My Review: What a story! I never saw it playing out the way it did. V.J. Lee snuck that one in and it hit like a freight train. Lenox is a in her words orange hair and not the pretty kind, freckles orange again, and scars to boot. She doesn't see herself as pretty or even cute. Bullied most of her life even still as an adult. She carries scars no one sees. Dean he thought Lenox was beautiful she was his best friend right up to the point when he married her sister and moved away.. Lenox has moved on sort of. Now Dean is back for the first time and all sorts of things start to fly including the past. Then just when you have resigned yourself into thinking this is a happy ending romance you maybe wrong! Missing people, murder and mayhem saunters in leaving wondering how did I not see this?! This book is so full of action, thrills, romance, and enough steam to keep you coming back for more!
Title: With Shield and Ink and Bone Author: Casey L. Bond Genre: Upper YA Historical Fantasy Editor: Stacy Sanford/ The Girl with the Red Pen Cover Designer: Melissa Stevens at The Illustrated Author Publication Date: Nov. 13th, 2020 Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb: A hard-earned shield.
Days before she is to take her place as a shield maiden, like her mother before her, two deaths alter the course of Liv’s future. One belonged to a witch who called her by name, the other a chieftain from the north. Vengeance for the chieftain’s death comes in a wild fury that burns her village and slaughters her family. Left for dead, Liv pleads to Skuld – norn and weaver of the future – to spare her. A deal is struck that will endow her with the dark magic needed to claim her vengeance. But this power comes at an unfathomable price…
Ink made from the ashes of loved ones.
After his home is attacked, Calder races to warn neighboring villages of the threat. Little does he know he’s traveling into the path of fate that will lead him straight to Liv. Despite being broken, angry, and overwhelmed by power she cannot contain, it’s her willingness to defend others that draws Calder to her.
Armor forged from the bones of those she held dear.
Together, Liv and Calder discover they are two sides of the same sharpened blade. Rising from the heartache and fury in their pasts, they see a future together worth fighting for. With their strengths and hearts combined, can they become a force powerful enough to defeat the fleet of darkness coming for them? Or will the thread of fate that binds them unravel?
Praise for With Shield and Ink and Bone:
“An exhilarating Viking-inspired fantasy, With Shield and Ink and Bone by Casey L. Bond keeps your nerves teetering on the blade of an ax!” - Lani Forbes, award-winning author of the Age of the Seventh Sun series
“With Shield and Ink and Bone is a fast-paced, vivid, and mesmerizing tale that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. If you love Vikings or strong heroines you’ll find lots to enjoy here! Casey L. Bond has woven together unexpected twists, high stakes, romance, and bargains with gods to create this original story for readers.” -Victoria McCombs, author of The Storyteller’s Daughter
Casey L. Bond has managed to take a classic genre and make it new and fresh. A page turner that kept me staying up late just to know what was going to happen next. Excellent writing, excellent story. Well done!” – Quinn Loftis, USA Today bestselling author of the Grey Wolves series and The Viking’s Chosen
writing, excellent story. Well done!” - Quinn Loftis, USA Today bestselling author of The Grey Wolves series and The Viking’s Chosen
My Review: What a difference one day could make. Out of a vivid dream came your worst nightmare. In a snap of some ones fingers everything is gone and your life hanged in the hands of the Norn Skuld. Would you do her bidding, could you become vengeance? The root of evil can begin in vengeance, blinding fury can take your very soul and yet there out of no where came a beacon of light. Unfolding a story so powerful and so full of love, compassion, comradery, and heavy but healing hearts. This is Liv's story. Out of ashes love bloomed and a family was made. A family of choice like none other. Liv would learn that sometimes love prevails above all else and takes us by surprise giving you another reason to hang on to the very essence of life.
With Shield And Ink And Bone is a powerful story that will take your heart and show you that a higher power can surprise you, mark you, and turn you loose to friendship, family, and love.
Casey Bond lives in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She likes goats and yoga, but hasn't tried goat yoga because the family goat is so big he might break her back. Seriously, he's the size of a pony. Her favorite books are the ones that contain magical worlds and flawed characters she would want to hang out with. Most days of the week, she writes young adult fantasy books, letting her imaginary friends spill onto the blank page.
Casey is the award-winning author of When Wishes Bleed, the Frenzy series, and fairy tale retellings such as Riches to Rags, Savage Beauty, Unlocked and Brutal Curse. Learn more about her work at www.authorcaseybond.com.
