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Tril is a world where Barrons and Healers are Bound to each other: Barrons fight and Healers cure their Barrons' wounds in the ongoing war with the evil Graplar King. Seventeen-year-old Kaya was born a Healer, but she wants to fight. In Tril, and at Shadow Academy, where she is sent to learn to heal, it is against Protocol for Healers to fight. So Kaya must learn in secret. Enter two young men: One charming, rule-following Barron who becomes Bound to Kaya and whose life she must protect at all costs. And one with a mysterious past who seems bent on making Kaya's life as difficult as possible. Kaya asks both to train her, but only one will, and the consequences will change their lives forever.
Heather Brewer has created a thrilling, action-packed, and romantic first installment of the Legacy of Tril series, where one strong heroine must break the rules to claim her destiny and her heart.
"The slice-'em--dice-'em, gore-infused action keeps the pace brisk. . . . [A] spirited series opener." --Kirkus Reviews
"This will appeal to girls who like the strong female characters of Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games "--SLJ
Anonymous
Posted June 29, 2012
It usualy takes me a week to finish a book....i read this book in a day! I LOVED this book and the twist in the end!!!!!!! I am eger to read book two....P.S just so u no there is no sex in this book
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 20, 2012
I just finished reading this incredible book and it left me jaw dropped. The queen of plot twists has done it again. Cant wait for the 2nd book :D
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 26, 2012
Overall, it was a good book.
I don't like the beginning much. I would've preferred if the author expanded the beginning a little bit, to let us relate with the character more on her relationship before the first twist hits. This is constantly looked back on throughout the book, and it leaves me feeling indifferent, because I didn't understand why the character felt the way she did. The way it was introduced didn't allow us enough time to relate with the event that happened, and though it's what drives her forward throughout the book, all we get is a little bit of fluff.
The author needs to work on how she uses foreshadowing. By the hints she gave, I expected the major plot twist within the first hundred pages or so. The ending didn't 'wow' me as some of the others have said, because of it, so I was left a little disappointed that I could see straight through the plot to the very end.
I'm not one for romance novels; I've read many YA books that have focused on that and it has left me bored out of my mind. This book didn't do that. The author did very well in balancing out the romance with the character's determination that drives the plot forward. I was able to read the book through and through without having to put it down because of the absurdity that seems to fill YA books with the 'instant-love' syndrome. The romance is... realistic, and I like that it more or less rejects the 'there is only one person out in the world for you ever', and has the main character completely rejecting the 'damsel in distress' attitude that many female characters seem to be taking on.
Even the main supporting female character wasn't weak, and in the end the main supporting female character was my favorite in the book, if only for her attitude.
Like I said, the book is great. I will read the next book, and this author has earned my respect where I was iffy a couple of days ago. However, some of the choices, whether it was the editor or whatever, has left the book feeling a little bit hollow, to me. I'd have liked to relate to the character a little more in the beginning, would've liked to not pick up the foreshadowing that was clear as day to me in the beginning of the book (and thus, ruined the big 'wow' factor at the end of the book), the ending was a little bit awkward (I'd suggest going back and rereading the last couple chapters when the next book comes out, simply because it ended like a chapter would end, and not the end of an actual book. I have a feeling remembering what exactly happened will be a bit of an issue, if the author picks up directly where she left off like I'm assuming.) and there were a few continuity issues that could've been worked out more; but all in all it's one of the better YA books I've read.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I’ve only read one of Heather Brewer’s previous books – the first Chronicles of Vladimir Tod book, and I thought it was ok for being a pretty simple story. This one blows Vladimir out of the water. This is a fantasy book that has a lot more depth and characterizations going on. The main character, Kaya, is struggling with being a young adult thrust into a world she didn’t think she would ever be part of.
The action starts fairly quickly and continues on in spurts throughout the story. Kaya is torn between two guys, and while she does have some instant feelings, it does feel overwhelming like the insta-love syndrome does in other YA books. While the story centers around Kaya, there is enough about the two guys to keep everyone entertained. This book has it all – romance, action, super powers, human-eating creatures, swordplay. I’m looking forward to more of each of those things!
ARC reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 8, 2012
Define this book and you'll be close. An amazing read.
2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Soulbound left me reeling. I was pulled in by the promising premise, but the immature characters, the less-than-exciting romance, and the numerous plot holes unfortunately made this book fall short of my expectations.
When I read the synopsis, I was expecting this book to be action-packed and full of romance. It isn’t. More than half of the book is spent on world-building and introducing characters. (And even the latter half doesn’t have the action and romance I was hoping for.) And–get this–Brewer didn’t even do a good job on world-building. I was left confused several times: why is the world of the Skilled kept secret from the Unskilled? What is the difference between Bound and Soulbound? Brewer didn’t explain anything, and I was left to figure things out myself.
Most of the characters felt one-dimensional to me. Even though Kaya is headstrong (which I like in heroines), she’s too self-conscious. Also, her reaction to her best friend Avery’s death felt too subdued, and although she wants to protect her parents from dying at the hands of the Zettai Council, she still sneaks around, training in self-defense against the rules. Very contradictory.
But she’s attracted to Trayton, a gorgeous goody-two-shoes to whom she’s Bound. (Personally, I think his preppy name suits him.) Trayton is too perfect to be real (and sometimes he acts like a jerk), and their insta-love is just too unrealistic for me to believe. Darius, on the other hand, is more on the grumpy side and shuns Kaya for the first half of the book. He’s much more realistic than Trayton, but I still don’t understand his actions and I definitely don’t know what’s up with his silver hair.
But the thing that upset me the most was the big shocking secret revealed in the last two pages of the book. The problem? Well, for me, it wasn’t shocking. I had made a prediction about the love triangle 40 pages into the book based on reader experience and the synopsis…and it came true. And to add insult to injury, the book leaves the reader stuck with that new revelation and absolutely no explanation following. (Yay, cliffies. Not.)
Despite my disappointment, I admit that the book wasn’t bad. It was entertaining at times, and I did want to continue reading.
So my review wrapped up in a pretty little bow? Soulbound was okay. I loved the idea and the world created, but the execution and the characters were less than satisfying. It was a good story, but just not good enough.
source: hardcover borrowed from library
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 28, 2012
I haven't finished it yet but my bet is that Kaya will pick the 'bad boy,' Darius. In end Darius will realize he's in love, and turn into the 'protective boyfriend' type of a guy. That cracks me up, cause in the real world, those bad boys never truly fall in love with anyone and only make their girfriend's life miserable or end up in jail. Why is it that girls in books always end up choosing the 'bad boy' instead of the guy who is kind and understanding? One of life's greatest mysterys I guess.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 11, 2012
I absolutely loved this book, and would suggest it to anyone. I was constantly intriqued, and entertained. I absolutely love kaya too. She is a great role model for anyone. If you are considering this book, get it! :)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 7, 2012
I did not expect this to be good because of the cover, but it was. Never judge books by their cover! Give it a try.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Dancings-in-my-blood
Posted May 14, 2013
Okay is there anybody else who thinks its not fair that not a lot of people write about the girl being the fighter or the hero of the book? Well if you like the kind of books were its a "she" not a "he" then this is the book for you. Soulbound is one of the best books I have ever read. I absolutely recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 29, 2013
I seriously canNOT wait until the next book is out. I loved technically EVERYTHING in this book. I love how Kaya isn't that type of girl to let others fight for her and instead she would fight for herself. I love the huge detail on the grapplars, like their hunger for bloodshed and such. And I absolutely LOVE the twist at the end! Makes readers wanna read more but you can't since it's the end of the book!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.EverAfterEsther
Posted March 19, 2013
My familiarity with Heather Brewer’s work was rather limited (having only read one book of hers) before I heard about Soulbound and it caught my interest with its unique take on fantasy. I’m always looking for new fantasy series to fall in love with, and Soulbound sounded as if it would be exactly that!
It’s hard for me to pinpoint exactly why I didn’t enjoy Soulbound, because so many of the elements I look for were there – a brave heroine struggling against her circumstances, plenty of training and fighting, plenty of romance (I don’t even mind a love triangle as much as I used to) including forbidden love, and a world to save. But it just didn’t work for me like I hoped it would.
Reason to Read:
1. Kaya’s bravery and determination:
I’m a sucker for those books that have young women struggling to overcome the limits society has placed on her. The kind where she really feels she has to PROVE herself and does exactly that. Kaya’s story fits perfectly within this archetype, and I really liked her for that reason alone. Plus, I like how much self-respect she has and that the romance was pretty good – she isn’t weak when it comes to this love triangle and manages to stay pretty true to herself.
But part of the problem for me is that I wasn’t really sold on any of the characters. I liked Kaya well enough, but I didn’t love her. I admired her to an extent... but then it just felt kinda “mehhh...” for me. She didn’t come alive for me. There was nothing that made her stand out in my mind that felt uniquely Kaya-like. That sounds weird, but I grew up reading Tamora Pierce and since then I’ve sought out a number of books akin to those old favourites. And Kaya felt like a character mold rather than a character to me. Likewise with the boys, both who were interesting enough but they all just felt like archetypes instead of real people. And the love triangle was a bit too draining for me to enjoy the rest of the story, because it seemed to detract from the larger picture.
I also had a hard time with the setting. It never really felt explained or developed at all. I knew it was fantasy-ish but I had no clue about the history or politics or society. This is a deal-breaker for me, and Soulbound didn’t deliver. It felt glossed over and largely ignored to the point where it was nearly non-existent and completely forgettable.
I may just be curious enough to try the next one again since I still feel like there’s a lot of potential here.
ARC received from Penguin Canada for my honest reivew; no other compensation was received.
Anonymous
Posted March 17, 2013
It is awesome. This book goes into the rare category. I hate when i do this but i predicted everything that was gonna happen. My friends which are good readers said they never saw it coming. OMG the way the book ended keeps you waiting gor more.
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Posted June 3, 2013
I keep coming back to check for a sequel!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 20, 2013
First, I would like to say I have never read any of Heather Brewer's previous works of fiction, however my brother has and always said they were great novels! This book's COVER alone intrigued me for weeks before I even made the connection to her other popular series. It drove me crazy for days not buying this book so finally I gave in and am glad I did! Once I opened the pages I fell into the world of Tril and Kaya's story. However, I would like to mention that the ending was predicatible but that didn't make the book any less incredible! I can't wait for book 2 to see what Heather does from where she left off! And WOOHOO for a strong female character!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I instantly loved the world of Tril that's filled with the skilled and the unskilled. In the society of skilled,
there are those who are fighters, known as Barrons, and those who are Healers. In the strange world
of the skilled, the Healers are not viewed as equals to Barrons even though Healers have the power
of holding the life of their Barron in their hands.
Kaya, who was raised around the unskilled, is use to freedom and equality. She does not respond
well to the rules when she's thrown into the Shadow Academy. All Kaya wants is to learn how to defend
for herself and be independent. She was furious when she learned that she was not allowed to learn
how to fight because of being a Healer. But Kaya is not the kind of girl to just give up there.
I absolutely loved the company that Kaya kept at the Shadow Academy. There's Maddox, the unlikely
best friend who helps her get away with all sorts of trouble. Then there's Darius, the tortured soul with
an unknown history, and for some reason gives the impression of hating Kaya. And then there's
Trayton, the sweet heart that is bound to Kaya, and also Darius' best friend. This group of people are
constantly keeping life interesting with their personalities.
This is my first time reading one of Brewer’s works and I am in love with her story telling.
Soulbound ended with a cliffhanger that left me with a huge need. I NEED to know what happens next.
I NEED Soulbroken.
Anonymous
Posted January 14, 2013
HAD ME ON THE EDGE OOF MY SEAT
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 9, 2013
At first i didnt like this book because i thought she was a frail damsel im distress kinda girl and i hate that but i kept reading and im glad i did. I can truthfully say that Kaya is one of the srongest caracters ive come across. I absolutly rate all the guys in her life swoon worthy. (Except her dad gross!) I loved that she wanted to be able to protect herself even if she had to keep it from the person to who she was bound. At the end there was a definatly unexpected twist that i didnt expect. I am glad to say that this book had no gross activity in it theres some kissing but theres no bad stuff. I recomened it for young adults and older.
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Posted December 31, 2012
This book was amazing the title and cover are bleeh but dont let that make you not buy thisbook
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 12, 2012
If you enjoyed harry potter you will definitly fall in love with this book. Soulbound is action packed, well writiten, has some mistery, and is very funny at times.
Once I read the first few pages I was instently attached. Never could I put it down. It is very relatible and incudes lots of saspence for almost every chapter.
Overview
A brand-new fantasy with a kick-butt heroine from the author of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod
Tril is a world where Barrons and Healers are Bound to each other: Barrons fight and Healers cure their Barrons' wounds in the ongoing war with the evil Graplar King. Seventeen-year-old Kaya was born a Healer, but she wants to fight. In Tril, and at Shadow Academy, where she is sent to learn to heal, it is against Protocol for Healers to fight. So Kaya must learn in secret. Enter two ...