clue they even existed. He starts to have feelings for her, which is no surprise since he has to marry her, but he hates himself for even having feelings. He spent years disliking this girl and now he starts to care for her.

I think my favorite has to be Tolin and Julia. Julia has had a rough life. When Lily brings her along with them she finds her salvation in Tolin. They argue and fight but I think that is because it is easier than admitting their true feelings. Tolin is good for Julia. He shows her what love really is and that it doesn't require you being slapped around.

Overall thoughts are that it is starting off as a pretty good series. If the author sticks to this path the books can only get better. I can not wait to see wait happens next. I was bummed that there was a cliffhanger but at least I don't have to wait too much longer. I think the next one comes out in November. This is a definite recommend for your TBR list. This book is YA but there is some violence so I recommend to readers age 15+. ( )