I made the decision that in 2018, when I take a break from writing my own book, I'm going to only read Indie books. For those that don't know, Indie books are written by authors that self publish their books instead of going through a publisher. Self-publishing can be hard, time consuming, and stressful. But, in the end, it can also be very satisfying. Supporting Indie authors is something I love doing and I'm excited to see what jewels I find over the next year!
I'm very glad I made that decision too because I've already had the pleasure of reading a fantastic Indie book! Bound by Fate was a great read that I couldn't put down.
Mandy Lou Dowson had a great writing style that seriously pulls you into the book. Just enough detail so you can really envision the landscape she is describing or feel what the character is feeling. The combination really pulls you in, you are able to relate to the characters and can't wait to find out what happens to them. She does include some erotic scenes, this is certainly not a book for teens or younger, but it is done tastefully. These scenes are built up to - you see them coming, not just interjected for the sake of having them. That is something I can appreciate!
Bound by Fate is an easy read book about two wolf packs hidden away in a thick forest. Different from other werewolf stories, these wolves avoid humans for the most part and live away from civilization. It was refreshing to read a werewolf story that kept me engaged and wondering what was going to come next instead of taking the well worn path of so many other were stories (which are still great reads, just not as engaging). She took the traditional werewolf story and expanded on it and took it to new levels.
The packs even have different traditions that she does an amazing job of describing, including females not coming "of age" until much later than most would think. The main female character, Beth, is 21 and still considered a child by the pack. A situation that changes quickly when she starts to be attracted to her guardian and ends up mated to a male from a neighboring pack. The plot twists just continue from there!
There are several characters for you to both love and hate or both at the same time! The characters are nicely filled out with definite personalities that you can relate to, smile with, and want to get to know.
If you are looking for an easy read that will keep your attention and you will honestly enjoy reading, then this is absolutely the book you want to pick up next.
About the Author (taken from Goodreads)
Mandy Lou Dowson was born and raised in a small town in Ireland, in 1983. Family is a huge deal to Mandy. She has three wonderful children, and two dogs - a Siberian Husky who only does what she’s told if there’s something in it for her, and a little white Pomeranian who loves nothing better than to roll in mud, or worse.
In her spare time, she likes to relax with a few glasses of wine and some karaoke. She has a keen interest in special effects make-up and is part of a dramatical society which puts on one show and one concert each year.
Mandy started reading at quite a young age and her appetite for the written word has only increased with time. It would not be at all surprising to find her reading anything and everything from shampoo bottles to Edgar Allan Poe.
