A review by enchantingreads_rosyreviews
A Bond with the Dark: The Beautifully Broken Saga: Book One by Inara Gage

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

4.0

"'Sometimes strength isn’t always depicted in muscles, steely words, and inerrant resolves. Sometimes it shows itself within the softer corners of you—the way you weaken with other people’s pain or sit and laugh with the beautifully broken. The way you show up each time the world knocks you down or by the way you feel so deeply for people who you hurt when they do. That is strength. You’re one of the strongest people I know, Sayah. And I have known a lot of people.'"

If you are someone who loved The Vampire Diaries (mainly the Salvatore brothers) and The Originals (mostly the witchy vibes), then you will love this book! The author does a pretty good job setting up this world, which is appreciated because it’s complex. One clear theme throughout the story is about finding value and worth within oneself despite feeling “broken” or feel lost in the darkness that life brings. This is a uniquely written story that is grounded in reality as we know it, while still showcasing the magic and fantasy world. There is spicy spice, dark & broody characters, dangerous creatures, violence, and blends modernity with ancient tradition. And if you liked A Discovery of Witches series (or books), then this is right up your alley!

"She is the quiet to my loud. Her presence hushes my demons and calms them. The ravine doesn’t seem so scary with her close to me. It’s knowing what that abyss means is what opens another chasm of terror. If I’m in it, that means she is not, and to live in a world where she doesn’t exist combines those two abysmal things. If I’m in that darkness, it means her death."

"Beautifully Broken Saga" is the perfect title for this series, if this first book is any indication. This book tackles the idea that we are all a little bit broken, we all have a little darkness in us, but we are no less beautiful or worthy because of it. The lore of this world is complex, but Inara does a great job explaining it and rooting it in contemporary settings, using present-day language. This book is filled with heartbreak, love, resilience, twists and it's an intriguing read. I really liked reading it and I hope you do too! 
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