The Bonds Between Us by Emily Ruhl

Review 5 star

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In The Bonds Between Us, the first book in the Web of Wyrd Trilogy by author Emily Ruhl, Katya is a young woman who lives in Venice and can control ice. She belongs to the lowest order of Vaettir, fantasy beings whose powers utilize natural elements, and her people, the Daskis, are viewed as criminals, often hunted by higher-ranking Vaettir. Katya finds she has somehow been linked to a dangerously incompatible Vaettir through a soulbond—a magical true-love connection. Matteo is handsome, earnest, and instantly attracted to her even though Katya feels the romance is a bad idea. Then all Hell breaks loose as the Devil arrives in Venice to claim his share of an old contract broken years ago. The couple and their friends hatch a risky scheme to change the Devil’s deal.
 
What a gloriously fun read! Emily Ruhl has written a great fantasy book with tremendous highs and lows of emotion as a semi-doomed (but ultimately triumphant) love story is paired with some kick-butt action-adventure. The Bonds Between Us brings beautiful, poetic Venice to life and also showcases a strong, fast-paced plot as the serene city is constantly interrupted by the sinister and the macabre. The story hooked me instantly and I immediately knew I wanted to go on reading it. When it was done, I wanted to read it again. The romance has superb chemistry—I could feel every step of Matteo and Katya falling for each other—and a perfect ensemble cast, including magnificent, often chilling villains, rounds out an awesome story. I was very pleased by the possibilities in this fantasy world and I look forward to more Web of Wyrd books to come.