Overall: 3/5
Plot and themes: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing style: 3/5
Attention-grabbing: 4/5
The first book in the Dragon Bound series starts off strong with the protagonist losing literally all of her personal autonomy. As a Cut, Aster has learned to go through life expecting the minimum. Being part of a marginalized group doesn't exactly entitle you to expecting a fair trial. And when she's set up for destroying something she has no possible means of repaying, her choices are multiple lifetimes in prison or indentured employment for an individual whom the world generally views as corrupt. Her choice was a pretty obvious one.
I liked the idea of Cuts- kind of like glitchy magic-types that don't fit into cookie cutter molds of magical perfection. I think Aster built off of the trauma of never belonging decently, though she didn't have to reflect upon it quite so often. Her character got to the point where it was like 75 percent complaining about being an outcast everywhere she goes and 25 percent new development. Not entirely horrible for a first in the series as long as there's development.
But I think it was pretty decent. Obviously her very convenient facial mark is going to come into play and her father is definitely not who she thinks it is but like it is what it is. I hope we get to see some more unexpected plot elements and some great growth in all the characters.
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