Review: Keep Reading to Book # 3...It Does Get Better!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 18, 2012
I didn't think Bound would be all that great of a book considering 1) it was free, and 2) I've never heard of the author before.  But I started reading the first chapter, because, let's face it, the synopsis sounded creepy and full of spooky things...and I do love supernatural books.  Besides, the setting is in New Orleans, and what other city could invoke that instant feeling of mysteriousness?  Add in the fact that the main heroine hears voices swirling in her head, and it's a book you definitely want to know more about.The story begins with Arelia, a young girl living with her gran-mere, barely making rent, who decides to head off to the Darkwood plantation house out in the boonies with her rich best friend, Sabrina.  A special invitation only request given to her friend lets both of them work for a large amount of money at the plantation by helping guest.  And Arelia could use every little bit she can get.  She could also use a set of ear plugs. Apparently, Arelia can hear spirits all around her, and has been able to her whole life.  She's learned by her grandmother's example to respect the spirits, but it's difficult to do when they drop enigmatic one liners intent on making her head explode as she tries to unravel their meaning.  For Arelia, her job should have been incredibly simple; however, simple is word out of her dictionary, because one look at the handsome plantation owners son, Lucus, and she knows she's in trouble.  He's polite, suave, definitely easy on the eye's, and unfortunately for Arelia, her best friend also has her sights set on him.  To make matters worse, because really, what could be worse than hearing spirits, having to tamp down your feelings for a guy you like, having to do your work plus your lazy best friends work, and meeting family members you never knew you possessed, Darkwood has a secret curse that only she can solve.  Arelia is used to hard work in life, but this mystery is on a whole new level.  Especially as she realizes she was blessed by the spirits, and could be a powerful voodoo queen...if only she could get the hang of it.  Plus one of the workers within the Plantation, Ivan, seems to know more than he is letting on.  With the curse looming over her head, Arelia must figure out who to trust and quickly.  Because if things are left as they are, so many people she has come to care about could be lost forever.Bound was actually, and I hate to say this, not the best book ever, but for a free book it really did capture my attention.  The plot was pretty cool, and I did like the writing....but sometimes it did feel just plain silly.  Like spirits are talking to her, and she doesn't really question it. She finds out she's a voodoo queen, but it's all good.  No shocker.  And at other times what is painfully obvious to the reader, she just doesn't get.  Floats right over head.  That was actually horribly annoying.  But the characters were pretty well thought out (side note...I despise Sabrina...that is one spoiled, rich, uncaring loose female).  I would totally recommend Bound to anyone who likes YA supernatural romance and I will also say I did read book 2, and am almost done with 3.  By this point I am in love with the villain. Just saying.  If you do pick this book up, please go ahead and read the second one too, because the writing, while sometimes annoying, does get better!  I am completely enthralled!