“Unbound” by Trinity Cunningham

Unbound 

Trinity Cunningham
TC Publishing (2024)
ISBN: 978-1068955808
Reviewed by Kathy Stickles for Reader Views (11/2024)

“Unbound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone” is the second book in a fantasy series from author Trinity Cunningham. Not having read the first book, I was not sure if I could get a real feel for the story or characters jumping into the second book, but I am very happy to say that I loved it and understood what was happening right from the first page.

“Unbound” is the story of Mick Dairner, a chef who works in the home of Governor Riggs, a man who most are very afraid of. Mick is a young man with many problems. He is not happy in his work, he is in love with a girl who does not return those feelings, he wants to return home to Kartha, his country of birth, but is scared to do so, and he has a constant feeling of shaking throughout his body under his skin and has no idea where it comes from or how to make it stop.

One morning, as Mick is working in the kitchen, he receives a visit from his Uncle Dimi who brings a gift. The gift is a stone, and the second it is in Mick’s hand his shaking stops He now strongly feels the need to return to Kartha and learn more about himself and his family. On one side he has his uncle telling him that he will learn more about the stone and who he is when he returns to Kartha and on the other side, he has his parents who tell him he must not return as he will be entering a country that is against him and his family, and it will be dangerous.

When Mick is approached by the Governor, who seems even more dangerous than before he got the stone, he is offered a deal that seems too good to pass up. The Governor wants him to return to Kartha so that he has an inside man as his goal is to control everyone and everything because he knows there is magic there. No matter what Mick decides about the offer, it is obvious that the end results will not be good for him. He now must make a decision that will change his life completely. And this is just the first few chapters!

Can Mick control his magic, save a country, bring his own family together, and thwart the governor all at the same time? When he finally makes his choice, the adventure and the danger really begin.

“Unbound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone” is an excellent fantasy novel with a very creative plot that will keep the reader engrossed in its pages whether you are familiar with the series or not. Mick is a protagonist who grows throughout the pages from scared and confused to extremely strong, brave, and willing to risk his life in order to save others. He learns so much about himself and those around him as the story progresses, he becomes completely engrossed in the power of the stone and his own abilities. It is a journey that the reader will undoubtedly enjoy being a part of. All the characters in the story are well-developed and each, whether on the side of good or evil, is portrayed in just the right way.

The author is able to create places in such a descriptive way that the reader will feel as if they are right there with Mick and the others no matter where they are or what they are doing. I always enjoy reading a work where the scene is presented so perfectly that it gives the impression you are truly a part of it, and Trinity Cunningham has given readers just such a story.

“Unbound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone” is a first-rate fantasy novel I recommend to all lovers of the genre. With a creative storyline, characters you can root for, and great dialogue you will enjoy every moment, whether you are an adult or a teen. I have no doubt that, as a reader, you will be happy to be a part of Mick’s journey. 5 Stars!