Bound by Ali Hazelwood Summary, Characters and Themes

Bound by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating and suspenseful story that explores the dark and dangerous world of art forgery, with a touch of supernatural intrigue. Veronica “Vero” Mercer, the protagonist, is an expert in book restoration, working at an antique store and at Rockhaven University.

Her expertise in rare book forgeries draws the attention of mysterious figures, including the enigmatic Dr. Victor Ashworth, a revenant, who pulls her deeper into a world of deception, intrigue, and danger. As Veronica navigates the ethics of her actions and the complicated dynamics of her relationship with Ashworth, she is confronted with life-altering choices. The novel blends mystery, moral ambiguity, and elements of the supernatural in an immersive story that keeps the reader on edge.

Summary

Veronica “Vero” Mercer reflects on her unusual upbringing, which was shaped by her criminal parents and a childhood spent under the care of her neighbor, Grace. Grace, an art enthusiast, introduced Vero to the world of restoration, sparking her interest in art history.

Despite her troubled background, Vero pursues a career in academia and eventually becomes a student at Rockhaven University, specializing in rare book restoration. Her journey takes a significant turn when she moves to Vermont and begins working at McManaman’s, an antique store owned by the quirky and endearing Mortimer McManaman.

At Rockhaven, Vero works diligently on her dissertation while engaging in the meticulous task of restoring and authenticating rare books. Her expertise is put to the test when Mortimer brings in a forged first edition of Dracula, which Vero quickly identifies as a fake.

This marks the beginning of a complex relationship between Vero and Mortimer, which eventually develops into a partnership in forgeries. Together, they create replicas of rare books, including a page from the Gutenberg Bible.

Despite the moral dilemmas surrounding their actions, Vero justifies the forgeries as a way to help Mortimer’s struggling business.

As time passes, Vero becomes more entrenched in the world of forgeries, recreating works like The Great Gatsby and On the Origin of Species. Mortimer becomes fixated on making money from their counterfeit creations, while Vero feels increasingly conflicted about the ethical ramifications of her involvement.

This moral struggle intensifies when Vero is approached by Dr. Victor Ashworth, a history professor at Rockhaven, who has learned of her forging skills. Ashworth invites Vero into his home, where she is introduced to a secure environment full of valuable manuscripts, including an ancient manuscript called Ars Moriendi.

Ashworth’s demeanor is mysterious, and Vero soon realizes that his motivations go beyond academic interest. He coerces her into recreating the Ars Moriendi manuscript, which sets the stage for a deeper involvement in Ashworth’s dangerous world.

As Vero spends more time with Ashworth and his strange associates, including Samantha and Arlo, a security guard, she uncovers that Ashworth is not who he appears to be. Ashworth reveals that he is a revenant, an immortal being who transcends ordinary human existence.

This revelation leaves Vero both terrified and intrigued.

As she works on the Ars Moriendi forgery, Vero’s sense of unease grows, and she realizes that Ashworth’s operation may involve far more than just the replication of rare books. She finds herself torn between her artistic integrity and the powerful allure of the money and influence that Ashworth offers.

Throughout this time, she also grapples with her relationship with Mortimer, whose naivety and desperation contrast with Vero’s increasingly calculating decisions.

The plot takes a darker turn as Vero’s forgeries attract the attention of dangerous individuals. She is abducted and brought further into Ashworth’s world of secrets, where she continues her work on the forgeries under increasing pressure.

As she becomes more entangled in this high-stakes operation, Vero’s moral compass is put to the test, and she must confront the darker aspects of her character. The story culminates in a high-tension moment where Vero must decide whether to continue her involvement in the dangerous world of art forgery and its associated risks.

Meanwhile, Vero’s fear grows as she learns more about Ashworth’s past and the dangerous network of revenants he is part of. She finds herself becoming both more drawn to him and more fearful of the implications of their growing relationship.

As she works on the forgeries, she also learns about Ashworth’s conflict with another revenant, Silas, who has been committing horrific acts for decades. Ashworth needs Vero’s help to track down Silas, and Vero reluctantly agrees, knowing that her involvement in this dangerous mission will pull her even deeper into Ashworth’s world.

Throughout the weeks that follow, Vero’s connection with Ashworth grows more complicated. They begin to develop a more intense bond, but Vero remains uncertain about where their relationship is headed.

Ashworth continues to draw her into his world, occasionally revealing more about his dangerous past and the broader network of revenants he is involved with. As Vero navigates this perilous world, she finds herself questioning her own motivations and her role in this high-risk operation.

In the final chapters of the book, Vero’s relationship with Ashworth reaches a new level of intensity. She agrees to help Ashworth with a dangerous mission involving a wealthy auction house director.

The plan involves manipulating the director to track his movements and confront Silas. This mission brings Vero even closer to the truth about Ashworth’s past, and the boundaries between danger, loyalty, and desire become increasingly blurred.

The plot takes another dramatic turn when Vero is attacked by Silas’s forces, leading to a chaotic confrontation. Vero is injured but survives, only to find herself in a new, unfamiliar location.

There, she learns that Ashworth has performed a ritual to save her, making her immortal. This unexpected turn of events deepens her bond with Ashworth, as they now share a telepathic connection.

Vero is left to adjust to her new reality, knowing that her relationship with Ashworth has now taken a permanent, unalterable form.

In the end, Vero must confront the future of her relationship with Ashworth, facing the challenges of immortality and navigating the complexities of their deepening connection. She is unsure of where her place is in this new world, but she knows that her life will never be the same.

Characters

Veronica “Vero” Mercer

Veronica “Vero” Mercer is the central figure in Bound. She is a complex character shaped by a difficult upbringing, marked by her parents’ criminal activities.

Raised by a neighbor, Grace, she learned the craft of restoration, a skill that would later play a pivotal role in her career. Despite her troubled family life, Vero develops a deep passion for art history, which leads her to study at Rockhaven University.

Her character is defined by her intellectual curiosity and a unique ability to restore rare books, skills that make her indispensable in the world of art forgeries.

As the story progresses, Vero becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of art forgery. While she initially joins Mortimer McManaman, a wealthy but incompetent antique store owner, to help him navigate his business, Vero soon gets swept up in creating replicas of famous works.

Throughout the book, Vero’s internal struggle is palpable. She justifies her involvement in forgeries by considering the potential benefits for Mortimer’s failing business, yet she often grapples with the ethical implications of her actions.

This internal conflict deepens as she is drawn into more morally questionable territory, particularly when she becomes entangled with Dr. Victor Ashworth. Vero’s relationship with Mortimer evolves into a partnership, but as she grows closer to Ashworth, her moral compass becomes increasingly unclear.

Despite the darker aspects of her choices, Vero remains a character who is constantly questioning herself, her identity, and the limits she is willing to cross for success. Her journey is a complex one, where ambition and fear collide, and she must confront the consequences of her actions in a world where the line between right and wrong becomes blurred.

Mortimer McManaman

Mortimer McManaman is a key supporting character in Bound and plays a significant role in Vero’s life. He is introduced as a wealthy, albeit somewhat inept, antique store owner.

Mortimer’s character is endearing yet flawed. He lacks the skill and expertise to manage his store effectively, but his charm and vulnerability make him likable.

He relies heavily on Vero’s talents, especially when it comes to rare book restoration. Mortimer’s business struggles are a source of constant stress for him, and this desperation leads him to become involved in art forgeries.

As a character, Mortimer embodies a kind of naive ambition. His lack of foresight and understanding of the ethical and legal consequences of their actions contrasts sharply with Vero’s more calculated and rational approach.

Despite his flaws, Mortimer’s affection for Vero is genuine, and his dependence on her both professionally and personally grows as the story progresses. His obsession with making a fortune from the forgeries strains their relationship, as Vero becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the direction in which their partnership is heading.

Mortimer is a well-meaning character, but his inability to navigate the morally grey areas of their work leaves him vulnerable to the darker forces around him. He serves as a foil to Vero’s more introspective and conflicted nature, highlighting the complexities of their interactions and the ways in which Vero is pulled between loyalty and self-preservation.

Dr. Victor Ashworth

Dr. Victor Ashworth is a highly enigmatic and pivotal character in Bound. Initially introduced as a seemingly ordinary professor at Rockhaven University, Ashworth is soon revealed to be far more complex and dangerous.

His mysterious nature and connection to the world of ancient manuscripts and forgeries make him an intriguing figure. Ashworth’s true identity is slowly unveiled throughout the novel, and it is revealed that he is a revenant—an immortal being who has transcended normal human existence.

His revelation to Vero as a revenant shocks her, as she begins to realize that there is much more to Ashworth than meets the eye.

Ashworth’s character is defined by his calm, controlled demeanor and his intellectual prowess. He draws Vero into his dangerous world, offering her a glimpse into a reality filled with power, manipulation, and dark secrets.

His fascination with Vero’s forgery skills leads to a complicated relationship, as he pushes her into increasingly dangerous territory. Despite his apparent detachment, there are moments when Ashworth’s vulnerability and emotional complexity are revealed, particularly in his interactions with Vero.

His motivations remain unclear for much of the story, and it is only as the plot unfolds that Vero realizes the extent of his involvement in a dangerous network of revenants and other supernatural beings. Ashworth’s relationship with Vero grows increasingly intimate, blurring the lines between fear and attraction.

However, his immortality and the dangerous world he inhabits create a constant tension in their relationship. As Vero becomes more deeply entangled in his plans, she is forced to confront her own desires, fears, and the potential consequences of her involvement in his world.

Samantha

Samantha is a mysterious character who appears as part of Dr. Ashworth’s entourage in Bound. She is an enigmatic figure, shrouded in secrecy, and her role in the story becomes clearer as Vero’s interactions with Ashworth deepen.

Samantha’s presence in the novel adds an element of intrigue and danger, as she seems to be both a part of Ashworth’s world and yet somewhat detached from it. While her true motivations are not immediately apparent, it becomes clear that she is intricately connected to Ashworth’s plans and the larger forces at play.

Throughout the story, Samantha remains a somewhat aloof character, providing little in terms of emotional depth or insight into her own background. However, her role in the narrative serves to further complicate Vero’s understanding of the world she is entering.

Samantha’s cryptic nature and her interactions with Vero add to the tension and suspense of the plot, as Vero struggles to understand who can be trusted and who might be hiding their true intentions. Her presence in the story serves as a reminder that in Ashworth’s world, no one is entirely what they seem, and danger is always lurking just beneath the surface.

Roxanne and Elias

Roxanne and Elias are secondary characters in Bound who provide some lighthearted moments amidst the tension of the plot. They serve as a contrast to the more serious and dangerous elements of Vero’s life, particularly her relationship with Ashworth.

Roxanne and Elias are playful and tease Vero about her growing feelings for Victor, providing a sense of camaraderie and normalcy. Despite their teasing, they are also supportive friends who help ground Vero during her increasingly complex and dangerous journey.

While Roxanne and Elias do not play major roles in the central conflict of the novel, their presence serves to humanize Vero and offer her a sense of connection to the outside world. Their interactions with her provide some of the few moments of levity, helping to highlight the internal turmoil Vero experiences as she navigates her relationships with Mortimer, Ashworth, and the larger web of deceit she has become entangled in.

Their lighthearted teasing, particularly about her connection to Ashworth, also serves as a subtle reminder to Vero that her feelings and desires are not entirely out of reach, even in the midst of her moral and existential crisis.

Themes

The Struggle Between Morality and Ambition

Throughout Bound, the protagonist, Veronica “Vero” Mercer, faces a constant tension between her moral compass and the allure of success. From her early days working at McManaman’s antique store to her involvement in the high-stakes world of forgery, Vero constantly finds herself grappling with the ethical consequences of her actions.

Her deep knowledge of art history and restoration makes her invaluable in creating authentic replicas of priceless works, but this skill becomes a tool for deception. Initially, she justifies her actions by rationalizing that she is helping Mortimer, a well-meaning but flawed figure, and that the forgery business is a temporary solution to their financial struggles.

However, as she becomes more entangled in the dangerous world of forgeries, Vero faces increasing pressure from her surroundings to push the boundaries of right and wrong.

Her inner conflict intensifies as she becomes more involved with Dr. Victor Ashworth, whose motivations seem far more complex and ethically murky. Vero is forced to weigh her desires for success and recognition against the growing realization that she is aiding in something far larger and more morally ambiguous than she initially understood.

Ashworth’s world is filled with secrets, power, and dangerous consequences, making Vero question where her ambition will lead her. The deeper she gets, the more she realizes that her decisions will have significant personal consequences.

This theme highlights the personal cost of ambition and the delicate balance between striving for success and preserving one’s integrity.

The Nature of Identity and Self-Discovery

A crucial theme in Bound is Vero’s journey of self-discovery, both in her personal life and in the context of her professional choices. Raised in a chaotic environment with criminal parents and taken in by the kind neighbor Grace, Vero’s early life was far from conventional.

Her immersion in the world of art restoration and her subsequent pursuit of a career in academia were, in many ways, attempts to redefine herself, moving away from her past and trying to create a new identity. However, as she grows more involved with Mortimer and Ashworth, her sense of self begins to shift once again, as she starts to confront the darker and more dangerous aspects of her character.

Vero’s increasing involvement in art forgery forces her to reconcile the version of herself she wishes to be with the version that she becomes as circumstances evolve. Her relationships, particularly with Mortimer and Victor, play a significant role in shaping how she views herself.

Mortimer, with his naïve ambition, contrasts sharply with Ashworth’s darker and more manipulative approach, pushing Vero to reevaluate her own values. As her interactions with Ashworth grow more intimate and complex, Vero is forced to reckon with her desires and the emotional consequences of being drawn into a world of lies, deception, and illicit gain.

This theme underscores the complexity of identity, especially in the face of external pressures, and how one’s choices can radically alter the course of self-realization.

Power, Manipulation, and Control

Bound presents a detailed exploration of power dynamics, particularly in the context of Veronica’s relationships with Mortimer and Ashworth. The theme of power is most apparent in her dealings with Ashworth, whose enigmatic nature and increasingly dangerous world serve as both a source of allure and fear for Vero.

Ashworth’s power is not just social or intellectual; it is also deeply rooted in his immortality and control over his world. He is able to manipulate situations, often coercing Vero into assisting him with forgeries and other morally dubious tasks.

Vero, initially skeptical of his motives, is gradually drawn into his web of influence, as Ashworth’s charismatic yet controlling demeanor begins to erode her resistance. The way he wields his power over her is subtle yet profound, especially as their emotional connection intensifies.

He continuously tests her loyalty, making her question her own agency in the process.

Moreover, Vero’s partnership with Mortimer serves as another example of power dynamics at play. Though Mortimer is portrayed as inept and often oblivious, he still holds power in his business dealings, which ultimately affects Vero’s decisions.

While Vero initially sees her actions as self-serving or harmless, the reality of the manipulation within the art forgery world becomes evident, as she is constantly pushed to take increasingly risky steps. In both her professional and personal life, Vero navigates a complex landscape of manipulation, where the stakes are high, and the consequences of losing control are severe.

This theme speaks to the dangers of power—how it can shape relationships, influence decisions, and ultimately, determine the course of one’s life.

The Corruption of Innocence and the Loss of Innocence

The theme of innocence, particularly its gradual loss, is woven throughout Bound, primarily through Vero’s personal transformation. At the start of the novel, Vero is portrayed as a young, ambitious woman trying to make her way in the world, untainted by the darker elements that surround her.

Her knowledge of restoration is rooted in the desire to preserve history and culture, to protect something pure. However, as she becomes involved in the world of art forgery, she loses some of her idealism.

Her involvement in the production of fake rare books, which includes works like The Great Gatsby and On the Origin of Species, represents a departure from her initial purpose of protecting and valuing art.

The introduction of Ashworth into her life accelerates this loss of innocence. As she learns about his immortality and the dangerous world he inhabits, Vero begins to see that the world she once knew is filled with dark secrets and people who will stop at nothing to control it.

Her involvement in the forgeries becomes a reflection of how the boundaries between right and wrong blur in the pursuit of success. As the story progresses, Vero’s internal conflict grows, and she is forced to face the consequences of her actions, realizing that her naivety has given way to a more hardened, morally ambiguous version of herself.

This theme highlights the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with navigating a complex world filled with moral compromises and personal sacrifices.

Love, Desire, and Dangerous Attractions

The complex relationships that Veronica forms throughout Bound are a significant part of the novel’s exploration of love and desire. Her interactions with Mortimer and Ashworth reflect different facets of attraction, ranging from friendship and dependence to manipulation and obsession.

With Mortimer, Vero shares a connection rooted in mutual support, but it is clear that their relationship is based more on necessity than genuine affection. However, with Ashworth, the dynamics of desire are much more complicated and intense.

Ashworth is an enigmatic figure, someone whose charm and power pull Vero deeper into his world of deception and danger. As she spends more time with him, she becomes increasingly torn between her fear of him and an undeniable attraction.

Ashworth represents both a figure of authority and an object of desire, and Vero’s feelings for him grow more complicated as she realizes the true extent of his power. Their relationship oscillates between fear, admiration, and longing, creating a volatile emotional landscape for Vero.

Her attraction to Ashworth is not just physical but also intellectual, as she is drawn to the mysteries he embodies. This connection becomes all the more dangerous as she learns more about the world he inhabits and the dark forces that influence it.

The theme of love and desire in Bound reveals how intense attraction can often lead to difficult choices, blurring the lines between loyalty, fear, and ambition.