Title: These Hallowed Binds
Series: The Empyreal Guardian Saga (Book 1)
Author: A. M. Daylin
Genre: YA Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
From the moment I saw the first character art for this book, I knew I would love it. Everything about the story drew me in even before I read the first page, and getting to officially adventure into this world did not disappoint. There’s so much originality and mystery to explore!
Characters: Norielle isn’t quite like any protagonist I’ve read about lately. She’s quiet, the definition of unassuming, and generally plain ol’ sweet. I loved her so much! She might actually be my favorite character, which I wasn’t expecting.
Calden has so much depth to him—he feels real, for sure! He has cool powers, a somewhat sad backstory, and overall just a lot going for him. I’m looking forward to getting to now him better in future books.
And of course… Elias. (Let’s be honest, he’s the main reason I became so immediately invested in this book.) He was exactly what I’d hoped he’d be! I daresay there’s a good deal more kindness under that snark than he’d care to admit. I’d like some scenes from his POV, please!
Alani’s pretty cool, too. I’d like to see her with her brothers.
Content: The book’s clean, with some violence (but nothing graphic) and only the flickers of romance. But it feels realistic, not forced at all, and I’m so ready to find out the resolution of the love triangle.
Writing: I’m not the biggest fan of the 1st person present POV, but it really worked for this story. It didn’t distract me at all from the reading experience, which is always a good sign!
I wasn’t expecting that big plot twist at the end, but it makes so much sense, and now I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Eep!
Summary: With a fast-moving plot and lots of action balanced with smooth character development, this is an amazing start to what promises to be an epic series. You will not be disappointed! I highly recommend for readers aged 14+.
And also, because it must be said… #TeamElias.
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