Bound By Sin [Mass Market Paperback]

Bound by Cin by Jenna Maclaine
Paranormal Romance- December 29th, 2010
4  stars

Bound by Cin is a exhilarating read that is sure to please devoted fans of the series and become a great find for lovers of paranormal, vampires and Urban Fantasy (although readers of very dark and moody fantasy may find it a little light). Jenna Maclaine skillfully writes a novel brimming with danger, mystery and mythical characters that raise the stakes for Cin and her friends.

In this latest installment, Cin (who is a vampire and powerful witch) is called back home to find a distant relative, named Claire who has been kidnapped to the Americas. There Cin finds danger and black magic which she has tried to suppress. And Cin must find her courage to overcome her darkest fears. Adding to Cin's stress, the retrieval of Claire isn't as straight forward as it appears especially when a troublesome ghost and interfering Gods have plans for Claire, too.

What makes this series extra-ordinary is the author's ability to reinvent Cin by placing her in new and exciting situations that are thrilling and fascinating. Cin is constantly challenged and learns more about herself and her powers. Each story delves into the mystery behind Morrigan, the goddess of war and death and Morrigan's deep interest in Cin's destiny. (The author definitely does not take her readers for granted with recycled plots lines.)

Another reason I adore this series so much is because the main characters have a real feeling of camaraderie and I enjoy their interplay. And although each has their own past and struggles they are likeable and engaging. The story invites you to enjoy it.

But what I love the most about this series is something that is rarely found in any series. A strong, mature and loving relationship between the 2 main characters. (In most books once the hero and heroine have found each other the story promptly ends. But what happens later? Do they still carry on?) This series is a real treat because the reader gets to read more about the main characters' relationship. And it doesn't disappoint!

While most authors end their series because the 2 characters are finally together and they therefore feel the tension is gone. Jenna Maclaine is just beginning. She skillfully maintains the deep love between the 2 characters and keeps a simmering, sexual energy brewing. It is never boring!

And although the main characters, Cin and Michael don't always agree, Michael and Cin each have a devotion for the other that carries throughout the entire series, even in times of crisis. Plus, it doesn't hurt that Cin's love interest, Michael is dangerous, gorgeous and loyal. (But don't think he is a push over; he has his own strong personality, too.)

The 2 characters really complement and support each other. A nice switch from the heroine who has to do everything or the love interest who is: unemotional, unresponsive or questionable. And this is why I feel lovers of dark fantasy may not find this book as interesting because while there is plenty of tension in the story, the characters actually have a healthy relationship and are happy together. (Shock!) So, it doesn't have the angst and despair found in many of the relationships in that genre. But if you are a little bit more of a romance reader like me and like the happy ending/couple and at least some resolution to your story you will definitely enjoy this series!

This series is constantly evolving; I can't wait for Jenna Maclaine's next book! If you haven't tried the Cin series I cannot recommend it enough! But I strongly suggest reading the first, Wages of Sin to really find the most satisfaction.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Plot Summary: Witch/vampire Cin Craven and her husband Michael are enjoying Paris when she feels compelled to return home to England. One of her relations has used a summoning spell to ask Cin for help. Her cousin was kidnapped by an American, after Claire had come to own a very rare Greek urn. Cin takes a ship to America, along with Michael, Devlin and Justine, and they locate Claire on an island off Savannah. What should be a simple task of rescuing her cousin is far more dangerous and complicated than Cin could have imagined. Her enemies exploit the vampires' weakness for sunlight, and Cin must battle the call of the dark magic inside herself.

I blasted through this book like a blowtorch through tissue paper. I've always thought that Jenna Maclaine's writing style is extremely easy-to-read, but something about Bound By Sin had me turning the pages in record time. I'm becoming very fond of historical paranormal romances, and the Cin Craven series holds a special place for several reasons. The first is because it follows the same heroine, almost like an urban fantasy series, and the second is because it covers a lot time and distance.

Almost 50 years have passed since the first book, Wages of Sin (A Cin Craven Novel), and Cin is dealing with one of the pitfalls of immortality - watching her loved ones die of old age. I can't recall another vampire story that touches on this topic in any meaningful way. It's also interesting to see whether immortal love is really possible, because the relationship between Cin and Michael is full of ups and downs. I almost wish they would fight more, because it adds credibility and spice to their relationship.

My favorite part of this series is how it changes location. This time Cin and Michael must travel to America and run the Union blockade during The Civil War to rescue her kidnapped cousin. The story definitely took off for me once they were in the South, and I particularly liked several new characters who were introduced. Now I'm wondering where they'll go next. Will it fast forward 30 years to a rough and tumble western town like Tombstone? Or maybe they'll visit New Orleans when jazz starts to bloom. Whatever happens, life will never be dull for this witch-vampire heroine.

I love, love, love this series. I was very disappointed when the book came out and it was not available on the kindle. I waited a while, hoping that it would eventually come out on the kindle, but it never did. So I had to go to the book store and buy the book. I am so glad that I did. I love this book and the whole series.

I would highly recommend this series to everyone!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews  4.9 out of 5 stars