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The Bond Between Us #1
Tattered:
Torn between her nation and her heart, Princess Alba must decide who to trust before she loses all she holds dear.
After the ruthless Versillion army invades her kingdom of Hunturius, Alba pledges loyalty to the enemy king to protect her four younger sisters. Now, she’s forced to work with Arcadius, the crown prince tasked with looking after her family. The last thing Alba needs is an infuriating prince meddling in her life. Even if his piercing cobalt eyes and quiet strength stir dreams within her, dreams that seem more like memories of a time forgotten.
When her lost brother’s baby, Octavius, is suddenly placed in Alba’s care, fresh danger looms. Someone will stop at nothing to murder her new family member. Alba must discover Tave’s true enemy, while hiding him from Arcadius’ steadfast presence.
But the closer she grows to Arcadius and the more she dreams, the more Alba questions her own judgement. Are her people truly innocent? Could the enemy prince be the hidden ally she’s always needed?
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with twisty political intrigue, heartfelt sibling bonds, and a tall, honorable, and smirking crown prince.
After the ruthless Versillion army invades her kingdom of Hunturius, Alba pledges loyalty to the enemy king to protect her four younger sisters. Now, she’s forced to work with Arcadius, the crown prince tasked with looking after her family. The last thing Alba needs is an infuriating prince meddling in her life. Even if his piercing cobalt eyes and quiet strength stir dreams within her, dreams that seem more like memories of a time forgotten.
When her lost brother’s baby, Octavius, is suddenly placed in Alba’s care, fresh danger looms. Someone will stop at nothing to murder her new family member. Alba must discover Tave’s true enemy, while hiding him from Arcadius’ steadfast presence.
But the closer she grows to Arcadius and the more she dreams, the more Alba questions her own judgement. Are her people truly innocent? Could the enemy prince be the hidden ally she’s always needed?
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance with twisty political intrigue, heartfelt sibling bonds, and a tall, honorable, and smirking crown prince.
662 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2021
105 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
Lianne Kay
12 books137 followersLiAnne Kay lives in Northern Indiana with her husband, six children, and five cats. She’s a plant mom, a part time ninja, and a black belt. (Actually, only one of those is true.)
LiAnne Kay has been writing since she was a child. In her free time, she enjoys long, scenic hikes, snow, (yes, snow!) photography, coffee, and anything Pride and Prejudice.
LiAnne Kay has been writing since she was a child. In her free time, she enjoys long, scenic hikes, snow, (yes, snow!) photography, coffee, and anything Pride and Prejudice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 19, 2021
"My sisters and I are a forest sprouting to life. Our branches overlap. Our roots intersect."
In LiAnne Kay's debut novel we meet Princess Alba of Hunturius, whose kingdom has been seized by the Versillion army and stripped of its independence. As the eldest of five sisters, Alba is in charge of her sisters; as the Hunturius Princess whose parents have perished, she's in charge of her people; and as both, she's faced with the task of having to meet both the Versillion King's demands, and her family's expectations. At first Alba thinks that the biggest challenge she'll have to face is tolerating the Versillion royal family; soon, though, she starts having strange dreams that hint at something bigger than the conquest of Hunturius going on. If Alba wants to protect her kingdom, her family, and her own heart, she'll have to learn how to work elbow to elbow with the infuriatingly calm and polite crown prince that has been tasked with guarding her and her sisters. And, when her dead twin brother's child disappears, she'll have to go even beyond that; she'll have to learn how to trust again.
"Language is an art (...). When I understand a new tongue, I feel as if I have completed a masterpiece."
This book is, without a doubt, a gem within the Epic Fantasy genre. Although the plot progresses slowly during the first 30% or so of the book, Kay's writing is exquisite, and her prose makes the reader keep turning the pages. Thanks to her quill, the characters, settings, and events come alive vividly, and many times, I'd reread entire paragraphs just to enjoy the excellent writing again!
"Women don't require breaking. Not when they are flawless and beautiful whole."
The characters were amazing. Although I don't connect with female main characters easily, Alba was a girl I loved reading about. Brave, intelligent, yet also innocent and kind, she's got the weight of her kingdom and her family on her shoulders; everyone expects the impossible from Alba. Besides, she has to deal with her own difficulties and demons; she was raised by a ruthless, selfish father, and she's been told all her life that, as a woman, her duty is to marry whomever her family sees fit and to be a good wife and mother. Through her eyes, we see a scary world in which women are treated like cattle, and in which verbal, physical, and emotional abuse towards them is normalised and legitimised. In this sense, the book stood out to me as a testimony of a woman coming into her strength, and unlearning toxic sexist beliefs.
"A handsome face can disguise a wicked heart."
Another very powerful theme in this story is trust. When preconceived beliefs and prejudice staand in your way, how can you determine whether you should trust your heart, rather than your brain? When the only way out of a situation is the person you saw as your enemy, how do you find the strength to forgive? Alba has to face numerous betrayals and deceits, and her attempts at navigating the Versillion court's games of power were really intriguing. I couldn't stop reading, because I needed to learn what happened next!
"War doesn't play favourites. It takes from everyone."
All in all, "Tattered" was an excellent read. Fans of epic fantasy, strong female characters, and intrigue will be delighted to find in "Tattered" their next five-star read!
April 30, 2021
One of my favorite reads of 2021. Theres so much thought put in to the action and plot of this book. I’m DEVASTATED that there isn’t a book 2 for me to jump in to right away.
I was pulled in to the political intrigue in the beginning, where the author was playing with who was the good side versus the bad side. Then I got roped in to the characters, especially the love interest although they don’t make the entire story, so much more is going on....and now I just love the whole thing.
Aaaaaaah! Book two please come soon!!! ☹️
I was pulled in to the political intrigue in the beginning, where the author was playing with who was the good side versus the bad side. Then I got roped in to the characters, especially the love interest although they don’t make the entire story, so much more is going on....and now I just love the whole thing.
Aaaaaaah! Book two please come soon!!! ☹️
April 23, 2024
pooled ink Reviews:
4.5 Stars
An exquisite enemies-to-lovers romance set in a fantasy realm rife with trouble, deception, feuds, and a little clever magic ;)
4.5 Stars
An exquisite enemies-to-lovers romance set in a fantasy realm rife with trouble, deception, feuds, and a little clever magic ;)
April 22, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.
🍃 This book is for you if:
• you love fantasy books
• you like enemies-to-lovers stories.
🎋 The book opens onto the battlefields, thus already helping the reader to frame the world on which the whole story is built. A world based on kings and realms. A world where magic, political intrigue, and suspense are daily routine. During the reading, we will be led to think about certain things but slowly you will understand that things are more complicated than they initially seem, the plots will unfold only at the end.
🌱 The book is structured on two different points of view: that of two female characters, both strong and with important roles to fill. Characters who don't let circumstances tear them down.
Another thing I particularly loved is that the author gives particular emphasis to family values, especially the bond that one character shares with his brother and the other with his sisters. They both find their brothers so important to them that they would do anything for them.
🌱 On the one hand we see Princess Alba, who, despite the events that just took place, does not give up, remains standing and tries to do the best of her in the conditions in which she is catapulted. We see her interacting with characters of all kinds, trying to identify with all the roles she has to play.
I appreciate that she has had personal growth well done, although at times you have been so stubborn as to not listen to valid and useful suggestions from others, leading her into negative situations.
On the other side we see Olympia, the king's adviser. She is a multifaceted character, still mysterious despite some questions being answered. Her personal story is very complicated and brings the reader closer to her. And it is probably the central focus of magic within the story: part of her and always revolves around her. In addition to being the protagonist of the second love story of the book, a story in part opposite to that of Alba.
🪴 I would have preferred only that there had been some more explanation regarding the magic or some more details of the backstory, although the latter will probably be better explained in the following.
The book does not end on a particular cliffhanger, but many questions remain pending and I can't wait to get an answer!
🪴 LiAnne Kay is an emerging author but despite this, she has managed to create a fantastic world, full of well-structured elements and also the story is well written.
🌿 Final grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
———
ITALIAN VERSION 🇮🇹
🍃 Questo libro fa per voi se:
• amate i libri fantasy
• se vi piacciono le storie enemies to lovers
🎋 Il libro si apre sui campi di battaglia, aiutando già così il lettore ad inquadrare il mondo su cui è costruita l’intera storia. Un mondo basato su re e reami. Un mondo dove magia, intrighi politici e suspance sono all’ordine del giorno. Durante la lettura saremo portati a pensare certe cose ma pian piano capisci che le cose sono più complicate di quello che sembrano inizialmente, gli intrecci si snoderanno solo alla fine.
🌱 Il libro è strutturato su due punti di vista diversi: quello di due personaggi femminili, entrambi forti e con dei ruoli importanti da ricoprire. Personaggi che non lasciano che le circostanze le abbattano.
Un’altra cosa che ho particolarmente amato è che l’autrice dà particolare risalto ai valori familiari, specialmente il legame che un personaggio condivide con il proprio fratello e dell’altra con le proprie sorelle. Entrambi reputano i loro fratelli così importanti per loro che farebbero qualsiasi cosa per loro.
🌱 Da una parte vediamo la principessa Alba, che nonostante le vicende appena avvenute non cede, rimane in piedi e cerca di fare del suo meglio nelle condizioni in cui viene catapultata. La vediamo interagire con personaggi di tutti i tipi, tentando di immedesimarsi in tutti i ruoli che deve interpretare.
Apprezzo che abbia avuto una crescita personale ben fatta, nonostante a tratti sia stata così testarda da non ascoltare suggerimenti validi ed utili da parte degli altri, portandola in situazioni negative.
Dall’altra parte vediamo Olympia, consigliera del re. Il suo è un personaggio dalle molteplici sfaccettature, ancora misterioso nonostante alcune domande abbiano ricevuto risposta. La sua storia personale è molto complicata, e porta il lettore ad avvicinarsi a lei. Ed è, probabilmente, il fulcro centrale della magia all’interno della storia: parte e gira sempre intorno a lei. Oltre ad essere la protagonista della seconda storia d’amore del libro, una storia in parte opposta a quella di Alba.
🪴 Avrei preferito soltanto che ci fosse stata qualche spiegazione in più nei confronti della magia o qualche dettaglio in più della backstory, anche se quest’ultima verrà probabilmente meglio spiegata nel seguito.
Il libro non termina con un particolare cliffhanger, ma ancora molte domande rimangono in sospeso e non vedo l’ora di ottenere risposta!
🪴 L’autrice è emergente ma nonostante questo è riuscita a creare un mondo fantastico, pieno di elementi ben strutturati e la storia è ben scritta.
🌿 Voto finale: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🍃 This book is for you if:
• you love fantasy books
• you like enemies-to-lovers stories.
🎋 The book opens onto the battlefields, thus already helping the reader to frame the world on which the whole story is built. A world based on kings and realms. A world where magic, political intrigue, and suspense are daily routine. During the reading, we will be led to think about certain things but slowly you will understand that things are more complicated than they initially seem, the plots will unfold only at the end.
🌱 The book is structured on two different points of view: that of two female characters, both strong and with important roles to fill. Characters who don't let circumstances tear them down.
Another thing I particularly loved is that the author gives particular emphasis to family values, especially the bond that one character shares with his brother and the other with his sisters. They both find their brothers so important to them that they would do anything for them.
🌱 On the one hand we see Princess Alba, who, despite the events that just took place, does not give up, remains standing and tries to do the best of her in the conditions in which she is catapulted. We see her interacting with characters of all kinds, trying to identify with all the roles she has to play.
I appreciate that she has had personal growth well done, although at times you have been so stubborn as to not listen to valid and useful suggestions from others, leading her into negative situations.
On the other side we see Olympia, the king's adviser. She is a multifaceted character, still mysterious despite some questions being answered. Her personal story is very complicated and brings the reader closer to her. And it is probably the central focus of magic within the story: part of her and always revolves around her. In addition to being the protagonist of the second love story of the book, a story in part opposite to that of Alba.
🪴 I would have preferred only that there had been some more explanation regarding the magic or some more details of the backstory, although the latter will probably be better explained in the following.
The book does not end on a particular cliffhanger, but many questions remain pending and I can't wait to get an answer!
🪴 LiAnne Kay is an emerging author but despite this, she has managed to create a fantastic world, full of well-structured elements and also the story is well written.
🌿 Final grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
———
ITALIAN VERSION 🇮🇹
🍃 Questo libro fa per voi se:
• amate i libri fantasy
• se vi piacciono le storie enemies to lovers
🎋 Il libro si apre sui campi di battaglia, aiutando già così il lettore ad inquadrare il mondo su cui è costruita l’intera storia. Un mondo basato su re e reami. Un mondo dove magia, intrighi politici e suspance sono all’ordine del giorno. Durante la lettura saremo portati a pensare certe cose ma pian piano capisci che le cose sono più complicate di quello che sembrano inizialmente, gli intrecci si snoderanno solo alla fine.
🌱 Il libro è strutturato su due punti di vista diversi: quello di due personaggi femminili, entrambi forti e con dei ruoli importanti da ricoprire. Personaggi che non lasciano che le circostanze le abbattano.
Un’altra cosa che ho particolarmente amato è che l’autrice dà particolare risalto ai valori familiari, specialmente il legame che un personaggio condivide con il proprio fratello e dell’altra con le proprie sorelle. Entrambi reputano i loro fratelli così importanti per loro che farebbero qualsiasi cosa per loro.
🌱 Da una parte vediamo la principessa Alba, che nonostante le vicende appena avvenute non cede, rimane in piedi e cerca di fare del suo meglio nelle condizioni in cui viene catapultata. La vediamo interagire con personaggi di tutti i tipi, tentando di immedesimarsi in tutti i ruoli che deve interpretare.
Apprezzo che abbia avuto una crescita personale ben fatta, nonostante a tratti sia stata così testarda da non ascoltare suggerimenti validi ed utili da parte degli altri, portandola in situazioni negative.
Dall’altra parte vediamo Olympia, consigliera del re. Il suo è un personaggio dalle molteplici sfaccettature, ancora misterioso nonostante alcune domande abbiano ricevuto risposta. La sua storia personale è molto complicata, e porta il lettore ad avvicinarsi a lei. Ed è, probabilmente, il fulcro centrale della magia all’interno della storia: parte e gira sempre intorno a lei. Oltre ad essere la protagonista della seconda storia d’amore del libro, una storia in parte opposta a quella di Alba.
🪴 Avrei preferito soltanto che ci fosse stata qualche spiegazione in più nei confronti della magia o qualche dettaglio in più della backstory, anche se quest’ultima verrà probabilmente meglio spiegata nel seguito.
Il libro non termina con un particolare cliffhanger, ma ancora molte domande rimangono in sospeso e non vedo l’ora di ottenere risposta!
🪴 L’autrice è emergente ma nonostante questo è riuscita a creare un mondo fantastico, pieno di elementi ben strutturati e la storia è ben scritta.
🌿 Voto finale: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
April 25, 2021
I received an ACR copy of ‘Tattered- The bond between us’ just over a week ago and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.
It opens in the middle of a war torn world with a nation invading a castle and seizing control of it. From its first chapter you’re thrown into a world of political intrigue you don’t who is friend or foe.
The story is told from 2 POVs Alba the Princess of the invaded castle and Olympia a seerer from the invading forces. There is a connection between the two of the characters but as a reader we are never privy to the entire story which leaves us wanting more.
The enemies to lovers plot is both engaging and has a nice twist built into it. Whilst there are some steamy moments there are no hugely graphic scenes and even though the romance and tension between the characters is prevalent throughout the book I didn’t feel it was the only driving force.
This is a fantasy romance and there are some magical moments throughout however I would have like those to have been explained and explored further although I imagine a lot of the unanswered questions will be addressed in the follow up novel.
In short the plot was engaging, the characters well written and complex with their relationships well woven. The intrigue and suspense of the novel made it somewhat of a page Turner and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
It opens in the middle of a war torn world with a nation invading a castle and seizing control of it. From its first chapter you’re thrown into a world of political intrigue you don’t who is friend or foe.
The story is told from 2 POVs Alba the Princess of the invaded castle and Olympia a seerer from the invading forces. There is a connection between the two of the characters but as a reader we are never privy to the entire story which leaves us wanting more.
The enemies to lovers plot is both engaging and has a nice twist built into it. Whilst there are some steamy moments there are no hugely graphic scenes and even though the romance and tension between the characters is prevalent throughout the book I didn’t feel it was the only driving force.
This is a fantasy romance and there are some magical moments throughout however I would have like those to have been explained and explored further although I imagine a lot of the unanswered questions will be addressed in the follow up novel.
In short the plot was engaging, the characters well written and complex with their relationships well woven. The intrigue and suspense of the novel made it somewhat of a page Turner and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
June 6, 2021
“Tattered”, by LiAnne Kay, is first in a new fantasy series, “The bond between us”. It is a truly emotional tale, the start in a saga of war, love and family, with the complexities in the relationships among parents, sons, siblings and all the personal struggles in doing what's right to protect those you love. The story is told to us through the povs of two women, Alba and Olympia: each one is an important person in her family and kingdom and has a proper love story to solve. The tales of these women are intermingled with the destiny of their countries, as well as the links they maintain with the magical aspects that permeate the story. The plot does not take place in a purely linear way, which guarantees some surprises throughout the story, such as the discovery of the common past of Alba and Arcadius. The love between Hunturius’s princess and Versillius’ prince is pungent: both live complicated relationships with their parents and discover strength and inspiration together, growing and revealing their humanity in their encounter. Their romance is slow burn, but promises some intense and hot moments for next book. I still don't quite understand the story's magical system. There are gods who seem to incarnate in human beings for some time, transmitting their immortality and powers to them. I’m curious and hope to know more about in next tales. There are somethings I really am looking for in next books: a) Olympia’s true origin (looks like she has royal blood to); b) more about the other countries in series’s universe, especially mysterious Salaria and barbaric Tarrobane; c) Kallias and Mariana’s tale; d) Keene’s story; e) more about the other Arcadius’s siblings; f) the destinies of prince Maximus and baby Octavius. In all, the universe created for LiAnne captivated me with the sentiment’s intensity and the light flavor of Greek/Roman cultures of the world building. I certainly will follow the series and recommend to all fans of good fantasy with emphasis in family’s stories and emotional turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2021
Tattered is a tale of plot twists, political intrigue and betrayal. A dead father and crown prince, a land overrun by invaders, a battle lost and a missing youngest sister. Yet, there is more than what meets the eye. King Basilios (the invading king) is fair and his crown prince Arcadius, initially seemingly cold, is much more intriguing. Princess Alba, the oldest of the remaining princesses, battles her own demons as she grapples with keeping her family together, separation from her betrothed and struggling to discover memories from the lost year of her life. This is simply a stunning start to this series. Alba and Arcadius are such fantastic characters, with so much depth. The plot has so many twists that I did not see coming. I look forward to much more from this immensely talented author. 5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2021
After her kingdom is invaded, Princess Alba must do everything she can to protect her sisters and her people. She is tasked with working alongside Prince Arcadius to bring unity to their warring kingdoms. As she grows closer to the prince, she begins to have dreams that may reveal memories of a time she has forgotten…memories that may change her life forever.
This enemies-to-lovers romance was such a slow burn…and I loved it! There was so much tension between Alba and Arcadius, and some scenes were quite steamy, though always interrupted before it went too far. And the twist—which was well-written and totally unexpected—made me love their romance even more! Honestly, it’s difficult to believe this is LiAnne Kay’s debut novel because her characters were so well-developed. The familial relationships rang true and I especially loved Alba’s relationships with her sisters. The writing was fantastic and I loved that new information unfolded at just the right moments. I also loved reading the perspectives of two strong women and learning about both sides of the war. Though the ending was not necessarily a cliffhanger, there were several unanswered questions and unresolved conflicts that I hope will be answered in the next novel.
The reason I didn’t give this amazing novel a five-star rating is due to the fact that the magic system and world were not fully explained or explored. I felt a little lost trying to understand the magic characters wielded, which seemed quite significant throughout the story. But I’m hoping this will be rectified in the sequel, which I will absolutely be reading.
Overall, I really loved this novel and highly recommend it! As a caution, there was abuse, violence, death, mention of suicide, and a few intimate scenes.
Some of My Favorite Quotes
•“Time has a diverting way of changing things.”
•“Maybe that’s why he smiles so much. He’s trying to conceal a broken heart.”
•“Stars twinkle overhead. Beautiful, brilliant stars, the kind that tempt me to lay flat on my back and stare up at the night sky. Perhaps they have ordained this moment. Destiny and time intertwining.”
•“‘You see gray where there’s color. Death where there’s life. Enemies where there are friends. Hatred where there’s love. Wake up, Alba….Wake up.’”
•“‘You haven’t had many reasons to smile lately. I couldn’t take that from you.’”
(I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.)
This enemies-to-lovers romance was such a slow burn…and I loved it! There was so much tension between Alba and Arcadius, and some scenes were quite steamy, though always interrupted before it went too far. And the twist—which was well-written and totally unexpected—made me love their romance even more! Honestly, it’s difficult to believe this is LiAnne Kay’s debut novel because her characters were so well-developed. The familial relationships rang true and I especially loved Alba’s relationships with her sisters. The writing was fantastic and I loved that new information unfolded at just the right moments. I also loved reading the perspectives of two strong women and learning about both sides of the war. Though the ending was not necessarily a cliffhanger, there were several unanswered questions and unresolved conflicts that I hope will be answered in the next novel.
The reason I didn’t give this amazing novel a five-star rating is due to the fact that the magic system and world were not fully explained or explored. I felt a little lost trying to understand the magic characters wielded, which seemed quite significant throughout the story. But I’m hoping this will be rectified in the sequel, which I will absolutely be reading.
Overall, I really loved this novel and highly recommend it! As a caution, there was abuse, violence, death, mention of suicide, and a few intimate scenes.
Some of My Favorite Quotes
•“Time has a diverting way of changing things.”
•“Maybe that’s why he smiles so much. He’s trying to conceal a broken heart.”
•“Stars twinkle overhead. Beautiful, brilliant stars, the kind that tempt me to lay flat on my back and stare up at the night sky. Perhaps they have ordained this moment. Destiny and time intertwining.”
•“‘You see gray where there’s color. Death where there’s life. Enemies where there are friends. Hatred where there’s love. Wake up, Alba….Wake up.’”
•“‘You haven’t had many reasons to smile lately. I couldn’t take that from you.’”
(I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.)
June 17, 2021
Five stars for this gorgeous fantasy romance. This book is so well written that you'd never guess it's a debut novel. Full of lavish settings, unbreakable family bonds, stirring romance, and a plot twist you won't see coming, this slow burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is truly a great read.
June 10, 2021
This is a nice romantic fantasy.. I liked it.. It is interesting and engaging, with drama and some suspense..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
This fantasy romance was the perfect enemies to lovers story, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. The characters were all well developed especially Princess Alba, who I really felt for throughout. She carried so much on her shoulders and her struggle was beautifully illustrated. I loved that the author chose to tell the tale from the point of view of two strong female characters instead of switching to the hero's POV. The world-building was rich without being overwhelming or slowing down the story. Normally, I don't love slow-burn romance, but it made sense for this particular story. I found Alba and Arcadius' love story to be believable and heartbreaking at times. This book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it certainly left questions to be answered in the next book. I can't wait to see more of these characters!
I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.
I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.
April 13, 2021
If you love a slow burn romance sprinkled with mystery and magic then this is the book for you.
Tattered follows Alba, a brave, spirited and loyal princess who is determined to protect her family at all costs. When she meets the intimidating and brooding Prince Arcadius she builds her walls high. He represents everything she hates and everything she’s lost, but there’s a fine line between anger and passion and she soon learns how easy it is to blur.
An intriguing read with great world building that keeps the reader guessing throughout. There’s Interesting characters that’s you find yourself really caring about and plenty of exciting subplots waiting to unfold in the next book. I for one can’t wait to see what happens next.
Tattered follows Alba, a brave, spirited and loyal princess who is determined to protect her family at all costs. When she meets the intimidating and brooding Prince Arcadius she builds her walls high. He represents everything she hates and everything she’s lost, but there’s a fine line between anger and passion and she soon learns how easy it is to blur.
An intriguing read with great world building that keeps the reader guessing throughout. There’s Interesting characters that’s you find yourself really caring about and plenty of exciting subplots waiting to unfold in the next book. I for one can’t wait to see what happens next.
April 22, 2021
Slow burn romance. Magic. Royalty. Mystery.
This book seriously has it all! The character development is really great, and the details poured into building the world around them is fantastic. Princess Alba is a female main that I can truly get behind. She is fierce and loyal, while also confronting her own insecurities and struggles, making her relatable and real. Prince Arcadius is a great contrast of cold and caring, making him easy to fall for. The writing is solid - a great thing for someone like me who gets distracted by errors and/or lazy vocabulary.
There are enough twists and turns to have me anxious to see where the story goes in book 2. Can't wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book seriously has it all! The character development is really great, and the details poured into building the world around them is fantastic. Princess Alba is a female main that I can truly get behind. She is fierce and loyal, while also confronting her own insecurities and struggles, making her relatable and real. Prince Arcadius is a great contrast of cold and caring, making him easy to fall for. The writing is solid - a great thing for someone like me who gets distracted by errors and/or lazy vocabulary.
There are enough twists and turns to have me anxious to see where the story goes in book 2. Can't wait!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
I received an Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you love fantasy with an air of the past or enemy's to lovers this book is for you.
The author weaves a wonderfully crafted story told by two strong females. You never get the males pov. Very different but fabulous.
Alba is a strong yet torn character that is trying to the best she can with the knowledge and information she has all the while protecting her family. You immediately feel all Alba feels.
Even though you never hear from the prince you are immediately entranced by him. He is not what he seems and it's intriguing.
A wonderfully crafted world and story.
If you love fantasy with an air of the past or enemy's to lovers this book is for you.
The author weaves a wonderfully crafted story told by two strong females. You never get the males pov. Very different but fabulous.
Alba is a strong yet torn character that is trying to the best she can with the knowledge and information she has all the while protecting her family. You immediately feel all Alba feels.
Even though you never hear from the prince you are immediately entranced by him. He is not what he seems and it's intriguing.
A wonderfully crafted world and story.
April 30, 2021
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! Every page has you wanting to read more and not put the book down. You truly get invested in the story. From early on, you are trying to figure out the characters, and the wording makes you feel like you are part of the story. Definitely one of the best reads of 2021!
“I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.”
“I received an ARC from the publisher. This review contains my own honest opinions.”
April 30, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! It has such incredible character development for every single character in the story. It also has the perfect mix of action and romance to keep you on the edge of your seat. There were definitely times when I couldn't stop turning pages to see what would happen next. This is an amazing story with lots of heart for any romance, historical fiction, or fantasy reader. I cannot wait for the sequel!
May 15, 2022
I liked the charecters I mean I didn't fall in love with them in 'I will stand in the middle of a highway for them' kinda way but I liked them ig they were normal. nothing special tbh
alba kept on talking abt her duty to her family ALL THE TIME and I just feel like I didnt get to know her enough to LOVE her. she was just kinda boring... and also the scene where she along with 2 other guys took down 50 FUCKINH MEN was soo unrealistic considering she wasnt even able to beat arcadius. (I DESERVED A KNIFE TO THE THROAT SCENE instead he disarmed her in like 2 seconds). anyways the point is that scene was absurd. also her sister are grown up women (3/4 of them anyways) and they all depend on her so much like they should be doing something besides just sitting in their rooms all day( and ik they were kinda forced to sit there but COME THE FUCK ON JUST BREAK SOME RULES INSTEAD OF LETTING ALBA DO ALL THE WORK JUST BECAUSE SHES THE OLDEST) also alba doesnt really seem to care abt her people and only her family which I didnt vibe with idk
Arcadius was... boring as well if I'm being honest. I'm not saying I didnt love their banter but that was like the only interesting part in his story. again we didnt get to see much of his personality which made me feel disconnected with him in the end. also besides the banter I dont like how they just straight up went to husband wife. it felt SO RUSHED I dont like their relationship because I didnt see much of the developing stages which left me unsatisfied.
there were so many scenes of alba describing her bath and oils which just annoyed me to no ends like WE GET IT YOURE AN AESTHETIC GIRLY... also I dont like how fast she forgave them for killing her father and brother and basically killing so many of her people.
it just all didnt feel connected and the magic part was not explained even a little bit which left me so confused. all in all it was not great worldbuilding.
and idk how I feel abt Olympia being the other pov. maybe if it was arcadius I wouldve got to know him more cause he doesnt really do anything worth note in the whole book.
the ending was also so anticlimactic. it just confirmed what I already knew ( that it was tituss who was responsible) I feel like we should've atleast seen something a little bit unexpected like alba doing magic or sumn idk
honestly the only character I liked and who had a personality was breaker. I love that cat like my own child.
so i would give this like 3.5⭐ ig
alba kept on talking abt her duty to her family ALL THE TIME and I just feel like I didnt get to know her enough to LOVE her. she was just kinda boring... and also the scene where she along with 2 other guys took down 50 FUCKINH MEN was soo unrealistic considering she wasnt even able to beat arcadius. (I DESERVED A KNIFE TO THE THROAT SCENE instead he disarmed her in like 2 seconds). anyways the point is that scene was absurd. also her sister are grown up women (3/4 of them anyways) and they all depend on her so much like they should be doing something besides just sitting in their rooms all day( and ik they were kinda forced to sit there but COME THE FUCK ON JUST BREAK SOME RULES INSTEAD OF LETTING ALBA DO ALL THE WORK JUST BECAUSE SHES THE OLDEST) also alba doesnt really seem to care abt her people and only her family which I didnt vibe with idk
Arcadius was... boring as well if I'm being honest. I'm not saying I didnt love their banter but that was like the only interesting part in his story. again we didnt get to see much of his personality which made me feel disconnected with him in the end. also besides the banter I dont like how they just straight up went to husband wife. it felt SO RUSHED I dont like their relationship because I didnt see much of the developing stages which left me unsatisfied.
there were so many scenes of alba describing her bath and oils which just annoyed me to no ends like WE GET IT YOURE AN AESTHETIC GIRLY... also I dont like how fast she forgave them for killing her father and brother and basically killing so many of her people.
it just all didnt feel connected and the magic part was not explained even a little bit which left me so confused. all in all it was not great worldbuilding.
and idk how I feel abt Olympia being the other pov. maybe if it was arcadius I wouldve got to know him more cause he doesnt really do anything worth note in the whole book.
the ending was also so anticlimactic. it just confirmed what I already knew ( that it was tituss who was responsible) I feel like we should've atleast seen something a little bit unexpected like alba doing magic or sumn idk
honestly the only character I liked and who had a personality was breaker. I love that cat like my own child.
so i would give this like 3.5⭐ ig
May 15, 2022
It was a boktok recommendation and I mostly enjoyed it, but while I was really curious about the characters, the plot was vague and confusing. Definitely setting up for book 2.
Read
May 29, 2022dnf at 21%. i'll wait to continue this is Boring and i need entertainment NOW!
ps: is not being counted towards reading goal🙄
ps: is not being counted towards reading goal🙄
June 23, 2022
OH MY GOODNESS THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!!! The characters were delightfully complex and I really enjoyed seeing the whole story unravel and Alba growing up ;-;
Want to read
January 29, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/29/2023)! 🎁
May 16, 2023
Long, so long, much longer than you think is necessary. I finished it - which is saying something.
My main issue was with the world building - new plot devices just popping up out of nowhere. Magic all of a sudden was a thing - no explanation required apparently.
Second issue was pacing - if it stuck with the main characters POV the pacing may have felt a bit better but even so it was slow for the events that were happening.
Someone complained about it being steamy - and I don’t think we were reading the same thing. It was about as steamy as a barely hot cup of tea and arguably that’s the right amount of steam for a YA novel!
My main issue was with the world building - new plot devices just popping up out of nowhere. Magic all of a sudden was a thing - no explanation required apparently.
Second issue was pacing - if it stuck with the main characters POV the pacing may have felt a bit better but even so it was slow for the events that were happening.
Someone complained about it being steamy - and I don’t think we were reading the same thing. It was about as steamy as a barely hot cup of tea and arguably that’s the right amount of steam for a YA novel!
April 26, 2021
What a captivating, intense read! You will be swept away by the setting and characters in this first book of Lianne Kay's The Bond Between Us series.
I absolutely fell in love with the Hunturius princesses. Particularly Alba, who is willing to do anything to save her sisters. The tension between her and Arcadius was spot on, leading up to the romance I was expecting--but the twist I was not! I love when a romance that you know is coming has surprises along the way, and this book accomplished that more than once.
From the well-written characters to the beautiful world-building, Tattered captured my heart and held my interest to the last page. I am looking forward to the second installment!!
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely fell in love with the Hunturius princesses. Particularly Alba, who is willing to do anything to save her sisters. The tension between her and Arcadius was spot on, leading up to the romance I was expecting--but the twist I was not! I love when a romance that you know is coming has surprises along the way, and this book accomplished that more than once.
From the well-written characters to the beautiful world-building, Tattered captured my heart and held my interest to the last page. I am looking forward to the second installment!!
***I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
September 21, 2021
This Enemies to lovers fantasy romance, kept me on the edge of my seat. I am rarely one to read slow burns, though I like them. I just don’t read them as often. However, this one truly ticked all boxes for me. It had intrigue, passion, snarky men (it is a weakness of mine), and above all else, it had romance and love. The romantic in me swooned, and the main characters were to die for. The descriptions and world that this author built around her characters truly was a thing of beauty. I truly enjoyed this, and I cannot wait to see more from LiAnne Kay.
April 21, 2021
A crown prince and a crown princess and their families and countries against them. A wonderful tale.
This book was one of those I hated to put down. It hooked me with new twists and turns. Little by little II got to know the royal families and their subjects. It is an awesome adventure and even better love story. I would tell you more but do not want to spoil it. Just read it for sure!!!
This book was one of those I hated to put down. It hooked me with new twists and turns. Little by little II got to know the royal families and their subjects. It is an awesome adventure and even better love story. I would tell you more but do not want to spoil it. Just read it for sure!!!
May 9, 2022
Oh boy.
So I had no idea about this book at all, a Book Tok posted it as one of the rare finds no one talks about. I went in blind not expecting it to be 717 pages. Like what??? So l was like WOOOO, that’s a huge first book in a series, this is going to be awesome!
Well, I was semi let down in a big way. Unless I read over a bunch, which ABSOLUTELY could have happened with 700+ pages of description. But I felt like Alba losing her memories was thrown in there randomly, the characters having powers besides Olympia, who is supposed to have powers, felt very random to me and out of the blue. Then she was tortured for months? Like someone e please who has read this book tell me I read through an entire chapter that spoke about all of these things before they were dropped in our laps!
I feel like the timeline of this book could have went very differently or at the least the introduction could have included Alba or Arcadius speaking of these powers, or her memories or just something to transition into each new revelation.
I know that Alba has this intense connection to Arcadius that she can’t explain and that causes them to have feelings and whatnot. I did feel like they barely connected sometimes and were suddenly Allies and best friends. Don’t get me wrong it made more sense on Arcadius’ behalf since he could remember her.
I tried to enjoy it and I found myself turning the pages, but it was just lacking transition into chapters and plot twists for me. I didn’t feel a consistency or that there was any specific conclusion to anything.
I’m sorry to even be writing this but I always try to have an instant review. The writing itself was well done you felt you were in their world, the clothing was well described I just needed something more.
I will 100% be reading the second book, bc I do need to know what happened.
So I had no idea about this book at all, a Book Tok posted it as one of the rare finds no one talks about. I went in blind not expecting it to be 717 pages. Like what??? So l was like WOOOO, that’s a huge first book in a series, this is going to be awesome!
Well, I was semi let down in a big way. Unless I read over a bunch, which ABSOLUTELY could have happened with 700+ pages of description. But I felt like Alba losing her memories was thrown in there randomly, the characters having powers besides Olympia, who is supposed to have powers, felt very random to me and out of the blue. Then she was tortured for months? Like someone e please who has read this book tell me I read through an entire chapter that spoke about all of these things before they were dropped in our laps!
I feel like the timeline of this book could have went very differently or at the least the introduction could have included Alba or Arcadius speaking of these powers, or her memories or just something to transition into each new revelation.
I know that Alba has this intense connection to Arcadius that she can’t explain and that causes them to have feelings and whatnot. I did feel like they barely connected sometimes and were suddenly Allies and best friends. Don’t get me wrong it made more sense on Arcadius’ behalf since he could remember her.
I tried to enjoy it and I found myself turning the pages, but it was just lacking transition into chapters and plot twists for me. I didn’t feel a consistency or that there was any specific conclusion to anything.
I’m sorry to even be writing this but I always try to have an instant review. The writing itself was well done you felt you were in their world, the clothing was well described I just needed something more.
I will 100% be reading the second book, bc I do need to know what happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
Loooooong book.
This one was a real whopper at like 700 pages but felt rather shallow.
Let’s start with what bothered me the most:
Alba needs a FRIEND. I would have even settled for her sisters being more fleshed out to give her companionship. Seriously, she has 4 sisters but their personalities are: child with possible vague powers, wise teenager with vague powers, flirty adult, and angry adult. Also we ignore them for 98% of the book.
Continuing on, I have no idea what the vague magic system is supposed to be. It plays such a tiny part in the story but seems like it’s supposed to be much more important. Magic is mentioned but not much detail is given.
The politics and world building were very flimsy. The book was divided into two POVs: Alba and Olympia, who had an incredibly useless plot line. You know why that sucks? She’s a GODDESS. How do you make a goddess POV boring and simpering?
I did not feel the chemistry between Alba and the Prince. I felt like she had more chemistry with the entertainer.
The baby felt like such a useless plot line, Alba claims to be so attached to him but he’s basically never written about. I started imagining the wet nurse and the baby just being alone in their room for like weeks at a time. Don’t TELL us that Alba loves him. SHOW us.
I have a super hard time remembering character names because there were so many mentioned but none of them really got screen time or backstories or interesting dialogue.
Literally so much happened but nothing got a lot of fleshing out so I’m having a hard time remembering plot points.
I don’t know if I will read the next one.
This one was a real whopper at like 700 pages but felt rather shallow.
Let’s start with what bothered me the most:
Alba needs a FRIEND. I would have even settled for her sisters being more fleshed out to give her companionship. Seriously, she has 4 sisters but their personalities are: child with possible vague powers, wise teenager with vague powers, flirty adult, and angry adult. Also we ignore them for 98% of the book.
Continuing on, I have no idea what the vague magic system is supposed to be. It plays such a tiny part in the story but seems like it’s supposed to be much more important. Magic is mentioned but not much detail is given.
The politics and world building were very flimsy. The book was divided into two POVs: Alba and Olympia, who had an incredibly useless plot line. You know why that sucks? She’s a GODDESS. How do you make a goddess POV boring and simpering?
I did not feel the chemistry between Alba and the Prince. I felt like she had more chemistry with the entertainer.
The baby felt like such a useless plot line, Alba claims to be so attached to him but he’s basically never written about. I started imagining the wet nurse and the baby just being alone in their room for like weeks at a time. Don’t TELL us that Alba loves him. SHOW us.
I have a super hard time remembering character names because there were so many mentioned but none of them really got screen time or backstories or interesting dialogue.
Literally so much happened but nothing got a lot of fleshing out so I’m having a hard time remembering plot points.
I don’t know if I will read the next one.
January 30, 2022
A great story
A world at war with some magic, immortals and gods as active characters serves as the background to this story. The plot is complicated but logical and yet still surprising.
Alba is the main character and the story is told through her eyes. She has had a complicated life under her father the king and it's been a hard one. Alba is a likeable character with flaws and strengths. She fiercely loves her family.
The other characters are also varied and interesting and I hope we know more about them as the series continues. There is plenty left to happen here and I'll keep reading for sure.
A world at war with some magic, immortals and gods as active characters serves as the background to this story. The plot is complicated but logical and yet still surprising.
Alba is the main character and the story is told through her eyes. She has had a complicated life under her father the king and it's been a hard one. Alba is a likeable character with flaws and strengths. She fiercely loves her family.
The other characters are also varied and interesting and I hope we know more about them as the series continues. There is plenty left to happen here and I'll keep reading for sure.
January 26, 2023
This book is.so.good. The world building is fantastic along with a dash of mystery and intrigue. This is the first book in a long time that really had my heart pounding because I truly didn't know what was going to happen. I feel like so many fantasy books are predictable now a days and this one was so good! It has slight steam and I think the next book will be getting into that some more but the slow burn is part of the story. I wish this was on booktok more! I think it is better than ACOTAR!!
March 31, 2022
LOVED
I could not put this book down. The first few chapters I was unsure, but then I was hooked. My emotions were all over the place with the twists and turns of tension. I felt for Alba. I went through her turmoil. I didn’t want
This story to end and am so excited for book 2 to come out soon.
I could not put this book down. The first few chapters I was unsure, but then I was hooked. My emotions were all over the place with the twists and turns of tension. I felt for Alba. I went through her turmoil. I didn’t want
This story to end and am so excited for book 2 to come out soon.
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