The Tethering


Young Adult - Coming of Age
260 Pages
Reviewed on 12/29/2019
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Deborah Adams for Readers' Favorite

The Tethering is an exciting first-in-series novel by Megan O’Russell about a teenage boy named Jacob Evans who learns through tragedy that he has magical abilities. I was immediately drawn into the friendship between Jacob and his best friend Emilia. Emilia took Jacob under her wing when he was young and helped him through a difficult childhood. Her sudden disappearance leaves him lonelier than ever, but when she returns just as abruptly years later to tell him he's a wizard, his whole life is upended. Emilia's reentry into his life means dramatic changes and Jacob is quickly drawn into the middle of a war he never knew existed while trying to get a handle on his new abilities.

The Tethering started off a little slow, but it quickly made up for it with a bang of a finish. I was on the edge of my seat and eager to get to the next installment. The magic system is interesting and draws on enough of the familiar to make it easy to follow. The supporting cast of characters is enjoyable and they help to ground the story. The excellent writing made many of these characters feel multi-dimensional which can be difficult with a large cast. There are several scenes that will get your heart pumping with plenty of action. Fans of a good slow-burn romance will be cheering for the protagonist all the way and it will leave them wanting more. Megan O’Russell has written an excellent fantasy settled into the modern world and I look forward to reading more from this author.