Of Blood and Magic

The Threads That Bind #1

by J.A. Good, Verónica Pérez, Rebecca Fazzio

In the heart of Lynoria lies Calami, a prestigious witching school where magic reigns supreme. But beneath the glamour and power, a centuries-old curse looms, waiting to be unleashed.

Sisters Arabella and Seren Marudas are low-born witches thrust into the dangerous and complex world of Calami. As they struggle to navigate the intricacies of the school and their own relationship, they are drawn into a plot to unlock an ancient magic by a scheming young wizard.

The sisters must put aside their difference and work together to unravel the mysteries of the past to save Lynoria from the darkness that threatens to consume everything they've ever known. But as they delve deeper, they soon discover that love and power can be a deadly combination.

A thrilling tale of magic, love, and power, Of Blood and Magic is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Will the sisters be able to break the curse and save their world, or will they fall victim to the darkness that has haunted Calami for centuries?

Some things are worth burning for…

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

J.A. Good is the author of the adult fantasy romance Forged in Fire Series. She is a northerner living in Florida who’s love of books and new worlds inspired her to create her own. She is a pediatric intensive care nurse at night and a writer, mom, wife, and cat enthusiast during the day. When she isn’t naming all the dinosaurs with her toddlers you can find her staring at her book collection with her cats lamenting her lack of castles and magic.

Reviews

[Sabine Arsitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

She has done it again, hitting me with all the tension, the twists, and the shocking end. This time leaving me on a major cliffhanger.

This story follows the POV of two sets of siblings, the Ara and Seren, and then brothers Cal and Icarus. They are linked to one another through their magic and their family histories.

Without giving too much away, I would say this book has something for everyone. It is a fantasy book first but of course has some romance.

There is action, broody characters, sunshine characters, quirky and arrogant characters. The romances even have tropes for everyone, age gap/professor student and a sweeter romance between two "good" people. I would say even friends to lovers and enemies to lovers is present here.

I enjoyed the 4 different POVs, giving me a full view of everything happening. Even with that POV I was still shocked in the end!

I am very excited for the next book, absolutely cannot wait!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book. :)

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Threads That Bind series and it had me hooked. From the the multiple POVs and each one's perspective showing the reader their versions of what they believe the truth is has you wondering who has it right and see in the sacrifices one will make for family and how those sacrifices are perceived by the other family member. Tensions run high when each sibling pairs off with the others and they each only have half of the story and what they perceive is true. However, despite their differences, Icarus, Calder, Arabella and Seren team up together to fight against what is coming. And I am here for it. I see myself in Calder and Seren, feeling abandoned by those we didn't suspect to do that and having to learn to only rely on themselves. The tension between Icarus and Seren was just amazingly written and had my heart wrenching every time tensions rose between them. While its ironic and cute that each sister gets a respective brother with opposing personalities to their own, my favorite couple is Seren and Icarus. My literal faves because there is a naivety with Arabella that antagonizes the cynic in me and I don't like it. While Calder was a contendor upon first meeting, it was Icarus that captured my attention because I also saw pieces of myself in him and it just solidified him for me. And the twists and turns towards the end where "worlds" are colliding and you don't know who to trust and it all coming to ahead was just *chefs kiss* AMAZING. I cannot wait for book 2 and see where this story goes next.

[Molly Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5/5 ⭐️

Of Blood and Magic is the first book in the threads that bind series and it was amazing. It is a romance dark academia read. It was written in multiple POV’s that showcase every characters personality and beliefs. The world building is incredible, it helped me imagine the story better and feel like I was inside the book. The story and plot were easy to read and follow, everything flows together and flowed well together. The characters were well done and relatable which helped me care about them. Honestly this book was so well done and helped me immerse myself into the story and characters. I really recommend this book and can’t wait to continue the series and see where the authors take this story.

[Savanna Vandusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed! I was hooked from the very first page and was enthralled through the entire book. This is a dark academia book with multiple points of view. The world building was easy to follow and painted a clear picture. You can't forget the forbidden love and sexual tension! It was physically palpable throughout the entire book and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am an impatient person and am dying for the next book already. I can't wait for what the author has in store for the rest of the series.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the overall story. Witches and magic, so good! I’m new to JA Good’s writing and now I’m a big fan. Can’t wait for book 2 in this series. Also loved that other authors were involved in the writing.

[LJ Metzger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The world building is great and I love the multiple POVs. I'm excited to see where this fantasy series goes!

[Gerald Clum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the overall plot and the different authors voices. I’m a big fan of J. A. Goods other books and I think they chose really awesome coauthors. It says book #1 so I’m excited to see where this story leads.

[Sara Hiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the multiple POVs for this story! The male brothers actually ended up being my favorite characters. I loved when they had any of the spotlight. I also love the "opposites" when it came to the siblings.

The magic system is extremely interesting too! I know this is only book 1, but there are a few things that I wish had been explained more. Either in a little more detail or more in general. I'm sure they'll be explain/expanded on in the future books, I'm just too impatient.

I will say the twists made this book absolutely worth the read. The authors definitely got me. Not with ALL the twists, but with quite a few of them. There were some I just did not see coming at the end of the book.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Seren and Arabella attend a witching school and soon find themselves facing a scheme that can endanger Lynoria. There are four perspectives: Seren's, Arabella's (Ara), Icarus's, and Calder's. These four characters give a great overview of the narrative. The world-building is intricate and this is not a casual read, exploring deep emotions and character interaction.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katherine Elley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love J. A. Good’s books. Her stories are amazing.
This one is completely different to what she usually writes and it’s still awesome.
Think Hogwarts but for Witches (all girls school), slow burn romance, magic, familiars. Love it. I need book 2 ❤️

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anybody who loves magic and world building. This story pulls you in from the start and doesn't let go.

As I read, I thought I understood where it was headed but then the twists just kept coming.

[Courtnay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story really brings to life the whole enemies of my enemies are my friends quote. Sister against sister. Brother against brother. So much family drama that I couldn’t help but love it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. The way the sisters are, are just like real sisters. I felt like I was there in their world. Storyline great. I cannot wait for book 2.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished so many twists near the end that I truly did not see coming , really set the pace for the next book! Great writing skill and I love the four povs!

[Virginia DeBusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh!!!! In the last few weeks, I have read a dozen books and have been so Meh about them. I have not wanted to read the second in a series in a hot minute. No, I will not give ACOTAR a second chance.

Now, I need this trio to finish up the second so I can have more of this world and this plot. 😍 I admit, I usually have at least one character that I would go to war over but all of the characters really just pissed me off. (I did end up hating Seren a tiny bit less at the end.) Yet, the Harry Potter-esque world building, the familiars, the MAGIC 🪄, makes my heart explode with pleasure. The plot (and twists) were not predictable and ya’ll know your girl always has some idea of how the book will end.

Most importantly (and amazingly) was being able to chat with one of the co-authors as I rushed through this book. It may not have meant much to her, but it made my fantasy-loving, book addict, ELA teacher heart soar. Extra star ⭐️ for letting me be a nerd and super excited to send you messages at almost midnight about the book.

[Courtney Tansley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started I could not put it down, i liked the 4 person point of views as this helped understand each of the characters. I enjoyed the plot and the build up to the main event which has left it on a cliff hanger and I can not wait to find out what happens next. The relationships between the characters themselves and their relationships build throughout out the book. Would definitely recommend if you like magic, school setting

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the overall plot of the story, each character felt like their own with different strengths and flaws. I liked how you saw each POV and what that character perceived to be the truth keeping you on your toes right up until the end! I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here ☺️

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. It flowed nicely and the story kept me entertained to the very end. Arabella and Seren are fun to read and their different personalities make it easy to keep up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Diedericks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me and I'm so sorry it took so long to finish! I was addicted from page one! It was an absolutely great read and I cannot wait for more!

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Blood and Magic by J.A. Good - 4/5
Fantasy - New Adult - Forbidden Love - YA

Of Blood and Magic is book 1 in the

This is my first from this Author and I am in love with their writing style. I was instantly swept off my feet by the high tensions, the twists, the magic, and the forbidden love that pulls on your heartstrings.
With a four-person POV this one left me a little obsessed. Trying to keep up with all the characters, their roles, and how their stories all fit together was hard in the beginning, but I quickly fell in love with them and wanted to see them to the end. The world-building is phenomenal, always a favorite part of books and the characters were strategically brilliant. The four POVs are from two sets of siblings, Ara and Seren, and from Cal and Icarus.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nona · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 Stars**

I have to be completely honest, I struggled a little bit getting into this book, but I ended up loving it!
There is not one, but TWO romances going on and I was living for it. Icarus is the normal broody, stern type of love interest, while Calder is the laid back, cocky type, not to mention the sisters they fall for. The romances were very different and the tension was amazing.
I can't wait for book 2!

[Jenna🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

woooooo doggy, now this was a great read! lots of mystery, with witches and wizards divided, and magic galore! we have two sisters, one light and good, & the other dark and willing to protect her sister from everything. we get to see that ara isn’t always so perfect and has so much depth to her. and seren isn’t so dark all the time and is gravely misunderstood. cal & icarus? similar to our girls but also SO different. everyone in this book has so much personality and depth, which is fantastic. the plot is very good as well! not much spice here but the sexual tension and slow burn is *chefs kiss*. i hope for more in book two!

[Danielle Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky people to get this as an arc. And let me tell you it was amazing. It has dark academia, magic, fantasy, found family, forbidden love, ancient curse, sibling rivalry. If your looking for your next great indie read this is it. While some of the chapters are long it is still a great read. It has multiple pov.

And the end had so many twists that I didn’t see coming. This book will amerce you in the world and the school. There’s just enough detail without being to much!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. It was different to more recent stories I have read but the word building held my attention and was very engaging.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Heiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a fun story with deep characters with an amazing arc. excited to see what comes next

[Bookdragonskeep (Krystina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars, rounded up

Of Blood and Magic is the first book in The Threads That Bind series. It follows 2 sets of siblings: Seren and Arabella Marudas, low-born rarity witches, and Icarus and Calder Darkmore, heirs to the infamous Darkmore wizarding family, as they struggle to keep their footing in the ever-evolving events surrounding the witching and wizarding schools of Calami Academy and Mistral Hall. Unknowingly coerced into a plot to unlock ancient magic when both sisters start displaying power beyond their years, the contrasting sisters must learn to work with each other alongside the estranged brothers in order to combat the darkness and danger lurking around Calami. But when new knowledge comes to light and love starts to creep into play, things start to get sticky as they encounter more than they bargained for.

I was a little disappointed when I first started this book, as it didn’t immediately snag my attention and was a bit slow to start for me. I am so glad that I continued to read the story, knowing that JA Good would not let me down because boy, was I in for a ride! It’s a dark academia romance, with the fantasy aspect being the focal point and the romance being more of a subplot. We get a little bit of everything in the romance department, including an easy going relationship, a professor/student relationship (my personal favorite because it was written beautifully), and the hint of a budding FF relationship. With multiple (4) POVs, you really get a full few of all the events taking place and seeing everyone’s version of the truth of the past. There is so much tension and animosity between multiple different characters and with the story being told in 3rd person, you can feel all of the emotions being thrown around. There were so many twists and turns and the cliffhanger was killer! I need to know what happens now that the stakes are so unbelievably high! I can’t wait for Book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

im new to the arc reading world. I signed up to read this on tik tok and received a free copy of the book. In exchange I wanted to leave an honest review

To start i will give a fair warning and say if you are a fan of books that can be stand alones and/or you don't enjoy long chapters this is NOT the book for you. However, if you are like me and you enjoy those things along with well developed, unique characters and a great plot that makes you want to keep reading until the very end get a copy of this book right now!
i loved the magical world these authors created. the fact it is cowritten had me intrigued to begin with. i wanted to see how it would work with all those different voices entwined in one and i think the different point of views made it flow seamlessly. what we get to see of lynoria is such an incredible and magical word. The intricacies of each individual character makes them feel so real. my favorite character was probably seren marudas, although i love arabella as well. their sisterhood is realistic and reminds me of my own relationships with my little sister. the dark romance aspect was sooo steamy and made even reading certain scenes feel kind of dirty and forbidden (in the best way). the story followed them through this magical academy/college where they are learning about their magic and their past. you get to see the typical mean girls and the best friend who you wish would be your best friend. the twist at the end had me literally in tears and the cliffhanger has me crossing my fingers that the authors are typing away at book 2 as i write this bcs i need more of this world!

[Virginia Frick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Threads That Bind Us series, it is also the first book by J.A. Good that I have had the privilege to read. It a wonderful book, it is written with multiple points of view, showing us as a reader what their versions of their beliefs are.

The author use amazing world building skills and we are taken into the world of light and dark, there was so much I loved about this book. The attention to detail in this book helped to paint a picture as to what the characters were seeing and feeling. The story was easy to read, in that each event/chapter seemed to flow with the one before and after.

You can see more about the book on our blog at: https://cuzweread.wordpress.com/2023/...

[Tabularasa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad wersion of Hogwarts for adults. My mentality was- "oh nooo, i have to finish reading this" 😩.

Headmistress was the only cool person and spoke the obvious truth "enough of the self-pity, Icarus!".

There was no hook, no intrigue. Characters were annoying:

Icarus was moppy sad useless teacher, Seren was angry-attack-first- think-later kinda girl, 
Arabella - naive-goodish- nerdish-saving -the-world type.
Cal was definitely reincarnated version of Damon Salvatore from TV series "the Vampire diaries" - the smirks, the mannerism, multipersonality (i am sexy, now i am vulnerable, now i am smirking again) he was least annoying but still not good enough.

[Jules_booksgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a MASTERPIECE. I loved every single scene, I never got bored and I was so into it that I never wanted to stop reading it. The characters, the dynamic between the couples is all described in a divine way. Seren is my favorite for her complex character that makes her seem like a bitch but you can see that she would do anything for the people she loves. Arabella and Cal are a couple that makes you hope for true love while Seren and Icarius make you burn with their tension. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SECOND BOOK