A review by rasha_reads
The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.75

The first thing to be said about this book is that it has some issues, so I will address the negatives first.

The main thing that was missing is a good editor. I could not believe some of the errors that crept into the text that should have been corrected before this came to print. For example: The use of the expression  “you’ve got another thing coming” ❌ the correct term is “another think coming”.!!! Another was the use of the term calvary instead of cavalry when talking about the need for reinforcements. These were the two that stood out but OMG, for some reason, these improper usages really annoyed me and should have been caught and corrected by someone with an editorial background.

Most of the other problems I had with this volume are the same as with book one, namely anachronistic details that seem to clash with the overall world building and a jarring effect of contrived story lines. There were also parts that read as Harry Potter fan fiction but, at least she used good source material to work from.

However, there were things that I would add to the plus column. IMHO, the author did a good job with the characters from the MCs to the secondaries. Their interactions and dialogue made for a fun read that helped to overcome some of the negatives. I have to say, I loved Visha’s sharpness, wit and in your face statements. For example, at one point she says to Blake, “Then why have you been acting like a fucking pussy? An expression I obviously hate using since my pussy is stronger than your dick any day of the week, but hey, if the expression fits.” I will admit this had me laughing out loud for its boldness and truth. Then there are others like Orcade (loved her but still mystified why her presence and link to Medra’s backstory have yet to be explored and we’re already on book 2…), Florence (every FMC needs a bestie and she’s also this world’s Hermione), Theo (more of him in the future please) and, of course, Neville, the fluffin (definitely a favourite - totally original, cute, adds light humour and has a bigger part to play). And then, of course, there is the snarky dragon for those of you that are sufffering from an Onyx Storm hangover.

Another good point was the development of the political intrigue plot-line and jostling for power which became more complex and mysterious and therefore more interesting for me as a reader. And then, of course, the mix of tension/spice plus the action with the addition of a dragon made this second volume more engaging than the first. There were some plot twists (kudos to the author) which I sort of saw coming and others that I didn’t and then there are also some - no spoilers, you will have to read the book to find out. 😉

As to the sensual tension and relationship between Medra and Blake, there is enough spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ to satisfy the prurient parts of you but well done enough that they don’t overwhelm the plot but support it. This is still an enemies to lovers though the “touch her and die vibes” have been somewhat toned down and the characters do develop emotionally which was really nice to see. The dark nature of the story, which is to be expected from any story that includes vampires, is still present — so expect your spice to include blood🩸🩸🩸.

For me, there were too many small things that I just couldn’t get past to give it a higher rating. As before, this series is a question of taste and mood. But I still want to know what happens next and will be continuing the series when the next book is released. Fingers crossed for some better editing that could potentially transform this book (and series) from OK to mind blowing.

3.75 stars 🤓📚

#OnWingsOfBlood @BriarBoleynAuthor 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood