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Bound (Torn Trilogy #3)

by Erica O'Rourke (Goodreads Author)

4.22 of 5 stars 4.22 · rating details · 293 ratings · 57 reviews

“I beat you. Twice. No magic, and I still beat you. And that was when I didn’t know what I was doing.” I smiled, cold as the winter sky outside. “Imagine what I’m capable of now.”
Mo Fitzgerald has made her choice: A life in Chicago. A future with Colin. To leave behind the enigmatic Luc and the world of the Arcs. But every decision she’s made, from avenging her best friend...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published June 26th 2012 by Kensington

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Oct 15, 2012 Ferdy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Spoilers

Mo is still torn between her human world and the magical world she was thrown into. What ever will she do o_O??

-The plot was somewhat predictable and repetitive - Mo spent most of the book moaning about her mob uncle using her for crimes and whatnot, whinging about her dad, complaining about her magical responsibilities whilst simultaneously whining about Luc and Colin.
Her separate issues with the mafia and the magical world were a little too ridiculous and over the top — the mafia and...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Samantha Thiele rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was truthfully a little reluctant to pick up 'Bound' after reading 'tangled', which left me disappointed with the character development and where the story seemed to be heading. God, I'm glad I was dead wrong though. Mo's growth as a person was done beautifully, talk about actually learning from your mistakes and using it to your advantage. I was really pleased with the lead up and Mo's resolves, it was a welcome change to the usual. Though Mo was far from perfect, there were moments where I w...more I was truthfully a little reluctant to pick up 'Bound' after reading 'tangled', which left me disappointed with the character development and where the story seemed to be heading. God, I'm glad I was dead wrong though. Mo's growth as a person was done beautifully, talk about actually learning from your mistakes and using it to your advantage. I was really pleased with the lead up and Mo's resolves, it was a welcome change to the usual. Though Mo was far from perfect, there were moments where I wanted to pull my hair out and her's, it was the kind of traits I didn't necessarily like but could understand. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Luc's past, as well as Leana's. It was refreshing and added good substance to the story. Thankfully there weren't a lot of slow points (actually, you could hardly even call them slow points) and where as in the 2nd book I wasn't as intrigued by her 'flat' life as her life in the Arcs' world (not that it wasn't interesting, just not as interesting) I found myself equally drawn to both parts. Eager to find the resolve. It was also nice to see Mo not dwelling as much on Verity's death, or allowing it to be a major decision-maker with absolutely everything.
Oh and the end. The ending. I don't think it could have unfolded any better. Admittedly I may be a bit biased, because the resolve included the pairing I'd been rooting for, but I felt like it was perfectly laid out. Like all the tumblers had fallen into place and it was very satisfying. I would elaborate further but I'd really like to keep it spoiler-free.

Now, my reasoning for only four stars rather than five: The romance. There seemed to be a blend of rational interactions and irrational ones. It seemed like there were a few points that dragged out a little much, where the characters got borderline whinny over. I really, really despised Mo's dilemma over certain aspects, that just didn't seem reasonable. Again, I'll spare the details as they're most definitely spoilers.
And her willingness to throw away precious things like her her future, her life. (I was relieved that Luc and even Collin both confronted her on it though, and how she bettered by the end).

Regardless of my few nick picks, 'Bound' has definitely earned a place on my top shelf (where only my favourites get in ;p) and I'm definitely looking forward to more books from Erica O'Rourke. (: (less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Monique Sanchiz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So this book came a little bit as a surprise. In the second book, Mo made choices and proved she didn't believe in fate. She stuck to those choices no matter what, and was determined to stay as far away from the magical world as possible. It turns out that in Bound, circumstances change, and so do Mo's choices. One of the things I said that I didn't like about the first book was that I felt Mo was the type of character that reacts based on things happening to her instead of making her own path....more So this book came a little bit as a surprise. In the second book, Mo made choices and proved she didn't believe in fate. She stuck to those choices no matter what, and was determined to stay as far away from the magical world as possible. It turns out that in Bound, circumstances change, and so do Mo's choices. One of the things I said that I didn't like about the first book was that I felt Mo was the type of character that reacts based on things happening to her instead of making her own path. That changed in Tangled, the second installment in the trilogy, and I grew to like the series more.

This time, however, it seems we're back to having Mo react to things. The Magical world sucks her right back in, and her romantic relationship ultimately fails because she can't reconcile one world with the other. It seems that the choice she made to belong to the Flat world (synonym for muggle for those of you wondering) was completely inconsequential because well, her fate lay in the Arcs (or wizards) all along.

O'Rourke toys with this dichotomy throughout the entire trilogy. Does Mo believe in fate? Doesn't she? Does fate even exist? She tries to come to a compromise with the readers by implying that fate exists but you can choose the journey that will lead to your destination. I'm sorry, but what? I'm confused. Is there or isn't there a fixed destination? As far as I'm concerned, that's what fate is all about, right?

Not to say that I wasn't happy about how things ended. I was. I just wish Mo had gotten there by making her own choices instead of just letting her relationship with Colin deteriorate. Sure, she broke up with him in the end, but not before she had blown it by being nosy and shattering Colin's trust in her. If that hadn't happened, Mo would've still been with Colin. And that's my whole point... It seems like the plot was moved forward by things happening around Mo instead of by her choices, which is the same flaw of the first book.

I also didn't understand Mo's development as a character. She always seemed kind of angry and snippy to me, and I never got the feeling that she was this extraordinary person with a glorious fate in front of her and a desire to experience every good thing in the world, and yet in the last chapters of the final book, suddenly that's who she is. In my opinion, there wasn't enough character arc to justify that change. Yes, she goes through a-lot, but she responded to things the same way she always had, with stubborness, anger, selflessness and courage. These characteristics, when put together, make for a somber character.

I suppose you could explain this by saying Mo's true self shone through once her problems were over, but I was still a little confused. This was, however, a good ending to the trilogy. It ended the way I wanted it to, as I already mentioned, and of course, subjective reader that I am, that makes up for a whole lot. :)

(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Stacey Pagan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The last novel in this trilogy – and what an awesome series this has been!

Mo Fitzgerald is not like the normal teenage girl. She is a Flat with the magic alive in her. She is caught up in a love triangle, yet bound by magic to one of the men. She has to deal with her uncle, who is part of the Chicago MOB, her hunky bodyguard and his annoyance of Mo poking around in his personal life, and Luc, the ARC she is bound to, all atop of the family reunion of her father returning from prison. In this no...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews

Erica O’Rourke’s Bound is the grand conclusion to a great trilogy. It picks up right after the events of Tangled as Maura “Mo” Fitzgerald is torn between two worlds. With forces from each end pulling her in, Mo has to decide which path is the right one for her and the guy that is best for her. Although each side offers a desire, they also have something that is trying to overcome her. Something big is on the horizon for Mo since this is the last book. All of the pressures are closing in as Mo tr...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Bibliojunkies rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

****
Mo Fitzgerald has made her choice: A life in Chicago. A future with Colin. To leave behind the enigmatic Luc and the world of the Arcs. But the more she struggles to keep her magic and mortal lives separate, the deadlier the consequences. In the end, Mo must risk everything – her life, her heart, her future – or lose it all.

I’d like to thank Erica O’Rourke for my lack of sleep. I’ve had my nose in this book for two days straight wishing I had the patience to slowly read through it but I don’...more ****
Mo Fitzgerald has made her choice: A life in Chicago. A future with Colin. To leave behind the enigmatic Luc and the world of the Arcs. But the more she struggles to keep her magic and mortal lives separate, the deadlier the consequences. In the end, Mo must risk everything – her life, her heart, her future – or lose it all.

I’d like to thank Erica O’Rourke for my lack of sleep. I’ve had my nose in this book for two days straight wishing I had the patience to slowly read through it but I don’t. I just had to know and now I’m sad it’s over.

The first chapter opens with the return of Mo’s father, Jack. Considering he’s been behind bars for the last few years and the little child he’d left behind is now a stubborn young teen, you can say the reunion is nothing short of awkward. Mo’s uncle Billy, continues to be a manipulating scoundrel (I’ll refrain from using a stronger word though I’d very much like to) and her mom, Annie still has her head stuck in the ground much like an ostrich only more annoying. Colin and Mo are officially a couple openly displaying their relationship.

Mo has plenty on her shoulders but none weighs more heavily than the deal she brokered with Billy to protect Colin. As a result, she’s now working as an errand girl for him and it’s put her in a whole new line of fire. And Luc, oh Luc, that ever charming and mischievous fellow, is still around though "trying" to respect some of the boundaries Mo has put in place. Try as she might to be planted firmly in the Flat world, she is tied to Luc and the Arc world. Dealing with the Quartoren, taking down her uncle and a rival mob, plus school, dating her bodyguard and avoiding her parents keep her social schedule rather full.

Bound is thoroughly enjoyable. Much like its predecessors, it has action, humor and twists galore making every moment of reading fun. Mo does do a lot of growing up in this one, coming a long way from the girl who witnessed the tragic murder of her best friend. Her personal evolution finds her simple black and white philosophy making room for other people’s perspectives. She makes no apologies for some of her decisions such as snooping behind Colin’s back to learn about his past. By the same token she also learns that while too many secrets can hurt, boundaries still need to be respected. On a wider scale, you see her awkwardly learning to come to terms with her double life.

My favorite element of the series is that the paranormal world with its own brand of dysfunction often collides into Mo’s equally dysfunctional world in Chicago. It puts the reader on edge to see this somewhat normal girl whose biggest worry should be applying to college suddenly be thrown into utter chaos because of a cruel twist of fate. It's a wonder Mo maintains her sanity long enough to devise a plan of action. This being another reason I enjoy the series so much – Mo is a heroine who uses her intellect to work her way through each disaster. She makes tough decisions and she's loyal to a fault. The dangers she faces feel so tangible that it's easy to grasp the demanding push-and-pull of both worlds.

If you’ve read the first two in the series, Torn and Tangled, then you’ll find many questions answered and Mo won’t disappoint you. Bound also finds a few of the supporting characters stepping up. Together they help to tie up loose ends and everyone can breathe a huge sigh of relief. You're certain that everything will work itself out but there’s genuine pleasure in watching Mo influence events. She's had enough of being bossed around. Plus she’s picked up a few things from watching her sleazy uncle, so you know she’s got plenty of fight in her!

~ Bel(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Ryann Murphy rated it 5 of 5 stars

One series that I have talked up a lot over the last few months is the Torn Trilogy by Erica O’Rourke, and this isn’t just because I know how awesome Erica is (and she is!) but because the series truly deserves talking about. Maura Fitzgerald wakes up in the hospital at the beginning of the first book, Torn. The incident that puts her in the hospital killed her best friend and Maura “Mo” vows to do whatever she needs to do to avenge her friends death. Mo also discovers that her best friend has b...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Kellen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The second book is definitely the best, but as the book did end up as I hoped... with a few twists I didn't expect, and some that I did. Anyway, I like the character growth of Mo but I definitely got the point some have mentioned where she is pushed by 'Fate' and goes along. Not always but mostly. However I found Colin, nice but still seeming too old for her, all the way through. By the end, though I didn't doubt his feelings, I got the vibe he only loved her for the fact that she could disappea...more

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Jun 05, 2012 WovenMyst rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Erica O’Rourke wraps up the Torn Trilogy with a tidy, red magical bow. With Bound come ultimate tests, for beloved heroine, Mo Fitzgerald. From working for the Outfit to carefully stepping her way through personal relationships, this quasi-magical girl has a full plate of magical and non-magical drama.

A world where magic doesn’t interfere in the lives of Flats would be paradise for Mo. But, there’s more to the magic than any of the Arcs know and Mo’s Flat life is quickly bleeding from normal to...more

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May 16, 2013 Tressa (Tressa's Wishful Endings) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, series, ya-fantasy-paranormal

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, so I was looking forward to reading this. I really love books with magic in them.

Mo is even more embedded in her uncle's mob business and is trying to leave the Arc world alone. However, it isn't that easy and others are after her for the bond she has with the magic. Everything just gets more complicated, but yet she still resists making any definite choices.

This one was both good and bad for me. I loved Luc! I really liked Mo's friend Lena. I liked...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Colin Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Poor Mouse," [Luc] said. "You've been tryin' so hard to put all the different parts of your life in neat little boxes. Friends in one and family in another and magic in a third... But as hard as you're workin' to keep everything separate, they just keep overlapping..."

Phew! A breathtaking finale to the series. The events of the previous books finally come to a head. For all this time, Mo has been trying to sort out her fractured life: magic, mafia, school, Colin, Luc, and so on. She has been av...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Farah Jay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs-i-own

Bound is the third book in the Torn trilogy, and I was so glad that it ended in a great way! I'm usually scared of how authors end their books sometimes, and I have to say that Erica did a great job! Maura Fitzgerald, Mo, is a great protagonist. She really does not depend on guys at all, and always does what her heart tells her to do. I really admire her for that. I was really excited for the third book, mostly because of the love triangle. I just love Colin, and for the first time in any book I...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was so excited when Bound showed up on my doorstep! I read the first two books in this trilogy earlier this year and I absolutely fell in love with the story, the characters, and the author’s style of writing. Bound is the third and final book and I couldn’t wait to find out how everything was going to turn out for Mo, Colin, and Luc. This is one of those series that kept getting better and better as the plot p...more See My Full Review Here: http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: I was so excited when Bound showed up on my doorstep! I read the first two books in this trilogy earlier this year and I absolutely fell in love with the story, the characters, and the author’s style of writing. Bound is the third and final book and I couldn’t wait to find out how everything was going to turn out for Mo, Colin, and Luc. This is one of those series that kept getting better and better as the plot progressed. I also really like the cover art on each book since they all seem to fit nicely together.

First 50 Pages: One of my favorite aspects of this trilogy is that it does a great job blending together two totally different genres. It is one part Urban Fantasy and one part Contemporary Fiction. The main character Mo lives a bit in each world and is pulled in both directions. In the end, we know she will have to choose which path is the right one for her (as well as which guy she really wants to be with), and since Bound is the last book, the time to choose is now. Bound also wraps up all of the little side-plots without it feeling too busy, but it does have more than enough action to keep any reader satisfied. This particular book moves at a much faster pace than the previous books, but I never thought it was confusing.

Characters & Plot: Bound picks up not too long after all of the events that occurred in Tangled. We are again greeted with Mo who has chosen Colin over Luc in Chicago. I was never crazy about Colin and I always preferred Luc as the guy for Mo, but Colin is okay too. Mo is trying her best to keep her “normal” life separate from her duties in the supernatural world, but again, we know that this isn’t going to last for very long and Mo is going to have to choose one side or the other. Each side has something that Mo desires (Colin and Luc) and each side has something that is trying to defeat Mo, plus she has to deal with keeping so many different secrets that it is making her head spin. We all know that something big is going to happen in Bound since it is the last book. Mo is going to have to realize that even though she has a duty to protect everyone, she will not be able to save everyone. The weight of the pressure that is resting on Mo’s shoulders has reached its maximum level and I honestly don’t know how Mo handled everything that she did throughout this book. When Mo’s two worlds collide, all hell breaks loose.

Mo has always been one of my favorite characters (probably ever). She is extremely determined, hard-headed, stubborn, and she can handle her own business like there is not tomorrow. Mo is the epitome of a strong female protagonist and I love her for that. I don’t always agree with everything that she does, but all of her decisions are hers and hers alone. She doesn’t need anyone or anything to tell her how to live her life and I totally respect her for that. Mo totally kicks some major booty!

I normally cannot stand to see love triangles in any book, but I really like how the author handled the romance between Mo, Colin, and Luc. Everything you thought was going to happen between these three characters completely changes in this final volume. I thought that everything was settled in Tangled, but it became quite apparent that things were far from settled. I’m not entirely sure I am 100% percent satisfied with the way the romance played out in Bound. It seemed like Mo made her decision kind of in haste and it surprised me entirely. On the other hand, I’m happy that she decided what she decided (sorry, you’re not going to get any spoilers from me!) and I can see why she picked who she ended up going with.

Final Thoughts: This was an epic, action packed, heartbreaking and stunning conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. In a nutshell, it was totally satisfying but it was very sad too. The climax and the consequences that followed leave characters dead and dying, which I didn’t expect even though I should have. I’m going to miss visiting Mo’s world and I’m bummed that this series is finished. However, I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the author’s next books because I enjoyed this series so much. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long!(less)

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Jul 06, 2012 Bethzaida rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

Something that has never happened to me before happened with Bound. I was afraid of finishing it. Not because it was boring or bad but because I’m going to miss these characters so much. Even right now I feel like crying. I was very excited when I got the book in the mail and then I thought, “This is it. The end of one of my favorite series ever.” And then I wasn't as excited as before. I can always re-read the series, right?

I’m very happy with the ending. I'm ecstatic with the choices Mo made....more

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Aug 06, 2012 Kelsey Matoushek rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, paranormal-romance

This is a wonderful conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. Though bittersweet, O'Rourke provides an ending that adeptly wraps up all of the various storylines, and I could not imagine a more perfect end to the story.

What I enjoyed most about this novel is how well the author mixes the paranormal aspects of the story with contemporary life. As with the other books in the trilogy, Mo is forced to balance her family life and her connection to magic, only she is now facing much higher stakes. Furthermo...more

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Jun 23, 2012 All Things Urban Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: june-2012-hotp, reviewed-by-abigail

Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

I love trilogies. I love how clear and purposeful each book is. I especially love reading the final book, the one where everything comes together and all the emotional and plot driven story-lines converge. Reading BOUND by Erica O’Rourke, the third book in the Torn Trilogy, I was reminded all over again why trilogies are so satisfying. In both of the preceding books in this trilogy, the endings were fantastic. So powerful and exciting. As the ending to...more Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy

I love trilogies. I love how clear and purposeful each book is. I especially love reading the final book, the one where everything comes together and all the emotional and plot driven story-lines converge. Reading BOUND by Erica O’Rourke, the third book in the Torn Trilogy, I was reminded all over again why trilogies are so satisfying. In both of the preceding books in this trilogy, the endings were fantastic. So powerful and exciting. As the ending to the whole series, BOUND captures the same energy and emotionally gripping feel from the first to last page, and delivers by far the best book of the series.

The magic of the Torn Trilogy has always been the fine balance between Mo’s mob connected family life and her accidental but irrevocable connection to the supernatural Seraphim. Each side has a guy that Mo is drawn to, a villain that wants to use or kill her, and an obligation to protect the innocent. O’Rourke’s skill has been making both world equally compelling, and finally in BOUND, thrusting the two together. The consequesces are just as severe as I would have expected. Betrayal, and bloodshed, and heartbreak follow.

My only real complaint is how the romance turned out. Not because I was rooting for the other guy, but because I thought Mo was too capricious in her choosing. She was in an intimate position with one guy declaring her love and readiness for sex and then in an almost identical situation with the other guy way too quickly for my taste. Her speech to the guy she didn’t choose was in complete contrast to everything she had been saying to him the entire book. It didn’t sit right.

As a series overall, the Torn Trilogy is unique and exciting. The mythology is new and inventive, and Mo as a character grows so much over the span of the series. I’m sorry there won’t be more books in this series, but the ending feels right for the plot and characters. After a series like this, I’ll be on the look out for whatever Erica O’Rourke writes next.

Sexual Content:
Kissing. Scenes of sensuality. A non graphic sex scene(less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Meaghan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

We pick back up in Bound three months after all the events from Tangled took place. Mo has chosen to stay in Chicago with Colin and is trying to keep her Flat life and her Arc life separate. We all knew that would not last long though right? Anton is still chasing her, her Uncle Billy has her working for the mob and she has so many secrets she is having a hard time keeping straight who she has told them to. The entirety of Bound is literally the climax that we have all been waiting for and what...more We pick back up in Bound three months after all the events from Tangled took place. Mo has chosen to stay in Chicago with Colin and is trying to keep her Flat life and her Arc life separate. We all knew that would not last long though right? Anton is still chasing her, her Uncle Billy has her working for the mob and she has so many secrets she is having a hard time keeping straight who she has told them to. The entirety of Bound is literally the climax that we have all been waiting for and what the previous books having been leading too.

When we begin in Bound, Mo is still dating Colin and I have to admit I am not a fan of him so I was secretly plotting their break-up. Not fair I know, but there is something about the bad boy that is always so appealing which is why I always loved Luc. I am not a fan of love triangles, but Erica has always kept the choice in guys up to Mo. She does not take her choice away by something happening to one of the guys or forcing Mo’s hand. Mo is faced with choosing between two futures as well as the guys that could be a part of them. Either guy could be someone she could be with, but she needs to choose what path she wants before she can finally decide what guy will stand beside her. I liked that about the romance in this book, the decision was always up to Mo. She had to find the strength inside herself to discover what she truly wanted.

As for all the action, wow there was plenty to go around in this book. All of the conflict in Mo’s life literally comes to a head in this book as her life in the Arc world and the Flat world collide. Many lives get lost and there were a couple deaths I did not see coming at all. At one point Marguerite says to Mo:

“You cannot save them all…”

That quote could not be truer, or more heartbreaking. There were moments I was questioning how everything was going to work out for Mo and how she would get through it all, but Erica created a strong character in Mo. She fought with everything she had to get her life to where she wanted it to be and refused to give up until she had the life she chose. Mo has stayed true to who she was since we met her in Torn and hates having any decision made for her. She has grown since the events in Torn, but it has only been for the better and her core characteristics remain the same, and that is why I loved her.

Sometimes a series can get bland as they continue, but this trilogy just got better with each installment. Bound ended this series with a bang and was a perfect conclusion to Mo’s story. Not everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow, but the major conflict was resolved and I was happy with where Mo ended up. I am sad to leave this world, but was very satisfied with the closing of Mo’s tale.

If you have not read these books I highly suggest looking into them! You need to read them in order because there is too much backstory to start out with this book, but they are fantastic young adult paranormal titles! At its core it is a story of a girl who is lost in life, looking for what she really wants. Throw in two hot guys looking to be by her side through that journey, some seriously wicked magic and a couple of nasty villains chasing her and you get a small taste of this world. I am not sure what books Erica will bring us next, but I know I will definitely be picking up copies of them!(less)

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Jun 28, 2012 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, pnr, read-in-2012, review-for-smexybooks, trilogy, ya

Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/06/review-...

Favorite Quote: “Not everything is fixable.”

Bound picks up about right where Tangled left off. Mo used her gifts to avenge her friend’s death and negotiate with her family for some much needed freedom. Thinking she is finally going to be free, her uncle flips the tables and pushes for more from Mo and isn’t above using her family and friends to get what he wants. Mo makes the ultimate sacrifice and gives up her dreams in order to keep...more Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2012/06/review-...

Favorite Quote: “Not everything is fixable.”

Bound picks up about right where Tangled left off. Mo used her gifts to avenge her friend’s death and negotiate with her family for some much needed freedom. Thinking she is finally going to be free, her uncle flips the tables and pushes for more from Mo and isn’t above using her family and friends to get what he wants. Mo makes the ultimate sacrifice and gives up her dreams in order to keep everyone she loves safe. But not everyone appreciates her sacrifices. Mo’s inability to let things lay soon places her and Colin in discord. Mo soon finds herself pulled in different directions as her magic, the Arcs, and her family makes demands on her she can no longer ignore. As Mo tries to clean up her mess, she sets in motion a dangerous game that unless played just right, will destroy them all.

Ms. O’Rourke picks the best titles for her books. Bound perfectly describes Mo as she bound to the magic, bound to her family, and now bound to save her love’s life. A steady pace and solid storyline propels the novel along at a comfortable speed. More action, suspense, and mystery makes this final installment an exciting ending to this trilogy. I liked that the narrative aspect was toned down in here and we are able to submerge ourselves more into the story and Mo’s life. The character development continues to deepen, revealing areas of their personalities and emotions that have remained hidden before now. Layers in both characters and the plot lines are peeled back and the tangled hidden agendas begin to finally unwind and reveal themselves. While Mo has always remained in the spotlight, other characters have been introduced and carry more of the story line’s weight. It still speaks in a youthful tone to me (because of the protagonist) but you cannot miss the subtle maturing of Mo. She has come a long way since Torn and the ramifications are readily apparent. She is no longer the quiet, unassuming girl she was when we first met her. The paranormal storyline really takes command in here and edges the contemporary portions into the background where it belonged.

I admire Mo. She deals with so much in here, torn between two worlds, yet for all her mistakes, you know everything she did was from the heart. She tries so hard to be what everyone wants yet realizes, in the end, she can only be herself. She is brave, intelligent, and very, very stubborn. She will always do what she feels is right. This, of course, can cause problems when you attempt to manipulate other’s lives. Regardless of the who and what, she did what she needed to do in Tangled but she cannot avoid the consequences of her decisions. And they are huge. I did find it rather telling that she, on occasion, does what she despises her uncle for. She too makes decisions concerning others without a by your leave. She is even more conflicted in here as she is pulled in different directions; trying to stay one step ahead of her uncle and the dangerous game they are playing. Mo finally begins to listen and trust her magic-realizing that it isn’t a passing gift. Ms. O’Rourke merges Mo and her magic in a realistic fashion that matches with her emotional maturity. Stubbornness continues to be her greatest gift and flaw. She pushes hard to know things, often against good advice, then regrets when the truth is revealed. Only this time, her actions not only affect her, they affect others who aren’t so forgiving this time around.

The romantic love triangle remained a solid fixture throughout this trilogy. Mo remains torn between Colin and Luc but Ms. O’Rourke takes pity on us and gives us a resolution. I liked the differences between Luc and Colin and the lengths at which they will go to be with her. I admitted in the last review that I was team Luc. Regardless of his reasons, I always believed that Luc truly cares for Mo. That he would fight everything and everyone to be with her. Colin, for all his declarations, still felt too much like a bodyguard then a potential lover. Ms. O’Rourke cranks up the emotional drama and plays it out till the very end. Some will be pleased and some will not.

The ending wraps up the main conflict and overall arc in a dramatic, heart stopping finale that reveals so much in the final moments. All our questions are answered and we are left with a nice, abet, brief look into Mo’s future. A solid trilogy that is sure to appeal to all YA readers who enjoy magic, suspense, and romantic entanglements for their heroes and heroines.

Overall rating: B(less)

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Aug 15, 2012 Erika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

Title: Bound (Torn Trilogy #3)
Author: Erica O’Rourke
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Date of Release: June 26, 2012
Number of Pages: 350
Source: Erica, because she loves me!
Summary from Goodreads:
Mo Fitzgerald has made her choice: A life in Chicago. A future with Colin. To leave behind the enigmatic Luc and the world of the Arcs. But the more she struggles to keep her magic and mortal lives separate, the deadlier the consequences. In the end, Mo must risk everything--her life, her heart, her future--...more

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Sep 10, 2012 Nan Dixon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Don't know how I didn't grab this book faster. I've always been a member of Team Luc, but have to say, I was almost convinced that maybe Colin would end up with Mo --and I didn't want to see his heart broken.
Lots of turns and twists in this finale to her wonderful trilogy. Love the way the magic gets a voice through our feisty heroine and interesting sub-plot with Mo's best friend.
Excellent use of dialogue to help identify characters.

Loved this book! Will recommend to all.

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Aug 11, 2012 Maria Miaoulis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Fans of Erica O’Rourke’s Torn series will definitely not be disappointed with the final installment, “Bound.” In this action-packed conclusion, our heroine Mo Fitzgerald is forced to decide whether she’ll stay in her normal mortal world or leave it all behind to join the magical Arcs for good. Major props go to the author for building up all this tension throughout the series to the point where readers will explode trying to guess how it will all work itself out. It sounds so cliché, but “Bound”...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Heather Goolsby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

Fate, destiny, choices. This trilogy was absolutely mesmerizing. In the final chapter of Mo's journey we get see her evolve into a wonderful person who becomes bound to magic. In her never ending quest to right lifes wrongs, and save her loved ones she finally is free of the anguish and despair of Verity's death. Life's all about choices, and where you're path will lead you making these choices. This book was so full of ups and downs, sadness and joy. All you wanted to do was weep for Mo. This a...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Tia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I did like that, I was a bit sad about Colin but I felt as if Mo made the right decision. I was horribly sad about Mo's Dad, after all of that, he finally did good but died for it. This novel is the final one and it makes me sad. It was great. I found it emotional but the ending was uplifting but bittersweet. I would of loved if the series continued on because it's good enough to do just that. The author has some serious potential!

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Aug 18, 2012 Aleena Watford rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

By far the best of the trilogy, the two sides of Maura's life vein together the best in this last installment. I am disappointed that there wasn't more time spent on the courtship of Luc and Mo, to make Mo's final decision more convincing and true. She ended where I believed she should be, and with who she should be with, and the way she came to her decisions where true, real and compelling. Thank you Ms. O'Rourke for pulling it all together.

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Jul 11, 2012 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this series. It got better by the book! It was a well thought out story. The characters were fully developed. I was engaged the entire time. Never wanted to stop reading!
This is a romance, magic, mob story. There is action, love, betrayal. The mystery kept me guessing, who would she end up with? As a mother, I do wish she would be a bit more reserved in trying to get her pants off, but she's a teen in love! I'm glad the men in her life love her enough to take care of her. Ok, I...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I liked this series. It was a different twist on Magic and a bit edgier than the normal young adult/romance/fantasy book out there. The first two books had me hooked, but this one fell just a bit flat. I didn't care for the ending - although, I did like who she finally ended up with out of her little love triangle. The ending felt rushed and and far-fetched and just a bit naive.

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Aug 31, 2012 Maria Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Erica O'Rourke has such a beautiful way of using simple words to create such lovely moments in her books. There was so much going on in Bound - so much going on in Mo's worlds. Tons of new secrets were revealed and the love triangle was finally resolved. And I was SO happy with the guy she chose. There were people she thought she could trust turned into enemies and people she thought were enemies turn into heroes. This novel really showed Mo's growth as a character. She finally embraced the magi...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

i love these books! once again she saves the magical world for the arcs and she being only a flat. she plays a double agent in a way. sends info to the other mob boss while secretly getting info to give to jenny to put her uncle behind bars. trying to figure out who her dad is after he is released from prison, but only to find out at the last moment. the only thing that gets me is how she's so willing to jump in bed with colin but when he breaks up with her, she loves luc so much and jumps into...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Nocturne Romance Reads rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Read Angela's review @ Nocturnereads!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2012/07/...

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Feb 11, 2013 Michele rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh the drama! Which incredibly hot guy will I choose? Another paranormal young adult romance. Still fun.

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About Erica O'Rourke

I write books about girls who make their own fate and fall for boys they shouldn't.

I live outside Chicago. I like to travel but I'll never really leave this city.

I prefer cookies to cake (even cupcakes), television to movies, and autumn to all the other seasons.

I like sushi, naps, coffee, and driving stick shift.

I hate fish, emoticons, bridges, and talking about myself.

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Quotes from Bound

“People fail each other all the time, Mo, and they forgive each other, and start again. It's a question of knowing the other person's limitations. Knowing what's fair to expect of them. Knowing what's fair for them to expect of you.” — 2 people liked it

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Bound (Torn Trilogy #3)

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