Everbound

AudioBook Review Stars: Overall 4 Narration 3 Story 4 Overriding this whole plot is the search for the bones of the First Witch. Important for so many reasons and a driving factor for this series, and bringing us a connecting thread that ties the tale together. But, even with that information, it is the character development and relationships that underpin this series and are easy to follow, providing intrigue and entertainment. That being said, having the experience of reading (or listening to) the series in order will give a fuller sense of the world and the dangers it contains. But for now, we have Helena: trying to stay alive and off the radar of Hunters, Coven and Varroki – so she’s not using her magic, moving stealthily and always second-guessing every move. Her overwhelming desire (and mission, if you will) is to end the Coven and bring a sense of peace to the world and security to humanity. She’s got plenty on her shoulders and it’s not necessarily easy being her: but with her strength, determination and fierceness – Helena is up to the challenge. And then she is discovered by Jarin, a Varroki and one who she’s been ducking for ages. Jarin is instantly intrigued by the fierce and strong Helena, and while it would be easy for him to jump in all alpha and start commanding – but he doesn’t. He listens, He observes, and allows Helena to explain her position and choices, and gets a fuller picture of the whole challenge she’s faced, and the consequences of the same. These two were wonderfully portrayed with their moments of conflict, jockeying for position, and even the growing affections for one another. Throughout the multiple twists and turns, a huge ‘wow’ moment and a mission left unfinished (and thus a cliffhanger) the tale is hard to put down and even more intriguing in the whole ‘progression’ of the series. New characters, a twist that may redefine the original quest and more questions unanswered leave the opportunity for a next book at Must Have. Narration for this story is provided by Louisa Jane Underwood, my second encounter with this narrator. Clear and concise presentation of the words, dialogue and action, with distinction evident in the different female characters. Again, however, I was disappointed with the lack of distinction given to male character voices: they were very similar to one another as well as less recognizable as a male’s perspective. With all of the action and twists, the newly introduced characters and unexpected changes, more distinct and recognizable differences in characters would have made the listen easier to follow along with clear understanding. And that was a challenge – not all caused by the narrative issue but the rapid-fire twists and turns that seemed to veer the plot and mission off into another direction. Intriguing, entertaining and feeling very ‘classic Grant” in the end, the story is one to follow with more to come. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Recorded Books for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.