Book Review: The Cords that Bind by Branwen O’Shea
Genre(s): Science Fiction / YA
Book Synopsis:
Don’t seek the truth. It already seeks you.
After Eka and his new friends help secure an uneasy truce with the humans, their lives are irrevocably changed. He and Rana share a strange energetic link, putting him in constant jeopardy. A difficult choice looms before him. He can choose to trust his village’s Crowned Ones and undergo an experimental training to explore his unusual connection with Rana. Or, he can hope his past attempt to star beam when Rana was in danger was a fluke that will never again happen and risk dying if it does. Seeking the truth of their connection seems the obvious choice, but ever since his cousin’s unexplained death, Eka has struggled to trust his village’s Crowned Ones. His mistrust becomes the least of his problems as he uncovers an even greater threat.
Review:
Eka is one of my favorite characters in the Finding Humanity series, so it was fun to read a little more about him. I also find the Star Beings fascinating, and to get more of them is a treat.
The Cords that Bind is set after the events of The Calling, but before those of The Chasm. It’s novella-length and gives a bit of insight into the specifics of Eka’s unique situation. He’s in a dangerous predicament, one that could destroy him if he doesn’t learn how to control his abilities. With the help of his village’s Crowned Ones, he attempts to do just that. This is a story about family bonds and ties of friendship, and I found it was a nice addition to the series as a whole.
I think it helps if you have read The Calling before diving into to this story. The Star Beings are not described in much detail here; this work assumes the reader has prior knowledge of their abilities, customs, and societal expectations. But if you have read The Calling, this one is well worth an hour of your time.
Author website: branwenoshea.com
Amazon link: The Cords that Bind
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