These Twisted Bonds

July 15, 2022
Brie struggles with her newfound power and identity amid growing court upheaval in this duology closer following These Hollow Vows (2021). Having turned fae after nearly dying from her bond with Sebastian, Abriella flees, reeling from his betrayal. Discovering a Seelie prison camp for Unseelie children, Brie unleashes her now considerable magic to free them, alongside Misha and his Wild Fae. Despite her mistrust of all fae, Brie vows to demolish all the golden queen's camps and stop the exploitation of children. As the imbalance between the Seelie and Unseelie Courts grows, Brie struggles to fix the problem created by her survival. After recuperating with the Wild Fae, she reunites with exiled Unseelie Prince Finn and his friends and immediately recalls her attraction to him despite her bond with Sebastian. As she falls into a flirty love triangle, Brie's relationships with Sebastian and Finn spotlight negative and potentially toxic issues such as jealousy and obsessive possessiveness as well as the importance of positive communication, support, and empathy. The focus on Brie's evolving sense of self and belonging elevates an otherwise familiar fantasy plot with some predictable twists. The theme of power in terms of consent, free will, balance, and duty is strongly depicted through Brie and Finn's determination. Brie and Sebastian read as White; Finn reads as fantasy diverse. A satisfyingly emotional journey with depth. (Fantasy. 13-18)

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February 1, 2023

Gr 9 Up-When her sister was sold to the Unseelie king, Brie thought nothing could get worse-but now she knows better. Forced to play a role in the fae courts she despises, caught in a love triangle between two courts and their princes, Brie struggles with her new powers and unwelcome prophecies. The romances highlight the differences in healthy and toxic relationships by displaying differences in possessiveness, communication, and jealousies. Brie's character arc highlights duty, free will, and independence as important coming-of-age themes, and the love readers have for the character will keep them going through a familiar fantasy plot. VERDICT Romantic and satisfying, hand this series to fans of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses and Holly Black's The Cruel Prince.

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