In Nicole Holland's Shadowbound, the first book in the Dark Moon series, a blend of Dungeons & Dragons-inspired fantasy and Tarantino-esque grit unfolds. Orelia, a witch healing the women of a village brothel, accidentally binds herself to Vade, the king's cold and murderous fae executioner. Their lives are now intertwined: one's death means the other's. Forced on a continent-spanning journey to break the spell, their contrasting personalities—Orelia's optimistic spirit against Vade's cynical despair—clash amidst dangerous creatures and twisted individuals. As survival pushes them together, a question arises: can their experiences define them, or can they choose their perspective? Prepare for a darkly magical adventure filled with action, romance, and the enduring question of hope versus despair.
Review Shadowbound
Shadowbound completely captivated me! I went into it expecting a fun fantasy read, and it delivered that and so much more. The world-building is phenomenal; Nicole Holland has crafted a richly detailed setting inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, complete with a unique magic system and a vibrant culture. It felt both familiar enough to be instantly engaging (especially for fellow fantasy fans) and wonderfully original, drawing me in from the very first page. The descriptions were vivid and immersive, painting incredibly clear pictures in my mind's eye – I could almost smell the herbs in Orelia's garden and feel the chill of the fae lands.
What truly sets Shadowbound apart, though, is the relationship between Orelia and Vade. Their dynamic is the heart of the story, a slow-burn romance that’s both frustrating and utterly compelling. Vade, the broody, grumpy executioner, is a fantastically complex character. He’s initially quite unlikeable, which I actually adored; his gruff exterior and cynical outlook made his eventual softening all the more rewarding. And Orelia, the optimistic and kind-hearted witch, is equally well-developed. Her unwavering belief in the good, even in the darkest of circumstances, provides a beautiful counterpoint to Vade's pessimism, creating a compelling tension between them. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning, despite their frequent clashes. The scenes where their hearts started to soften towards each other were genuinely touching and heartfelt. I appreciated how Holland showcased their individual growth throughout the story, making their eventual connection feel both earned and incredibly satisfying.
The plot itself kept me hooked. The accidental binding spell was a brilliant premise, sparking a journey filled with danger, intriguing encounters, and moments of genuine humor. The pacing was perfect; never too slow or too rushed, building suspense and anticipation naturally. While there were a few minor aspects of the world-building and magic system that initially felt a little unclear (possibly because I’m not deeply familiar with D&D), these were minor quibbles and didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. In fact, I found the occasional ambiguity added to the mystery and intrigue.
Some scenes, particularly those dealing with Orelia’s empathy and kindness, felt unexpectedly heartwarming, almost reminiscent of a Hallmark movie in their sweetness, which was a delightful surprise. It was a perfect balance of dark fantasy grit and genuinely tender moments. The book tackles some serious themes, including violence and societal injustice, but it does so with a sensitivity that never overshadows the overall tone of adventure and romance.
Overall, Shadowbound was a fantastic read. It's a compelling blend of fantasy, romance, and character-driven storytelling that left me wanting more. I eagerly anticipate exploring the rest of the Dark Moon Series and discovering what adventures await Orelia and Vade. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written fantasy romance with complex characters, a richly detailed world, and a touch of heartwarming sweetness amidst the darkness. Five stars from me, and I’d happily give it more if I could!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.25 x 1.31 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 523
- Part of series: The Dark Moon Series
- Publication date: 2024
Preview Book
