Earthbound is a fantastic new fantasy from author Katee Stein! I’ve been seeing this book all over, and right when I finally purchased a physical copyEarthbound is a fantastic new fantasy from author Katee Stein! I’ve been seeing this book all over, and right when I finally purchased a physical copy, I was gifted with the audiobook. I’m so glad I listened to this first, before reading it in my own voice. Magnus Carlssen brought it to life!
With THREE points-of-view, we are not lacking for perspectives, even with a slightly unreliable one. Knox is headstrong but always in a bit of a bind. His bonded, Amelia, is on a challenging path, and while I do empathize with her situation (she’s only doing what she can with the information she has) her actions still made me want to throw my proverbial book across the room. Then there’s Tehran � the backstabbing, no-good, TAKER OF ADVANTAGES—�-
I digress. If you can’t tell, these characters are easy to become invested in.
Characters: 10/10 Plot: 10/10
The setting is unique and again, the mix of fantasy and sci fi are blended to create a world with beasts made from legend and tech of a farther future. The namesake of this book, the Earthbound, are fascinating and scary, Knox having a few run ins that are less than desirable. They immediately sucked me into the story thanks to Carlssen’s bard-like narration.
Atmosphere/Mood: 13/14 Writing Style: 17/18
Intrigue and Excitement are an understatement. Had I read this in physical form I would have been flipping pages furiously! Instead I savored it (so glad I did) on audio, and have not stopped talking about it since! There isn’t a person I haven’t mentioned this book to.
Intrigue: 14/14 Excitement: 10/10
Ok. Now we get to the hard parts of this review which takes up the L in CAWPILE � Logic. The story makes sense of course. The way it ended leaves me wanting more. However! If you’ve heard me yap about this, then you know that I’m about to contradict myself, because while he’s in a surface level I do empathize with Amelia but that doesn’t make her actions LOGICAL. Is she under the spell of an oath. Quite possible. The whole book is about the power of oaths and the power behind our words. And, like myself, Amelia sometimes doesn’t think before she speaks, and doesn’t always listen to the voice inside her head ringing alarm bells. I don’t fault the author for weaving this into the story because it adds to the intrigue but if I was Amelia’s friend I would be having some sage words for her. Too bad all she has is Tehran�
Logic: 13/14
Overall if you are slumping from after Sanderson, this reminiscing-feel fantasy is just for you! And I highly recommend the audiobook for those who are into that sort of thing.
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