The Chimera Bounty

Fae Prison: Earth #1

by Ember Holt

Fae Rabies is a thing, and Corvin has it. Maeve is looking for the hottest story to uncover, and Corvin has that too…as well as several other things Maeve would like to uncover.

Before meeting Corvin, Maeve’s penniless investigative journalist days were on wash, rinse, repeat: gym, latte, class, bar job, and madly slamming her keyboard in between. When the tall, handsome shifter pulls back the veil, revealing that she too is a Fae shapeshifter, everything changes.

Now Maeve is tangled up with a Naga crime lord who’s demanding Corvin finish his mission. But given his “Fraebies,” Corvin’s magic is too dangerous to use and he’s forced to leverage Maeve’s investigative skills to find his quarry: a doctor that can cure him.

Maeve’s life is on a new trajectory. The grumpy, smoldering Corvin will teach her magic as they hunt down the bounty, and she’ll get a killer story out of it—
Hopefully not too killer.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Ebooks, Magic

371 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2023

About the author

Ember loves all things with heat! A glass of wine, a comfy, oversized sweater, and a spicy book next to a fireplace is her ideal night. She likes to read about powerful heroines and protective heroes, and write about them, too.

When she’s not writing, Ember is a fox in the henhouse, causing all kinds of hell. She enjoys making pasta while listening to big brass bands, taking long walks with her favorite audio books, playing D&D, and painting—but not very well.

Some of Ember’s favorite authors include Laura Thalassa, Shannon Mayer, and Raven Kennedy. Their powerful heroines inspire her daily to get out of bed and to do her best (or stay in it to keep reading!)

~~~

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Reviews

[Maddie Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modern urban romantic fantasy was a totally new type of fantasy for me, but it felt reminiscent of so many things I love, and I had such a great time. I’m eagerly awaiting the next books.

The world-building and magic system are well developed and fun! The magic system had underlying influences from video-games and even some d&d. The language, chimera, realm structure, and politics are detailed and well utilized in the story. They fuse really well with Earth and all the laws of reality we know.

The protagonist is so direct, capable, and unapologetic. The love interest and other characters are also great! The spice was just enough and so hot.

The pacing was excellent! I so appreciate that the story was able to move quickly all the way through and never stall.

The only area for growth in the series for me is a higher stakes plot and more tests of character as the story progresses in books 2-4. This story has all the foundations set for escalation in complexity, moral investigation, and inner/outer conflict. This first installment is pretty intimate, the action focused on a handful of victims and a smallish band of heroes. The love story is hot, but not yet emotionally developed enough for an endgame. This leaves possibilities for other love interests or some testing and deepening of this relationship! The opportunities for Maeve to impact the realms to a much larger degree are endless. I’m so ready for it!

**This book was sent to me by the author. Reading and reviewing was my prerogative, not expected or required.**

[Cecillia Luper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, BookSirens, for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨️

The Chimera Bounty by Ember Holt, everyone!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

This is an NA urban fantasy with an addicting plot and a story you will not let go of; and don't dare think this won't be original. It absolutely is. Let me tell you! 📚

•Urban Fantasy 🤩
•NA Audience 💁‍♀️
•Strong, Relatable FMC 🧚‍♀️
•Our Favorite, dark-haired, blue-eyed MMC 😏
•Shape Shifting 🔥
•World Building 🌍
•Magic ✨️
•Romance/Spice 🌶
•Found Family ❤️
•Character Development 🤌
•Level UP! ✔️ (You'll see 😉)

The story starts off with our main character, Maeve, who is living a basic but relatable life of a 20 something. Morning run, college classes, bar tending/waitress, in between it all she's a journalist trying to make ends meet but also catch her big break in her career. Little does she know her life and routine are about to be changed when the sexy and mysterious Corvin walks into her bar. Their worlds collide (and dare I say, at first, clash) as Maeve discovers who she really is and the true way of the world she's living in.

As if this story wasn't compelling enough, I mean, urban fantasy romance, were you not hooked already? Anyway, as if the story wasn't compelling enough, the character's development is loosely formatted like a video game; amongst some other similarities. Our beloved characters achieve or discover something new? Level up! (Not those words though, of course) This aspect really contributed to not just the story's originality but also to the absolute page turning effect.

I know we all throw this phrase around like it's nothing, but I couldn't put this book down. Realistically, who would want to put a book down. But this one? I'm talking nose to the pages, awake at four in the morning, wanting to finish it but not wanting it to be over.

This book comes out in one month. (April 18th, 2023) Do not miss out on drop day! This is a book you want/need on your shelves and absolutely will be rereading. I know I will 😋

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chimera Bounty pulled me in from the beginning with its easy flow and world-building that unfolded as Maeve learned about Corvin and the world she lives in. With a nod to video games and Jumanji, I quickly devoured the story and look forward to the next novel in the Fae Prison: Earth series.

Maeve is a twenty-something college student majoring in journalism who is currently investigating missing girls from a local nightclub in her spare time. She is working at a local bar and is tending tables at the bar when Corvin comes in. He keeps staring at her and the bangle she wears on her arm. The only thing she has of her mother’s.

The tale that unfolds brings danger, passion and discovery when Corvin is attacked outside her mobile home and Maeve in an effort to save him unlocks some weird powers. Corvin is looking for his brother and Maeve agrees to use her journalist skills to find him, IF he teaches her to unlock new skills.

The world-building was fascinating and included shifters, magic, the FAE, and aliens from other worlds. Earth and our creation isn’t what you think and magic has been suppressed, but i’ll leave you to discover that when you read this addictive tale.

The romance was swoony and involves fated mates. I loved Maeve and her fearless attitude. Corvin is a warrior who has been exposed to biological warfare and has some serious skills. I thought they made a brilliant match and found myself rooting for them.

Fans of fantasy & paranormal romance with shifters, and the Fae will want to check out this clever, addictive start to the series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO glad Ember and I crossed paths on Tiktok so I could be an ARC reader for this one!

This is an NA Urban Fantasy with romance, spice, magic, great world-building, and shape-shifting Fae. Our FMC, Maeve, is strong, capable, independent & witty. Our MMC, Corvin, is tough and sexy.

This was truly one of the most fun books I've read this year. I was audibly laughing every time the FMC 'unlocked a new skill'. It has almost a video game vibe to it, which I adore! This book is unpretentious and heart felt, and I'm so looking forward to book two.

Happy Release Day Eve, Ember. TYSM for letting me be an ARC reader. 💚

10/7/23- Just finished the audiobook ARC of this and it was amazing. Narrator Laura Horowitz is freaking fantastic. 🔥 I do not usually prefer audio to actually reading, but I did this time. Can't wait for book #2's audiobook!

[Mariaan Belinfante · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting characters most definitely. Mauve thought herself to be human wearing a bracelet from mother she didn't realised was special until she meets Corvin and gets tangled up in another world of experiences with magical and shifter abilities that can level up after new experiences. Add in new family connections, new types of shifters, spicey romance and you're hooked into page turner.
I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of finding not only yourself but a magical world of family. I enjoyed this book and the mysteries and turns it had. Would absolutely love more of these characters in the future!

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

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A pleasant introduction to a new author with her debut. An interesting twist on the genre with fantastic results' - The British Bibliophile

Thank you to 'suzi_royalreads' on Instagram, part of the Shaneiak Facebook group & Instagram account, for introducing me to Ember. Please follow Suzi for more author ARC and promo opportunities in the future

The Chimera Bounty is book one in Ember Holt's Fae Prison series. A series which will centre around the urban scene with a twist of fantasy thrown in. This isn't normally a genre I tend to pick as a reader--only having dabbled in the very rare paranormal/fantasy novel--, however, the ARC sign up form was very enticing and I decided to give it a shot and as always, that shot paid off.

First of all, let's look at the tropes which is what enticed me to take on this read:

✔ Urban Fantasy
✔ New Adult
✔ Shape-shifters
✔ Hero in Danger
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Found Family
✔ Gamer Vibes
✔ Spicy

Within this list and right off the bat are two of my top tropes, spicy and forced proximity. Others were tropes I'll happily read if they're included within a novel, plus a few that aren't my go-t0. The latter is not bad in any way. Luckily for me, the two tropes I love were done well and I'm genuinely impressed from a first-time writer in their uses. Well done!

Mysterious and captivating, the characters within this book were as intriguing as the storyline. They proved to be as alluring as they were complex--as most book characters are--, and a big round of applause to Ember for creating a strong, powerful and kick-ass heroine. I'm partial to the big, brutish, beastly men in the books I read but every now and then, a girl has to have a break and characters like Mauve saving the hero (Corvin), was a refreshing change and she was a delightful character to read. I'm sure Ember had the best time creating her for us.

Mauve and Corvin have so much to navigate during this read, from getting to know one another, power growth, learning to use abilities and tackling the whole shifting thing, Ember has done a brilliant job of not over-complicating anything or even singling out the fantasy element to this novel. I followed it quite easily and it wasn't difficult to get to know the names, terminologies or meanings behind anything, which has sometimes happened within other fantasy/urban fantasy novels.

I think that Ember has a lot to be proud of herself for with this debut book. Whatever you decide to rate it after you yourselves have read it, she's had the bravery to sit down and craft a story which has the potential to be a reader's favourite as well as part of a favourite series. It's very rare that we get to follow an author from the beginning of their journey, especially an indie author, so I have to be proud as a reader to be able to be given this chance to see the seedling beginnings of her work with this book, and to watch that seed grow into something bookishly beautiful. It's not easy to nail it on a debut, but I think she's done just that here.

Book two, I'm looking at you.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from this author and it’s the first book the Fae Prison: Earth series and The Chimera Bounty has Maeve, a journalist stuck in rut. Everything about her life is routine until one day everything she thought she knew about herself is blown apart thanks to a mysterious stranger called Corvin who just happens to be a fae shapeshifter and informs her that she is one as well. Not only that but he’s suffering from a fae form of rabies that is affecting his magic and he needs her help, so a deal is struck. The intrepid Maeve will track down the doctor who can cure Corvin and, in return he’ll teach her all about her magic.

Urban fantasy romance isn’t something I would usually read but I was instantly intrigued by the blurb for this book. The characters where great and there was a strong and steady flow to the writing, and I didn’t feel that the story faltered at any point. I also loved the strong thread of humour running through. The overall world building was fantastic with the author going into plenty of detail but without being overpowering so it was easy to visualise the scene in my mind as I listened. I’ll definitely be interested in reading/listening to more from this series.

I’m not usually a fan of single narration when it comes to audiobooks but Laura Horowitz, a new to me narrator, gave a fabulous performance with this book. She is one of the few narrators I’ve listened to who can switch between voicing male/female parts and sound believable doing so. I definitely wouldn’t hesitate in listening to her in future.

[Casey Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided an advance copy of this title from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I feel like Ember brings such a unique voice to the world of fantasy romance, as I giddily discovered recently while reading Brutal Rival, so I was more than eager to dive into The Chimera Bounty and to say that it surpassed my expectations would be to understate matters.

Y’all, first of all, Ember has no business being so freaking funny. I was CRACKING up at certain parts. My good friend Bean, from Haunted House Books on TikTok, who has also read the book and introduced me to Ember’s work, absolutely hit the nail on the head when she said that this series starter was a whole lot of fun and didn’t take itself too seriously.

Another world and group of characters that I’ll be happy to learn more about.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The whole video game, fantasy, spicy romance vibe is now my new favorite!
Maeve is not only a strong character, but she teaches the reader a thing or two along the way. I fell in love with her character & was rooting for her from the very beginning.
Corvin. Mr. Dark and broody in the beginning. His lack of knowledge how things work on earth was funny & I laughed several times at it. But his fierce desire to protect Maeve was very admirable.
I can’t wait to dive into the next book & see what occurs!

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting starter for the series! The magic system is similar to a video game or isekai anime/manga. It made me think at times of TenSura (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) with the displays popping up to give Maeve status updates when she was injured (though this wasn’t present in every fight?) or when she unlocked a new skill. The plot had a good flow and a couple twists that kept you wondering what side some characters were on. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment of Maeve and Corvin’s adventure. The end preview of the next book did have me wondering if this is going to turn into a reverse harem with her attraction to Dante.

In this series, Earth is a prison colony for an alternate dimension of chimera/magic beings and any children born there are also considered prisoners. The majority of people have no idea about this since there is a barrier around Earth that prevents anyone from accessing their magic or their beast forms. In order to access your magic, you need a magic jewelry item known as a hekara. You then need to level up to access more magic and spells – you only have a little to start and unlock more through actual life or death battles (training will only get you a little). The type of spells you can learn is also restricted based on your chimera lineage, leveling up reveals more of your lineage and eventually unlocks beast forms. Each species replenishes their power in different ways, though they all replenish a steady amount through rest. The other tricky part is time passes differently on different worlds.

Our main character is Maeve, she is an investigative journalist student who works part time at a bar and lives paycheck to paycheck in a bus she renovated. She meets the mysterious Corvin at the bar and there is an immediate attraction. Their separate investigations collide, he teaches her about the magic side of the world, and sparks fly. It was fun following their characters as they grew and as Maeve found her footing, though I didn’t feel much build up in regards to the romance. It felt like a middle ground between fated mates and romantic build-up. They were instantly attracted to each other but they also worked together and got to know each other a bit before jumping into bed.

I appreciated that while Maeve was a strong character, she also recognized her weaknesses. She knew she wasn’t strong enough for certain fights and so she stayed to the back lines and promised herself she would get stronger for future battles.

One issue I had was Maeve is supposedly running tiki porch duty alone at the bar as punishment for a lack of teamwork, though in my opinion this did not show anywhere else in the book. She worked well with both Corvin and Bechet, and the team jobs with the rest of the resistance flowed pretty smoothly.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chimera Bounty is a fantasy novel featuring Maeve Murphy and Corvin. Maeve is a journalism student who lives on a bus which she converted into a mobile apartment. Her life is fairly routine. In addition to going to school and writing some freelance articles, she works at Mario's Fishbowl, a bar in Morgantown, West Virginia. This is where she meets Corvin, a tall, fit, bronzed man who doesn't say much and seems reluctant to make eye contact. He expresses interest in the gold bangle she's wearing on her arm, a gift from the mother who left long ago.

Maeve later finds him outside her bus - restrained by something with the face of a hound, wings and smoke. In her efforts to scare off the monster, and those which follow, her life is forever changed. She learns that both she and Corvin are fae shapeshifters and that magic is real. She finds herself gaining abilities and "leveling up" learning new spells. She is fascinated and wants to learn more, plus she has no issues spending time by this very attractive man's side. She offers to use her investigative skills to assist him with his quest to find the doctor, in exchange for teaching her about magic.

You know those books which you start but can't finish? Yeah, this isn't one of those. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story because there was so much going on and I was trying to keep up but after that... hooked! Holt has written a wonderfully captivating fantasy novel filled with adventure, mystery, intrigue, humour and spice! As I approached the end of the book I was reluctant to finish as I didn't want it to end. I was delighted to find out that the second book in this series, The Starlite Heist, will be released in July 2023. I am very excited to read more about Maeve and Corvin and their adventures. For two fantasy-based fictional characters, they are highly relatable.

The Chimera Bounty, book 1 of the Fae Prison series, comes out April 18th. Do yourself a favour and pre-order it now.

[Scarlett Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chimera Bounty by Ember Holt is an amazing start to what is bound to be a great series.

The world building is detail enough for the reader to get a clear understanding of the history leading up to the time this story takes place. However, at no time does it feel like an info dump.

Maeve is a fun, strong heroine who knows her limits and is willing and eager to push them. She is brave without being arrogant or foolish.

Corvin is a strong hero who is not afraid to show his vulnerability. He is smart enough to ask for help when it is prudent and confident enough to take charge of the situation when required.

It’s a weird thing to say of a novel that is essentially well and truly in the realm of fantasy - but the characters are realistic and I love that about them.

Thank you Ember Holt and BookSirens for sharing this ARC with me.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!! This NA Urban Romantasy was so amazing to experience! I absolutely loved the FMC Maeve Murphy and the MMV Corvin. Maeve was a student journalist and worked at a bar. She met Corvin at the bar as a customer. She saw Corvin fighting a Bau and helped him. They fell in love.


I got the advanced listener copy (ALC) for this book!! I absolutely loved the narrator Laura Horowitz. She did absolutely amazing!!

Favorite Quotes:
“I promised to protect you. Whether that be from a bau or a khin’s slap, I intend to keep that promise.”

“I would endure my fate a hundred thousand times over if it led me to you.”

“You are mine.”
“And you’re mine,”

[Kera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so unserious. I loved it. It was a perfect fantasy palette cleanser.

In this book, earth is a prison for chimeras from another planet. The main character, having been born on earth, has no idea until a run in with our love interest reveals she herself has powers. The fmc gets a crash course in chimera magic while trying to figure out why girls keep going missing from her town.

If you’re looking for a heavy detailed fantasy, this is not it. But, if you want an entertaining comedy filled magic book then yes definitely read it. I wish we got a little more relationship development between the main characters. It was definitely insta lust which arent my fav but they are soooo sweet together that I could look past it.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who’s been a lucky bookworm & got to read an e-ARC of The Chimera Bounty by Ember Holt? This one! And a *huge* thank you has to go to Book Sirens & the author for letting me read this thrilling NA urban fantasy. This shifter tale is not only full of a lot of new ideas, it also features incredibly captivating characters. Who could turn away from that?!

Ember has completely reshaped my idea of shifters, because this is no cookie cutter tale of wolves, lions or bears. What do we get instead? Chimeras. Seriously, yes, we get *chimeras*. I had the biggest thrill running down my spine reading about them, not to mention the Naga crime lord!

And let me tell you, there are some characters whom we’ll protect to the very end, because they’re both fierce & ridiculously adorable at the same time. Who am I talking about? Corvin. He’s so determined to find a cure, & to right the many wrongs of the fae realm. And yet the poor guy was flummoxed by a burrito Maeve hands him, & I swear he lives to confuse Bechet. When you read The Chimera Bounty, you’ll find a specific moment between these two males which left me chuckling for a *long* time. Ember really knows how to write engaging characters & it is fantastic!

Do you love urban fantasy, unique shifters & resourceful heroines? Check out my FULL review on my blog via this link: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/the-c...

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ALC in exchange for honest review*

The whole unique concept of this world was what struck me the most when first reading this book. It takes the idea of Fae and Fantasy and melds it with a dash of urban dystopia and adventure which makes it a thrilling read. I honestly couldn't put it down and kept wanting to know what would happen next.

Maeve, our intrepid feisty heroine is everything you want. She's a fierce independent struggling investigative journalism student and teams up with grumpy broody Fae Corvin as they are on a frantic search for a mythical Doctor who can hopefully cure the terrible disease afflicting Corvin all while sinister forces are trying to stop them.

The pacing is fast and punchy, the chemistry between Maeve and Corvin is delicious from their delightful banter to explosive passion and the world building is fantastic.

I am definitely hooked ready for the next instalment and so happy I now have a new author to follow.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to me author with a great start to a new series! I really enjoyed the premise of this book. An interesting take on how the characters aquire their powers and "level-up".
The chemistry between Corvin and Maeve was fantastic and I loved all of the different characters Maeve encountered.
I was definitely digging this story and can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Tara Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love!

The world building, characters and story are phenomenal. I loved the mixing of our real world and fantasy elements. And Corvin and Maeve are just so cute together, I can’t wait to learn more and see some of my favorite characters return in following books. I am now forever a fan!

[Monica McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! New author to me (TIKTOK hasn’t failed me yet!) Fae shifters, great banter between the FMC & MMC - Leveling up on power video gaming style…seriously, what’s not to love?!?!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked into this book quickly despite life not letting me finish in a reasonable timeframe. The author did an amazing job developing a unique world where Fea and fantasy meld into an adventurous read. The chemistry and banter between the MCs will have your nose to book for as long as life allows you. The spicy romance and pacing made this a captivating read. I can't wait to see what adventure Maeve and Corvin get up to next.

Definitely add this book to your bookshelves!

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

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Corvin and Maeve! This is such a cute coming of age, found family romance with fantasy. It was cute the way their magic played like a video game. I'm excited to read book 2!

[Breanna Garay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start?! This book was amazing from start to finish. The author did such an amazing job developing the main characters, that I fell in love with both of them by the end of the book. I’m newer to fantasy and this book was so easy to just dive into. There is fantasy, humor, mystery, and lots of hot spice. I love how unique the magic system is. I can’t wait for the 2nd and 3rd books!

[Eleanor]

I really enjoyed the book and the plot was well structured! The way the story was written kept me guessing about who was on which side for most of the book. However, the main character's development seems really fast. She goes from being completely clueless to quite competent very quickly. This didn't seem super plausible to be so I am giving it 4 stars.

All in all I really enjoyed the book.

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

[Jay myrandomspace2023 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read this because of book 3 😁 still think it's a 4 to 4.25. It's a great novel with a great story line. I, personally, think the MFC is a little bit too much (hard to explain). However, I love the development she has throughout the book. Plus she has an amazing connection with all the characters. Definitely worth the read, and I'm glad I read it twice!

[Callien creel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Ember for giving me a audiobook arc!

In the bustling chaos of college life, Maeve's world takes an unexpected turn when the enigmatic Corvin enters the scene, catapulting her into a realm where reality and magic intertwine.

Prepare for a whirlwind of enchantment as The Chimera Bounty thrusts readers into the seemingly ordinary life of Maeve, a 20-something balancing the demands of college, work, and the pursuit of a breakthrough in her journalism career. The narrative takes an exhilarating turn when the charismatic and mysterious Corvin enters her life, setting off a chain of events that challenges everything Maeve thought she knew about herself and the world around her. The author crafts a narrative that skillfully intertwines elements of romance, magic, and adventure, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installments in the series.

The story's strength lies in its immersive narrative style, allowing readers to experience the same confusion and discovery as the protagonist, Maeve. As she unravels the mysteries of the world, the audience is taken on a thrilling ride of revelations and magical encounters. The writing effectively captures the essence of Maeve's journey, making it a captivating experience.

What makes this urban fantasy romance truly stand out is not just its gripping premise but the ingenious approach to character development. Drawing inspiration from video game dynamics, the characters' growth is likened to leveling up, a creative touch that adds a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the narrative. The fusion of Earth and the fantastical realms, complete with intricate language, chimera, realm structure, and politics, creates a rich tapestry that seamlessly blends with the known laws of reality. It's a masterstroke that not only enhances the story's originality but also ensures that every page is a compelling invitation to unravel the next thrilling revelation.

The irresistible allure of The Chimera Bounty lies in its relentless grip on the reader's attention. It was difficult to put the book down. The characters, particularly the protagonist, Maeve, are a highlight. Maeve's directness, capability, and unapologetic demeanor make her a compelling lead. The love interest and supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and spice to the story. The narrative strikes a perfect balance, delivering just enough sizzle to keep readers hooked.

In the realm of urban fantasy romance, The Chimera Bounty emerges as a shining star, seamlessly blending the ordinary with the extraordinary, and the mundane with the magical. As Maeve's world transforms, so does the reader's experience, creating an unputdownable journey that lingers long after the final page is turned. Prepare to be spellbound by the enchanting fusion of romance and fantasy in this gripping tale of self-discovery and unexpected love. As you turn the final page, you can't help but wonder what other enchantments await Maeve in the next chapter of her extraordinary journey. Are you ready to be captivated?

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enthralling Romantasy Adventure - The Chimera Bounty Delivers!

The Chimera Bounty by Ember Holt is an absolute gem that completely captivated me from start to finish. I was completely hooked, losing track of time until the wee hours of the morning. I was so engrossed in the story that I had to stifle my laughter to avoid waking up my partner.

The heart of this book lies in its incredible characters, and I fell head over heels for the fiery and determined Maeve, the main female protagonist. Her go-getter nature, combined with her unwavering love and care for others, made her an incredibly relatable and inspiring character. I couldn't help but cheer her on throughout the entire journey.

And then there's Corvin, who managed to be both adorably confused and irresistibly swoon-worthy. His character development was exceptional, and I found myself falling in love with him just as Maeve did. The chemistry between these two was electric, and their banter had me cackling with delight.

What sets The Chimera Bounty apart is its unique blend of romantasy and contemporary romance. The infusion of video game elements into the world of magic was a brilliant twist, reminiscent of the excitement and adventure found in games like Skyrim. It added an extra layer of enjoyment that had me eagerly turning the pages.

I must mention Corvin's encounters with "normies" throughout the book, as they were an endless source of amusement. Each interaction left me in stitches, and I couldn't help but appreciate the well-placed humor that injected even more life into the story.

The pacing of the book was spot-on, keeping me on the edge of my seat with each twist and turn. Ember Holt masterfully weaves together a thrilling narrative that never loses its momentum. The story itself is captivating and left me yearning for more.

In conclusion, The Chimera Bounty is a fantastic read that delivers on all fronts. With its engaging characters, witty banter, and a perfect blend of romance and fantasy, it's a book that deserves a special place on your shelf. Ember Holt has crafted an exceptional tale that will keep you up all night, eagerly turning the pages until the very end. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a riveting and enchanting reading experience.

Grab your copy today, and prepare to be spellbound!

[Morally A. Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets begin with the review of this MASTERPIECE, shal we?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This magical, modern, and thrilling world was just what I needed for a good afternoon read... Except, my plan was to only read a few hours and have this book take more than a day. I started this read at roughly 6pm, and had to force myself to put it down with like, less than 90 pages left. During my adventure with this book, I was messaging the author giving RAW and UNEDITED feedback, my predictions, and my shocks (Along with my massive fangirling because the sex scenes and edging in this book are PHENOMANAL!)

*May contain spoilers from this point on*

FMC Maeve Murphy was just your average girl! Going to college to be a journalist, and working at the Fishbowl (A bar) on the side to get some extra cash. As the nights continued on, a good looking man begins to show up and he knows more about our fiery little redhead than she knows about herself.

MMC Corvin, had to be saved from the very beginning. He had only met Maeve once, and he already knew what was to come. Our dark haired, steel gray eyed boy had me wrapped around his finger the moment he was introduced.

The two then get in a fight-- an enemy was going to unalive our Corvin- but Maeve to the rescue. She from that fight on showed possessiveness and a will to live. Corvin was very possessive as well. Small thing like stepping in front of Maeve when a dangerous potential enemy was around, or coming to her rescue as she did to him.

This book is a work of art.


THIS MESSAGE IS FOR EMBER HOLT; AUTHOR OF THE CHIMERA BOUNTY:

Ember Holt,
Do you know how much of a blessing you are? This book, along with Brutal Rivals is amazing. I have to read Starlight Heist right away before the second book in BR drops.

You are my favorite author so far. These books are MAGICAL. Your writing style is AMAZING and captivates me EVERY. TIME. I. OPEN. A. BOOK.

Keep up the good work, and if you EVER need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.

xx - Alli

[Hope (bookedwithhope) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The Chimera Bounty offers a new twist on urban fantasy and romantasy that had me on the edge of my seat. While this is technically in the realm of fae romance, it is so unique and unlike any other book in its genre.

Maeve is your typical college student who's trying to make ends meet. One night, she meets a mysterious man, Corvin, at the bar she works, and when he pulls her into his world, her life will never be the same again. Maeve learns that earth is a prison realm for fae and that everyone on earth is either a prisoner or prison keeper, and everyone is a Chimera (basically, a being made up of different animals) with magic potential. Each person is made up of a percentage of different animals, which gives them different powers, spells, and shapeshifting abilities. It also turns out that fraebies (fae rabies) is a thing amongst the fae, and Corvin has it.

Together, Maeve and Corvin set on a quest to find the doctor who created and can, hopefully, cure fraebies. This adventure leads them down a dangerous path where they meet other Chimera and find out that the doctor is keeping more secrets than they had anticipated. Along the way, Corvin and Maeve develop feelings for each other and have to decide whether they're going to stick to business or act on their emotions.

I absolutely love the magic system the author created and the way it almost resembled a video game with "leveling up" and "unlocking spells." The ratio of plot to spice was perfect, and the spicy scenes were very well-written while not distracting from the overall storyline.

I'm excited to see where the author takes this series next! There's a lot more to discover in this world, and I can't wait to read it.

You should check out The Chimera Bounty if you like the following tropes:
- Fated mates
- Forced proximity
- Spice
- Found family
- Shapeshifters
- Fae
- Urban fantasy
- Magic

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED THIS BOOK! Easy read, a great story and I CANNOT wait for book 2! I give it 2 chilis for the book, but since the book does have the first chapter (or part of the first chapter for book 2 I'm upping it to 2.5 chilies for spice).

The premise of the book: you find out the Earth you know is actually a prison world where all the other worlds sent their bad guys and you find out your family were prison guards for Earth. Throw in a hekara that shows you your lineage for your Chimera & all the magic and spell you've learned so far and like a video game you go level up as you fight and gain more strength & knowledge of your spells.

Maeve is a strong character and I liked that she was always ready to dive into any challenge she faced (maybe that was the journalist in her who always wanted to know everything). I didn't get the instantaneous connection feeling between her & Corvin right away as I think it was intended but I did get it later on, so I would've liked a little more at the begging to feel that spark but the way their story evolved was beautifully done.

Corvin is a quiet bruting type with a secret, not only is he a Chimera from another world, but Earth is a prison world & he has been sent there to find the doctor who can cure his "fraebies" or Zalnur, which leads him to lose control in his Chimera form.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it. My only notes were that the "spark" between the two main characters at the beginning I didn't really feel and the fight scene at the end felt a little rushed, but still a great read & I can't wait for book 2!!!!