Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

This Blood That Binds Us, by S.L. Cokeley

2 reviews

mstormodolge's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I dunno. Pretty good read though I don’t see why it can’t be just a one book thing, it doesn’t have to be a whole series. I love cheesy and I love strong women and goofy frat boys so I loved that aspect, but the rest just felt soooo wishy-washy at times. Again, I’ll be honest and say I bought it for the cover art.

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iwi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

I was provided an ARC copy to review. 

I would classify this book as more of a ya than new adult. While the characters are in college the writing makes it feel younger. 

I'll start of with my issues that brought the rating down. The word choices initially were what pulled me out of the story, mentions of heads exiting the bus, magnetized feet, just turns of phrase that were a little more jarring than I'm sure was intended. 

At times the characters made choices that didn't feel authentic. It wasn't like "oh this is obviously not a good choice but I see where they're coming from" but rather "why would anyone ever living or dead do this?". A lot of scenes felt confused as to what the characters were doing, having them do several things simultaneously. 

Then there was the vampire lore. I know Aaron doesn't know much but it gets a little muddled what applies to these vampires or not. He has a pulse but he doesn't need to breathe? You can't injure cut him unless he's losing blood? But how did the brothers puncture their skin to begin with? I did find the big explanation in the church a little... dull. It drug on a bit. 

The last thing was just they sometimes spoke in overly flowery ways, which isn't exactly for me. 

All of that aside I really did enjoy the book. It kept me engaged. I loved the brothers, I loved the protectiveness. I thought there were funny parts, there was mystery and suspense. I very much appreciated when I figured out the mystery the characters were close behind and it wasn't drug out for a long time. 

It's a fun, mostly lighthearted, vampire read. I'll be keeping my eye out for a sequel.

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