Stephanie S. (skywriter319) - , reviewed on 12/18/2009 + 784 more book reviews

BOUND TO SHADOWS will satisfy fans of this series, be enjoyable for fans of paranormal lit published in mass market paperback format, and most likely be frustrating for those with a wider range of literary interests. This ambitious novel had a lot of flaws that bothered me but would probably go unnoticed by steady readers of this genre.

Riley's world is complex, with supernatural creatures of all kind running together, getting in one another's way, adding multiple dimensions to the story. The characters in this book were well drawn, appealing and believable. Riley is, unfortunately, not as likable as her love interests, for I often found her narration, dialogue, and thought process to be a bit stilted. In fact, the writing was what held back my opinion of this book and series. Much of the story seemed a little too staged to be believable: the author was clearly following a set route around the story's world, with a completely different scene and subplot abruptly following the development of another. In addition, the romance scenes were blunt, and thus unromantic. There is a lot of buildup to the act, and then the actual sex was treated very brusquely, leaving readers detached from Riley at those moments.

That being said, Keri Arthur's ambitious ideas make sure that she doesn't shy away from the tragedy. BOUND TO SHADOWS ends sadly: I was practically screaming in tears at the book at the end. But I can't help but being impressed at Arthur's decisions. Like I said earlier, BOUND TO SHADOWS will definitely make Riley Jensen fans happy. I don't think I will read this series, but those who love their paranormal worlds complex and sexy will get a kick out of these books.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details