A Bond of Magic and Venom is a fairly typical fantasy novel. There is enough intrigue and character building in it to keep you reading but, it took me quite a while to actually get through this book.

The heroine Diamond has come in to her powers and her world is suddenly thrown in to chaos. The author did a good job of building out Diamond's character she is portrayed as growing but far from perfect and her flaws are clear. Diamond comes across many characters you would expect to see: Dragons, monsters, evil queens and men attempting to both save and endanger her life.

This book hits all the points a reader would want in a fantasy novel as A Bond of Magic and Venom weaves together adventure, romance and personal growth in to a decently paced flow that will keep you reading.

This was not your topical YA book, this one sets the bar so much higher. Hugo and Diamond shine in the authentic world of magic, heartbreak, deceit, bonds, violence, and strength.

There were moments where I was saddened by Diamonds treatment, angerered at Hugo’s actions, destroyed by their choices, and hopeful for their future. This book had me full of emotions and that’s when you know the author has written some of worth—when the character’s plight is your own and you can find some form of relatable or interest.

I loved that book very very much!
I am amazed at the writing of the author and I loved the action and the characters.
The first thing that got to me was the title and I immediately decided that I wanted this book ad that I wanted to read it ^^
I am not disappointed and I hope everybody else gets to enjoy it as much as I did.

This book is fantastic and I enjoyed every page of it. Diamond is a great heroine and is strong and brave. This is fantasy at its best. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy.

A Bond of Venom and Magic was written by Karen Tomlinson and self-published. It’s a story that I acquired through Netgalley and I was excited by the description. I like epic fantasy stories, especially if they are young adult. However, A Bond of Venom and Magic was a story that just didn’t workout for me. It’s been sitting on my ereader for a while now and I started and re-started this story several times.

What is the story about?
A Bond of Venom and Magic is very much an adventure with romance elements and a coming of age story set in a world at war. Diamond doesn’t has it easy. Her world is at war and she is ruthlessly hunted by the Wraith Lord and his minions. Apparently her only hope is going to a city where half-fae like her have no rights at all. It’s where she meets Hugo, a guard for an immortal (evil evil) Fae Queen who – of course – covets Diamond just as much as the Wraith Lord

What worked for me?
I did like the setting and the world building. It’s very doom and gloom. The world is very gritty and dark. There are numerous magical creatures and adventure. I thought the world was very imaginative and creative. In that regard the set-up of the world is well crafted.

What didn’t work for me?
The characters, Diamond for one, Hugo for another and the secondary characters such as the prince, Rose, Zane. The fell very flat for me and not especially well developed. While I appreciate that Diamond is not your typical instant hero of the story and has panic attacks, she missed that backbone or strong will that you need in a hero, even the most unlikely heroes. I understand what the author was trying to do with creating characters that were very much different from your average fantasy story, but I think the execution fell short.

Conclusion
The story was also very slow going, while that isn’t a problem for me normally, in this story it didn’t work combined with the other elements. The writing itself wasn’t bad, it was solid, but it could have done with a little more polishing.

All in all, I think there will be readers who will very much love A Bond of Venom and Magic, but it wasn’t a book for me. Diamond just made me growl way too much!

There's a lot to like about Tomlinson's A Bond of Magic and Venom. But unfortunately, the things that were problematic outweighed the enjoyable parts.

I did appreciate the characters that Tomlinson created. Diamond, our protagonist, is pretty great. She's smart and feisty, but also flawed. Her growth as a character is well done throughout the novel. Hugo, our other main protagonist is...all right. We don't get a POV chapter for him until about a third of the way through the book, so it was harder to connect with him as a character, but he’s not horrible. The villain is quite weak. More of a “he’s so bad because...he’s bad...!” sort of villain, which isn’t the worst, but it makes for a less nuanced world. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the characters is severely lacking. I think Diamond’s connection with her father

Speaking of which. The world building was bad either. It wasn’t amazing, since we have to learn new things as we go that only loosely fit into the established rules for the world. Which for many readers, they may be able to adjust to, but it frustrated me to no end. It felt like sloppy writing.

Unfortunately, A Bond of Magic and Venom was a book I was unable to finish; I lost interest and just had zero inclination to finish it. I gave it a good go, but I think that about sums it up. We all gave it our best. It’ll work for some, but didn’t for me.

This book was full of romance and adventure and was right up my alley! I would highly recommend this to any fantasy or romance lover!

Good beginning, had a lot of potential. I lost interest towards the end because although the story is good, I’ve had enough of evil queens. Diamond is quite a weak character for what she is. Hugo annoys the hell out of me and half the story wouldn’t have happened if not for him. I hated the queen but he’s no better. My favourite character was Jack, I was more interested in Zane and Tom than the main characters. I found the story to be predictable. I won’t be reading the second part.

I had to restart this book because I read the first couple of pages and thought it was going to be dreary. Once I got past that it was great. Total changer. It lagged a little near the end, and it seemed like the author was trying to find a good place to stop without getting into "next book" territory. The Queen p'd me off because shes so illogical - egomaniac that suddenly cares, narcissist who wants to make sure she's not hurt? I just didn't like her as a character and didn't think the development worked there. Hugo and Diamond? Loved them. Looking forwards to the next book.

This book is a stunning, action packed fantasy. 'A bond of venom' is extremely well written with magical world building, compelling characters and a plot i lost myself in.

I received an ARC of A Bond of Venom and Magic in exchange for an honest review.

Book Name: A Bond of Venom and Magic.
Author: Karen Tomlinson
Series: The Goddess and The Guardians.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy.

This book was really spectacular. I had heard so many good things about this book, and I am so glad that I listened and took a chance on this author.
The plot of this book is really complex. There are so many different elements that are bound together to make the story.

A young prince, mighty dragons, a spiteful queen, and more than one secret schemer make up this jam-packed adventure.
Magic, chaos, danger, and suspense are aplenty as our group battle enemies (and each other) in order to survive.
In short, I cannot wait to see where the author takes this story in the next book!

It’s a interesting story, but hard to get in to. It felt like it took to long to get a grip on it.

A Bond of Venom and Magic is one of the best YA Fantasy debuts I have read, like ever. It's bewitching, I fell in love with all the characters from the very beginning. It is very easy to relate with the characters and understand them. For a first book, this is a very impressive masterpiece.

Things I loved about A Bond of Venom and Magic :
-The Magic(Obviously). I was very very impressed by the portrayal of magic in this book, the words flow in a way that not only arrests your attention but is also very vivid. It feeds your imagination and this already makes this a 5 star book to me.
-Originality. I have to give Karen Tomlinson a loud kudos for her awesome ideas that make up ABOVAM. This book stands out, it is literally incomparable to others in its genre. Diamond's story is one interesting story that I can verify is different from anything else you might have read in a better way.
-World. The world in ABOVAM is fascinating, really. That is the best word to describe it, Rhodenia, Avalonia and simply everywhere else in the book is just fascinating.
-Adventures. Diamond is a girl whose life never ceases to amuse me. From running from flesh eating monsters, being stuck in the forest with a handsome Prince, being attacked by a fierce dragon to being a magical vessel that could be used to resurrect an evil god, I am never short of behind entertained. Adventure fans would love ABOVAM immensely.
-A Fierce Heroine. I absolutely adored Diamond. She is not just strong but witty. Admittedly, there are times she is not at her best (In the presence of the Fae Queen) but she is badass when it matters. I am also glad she did not let the scorn aimed at half bloods (Half Fae and Half Human) destroy her spirit. Karen Tomlinson has created a heroine that is lovable and likeable despite her flaws. Diamond's most enviable trait is not letting men walk over her albeit her weird relationship with Hugo.
-The Characters. Hugo is a main character that I can gladly admit is not perfect, but that is precisely what I love about him. He is not always the white knight in shining armour but he is really protective of Diamond. His feeling for her are quite strong and very obvious to anyone who used to know him. He has many dark secrets and power but that does not hide the fact that underneath it all, there is a good, strong, loyal and lovable man. While he makes some epically stupid mistakes, you will still be rooting for him because you just can't help it.
Prince Jack Oden is simply a hero. He is all about protecting Diamond and caring for her and that makes him one of my favorite characters. He is not only strong and good but when he wants something he goes after it (i.e Diamond). He was always there for her till the end of ABOVAM and that makes him a notable character. His moments with Diamond in the forest when they were stuck for weeks were also cute.
The Fae Queen of Avalonia. Yes she is sort of the villain but she deserves a mention because she is a very very good villain. Not only is she a formidable opponent, she isn't as stupid as most villain in YA books these days. Her magic is quite strong and she has a twisted evil mind to back it up. She may not be the main villain but she is definitely not to be underestimated.
-The Fae. The version of Fae in this series is quite different from what is usually seen. I am pleased to see that new ideas are still surfacing.
-Monsters. YAY!!! Monsters!! Those who have read my previous reviews know how much I love monsters in a book. The uglier, fiercer and bigger they are the better. ABOVAM is full of monsters. Flesh eating carnivores called Seekers, Wolfmen, Shape Shifters, Dust Devils, Dragons and Wraiths. I just can't help but be insanely obsessed with this book.
-Plot. The storyline is fantastic and never bores me. All through the book is a thrilling ride that leaves one wanting more.
-Finally, The ROMANCE!!. Watching (Yup it's like a movie to me) Hugo and Diamond fall in love with each other is something I wouldn't want to miss for anything. Despite the Nexus bond, it is glaringly clear that they have developed strong feelings for each other. This is not a bubblegum love but an all consuming love that leaves everyone else in the dust and the two characters in their own little world. It was a blast to see it happen.

What I didn't like:
- I wish Diamond used her magic more or at least controlled it to a certain extent but I understand that is to come in later books in the series.
-The fact that I can't get book 2 right now. I need it like AIR!!!!.

My Summary of A Bond of Venom and Magic.
Diamond Gillon is half fae and half human in a world where half bloods are regarded with disgust and loathing. She is also a schoolteacher who wants more in life. Her whole life changes when she and her father Arades are attacked by monsters working for the Wraith Lord Ragor. This leads to her father dying and her being rescued by a group of Fae warriors led by a member of the Queens guard Hugo Casimir. The entourage has to protect her and take her to the city Valentia where she will be relatively safe from the Wraith Lord because of the shield that protects the island city. During the journey, she learns many life changing things like the fact that she has more wild magic than anyone has seen in many years and the reason why the Wraith Lord is hunting her. She also grows feelings for her reluctantl savior, Hugo. Things between them gets even more complicated when they form a magical bond.
Diamond saves the life of Prince Jack Oden of Rhodania. After being stuck together alone in the forest for a few weeks, Jack begins to have feelings for her. In a world where people with magic are hunted down and killed by the mighty Fae Queen and her warriors, Diamond not only has more magic than the queen, she also falls in love with the queens favorite warrior.
Get this book to find out how Diamond survives this trials and hurdles to become the powerful woman and magician she is meant to be.

A Bond of Venom and Magic is one book I can definitely buy a thousand times. Anyone who is a fan of YA Fantasies had to geth this book, it is a must have.

P.S: Isn't that cover simply divine?? I mean who can resist that.

I had a hard to getting interested in this book. Took me way longer to read then usual.

Okay shouting this from the rooftop: This is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time. A Bond of Venom and Magic has left me in one more chapter withdrawal and trying to adequately describe in English instead of fangirl speech. Hugo and Diamond have melted my heart and I'm excited for the rest of the books in the series. A great escape from reality. Also an amazing cover and worldbuilding.

Review for A Bond of Magic and Venom by Karen Tomlinson
Publication Date: 14th October 2016

Firstly I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy of A Bond of Magic and Venom in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw this book, I have to admit that the cover didn’t exactly pull me in, however when I read the blurb I was pretty much hooked:
Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord is hunting.
The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for seventeen-year-old Diamond Gillon until her home is brutally attacked by the Wraith Lord’s monstrous hunters. Catapulted into a terrifying new world where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to her saviour. But Commander Hugo Casimir is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who will murder her own people for magic.
As she sinks deeper into Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous, for the Queen desires her magic and covets the very same prize as the Wraith Lord. To discover who she truly is, Diamond must escape the Queen’s clutches—before her fate, and that of The Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos.
Will Hugo prove to be her friend, her protector, or an enemy not worthy of her trust?
A Bond of Venom and Magic is an epic fantasy tale, ideal for mature Young Adult readers. Fans of Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo will love to discover this spectacular new world steeped in dragons, monsters, and armoured winged warriors.
Ruthless war, legendary beasts, condemned magic, elite guards? Yes please! And boy was I rewarded for my decision to look further into this book! If you love fantasy, then this is surely a book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, often reading into the early hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down.
The writing is mature and descriptive, but never boring or overly flowy or showy. I wouldn’t call it an ‘easy’ read as some YA novels are, as at times I found myself having to re-read paragraphs in order to really take in what was said. I found it wasn’t a book that I could watch with the television on in the background as I often do with other stories, simply because it required my full concentration to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
One of the only negatives I found with this book was the large amount of information that is given at the start of the novel. I really felt overwhelmed with the information, legends and stories that are told in order to give the reader some background into the war that is raging. I felt that if this information had been spread out a bit more, it wouldn’t have been such an overload. At one point I felt like I needed to get out some paper and a pen to take notes, however once I moved past this section of the novel, this overload of information settled down dramatically.
I enjoyed the novel opening with Diamond’s Dad’s point of view, as this gives readers a view into his world and life before the attack happens. I also thoroughly enjoyed having Hugo’s point of view used so consistently throughout the story. It allows readers a more in-depth view of the struggles and demons behind the ‘cold’ mask he always wears. I also really appreciated Hugo being imperfect in terms of his looks, with the large scar across his face, as often the main male character is always ‘perfect’ or incredibly handsome in YA books. This also allowed for us to see that behind Hugo’s hard exterior is someone who is sometimes also scared, lonely and self-conscious.
I can easily say that Hugo was my favourite character in this book. I enjoyed Diamond, however I found her a little weak at times for the heroine of the novel, although I understand that this is necessary for her future growth, especially in the second novel if my suspicions are correct. The last page definitely hints at a stronger, more determined Diamond. Strength, however, is not one area that Hugo lacks in and I really enjoyed his inner turmoil between his growing love for Diamond, his fae instincts to take her as a mate and his loyalties and fears of his Queen. His protective nature really shone throughout the novel and I found his care for Diamond very sweet. It gave me Edward from Twilight feels, which for me, I’m not ashamed to say, is not a bad thing! His inner strength when fighting his ‘beast’ as well as keeping his feelings in check in order to protect Diamond was admirable and I sometimes got frustrated with Diamond for doubting him so regularly.
Overall, a very, very enjoyable book and one that I would re-read again, which for me is my true test to how much I liked a novel. I really cannot wait to see what happens in book two! 4.5/5!

A bond of Magic and Venom is the first book the series. The story follows Diamond Gillon, who has lived a mediocre life in a small village. She is a half-blood, (half fae/half human). She lives in the town with her father, also protected by her uncle. The town is attacked by Seekers, which are kinda like werewolf shapeshifters. Suddenly, she is thrown into a world of chaos. I can't describe anymore without giving away much of the story.

I did enjoy this book and already bought the 2nd book. There were some instances where I thought the words used were a little strange and repetitive, i.e. the word bulk. That's in the top rules as a writer to try not to use unique words repeatedly. In this case, the word bulk is not used in typical conversation so it really stands out. That's just one example that really stuck with me.

Also, this is a young adult book. In such it follows the pattern of most books in this genre. Some points are predictable but with that being said, I did find that this book was enjoyable. Yes, Diamond is a damsel in distress. Yes, she has new found powers but she doesn't know how to control them. Yes, there is a male protector who is also her captor. Yes, there is an evil queen. But this is only the beginning. There is a 2nd book where a strong female is born.

The wraith Lord hunts...

The war in the south is far from Diamond's mind until her home town is attacked by the wraith lords hunter. In the new world, where magic is condemned and the half blood fae like her have no rights, she is drawn to her savior. But Commander Casimir is a ruthless elite guard owned by a ruthless fae queen.

As Diamond sinks further into Hugo Casimirs world, things become precarious as the queen desires her magic. To discover who she is she must escape.

Will Hugo prove to be friend or foe?

Don't expect this to be your typical fantasy novel where things aren't raw and gritty. There are so many different paranormal and fantasy creatures I was totally fangirling the whole time about how awesome this book is! It is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world where it seems the same old stories are being remade (yes I am guilty of enjoying those books).

The author creates a beautiful and intriguing world. I absolutely cannot wait to see all the fan art that is based on this book!

A Bond of Magic and Venom follows the heroine, Diamond, as she comes into her newly found power and tries to save her world from dark evil.

Everything seemed to happen to conveniently in this book. All of her life she has never had powers, but all of a sudden she’s able to use those powers perfectly without any practice and she’s unfazed? Hmm sounds a bit like lazy plot convenience to me.

In all honesty, the plot of this book wasn’t bad and I found it occasionally interesting, however there was just too much plot convenience and the author would throw things in that didn’t make that much sense to make the book easier to write, but that led to the book being boring at points. I also felt like this book used so many common tropes in YA, the heroine who is very special and who’s power has never been seen before, dark and brooding protector and many many more. There is nothing wrong with using tropes because of course it is hard to write something 100% unique, but the way these tropes were used seemed a bit overdone and tiring.

The writing style was very… strange, I don’t know how to describe it. I found the way she worded these things to be very cringey and I found myself actually having to pull back, because it would get really cheesy at points. There was awkward wording at every corner, and it was weird because there was some modern terminology used however this book took place in a not so modern world.

The author failed to give a good explanation to what exactly were Diamond’s powers and also Diamond was always able to use her power and understand it, even though she had never used it before. It was quite unrealistic.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the relationship or semi-love triangle in this book. I just hate it when off the get go you can tell who the love interest is and exactly how it is going to go because it is usually the first love interest the heroine lays her on. Not only that, but the entire time it was just him protecting her and him helping her live, Diamond was pretty useless and didn’t do much except for almost die and she always ended up being a damsel in distress. Nothing wrong with that, but when I picked up this book I was expecting a strong female heroine, and not a story about a woman who depends on a man for survival. Her love interest is very overprotective and jealous and some people may find it attractive, but I sometimes deem it to be abusive and old school, but as I said to each their own.

There were also multiple grammatical errors scattered throughout the book.
Really sorry for the in-depth and a bit harsh review. I like to be completely honest, and I don’t mean to offend or hurt anyone. The act of writing a book is impressive enough and this review doesn’t take away from that.

I received this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This was a wonderful read! I was captivated from the beginning. I wasn’t sure what to think before I started reading. I immediately fell in love with Diamond and Hugo. There was so much action and adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.