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Magical Bond #1
Fortitude Rising: Volume One of the Magical Bond Series
Ebony Hunter has spent her entire life isolated on an island institution run by her father, Dr. Daniel Hunter. When Connor Vance and his group of outsiders are brought to the institution, they cause her to question everything her father has ever told her about the world. But who’s telling her the truth? Her father or the outsiders? Just when she starts to open up to Connor Vance, he admits that he and his companions are on a mission to kill her and her life-long friends. Connor’s mission to kill her is halted when he realizes Ebony is a pawn, albeit a powerful pawn, in her father’s game. They must join forces and work together if they ever hope to escape the clutches of the true enemy, Dr. Hunter and Vivian Way, a political reformist. To find the truth, and hopefully earn her freedom, Ebony must overcome her fears and embrace her magical powers. Her life depends on the trust of people she hardly knows as the battle for control of her powerful magic escalates between her and her father. Through her journey of self-discovery, she finds friendship, love, and a strength she never knew she possessed. Everyone around her is taking sides in the struggle for power, and the lives of everyone she cares about are on the line as the tension rises in this sci-fi dystopian fantasy.
322 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2018
About the author
A.M. Bochnak
15 books25 followersA.M. Bochnak is a dreamer. She always has her head in the clouds or her eyes turned to the stars imagining new adventures and far off worlds for which to travel. She has written numerous short stories and poems as well as several full-length novels. She writes science fiction and fantasy. She cannot resist a good epic fantasy or apocalyptic and dystopian fiction. The Blood Trials, an urban fantasy, is her first published novel (anticipated release Spring 2018). She is an American author, born and raised in southern Ohio and now lives in Gainesville, Florida.
A.M. Bochnak has also published nonfiction under the name Angelique Bochnak.
A.M. Bochnak has also published nonfiction under the name Angelique Bochnak.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2018
Next great read for Divergent & The Hunger Game lovers!
Ebony lives a somewhat solitary life on the island. Sure, she has a few friends like, Maggie, Charlotte, & Sullivan, but her life is often lonely and far from ordinary. Ebony is Enhanced. She spends her days with her relentless Father, as he tests her magical ability, always yelling at her to do more, and try harder; she hates her Father. Her Mother died years ago, and over time her memory of her mother has faded, but she knows her Mother never treated her like her Father does; she loved her Mother. Ebony has lived at the SUM institute her whole life, and although she has heard rumors of the city, she has never been there. Her only reprieve from the institute is the lighthouse, one of her secret hideaways. There she can escape her Father, be alone with her thoughts, and watch the city in the distance.
Connor Vance is apart of the Order, a group who is determined to bring down the Federation; to go to Research Island and kill the Enhanced. With his own magical abilities, Connor is convinced that he and the other members of the Order's council will be picked up by the SUM collectors and taken to the Island where they can carry out their plot. But when the council votes down his operation, Connor decides to do it himself. Luckily, he has three other friends who are willing to put their lives on the line and help him.
Fortitude Rising is only the beginning of the story for Ebony and Connor, how they meet and eventually come together to take down her Father. Knowing there was more to the story gave me hope as the book leaves us hanging at the end with an incredible twist. The author keeps us guessing throughout the book and keeps throwing twists and turns the reader isn't expecting. If you were a fan of the Hunger Games or the Divergent series, this is the next series you need to read. It is unlike anything I've read, and it isn't only for young adults!
I feel like everyone can get behind Ebony as she tries to fight for what is right and the wrong that her Father is doing. And who doesn't love a little romance between two main characters who are supposed to be enemies? This book is well suited for teens and mature readers alike. Other than a few very descriptive medical scenes, there isn't anything inappropriate, and if there is any offensive language (I don't remember any!) it is very limited. There is no sexual content. I highly recommend Fortitude Rising, it was an entertaining and captivating read. Happy Reading!
Ebony lives a somewhat solitary life on the island. Sure, she has a few friends like, Maggie, Charlotte, & Sullivan, but her life is often lonely and far from ordinary. Ebony is Enhanced. She spends her days with her relentless Father, as he tests her magical ability, always yelling at her to do more, and try harder; she hates her Father. Her Mother died years ago, and over time her memory of her mother has faded, but she knows her Mother never treated her like her Father does; she loved her Mother. Ebony has lived at the SUM institute her whole life, and although she has heard rumors of the city, she has never been there. Her only reprieve from the institute is the lighthouse, one of her secret hideaways. There she can escape her Father, be alone with her thoughts, and watch the city in the distance.
Connor Vance is apart of the Order, a group who is determined to bring down the Federation; to go to Research Island and kill the Enhanced. With his own magical abilities, Connor is convinced that he and the other members of the Order's council will be picked up by the SUM collectors and taken to the Island where they can carry out their plot. But when the council votes down his operation, Connor decides to do it himself. Luckily, he has three other friends who are willing to put their lives on the line and help him.
Fortitude Rising is only the beginning of the story for Ebony and Connor, how they meet and eventually come together to take down her Father. Knowing there was more to the story gave me hope as the book leaves us hanging at the end with an incredible twist. The author keeps us guessing throughout the book and keeps throwing twists and turns the reader isn't expecting. If you were a fan of the Hunger Games or the Divergent series, this is the next series you need to read. It is unlike anything I've read, and it isn't only for young adults!
I feel like everyone can get behind Ebony as she tries to fight for what is right and the wrong that her Father is doing. And who doesn't love a little romance between two main characters who are supposed to be enemies? This book is well suited for teens and mature readers alike. Other than a few very descriptive medical scenes, there isn't anything inappropriate, and if there is any offensive language (I don't remember any!) it is very limited. There is no sexual content. I highly recommend Fortitude Rising, it was an entertaining and captivating read. Happy Reading!
June 24, 2018
Hidden twists with a magical tale
This book was a great starter book for a series! There is just enough background information given and characters are built enough to allow the reader to make personal connections. The storyline can be confusing at times, but like any good fantasy/mystery all is revealed in the end. I personally loved this world of magic that the author created. This magic is not the like if which one would expect as in Harry Potter, but a more realistic magic. The characters are superficial at first but the depth that they take to produce this adventure is astounding! In general, this book is a quick read and is a page turner after the first few chapters. If you love a good fantasy mixed with adventure and healthy dose of mystery, then this is the book for you. I would highly recommend this book for young adults, as it would be a perfect genre for that age group. I personally can't wait for the second book to be released! This one did not end nearly the way I anticipated and now I'm yearning to know what happens next.
This book was a great starter book for a series! There is just enough background information given and characters are built enough to allow the reader to make personal connections. The storyline can be confusing at times, but like any good fantasy/mystery all is revealed in the end. I personally loved this world of magic that the author created. This magic is not the like if which one would expect as in Harry Potter, but a more realistic magic. The characters are superficial at first but the depth that they take to produce this adventure is astounding! In general, this book is a quick read and is a page turner after the first few chapters. If you love a good fantasy mixed with adventure and healthy dose of mystery, then this is the book for you. I would highly recommend this book for young adults, as it would be a perfect genre for that age group. I personally can't wait for the second book to be released! This one did not end nearly the way I anticipated and now I'm yearning to know what happens next.
June 22, 2018
I received an ARC of this book and was fortunate to get a sneak peek at this new, enthralling series. Ebony Hunter is a strong, though initially naive character, who discovers her own true power in the world on this journey of self-discovery. Her counterpart, Conner Vance, is a man who refuses to go against his morals, no matter the cost. Together they take on the daunting task of confronting the powers that rule and forging a new path. Gripping, intriguing, and full of action, Fortitude Rising is a story of great magic and overcoming corruption that will keep you turning the page!
August 30, 2018
Ebony Hunter lives on an island with her father with a few others. She only knows what he has told her that a war between those with magic and those without has left the world barely holding on. She knows her mother died when she was younger and that she hates her father for the tests that he makes her do pushing her magical abilities. Then a group of people are brought to the island and she learns the truth.
Connor Vance is on a mission to kill Dr. Daniel Hunter and those on his island. Initially his plan to invade the island is not approved by the Order so he has a couple friends that follow him as he goes on the mission without approval. There he meets Ebony and learns that not everything is as he thought and that he wants to help her kill her father.
There is so much happening in this book. Nothing is what it seems and when you think you might know what is happening, bam! Plot Twist!! You can’t help but feel for Ebony. She is a prisoner/lab rat but kept from realizing how powerful she really is. Of course her father needs to die. And Connor, I think he is a great match for Ebony.
This is a great fantasy/dystopian story. Many questions that arise from the story are answered but you are left at an amazing cliff hanger that is going to have you stalking AM Bochnak for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Connor Vance is on a mission to kill Dr. Daniel Hunter and those on his island. Initially his plan to invade the island is not approved by the Order so he has a couple friends that follow him as he goes on the mission without approval. There he meets Ebony and learns that not everything is as he thought and that he wants to help her kill her father.
There is so much happening in this book. Nothing is what it seems and when you think you might know what is happening, bam! Plot Twist!! You can’t help but feel for Ebony. She is a prisoner/lab rat but kept from realizing how powerful she really is. Of course her father needs to die. And Connor, I think he is a great match for Ebony.
This is a great fantasy/dystopian story. Many questions that arise from the story are answered but you are left at an amazing cliff hanger that is going to have you stalking AM Bochnak for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
August 16, 2018
Broken down into 3 episodes, Fortitude Rising tells the story of an institution devoted to studying magic. Living on the island is Ebony, she's Magically Bond, living at the whims of her father and knowing nothing else. She's a very upset individual, (and rightfully so) as she is treated as a guinea pig by her father. She's 23 years old and has no life of her own. She stares across the water at a city she's never known, dreaming of escape.
When a handful of new people arrive on the island, they're different from the others Ebony has known. While their initial goal was to kill her, getting to know her has helped them to see they can get more out of their mission. Working together, they can take down her father and stop the insanely torturous things he is doing to people.
I was disappointed this ended on a cliffhanger. Outside of that, this was a really good read for me, it had some really great elements, young adult, dystopian, fantasy, and suspense. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down because I was as anxious as Ebony to uncover the depths of her father's evil.
When a handful of new people arrive on the island, they're different from the others Ebony has known. While their initial goal was to kill her, getting to know her has helped them to see they can get more out of their mission. Working together, they can take down her father and stop the insanely torturous things he is doing to people.
I was disappointed this ended on a cliffhanger. Outside of that, this was a really good read for me, it had some really great elements, young adult, dystopian, fantasy, and suspense. I found myself having a hard time putting the book down because I was as anxious as Ebony to uncover the depths of her father's evil.
June 29, 2018
Wow, this novel went above my original expectations and I was pleasantly surprised by the story line. It started off a bit sluggish as the story was being built but picks up steam and interest to keep you hooked. Its broken up into 3 parts and it is well written to keep stories and characters straight. Although the reader doesn't dive too far into the character's stories and backgrounds, the author gives you just enough information to help you move along and finally tie things together. There is a lot of mystery and secrets throughout as well as characters you feel for and those you find you loathe. This book continued to peak my interest from the start as you learn more about Connor and his beginning. You find he came from Upstate NY and moved to New York City, which pulled me in further as I grew up not far from Syracuse, NY. It also was interesting to learn it wasn't too far from our present day and that the war had started in 2018. Although I don't see a war between magic and non-magic folk anytime soon, the concept of a world torn between these gifted and not makes this novel even more intriguing. And of course I can't forget that this author takes you for a wild ride right up to the end of the book to the painful and exciting cliffhanger ending. I am so ready to read the next book in this series. I'm aching to know if someone will come in last second to rescue Ebony or if her fate is sealed to that like her mother. I want to know where she teleported the others and if Connor will be able to regroup and help bring down the Institute. If you stick till the end many questions will be answered and I believe more answers are to come in the next. I fully enjoyed reading this novel and definitely will look forward to more from A.M. Bochnak.
February 1, 2019
I saw this book on the library new releases shelf. The cover looked interesting, and the description sounded like something I would like, so I gave it a shot. It was a pretty good story. I wasn't expecting such a big cliffhanger at the end. I definitely want to know what happens next.
That being said, wow, there were so many typos and glaring grammatical errors in this book. Sometimes multiple issues on a single page. It took me right out of the story every time. It would have been a 4 for me if not for this.
That being said, wow, there were so many typos and glaring grammatical errors in this book. Sometimes multiple issues on a single page. It took me right out of the story every time. It would have been a 4 for me if not for this.
October 4, 2018
Fortitude Rising has a good storyline and has tons of potential to be a 5 star read however the execution is lacking in my opinion. The backstory and characters are surface and weak - elaborate on those 2 aspects and this would be a great read. I would give book 2 a try
July 4, 2018
I'm biased, I know! :)
November 11, 2019
Excellent
Good to the end...I did not anticipate any of the twists and turns. I will be waiting eagerly for the next book.
Good to the end...I did not anticipate any of the twists and turns. I will be waiting eagerly for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews