REVIEW: Julia Unbound by Catherine Egan

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: DoubleDay Canada

ISBN: 0385684711

Format: Hardback, E-book

Release Date: 28th August 2018


Links: Goodreads, Amazon.com, Indigo,
B&N, Book Depository

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Rating: 9/10


Synopsis:

Julia has been ensnared in so many different webs it's hard to see how she'll ever break free. She must do Casimir's bidding in order to save the life of her brother. She must work against Casimir to save the lives of most everyone else she knows.
Casimir demands that Julia use her vanishing skills to act as a spy at court and ensure that a maleable prince is installed on the throne of Frayne. But Julia is secretly acting as a double agent, passing information to the revolutionaries and witches who want a rebel princess to rule.

Beyond these deadly entanglements, Julia is also desperately seeking the truth about herself -- how is it she can vanish? Is she some form of monster? Is her life her own anyway?

With every move she makes, Julia finds herself tangled ever tighter. Should she try to save her country? Her brother? A beloved child? Can she even save herself?

Review:



**Thanks to PRH Canada for sending me a free copy in return for my review**

Julia Unbound is the third and final book in the Witch's Child series; and it is probably my favourite of the three. This review will contain a few spoilers as it is the third book in the series. You can read my reviews for the first two books at the links here: Julia Vanishes & Julia Defiant.

In book three, Julia finds herself being forced with the decision to bind herself with Casimir in order to save her brother. She ends up doing as he says, even if it puts her in dangerous and difficult situations. 

Julia continues to be a fantastic protagonist. She's strong yet venerable, smart, and brave. Her strength and determination to save herself and her brother leads her into various difficult situations, but she doesn't let anything get in her way of saving those she loves.

I really liked the edition of Pia, an assassin that is also being controlled by the villain, Casimir. Her interactions and growing relationship with Julia was written fantastically and I really enjoyed watching it grow throughout the book. 

There are so many amazing things packed into this book; from dragons, to parasites, evil villains and magic. I loved this book and didn't want it to end. I loved that there was a map of Spira City at the start of the book. I always find maps help bring together the story and you can really picture exactly where all the characters are travelling. 

The ending of the book was a perfect way to end the series. It ties up all loose ends and finishes in an emotionally satisfying way. As sad as I am to see the series end, I'm happy to say the ending is exactly what I was hoping for.

Julia Unbound is a fast-paced, action filled book that I couldn't put down. I loved the suspense of not knowing if Julia would not only save her brother, but also if she would save herself. After two fantastic books, you might not think the series could get any better, but Catherine Egan did a wonderful job and Julia Unbound ended up being my favourite in the series. 

I'm sad to see the series and Julia's story end, but I'm excited to see what Catherine Egan comes up with next.