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az_green's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
4.1
This is such an interesting concept, an 'event' happened that either unlocked previously locked gifts and genomes or forced an intersection of our non-magical realm eith a magical. Either way, im here for it. Its so different from previous dystopics I have read.
I loved the little found family Amina was able to build. Erik was swoon worthy from the start and i never trusted Phillip and still dont. Hes stop free with his gift, he can never feel trustworthy when he is so open to the use of mind-control.
I'm be picking up book two, for sure.
This is such an interesting concept, an 'event' happened that either unlocked previously locked gifts and genomes or forced an intersection of our non-magical realm eith a magical. Either way, im here for it. Its so different from previous dystopics I have read.
I'm be picking up book two, for sure.
unwrappingwords's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
intisarspeaks's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Let’s start with the positives. Amina’s character was very well developed, I knew who she was what she wanted to accomplish and where she was going with the story. The overall premise is one of my favorites, a trope I call magic apocalypse because I don’t know what the actual trope is called. The world of Mystic Bonds used to be our regular world, until magic returned the world and changed it. People transformed into various magical beings, some humanoid and others not, and the landscape itself changed as well. I also loved the sibling relationship between Charles and Amina.
As far as what I did not like about the book, ultimately I felt lukewarm about it. The plot of this book is very segmented. In the first third as Amina is held captive the tension and pacing was good, Amina’s fear and anxiety at being powerless and domineered was done well. At this point I had hope for the plot and the way the story was moving. The romantic relationships and the friendships were forced. I feel like Solomon was going for a found family angle, but the dialogue and writing did not convince me that these people cared about each other or that they were more than strangers forced to cooperate. After their escape Amina and Charles meet other supernatural humans, settle in one town, and interact with another. In all the various characters they met none of the romantic or platonic relationships convinced me. It was not bad, just boring.
morvrun's review against another edition
3.0
First off, thanks to NetGalley for letting me have a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As for the book, it's the first book in a paranormal series about a woman in our world who finds her life turned upside down when, due to unknown causes, lots of people start showing supernatural traits. Some become werewolves, other mages, or warlocks, witches, fairies, vampires, etc. She herself gains some witchy powers. At the start of the book, we learn that normal humans are trying to capture these supernaturals and use their blood to fabricate a serum that gives them temporary powers.
The book is ok. Characters are a little flat, save for two or three, more developed. The plot is predictable, and has some holes in it. There's no in depth explanation of the event that awakens latent powers in people. Also, the magic system, or power system, lacks complexity and internal logic. Dialogues are typical, and also the romantic parts fall short of expectations. The book is fast paced, though, entertaining with enough action scenes, and leaves you wanting more. Maybe the following instalments are better than this one.
As for the book, it's the first book in a paranormal series about a woman in our world who finds her life turned upside down when, due to unknown causes, lots of people start showing supernatural traits. Some become werewolves, other mages, or warlocks, witches, fairies, vampires, etc. She herself gains some witchy powers. At the start of the book, we learn that normal humans are trying to capture these supernaturals and use their blood to fabricate a serum that gives them temporary powers.
The book is ok. Characters are a little flat, save for two or three, more developed. The plot is predictable, and has some holes in it. There's no in depth explanation of the event that awakens latent powers in people. Also, the magic system, or power system, lacks complexity and internal logic. Dialogues are typical, and also the romantic parts fall short of expectations. The book is fast paced, though, entertaining with enough action scenes, and leaves you wanting more. Maybe the following instalments are better than this one.
montrez's review against another edition
4.0
Mystic Bonds is the first novel in the Paranormal World Series. I had the privilege of having an early peek at this book so I was excited to pick it up again to see how it transformed. Mystic Bonds was and still remains a fun, fast-paced, wild ride of a story. It transports the reader into the future after a mysterious sickness has ravaged the world and completely changed society and life as we know it forever.
It’s an action-packed, post-apocalyptic world with a paranormal, #blackgirlmagic twist!
There are elements of paranormal action, horror, and a spicy love triangle sure to entertain.
It’s an action-packed, post-apocalyptic world with a paranormal, #blackgirlmagic twist!
There are elements of paranormal action, horror, and a spicy love triangle sure to entertain.
ladylaurenexplorer's review
4.0
Thank you NetGallery for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book. I fell in love with the storyline. I was so invested in most of all the characters, I still think there is something going on with Philip; but I digress. I especially loved Charles. The world building was epic, I can’t wait to see more in book two. I do wish that I hadn’t cried towards the end. I hoped that everything was a happy ever after, but that just isn’t real life. Now I am trying to figure out who let out David. I can’t wait for the second book, because that person needs to pay. I will say there are some steamy bits, and also needs to come with trigger warnings. Such as physical abuse and attempted sexually assault.I
clarissagosling's review
4.0
Interesting concept with some deep themes (what does it mean to be human?). The first few chapters were full of info that could have been better sprinkled in later, but after that it got much better.
ldgreenwood's review
4.0
The book started a little slow, and I had a hard time connecting with Amina in the beginning. As the book continued, I started to love her relationship with Charles and their sibling interactions. Light-hearted at times, this was a solid start to the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
readercecc6's review
3.0
The beginning quarter of the book sucked me in. In fact, the prologue did that all by itself.
Alas, things took a turn for "meh-ville" somewhere around Mina's first chapter or two in the hospital. The book, while interesting, just did not have enough buildup. Something bad would happen or we're informed that something bad will happen, then BAM it happens but is resolved in the next paragraph. There's no suspense. At all. The book was action packed and spanned months. And yet, I didn't feel any of it. The characters went from one action scene to another and weeks or months would go by off the page and they'd end up rushing to another action scene in the next page.
Which leads me to the lack of established rules/limits on their powers. Being all powerful grew tedious quickly. I was never concerned for her well being.
The villain was one dimensional. His escapes were comical.
>"Til next time," He said in a calm voice.
He was literally seconds away from being killed by a werejackal but decided to announce be was escaping. AND THEN ESCAPES. It was so transparent. And he kept doing it - getting away in really silly ways. It felt like I was watching Scooby Doo or something.
Then there were the Six. The main character would meet random people and instantly know they were good or important or whatever. Then she'd collect them. It was the oddest thing. And, again, their friendships could have been really meaningful with proper buildup, but all we got was basically >Mina meets character. Mina gets a feeling. Mina talks to character for a page or two. Character is now a member of her posse.
And don't get me started on the godawful love triangle.
But the book wasn't all bad. It was interesting (though read like a cross between Kate Daniels and the Walking Dead). There was an inclusive cast of characters (not crazy about the "pictured a random Asian actress on TV" bit because it felt like the author was saying all Asian women are the same. Also, one of the love interests would just not shut up with the "Mi Corazon" it was such a stereotypical thing for a Hispanic love interest to say). The female main character had same sex friends, bonus: they were supportive and not jealous or competitive. Male characters did not want to immediately jump her bones. Mina was also a good person. Unbelievably naive, and seriously teetering on tstl which landed her in hot water often, but she still kept her innate sense of kindness even through a shitty few years or decade.
Mostly, I think this book could use a good editor. Aside from the grammatical/syntax errors in the final quarter of the book, this book could really use a keen eye to help with the pacing. Also, the scene where a character suffers the loss of her love was glossed over - making the main character seem almost callous in her treatment of her friend who was obviously hurting. I think there was just too much going on in this book so scenes were rushed and time was fast forwarded so the reader never really got to connect with anyone. This book has the potential to be great but unfortunately, it read like the first book written by a new author -- urban fantasy lite, if you will.
I received an arc for review.
Alas, things took a turn for "meh-ville" somewhere around Mina's first chapter or two in the hospital. The book, while interesting, just did not have enough buildup. Something bad would happen or we're informed that something bad will happen, then BAM it happens but is resolved in the next paragraph. There's no suspense. At all. The book was action packed and spanned months. And yet, I didn't feel any of it. The characters went from one action scene to another and weeks or months would go by off the page and they'd end up rushing to another action scene in the next page.
Which leads me to the lack of established rules/limits on their powers. Being all powerful grew tedious quickly. I was never concerned for her well being.
The villain was one dimensional. His escapes were comical.
>"Til next time," He said in a calm voice.
He was literally seconds away from being killed by a werejackal but decided to announce be was escaping. AND THEN ESCAPES. It was so transparent. And he kept doing it - getting away in really silly ways. It felt like I was watching Scooby Doo or something.
Then there were the Six. The main character would meet random people and instantly know they were good or important or whatever. Then she'd collect them. It was the oddest thing. And, again, their friendships could have been really meaningful with proper buildup, but all we got was basically >Mina meets character. Mina gets a feeling. Mina talks to character for a page or two. Character is now a member of her posse.
And don't get me started on the godawful love triangle.
But the book wasn't all bad. It was interesting (though read like a cross between Kate Daniels and the Walking Dead). There was an inclusive cast of characters (not crazy about the "pictured a random Asian actress on TV" bit because it felt like the author was saying all Asian women are the same. Also, one of the love interests would just not shut up with the "Mi Corazon" it was such a stereotypical thing for a Hispanic love interest to say). The female main character had same sex friends, bonus: they were supportive and not jealous or competitive. Male characters did not want to immediately jump her bones. Mina was also a good person. Unbelievably naive, and seriously teetering on tstl which landed her in hot water often, but she still kept her innate sense of kindness even through a shitty few years or decade.
Mostly, I think this book could use a good editor. Aside from the grammatical/syntax errors in the final quarter of the book, this book could really use a keen eye to help with the pacing. Also, the scene where a character suffers the loss of her love was glossed over - making the main character seem almost callous in her treatment of her friend who was obviously hurting. I think there was just too much going on in this book so scenes were rushed and time was fast forwarded so the reader never really got to connect with anyone. This book has the potential to be great but unfortunately, it read like the first book written by a new author -- urban fantasy lite, if you will.
I received an arc for review.
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