Originally posted on my blog, With Her Head in a Book. 
 I received an eArc of Tied from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 
 They say that within reading the first paragraph or even simply the first sentence, readers can determine whether or not they'll enjoy the novel. I wish I had listened to that advice because I very quickly realized this novel was not meant for me, but I carried on despite my reluctance. With less than 30% remaining, I called it quits. 
 Tied is not a bad book, but it's also not stunningly good. Written like a classic young adult novel, Layla is experiencing visions of her childhood best friend, Max, and it's driving her to the brink of insanity. Much of the book is slow going to create a suspenseful atmosphere - it doesn't and instead creates confusion - and the actual story itself doesn't take off until well past the half way mark. All together, t made me feel entirely uncompelled to even pick up the book during my time spent struggling to finish. 
 Layla is constantly in need of saving as she is attacked by unknown forces various time each day and experiences multiple fainting episodes that doctors strangely brush off time and time again. Thankfully, Max is always there to save the day! Beyond that, all of the characters are lacking in personality, but thankfully aren't too annoying. Many are riddled with dated tropes and stereotypical tropes as is the plot - an awkward love triangle, high school drama, the not-so-imaginary friend... 
 I want to say the author's inclusion and creation of so many mythological and magical creatures is a bonus, but even that element is greatly lacking in interest due to the writing style. Though, I will note, this is one of the few books I've read (probably the only) that has included Irish mythology and gods. 
 I wouldn't recommend Tied namely because it is not an original story which is the biggest flaw. Even if the idea itself isn't creative, it's possible to create a good novel with a quality style alone. This has none of the needed elements for that. Skip this book. Life's too short to read bad books. 
 Plot: 1/5 
 Characters: 1/5 
 Writing Style: 2/5 
 All Around Idea: 2/5 
 Total: 2/5