Review of Bound by Ali Hazelwood
There’s something undeniably captivating about diving into work by authors we trust. For me, that’s Ali Hazelwood. Despite my general hesitance toward the “dark” genre, I eagerly gravitated toward Bound because, well, Ali can do no wrong in my eyes! Having ventured into the world of dark academia, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how Bound balances darker themes with a tone that feels refreshingly light, thanks to the delightful humor Ali is known for. After listening to the ALC from Spotify Audiobooks, I’m excited to share my thoughts!
From the get-go, Bound introduces us to a world of morally grey characters enticing enough to keep my heart racing. Veronica, our fierce con artist heroine, and Viktor, the secretive professor, engage in a captivating dance of attraction marked by a charming back-and-forth that had me chuckling and swooning in equal measure. The dynamic between them is both electric and nuanced, a perfect opposition where sparks fly despite their very different approaches to life. Veronica is the kind of female lead I aspire to be—bold, clever, and unapologetically herself.
The plot twists and turns with a compelling pace, weaving in themes of kidnap (a "polite" one, as I affectionately refer to it) and secrets, which heighten the suspense. It’s not often that I find myself completely enmeshed in a story’s mystery, but the layers unveiled throughout kept me glued to my headphones. The narration by Brittany Pressley and William Macleod was nothing short of phenomenal. Their performances vividly brought Veronica and Viktor to life, swapping between characters seamlessly, and allowing me to immerse myself fully in the tale.
One of the standout moments for me was a particularly witty exchange:
“Ms. Mercer, let me assure you I’m an admirer of yours.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“I struggle to be anything but, I’m afraid.”
Isn’t that just delightful? This kind of banter breathed life into the romance, even if I wished it had been a bit more developed. While I adored their connection, I felt the plot progression leading to their romance could have used a little more depth. It sometimes felt like the romance emerged out of nowhere, leaving me craving more exploration of their relationship.
Another note for potential listeners: the chapters are lengthy—45 to 60 minutes! While there are stopping points, I would have loved for the structure to offer more frequent pauses for reflection, especially given the intricacies of the unfolding mystery.
As I wrapped up Bound, I couldn’t help but reflect on how this book redefined my perspective on dark academia. Ali Hazelwood has crafted a story that combines thrills with lightheartedness, making it not overly dark but still alluringly complex. If you’re a fan of morally ambiguous characters, engaging mysteries, and slow-burn romances, grab your headphones and dive into this audio delight. Just be cautious about which reviews you read beforehand—some might just let slip surprises you’ll want to discover on your own!
Happy reading, fellow book lovers! If you resonate with humor, suspense, and vibrant character dynamics, Bound is a must-add to your shelf—or your listening list!