The Tethering

4.5 Stars. Really interesting first book. The story seemed like a mix of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, but unique enough that it was not a copy. I am intrigued by where the plot is going and am excited to read more. I like how this book did not really hold back, as graphic depictions of torture and brutal murders were not sugarcoated. The only two reasons I am not giving this book the full 5 stars are 1) the timing could have been a little bit better and the book could have been explained more. Things did feel a bit rushed. And 2) Emilia, the one who has been training her whole life, was a little bit of a baby while Jacob, who was only introduced to this world two months ago, was like an indestructible tank. I am assuming that we will learn later that Jacob is some kind of “Chosen One” and maybe that has to do with why his father was always gone. There is nothing wrong with Emilia needing hugs and comfort, but in Jacob's eyes, she is a bit of a damsel in distress even though she should be saving him ten times over. I hope this will get addressed in the next books, which I am looking forward to reading.