The Bond: A Paranormal Love Story
By Karen Magill


‘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 ©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
http://www.reginapaul.bravehost.com

I have just finished my fourth reading of The Bond, A Paranormal Love Story. I find myself picking it up during those times when I need a light, easy read to relax during my more hectic days. One of the things I love about Karen Magill’s writing style is that it flows together so easily. It’s like listening to a good story told by an old friend. When I curl up with Karen’s book, I feel relaxed, comfortable and safe. The main characters, Laura and Julian, are like two people you could meet on any given day in any given city. Yet these two ordinary yet talented people suddenly find themselves in a tragic situation at exactly the same moment in time yet in different cities. What follows is one of the most deeply spiritual experiences I have ever read. Karen describes it in such beautiful detail, I find myself looking up into the night sky occasionally with the hope that I may see such a beautiful phenomenon in reality. Karen writes as though she is speaking to you, the reader, while sitting across the room as you are comfortably sharing cocktails. The story is well written, and the characters have a richness to their personalities that belies her easygoing style. There is also a surprise twist at the end that leaves you feeling deeply satisfied and content that all things in this universe happen for a reason. This book is a must read for anyone who is looking for substance as well as relaxation.