Review: Outstanding sequel - great characters and memorable writing!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 1, 2010
I am particularly fond of books where the protagonist is "rescued" and needs to heal. In Gaven's case he was rescued without knowing he needed to be - so not the typical story. In the first bookGavenhe finds out that he is actually a Masarian and, once he is captured,  he is given to Vlar for training. By the end of the book he and Vlar are officially bonded but he still wonders where it is all going - whether he can live up to the expectations that Vlar and his people have for someone who is actually royal. He also has some issues with the relationship with his Dad and his place in Masarian society.In The Bonding, Gaven and Vlar really get to know one another. Their relationship is solid but without the level of committment that Gaven sees with his father or the other men and their men. When Gaven starts to develop senses like Vlar's from being with Vlar both of them start to consider whether this bonding - not meant to be forever - is something that neither expected.The characters in both the stories are fantastic - rich, emotionally vulnerable, and original. Sequels can be hit or miss so I was more than pleased to find this one a huge hit. Vlar is hot, ancient, and perfectly suited to be a guide. Gaven is younger and more emotional but you the reader get to grow up with him as he learns how to be a man. I enjoyed it thoroughly and feel that it completed the story to where I was very satisfied. The emotional journey that Vlar and Gaven take is full of issues and that makes it so much more real and memorable.You just cannot not read (how's that for double negative) The Bonding if you have read Gaven. Do yourself a favor and buy both - you won't regret it.