Book Review: Bound in Blood by Mark Jonathan Runte
Genre(s): Fantasy
Book Synopsis:
His brother abandoned him as a child with nothing more than a note. He returned fifteen years later with consequences for their family. Tristan never forgave him for that night on the beach. Or for the secrets Aran still keeps.
Jamaica born, Susannah Gray came to Washington for nursing school and to find more about her father’s side of the family. She never counted on finding herself in a war, or the shadowy world surrounding it. Mythology was meant to stay on the written page, not become reality to her. It wasn’t supposed to be real, but it’s hard to deny when the boyfriend’s older brother is barely human.
The curse placed on his brother was one meant for him but it rebounded, seeking the younger, weaker sibling. Aran never intended to stay long, just fill a promise made when he was seventeen. Obligation to Tristan kept him from leaving as planned, even while the witch that cast the curse, may be more than he appears to be.
They’re all bound by their pasts, and blood.
Review:
Bound in Blood switches between several points of view, but the story centers around Aran and Tristan. Aran returned to Seattle to protect his adopted brother, at significant risk to himself. Tristan only understands pieces of Aran’s past, and often resents his older brother for “keeping secrets.” Their sibling relationship is definitely a bit strained at times, but Aran is loyal and is willing to do anything to help Tristan shed his curse.
Susannah was an interesting addition to the story, though her background was never fully explained, only hinted at. She’s skeptical of the mythological beings she’s surrounded by until they begin to do things she can’t explain away.
While I enjoyed the story, there were a few unanswered questions I had by the end. I’d love to know more about what happened between Aran and Echo and how he lost his voice; I’d like to learn more of both Susannah’s and James’ pasts; I want to know the history between Aran and Steffon; and I wish I better understood Susannah’s pendant and why it was created. But it looks like there will be more to come in this series, so hopefully my questions will be answered later.
Overall, I liked this story. It’s the second installment in the Mythos series, and I’m glad I read the first, Silver and Salt, before diving into this one. There are some references to events from book one that I wouldn’t have understood otherwise.
If you’re a fan of mythology, Greek or otherwise, check this series out. It has an interesting, modern spin on some of the classic stories and characters.
Author website: authormarkjonathan.ca
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