Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison (Shadow #1)
Paranormal Romance/Suspense
June 29, 2010
Paperback, 322 Pages
Dorchester
Reviewed by Mandi
Why I read: Publisher sent for review.
Adam Thorne watched his brother turn into a monster and murder his parents. That horrendous scene started Adam’s life on a path for revenge and answers. His brother Jacob, became a wraith, an extremely strong, immortal being that feeds on other’s souls. Wraiths are multiplying and organizing into a group called the Collective. Adam escaped that day, and miraculously captured his brother. With his extensive funds, he built the Segue Institute, a place where these creatures can be analyzed. With Jacob in a secure prison for the past six years, Adam wants to know how he became a wraith and how to kill him. And he thinks he knows just the person that can help him after reading one word from her dissertation – Shadowman.
On the outside, Talia leads a bright, normal life studying near-death experiences. Having experienced one herself when she was fifteen, and subsequently seeing the Shadowman, she has devoted her life to researching this subject. Hoping to get an Assistant Professor position at Berkley, Talia is ready for this step in her life. But it all comes crashing down when her roommate opens the door only to have her soul sucked out of her by wraiths. Confused and scared, Talia retreats literally into the shadows. Talia is actually half fae, and can call upon the darkness to hide herself, although she can see the action going on around her. This is how she escapes these wraiths and lives on the run for the next two months as more wraiths track her.
Adam, desperate to find Talia, knowing she is a source of information that could be vital on this war against the wraiths tracks her down. Filthy and living on the streets, they both find themselves cornered in an alley with wraith. Together they escape, and Adam takes her back to Segue in hopes of drilling her for information about this Shadowman. But the wraiths want Talia, alive, and will kill everyone around to get to her. The war has just begun.
Shadow Bound wasn’t the book I was expecting – maybe the cover threw me off? The tag line reads Dark fantasy meets modern fairy tale. Oh, it is dark (Death is an actual character) and a twist on a fairy tale – but it is very much a romantic suspense book. The paranormal aspect is brought in with wraiths out to rule the world and Talia able to enter Twilight. But it really contains a ton of great action, suspense and thrilling scenes.
It is light on the romance, but I actually think it didn’t need any more. In one regard, Adam and Talia are constantly fighting, on the run and utterly exhausted – no one could find the energy for a physical romantic relationship. Their relationship starts with no trust between them but as they fight together, and they both start sharing vital information, a bond forms. The emphasis in this book is on their relationship – to survive. To fight this war. And what an intriguing war it is. Adam’s brother Jacob, who is a wraith really brings in some creepy scenes as he taunts Adam and Talia from his prison cell.
Adam has a one track mind – to find a way to kill wraiths. He is very stubborn when it comes to this goal. Many times using Talia just for her gift or information she has. He always protects her, and puts her first when it comes to getting out of danger, but I liked that he never forgets what his ultimate plan is. I think I almost would have liked it better if there had not been a declaration of love at the end. I felt their romance was rushed and would have been satisfied without the big HEA.
As the action progresses, not everyone makes it nor can everyone be trusted. Erin Kellison really never lets the pace slow, and for that reason it was really hard to put this book down. Shadow Bound is a high energy, really fun, suspenseful book.
Rating: 4/5
Recent Reviews:
Fiction Vixen – 4/5
Lovin’ Me Some Romance – A
The Book Lush – 3.5/5
My Overstuffed Bookshelf – 5/5
Goodreads
I would have expected some kind of fairy tale from that cover, but a lot of suspense there too, interesting
Yes..don't look at the cover. I mean, it is pretty, but I don't think it represents the book well.
I know the cover is misleading but it is still quite beautiful. I'm looking forward to reading this one.
Great review Mandi!
I think I'm of the minority here, I thought the cover fit the tone of the novel just dandy. I espeically love the cover for SHADOW FALL. They're both very fairy tale-ish with a sinister vibe.
I certainly can't wait to read more from this author. The cliff hanger at the end of SB only makes me salivate more.
JA – the cover is very beautiful..even better – it is a great story!
VFG – That is true – the "sinister" vibe. That is a good way to describe it. I can't wait to read Shadow Fall!!!
This is on my tbr-I can't wait to read. Great review Mandi. :)
I've seen this book around and you made it sound quite interesting. Nice review. I guess I'll have to check it out! lol (Happy Canada Day!)
Nice review Mandi!! I agree about the ending. I wasn't fully convinced, but the rest of the story was awesome! I can't wait for Shadow Fall.
Great review Mandi! I really enjoyed this one too. Looking forward to book 2.
I've been eying this one out!=)
Thx for the review!=) Interesting comments in regard to the cover. I think that it's eye attractive but I have no comment on it's relation to the content- soon i hope!=)
Tori – Thanks
Julie – Definitely..and Happy Canada Day to you!
FV – It was fun reading this with you :)
Anna – I can't wait to read bk 2!
Chas – I like the cover…I just think it looks a bit misleading. The best part is the book is crazy good :)
Great review!
I'm like you – when I saw the cover I thought YA fantasy. I'd never have guessed it was so dark.
I just read Estep's 'Spider's Bite' and Cran'e 'Mind Games' on your recommendation and LOVED them! They're both quite dark UF's, so now I'm on the look out for more of the same. 'Shadow Bound' will definitely go on my TBR.
P.S. – You have the new Jennifer Ashley! ARGHHHHHHHHHHH! So jealous!
Danielle – I'm SO excited you read Spider's Bite and Mind Games!!! I will have to email you to discuss.
Mac is breakin' my heart girl. This book is killing me :) In a good way.
I enjoyed reading your review Mandi and can't wait to delve in this story myself :) I love a fast paced plot and now I'm very curious about the romance involvement *smiles*
This sounds like a great read. I love books you don't want to put down once you've started them! The lack of a physical romantic relationship seem to be compensated by a lot of other good stuff. Wonderful review, Mandi!
Great review Mandi – thank you! Sounds like an interesting book.