The Bond Reviews

In the blink of an eye, the spirits of two will unite for a flicker of time. Forging a bond – forever changing their destinies – their heartbeats. Join these two linked souls on their mystical journey to reuniting…

At the same moment, a car will strike down two different people in different parts of the world. They will meet each other in the spiritual realm linking hands to forever bond as soul mates. Julian and Laura’s destinies have changed, and this is their paranormal story of love.

The Bond is the debut novel by author Karen Magill. Ms. Magill took a pristine novel void of sex; crafted in paranormal bound lovers and turned it into a story that this reader will not soon forget! The excellent flow with words and thoughts kept this reader engrossed until the very last page and smiling as she closed the book. Ms. Magill’s voice has the literary precision of a mastered author. The premise is exciting and new; one that the paranormal romance audience in general can view and enjoy. Breathing life into the characters – making them real and compellingly believable.

Laura is a businesswoman who has worked hard to become the success she is today. But this has token a toll on her personal life and her true aspiration. Her accident will give her a new and different outlook on life. Laura is not sure if she really had this experience with Julian, or if the medications and head trauma are too blame.

Julian has finally found notoriety with his artwork and it is starting to payoff. His triumphant gallery opening does wonders for his self-esteem. That same night his accident will link him forever with Laura. She will be on his mind and in his dreams. Julian must find her. Her life could be in Julian’s hands.

This is a unique and very well written paranormal love story that this reviewer highly recommends. The Bond by author Karen Magill. Buy it today!

Reviewed by Janalee
November 2005

A great premise for a love story, December 30, 2005 Reviewer: John H. (Northern Virginia)

Total disclosure, I don't, as a practice, read many love stories, but having gotten to know the author a little, I decided to give it a read.

I enjoyed this book, especially the premise behind the story. This is what kept my attention, as I began to wonder just how the two main characters were going to meet after their other-worldly encounter. I also liked the unexpected twist at the end.

This story should be made into a movie, since it offers something that a lot of love stories don't, or be made part of an anthology of love stories in a similar vein, just to get the author's name out there with more established and famous writers.

THE BOND
Karen Magill
ISBN: 1-4116-1502-6
November 2004
Lulu.com
www.lulu.com
E-Book/ Trade Paperback
$3.75 /$10.90
132 Pages
Paranormal Romance
Rating: four cups

At almost the same time, and in different cities, Laura and Julian are hit by identical make and model automobiles. Both are gravely injured. While unconscious, the two have an out-of-body experience in which they meet, forming a powerful connection. Upon awakening, both have doubts about what happened, yet the psychic link haunts them.

Laura has a successful dress shop but secretly longs to become an actor, a dream her father discouraged years ago. When the accident causes her to reevaluate her life, she decides to pursue her theatrical goals, but attraction to a dashing English lord intervenes. She is on the verge of agreeing to marry him when shocking facts come to light.

Julian is an artist who has struggled to succeed over his family’s objections. His first big show is a great success. Then the accident happens, leaving him obsessed with a woman who may not even exist. A psychic friend suggests that not only is Laura real, but she is in grave danger. Thus armed, he vows to save her, traveling across Canada to her Vancouver home.

The Bond is a unique and moving story. Julian and Laura are very real, sympathetic characters for whom the reader truly wants a happy ending. Although I would have preferred to stick more closely to the viewpoints of Julian and Laura, digressions to secondary characters were necessary to advance the plot which is quite complex for a novella length work. The development of the romance suffers somewhat from this complexity, but the book remains emotionally compelling and thought provoking. One is left seriously wondering if something like this could really happen.

Alegria
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Laura Neill is struck by a car, in Vancouver, the same time a car strikes Julian Rule in Toronto. Both people have an out of body experience and meet as they are floating. When they wake up, they remember the experience and have memories of each other. It creates a psychic bond between them. When Laura is haunted by visions of Julian, she decides to become engaged to a member of England’s nobility. Julian sees danger in Laura’s life and goes to Vancouver. With the help of a detective, Julian is able to prove that Laura’s fiancé is a con artist and a murderer. When Julian confronts the man, he and Laura are placed in imminent danger. Thus begins a thriller of a ride that keeps you gripped to the edge of your seat.

The Bond, a Paranormal Love Story is like traveling in a maze. One minute you think you have the clues figured out only to find yourself at the end of a path with no opening. This was a very well thought out story. Two people have fatal accidents at the same time then meet each other as spirits. I could practically feel the characters emotions. I was on pins and needles waiting to see if the pair would finally find each other. This is compelling non-stop action that delivers. The way Ms. Magill blended in the secondary characters forming a well-developed plot throughout the story made it an incredible book read. Julian and Laura seemed real to me long after finishing the book. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will be made into a movie.

Ms. Magill has a flare for writing that keeps you engaged throughout the book. She brought out the feelings and emotions of the characters making the book more realistic. This book is a winner. The twist at the end makes it a keeper. The characters are so fresh in my mind that I think I may have to read this story many more times. This is a book that should be on the New York Times best seller list.

Overall rating: five hearts
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Linda
October 2, 2005

‘We met the night that we both almost died. Our souls joined at the precise moment and I know you are the only woman for me.” [Page 105]

The Bond: A Paranormal Love Story tells of a love that spans time and place. Karen Magill has taken a concept, asked ‘what if’ and presented us with an engaging and thought provoking theme. I read it from cover to cover in one night, driven to discover how the protagonists would finally meet in person and whether the sub-plots throughout would be smoothly resolved.

From the belief that in love – once the barriers are removed – all is possible, Karen has written an involving and entertaining book. The narration and dialogue are written in a very natural and believable manner. The paranormal theme hooks an audience interested not only in the paranormal but also in love. This book contains none of the sometimes clichéd Mills & Boon style attached to love stories that abound in print.

The Bond contains an element of mystery; questions of life-threatening proportions are asked – the audience will read on to learn the outcome of not only the protagonists but their family and friends’ situations, too.

Although there are some minor editorial issues, the language of the book is consistently written in plain English – there is no need for the audience to constantly wonder what the author has meant. The lack of jargon translates well across English speaking continents, no matter their original language, just as the language of love does.

The Bond came about through careful research on Karen’s behalf of what the reading public are currently looking for. Add to this an imagination prepared to answer ‘what if’ and you have The Bond… What message does The Bond have for us? Perhaps it is this: if the connection between two people is ‘meant to be’, it will cross time and space – provided we’re open to the unexpected and apparently unexplainable… To believe that anything can happen is to give anything permission to enter our lives.

If Karen’s aim was to entertain and have her audience ask, ‘What if’, then she has been very successful in her endeavour. She tapped into the influence of the paranormal/romance genre and came up with a winning story.

Why does The Bond work – because it is never clichéd, obvious, trite or boring. The mystery of what will become of the story’s villain – and how much damage he will do – is delivered to us in a very believable way. The main protagonists could be any one of us, keeping the suspension of belief as alive as the story itself.

**Review written by Caroline Ballantyne, 2005

The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story is a thrill ride! Ms. Magill skillfully leads the reader on a fast-paced journey that both reveals and hides clues. From one moment to the next I found myself thinking I had figured it out, only to discover that Ms. Magill had fooled me again! The premise, two people being in fatal accidents at the same time and meeting each other as spirits was very believable. I went through the individual emotional ups and downs of both Laura and Julian as they did their best to cope with an experience for which they had no real definition. I felt Julian’s fear when with the help of a psychic friend and his dreams he discovers Laura is in grave danger. I felt deep empathy for Laura as she struggled with her doubts as the seeming Prince Charming who was really the snake in disguise swept her off her feet. I waited with baited breath to find out if this unlikely couple who probably never would have met under normal circumstances were going to get it together and find each other. In addition, I loved the way author wove the secondary characters into the plot in a totally realistic way; everybody fit. As a fellow author I know how difficult this can be to do. Ms. Magill pulled it off with flying colors! This author’s knowledge of the paranormal, her understanding of human nature, and her setting is unsurpassed. I felt like I knew Laura and Julian well by the time I had finished and had been to the places she’d described. Also, the story was conceivable which isn’t always the case with books which have paranormal elements, and makes it a keeper for me. I read it long into the night, and could not put it down until I had finished the last word. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story with a twist. This book is not to be missed!

Regina Paul
Author of GETTING OUT ALIVE
July 2005

(from Fallen Angels. Given 'Five Angels)

Have you ever thought about what would happen if two people were in the same kind of accident at the same time? What about if these two people had no connection apart from that incident and lived on opposite sides of a continent? Would a bond of some sort be formed by the coincidence these two strangers share?

Laura is headed out to a club to relax after a long day’s work at her specialty store when she is struck by a speeding car and winds up in a coma. During her dreams, she meets a man and they connect. She is torn from him when she awakens, and has a strange sense of knowing this man, even talking to her friend and employee Mary about the odd feelings she has.

Julian is an artist on the verge of breaking into the big time; his art is finally receiving the acclaim it deserves and he’s selling pieces. Slightly tipsy on champagne and the success of his showing, he walks into the street and is immediately hit by a car. He, too, falls into a coma and meets someone - a beautiful woman. He knows that he hasn’t made this woman’s acquaintance in his life, but somehow in this interim state between life and death, he is one with her.

The Bond is a paranormal treat for the senses. Karen Magill works wonders in just over 100 pages to create a warm and wonderful story about out-of-body experiences and breaking out of the mold your life forms as you live it. Laura and Julian are multifaceted and genuine, and the author’s cast of supporting characters is enchanting and endearing. I was drawn in and enjoyed watching Julian and Laura grow closer, first across the miles and then across the counter. The twisty plot led down a totally unexpected trail to a heartwarming and surprising ending. Don’t miss Karen Magill’s The Bond.

Reviewed by: Michelle

A very enjoyable read. It's a neat story with lots of interesting twists - kept my interest."

Cam Murray
Retired Secondary School Teacher
March'05

"Karen Magill is one of those rare authors that writes about a deep, complex experience in simple yet eloquent words. As a reader of sometimes 'heavy' subject manner, I found The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story to be relaxing and soothing while at the same time intensely engaging. Karen has a rare gift of 'writing as she speaks', I believe. Her style is refreshing and exciting in a world where so many authors of love stories bury the characters in bodice-ripping sexual capers that are so trite and unrealistic. Karen manages to convey the deep love the two main characters, Laura and Julian, have for each other in a way that is deeply spiritual and sensual without all the unnecessary sexuality thrown in to distract from the main story. There is a fascinating twist at the end that really surprised me, and I was delighted by it. I won't give it away here of course, you'll have to buy the book and read it yourself. You won't be sorry! Excellent Book, Karen. I look forward to many more in the years to come."

Tammy
January '05

"I finished the book! You wrote it so beautifully! As I neared the end I was all built up with all the suspense going on! It really reminded me of Victoria Holt's writing. Your book is kind of a romance, mystery suspense book. It can be sold at Barnes and Noble in my opinion. You touched on something I have never thought of. Yes, I am fascinated with out of body experiences, but I have never thought of two people nearly dying at the same time and that it was possible to bump into them on the way to the light. That is a very interesting thought to throw out to the public."

Amy Lane
November, 2004

"I will read anything and often do. Unfortunately, most of the books I've read lately leave me feeling... nothing. After I finish the last page and shove it on to an overcrowded shelf, I have completely dissociated myself with the characters I've spend my free time with. It seems as though most bestsellers as of late fall into three categories- poorly thought out psychological thrillers, Harry Potter rip-offs and the offensively titled "Chick Lit". Not often does a book that makes me think, makes me smile and makes me question my beliefs fall into my lap. Thankfully, I was lucky enough to meet Karen Magill, author of the truly original novella "The Bond- A Paranormal Love Story". The main character Laura isn't obsessed with her weight or the latest fashion trends, she's like the women I know: overworked but happy. Looking for a real connection with a man but not dependent on having one. She's easy to relate to and easy to care about and that makes the tale all the more special. As the first chapter teaser so wonderfully sets up, this is not a formulaic love story. With a little bit of mystery, a little bit of crime-drama, a little bit of the paranormal (hence the title!) and a whole lot of heart, Karen Magill has created a story that will keep you up late reading and up even later thinking."

Jennifer M. Johnson
December, 20004

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