This is a good start to the series.

The story begins with a young Ethan and how he is discovered and how tragedy strikes his family. From there we go to the now. Ethan is a great Bender with no earth to bend. Why? His wielder is not around. The reasoning is this: Earth wielders and benders are rare and coveted. No one wants to have someone stronger than them around and Earth magic is the strongest. It is the one that brings balance but can also destroy. Suddenly in a flash of an eye Ethan’s world where he learned to be a great bender with no magic changes.

Alex comes into his world and Earth magic is found again. But there is so much danger surrounding her that she is protected up the wazoo...So much so that we have the story of Ugly Duckling enter the fray.

We also have a past between Alex’s parents and Ethan’s dad. A past that does influence how her parents are towards Ethan. When we first meet Ethan he seems a little bit snobby. He is the golden boy. He also labels girls by what animal he sees them as. He doesn’t mean for that to turn into something bad but sometimes it does.

He first sees Alex and is mesmerized. She is a looker. Next time he sees her, he doesn’t recognize her and she is Ugly duckling. Which stays with her. Both aren’t on each others getting to know you list. In fact Alex makes assumptions about Ethan and she finally gets to know him she finds she is wrong. He isn’t dumb, arrogant or have an ego instead he is nice, kind, and fun.

Alex he learns is beautiful beyond the looks. She is smart and witty. He likes to talk to her but it is hard because it is against rules to be together. But they aren’t only feeling tugs of attraction. As they are learning about one another they are training. Training that due to her protection doesn’t go too well. It frustrates them to no end but her mom doesn’t care.

We see Alex in danger and do a few reckless things. We see Ethan be a hero and grow up before our eyes. We see his Dad help guide him but also show incredible love and honesty with Ethan. We see Alex’s parents and Ethan’s dad learn to let go of their differences. We see epic battles, love being denied but hope come to light, and we see where everything isn’t always as it seems. There are deceptions, secrets and growth in characters. We even get some cool reveals and works of magic.

Ethan is a good guy. He at first doesn’t come off as one to Alex but he is. He is misjudged at first. In reality he is a little impatient but as the story grows we see his growth in maturity and see him change. What once mattered changes. As the danger becomes more palpable and he learns more of his magic and responsibility, he grows into a more serious and responsible person. He sees what matters and understands where things stand and what needs to be done.

Alex seems a little spoiled when you first meet her. She is quick to judge and doesn’t really give people a chance. As she lives in her shell, she realizes that it is what is on the inside that matters. She also learns more about herself and others. She gives them time to get to know her and she them. She sees that everything isn’t always as it seems and grows as well. She learns how to fight and work with someone but also to not give up.

The story has a good foundation started for the series. We learn about the different characters, why Earth magic is so important and rare and get great character growth. The world is slowly built and intrigue is trickled in. There is a play on emotions and mystery as well with secrets and deception.We are left with questions to be answered and more adventures to occur. All the characters grow in some way and will pull at you either with like or dislike-an opinion will be formed. The descriptive writing and imagination is nicely intertwined and keeps you in the moment. A great start to what seems to be the beginning if an amazing series as we see Alex and Ethan learn about who they are, how to work together and the danger that surrounds them while they try to figure out how to break the issue of Wielders and Benders not being able to be together if you are each others Wielder and Bender. Look forward to seeing where they go next with this series. .

This will be a down and dirty review as I am going to keep spoilers removed. Just know that no matter what, this was a fun read.

I liked this more than I thought I would. I felt it was geared towards older YA readers and some NA readers, but it was still good. I'm always open to new and unique stories and this one fit the bill. The idea of magic wielders and benders sounded like so much fun! All of the characters felt very well rounded, developed, and wonderfully complex. I connected with them right away and that made me enjoy the story so much more. The plot was action packed and moved quickly. It felt like a non-stop ride! This was such a visual story that it held my attention the entire time. The ending did set up perfect for book 2 so I'm anxious to see how everything plays out and develops.

See? Short, sweet and too the point without giving anything away. Characters were good, plot was fast moving, and the story itself was fun. I do hope people will give this a chance.

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What an incredible start to a new series. It starts with some excellent world building filled with magic that morphs into one giant star crossed lovers story. The characters are all well developed and blend quite nicely with the magical world. The twists and turns in the story keep the reader guessing until the end which was just full of surprises that I so did not see coming. If you enjoy paranormal fantasy new adult novels then you so have to try this book. I really enjoyed so I give it 4/5 stars.

A complete DNF for me.

The author did a lot of information dump in long stretches that just annoyed me and bored me to the core. It would have been better if she'd provided information in chunks instead of giving it all in 10 paragraphs one after the other without a break. And, there seemed to be no connection between the paragraphs of information provided and what the narrator of that information was doing right then. One second, we're finding out about Weilders, the next, the narrator is looking outside the window? What? Not cool. At all.

Also, erasing all sexual and romantic identities apart from straight cis relationships by implying that the Resistance between the Weilder & Bender exists only if one is male and the other is female is a shitty move.

We weren't eased into the world the author created. We were thrown face first into it. The author bombarded me with info that I could scarcely grasp. The author jumped from Wielders and Benders to "jinn" (not the correct spelling btw. If the author was going to introduce Arabic mythology, she could have at the least, spelt djinni right ) then to a chalice that was somehow important (no info about it though) and I was utterly confused. Apparently, there are some Guardians too. I'm like
"Who the fuck are they???"

On the Tenth page, the family was attacked and there was this parting "touching" scene that probably was meant to make readers cry. All it did was make me roll my eyes.

The dialogue in later chapters was so stilted and wrong. This book could have been much better but it failed on nearly every level.

There’s a reason why paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres. Hinder by Kristin Ping is deliciously fun, undeniably steamy, and so wonderfully enthralling. I devoured this story so fast that I’m terribly aching for more!

This book is positively bewitching! I really liked the premise of the story and the supernatural aspects kept me intrigued. I thought the world building was creative and very fascinating. I’ve read and watched plenty about witches, warlocks, and magic, but never one like this. I definitely enjoyed learning about the relationship between Benders and Wielders. The plot was also fast-paced, suspenseful and absolutely thrilling. The drama, the humor, the sexuel innuendos, the conflict, the mystery, and the impending dangers… had me completely hooked. Throw in a swoony, sweet, and satisfyingly steamy romance and I’m a goner! Truly had so much fun with this book.

I liked Ethan and Alex and thought they were fantastic characters. Ethan’s devastatingly handsome, athletic, strong, and overall a decent guy, but he’s still a teenager and made plenty of mistakes. Alex’s breathtakingly gorgeous, smart, and sassy, but had her own insecurities to overcome. They were both very stubborn, but also passionate, determined, and genuinely good. I loved watching them interact and figure out how to find a balance with their powers and relationship. Speaking of their relationship… totally made me giddy. Their chemistry was amazing and the many tender and sexy moments between them were absolutely electrifying that I found it impossible to put the book down.

The supporting characters were interesting and likable to some extent. The parents were very overprotective, but with reason so it was easy to understand their actions. Ariel, Alex’s Aunt, was my favorite character — she’s sexy, alluring, sassy, and spontaneous. I also really loved her close relationship with Alex. This book had some heartwarming friendships and relationships that I really enjoyed and can’t wait to read more about.

While there were some parts of the story that irked me a bit, this book was still an absolute fun and delightful read. With a thrilling storyline, imaginative world building, fantastic characters, and a forbidden romance, Hinder had me enchanted until the end and anticipating the rest of the series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and Xpresso Book Tours via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

I was intrigued with Hinder after reading the synopsis. I found the idea interesting with all Supernaturals living among each other in different "social" classes. The story felt something like a mash up of the Mean Girls and Teen Witch movies... This even had the feel of that Never Been Kissed movie. Of course, this is a story all on its own, but it definitely has the same vibes as the aforementioned movies. I was also drawn to the idea of Wielders and Benders... in relation to controlling the elements of nature. Crazy... Right!?! Anyways, the concept that Wielders and Benders must be paired up in order to control their element was interesting. Then, there's that forbidden part that brings a twist into the story of Ethan and Alex.

I guess the beginning starts off as somewhat a "prologue" in setting up who Ethan is, but then, it is still a bit vague. Further into the story, we learn about this "society" of Supernaturals and the importance of Wielders and Benders. Huh... Who would have thought of their importance... Right?!? So... We get it. Then, Alex comes into the "scene" and all else becomes a teen drama. The various elements of various teen angst, clichés, and stereotypes are abound throughout with the twist that all these characters are Supernaturals. Ha!!! Moreover, all the while these characters are dealing with every day high school life, there's also something else sinister that looms in the background.

The story is interesting enough. This was written well enough to start with, but I think it still needed more character and world development to make it feel realistic regardless of the supernatural tendencies. However, I felt that there could have been more... More character and story development and world building. It is just at the "edge" of realism that would have made these character interactions more realistic.

Hinder was filled with a little bit of drama, a little bit of romance, a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of magic... even a little bit of action and mystery/suspense. It is a good start to an adventurous paranormal/fantasy series that I would be open to continue reading. I would like to see where these characters are destined to go.

I'm trying to get through all my NetGalley books because Goddess, I am so far behind it's not even funny! I requested this one because it sounded so good and I love reading about witches as I am one myself and it's cool to see it played out. Sadly I couldn't even get 20% through this book. I just couldn't get into it. I tried and tried so freaking hard but I just couldn't make myself connect and enjoy this one. I hate it but sometimes this happens.

Will go live on my blog: 11/11/2018
http://sweetcherry69.blogspot.com/

Oh dear, where to start? How about we start with, what the heck did I just read?! I found this story very disjointed and all over the place, and it just just made for a very confusing read. As for the main characters.... couldn't give less of a toss about them. Ethan is a brainless jock who only gives a damn about physical appearances (though he does grow up... a little). Alex is okay but because of the situation her mother puts her in, she comes across very weak and self-centred. Oh and the pathetic teenage bullying (I'm not trivialising bullying but rather how overdone it was in this book). What mother would willingly let her daughter go through all the sh*t she does and just let it go? I'm sorry, this book annoys me - it's over the top (and not in a good way), contains way too much detail but doesn't explain anything, and I can't stand a single character.

This book in my eyes was very much just like any other of its form. However the "love" portion of it was just so juvenile and understanding that it is a YA book it is still even below that. I believe there is room to grow with this. the story could have been told just a bit better. I was just bored through the whole thing.

I was part of the promotional blog tour for this book with Xpresso Blog Tours, full review is on my book blog!

i was not able to get very far in this book it did not keep my attention and i felt rather lost do i dnf this book

With a sort of lyrical style for descriptions, badassery that comes out of nowhere and a sassy tone thrown in the narration mix, this book if full of supernatural goodness.

Benders & wielders share a symbiotic relationship of elemental power, but getting physical is not only forbidden but dangerous. The mythology is quite complex & takes a bit to understand (I don't believe the bend/wield thing is fully explained) but it is worth it. I guess we have to learn alongside Alex & Ethan.

With a gut wrenching, action filled 1st chapter, you are caught in an intrigue web that won't let go. Equally interesting multiple POVs done with balance, not trampling over each other.

A backwards sort of "She's all that" painting the situation humorously. And there is a lot of humore believe me, sometimes a bit corny. A story full of the bonds of family, bravery & sacrifice, for those you really care about.

This is a promising book one, with the reveal of the true danger opening a lot of possibilities for the series and ending on a note of hope.

**3.5 Stars**
Ethan's Bender power ​came forth when he was ten, but he would need to find a rare, always in danger earth Wielder to pair with. But by the time he turned 15, he never found his partner and lost all magical abilities. Meanwhile, Alex, an earth Wielder has been living her life cloistered away from any possible threat inside her aunt's necklace. When she is finally allowed to venture out of the safe world in the necklace, she meets Ethan at an event. It appears as if the two of them have a bond, possibly the wielder builder bond that Ethan has been searching for his whole life.

​I went into this book expecting this to be the best book ever, soon to be my next favorite read​ because I kept hearing about it everywhere for the last few months (and the cover was love at first sight). Well, I think my expectations were a little too high and I sabotaged myself. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book and I think the series has potential to be epic and exciting, but it was not the be all I expected. I found Hinder to be a very different kind of magical world, full of too many types of magical creatures to keep track of, as well as the drama of high school and desperateness of forbidden love.

​There were some things that I was slightly confused about, such as how the magical races (species?) were grouped and classified, and one group had a certain power- yet anyone could learn and master another group's power, and Wielders can't do magic except some can... It seemed like there were some magical rules created but then the book would throw them out when needed.
There was a TON of info dumping performed in the first few chapters, where ​we meet Ethan and Alex, but instead of getting to know them as characters I was overwhelmed by info about the magical world (some repetitive) that I was less interested in at the time. Sure, the info was important overall, but I would have preferred it be slowly dolled out after I met and got to know the main characters.

There were multiple narrators in the story, be it Alex, Ethan or Meredith, depending on what was going on in the story. Alex and Ethan were likable, typical teens who got caught up in a dangerous war that started before their times.
I thought it was kind of odd that Meredith, Alex's mother was a more important character than Alex in the first 50ish pages- we see through her eyes while Alex was incapable due to passing out. (Side note- my favorite character is the intriguing, shape-shifting, pretty much immortal cat creature Fibbs who could also become invisible- He was so cool, where can I find myself one?)

The Kristin was spot on in the magical action battles, they were super impressive and so well described and detailed that I could easily picture the fight right in front of me. Hands down, the action scenes were my favorite parts. Overall, I think that the world building laid a really interesting, complicated foundation for what I anticipate to be an enjoyable series. This is just the beginning of the adventure and I would love to see where the next challenge will take them.

I received this title for reviewing purposes. Come hang out with me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

Pretty good beginning to this brand new series. Beware of the beginning, however, there is quite a bit of information thrown at you. I had to take notes in order to understand the lore of witches, benders, and wielders. Other than that, everything in the novel begins to progress smoothly.

We follow the perspective of two main characters. The first is Ethan, an Earth Bender, is searching for his bender. In order for a Bender to keep his powers, he must find his Wielder/Witch. The second is undiscovered other half, Alex. Alex and Ethan both are constantly being hunted by Necrocretors due to the fact they both hold control over one of the rare elements. They have till they are 25 to try to outmaneuver the enemy and remain alive. But this is only one part of the danger at play. Wielders and Benders are forbidden to have relationships. Throw in some normal teenage drama and you have an interesting novel.

I must give props to Kristin Ping for incorporating a family dynamic to this series. It was about time a YA novel brought family in who actually took part of the story. And no, they are not in the backseat whatsoever.

Another downside is Ethan connecting women to animals. It made me uncomfortable at times. My only request is for him to mature and not have this unfortunate trait in the sequel.

This is a very tough review to write, I’ve been sat pondering over it for a while and I’m still not sure I have the right words for it but I’ll give it shot.

I was really drawn to this book because I love a supernatural element and because the cover is pretty, I know it shouldn’t be a swaying factor but it always is. It started in a very interesting way, a good amount of action to get me into the story and enough information there to keep me curious about the questions that arose.

Unfortunately, there was a bit of a downhill turn for me after this, I know this is YA but there are some very cliched scenarios and characters straight from the off and Ethan I found kind of detestable in this first run in, but I persisted because just when I thought it might get too much for me to put up with there would be a fantasy element introduced that would pique my interest yet again.

There is a slight case of info dump in this book but I sometimes think that can be difficult to avoid when you are trying to introduce something new, however, I think there were some things that could have been left out. There was a lot of information to take in about the benders, wielders and necrocretors and their secret society as a whole, some of the things that kept coming up about the jinn and the sentinels whilst they may be important for the overall arc of the series (as I am assuming this is going to be one) felt really superfluous here and at points confused me.

There were a few things I had a problem with, I can see why it’s used in the story but kind of wish that there had been an alternative situation to give the same effect. Wielders and Benders are always beautiful or good looking but for her safety, Alex is given a disguise which is anything but. Honestly hearing how shallow she was about the whole thing, considering how she had made remarks about others being shallow and fake, was really off-putting. I can understand being made to look different but I don’t know why looks had to play such a big part in this, it just gave me a very negative feeling.

Again this was all saved for me by the plot concerning the wielders and benders, I really liked the concept of it (although I do wish that the naming was different but that’s a totally personal thing). I liked that they have different elements and that they work as a pair and the difficulties that they face. The insane attraction that they have to fight and how this has made relationships tense for the people involved in the story and how it becomes difficult for Alex and Ethan.

The supernatural premise for the book is really the drawing point, once the story moved away from the high school drama and onto Alex and Ethan trying to figure out their power and how to keep Alex safe I definitely became more invested. I also found that I warmed more to the characters as well, I mean there was still maybe a little more development that could have been given to minor characters but it was an improvement on my first impression.

The writing was fairly simple, I wouldn’t usually make any comment on mistakes from ARC’s because I know they usually have a few remaining quirks here and there, but there were a good number of things with grammar and word placement that need to be sorted for a better reading experience. However looking past that it was mostly smooth and considering that I was being introduced to new supernaturals I found it easily understood.

I think this book has a lot of potential, the idea behind it is brilliant, personally I think maybe if it was steered away from some of the cliches then it would have been better but if you are able to look past that then it is a book that you will enjoy. I would certainly like to see where the story continues to.

Sadly, I didn’t enjoy “Hinder” as much as I was expecting to. The worldbuilding was indeed alluring, but a few times it was very confusing. In the first chapter, most of the information about Benders and Wielders was given and it was too much to take in.

The plot was very fast-paced – so fast-paced that it seemed a few scenes were missing. I ended up having a few issues with the transition between scenes. I think what bothered me the most was that this novel was one cliché after another: Ethan a popular jock, his girlfriend an evil cheerleader, and the ugly duckling that in the end was a swan (by the way, too many beauty stereotypes).

Also, the romance was very rushed. It’s true that Wielders and Benders are soulmates and there is instant attraction between them, but that does not mean that the romance needs to be rushed. And, the fact that the parents were much involved in the romance between their kids was too strange (I understand they wanted to protect them from falling victims to a curse, but it’s very weird the parents asking their kids every morning about sexy dreams).

As mentioned, sadly, this book wasn’t for me, but I’m sure many readers will enjoy it.

Hinder was not quite what I expected but I enjoyed the meeting and learning about Benders and Wielders. I thought that was an interesting part of this book. I think the character were very good together. I think this book and it's author has some great ideas and a new look on witches. I thought this book was ok but it did not caught me as much as I had hoped it would. *This book was given to me for free at my request from Netgalley and I provided this voluntary review.*

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

wow where to start....if you like magic and mayhem this is the book for you...its all about controlling your power...and not falling for your bender...as it does not bode well for either if they cant fight the attraction...

a very entertaining story with plenty of action and adventure....couldnt put it down...had to finish this book to see how it ends

I realized that after I requested this that I probably was not going to read it. I regret requesting it cause it did sound interesting when I read the summary.