Member Reviews
The Kindred series is one that I got into simply because I am hooked on anything that Donna Grant send to my bookshelf, but I find that the more I learn about this interesting and unique world, the more I enjoy about it. The series is set in an alternate historical world, mostly what I would classify as medieval times, but with lot of twists of the world. In it there are factions of magic users, good and evil, the most evil being the Coven. The Coven is a terrifying group of witches that are attempting to take over the world, in order to remake it where they are in power, but luckily there stand a few good magic users and warriors that are willing to fight against them. This story picks up right where the previous one left off, with Helena on the run from the Coven and the Varroki warrior, Jarin nipping at their heels to try to kill them. Jarin comes across the almost dead, sexy, young witch and he is compelled to keep her safe, feeling an electric pull to her that he doesn’t even fully understand. Once Helena is up on her feet again, they go on the hunt together for Sybbyl, taking the fight to her in hopes of keeping Helena safe. However, as they learn more about Helena’s true nature and spend more and more time together, Jarin and Helena’s connection deepens into a love that neither of them is willing to lose, despite being dedicated to their duty. But when the worst happens, Jarin and Helena have to decide if their relationship is a strength or a weakness. Helena was a woman after my own heart, determined to take a stand against the Coven and protect those weaker than her, even knowing that she might have to make the ultimate sacrifice. I enjoyed seeing her kicking ass and at the same time seeing her falling in love with Jarin gave her a softer side; she truly was the ultimate heroine of her own life’s story, even if she had to lean on Jarin a few times. Jarin is a steady and sweet man from beginning to end, except when he is faced with the chance that he might lose the love of his life when he becomes just like any other man and loses his shit. Jarin has lived his whole life focused on his duty to defeating the Coven, but once Helena enters his life, he begins to see that maybe there is more to life that just plodding through fighting day in and day out with no reward or personal goal for himself to have a life. The magic and mayhem in this world is interesting to read, and the mythology that is shared and twisted throughout is beyond intriguing, especially to a pagan like me that has made a lifelong study of theology and paganism specifically. Grant manages to weave enough history, truths, and common myth through her world that you don’t feel overly isolated or separated from the world she’s built. I am dying to find out what comes next after that VERY sad and slightly unsatisfying ending, but I can see it might have been needed in order to keep the momentum of the series going. All I can say is that this Sybbyl bitch had better get what is coming to her soon or I might go a little bit nuts.
Everbound is the third book in the Kindred series, and so far my favorite. I’m so glad that this was Jarin’s book, he had intrigued me every time we met him. He turned out to be a wonderful character. Jarin and Helana’s story was beautiful. Good progress was made with the storyline with the coven. More is revealed with the Malene and Armir as well. I truly hope that the next book is theirs.
The Hunters, The Coven, and The Varroki all want a piece of Helena!
Helena is still hiding out from the Coven, shying away from using her magic when she can to avoid giving away her location. But when a Varroki stumbles upon her, she has to stand her ground and take down the Coven once and for all.
There twists and turns, red herrings and more than one WTF moments I'll admit! I got a lost a few times and had to backtrack to make sure that I had kept everything straight in the old noggin. There are more new characters added and I'm sure that there must be an off-shoot series to accommodate all my what-about-this threads!
Helena is a strong character, she has had to be with the life she has led. Jarin for his part is also emotionally and physically strong but with a contemplative outlook that belies his warrior rank.
No cliffies as such but I really want to know what happens next!
The newest book in The Kindred series is a gripping, emotional tale that holds readers captive from beginning to end. Helena and Jarin’s are strong, energetic characters that easily captivate readers with their story and the chemistry between them is quite magnetic as grow closer together during their hair raising quest to put an end to the Coven. The relationship hits a few snags along the way but the passion is hot and strong which pulls these characters toward their happily ever after even through neither is sure they will live to see another day. Readers easily connect to both of these characters which makes them want to reach out and help them during some troublesome times.
Everbound is fast paced with lots of thrilling and spellbinding events that keeps readers on the edge but be prepared to shed some tears and gripped with some powerful emotions. Surprising twists keep the characters balanced on a razors edge as well keeping readers guessing while the realistic feeling and magical battles gets the adrenaline pumping and sends chills down the spine. The characters in this story have grit and strength that surpasses most and the story grips readers by the heart and refuses to let go and since the author makes it so easy to become part of it, readers get an enthralling reading experience.
As with all books in all of Donna's series, I loved this one. The world is rich and the characters well fleshed out. I like the continuity of the story and look forward to much more of it.
I don't think I will ever be disappointed with Grant's writing. She is amazing! She is able to write in any genre and make it a compelling story!
4.5 Stars!
I have been intrigued by Jarin from the start of this series and was soooo happy to read his story! The fight against the Coven is heating up. This book was full of action and secrets being revealed. Helena is so much more than she realized and Jarin is the one to give her her wings.
Love the time period, love all the paranormal and historical myth and really loved Jarin and Helena together. Such a strong couple and each made better by supporting each other. Yeah for Lady Maelene and the changes she is bringing among the Varroki. Prepare for lots of magic, romantic moments and heartbreaking loss.
Great addition to the series!
I thought that this was an excellent book!!
I couldn't put it down until it was finished, but unfortunately it left me wanting to know what happens next as it was left on a bit of a cliff-hanger and now I have to wait for the next book to come out to find out!!
I hadn't read the previous books in the series so it is fine to be read as a stand alone as I picked up the story very easily. I loved the characters and the author's excellent writing style was really showcased in the book.
It was full of twists and turns and a completely riveting story - 5 stars!!
Everbound is part of the Kindred Series by Donna Grant. This is a newer series by the author but follows her pattern of a romance within an overarching theme. For that reason, this paranormal series may be best read in order. However, this is my first read of the series. I had no problem following the romance or why Jarin chose to help Helena but still think my enjoyment would have been enhanced if I had read the first two books in the series first. I did enjoy this book enough that I plan to go back to catch up with the other books.
The story flows with a jump into the plight of Helena, her powers and the danger that she is now in because of the Coven. Jarin soon runs across Helena with the two joining forces. The attraction is inevitable. Their story is complete but the enemy is not defeated in this book so there is a cliffhanger on the big conflict in the series.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Donna Grant you slay me!!!! This book is a beautiful and devastating continuation of the series. I have loved both Helena and Jarin since we met each person. Together they are perfect. Although insta-love isn't always believable, in this case, it works. The depth of connection they have to each other is something that doesn't come along often - even in romance. This book reads like a war-time romance, which it really is - and serves a major turning point for the series. Where things go from here will be intense.
Donna Grant is an expert at world building and immersing her readers into the world of her characters. This book continues along those lines. I can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC of Everbound and this is my very initial assessment of the book. A final review will be edited into this shortly. I'm currently not enjoying the book and to DNF it so early isn't fair to Donna Grant who's worked so hard on it.
I can't get into the book unfortunately for the most ludicrous of reasons: The book format. It's written like this:
"This is a sentence. This is a long
sentence that is long. This is pretty long sentence that's in a book, it is
a sentence.
Look, another sentence. Quite short this time.
Where are the paragraphs?"
Line spacing and paragraphs are incredibly important factors that plays a major part in how a book "sounds" to a reader. As i went through the book, i read with irregular pauses due to the odd format the book has taken. The book is simply incoherent.
And i hate it.
The writing could be good for all i know but because of how the sentences and paragraphs are formed, Everbound is driving me absolute boinkers.
Perhaps this is because i've received a review copy, who knows?
Brb, my fellow nerds.
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Despite the odds, i've grown to like the book.
It's a smashing good read for a day inside and cozying up in your room. It has the perfect blend of romance, magic and adventure.
Grant has done an amazing job weaving this magical world of witches and hunters into such a beautiful tale that was wild from the beginning to the end.
We have Helena who's a really amazing and strong female character. I have a thing for heroines and i ended up loving her. So, if you enjoy books with a strong female character that's who's badass, you might enjoy this book!
And our male lead, he's absolutely jarring (ba dum tss) and an absolute hottie with very desirable traits to find in a guy. Looking for another book boyfriend? Look no further!
Overall, the Everbound was a surprisingly enjoyable read. The storyline is paced and planned out really well. My criticism of the format still stands. The odd format really makes for irregular pauses.
Would i reccomend this? Yes i would!