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Terms of Mercy #1
To the Princess Bound
TO THE PRINCESS A haunted princess chained to a terrifyingly powerful slave, a free man taken from his home and forced into servitude to save her… Six years ago, Victory’s mind and body were brutally shattered by those she trusted. The betrayal has left her with a closed and tortured heart and an innate fear of the men around her. Her father, a cold, compassionless emperor who rules Victory’s life the same way he has ruled Mercy, has an inhuman Chain her to a massive native man from the war-torn planet that kidnapped her to prove to her there’s nothing to fear. Yet when the huge and gentle native shows himself to be something more than anyone expects, will Victory open her heart and allow this handsome and powerful healer to help her flower, or will she turn him over to the Imperium that hunts him? Bound to an Imperial princess, their bodies lashed together by a cruel decree, Dragomir is tired of helplessly watching Victory’s past overtake her. He has the power to fix her, and if she doesn’t like it, she can kill him after he is finished. He is a healer—he will mend her broken spirit, or die trying. Yet, in healing her, he must reveal his secret to her, and in doing so, Dragomir must also trust her with his life, for those with his special talents are feared and hunted by the Imperium. What Dragomir doesn’t foresee at the outset is his own She’s his soul-mate, their lives entwined throughout the ages, and her mere presence sparks a fire within him that he’s tried for years to ignore. He finds himself fighting his body’s deepest urges every time he looks upon her graceful form, struggling for the control she needs of him, warring with inner desires and an ancient need that could make her abandon him forever… “Trust me, Victory,” Dragomir said softly. “There’s something between us…” He swallowed and glanced at his hands, where they touched hers. “We’re…connected…in a way that most people could only dream.” He seemed to be struggling for words, and settled with, “You were always safe with me, as I was with you.” Victory peered into his eyes, wanting to ask him what he meant by that, yet not finding the courage. When she said nothing, he gingerly reached down and… To the Princess Bound is a heart-pounding adventure for people who crave a little science fiction in their romance, who don't mind a bit of dystopian thriller sprinkled on top, and who like to read something totally unique and new. Shamelessly written for lovers of Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romance! PARASITE PUBLICATIONS ~ Science Fiction Romance
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2012
85 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Sara King
21 books789 followersAfter a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.
On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!
Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!
I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingfiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 4, 2012
So, first of all, if you have triggers when it comes to descriptions of rape, DO NOT read this book. I will go into this more later in the review.
The book is a combination of fantasy and sci-fi, set in presumably what is our distant future, as there are references to Terran languages and animals. There is also a lot of jargon that resembles our concepts of chi energy, chakras, karma, auras, etc., with some variations, but it is easy enough to figure out due to context.
Alright, so my main issue with this story is the author's treatment of the Princess, who we find out was a victim of rape for six years while kidnapped. (This is explained early on, so it's not much of a spoiler.) Her father the king-by-another-name is a cruel man and upon finding out she's been hiding in her room for two months (after being rescued) and that she screams at the sight of a man, decides that if she won't man up and start acting like the princess she is, then he'll chain her to a huge naked slave until she gets over it. This is obviously psychotic and insensitive, but he's the villain, so it's understandably in character.
However, throughout the book, the other main character, an empathic healer named Dragomir, displays decidedly insensitive behavior, despite the fact he's our hero and genuinely is concerned about the Princess' emotional well-being. Early on he strips her naked, and she goes catatonic. He does feel terrible for it afterward, and he says he did it out of frustration/anger, but it's just not something a person should do. Later during the story, he makes threats of violence and rape towards her
The book is a combination of fantasy and sci-fi, set in presumably what is our distant future, as there are references to Terran languages and animals. There is also a lot of jargon that resembles our concepts of chi energy, chakras, karma, auras, etc., with some variations, but it is easy enough to figure out due to context.
Alright, so my main issue with this story is the author's treatment of the Princess, who we find out was a victim of rape for six years while kidnapped. (This is explained early on, so it's not much of a spoiler.) Her father the king-by-another-name is a cruel man and upon finding out she's been hiding in her room for two months (after being rescued) and that she screams at the sight of a man, decides that if she won't man up and start acting like the princess she is, then he'll chain her to a huge naked slave until she gets over it. This is obviously psychotic and insensitive, but he's the villain, so it's understandably in character.
However, throughout the book, the other main character, an empathic healer named Dragomir, displays decidedly insensitive behavior, despite the fact he's our hero and genuinely is concerned about the Princess' emotional well-being. Early on he strips her naked, and she goes catatonic. He does feel terrible for it afterward, and he says he did it out of frustration/anger, but it's just not something a person should do. Later during the story, he makes threats of violence and rape towards her
July 16, 2016
Sigh... Everything was right in this book. How the story was told, the main characters and the minor ones. The humor ^^ It's a brilliant story that I had to finish in one go as soon as I read the first page. I couldn't find anything that annoyed me, except for the villain of course ;) and it's so hard to describe what I felt while reading it. It was like something clicked in my head and I couldn't wait to read the next page to find out what would happen. Yes, for me this book was that good ^^ Therefore I won't tell a thing about the story, so you'll have to read it for yourself. That way you'll know how good this book is ;)
I'm also glad that this is only the start of the series and I'll get to know much more about the great world that is described in this book. Can't wait!
I'm also glad that this is only the start of the series and I'll get to know much more about the great world that is described in this book. Can't wait!
November 26, 2012
I wanted to like this more. The description was intriguing, and while I don't enjoy reading about rape, other readers seemed to have enjoyed the book a lot.
The setting was original, despite a lot of "earth"-style slang and words in general. I wish there was more description of how the Imperium works, and how the colonists (various groups) got there.
I understand that Dragomir and Victory were fated for each other, so he felt like he couldn't give up on her, but COME ON. The trauma she experienced led to emotional reactions I can understand, and Dragomir should have been more careful with her than he was (ex: the bath). On the other hand, Victory herself (probably as a byproduct of her upbringing) was a spoiled, petty, entitled, vindictive person who ruined things for fun (ex: Dragomir's drinking water, his food, I could go on here). I didn't particularly care if she found her happy ending. The fact that they were "fated" to each other, to meet in violence repeatedly throughout hundreds of lifetimes, seemed more of a toxic relationship (based on lust) than a soulmate bond to me. Victory reminded me of a combination of Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Princess Vespa from Spaceballs. I felt sorry for the horrors she had experienced but didn't find much to love about her, either.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the side characters, especially Thor, Matt, and the Praetorians. I would have liked to see more of those, and less of Victory.
The setting was original, despite a lot of "earth"-style slang and words in general. I wish there was more description of how the Imperium works, and how the colonists (various groups) got there.
I understand that Dragomir and Victory were fated for each other, so he felt like he couldn't give up on her, but COME ON. The trauma she experienced led to emotional reactions I can understand, and Dragomir should have been more careful with her than he was (ex: the bath). On the other hand, Victory herself (probably as a byproduct of her upbringing) was a spoiled, petty, entitled, vindictive person who ruined things for fun (ex: Dragomir's drinking water, his food, I could go on here). I didn't particularly care if she found her happy ending. The fact that they were "fated" to each other, to meet in violence repeatedly throughout hundreds of lifetimes, seemed more of a toxic relationship (based on lust) than a soulmate bond to me. Victory reminded me of a combination of Veruca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Princess Vespa from Spaceballs. I felt sorry for the horrors she had experienced but didn't find much to love about her, either.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the side characters, especially Thor, Matt, and the Praetorians. I would have liked to see more of those, and less of Victory.
July 31, 2012
I was intrigued by the dichotomy of the two main characters when I started reading, but a number of things muted my enjoyment as I read on:
1. I was uncomfortable by how quickly a victim of multiple rapes was expected to heal emotionally and become romantically and physically involved with the hero.
2. Dragomir seems to forget her trauma way too easily for an empath.
3. The details were pretty mundane for a wealthy society several generations in the future. Very little non Earth-centric world-building undertaken.
4. The major conflict was too easily resolved.
May 12, 2012
“Terms of Mercy: To the Princess Bound” by Sara King will tenderly like a soft golden tendril, embrace you, touch your heart and since it is a romance make you fall in love.
From the beautiful opening chapter, there is Dragomir, a romantic hero unlike all others before him. A gentle giant, healer, possessing a rare, feared gift that if discovered, by a tyrant ruler, would be executed. He is chosen from all the others, captured without his consent, and brought to Victory, the princess, a broken soul, of whom he’ll be bound.
Victory, the princess, privileged since birth, is betrayed by those she trusted. Now, she is scorned, abused, locked by fear, rescued, only to be subjected to the heartless decision of a soul-less man, her own father.
In a short excerpt from the book…” No, his heart began to hammer like a sledge in his chest. The soul-link, made across an entire planet, completely dormant, yet still radiating residual fear to him for an entire month… It was her?”….
There, begins their journey, soul mates, both lost, in pain, yet to be connected in this lifetime. One where one step forward, sometimes means two steps back, on that path where trust the key.
A book of the heart, one that has timeless qualities that blossom with the best of humanity, yet does not hide the dark shadows of it either. This one touches deeply. You will cry, but you will rejoice too, have experiences that will make your toes curl, and ones that make you, in no better words, pee your pants from laughing so hard.
Miss King has this ability, no that word-ability is not enough, it’s a unique gift, to pull you from your life and take you to a wonderful placethat you want to visit time and time again.
"Terms of Mercy: To the Princess Bound, a love story unlike all others.....
From the beautiful opening chapter, there is Dragomir, a romantic hero unlike all others before him. A gentle giant, healer, possessing a rare, feared gift that if discovered, by a tyrant ruler, would be executed. He is chosen from all the others, captured without his consent, and brought to Victory, the princess, a broken soul, of whom he’ll be bound.
Victory, the princess, privileged since birth, is betrayed by those she trusted. Now, she is scorned, abused, locked by fear, rescued, only to be subjected to the heartless decision of a soul-less man, her own father.
In a short excerpt from the book…” No, his heart began to hammer like a sledge in his chest. The soul-link, made across an entire planet, completely dormant, yet still radiating residual fear to him for an entire month… It was her?”….
There, begins their journey, soul mates, both lost, in pain, yet to be connected in this lifetime. One where one step forward, sometimes means two steps back, on that path where trust the key.
A book of the heart, one that has timeless qualities that blossom with the best of humanity, yet does not hide the dark shadows of it either. This one touches deeply. You will cry, but you will rejoice too, have experiences that will make your toes curl, and ones that make you, in no better words, pee your pants from laughing so hard.
Miss King has this ability, no that word-ability is not enough, it’s a unique gift, to pull you from your life and take you to a wonderful placethat you want to visit time and time again.
"Terms of Mercy: To the Princess Bound, a love story unlike all others.....
March 27, 2015
I have a serious love hate relationship with this book. Parts of it are executed wonderfully while others so rife with contradictions I wanted to pull my hair out. I liked how the female protagonist Victory was initially written, she wasn’t exactly a likable character. She’s selfish, privileged, and her view of life is warped from living the high life as a princess in the world of Mercy. It was refreshing to see a character that wasn't an overwhelmingly nice character; especially because after meeting her father it’s obvious where she learned these character flaws. The leading male, Dragomir was completely the opposite. It felt like the author wanted to make a dream man rather than a defined character. He doesn’t really have a strong personality, interests, or even likes and dislikes. His main “personality trait” is enduring and doing everything for Victory’s sake. With Victory we get to know her likes/dislikes, favorite foods, and even choice in decor. Dragomir remains a giant question mark that will never be answer.
The side characters seemed like they had potential, but too little was invested in them. Nothing about them is learned other than their sole purpose in life being “Live and die only for the main characters, you don’t need any other character growth!”
The plot was refreshing for the first half of the book. The characters were forced together with interesting enough reasoning. While the dialogue felt clunky at times overall it was engaging watching the characters interact. Mercy was a creative alternate reality; futuristic aspects on one side of the coin, while peasants survived in a more medieval environment. There is an established class system, religion, and a somewhat vibrant magical atmosphere. It would, however, have been nice for these aspects to be explained in more detail. It felt like the author was overwhelmed with her own creation. Alternate planets were mentioned, yet the animals and vegetation are all earth originals. My suspension of disbelief was broken on more than one occasion when normal earth things were inserted awkwardly into the story. For example, an Emp and royal princess sitting in the kitchen together while he makes her the magical dish of spaghetti!
Another blaring annoyance was glaring contradictions throughout the second half of the book. Victory is portrayed as an educated young woman who goes as far as to look down on lower classes for being uneducated. Yet in the second half of the book she acts like a bumbling idiot not understanding basic things about human life. One example among many being Victory is horrified and shocked to discover that eggs come from chickens….really? You mean to tell me this woman is educated with a supposedly photographic memory but she doesn’t know where eggs come from? This coupled with a few other similar incidences made me want to chuck the book across my bed.
Most of my hang ups with the book (my personal rating dropping for 4 stars to 2) started in the second half. The plot shift in the second half of the book came across as completely illogical and it simply was an excuse for the characters to have to stay attached at the hip for a longer period of time. The whole, sure we could solve the problem but let’s take a long detour instead. Finally leading up to an incredibly anti-climactic confrontation. So anticlimactic it’s not even written about! You’re just told it happens in a different location while our main characters are off making love! (Which by the way was one of the most ridiculous sex scenes I've read in a while; with the leading lady having a whopping six orgasms in one go!)
If you’re looking for a creative/magical backdrop for a romance series and plot inconsistencies don’t bother you, go ahead and try it out. The style wasn’t overly painful or hard to read it just lacked a clear direction. The book was enjoyable (especially in the first half) and despite bouts of rage I may decide to check out the sequel. But you can rest assured I won’t be running out to grab a copy anytime soon.
The side characters seemed like they had potential, but too little was invested in them. Nothing about them is learned other than their sole purpose in life being “Live and die only for the main characters, you don’t need any other character growth!”
The plot was refreshing for the first half of the book. The characters were forced together with interesting enough reasoning. While the dialogue felt clunky at times overall it was engaging watching the characters interact. Mercy was a creative alternate reality; futuristic aspects on one side of the coin, while peasants survived in a more medieval environment. There is an established class system, religion, and a somewhat vibrant magical atmosphere. It would, however, have been nice for these aspects to be explained in more detail. It felt like the author was overwhelmed with her own creation. Alternate planets were mentioned, yet the animals and vegetation are all earth originals. My suspension of disbelief was broken on more than one occasion when normal earth things were inserted awkwardly into the story. For example, an Emp and royal princess sitting in the kitchen together while he makes her the magical dish of spaghetti!
Another blaring annoyance was glaring contradictions throughout the second half of the book. Victory is portrayed as an educated young woman who goes as far as to look down on lower classes for being uneducated. Yet in the second half of the book she acts like a bumbling idiot not understanding basic things about human life. One example among many being Victory is horrified and shocked to discover that eggs come from chickens….really? You mean to tell me this woman is educated with a supposedly photographic memory but she doesn’t know where eggs come from? This coupled with a few other similar incidences made me want to chuck the book across my bed.
Most of my hang ups with the book (my personal rating dropping for 4 stars to 2) started in the second half. The plot shift in the second half of the book came across as completely illogical and it simply was an excuse for the characters to have to stay attached at the hip for a longer period of time. The whole, sure we could solve the problem but let’s take a long detour instead. Finally leading up to an incredibly anti-climactic confrontation. So anticlimactic it’s not even written about! You’re just told it happens in a different location while our main characters are off making love! (Which by the way was one of the most ridiculous sex scenes I've read in a while; with the leading lady having a whopping six orgasms in one go!)
If you’re looking for a creative/magical backdrop for a romance series and plot inconsistencies don’t bother you, go ahead and try it out. The style wasn’t overly painful or hard to read it just lacked a clear direction. The book was enjoyable (especially in the first half) and despite bouts of rage I may decide to check out the sequel. But you can rest assured I won’t be running out to grab a copy anytime soon.
January 23, 2013
I had mixed feelings about this book... I think the concept the book had was a great one... but there was a lot going on...
1. A princess and a pauper... throw in slavery and switch places.
2. Healing of a savaged girl/ learning to love again
3. Life sometimes takes us where we need to go.. or to experiences we needed to have
4. Betrayal of family
5. End of slavery/ safety for people with psychic genetic mutations
I wanted to love this book and was excited based on several high rated reviews. I was concerned due to the nature of the story. I tend to treat books having anything to do with rape cautiously….
What I was expecting out of this book…
Damaged princes + healer fighting for his life + slowly built trust & love = HEA
What I got….
Spoiled self involved damaged princess + insensitive suicidal healer + quickie = rushed HEA
I had a bigger problem with Victory’s personality then the rape. The author didn’t get too detailed about the rape but did manage to describe the pain and degradation she experienced at the hands of her captors. The ending felt rushed… needless to say I was disappointed especially since I had to suffer though so much of Victory’s personality only to have a magic fix and HEA slapped on at the end.
I loved the world King built and all the characters except Victory. I'm not sure I'd read this book again but I'm not sorry I read it. It was a bit like Dune meets Could Atlas...
1. A princess and a pauper... throw in slavery and switch places.
2. Healing of a savaged girl/ learning to love again
3. Life sometimes takes us where we need to go.. or to experiences we needed to have
4. Betrayal of family
5. End of slavery/ safety for people with psychic genetic mutations
I wanted to love this book and was excited based on several high rated reviews. I was concerned due to the nature of the story. I tend to treat books having anything to do with rape cautiously….
What I was expecting out of this book…
Damaged princes + healer fighting for his life + slowly built trust & love = HEA
What I got….
Spoiled self involved damaged princess + insensitive suicidal healer + quickie = rushed HEA
I had a bigger problem with Victory’s personality then the rape. The author didn’t get too detailed about the rape but did manage to describe the pain and degradation she experienced at the hands of her captors. The ending felt rushed… needless to say I was disappointed especially since I had to suffer though so much of Victory’s personality only to have a magic fix and HEA slapped on at the end.
I loved the world King built and all the characters except Victory. I'm not sure I'd read this book again but I'm not sorry I read it. It was a bit like Dune meets Could Atlas...
October 31, 2012
This novel goes back and forth from a three to a four for me. The plot is good (because who doesn't love an evil father who tries to kill his daughter?) but I think the characterisation of Victory was a bit off for me. Honestly, I don't think it would be possible for someone who has suffered so much trauma to go back to acting in such a snooty manner plus, there were a few other things I didn't particularly think she should have done in so little time but you'll find that out when you read it ;)
I did like Dragomir, he was well portrayed and although he didn't abuse his power (well, there was that one time...[which he deeply regrets and tries to make amends for...]), he didn't allow her to make a pushover out of him.
The story is well written, it evokes a lot of emotion ( there is a lot on the heroine's trauma which can be quite graphic) and gets you lost in the book.
Back to Victory for a minute, I also felt that her development in terms of her beliefs and musings on slaves was too conveniently wrapped up, I know that Drago does bring her up on calling him a slave a lot but I think there needed to be something more to it to account for the changes she wants to enact,
The ending is quite anti-climatic (which is a bummer), I was expecting something a little more, maybe even an epilogue would have been more appropriate.
I did like Dragomir, he was well portrayed and although he didn't abuse his power (well, there was that one time...[which he deeply regrets and tries to make amends for...]), he didn't allow her to make a pushover out of him.
The story is well written, it evokes a lot of emotion ( there is a lot on the heroine's trauma which can be quite graphic) and gets you lost in the book.
Back to Victory for a minute, I also felt that her development in terms of her beliefs and musings on slaves was too conveniently wrapped up, I know that Drago does bring her up on calling him a slave a lot but I think there needed to be something more to it to account for the changes she wants to enact,
The ending is quite anti-climatic (which is a bummer), I was expecting something a little more, maybe even an epilogue would have been more appropriate.
November 11, 2020
This was my second trip into the world of author Sara King, the first being my completion of her wonderful The Legend of Zero series. To the Princess Bound, the first novel in her new Terms of Mercy series, was truly enjoyable and bodes well for the series (no completion date for the next book yet).
Mercy is the name of the planet ruled by the family of our heroine, Victoria. Victoria's father has flourished through the slave trade of Mercy's poor inhabitants. After a harrowing 6 years in rebel physical and sexual captivity, Victoria is so traumatized that she becomes near-catatonic in the presence of any man. Her cruel father decides to force her into coping by chaining her to a native male slave until she "straightens herself out."
Here's where the story gets good. The slave, Dragomir, is an Empath, capable of healing and calming, among other things - a talent that would decree his death if it were discovered. As he begins his campaign to help Victoria survive, the two enter a tentative relationship that takes them through horror, respite, and discovery. The explanations of Drago's magical abilities draw heavily on Eastern religious concepts of "rama" being blocked in certain bodily organs and can get pretty obscure. but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story.
Victoria, Dragomir, and their various friends, family, and protectors are interesting, eclectic, and all carry tantalizing prospects of further development as this series progresses. I eagerly look forward to the next release.
Mercy is the name of the planet ruled by the family of our heroine, Victoria. Victoria's father has flourished through the slave trade of Mercy's poor inhabitants. After a harrowing 6 years in rebel physical and sexual captivity, Victoria is so traumatized that she becomes near-catatonic in the presence of any man. Her cruel father decides to force her into coping by chaining her to a native male slave until she "straightens herself out."
Here's where the story gets good. The slave, Dragomir, is an Empath, capable of healing and calming, among other things - a talent that would decree his death if it were discovered. As he begins his campaign to help Victoria survive, the two enter a tentative relationship that takes them through horror, respite, and discovery. The explanations of Drago's magical abilities draw heavily on Eastern religious concepts of "rama" being blocked in certain bodily organs and can get pretty obscure. but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the story.
Victoria, Dragomir, and their various friends, family, and protectors are interesting, eclectic, and all carry tantalizing prospects of further development as this series progresses. I eagerly look forward to the next release.
January 26, 2016
This is the first book I have ever read in its entirety on my Kindle Fire. I have other eBooks, but I couldn't put my Kindle down. I had to know what was going to happen next. Sara King is great with detail and background of her characters. As the opening line of the synopsis says, "Sometimes, Life leads us where we need to go," and that is so true for each of these characters. Dragomir's spirit of compassion and humbleness tugged at my heart and his overall patience with Victory was amazing and at times a little maddening. Victory is spoiled, but that is how she is supposed to be for the story to progress and Sara did wonderful.
I knew very little about the story going into it and didn't know there would be a rape (rather several) involved. I knew it was a romance novel of sorts and once I found out about the rape, I was a little put out. I thought how in the world is this going to convincingly turn into a romance when the main female character has been raped. How will she recover in some 300 pages and be able to 'fall in love' with Dragomir? No worries, Sara King handles that and the details with tact and twists and turns that will lay your raised eyebrows at ease.
Quickly because this is getting long and I need to go home . . . the story is phenomenal and I can't wait for Sara to write more about the world of Mercy. The rape wasn't so vividly described as to force me to put the book down and walk away to prepare myself; she handle it with care. The sex . . . well . . . ummm yeah. It was there. Do I have to go into more detail than that? It was probably one of the most steamy sex scenes I have ever read and I'm having to block it from my mind (trying) for (clearing throat). . . ok moving on.
To read my full review, please visit my blog.
I knew very little about the story going into it and didn't know there would be a rape (rather several) involved. I knew it was a romance novel of sorts and once I found out about the rape, I was a little put out. I thought how in the world is this going to convincingly turn into a romance when the main female character has been raped. How will she recover in some 300 pages and be able to 'fall in love' with Dragomir? No worries, Sara King handles that and the details with tact and twists and turns that will lay your raised eyebrows at ease.
Quickly because this is getting long and I need to go home . . . the story is phenomenal and I can't wait for Sara to write more about the world of Mercy. The rape wasn't so vividly described as to force me to put the book down and walk away to prepare myself; she handle it with care. The sex . . . well . . . ummm yeah. It was there. Do I have to go into more detail than that? It was probably one of the most steamy sex scenes I have ever read and I'm having to block it from my mind (trying) for (clearing throat). . . ok moving on.
To read my full review, please visit my blog.
June 14, 2015
Most of everything I want to say would lead to spoilers, so this will be a short and rather vague review. With a small amount of editing, this could have been a five-star book.
While decent enough on the SciFi front, what really made this romance novel rise above others of its ilk was King's decision to address both of the main characters' &ndash Dragomir the healer and Victoria (Victory) the princess – emotional traumas head-on. She took her time building both the world and the relationship before we were even a hint of anything beyond healing existing between the the healer and the princess.
Taken out of her element, Victory wasn't likeable at all, but her behaviour became somewhat more realistic once I got a better understanding og the nature of her mutation. Prior to that, I thought that she was not only rage-inducingly snobbish (as would be fitting for a princess), but also incongruously stupid – unable to make important (and obvious) logical connections. King subtly, but rather nicely, made it clear why that was possible... in my opinion, anyway.
All in all, this is a good read. While it's definitely not perfect, King is an exemplary story-teller who can also weave a good plot.
While decent enough on the SciFi front, what really made this romance novel rise above others of its ilk was King's decision to address both of the main characters' &ndash Dragomir the healer and Victoria (Victory) the princess – emotional traumas head-on. She took her time building both the world and the relationship before we were even a hint of anything beyond healing existing between the the healer and the princess.
Taken out of her element, Victory wasn't likeable at all, but her behaviour became somewhat more realistic once I got a better understanding og the nature of her mutation. Prior to that, I thought that she was not only rage-inducingly snobbish (as would be fitting for a princess), but also incongruously stupid – unable to make important (and obvious) logical connections. King subtly, but rather nicely, made it clear why that was possible... in my opinion, anyway.
All in all, this is a good read. While it's definitely not perfect, King is an exemplary story-teller who can also weave a good plot.
May 18, 2013
Oooh, I absolutely loved this book..... It popped up on my frontpage of Goodreads, and I took a look, read the look-inside bit on Amazon and immediately bought it for my Kindle-app.... And I did not regret it one bit...
I've always been fascinated by the idea of extra sensitive people, in tune with the spirit of beings and their energies.... So this was a must-read for me, and if there is a DTE available, I am definitely getting one!
Oh Gods, I suck at this! >_< But in short, if you like other-planetly fantasy (Vaginal Fantasy maybe even?), then read this :) Ooh, be warned though, if you have rape-triggers, then this might not be for you, as the female lead has been tormented... (Do I need to put that in spoiler-tags?)
But read it, please, go buy it and read it... :)
I've always been fascinated by the idea of extra sensitive people, in tune with the spirit of beings and their energies.... So this was a must-read for me, and if there is a DTE available, I am definitely getting one!
Oh Gods, I suck at this! >_< But in short, if you like other-planetly fantasy (Vaginal Fantasy maybe even?), then read this :) Ooh, be warned though, if you have rape-triggers, then this might not be for you, as the female lead has been tormented... (Do I need to put that in spoiler-tags?)
But read it, please, go buy it and read it... :)
January 26, 2016
Another great read
Well, I stayed away from this one for a while, and now I'm not sure why. I could tel you that I'm not much of a fan of romance novels, that I enjoy science fiction. However, this was a mix of both, so I'm now kicking myself for not having read it sooner. Sara King is by far my favorite author, and has been since I found 'The Legend of Zero' series. Can't wait to read your next work Sara!
Well, I stayed away from this one for a while, and now I'm not sure why. I could tel you that I'm not much of a fan of romance novels, that I enjoy science fiction. However, this was a mix of both, so I'm now kicking myself for not having read it sooner. Sara King is by far my favorite author, and has been since I found 'The Legend of Zero' series. Can't wait to read your next work Sara!
August 17, 2014
I truly loved this book, really feel in love with it. I read it so fast I had it finished in a day and I just wished I had allowed myself time to enjoy it and take my time over it for I never wanted it to end. A truly magical book and I just hope theres more to come from this very talented author.
July 28, 2012
It was a good read :) Took me a few chapters to get into it but as soon as I was I enjoyed it all :D
http://basicallybooks1994.blogspot.com/
http://basicallybooks1994.blogspot.com/
June 16, 2015
Ugh.. Irritating spoilt screeching h.
But amazing H and awesome worldbuilding.
Interesting, steamy and funny-romantic SFR
But amazing H and awesome worldbuilding.
Interesting, steamy and funny-romantic SFR
March 22, 2023
A fantastic read. This book absolutely hooked in me and kept me glued to the pages. This was one of those few books that I couldn't put down.
Although this presents as an enemies-to-lovers romance, at its core, this book is about trauma and recovery, about making peace with the past and moving forward into the future. Amazing character development and transformative journeys with both main characters. There is vulnerability on both sides and strength on both sides—no one-sided gender stereotyping BS.
Beautiful and haunting.
Trigger warning: Rape as a major part of one character's backstory.
Although this presents as an enemies-to-lovers romance, at its core, this book is about trauma and recovery, about making peace with the past and moving forward into the future. Amazing character development and transformative journeys with both main characters. There is vulnerability on both sides and strength on both sides—no one-sided gender stereotyping BS.
Beautiful and haunting.
Trigger warning: Rape as a major part of one character's backstory.
December 28, 2020
Awesome sci fi romance with a touch of fantasy
The world building is great, the characters are believable, and the story is enthralling. I laughed out loud, held my breath, and cried, but, mostly, I loved this book. I'm sad that there is not a sequel, because this universe is fascinating. I read the book in KU, but I will buy a copy to reread.
The world building is great, the characters are believable, and the story is enthralling. I laughed out loud, held my breath, and cried, but, mostly, I loved this book. I'm sad that there is not a sequel, because this universe is fascinating. I read the book in KU, but I will buy a copy to reread.
January 30, 2022
Worth it
I absolutely loved reading this book. I was on the edge of my chair the whole way! Near the end I was so worried that the emp would actually succeed in his suicide after completing her healing, even though I knew the book would have a HEA. I recommend giving this book a chance.
I absolutely loved reading this book. I was on the edge of my chair the whole way! Near the end I was so worried that the emp would actually succeed in his suicide after completing her healing, even though I knew the book would have a HEA. I recommend giving this book a chance.
March 12, 2017
There is a lot wrong with this book and there is a lot right with it. If you can get past the expectation that a viciously traumatized woman can heal almost overnight, medieval societies can coexist with highly advanced ones, and there is no explanation why things are as they are, then you might enjoy the character interplay. This book has humor, excitement and a bit of suspense. You’ll find you really like Dragomir, the lead male character. He has had great sadness in his life, and he is far from whole. While he’s healing others, he is unable to heal himself. The lead female character, Victory, has been brutally raped and held captive. She and Dragomir are literally bound together so she will “get over” hear fear of men. Their interactions are interesting, and you find yourself hoping that the guy gets the girl, even though they come from very different walks of life. I think Sara King, the author, has an incredible amount of promise. I also think her books would benefit from a professional editor. Since she has not had that option, I’m glad she went ahead and self-published her books. I’ve read most of them and liked them all, with a few reservations. I liked this one. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun read.
December 24, 2017
Great read!
Fun book. Great charities with vivid personalities. Genuine Sara King! I would recommend this time for a great vacation read.
Fun book. Great charities with vivid personalities. Genuine Sara King! I would recommend this time for a great vacation read.
October 21, 2021
Weak ending
I enjoyed this story. The ending was wrapped up too short. I would love if this had another book to follow.
I enjoyed this story. The ending was wrapped up too short. I would love if this had another book to follow.
October 19, 2017
Not worth it. Better than it might have been, but still not very good. I don't recommend it.
September 4, 2015
The premise of this book is that humans became space-faring long ago, and in the early days of jump gates, some of the embryos stored in the ships mutated during space travel, creating several new types of humans. Some super smart, some able to shape shift internally or externally, some with the power to see and manipulate energy in a person's body (an emp), etc. One the planet of this story, a healer emp is chained to a princess who has been gang-raped by rebels for the last 6 months. It was her soulless father's idea. The father is the leader of the planet, super smart, and a genuinely a horrible human being. The princess has a twin brother who was born after her, so she is suppose to inherit rule of the planet, and this is her father's idea of forcing her to get over her fear of the natives. The emp figures out that he has been drawn to the princess time and time again throughout many past lives as his fated love, and so he dedicates himself to healing her, despite the difference in their stations, that his powers are outlaw on this planet, and that he himself is in a great deal of emotional pain from the recent murder of his wife. It sounds like a ridiculous premise for a Dom/sub romance, but the author makes it work. The feelings seem genuine and it's kind of cool how she's used Eastern medicine and made it into a tangible thing in this story.
July 18, 2015
So Wonderful - Could Not Put Down!
I will need to revise this review to add details. At the moment, however, I have spent all day and into the next morning reading, so my eyes and mind are just too tired to write an intelligent review. I just want to say that this was wholly original, believable in a surprising fashion, fast-paced, emotional, and just plain FUN! My biggest and actually only complaint is that this seems to be the only book in the series even though it was written in 2012. Part of me is relieved, because I can't imagine it being outdone. The rest of me trusts the author and hopes for more!
Adventure. Romance. Hint of SciFi. Psychology with some chakra-energy-flow healing. Overcoming severe adversity. Magical read for me. I haven't been so engrossed in a long time.
I want to note that this book has one major intimate scene, and it was one I actually enjoyed reading, because there was a meaning to it beyond the crude and obvious. Also, I should note that any women with sexual violence triggers might relate too strongly to the heroine and be disturbed, so be careful if that sounds like you. Otherwise, suffer, grow, and love with the characters. So worth it.
I read this through Kindle Unlimited, but I intend to buy a copy for a re-read later. So well done. Heartfelt thanks to the author.
I will need to revise this review to add details. At the moment, however, I have spent all day and into the next morning reading, so my eyes and mind are just too tired to write an intelligent review. I just want to say that this was wholly original, believable in a surprising fashion, fast-paced, emotional, and just plain FUN! My biggest and actually only complaint is that this seems to be the only book in the series even though it was written in 2012. Part of me is relieved, because I can't imagine it being outdone. The rest of me trusts the author and hopes for more!
Adventure. Romance. Hint of SciFi. Psychology with some chakra-energy-flow healing. Overcoming severe adversity. Magical read for me. I haven't been so engrossed in a long time.
I want to note that this book has one major intimate scene, and it was one I actually enjoyed reading, because there was a meaning to it beyond the crude and obvious. Also, I should note that any women with sexual violence triggers might relate too strongly to the heroine and be disturbed, so be careful if that sounds like you. Otherwise, suffer, grow, and love with the characters. So worth it.
I read this through Kindle Unlimited, but I intend to buy a copy for a re-read later. So well done. Heartfelt thanks to the author.
June 9, 2013
The bottom line is that I loved this. It hooked me very quickly and I couldn't put it down.
There are minor punctuation errors and typos, but nothing that truly disrupts the flow. Considering this book is self published, a few misplaced apostrophes being my biggest complaint is pretty impressive.
As for the story itself, I found a lot of the world-building confusing, and it was easier to just ignore it and focus on the evolving relationship between Victory and Dragomir.
That being said, by the end you are somewhat intrigued by this unique fantasy/sci-fi-tastic world, and have some sort of a general picture of it.
If absolutely nothing else, To the Princess Bound has genuinely funny moments that wonderfully compliment the more emotional scenes.
The only aspect of the plot that I didn't care for (avoiding spoilers) was how Victory entirely changed after an event about a fourth of the way through the book; the change wasn't so much unexplainable as it was over dramatic and unnecessary to the course of the story.
Note: Goodreads lists this as the first book in a series, but I cannot find any indication from Sarah King that she intends to write a book to accompany To the Princess Bound.
There are minor punctuation errors and typos, but nothing that truly disrupts the flow. Considering this book is self published, a few misplaced apostrophes being my biggest complaint is pretty impressive.
As for the story itself, I found a lot of the world-building confusing, and it was easier to just ignore it and focus on the evolving relationship between Victory and Dragomir.
That being said, by the end you are somewhat intrigued by this unique fantasy/sci-fi-tastic world, and have some sort of a general picture of it.
If absolutely nothing else, To the Princess Bound has genuinely funny moments that wonderfully compliment the more emotional scenes.
The only aspect of the plot that I didn't care for (avoiding spoilers) was how Victory entirely changed after an event about a fourth of the way through the book; the change wasn't so much unexplainable as it was over dramatic and unnecessary to the course of the story.
Note: Goodreads lists this as the first book in a series, but I cannot find any indication from Sarah King that she intends to write a book to accompany To the Princess Bound.
February 12, 2013
I started this book somewhat skeptical because I don’t normally read sci-fi romance but this was very good. Victory is a Princess from the planet Mercy who has been severely brutalized for many years and Dragomir is a emp who lost his wife in a horrendous way. They are brought together to help Victory get “over” the brutality she suffered. There is way more to this book that what I expected and I really actually enjoyed it. I would recommend this to people who like to read books with tragedy and romance.
Sometimes, Life leads us where we need to go…
Six years ago, Victory’s mind and body were brutally shattered by those she trusted. The betrayal has left her with a closed and tortured heart and an innate fear of the men around her. Her father, a cold, compassionless emperor who rules Victory’s life the same way he has ruled Mercy, has an inhuman solution: Chain her to a massive native man from the war-torn planet that kidnapped her to prove to her there’s nothing to fear. Yet when the huge and gentle native shows himself to be something more than anyone expects, will Victory open her heart and allow this handsome and powerful healer to help her flower, or will she turn him over to the Imperium that hunts him?
Sometimes, Life leads us where we need to go…
Six years ago, Victory’s mind and body were brutally shattered by those she trusted. The betrayal has left her with a closed and tortured heart and an innate fear of the men around her. Her father, a cold, compassionless emperor who rules Victory’s life the same way he has ruled Mercy, has an inhuman solution: Chain her to a massive native man from the war-torn planet that kidnapped her to prove to her there’s nothing to fear. Yet when the huge and gentle native shows himself to be something more than anyone expects, will Victory open her heart and allow this handsome and powerful healer to help her flower, or will she turn him over to the Imperium that hunts him?
December 16, 2012
I really wanted to like this book because I enjoy the damaged heroine premise and it is nearly impossible to find ones in which the heroine or hero don't lust after each other in the first chapter (so unbelievable and belittling of women who have suffered trauma!) the problem with this book started when the heroine started getting he personality back...she just makes no sense? She was held captive for 6 years and yet she treats her slave terribly. You would think someone who was abused for so long would see the inhumanity of slavery! Also, the heroine freaks out when she has to eat less than a banquet "where is my cheese" she cries in horror...wasn't she kept captive for 6 years!? Is the author trying to tell me that her captives fed her like a princess while raping her!? Frankly I think this premise would have made more sense if the princess had been captured for a week because then her snooty, spoilt character would make sense. After 6 years the princess, though damaged, should have been tough and down to earth with good survival skills. Lastly, and this is a small thing, but the whole "you cad" line the princess always loses bugs me...
January 2, 2015
Princess Victory spent six years restrained and abused by hundreds of native men. Rescued by her twin brother and his soldiers and returned home, she has a panic attack if any man comes within sight of her and has locked herself in her room. Her father's decree - chain her to the biggest native male that can be found until she's over it. Make sure he's naked. No daughter of his will dishonour him with such weakness.
However, unbeknownst to their father prince Matt chose an Emp as her bound man. Hoping that, while the idea was brutal, some good may come of it.
Drago recently lost his wife in violent ways and really cant be bothered with life. An Imperial ship interrupts his plans and he finds himself abducted and chained- naked- to a screaming woman who's fear washes over him in waves. What is a man to do?
I really liked this story. It's says it's number 1, so I look forward to the next (and hope it doesnt fall into the sequel trap)
EDIT:
Could have for with a little more relationship development, relied too heavily on the 'inevitable outcome' of healing her heart...
However, unbeknownst to their father prince Matt chose an Emp as her bound man. Hoping that, while the idea was brutal, some good may come of it.
Drago recently lost his wife in violent ways and really cant be bothered with life. An Imperial ship interrupts his plans and he finds himself abducted and chained- naked- to a screaming woman who's fear washes over him in waves. What is a man to do?
I really liked this story. It's says it's number 1, so I look forward to the next (and hope it doesnt fall into the sequel trap)
EDIT:
Could have for with a little more relationship development, relied too heavily on the 'inevitable outcome' of healing her heart...
January 6, 2013
Sara King's To the Princess Bound is an engaging and rather compelling novel that applies holistic/non-traditional healing principles to a futuristic world where genetic mutation, slavery, and psychological warfare are much more common than kindness or empathy. I enjoyed King's richly detailed world-building, and appreciated the way in which her main characters were made to work in order to overcome personal and physical traumas. The book's "happy ending" felt a little rushed, and the characters' journeys (particularly Victory's) could have used a little more development to ring 100% true. At just 358 pages, I wanted this book to be 1/3rd longer just so I could spend a little more time immersed in King's vision. I hope to see more of Mercy and the universe of the Imperials soon.
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