Bound (Arelia LaRue, #1)

Jan 12, 2012 Giselle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, paranormal

This cover is gorgeous, and the intriguing synopsis about voodoo had me excited to read it. Sadly, this wasn't for me. Even though the plot was mysterious, the characters were infuriating.

Let's start with Arelia, who has been hearing spirits her whole life. She's taken a summer job at a plantation which appears to be filled with spirits and strange happenings. Arelia comes off as very immature for the most part of the book. She would overreact to the smallest things, as well as believe everythin...more

like 9 likes · see review

Mar 27, 2012 Vesmé rated it 1 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Nothing really happens in this! Seriously, the book takes place over a week or so and the most exciting part, when it seems something exciting/scary is actually happening, turns out to be a dream!

Arelia and her friend Sabrina go to work at Darkwood plantation as hostesses and arrive a few hours before the guests. No training seems to happen at any point, the girls don't seem to be even told what they're doing each day. I know the job was just a pretense to get Arelia there, both in the story and...more Nothing really happens in this! Seriously, the book takes place over a week or so and the most exciting part, when it seems something exciting/scary is actually happening, turns out to be a dream!

Arelia and her friend Sabrina go to work at Darkwood plantation as hostesses and arrive a few hours before the guests. No training seems to happen at any point, the girls don't seem to be even told what they're doing each day. I know the job was just a pretense to get Arelia there, both in the story and as a plot device, but such lack of details take me out of the story. I'm not saying we need pages of job description, but what they do have is so unrealistic.

Also, Arelia complains about doing much more of the work then her friend, which is true, but is seems most times when they are working Arelia ends up doing other things then working as well. First night she goes to find a lost boy, WITHOUT ALERTING ANYONE. Stupid! If you think a little boy might be lost in the woods where there are alligators and ghosts, it's fine to interrupt a conversation to let the people in charge know. Then she is given the rest of the night off, but is suppose to keep an eye on the boy. It seems like she basically falls asleep pretty shortly after that. Another time, she goes and sits with Lucus behind a tree where other guests can't see them. Not exactly working behaviour. Then she gets into a fight with her friend and has time to disappear and cry for awhile. I'm not saying getting upset isn't normal behaviour, but when you're on the job you can't be going off that much. It makes her complaints about Sabrina not working enough a bit hypocritical.

At one point her and Sabrina get into a big fight. I don't really care that they made up, but they make up so easily that it's annoying to the reader.

But yes, I still say nothing really happens. They show up, Arelia starts learning some voodoo, teenage drama happens, and they book just sort of ends.

Also annoying, it ends with her going to talk to Lucas and her telling him to put a shirt on since she can't concentrate, but she shows up to his room in her bra and panties with a night gown on. Not really the outfit to have a discussion in. I'm just saying if she expects him to get more dressed that she should have done the same.

So yes, I have complaints about the book, but I did sort of enjoy it. I like the setting and the story ideas is good, just not well executed. I've read other series before where I enjoy them but the earlier books are not that great (Sookie Stackhouse, for example.) Someone commented that in next book that Arelia does mature some, so I plan on reading it.(less)

like 3 likes · see review

Feb 24, 2013 Blor028 rated it 1 of 5 stars

This was funny, I am not sure if it suppose to be. I think she wanted the spirits to say some spiritual or some shit that is suppose to be deep but just ends up being gibberish. I thought she was trying to be funny with the american top model reference but it fell flat and just did not work. Why are the spirits so whiny, they are as shallow and as whiny as her.What can i say about the lead, she is for a lack of a better word. VERY STUPID, I AM NOT EVEN KIDDING. She is annoying and just so whiny...more

like · see review

Feb 23, 2013 Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-2013

The first thing that cemented my interest in this novel was the way it was written. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the end result is that I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to read the second and third books, which the author had also gifted me.

Apart from the flowing- and meticulous writing, the story itself was intriguing and full of interesting facts about hoodoo and voodoo. By the end of the story I understood that there is a difference between hoodoo and voodoo, and I no...more The first thing that cemented my interest in this novel was the way it was written. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the end result is that I absolutely loved this story and I can’t wait to read the second and third books, which the author had also gifted me.

Apart from the flowing- and meticulous writing, the story itself was intriguing and full of interesting facts about hoodoo and voodoo. By the end of the story I understood that there is a difference between hoodoo and voodoo, and I now know why voodoo is shrouded in so much mystery. In this story we also get to know the different types of spirits and what they do. It was interesting to note that a voodoo queen should not view these spirits as gods, or they’ll never allow her to treat them as equals. Right from the start when Arelia and Sabrina arrive at Darkwood Plantation, the story takes on an eerie and sinister feel. The spirits communicating with Arelia at unexpected intervals, added to the suspense.

Everything in this book is unpredictable. I expected the atmosphere at Darkwood Plantation to send chills down my spine round every corner as the story progressed, but although there is a consistent sense of foreboding, the author keeps the reader riveted by painting this palatial home as an ordinary one; albeit one opulently decorated in rich colors, expensive furniture and chandeliers, and exquisite gardens that will take your breath away. The reader never really knows whether to be afraid or not. The beauty and ordinariness of the house is balanced by a family cemetery, slave quarters and an allegedly haunted swamp - where you can still hear the slaves of a hundred years ago, sing - situated on the same grounds as the plantation house.

A cast of characters varying in personalities also added a lot to the overall feel of the story. There is Lucus, who hides a terrifying secret; Sabrina, the spoiled and annoying rich friend of Ariela; Ben, the cute kid who crawls into your heart and who is ignored by his parents; the obnoxious Mr Dumpty who refers to himself as “a fat guy from New York” and who is every young girl’s worst nightmare; Ivan, the handsome waiter with a bad attitude; and so many more characters who will leave a lasting impression – good or bad – on the reader.

One of my favorite parts – proving again that nothing can be predicted in this story – was when Lucus offered Ariela something to eat in the middle of the night, and she challenged him to make fried Oreos. I was intrigued at this, as I’ve never heard of fried Oreos before, and Lucus’s reaction after he tasted it made for some side-splitting laughter. I recommend this book to all who is fascinated by Louisiana voodoo, its myths, and a story built on the historic slave trade. Although Bound does not build up to a climatic finale, it is filled with enough mystery to keep the reader absorbed till the last page has been devoured. At less than hundred pages it is a wonderful quick read.
(less)

like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Care rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, ya-general-paranormal

*Had a nice review typed up but an error deleted it, and I don't feel like retyping it up*

So brief version:
*free ebook, pretty cover, interesting plot, voodoo
*Arelia started out interesting, but quickly morphed into woe-is-me girl
*Lucas- obvious what/who before even got to that point in the story. Plus lets her bff do whatever she wants with him even though supposedly likes Arelia
*Sabrina, aka bff- seriously WTF is her relationship with Arelia? A BFF is not someone who only likes you because you...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Shaylan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, on-my-nook

I picked this up because it was free, and even though the cover was a bit off-putting for me (not my style), the synopsis sounded a bit interesting, so I gave it a go. And it went... quickly. I read it in just over a day, but since it's only 140 pages, that makes sense.

The problem with this book is that it was entertaining, but not very good. Good enough to read the next two, maybe... when I'm craving an easy read that requires no thinking. But it is predictable, and over the top, and the charac...more I picked this up because it was free, and even though the cover was a bit off-putting for me (not my style), the synopsis sounded a bit interesting, so I gave it a go. And it went... quickly. I read it in just over a day, but since it's only 140 pages, that makes sense.

The problem with this book is that it was entertaining, but not very good. Good enough to read the next two, maybe... when I'm craving an easy read that requires no thinking. But it is predictable, and over the top, and the characters are ridiculous - all of them. And the story ended very abruptly with practically no conclusion - just a note that this isn't a trilogy and the next book is available. Being that I have to pay... eh...

Occasionally I come across a YA series that I read for shits and giggles. I have this thing where around January, my brain decides it doesn't want to work anymore because BLAH SNOW AND COLD EVERYWHERE, and I pick up something that looks interesting enough to hold my attention - it is almost always utterly uninspired and unoriginal. Sadly, this was the case here. I'm not going to say that the story was terrible, it had (has?) potential, but I'm relatively certain I could write what happens next because it is just that predictable. It's not the sort of thing I would want my daughter modeling her behavior after. A girl with self esteem issues (THAT'S new)who doesn't believe what is right in front of her own eyes, who overreacts to everything, draws baseless conclusions, and lies to herself about her own interests? And the nagging, obnoxious best friend who is clearly a sociopath - but who cares, because they've known each other a long time and their friendship is based on low-self-esteem girl not competing with overcompensating-because-daddy's-not-around girl.... Yeah, irritating characters. The (view spoiler) love interest isn't anything new, either.

Now, watch... I'll go and find the other books today and finish the series by the weekend, because it's what I do. I read trashy shit sometimes. Some people watch disgusting reality television... I read silly books.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this book. I eventually settled on the three mainly based on the characters...they just weren't all that likeable.

****May Contain Spoilers****
So we meet Arelia as she is packing for a summer job at Darkwood Plantation with her "friend" Sabrina , who is just awful. At Darkwood, Arelia meets a long lost relative who convinces her to explore her voodoo queen powers; meanwhile, Sabrina is busy throwing herself at the rich and gorgeous Lucas LaPla...more

like 1 like · see review

Nov 20, 2012 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

(cross-posted from The Caffeinated Diva reads blog)

The good...

I really enjoyed this book, despite the mixed reviews on Amazon. The voodoo mythology behind the story is fresh and unique, a twist on the witchy theme. It had a very real flavor to it, a lot of attention paid to incorporating true voodoo beliefs. Much of the story centers around Arelia and her dealings with the spirits, the ceremonial aspects of asking for and receiving favors very well done. Some of these spirits were clearly of the...more (cross-posted from The Caffeinated Diva reads blog)

The good...

I really enjoyed this book, despite the mixed reviews on Amazon. The voodoo mythology behind the story is fresh and unique, a twist on the witchy theme. It had a very real flavor to it, a lot of attention paid to incorporating true voodoo beliefs. Much of the story centers around Arelia and her dealings with the spirits, the ceremonial aspects of asking for and receiving favors very well done. Some of these spirits were clearly of the higher level, while many were simply the spirits of those who have passed.

The various relationships within the story were also dynamic and interesting, even those that were rather unhealthy. The friendship between Sabrina and Arelia, although it annoyed me, was very real. It took a lot for me to harbor anything but negative feelings for Sabrina! Lucas and Arelia were an interesting couple, blowing hot ad cold throughout this first book. The Dumptys, although minor characters, added to the story as well. The parents wre awful, but their son Ben was adorable and the mother in me wanted to take him home and take care of him.

One of the things that I liked about Arelia's character was the very thing that I have seen denounced in many reviews of this book and series. Her mercurial mood swings throughout this book. From moment to moment, she either believed or didn't believe in voodoo and her abilities. From moment to moment, she blew hot and cold. In my opinion, this worked. She was brought up to respect, but not embrace voodoo. She came to the plantation and was suddenly immersed in a world she really didn't understand. It was a lot for her to handle. She blew hot and cold with just about everyone for most of the book, but that, too, worked for me. She knew her grandmother was keeping secrets, Mae wanted things from her, James was constantly in her face, Sabrina was arrogant and dismissive, and she was fighting an attraction to Lucas. Any one of these things is explanation enough. For me, the mood swings supported her struggle to accept voodoo and to find herself.

The bad...

My only issue was in editing errors. There were quite a few of them. That can be distracting, but in this case, it was less so for me. The story was strong enough that it was easier to get past those things. The other thing was the conclusion. I didn't like where it ended. Even knowing there was a next book, it was a bit awkwardly placed.

Diva notes

Aside from the novel itself, the cover is gorgeous. Dark and mysterious, it fit the storyline and the location. Will I read more of Arelia? Absolutely!(less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Kristy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I found this book on Barnes and Noble another free read. I am mixed on how I feel. I feel that it could have had much more potential.

The story plot is about a sixteen year old girl who is on summer vacation and takes a job at one of Louisana's plantation that is notoriously haunted. Arelia does not go alone though she ends up going with her best friend Sabrina. During the course of the weeks at the plantation she learns about her history and who and why she is the way she is. Thre is a set task...more

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Jessica(WonderlandReviews) rated it 1 of 5 stars

I am not sure where to start with this book. I am not gonna lie, I was first drawn to the book because of the cover. It is absolutely stunning but I also loved the fact that someone was dipping their toe in the water so to speak, of the Voodoo pool.

I was thrilled about the story idea, because it is a genius idea that unfortunately was executed very poorly.

The characters were flat and one dimensional, the same can be said for the event's that took place at the turn of each page. Shallow as it...more

like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Mary Grace rated it 1 of 5 stars

Gorgeous cover strikes again! Bound has an interesting premise and it looks very promising but unfortunately the story line felt really flat.

First of all, Sabrina was really annoying to say the least. She’s self-centered, narcissistic and one dimensional. she’s your typical girl who you love to hate for just existing. I get it that she’s troubled and all that (issues with her parents) but c’mon – she’s really arrrg frustrating. Lucus (what’s with the name?) is a so so character – lacks the appea...more

like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 I am Cat。 rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: sorcery

Bound is a decent read, however don't go into it expecting much. The dialogue is rushed, the plot is clichéd, and the characters are all very typical of a teen read. Instead of enticing the reader with some mystery, the dialogue hurriedly gets it all out for you, spoiling the fun. It almost feels as if the characters are bad actors, yelling at the audience: HINT HINT *wink*.

The story follows just another downtrodden—yet unbelievably beautiful—underdog meets tall dark and handsome who isn't all t...more

like · see review

Jun 09, 2012 Chrystal rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fiction, paranormal-romance

Ugh. Ok, I'm not sure exactly what the problem was with this book, but it was either trying to be too young and hip and sounded completely superficial, or it was constantly switching scenes without explanation and didn't make much sense. This is an interesting concept for a set of novels, but it was far too predictable, and the characters were not at all relatable, and there weren't even any characters I hated so much that I secretly loved them. Everyone was one-dimensional and dry and it was li...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Corina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me just give tops for a very beautiful cover and cover's do deceive...

When I began to read this, I didn't know what to expect. I had only skimmed the summary and while doing that I hadn't been real focused on it so discovering that this book was about a Voodoo Queen was a total unexpected. I read this book really fast and was disappointed at how it ended. I felt that the story ended too abruptly and that when it was over, it was an ending to a chapter instead of an ending to a book. There wa...more

like · see review

May 30, 2012 Sheilla rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Double Rainbow Nerds of Awesome rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1st-in-a-series, emiri-read, fantasy, voodoo, ya, ebook

Original review from Emiri's main GR account
I really, really, really wanted to like this. And while I didn't hate it, I couldn't say I particularly enjoy it either. It was just... meh. Super meh. Like so meh that I went outside and watched as the fire department put out yet another fire on my street last night (3rd one this year, 4th if you count the fact that the fire department had to come back this morning and put it out AGAIN after it rekindled due to faulty electric lines.
Anyway, I'm gettin...more

like · see review

Feb 25, 2012 Jessica rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

i'm starting to think that the prettier a cover is, the worse the book is. i haven't done any research to back up this conclusion but as i read, i kept thinking "there is NO WAY a legit publishing house put out this book." the story had potential, but... first, the dialogue was DREADFUL! no one actually talks with such stiff words. i found myself re-imagining what they would actually be saying if this were a good book, and filling in my own thoughts on what the characters were doing. that expres...more i'm starting to think that the prettier a cover is, the worse the book is. i haven't done any research to back up this conclusion but as i read, i kept thinking "there is NO WAY a legit publishing house put out this book." the story had potential, but... first, the dialogue was DREADFUL! no one actually talks with such stiff words. i found myself re-imagining what they would actually be saying if this were a good book, and filling in my own thoughts on what the characters were doing. that expression about having talking heads in a book? it's here. I was thinking "oh Lucas must be arching his eyebrows right up into his hairline right about now" and "Sabrina's thin lips must be invisible by now if she's that pissed." but mostly, i hated the dialogue. and the lack of proper punctuation, which mostly seemed to be within the dialogue. for example, there is a point when Sabrina calls Lucas sugar, but she says something like (and I can't even remember what it was) "do you want me to come over there, sugar" but there is no comma before sugar. that is not a proper sentence. petty, maybe, but when thinking about the rest of the book, it just added to the disaster.

i'm giving this review out of love.

i think the author needs to sit down and read that dialogue out loud to herself and then FIX IT! and then maybe it can be a good book. okay, and she should also take out that tacky ending. not the cliffhanger, i was fine with that! the part where she walks into Lucas's room to have a serious talk but is only wearing her friend's sexy robe over her bra and panties. seriously? what are we, 13?

okay, if i'm being honest, there was nothing likeable about the characters either. Sabrina is a backstabbing bitch with no redeemable qualities and why our main character forgave her, i'll never know. Lucas could be interesting. Ivan or whatever his name was is just one cliche after another. and the main character is beyond boring. and she talks like she's so stiff she might die. but that takes us back to the terrible dialogue.

i just want my 99 cents back.(less)

like · see review

Feb 21, 2012 Ahana .M. Rao rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was just wondering how this book got a 3.56 average rating, because honestly, I read the book cause I had it and thought 'what the hell!? the cover looks sorta nice.'
Another lesson telling me "DO NOT judge a book by its totally deceiving, completely unreliable cover."
But however to definitely rely on the reviews on Goodreads. I refuse to read books that have got so many two/three star ratings. Yea, I know, I basically brought this on myself.
The hero (if he was even the hero) was so annoying, h...more

like · see review

Jan 14, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour, kindle, review-on-blog

Bound was an excellent, fast read! I gobbled it up all in one sitting. In fact, I stayed up until 2 am reading it, and then when I was done I just sat there in disbelief over where Kira chose to end it. So not fair! I need to know what happens! Bring on book 2 ASAP.

I loved the story in Bound, and I loved how briskly everything flowed along. Arelia is a pretty cool character. She did bug me a little because she reacted irrationally and immaturely to comments a lot in the first half of the book....more Bound was an excellent, fast read! I gobbled it up all in one sitting. In fact, I stayed up until 2 am reading it, and then when I was done I just sat there in disbelief over where Kira chose to end it. So not fair! I need to know what happens! Bring on book 2 ASAP.

I loved the story in Bound, and I loved how briskly everything flowed along. Arelia is a pretty cool character. She did bug me a little because she reacted irrationally and immaturely to comments a lot in the first half of the book. She lashes out a lot- she has a lot of anger. But, I can understand why she is distrustful. Heck, half the time I didn't know who to trust, but I thought she could have handled it a little better in parts. But other than that, I really liked her. She is caring and observant. She genuinely wants to help people. Plus, how cool is her name??

And then we have Sabrina, her so called best friend. I flat out did not like Sabrina. She was selfish, spoiled, and really rude. But I don't think we were meant to really like Sabrina, so I took her for what she was. A total brat. She did have a redeeming moment at the end with Arelia, but it was not enough to rehabilitate her as a character in my opinion.

What I really wanted to talk about was the setting for the book. I love that it is down in New Orleans. I think that is the perfect creepy setting for some awesome voodoo magic. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next at Darkwood. I have a feeling Arelia's dream is going to play a big part, and Im both scared and fascinated to find out how it will fit in!

The two main guys in this story are Lucas and Ivan. Now, it is not a love triangle. They are just the two guys in the story. They both have secrets, and I went back and forth with who to trust. At some points in the story I didn't even trust either of them! It doesn't help how cryptic and unhelpful Ivan is towards Arelia, but because he is so mysterious I am even more intrigued to see what part he will have to play in the second book. And Lucas- I want to like him. Really I do, he seems to be so genuine and nice and a true southern gentleman. But like Arelia, I'm a bit skeptical of him. He almost seems too good to be true. I think I will reserve judgment until I read some more about him.

Overall, Bound was a really exciting and great read! This series has the potential to be amazing. I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. Especially after that killer cliffhanger. I was reading on my kindle, so I didn't even know that the book was going to end. I never would have guess that it would end so abruptly at the point that it did. Oh, Ms. Saito you are a minx. Great book, I really enjoyed it. I think you should check out Bound!(less)

like · see review

Jan 02, 2012 Stacy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had to contemplate this story for a while before I could think of what to write for a review and I'm still kinda feeling short for words so I'm going to do this review a little different then I have done in the past.

Was the story interesting? Yes. There were some great little twists, imaginative situations and it was easy to get into.
Were the characters easy to follow and like? Yes and yes.
Was the setting likable? Yes I loved the New Orleans plantation setting.
Was the story paced well? uh kind...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 09, 2011 Lucy Swing rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya, reviewed

"Sixteen year old Arelia LaRue lives in New Orleans where the music is loud, voodoo queens inhabit every street corner, and the ghosts are alive and well. Despite her surroundings, all she wants is to help her Grand-mere Bea pay the rent and save up for college.

When her best friend Sabrina convinces her to take a well-paying summer job at the infamous Darkwood plantation, owned by the wealthy LaPlante family, Arelia agrees.

However, at Darkwood strange things start to happen, and gorgeous Lucus...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 02, 2011 K. Bird rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was in Japan looking for (cheap) books to download on my android reader and came across this one recommended for me in the Kindle bookstore.

For 99 cents, it is well worth the money spent. I had read two other 99 cent books where the sentence-structure was annoying, the characters not consistent, and the story somewhat meandering.

Bound is not at all like that.

Arelia LaRue is convinced by her rich friend, Sabrina, to take a summer? job at a plantation near New Orleans.

Although Arelia has seen s...more

like · see review

Oct 28, 2011 Gothic Angel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: most-favourite

Read from 19th October to 20th October 2011.

I was given an ARC of this book by the author Kira Saito, for my kindle.

From the moment I first picked this book up, I could tell it was going to be good. And having just put it down, I can tell you I was right.

Being an avid reader of YA books, and having read Ruined by Paula Morris, Meridian by Amber Kizer and Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, I feel the following sentiment to be the right way of expressing what lies in the p...more

like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Angel Valdes rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book had a lot of promise. It was unique and intriguing when it came to voodoo and all the background and history the author provided for us. Hell I even enjoyed the talking owl and spirits and what not, it seemed to follow well with the plot. Some of it was so confusing, however, that I couldn't move on passed the first book without reflecting on it. Ivan.. Random. Just there to be a pain in the ass. Had absolutely no purpose but to prove how slutty arelias "best friend" was. Now the autho...more This book had a lot of promise. It was unique and intriguing when it came to voodoo and all the background and history the author provided for us. Hell I even enjoyed the talking owl and spirits and what not, it seemed to follow well with the plot. Some of it was so confusing, however, that I couldn't move on passed the first book without reflecting on it. Ivan.. Random. Just there to be a pain in the ass. Had absolutely no purpose but to prove how slutty arelias "best friend" was. Now the author kept hinting at him knowing more than he let on, so I'm hoping the second book will shed some light on that.. If I ever get to it. Anyway, moving on to her great aunt and her grandmother. Her grandma was sweet at first, it was realistic. Then she disappeared, I mean they say she kept Arelia away from her aunt all her life only to say, "go ahead and do whatever the hell you want" over the phone. Her aunt was so blunt, and although the author said she left to "process this" it was pretty evident that Arelia was just gullible. A lot of the reviews say she was annoying and just barely bearable but I disagree. Despite her tendency to be drawn into whatever people tell her, she was interesting, if only to reflect on the pieces and imagery of the characters milling about around her. Her thought process I believed to be well put, not overdone, as well. Now her best friend, who even after reading it only a couple days ago I have forgotten the name of, is just, well for lack of a better word, a bitch. She's shallow and rude and only cares about one thing, money, guys, and looks, no matter what trampy ways she has to go through to get it. Now I understand their friends because her grandma was the nanny but after submission through childhood you sever that relationship as fast as you can because that kind of person will only speed up the loss of brain cells. And the fact that Arelia forgave her after the outburst about her being a freak and knowing about the spirits, it only proves Arelia has no backbone. This contrasts with her relationship with Lucas because she's apparently bold and rude with him when she needn't be, which only makes me think she bipolar or something. Or she's two different people because the author couldn't decide on which character trait to give her so she stuck her with two different attitudes for two different people. Lucas. He has that formal charm. But his infatuation with Arelia doesn't seem to make much sense at first. He kind of seems like those guys that want what doesn't want them and then throws it away when they have it, especially so with arelias friend throwing herself at him. But later I kind of felt the chemistry between the two and found myself rooting for them to be together and for Sabrina to just be magically whisked away by the owl spirit or something so they could live immortaly together. But then Arelias attitude comes back into play, and i guess her irrational outbursts with everyone like her aunt and Lucas can only be rationally triggered by bent up anger built by none other than her so called best friend, but that's the only explanation I have. Now, like I said in the beginning before I went on my rant, it had a good story line, the diologue was decent, and plot indeed 'thickened'. But the characters new some major revision, and the holes need to cleaned up or at least shrunken in size in preparation for the next novel. By the way, the ending sucked. It was a cliffhanger alright but it was done badly. The transition from the first to the second looked like the author had just got cut off at a midnight deadline mid-type and didn't have any choice but to continue in a second book. Even if this was what the author was going for, it really should have been done more creatively.(less)

like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

I originally bought this book because of the pretty cover. I really wasn't expecting much because most of the kindle books books that cost $1-4 have a really good summary and a horribly written book. However, I enjoyed this book a lot. I found myself liking whole idea of voodoo and hoodoo. I feel like no one really writes about this stuff anymore, so it was a refreshing read.

The only problem I had was characters. I felt like they weren't developed enough. At the beginning, Arelia seemed very su...more I originally bought this book because of the pretty cover. I really wasn't expecting much because most of the kindle books books that cost $1-4 have a really good summary and a horribly written book. However, I enjoyed this book a lot. I found myself liking whole idea of voodoo and hoodoo. I feel like no one really writes about this stuff anymore, so it was a refreshing read.

The only problem I had was characters. I felt like they weren't developed enough. At the beginning, Arelia seemed very submissive to her best friend, and I felt like she always went along with Sabrina. I figured she would get better throughout the book, but she didn't. She basically gave Lucus to her best friend when she wanted him herself.

Sabrina, Arelia's best friend, was a complete b****. Excuse my language, but she was. At first, I thought she was harmless and just really preppy, but then she had these insane ideas of getting married at sixteen and finding the perfect husband. She wore six inch Chanel boots on a plantation tour, and she brought a string bikini in her big Chanel purse to show off her body to Lucus. She ditched Arelia because she thought that she was stealing Lucus from her, and then suddenly at the end she tries to act like a good friend again. I found her a ridiculous character.

Lastly, there was Lucus. Lucus, supposedly very manly... was not very manly. He seemed pretty hot at the beginning of the book, when he and Arelia first met (he was shirtless and she was wearing a towel), and later at the ball (he was wearing a tux), but then when Sabrina began to flirt with him, he just let her cling all over him. It was really annoying at most parts, but apparently he was being gentlemanly by letting her cling to him and not ruining the relationship between Arelia and Sabrina. I didn't get it.

The ending was a little abrupt. I feel like there was no climax, mainly because we didn't find out the whole deal about Lucus until 80% of the book. It wasn't a bad book, though. I did enjoy the whole plot (although I was disappointed that the romance was a little lacking). I would recommend this book, but you have to make sure you by the series all together or else you'll be really annoyed at the ending. (less)

like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Charlotte Black rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romances-challenge, 5-out-of-5-s

As soon as I received this book to my kindle and started reading I was hooked. The writing is so rich and absorbing that it was difficult to put it down even for a few minutes!

Firstly the main character, Arelia, is someone I can relate to. From a poor background she and her Gran-mere have had to work hard just to keep a roof over their heads. Everything in Arelia's life is about survival so its no surprise when she decides to take the job offer of summer work at the Darkwood Estate.

Her best fri...more As soon as I received this book to my kindle and started reading I was hooked. The writing is so rich and absorbing that it was difficult to put it down even for a few minutes!

Firstly the main character, Arelia, is someone I can relate to. From a poor background she and her Gran-mere have had to work hard just to keep a roof over their heads. Everything in Arelia's life is about survival so its no surprise when she decides to take the job offer of summer work at the Darkwood Estate.

Her best friend, Sabrina, comes from the other side of the fence, the rich side. While Arelia is very proud and would never accept any monetary help from Sabrina, her best friend still shows her kindness in different ways. Yes, Sabrina is spoiled beyond belief. Her work ethic is nonexistent and she has only one wish. To meet and eventually marry the heir to the Darkwood estate. The only problem is that Lucas, gorgeous and mysterious as he is only has eyes for Arelia. But why?

The characters in this story are brilliant and well developed. Ivan, the most annoying waiter, the irritating guests such as the Dumpty's, and Ms Mae and her secrets. All of them pop out of the book with such life that you feel like you're really in the house experiencing it all first hand.

And I can't not mention the food! I'm from England. I've never been to New Orleans. I have no idea what a pain perdu, buttermilk drop, shrimp gumbo, or any of the other delicious sounding foods are. I had to google them just to see pictures. The mentions of the food made even my mouth water!

The scenery of the Darkwood Estate is described exquisitely and was such an excellent backdrop for this amazing book. Arelia has a mysterious past that she has little knowledge of. Spirits talk to her as though they've known her for years, yet she doesn't understand why they come to her. Lucas singles her out and pays great attention to her. But he has a mysterious past too. And only Arelia has the ability to discover the truth and help him.

What I liked most was the fact that the author had clearly done a huge amount of research about Voodoo, the Spirits and the history that comes with it, especially that of the slave trade.

All in all, I loved Bound. I'm now reading Punished (Book 2) and I can't wait to find out what happens next! And Lucas? He can have my heart any day!! This is a must read for anyone who loves Paranormal Romance.

(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jan 10, 2012 Andrea Guy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads, bewitchingbooktours, ebook, paranormal, young-adult

I had some mixed feelings about Bound pretty early on in the book. Arelia is a bit too much on the pity me side, and Sabrina is a Super Bitch. It is really hard to fathom how these two girls that are polar opposites have remained friends for so long.

But oddly I got over that, because I absolutely loved the setting of New Orleans and the voodoo and ghosts. It really intrigued me and I had to read on. The story is pretty face paced and it is an easy YA read.

I love that deals with the spirit world...more

like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Abbie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, never-read-again, ebooks

What the heck? I don't understand how Bound could be so horrible. I mean the plot seemed good when I read it, but the overall story? I've read better paranormal books. Voodoo, haunting spirits, and mystery are all interesting themes but why did the story disappoint me so badly? See, I kinda hated everyone. The characters weren't likable, you couldn't really relate to them. Arelia was the humble, hard-worker beauty with the snotty best friend, the rough past, and the deadly secret. But she still...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 21, 2012 Charlie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, october-halloween, teen-ya, southern-stories, urban-fantasy

I normally do not focus or point out typos in any book because I completely understand the edit process, digital formatting and how things can just slip through the cracks despite all the effort. However, I had to share this one because it made me laugh in a good way. It didn't determine my rating or enjoyment of the story, I just thought it was awesome.

The best typo quote! "...even if it meant staying outside in the horrible heat all day and getting bitten by misquotes."

Despite the typo, Bound...more I normally do not focus or point out typos in any book because I completely understand the edit process, digital formatting and how things can just slip through the cracks despite all the effort. However, I had to share this one because it made me laugh in a good way. It didn't determine my rating or enjoyment of the story, I just thought it was awesome.

The best typo quote! "...even if it meant staying outside in the horrible heat all day and getting bitten by misquotes."

Despite the typo, Bound still feels like it is in the first drafts based on content development. Although, the reader gets a clear picture of the estate and the characters, a few issues remain. Unfortunately, none of the characters are very likable. Arelia has moments, but her redundant rants and huge chip on the shoulder gets old and demonstrates a lack of growth. We are supposed to believe she is chosen for a reason we cannot yet see. In time, the reader should be provided with a glimpse of change. This should arrive near the end if we are to be drawn towards the second book in the series. I found myself disliking Arelia even more and losing faith in her so called strength. Although excuses are given for her close friendship with Sabrina, this girl is absolutely unappealing as a side-kick. She's downright mean and if this is friendship, Arelia needs more than magic, she needs therapy. A doormat often does not inspire sympathy, but rather pity. She talks a good game through her angry outbursts, but has no apparent resilience or backbone. The history of Darkwood is the meat of the plot, but yet it is told through surface and tour-guided stories. This is the place where the story can really take a deeper turn and provide dimension and meaning. It was frustrating to skim along with such a rich opportunity presented. Lasty, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference was odd and basing the guests on similar characters was insultingly obvious. Instead of being clever thematically, it just raised an eyebrow in lameness. I apologize for being so direct, but sometimes these techniques can be a hit or miss. In this case, a total miss for me.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Adrienne ツ rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: annoying-main-characters, ebooks, eye-catching-covers, meh, ya-fantasy-romance, series

Let me start by telling you how horribly written this book is. The plot was terribly predictable, the characters were all vapid and the romance (if that was what the author was going for) was forced or pretty much non-existent. It was like -- bam! -- the protagonist stumbled into Mr. Tan and Chiseled Good Looks's room and they fell for each other. It was like INSTALOVE. There was no chemistry brewing between Arelia and Lucus, even when Arelia kept saying that she felt something stir inside of he...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Bound
avg rating	preview: Bound Goodreads rating: 3.78 (2186 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12801856-bound?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317821978l/12801856.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12801856-bound?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Bound by Kira Saito[/url]

Bound (Arelia LaRue #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Kira Saito

Books by Kira Saito

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Bound

Quotes from Bound