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4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
25 global ratings
5 star
51%
4 star
42%
3 star
7%
2 star 0% (0%)
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A book that can be enjoyed by anyone, young and old!
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2016
Verified Purchase
Growing up as a young reader in the early 2000s, I read such series as Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Imagine a combination of the naïve and relatable characters that are found in Rowling’s series, with the immersive and breathing world that Tolkien was able to build – This is the best way to describe what Kish has created in his first book. The story follows two young protagonist thieves, as they gallivant their way across the countryside of Valvoren in hopes of gaining wealth. Along the way, the stakes steadily raise, all leading to a finale that is sure to surprise. The protagonists are fun, and ones that you will be rooting for to succeed, while their enemies are characters who you will grow to despise. The world is engaging, and described in a way that lets you paint a picture in your head of exactly what is going on. The story is written in a unique style, advancing the story in present tense, which will have you hooked only a couple chapters in. If you are skeptical, since this is first offering by Jeff Kish, do not be. Go in with the highest of expectations, and do not be surprised when they are met! Happy reading!
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JC
4.0 out of 5 stars I particularly enjoy fantasy books and this one features a cast of ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
I particularly enjoy fantasy books and this one features a cast of teenages characters (a naive yet likeable male main character) trying to make their way in a world with kingdoms on the verge of war. This one feels a bit like a Harem genre Anime and that adds a bit of humor and conflict to the dynamics between the characters. The book was an easy read and I am looking forward to continuing this series.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Adventure!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
For those who long for a fantasy story that brings characters to life and has moral value - this is it!! I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. Finding out the characters abilities was like opening a Christmas Present and finding that you have a puppy instead of a lump of coal! Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre or just a really good adventure read.
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TECH-FORWARD
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
I'm a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction. This was a solid read that led me to go purchase the next one. I recommend it.
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rjheck2001
4.0 out of 5 stars There are some disappointment along the way. Read it and find out!
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Liked this book because it was very detailed. The protagonists were interesting and got to know them. Fantasy isn't my strongest subject matter, but this was good fun reading.
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Lois Neate
4.0 out of 5 stars the interactions of the five are fun and interesting
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
Five teenage companions thrown together under duress gradually become friends and allies. But there is a twist -- at least two of them are runics, which means they are created rather than being born. And by being created, their actions can be controlled by people who want to use them for aims which are not evolutionary. Still, the interactions of the five are fun and interesting, although now and then the dialogue feels a bit forced into a teenage mold. Well-written with a fast-moving plot.
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Josh
5.0 out of 5 stars Neato
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2016
Verified Purchase
I don't know how to write a good review but all I can say is that I really liked this book!

I think the best part is the magic/elemental system the author has created. It's really cool how everyone can only have one element at their disposal (unless they have some runes!). It makes for some very creative and interesting fights.

The characters are all very interesting and have great chemistry together. I think just about all the dialogue feels natural and everyone I encountered felt believable.

In all honestly I think the plot took a little while to grab me. But once it did I was hooked. Especially in the end of the book! What an awesome ending! Once the plot is all revealed and in the open everything is just so amazing.

I'm excitedly awaiting the next entry in the series!
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Amy Louise
4.0 out of 5 stars Totally unexpected!
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Era and Jem have been partners in crime for almost two years, stealing their way through life, Jem teaching Era what she knows. They’re attempting a raid on a train one night, hoping to gain some valuables, when they find a young girl, the only “cargo” on an otherwise normal military train. After rescuing Di, not knowing her worth, Era and Jem attempt to return her home, overcoming many obstacles along the way, barely escaping the clutches of death and Di’s former captors.

First of all, I would like to give a huge shout-out to the author, Jeff Kish. He originally contacted us back in January (I believe), and then again checked up on me a couple of months, offering a revised version. Finally, I contacted him (when opening the 650 unread emails) about still doing a review, and he sent me a copy of the (now published) book. Needless to say, he’s been incredibly patient, not to mention understanding, and I sincerely apologize for not reading Diamond Bonds sooner! (I regret this. Very much so.)

I really enjoyed this book! As much as I love other genres, fantasy is my default, so I was very excited to read it. I was not disappointed! Era and Jem live in a world separated into two kingdoms (with different race). Jem is Allerian, so she is frequently discriminated against. However, no matter your race/loyalty, you have some kind of magical power. We learn early on in the book that Era is an earth shaper, and Jem is an ice maker, and we get to watch their powers grow throughout the story.

Aaaaaaaaand there was an assassin. Let’s just get this over with, guys: I LOVE ASSASSINS. A LOT. THEY ARE CUTE AND CUDDLY AND SO MURDERY AND AWESOME AND I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE.

Di was 13, whiney, smart, and rather “soft”, but she was just so darn adorable and I couldn’t help but love her more and more (especially since her power was so cool). The dialogue was realistic, and usually necessary/well-placed. All of the characters were very intriguing, and although their pasts are sometimes guarded, it makes sense towards the end of the book.

Speaking of the end! Um! What! Even! Was! That?!? I SO did not see that coming. I had no idea, and that was so neat! I now want to know ALL the logistics and history. In other words, GIVE ME THE NEXT BOOK. NOW. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Okay, I feel like I have not properly expressed how awesome this book was. Let me make this VERY CLEAR: THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME. VERY. AWESOME. VERY AWESOME. YOU SHOULD READ IT. NOW. AND THEN WE CAN COMPARE THEORIES. PERIOD END OF STORY. GOOD DAY.
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