A Bond of Venom and Magic

The Goddess and the Guardians, Book 1

By: Karen Tomlinson

Narrated by: Siobhan Waring

Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord hunts.

The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for 17-year-old Diamond Gillon, until her home is brutally attacked. Catapulted into a terrifying new existence, where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to Commander Hugo Casimir. But he is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who murders her own people for magic.

A prisoner in Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous; for the Queen covets more than just magic. Diamond must escape - before her fate, and that of the Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos.

When her life hangs in the balance, will Hugo prove to be her friend and ally or an enemy unworthy of her heart?

A Bond of Venom and Magic is the first installment in this breathtaking four-book romantic fantasy series. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black. Hold on to your heart, dive in, and be swept away in this spectacular epic sword and sorcery adventure. This book is for those who enjoy upper YA high fantasy tales.

Warning: This full-length novel is not a stand-alone. It contains some mild cursing and sexual content.

©2016 Karen Tomlinson (P)2020 Karen Tomlinson

Lots of action and tension

This book is action packed pretty much from the word go. An attack on Diamond’s village, and more specifically, on her, has her running for safety. They are headed for a city that she will not have any rights in as a half fae, but will somehow be safer for her if she can stay clear of the queen and her wrath. Hugo is one of the queen’s guards, and he is helping Diamond make her way to safety. Hugo and Diamond have a magical connection, and Hugo finds himself falling for her, and torn between his lifelong, forced loyalties to the queen and his developing feelings. Then there is Jack, Prince of Odin, who is also a friend of Hugo. Circumstances throw Jack and Diamond together, and they develop a connection as well, which she sees more as friendship, and he seems to feel a bit more. The immortal queen who rules over everything is just brutal, ruthless, and just plain evil, and nobody seems to have any ability or motivation to overcome her oppression. The bipolar nature of many of the characters, which is frustrating and at times infuriating. Poor Diamond doesn’t seem to be fully able to trust anyone, even when they seem to care about her. As we move into the next book, she is preparing to harness and use her magic and learn to fight, hopefully she can take control of her own destiny.

Overall, I would give it about a 3.5 or 3.75. The character POV changes without a lot of clarity, so it sometimes takes a minute to realize we’re now seeing things from someone else’s perspective. And the bipolar nature of multiple characters is sometimes confusing. It’s an interesting story, and the series has promise.

I received this audiobook free in exchange for my fair and honest review.

A venomous read!

Magic awakens...
Darkness stirs...
The Wraith Lord hunts...

Great and interesting writing. It started out so incredibly interesting and hooking but...

My god! This heroine is not a heroine at all. Wow. Like seriously! I'm putting this out there - she turned into such a pathetic and weak character. I had high hopes for her in the beginning but that is all gone now. It's good the author didn't shy away from panic attacks - I liked that but my gosh this character and some of the the others. Nope. Nope. I know this sounds too harsh but I did still enjoy the story in spite of that.

Hopefully there's character growth in the next books. I already own them all but I am so not reading them now. Nope.

I'm torn between a three and four rating but eventually gave it a four, purely, for the fact that the story, world and writing was good. Also, overall it was enjoyable at times.

Full of goddesses, magic, fae, destiny, enemies and bonds.

Perfect for readers of high fantasy romances.

The narrator was so flipping amazing. It made this whole book so worthwhile. My god! I fell in love with the narrator and the narration. I just love her voice and everything about it!

I'd recommend for 13-15 year olds

I received an audiobook from the exchange for a review.

This book started out really strong, but I wouldn't consider it for "mature" young adults. More like just regular young adults. The pacing was a bit slow for my liking. And I just never really fully connected to the story or the characters. I don't know if it was because of my mood or the book. The narrator did a good job though! Just enough emotion in the spots it was required.

Diamonds are forever!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s a lot to compare it to Sara J. Maas, but I think it actually deserves the credit. I was thoroughly impressed. There’s something for everyone. The main character is likable, I did not find her annoying or immature which we often find in our MCs in order to have opportunity for growth in a character. I have a soft spot for rooting for the underdog (don’t we all), and a girl learning a new power and discovering a new world for herself. Give this book a chance! It deserves it and you will not be disappointed!!!

Dark Fae Romance

I enjoyed this book. It’s not the easiest book to follow so you do have to pay attention but if you do, you will see the author creates a fascinating and magical world, there are tons of frightening creatures and a strong bond between our main characters. It’s definitely worth a listen if you like this genre. The narrator did a good job bringing the story to life.

Per my request I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

must read

I've read this one a couple times and when I got the chance to listen I took it and let me say it did not disappoint.

Diamond in the rough

This is a wonderful adventure . The intensity between Hugo and Diamond is breathtaking and the narrator really brought
that out . I can't wait to see how it continues .

Bravo! Well Done!

Exciting from the first way to the last page. The characters are likeable and grow throughout the story. They jump from the story into your head and become larger than life. I have to hear the next part of the book it was that good.

Oh bay your queen!

Loved this story! What would it be like to be a fae and fall in love with someone that can't love you back! Narrator makes the story come alive! Can't wait for book 2