Title: Bound Away: Volume 1
Author: LCDR John W. Hedegor, U.S. Navy (RET’D)
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.
ISBN: 978-1648045202
Pages: 1128
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
It is often said that life is not about the destination, but the journey. There are so many different aspects to life’s journey which come into consideration, both personally and in philosophical discussions. Can we control the trials and tribulations that hinder or halt our journeys and force us to overcome them, or are they part of the grand tapestry known as fate? Perhaps we are called to the infamous “Hero’s Journey” taking a path that is filled with obstacles to overcome and a journey’s end that promises some sort of enlightenment or fulfillment to better oneself. As Kelly McGillis once said, “Life is a journey and it’s about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what you are.”
In author and LCDR John W. Hedegor’s Bound Away: Volume 1, the author takes readers on an epic journey of massive proportions. Exploring a larger-than-life fantasy and sci-fi journey of a man named Drew, who seeks shelter during a winter storm one night and awakens to find himself in the same barn, but another time and world entirely. Thrust into a world with converging Earth cultures, from the Mongols and Yuans to Native Americans and everything in between, Drew is put on a journey and mission that sees him rise into a great warrior and leader, gaining allies in the face of adversity, and becoming the reader’s eyes as he not only learns of this land’s people and various tribes and customs, but makes a place for himself in the process.
While a truly lengthy read, this is truly a one-of-a-kind story and really did an amazing job of drawing the reader into the narrative. Immediately the reader is struck by the amount of world-building and mythology (both existing and original to this world) that the author has meshed into this story, pulling the reader deeper and deeper into this world and utilizing such amazing descriptive imagery that the setting and tone of the narrative seems to come alive in the reader’s mind.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy a balanced blend of science fiction and fantasy storytelling, with a healthy mix of history, cultural studies, and mythology. As a fan of these genres, I found myself constantly enraptured with the overall story and the subtle nods to various things in the story, from the mention of “Thule” to the character’s decision to include modern-day war tactics in training various groups of warriors.
A remarkable, engaging, and truly fantastic story, author LCDR John W. Hedegor’s Bound Away: Volume 1 is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel this winter. The story is written as an Epic Fantasy in a lot of ways, and yet holds onto the fusion of various known cultures, creates a unique and original mythos, and delves into the sci-fi genre enough to keep the story fresh and entertaining all throughout the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!