Erryn reviews ‘A Ferry of Bones and Gold (Soulbound Book #1)’ by Hailey Turner. The audiobook, narrated by Gary Furlong was released April 17, 2019, and is 10 hrs and 34 mins. The ebook was published September 9, 2018, 406 pages.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Why I read this: I’m always game to try something completely new to me and this book fit the bill.
When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no.
Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.
Unable to walk away, Patrick finds himself once again facing off against mercenary magic users belonging to the Dominion Sect. Standing his ground alone has never been a winning option in Patrick’s experience, but it’s been years since he’s had a partner he could trust.
Looking for allies in all the wrong places, Patrick discovers the Dominion Sect’s next target is the same werewolf the Fates themselves have thrown into his path. Patrick has been inexplicably attracted to the man from their first meeting, but desire has no place in war. That doesn’t stop Patrick from wanting what he shouldn’t have. Jonothon de Vere is gorgeous, dangerous, and nothing but trouble – to the case, to the fight against every hell, and ultimately, to Patrick’s heart and soul.
In the end, all debts must be paid, and Patrick can only do what he does best – cheat death.
Buy links: Audible | Amazon | Goodreads
My review:
Federal Agent! Drop your magic!
Let me begin by apologizing to my ninth grade English teacher. I wish I’d paid more attention to the Greek Mythology lessons. I wish I’d memorized the Gods and all the stories they were in. Alas I didn’t and that made this book more challenging for me. If you’re like me and not familiar with most of the mythologies from various civilizations, no worries, they’re explained clearly, if quickly.
As for the rest? Vampires, Werecreatures, Witches, Mages, Soul Takers, Seers and every other creature imaginable and they all inhabit New York. Now, I’ve visited New York City and found it full of a huge variety of people. I was totally overwhelmed. I don’t know how I would’ve felt knowing I was in and among these creatures. In the world of this book, it appears the human population are aware that the creatures that go bump in the night are real. Like I said, I don’t think I’d be comfortable with that. Each to their own.
Patrick is a mage and I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know what that meant. As he was immediately thrown into a case where he was an agent with the Supernatural Operations Agency, his role was made clear quickly. If you’re not familiar with paranormal books, don’t worry, you’ll get a good education. If you’ve read books like this before, you’ll be completely comfortable. The book makes it clear Patrick is one of the good guys but with demons running amok, it isn’t always clear who his true allies are. And when Gods are involved? Well, anything can happen.
This is an action-packed book. Almost from the beginning, with Patrick tracking a serial killer, the adventure begins. There are several fight and chase sequences that blew my mind. Ms. Turner’s vivid imagery brought me into the center of the chaos and, at times, the scenes were unrelenting in their action. I loved it.
There is a bit of romance in this book which I also loved. Jono was a human who became a werecreature and was banished. He lives in New York with a group of friends but no pack. Patrick is an ex-military agent who works hard and has a few acquaintances but no true friends. These two men are like oil and water until they scent each other and then hot times ensue. I like how their relationship has progressed by the end of the story and I can’t wait to see where their new bond takes them in the next book.
Gary Furlong is an incredibly talented narrator. I am currently listening to another book he’s narrated where he’s using a British Dialect. Truthfully, he does New York as solidly as he does Britain and I’m hard pressed to know which side of the pond he inhabits. A bit of mystery to go with the true talent. (I suppose I could do some investigation, but I like guessing…)
I do quickly want to mention the uneven point of view in the book. I assumed it would be entirely in Patrick’s POV but several random chapters were in Jono’s. I could understand why the author felt she needed to do this, but it made the story feel a little forced at times. Not a big deal and I’m hoping the POV is more even in the next book although it may not be. This issue certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book.
I liked the book and can’t wait for the sequel. Here’s hoping it comes to audio soon.
My rating:
10/10 Pots of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
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Rainbow Gold Reviews 
I’m glad you enjoyed this story, especially since this isn’t a genre you normally read. Thanks for the review!
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