I read part of a series of books back in 7th grade. This would’ve been around 92/93.
In the very first book, it starts off with a beautiful woman being raped by someone close to her. I want to say her uncle, but it may have been a trusted advisor. She is the left for dead out in the woods. Instead of dying, she survives, and bonds with a wolf, so much so that she gains the ability to change into a wolf herself.
She goes on to meet other people who can do this, including a person who has bonded with an eagle. If anything happens to the animal, the person will suffer the same damage, and die if the animal dies, which is what happens to the eagle. I don’t remember much else about the series, except that it took place in what could be considered medevil times. There were castles, knights, swords, and bows. At one point during the series, someone gets their throat slit. Surgeons work quickly, using a blade heated until glowing to seal the wound.
Just remembered something else. The person’s eyes would resemble that of the animal they’re bonded with. I don’t remember if it was a permanent change, or if it only happened at certain times.
I’m pretty sure it’s The Chronicles of the Cheysuli, after searching around for a bit.
If it is, I have you to thank for it Kythereia, as your Sword-sworn suggestion led to a book by that title by a different author, which led to The Chronicles of the Cheysuli.
I’m actually reading the Chronicles of the Cheysuli right now (I’m on book 5), and be prepared - the books really aren’t what you remember. That is, some of the big things sound right, but she isn’t raped or left for dead, and she doesn’t really bond with the wolf or the bird - they’re other peoples lirs. What’s unusual about her is that she can talk to and assume the shape of anyone’s lir, whereas most men (they’re all men, none of the other women can do this) bond with a single *lir *and can only assume that shape.
Most of the Cheysuli, but not all, have yellow eyes, even in beast form. Those of mixed blood might have amber, brown or blue eyes. The Cheysuli are painfully obviously a young woman’s fantasy about Native American noble savages.
So it might be the series you’re looking for, or it might not. It’s a pretty decent series, either way. Honestly, the first book is the weakest, a fact that Roberson herself is pretty open about. It’s obviously a first attempt and some bits are blatantly cringeworthy. The later ones are much, much better.
Her Robin Hood books are spectacular, if you’re into that sort of thing.
I wish I could remember more details.
Enjoy!