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Nether Trilogy #1
Nether Bound
Seventeen year old Ava Walker has everything a girl could ask for. She’s captain of the cheer squad, has tons of friends, and could easily have any guy she wants. Being popular is easy.
Lying about her entire life, on the other hand, isn’t.
Since she was little, Ava has had a connection with the dearly departed. She knows seeing dead people is abnormal, but they never try to communicate, so she does her best to turn a blind eye. The older she gets, the worse her visions become. With more and more ghosts showing up, her secret is on the verge of driving her mad.
The only person Ava ever trusted is her best friend, Devon. Only, she hasn’t really talked to him in years and lately he hasn’t been acting like himself.
To make things worse, her evil stepfather, Mark, is hitting the bottle harder and harder. Ava hates the alcoholic psycho her mother married a few years ago. To him, beating women is a sport. Lately, the beatings are getting worse. Ava fears it won’t be long before her mother is among the ghosts invading her life.
She wishes Mark would just die. When he suddenly does, her life changes forever.
Just when she thinks her family is safe, Mark shows back up.
Not all ghosts are silent, and dear old Daddy wants some serious revenge.
Be careful what you wish for …
Lying about her entire life, on the other hand, isn’t.
Since she was little, Ava has had a connection with the dearly departed. She knows seeing dead people is abnormal, but they never try to communicate, so she does her best to turn a blind eye. The older she gets, the worse her visions become. With more and more ghosts showing up, her secret is on the verge of driving her mad.
The only person Ava ever trusted is her best friend, Devon. Only, she hasn’t really talked to him in years and lately he hasn’t been acting like himself.
To make things worse, her evil stepfather, Mark, is hitting the bottle harder and harder. Ava hates the alcoholic psycho her mother married a few years ago. To him, beating women is a sport. Lately, the beatings are getting worse. Ava fears it won’t be long before her mother is among the ghosts invading her life.
She wishes Mark would just die. When he suddenly does, her life changes forever.
Just when she thinks her family is safe, Mark shows back up.
Not all ghosts are silent, and dear old Daddy wants some serious revenge.
Be careful what you wish for …
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2012
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 5, 2012
This is the second self-published/indie book I've read that I actually really enjoyed. In a row, no less. Maybe I am getting better at picking the good ones out of the haystack.
There were some definite flaws with editing on occasion. Not too many, but when they showed, they always seem to jump out of the page at me. Maybe because it is the fact that I am a writer too. I don't know. But editing mistakes (i.e. spelling, punctuation, and wrong words used) really make me stumble when I read. There weren't as many in Ms. Rae's book as I have encountered in many other self-pubbed/indie books. So, I'm keeping this at a minimum. (I would have loved to have done a line-by-line critique/edit for her on this. Not everyone can see every error. Even the big 6. And I believe that having at least one or two betas/critiques that are good with copy editing, as well as a professional copy editor, are essential.)
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast-paced, easy to read story with engaging scenes. With Ms. Rae's choice of 1st person of the two main characters, I struggled at first, but it allowed the reader to get into the head of both Ava and Devon. The book was definitely filled with strong emotions. As a reader, though, I felt more connected with Ava. Because this is the first in a series, I was left wondering what happens next and can't wait to read the next installment.
ASIDE: I've been contacted by the author. She informs me that there is a new version available and hopefully all the editing mistakes have been caught and fixed.
There were some definite flaws with editing on occasion. Not too many, but when they showed, they always seem to jump out of the page at me. Maybe because it is the fact that I am a writer too. I don't know. But editing mistakes (i.e. spelling, punctuation, and wrong words used) really make me stumble when I read. There weren't as many in Ms. Rae's book as I have encountered in many other self-pubbed/indie books. So, I'm keeping this at a minimum. (I would have loved to have done a line-by-line critique/edit for her on this. Not everyone can see every error. Even the big 6. And I believe that having at least one or two betas/critiques that are good with copy editing, as well as a professional copy editor, are essential.)
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a fast-paced, easy to read story with engaging scenes. With Ms. Rae's choice of 1st person of the two main characters, I struggled at first, but it allowed the reader to get into the head of both Ava and Devon. The book was definitely filled with strong emotions. As a reader, though, I felt more connected with Ava. Because this is the first in a series, I was left wondering what happens next and can't wait to read the next installment.
ASIDE: I've been contacted by the author. She informs me that there is a new version available and hopefully all the editing mistakes have been caught and fixed.
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August 24, 2012Guess I was expecting something a little different...
Ava's got a stubborn desire to protect her mother and sister which I didn't understand. I felt like I was supposed to accept that they were the most important things in the world to her just because they were "family" but was never really shown examples of why her connection to them is so strong.
The angels have several human flaws which I expected I'd have to suspend disbelief for, but I was sort of bothered by the hypocritical rules which prevent angels from becoming attached to the people they love, and yet allowed another angel to have a one night stand with Ava's mother.
The balance of power between Hell and Heaven was too small scale for my taste. I'd expect a war between Heaven and Hell to encompass the globe--or an entire continent and in most circumstances, these battles didn't have a scope further than Ava's high school.
Liked the romantic chemistry. This was one of those books where I could feel what Ava was feeling rather than just being told "I'm so in love."
Formatting wise, really pleased that there were chapter breaks. Too many ebooks are missing them.
Ava's got a stubborn desire to protect her mother and sister which I didn't understand. I felt like I was supposed to accept that they were the most important things in the world to her just because they were "family" but was never really shown examples of why her connection to them is so strong.
The angels have several human flaws which I expected I'd have to suspend disbelief for, but I was sort of bothered by the hypocritical rules which prevent angels from becoming attached to the people they love, and yet allowed another angel to have a one night stand with Ava's mother.
The balance of power between Hell and Heaven was too small scale for my taste. I'd expect a war between Heaven and Hell to encompass the globe--or an entire continent and in most circumstances, these battles didn't have a scope further than Ava's high school.
Liked the romantic chemistry. This was one of those books where I could feel what Ava was feeling rather than just being told "I'm so in love."
Formatting wise, really pleased that there were chapter breaks. Too many ebooks are missing them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2012
I've had the privilege of getting to know Bonnie through an online writers support group, and I am thrilled to be able to post a review of her book, Nether Bound! FYI, she did provide me with a free copy in advance to read and review, for which I am extremely grateful.
Nether Bound is very easy to read - there are no major grammar and punctuation errors. Punctuation for dialogue is one thing I'm very picky about, both in my own writing and when reading other works, and it was done properly through the entire story.
The story is enthralling.
If you'd like to read a full review, you can find it (and an interview with Bonnie) on my blog - Black & Dark Night.
Nether Bound is very easy to read - there are no major grammar and punctuation errors. Punctuation for dialogue is one thing I'm very picky about, both in my own writing and when reading other works, and it was done properly through the entire story.
The story is enthralling.
If you'd like to read a full review, you can find it (and an interview with Bonnie) on my blog - Black & Dark Night.
June 9, 2012
So often in the YA genre we read books that have a weak heroine. One who is co-dependant on a guy, so in love she's sick, whiney, weak, the list goes on and on.
Nether Bound is refreshing in this sense; that Ava is a heroine whom we can all look up to. She is strong, loves her family fiercely; her attitude and bravery almost remind me of Katniss Everdeen in the beloved Hunger Games series.
This story is a quick read, offers a well-developed plot, and strong characters. Really, what more could you ask for? Two thumbs up. Recommended for The Keeper Shelf, folks.
Nether Bound is refreshing in this sense; that Ava is a heroine whom we can all look up to. She is strong, loves her family fiercely; her attitude and bravery almost remind me of Katniss Everdeen in the beloved Hunger Games series.
This story is a quick read, offers a well-developed plot, and strong characters. Really, what more could you ask for? Two thumbs up. Recommended for The Keeper Shelf, folks.
April 17, 2012
Amazing! I didn't find any mistakes (okay, some indents, but that's just Amazon's formatting), but like other people have said - been too absorbed in the story to notice if there are any! Doesn't matter, either - an amazing story and plotline trumps mistakes any day. Loved this book, can't wait for the next ones!
April 18, 2012
Awesome story. Great plot. Great characters. Great scenes. Plenty of realistic and human drama in addition to the paranormal drama. Very well done. Great debut book. :D
May 23, 2013
Ava Walker's whole life has been a lie. She might seem like the perky and beautiful captain of the cheer squad, but her home life is a nightmare. Ava's learned to hide the fact she can see dead people, but the shades are starting to multiply. Devon is the only true friend she's ever had, and she snubbed him to become popular. Yet he's still there to help her when her world comes crashing down around her. Her cruel stepfather dies and comes back as something much more terrifying. Will he kill her or will the truth of her past and weight of her future crush her first?
NETHER BOUND is a fast-paced and intense read. A great mythology of demons and angels, and woe be unto the humans caught in the middle. Bonnie Rae captures a strong YA voice. The indecision, the stubbornness, and tremendous emotions. Ava is fiercely loyal to her family and a warrior, but we don't forget she's also a teenage girl. Devon is a sweet guy and a little geeky which I really do like! We have the bad boy in Kaine, and thus the three create an epic love triangle.
This story has set the stage for something even grander in the trilogy. A great debut novel for Bonnie Rae. I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
NETHER BOUND is a fast-paced and intense read. A great mythology of demons and angels, and woe be unto the humans caught in the middle. Bonnie Rae captures a strong YA voice. The indecision, the stubbornness, and tremendous emotions. Ava is fiercely loyal to her family and a warrior, but we don't forget she's also a teenage girl. Devon is a sweet guy and a little geeky which I really do like! We have the bad boy in Kaine, and thus the three create an epic love triangle.
This story has set the stage for something even grander in the trilogy. A great debut novel for Bonnie Rae. I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
April 14, 2012
This book has a very interesting plot line. I read the description on Amazon and was really excited. Too bad when I opened it up, I couldn't get through the first chapter. The grammar and punctuation was in serious need of help. I really wish that I could look beyond the bones and get sucked into the plot, but when the errors are in your face, it's hard to do.
October 25, 2013
One of the best books i have read. Though I will never understand why Ava still loves Devon after what she did.....Anyway the beginning is awsome but I would never expected how it ended....Huge surprise there.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews