This book was provided to me by R&R Book Tours and Erin Mainord in preparation for my stop on The Binds That Break Us book tour. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.
Content Warnings:
Graphic: blood, physical abuse, sexual content
Moderate: confinement, cursing, rape, sexual assault
Minor: genocide, racism
She is the wielder of blood magic,
and she may end them all.
”Monster…”
Wren has never stolen a life, but that doesn’t stop her from believing her darkness makes her a walking nightmare. Harboring a power so lethal, unpredictable, and entirely forbidden by kingdom law, Wren’s spent her whole life hiding what she is—who she is.
Meanwhile, a war is looming, and Wren’s feral magic may be the only thing that can stop the uprising from destroying the kingdom, her home, and everyone that stands in their way. After her sister is captured by the rebellion, Wren must seek help from the kingdom’s ruler who could sooner imprison her than offer aid. Except…Singard needs her, and when she volunteers the use of her power in exchange for his help finding her sister, an unlikely alliance is born.
Forced into a reluctant compromise with the “white-haired witch,” Sin finds himself protecting Wren for his kingdom’s survival, but their star-crossed relationship quickly spirals into one straddling the precipice of hate and passion. As secrets are unveiled and loyalties are tested, neither are sure who they can trust.
As hostilities deepen and war draws near, Wren is determined to rein in her magic and bind it to her will. With the lives of everyone she loves at stake, Wren must look within and decide if she is the monster she fears, or if there is light to be found in the darkest parts of herself.
★★★★★ — obsessed
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — spicy
In The Blood That Binds Us by Erin Mainord, I found an enthralling blend of dark fantasy and romance. This gripping tale isn't for the faint-hearted, as it delves into profound and intense themes of love and struggle. It includes trigger warnings for physical assault, sexual knife play, and blood, which added a realistic and raw edge to the narrative.
The storyline is expertly crafted, with a profound depth that kept me hooked from start to finish. It's saturated with political intrigue, making it feel more akin to high fantasy than a traditional romance. This aspect of the book adds a unique twist, making it stand out among other books in the genre.
The book is also filled with several plot twists near the end that were absolute shocks. These unexpected turns heightened the suspense and made for a thrilling reading experience. What made these twists even more impactful was the author's masterful storytelling, which kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters in this book are not just well-developed but also intriguing. The slow turn of feelings between the protagonists, Wren and Singard, is admirably depicted. The author veers away from the cliché of immediate lust that is rampant in many romance novels. Instead, she presents a physical attraction that gradually strengthens as their feelings evolve, providing a more realistic and relatable portrayal of romantic relationships.
The world-building in The Blood That Binds Us is another aspect that deserves praise. The author has done a commendable job in creating a distinct culture around the shifters. Moreover, the innovative differentiation of witches and mages based on their caste adds a layer of complexity to the story, further immersing me in the book's universe.
Overall, The Blood That Binds Us is a compelling read that leaves me eagerly anticipating the next installment to see how the intriguing story concludes. With its unique blend of dark fantasy and romance, strong world-building, and well-developed characters, it's a book that captivated me and kept me hooked till the very end.
Thank you so much to R&R Book Tours and Erin Mainord for a copy of this book!
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