Review: Feather Bound by Sarah Raughley

Feather Bound

Author: Sarah Raughley
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: ebook
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Source: received egalley from publisher via NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
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***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way changed my opinion of the book. The review below is my open and honest opinion.*** 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Deanna's missing friend Hyde turns up at his father's funeral to claim his corporate empire and inheritance, she is swept into his glittering world of paparazzi and wealth.

But re-kindling her friendship and the dizzying new emotions along for the ride are the least of her concerns. Because Deanna has a secret - and somebody knows. Someone who is out to get Hyde. And if she doesn't play along, and help the enemy destroy him...she will be sold to the highest bidder in the black market for human swans.

Now Deanna is struggling to break free from the gilded cage that would trap her forever...

Feather Bound is a dark debut reminiscent of Gabriel García Márquez's A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, and the twisted truth behind the fairy tale of Cinderella.

My Review:

Strange Chemistry is two for two now! This publishing house continues to amaze me. Their books are refreshingly original and I really truly feel that none of them are like any other I’ve ever read. Feather Bound was no exception. This book was so imaginative. A story about a girl who becomes a swan. Not literally. But feathers do sprout out of her back. And if her feathers get stolen, she becomes a slave to the thief.

Not only did this story have a really cool fantasy element, it also read like a contemporary, more specifically, like a Gossip Girl style contemporary. The main character is surrounded by New York’s elite and there are many social events and parties and plenty of crazy drama to keep you glued to the pages. There were some aspects that were a bit shocking at times, but I really liked the realistic (although sometimes brutal) picture the author painted. Think about all the horrible people in the world who would gladly take advantage of someone whose free will could be taken away at any moment. This book didn’t sugarcoat things and I appreciated that. It also raised the stakes for our main character, who I loved.

Deanna was strong, smart and caring. Something that I really loved about this book was the sister relationship. Deanna has two older sisters, one is married and has a kid, but the other, Adrianna, is still at home with her. Adrianna and Deanna were super close and I LOVED seeing that relationship. Even their older sister eventually comes around and bands together with them. It was great to see such a strong sibling relationship that reminded me of my own sisters and my relationship with them.

Overall, I loved this book. It was fast-paced, suspenseful, and imaginative. The idea of the swans and the drama that ensued kept me riveted. The best/worst part? It’s a standalone. Yay! Everything was tied up nicely and I wasn’t left with any unanswered questions. But also sad face because I would totally be down for more of this world. We’re never happy are we? Well, I’m not at least. You should totally go read this book now. I’m looking forward to more from the author and this publishing house in the future. Happy reading all!

Have you read this one? What did you think?