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Featured Story: Bound And Bound - The Curse And The Captives

Renee Stevens

Entry posted by Renee Stevens in Featured Stories

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Who's ready to start a new week? To start us off this week, Valkyrie was kind enough to provide us a review of Bound and Bound - The Curse and the Captives by GA Author and poet, AC Benus. I hope you enjoy Valkyrie's review as much as I did. If you do decide to go and read, make sure to leave a review to let AC Benus know how you're enjoying his work. Also, if anyone is interested in writing a review for the blog, please PM me (Renee).

 



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Author

 

Reviewer: Valkyrie
Status: Complete
Word Count: 151,691

 

Bound & Bound held me captive right from the beginning. I had read a few of AC Benus’ stories and enjoyed them, so decided to check out B&B when he started posting it. I found myself riveted by every chapter and was frequently the first to ‘like’ or comment on new chapters, since I had to read them immediately after they were posted.

 

The story follows two parallel storylines – alternating every three chapters between the past and the present. The opening chapter introduces us to this ‘modern gothic’ novel in a way reminiscent of Poe’s The Raven. Emeric Corvin receives some bad news and from there his life becomes crazier than he ever expected. We are led on a journey that takes us around the world, into the realm of Rumi mysticism, supernatural creatures, family curses, and the meaning of true love. I guarantee you will need tissues at some points during this story. Despite the dark undertone, AC manages to bring light and levity when needed in a masterful and oftentimes poetic way.

 

One of the things that impressed me with this story was the attention to detail. It is very evident that AC did a lot of research for this novel; from the use of Canadian spelling to descriptions of locations and historical figures. His description of Castle Corvin made it seem like a living entity. This story touched me very profoundly – even sparking dreams involving elements from it, which is unusual for me, since I don’t tend to dream about what I read or watch on TV.

 

I highly recommend this story, especially if you like gothic literature with a supernatural element. AC makes the reader think with each chapter, and it’s beautifully written.

 

Category: Fiction Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Thriller/Suspense


Tags: Philosophy, Mind Control, Sorcery, Vampire, Were-Creatures, Love Rating: Mature

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Puppilull
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This is one of the best stories I've read, not just here or online but ever.

 

One thing I would like to emphasise is that in my opinion the main theme of this story is love. Not only love between people, but love as the all encompassing power in the universe. Call it god if you like. I haven't decided yet and settle for calling it beauty.

 

So read the story! Do it now!

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Valkyrie
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You are right, Puppilull.  :)  There's so much more I wanted to say about this story.  It's definitely one of my favorites on this site. I also wanted to mention the discussion forum for this story.  AC provided some of the background research he did, with links to some of the places featured.  There is also great discussion about the story. 

 

http://www.gayauthors.org/forums/topic/39871-bound-bound-the-curse-and-the-captives/

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Timothy M.
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My advice is to not read this in a dark and drafty place, since you may pee yourself or worse from fright in certain chapters. Comfort food, tissues, someone to hug you, and a trust in AC is also recommended.

In spite of these warnings I agree with Puppi that this is a story of love: strong, unconditional love which conquers all.

Great review, Val :yes:

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J.HunterDunn

I can only agree totaly with what is already said.

 

I read the book when it was already complete and was my introduction to the work of AC. Now I'm an addict. 

 

Read this one first and there is much more valuable work by his hand worth exploring.

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Headstall
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Bound and Bound is a great story... a well wrought tale that is grounded by love, but has all the elements of a good horror story. Spanning generations, It is an intriguing journey into the macabre. The settings are often disturbing in a delicious way... and the love stories can make you soar. Take the time and read this... I strongly recommend it... cheers... Gary

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Aditus
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Oh nö! 151,691 words... It's my summer break. Read or write. The review and your comments just sound so good.

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Defiance19
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Great review, Valkyrie! This was the story that drew me out of the shadows of GA, and I was profoundly moved by it. The Gothic theme heightens the suspense, but at its core, it's a love story of epic proportions. 

Read it, I promise you will not be disappointed. 

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Carlos Hazday
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Oh nö! 151,691 words... It's my summer break. Read or write. The review and your comments just sound so good.

 

Guess you and I are in the same boat. I have a couple of flights coming up and I know what I'll be reading while stuck in the planes!

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AC Benus
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Ok…wow. Total surprise this morning, as neither Valkyrie nor Renee gave me any form of heads-up.

 

Thank you Valkyrie for a wonderful review, and thank you Renee for posting it. I can't stop grinning from ear to ear, and reading all the heartfelt comments makes me feel both humbled and honored.

 

Thanks to all of you.  

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ColumbusGuy

Beyond being a modern gothic novel, like all of AC's works, you will have your emotions roused and exercised--be ready for that. I'm not talking about being scared, or made to cry, but also about anger, exasperation and in the end, like Pandora's Box, you will find Hope. Not only is it a story of Love, but of the struggle to become an adult, a person worthy of love. You will curse the evil characters, but also yell at the protagonists as they make this journey through an emotional minefield.

It's well worth the journey.

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Cole Matthews
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Toldja so...AC crafted a beautiful piece of writing that sings to you as you read it.  There is a great deal of depth of emotion in this tale.  Great job Mr. Benus and wonderful review Valkyrie!!!

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Lisa
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Oh man, AC!!!! It looks like I'll be reading this story too! :D Despite the supernatural creatures, and the gothic theme, it sounds like a winner!

 

Excellent review, Val! I think you've turned me. lol

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Tara00

This came at such a perfect time. I have been pestering anyone I could find for a story recommendation. I like 'love' as the main theme of the stories I read but not at the cost of them being too cliché. This sounds like the story I have been looking for. So much going for this one. I can't contain my excitement. :D Thank you Valkyrie, for the review.

 

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