Heart of Darkness (A Bound By Magick Novel, #1)

by Lauren Dane

[Amanda]

When I read romance novels--whether they're paranormal or contemporary or historical or WHATEVER--I live for the tension between characters. That build up, that fight against the attraction, the explosiveness of finally giving in. The romance itself is the main plot arc.

But that wasn't the case with Heart of Darkness, and for me it overshadowed the rest of the story.

Don't get me wrong: there was plenty of sexin' it up and gettin' down and dirty. But the falling for each other part happened quickly, with ease, and it left the remaining pages devoted to what happens with Dominic's mom. Which was interesting. And cool. But not what I was looking for when I picked up the book, so in some ways, my own expectations defeated me.

That said, I think the Bound by Magick world is intriguing and I like Clan Owen, the witches, and the general paranormal structure. I've heard the second book is smokin' and I intend to continue with the series.

The thing about tension between characters is that we begin to learn about who they are through their struggles--against themselves, their world, and the people around them. I find that this was most lacking for me--that though I liked Meriel and Dominic, they spent more time telling each other how important they were to the other rather than letting me get to know them. Because Dominic struggled more, his character is a bit more defined. But still not quite what I was expecting or looking for.

However. I'm intrigued. I want to know more. I want to see how this world expands and unfolds because I've read just enough to be intrigued, but not enough to have it all figured out. And I like that.