~ BOOK REVIEW ~ Unlocked by Casey L. Bond
Title: Unlocked
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
Editor: Stacy Sanford/ The Girl with the Red Pen
Cover Designer: Melissa Stevens/ The Illustrated Author Design Services
Publication Date: May 17th, 2018
Blurb:
Princess Raya of Paruth lived alone on a deserted island in a towering lighthouse, forgotten by time. With only a loyal albatross as a friend, she had little hope or joy in her life until he washed up on her shore in the middle of a raging winter storm.
Prince Trevor of Galder left his father and kingdom behind to travel north in search of a wife. It was time to settle down and forget Ella Carina, the woman who chose to love a peasant and follow her heart instead of choosing Trevor and fulfilling her duty to her people. He didn’t heed the warnings about the North Sea in winter, and his ship, crew, and captain paid the price.
Raya and Trevor must work together to find a way off the island, or risk being trapped there for the rest of their lives. But sometimes the simplest lessons are the hardest, and each will have to learn that the only thing that can truly set you free is love.
In yet another fantastic fairytale retelling from Bond, the unique story and moving, emotional elements kept me drawn in from the very beginning. When trying to decide between a 4 and 5 star rating, I always ask myself if I would read it again, and how much it moved me. In this case? Absolutely, I would read it again. As far as being moved? Judging by the amount of times I was wiping away both happy and sad tears, I would say I was definitely moved.
Although this book technically continues the story from the first of Bond’s fairytale retellings, Riches to Rags, it only picks up where one character left off; this could absolutely be read as a standalone. The author does a seamless job of incorporating any necessary information into this book that may be needed from the first.
I really enjoyed how the relationship between Raya and Trevor grew. It was more realistic, especially considering the propriety of the time, that they initially built a strong relationship as best friends and two people working together to be rescued. Of course, it became more complicated, and I really enjoyed how that unfolded (and don’t want to say more without spoilers).
Raya herself was a remarkable character. She was strong and self-sufficient, not a damsel in distress by any means. She wasn’t overly concerned with propriety and high society norms, only what was considered respectful – not as far as being overly done up just because she was a princess, but enough that she was careful of what was appropriate when she and Trevor were alone. Trevor, on the other hand, landed on that island with his mind set on all societal norms, but learned quickly from Raya just how unimportant much of it really was.
I loved how much these characters learned from and balanced each other. I also adored their albatross friends and the kisses he demanded. He was adorable. The overall character development in this story was very well done. As I said before, I was very moved over and over. There was one particular argument at a dinner that was so well written, I felt like I was watching it, and hearing their words like I was watching a movie; like I was right there.
I’m always impressed with Bond’s writing, and without a
doubt, this is no exception. I do
believe she is just getting started in this fairytale retelling journey, and I
really look forward to seeing what is coming next.
Award-winning author Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction.
You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links:
Website: www.authorcaseybond.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybond
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybond
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007
Buy Link:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2InKk4P
Comments
Post a Comment