The Bloodbound. Erin
Lindsey. Ace Books. September 2014. 368 pp. pbk. ISBN #: 9780425272688.
Lady
Alix Black is one of the King Erik White’s noble soldiers who disobeys orders
during the major Battle of Boswyck and saves the King’s life. For that deed he appoints her his personal
protector and head of his personal guard.
It’s a tough job given his stubbornness and frustrated moods due to his
leg injury from that same initial battle against the Oridians. In this first fantasy novel of a planned
series, the King learns that his brother, Tomald, is a traitor and is behind
the new battle. The reason for this
traitorous behavior seems rather silly, but it turns out there is more than
meets the eye. Still, having one’s own brother turn against one and try to
claim the Kingship for his own is a tough nut for King Erik to swallow. Add to that that Alix’s brother, Riga, has
disappeared while out on a scouting mission for the King.
Initially
the King decides to allow others outside his immediate circle to believe he was
killed in order to see just how far his brother will go and what alliances that
brother will make in his quest for the crown.
We also learn that Alix has a lover, a fellow scout named Liam, whom she
will never be allowed to marry because of his lower class status. We learn of the mysterious power in the
bloodbound swords only the nobility are allowed to carry and use in battle and
later what the Oridians will do to counteract that extraordinary power,
creating their own genetically perversions called “thralls.”
To
say more would be a spoiler, so suffice to say that the reader is quickly
rooting for the King, Alix and those who will loyally do anything to protect
their King and restore his power. The battles,
led by the “Priest” and his forces, are fierce and betrayal abounds along with
multiple surprises and discoveries. Alix
is a perfect heroine, being fierce and tough in battle with enough kindness and
compassion to appeal to every reader.
Fans
will find themselves eagerly looking forward to the next sequel to this fantasy
novel. Well-written, Erin Lindsey!
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