Reviews

Oathbound by Victoria McCombs

phoenix2's review against another edition

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3.0

Oathbound is the first book of The Royal Rose Chronicles. It follows the POVs of the two main characters, Esme, a pirate's daughter who wants nothing to do with that life, and Arn, her friend who happens to be a pirate.

The story is written with loads of beautiful narrations, lush descriptions and just the right pirate-like atmosphere. The main characters are enjoyable to boot, and their adventures were enjoyable and plenty. However, some of their reactions and decisions were questionable. The twists, in the end, were predictable as well.

Nevertheless, and even though the romance is lukewarm and overplayed the game of will-they-won't-they, the book has a fast pace and a compelling story that will have me coming back to read the sequel.

klgrymes's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

thepagelady's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a fun read for me! It has an entertaining plot and is fast paced! The characters are interesting and each stands out for their own reasons. And trust me there are a lot of characters but they are easy to follow. The magic system was pretty cool! The world building was wonderful. The author's descriptive writing gives us a beautiful picture! One thing that I really liked was that you know you haven't figured out all of the mysteries yet to come from the characters and the world so I will definitely be looking forward to the book!

Thank you Book of Matches Media and Victoria McCombs for sharing this great adventure with me!

izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5/5

I really enjoyed this book. To be completely honest I forgot it was a pirate book but that made it so much fun! I loved the two main characters though I wish there was more of a backstory for Arn and at times I felt it was slow.

knit_sip_read's review against another edition

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5.0

Oathbound was such a fun fast paced pirate adventure! My husband and I listened to the audiobook together and we both enjoyed it! The end left me with my mouth hanging open and now I can't wait to read the next book! I loved the cliff hanger ending, it reminds me of the end of a movie or show when there is more to come and it just teases you to make you want more. Mmm. Loved it.

katherinebriggs's review against another edition

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5.0

Oathbound keeps the pages turning fast. Both protagonists are strong, conflicted, and well-rounded, leading to fun reading. Cheers for a reluctant pirate, sweet romance, and twisty plot. Some conflict and character actions are treated light-heartedly, and if you are looking for fun, clean, escape fantasy, this is totally for you!

atrailofpages's review against another edition

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4.0

I love me some pirate books and books set at sea!

Emme never wanted to follow her mother’s footsteps as Arabella the Ruthless, a pirate. Emme just wants to own a sheep farm one day and stay on land, thus she has always declined going to see with her friend Arn any time he has asked her. However, Emme is now dying from Paslkapi, or weary death, and needs the fabled Elmber Nut which is found on the dangerous Island of Iilak which also happens to be the island that Arn is traveling to to get treasure from so she for once decides to join him in the hopes of finding this nut while also trying to not enjoy her time on the seas.

First off, I love books with pirates, books set at sea, they just make me happy and feel comforted. So I of course jumped on the opportunity to read this book! It reminded me at times of Sinbad(the animated film) with the adventure out on the high seas, the sea serpents/monsters, the different islands and pirates, the islands filled with tricks and ghosts, the treasure, it was just fantastic and I felt like was on an adventure with them!

I really liked the characters too. Emme is great! I really appreciated her character. She’s tough, resilient despite her illness, and very caring. Arn is a mixed bag of a pirate

k_l_smith's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

calliemclayauthor's review against another edition

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5.0

So unique! I haven’t read many pirate books but this was great! Victoria McCombs’s writing is so crisp and easy to read and the magic is mysterious and interesting. The ending chilled me. I can’t wait for books 2 & 3!

drpepperismytruelove16's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25