I normally do not focus or point out typos in any book because I completely understand the edit process, digital formatting and how things can just slip through the cracks despite all the effort. However, I had to share this one because it made me laugh in a good way. It didn't determine my rating or enjoyment of the story, I just thought it was awesome.The best typo quote! "...even if it meant staying outside in the horrible heat all day and getting bitten by misquotes."Despite the typo, Bound still feels like it is in the first drafts based on content development. Although, the reader gets a clear picture of the estate and the characters, a few issues remain. Unfortunately, none of the characters are very likable. Arelia has moments, but her redundant rants and huge chip on the shoulder gets old and demonstrates a lack of growth. We are supposed to believe she is chosen for a reason we cannot yet see. In time, the reader should be provided with a glimpse of change. This should arrive near the end if we are to be drawn towards the second book in the series. I found myself disliking Arelia even more and losing faith in her so called strength. Although excuses are given for her close friendship with Sabrina, this girl is absolutely unappealing as a side-kick. She's downright mean and if this is friendship, Arelia needs more than magic, she needs therapy. A doormat often does not inspire sympathy, but rather pity. She talks a good game through her angry outbursts, but has no apparent resilience or backbone. The history of Darkwood is the meat of the plot, but yet it is told through surface and tour-guided stories. This is the place where the story can really take a deeper turn and provide dimension and meaning. It was frustrating to skim along with such a rich opportunity presented. Lasty, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference was odd and basing the guests on similar characters was insultingly obvious. Instead of being clever thematically, it just raised an eyebrow in lameness. I apologize for being so direct, but sometimes these techniques can be a hit or miss. In this case, a total miss for me.
