Yoke: The Bound Trilogy Book I

It is rare when an author manages to take a popular topic and twist it into something new, original, and fresh. E.M. Ragland has accomplished just this in the novel YOKE. It transcends YA literature. This allegory blends fiction and nonfiction into one, unforgettable story that will make you look at yourself and the world differently. It is beautifully and delicately written. The characters come alive in this novel of substance. I am anxiously looking forward to the next book in the Bound Series.

Wasnt sure what to make of this story at first, but it kept me engaged. Cant wait for the next book.

Great book!

Yoke is a real page turner, making you think from beginning to end. Characters are sensational and believable and looking forward to their continuing endeavors. Ragland has raised new and timely issues that people really need to get thinking about before it is too late. Cannot wait for Book Two. maurice verde, etudent de religions

Great book so far

I loved this book! I am a big Twilight fan, but I can honestly say I like this story better. Sophie and Joseph are such real characters--they respond to their circumstances in very real ways, despite their circumstances being other-worldly. This book is a page turner. I stayed up all night to finish it. Its a fun, fresh twist on paranormal YA fiction. Cant wait for the next book!

YOKE is a noteworthy addition to YA literature! This is an intelligent, well written story about love, loss, sacrifice and the lengths we are willing to go to protect the ones we love. Raglands characters are honest and relatable and every page leaves you wanting more. Read YOKE! You will be glad you did!

As an adult reader who appreciates YA fiction, I can honestly say that the author did a superb job of making me want to keep turning pages. The `angels among us theme was intriguing and had just the right amount of historical reference to maintain an air of believability. By adult fiction standards the dialogue may read a little superficially, but a good story is a good story, and it certainly kept my teen reader--a somewhat reluctant one at that--reading until the wee hours. My only criticism--putting on my Mom Hat here--is that it does flirt with the concept of a jealous God/Creator who may not necessarily represent unconditional love for mankind. The idea is only ancillary to the overall plot, but its there nevertheless. It was also my opinion that one of the more violent moments in the story should have produced a stronger emotional reaction from the main character, Sophie. Instead, the treatment of death came across as somewhat blasé. Overall, a good read capable of capturing the imagination of virtually reader, but especially its intended young adult audience.

Very well written. But I could not finish it. It was very blasphemous to my Christian God. Might be a good read for some one else. But I didnt like the way The God of All my Heavenly Father was portrayed. Sorry

The characters were so endearing and concepts so unique, I had to pull an all nighter to finish it. The forces of good and evil so well depicted by E.M Ragland give the characters the opportunity to show their metal. But at the same time, the story is full of very realistic relationships, acts of love and selflessness as well as weakness and betrayal. The journey of the story is fun and full of darkness and light. The climax is riveting and full of energy. The ending is perfect. Beyond being an exceptional YA book, it does a good job of helping us to question ourselves. The writing is very smart and enables you to put yourself into the story and ask yourself what would I do? or what side am I on? In short, Sophie is strong, lovable yet vulnerable, and Joseph is dreamy (in a bad boy sort of way). I cant wait to read the next installment of this wonderful trilogy to find out what happens next! I hope that love and goodness conquer all with plenty more twists and turns on the way.