Book Review-Honor Bound

michelle howard

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

First Impressions

Honor Bound is a story that had vibes if you enjoyed the sci-fi romances from Johanna Lindsey or the Horde King books by Zoey Draven. While it’s technically sci-fi, I would definitely put this more in the epic fantasy column as while its on another world of sorts, its a epic/high fantasy-like world. I really found this one super intriguing. I did this one in audio as the audio was on an Audible deal for only $1.99, and it was also part of the Romanceopoly challenge for a warlord or assassin prompt. I found Honor Bound to keep me on the edge of my seat. I was more than happy with this one. I loved how the romance was built, the arranged type of marriage, the courage of our heroine, and how these two have to learn to navigate a very opposites-attract-like marriage/mating. And this is only book one of their journey, so I can’t wait to get to book 2.

Book Evaluation:

Plot: 5/5
World Building: 4/5
Cover: 2/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine: 4/5
Intimacy Level: 2.5/5
Relationship Building: 3.5/5
Heart & Feels: 4/5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 3/5
Page Turner Level: 5/5
Narration: 4/5
Ending: 4/5
Overall View: 4/5

The Main Protagonists

The Hero: Vaan Galip

The Heroine: Mikayla S’Apul

What I Loved

Honor Bound I found to be more than fascinating, and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Our heroine is probably close to vampiric. Her people don’t have eyebrows, and they have fangs with venom. Mikayla and Vaan are part of two groups of people that have been at war with each other for many years. There is a lot of inner animosity that they both have to overcome. Vaan is an overlord who, along with his brothers, was betrayed and forced into a sleep. Mikayla wakes them up with the promise of being mated to one of them. We see how Vaan and Mikayla have a connection. Mikayla needs a protector for her people. They both have different ways, even when it comes to mating. We see how Mikayla has to teach Vaan methods of kissing or pleasuring the woman in the bedchamber. There is also a thrilling plot in the third act that will satisfy any suspense craving the reader may have. I am beyond fascinated by this series, and I can’t wait to read more of this.

What I Struggled With

The chemistry and the spice in the story were a bit awkward at times, and I think that was intentional, but these moments could have been better portrayed. There was also an obvious issue with grammar and editing, but as it was an audio, it was less noticeable.

Narration

I really had a fun time with this narration, and I wouldn’t mind listening to more of the series in this format. I felt like he really captured the story quite well for both of the characters. And I really enjoyed how it was developed here, really capturing the story in such a captivating way.

Overall Thoughts

Honor Bound was a thrilling story that I found beyond intriguing, it had a style of world-building that will satisfy any fantasy lover, it digs deep into the beauty of an arranged mating, and the reader will find themselves captivated by it all.

Book Details

Title: Honor Bound

Author: Michelle Howard

Series: Warlords, #1

Publication Date: January 31 2014

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: Sci Fi Historical Fantasy

Narrator: Michael Pauley

Length: 6 Hours and 57 Mins

Tropes/Character Types: Barbarian Warlord, Softer FMC, Marriage of Convenience, Forced Proximity, Alpha Male, Kissing/Sex Lessons

Spice Level:

Warmin’ by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.

POV: Duo POV

To save her people, Mikayla S’Apul has only two options: Become a prize in the upcoming battle or take control of her fate. When a worn journal falls into her hands revealing the secrets of a legendary group of warriors, Mikayla realizes it holds the answer to her dilemma. A marriage of convenience is the only way to protect the Raasa people.

Overlord Vaan Galip is the commander of the Warlord army tasked with protecting Kabanians and bringing peace to his lands. Betrayed by one of his own, joining with Mikayla S’Apul would provide her people with protection while giving him the opportunity for vengeance. Falling for the Raasa female was never part of his plans.

When a common enemy threatens, Vaan and Mikayla learn the true depth of what it means to be bound not only by marriage but by honor.