Bound to the Abyss
The Three Moons Realm, Book #1: Into the World
By James R. Vernon
ISBN# 9781494426200
Author’s Website: http://jamesrvernon.wordpress.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Possible spoilers!
The Three Moons Realm (A collection of short stories, Vol. 1) by James R. Vernon was released back in 2012, and now, after what seemed like a long wait, he returns with his first fantasy novel titled Bound to the Abyss, Part One.
In this new story, we are introduced to Ean Sangrave, who can’t seem to get himself out of trouble. Whether he’s being beat by the village’s gang of bullies, or he’s getting on the bad side of the adults, Ean is always looked down. He is the apprentice of the village’s Healer Cleff, one of the few people that treats him, a little, better, due to the tragic past involving his deceased parents. But, what villagers don’t know is that more than a simple healer’s apprentice, he has a great connection to the Abyss, a place feared for its darkness and dangerous creatures.
From this dreaded place is where he actually found the only living creature that has become close enough to be called friend. The imp, Zin, a character that was first introduced in The Three Moons Realm. Zin has returned from the Abyss, ready to help Ean gain new powers. When everything looks brighter for both of them for the first time, the village’s mine is inhabited by a deadly creature devouring all that comes to its reach.
Curious to see the creature, Ean heads to the mine, only to barely escape its teeth with the help of his new abilities. When, Jaslen, a farm girl whom Ean is fond of, and Bran, the mayor’s oldest son and Jaslen’s boyfriend, follow him to see the Heroes sent to kill the creature fail, Ean’s life becomes more involved with the village’s safety than ever before, changing his future from that moment on. He is chosen to travel along with Bran to try and find a solution to the village’s problems. As the adventure continues, Ean gradually transforms from the nobody, people saw him as to a skilled healer, friend, and Abyss energy user.
I was really happy to know that The Three Moons Realm stories had continued. I really liked vol. 1 and was eager to find out more about the characters and what their futures held for them. Bound to the Abyss is my kind of book genre, so reading about magic spells, creatures, and a boy finding its way in life, was definitely a must-read for me. But, I must say that Zin remains my favorite character of the whole story. He’s witty, wicked, and knows more than what he lets others know, which makes him more intriguing. The story had a good pace and was easy to follow. There aren’t many characters to get lost in, or constantly change points of view, which is more comfortable. Although we meet people here and there throughout the journey, the plot is mainly centered on Ean and his companions.
I do have to add that there was a character that I started to dislike halfway through the story, Jaslen. She turned a little irritating and at one point I hoped she wouldn’t end up sentimentally involved with Ean. He needs someone brave enough to stand the sound of an Abyss hound feasting on a Troll. This is where Paige appeared and his life became a little more interesting in that matter, but she was left behind. I hope she makes an appearance on future books.
The story is mostly a road trip, in which Ean at first feels dragged into, but then learns that there is a lot of information kept from him and possibly the villagers back home. This sparked an interest in me on anticipating another book. There are questions unanswered that I would like to know find out just like Ean, but I’ll have to wait.
The Three Moons Realm has interesting stories waiting to be developed, and Bound to the Abyss is just as good which I recommend you read. If you like magic, a little of mystery, and adventure, this is the book for you.
