Bloodline is Katie Thornton-K's debut novel and follows the story of a young girl named Braelyn who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Determined to earn her freedom, the girl spends many years learning to be a Gladiator. Now a young woman, Braelyn is taken to a tournament where the price of failure is death.
Just when I thought I knew where the storyline was going, there was a huge plot twist and I was thrown into a world looking to regain its magic, with all the wonderful fantastical elements I love. Braelyn discovers that she alone can restore magic to their dying lands and embarks on a new quest with her loyal friends.
I found the storyline really engaging and it grew more exciting as it went along. The first half was entertaining and I enjoyed the descriptions of the gladiator fights, the second half I found much more exciting, though I won't give away any spoilers. Braelyn reminds me of a younger version of Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones. She is a great fighter, although I would have liked a little more depth and exploration of her feminine side. I'll hope for a love interest later in the series.
The cover and maps were very well done. Unfortunately my little black and white Kindle didn't do the maps justice and the font was too small to read. In that instance, I would recommend reading a paperback version, because I love to flip back to the maps to see where we are.
The formatting was well done and the editing was alright, although there were a couple of little issues.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone, although I'm sure that you will agree that you can't wait to hear more from this talented new author.
Well done to Katie Thornton-K on her debut novel. I look forward to reading the second installment.
I was provided a free copy to read, but this has not influenced my opinions or review. I rate this book 4 and a half stars.
Just when I thought I knew where the storyline was going, there was a huge plot twist and I was thrown into a world looking to regain its magic, with all the wonderful fantastical elements I love. Braelyn discovers that she alone can restore magic to their dying lands and embarks on a new quest with her loyal friends.
I found the storyline really engaging and it grew more exciting as it went along. The first half was entertaining and I enjoyed the descriptions of the gladiator fights, the second half I found much more exciting, though I won't give away any spoilers. Braelyn reminds me of a younger version of Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones. She is a great fighter, although I would have liked a little more depth and exploration of her feminine side. I'll hope for a love interest later in the series.
The cover and maps were very well done. Unfortunately my little black and white Kindle didn't do the maps justice and the font was too small to read. In that instance, I would recommend reading a paperback version, because I love to flip back to the maps to see where we are.
The formatting was well done and the editing was alright, although there were a couple of little issues.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone, although I'm sure that you will agree that you can't wait to hear more from this talented new author.
Well done to Katie Thornton-K on her debut novel. I look forward to reading the second installment.
I was provided a free copy to read, but this has not influenced my opinions or review. I rate this book 4 and a half stars.