The Tethering by Megan O Russell Review!

Title: The Tethering
Series: The Tethering Series Book 1
Author: Megan O Russell
Pages: 211
Published: October 17th 2014
Publisher: Silence in the Library LLC
Source: From Tour Host
Purchase: Amazon/ Book Depository

All sixteen-year-old Jacob Evans wants is to win the heart of Emilia Gray, but with order in the magical world crumbling, war threatening, and Emilia’s boyfriend living across the hall, he may never have the chance. 
Jacob Evans loses everything he has ever known and is tossed into a world of magic. The Dragons, a group of rebel wizards, are threatening to expose the existence of magic to humans. Jacob is determined to find a way to fit into Emilia’s family, but as his powers grow, so does the danger. With the death toll mounting, Jacob is accused of acts of rebel terrorism and must fight to stay in a world he’s only just beginning to discover. 
When Emilia’s life is threatened, Jacob must risk everything to save her. Does he have the power to rescue her in time? And what could their survival cost?

My Thoughts:

An engaging and addictive read, I loved it!!

This was such a surprise. I went into it with no expectations and absolutely devoured it. 

Jacobs father is never really there and Jacob is left to fend for himself. His father leaves him a little money but never enough, which means he often goes hungry. That is until he meets Emilia and she starts looking after him. The years pass and Jacob finds himself in love with Emilia, but his heart is broken when she suddenly ups and leaves. Jacob has no idea why or if he will ever see her again. He plods along every day with his heart broken, until the day the principle calls him to the office and tells him his father is dead. Jacob is torn because while he loved his dad, he was never there so they didn't have a strong relationship. On hearing the news, Jacob feels funny. Next thing he knows, every window in the school is blown out. They are all sent outside and Jacob slips away to go home. He is in a daze, what just happened? He arrives home only to find the person he least expected. Emilia grabs him and tells him that they have to go now! His life is in danger and if he doesn't leave with her then the Dragons will come for him. He has no idea what she means but leaves with her. She then goes on to explain that he is a wizard and there is magic in the world. From that exact second, Jacobs life changes forever! 

I loved both Jacob and Emilia, but let's start with Jacob. My heart broke for him. His life is hard but he doesn't let it get him down. He was strong, brave and an all round nice boy. Then we have Emilia. She stands up for Jacob when they first meets and from then on, they are firm friends. She was smart, nice and an excellent heroine. I loved seeing the 2 of them interact. Emilia looks after Jacob and brings him into the fold of her family. It was such a sweet and awesome friendship. 

My heart broke for Jacob all over again when he goes to the school. Emilia is in a relationship with someone else and Jacob is devastated but tries to hide it. He is thrown, unceremoniously, into the deep end of the Wizarding world but handles it well. He longs to tell Emilia how he feels but she loves her boyfriend. Poor Jacob!! I wanted to just wrap him up and tell him everything would be OK. It shows how good the writing is when the characters make you feel so much!!! Each of them were well developed and defined and it's easy to become attached to them. I rooted for Jacob and Emilia right from the start!!

Plot wise, it's nothing really new, boy is a wizard but doesn't know, goes to school to learn to become what he should be, bad guys out to take over the world etc., but despite that, it's a story that will grab you from the start. The authors style of writing and her ability to draw you into the story, will have you turning the pages as quick as you can. It's a fast paced and magical read and the plot flows seamlessly. 

In all an incredibly engaging story and one that you will devour. I loved everything about it and can't wait to dive into the next one. These characters will capture your heart and not let go. Highly recommend.