Bound By Shadows

by Jess Peters

The Wielders are there to protect us. They serve the Kingdom and the Royal Family.

I never expected magic to awaken within me, to become one of them. Not just any Wielder, but a Shadow Wielder.

The same magic which flows through me, flows through the Crowned Prince, Roland Artemis. It's down to us to give this Kingdom salvation from The Darkness and its brutal attacks.

How can I possibly focus on developing my wielding skills when the Prince is looking at me so intently? It would be so easy to lose myself in those blue eyes.

Maybe we share more between us than just our magic, like some deeper connection. Shadow Wielded Magic is the only type that can be channelled and shared after all. Maybe there's a reason for that.

I needed to be careful, because the Kingdom and its people won't be the only thing that I needed to protect. My heart may be on the line as well.


This is the first book in a dark fantasy series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

About the author

Jess Peters, a born in Southend-on-Sea, UK, initially honed her skills as an aviation engineer before transitioning into the realms of literature and screenwriting. From an early age, Jess immersed herself in the art of storytelling, evolving from crafting short stories to formally pursuing writing in 2020 with her book, Alchemy Academy. Now, four years into her creative journey, she is set to embark on a compelling new chapter, dedicated to bringing her envisioned series to the screen.

An accomplished author, Jess specializes in contemporary and paranormal romance. Her completed series, "Riverside Docks Crew" and "Alchemy Academy," showcase her narrative prowess, while ongoing projects like the Mafia series, beginning with "Captured (Dark Empire Book 1)," and the dark paranormal series with "Bound by Shadows (The Wielders Book 1)," reflect her diverse storytelling abilities. Notably, her bestselling series, featuring titles like "Explicitly Owned," "Explicitly Found," and "Explicitly Empowered," offers a spicy and captivating reading experience.



Follow me on twitter @J_Peters_author and on Facebook. (Jess Peters author) and Instagram @jesspeters_author

Blog/website:
www.jessreviews.co.uk

https://www.amazon.com/author/jesspeters



Instagram:
@lordlouis_persian
(yes, there for my cats...)
And don't forget the tortoise @hermes_tortoise

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you like fantasy novels. It is well-written and the romance is great! The battle in this book is tangible and I really got into the story. The author does a great job of captivating your attention all the way through to the end. I really felt a connection with this book it absorbed me into the story, I mean I wish I could have the prince! 😜

Five stars for the Author's ability to grab the reader's attention and for a great story! I'll definitely be reading it again!

[Once Upon a Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, modern time story with fantasy elements of wielders (Sun, Moon and rare Shadow wielders) who fight in the army to protect the commoners against the growing Darkness that swallows cities and people whole. The concept reminded me of Shadow and Bone, except this book, Bound by Shadows, was more primarily focused on the romance then on the storyline and world building.

Personally the romance felt a bit too rushed for me, and I would have liked more world building as well as focus and details on the storyline and characters, including side characters, rather then just the romance. It also would have been fun to read other dynamics too, because it is simply more realistic that way and would have done the story more justice in my opinion. For example interactions between Roland and Erika's father, Erika and the commanders who are close with Roland, Erika en Sophie, Erika and Rosie, Roland and any of the servants, Erika and Roland with and any of the nobles or ministers would have been fun.

I'm curious what will happen in book two and i'm hoping the storyline will be more at the forefront than the romance. I love Erika and Roland, but I would love to see the romance become more secondary to the plot. That said, of course I can't wait for Erika and Roland to kick ass together!

[Luckylovesbooks]

August 8, 2023
DNF @5%

Got to 5% and nope. Something is off about the writing. It’s moving WAYYYYYY too fast. Like lightening fast. No buildup whatsoever. By chapter 2 she’s in a training Academy, and she’s already had a moment with the general. Oh and gotten into a fight 🙄🙄. Everything seems very robotic. I KNOW I can’t continue with this book. It’d be a wast of time.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Shadows by Jess Peters is book one in The Wielders Series. When I read that this is a dark fantasy series I was already invested. So after reading the blurb of this book I knew I needed it in my life. I’m so happy to say the book lived up to my high hopes if not exceeding it. I read the book in one sitting, never lowering it once… honestly I didn’t leave my couch. I forgot how to adult for a few hours. What incredible worldbuilding! The descriptions were so on point I was able to picture everything that I was reading. The plot and pace were amazing, I couldn’t wait to know more. The characters had such emotions and depth it was easy to find them relatable. I was invested! I can’t wait to read the next book as I’m already a fan.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Amber Keehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me a bit of Shadow and Bone (the Dark Prince, Darkling, hello) and took off immediately from the very beginning. I always like the fantasy stories that start with the FMC not knowing her own powers and the dark, anti-hero having to teach her. These two were no exception...and it was definitely a steamier version of the above mentioned book. Enjoyable read and excited for the next book!.

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

[Anisah Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read which you can easily finish in a day.
A story about a young girl who discovers she has magic and her relationship with the Crown Prince.
I feel like there could be so much more done with this story which focuses largely on the main characters romance.
We need the backstory about the shadows, where have they come from? When did it start? Why the suspicions about your dad? Who tried to assassinate your girlfriend and why?

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like fantasy? You probably will get into this book. Erika did not know she had magic, but when it showed up she now is a protector and has to learn to weild it. When she goes to the Prince he sends her to train. When she goes to train she is told she can not be there to train. So Roland decides to train her himself. Why? What is really going on between them?.

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

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this authors book and she’s a new author for me. There were a few errors in the book which is why I have four stars because it takes away from the book.
With that being said Erika was a relatable character and I really enjoyed how she defended the underdog. She wasn’t a doormat and accepting rude behavior from people even if she knew the fight was winnable.

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

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters and an entertaining storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. It moves fluidly and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a phenomenal book. The world that the author has created is breathtaking. The characters are completely connectable and you definitely become invested. I could not put this down. This was a page turner that dragged my heart through hills and valleys.I wait on baited breath for the next book.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fact that it's dual pov. I feel like not many authors do that. I literally couldn't put the book down once I started. I did cry pretty hard when they broke up. I felt the heartache myself. I'm anxiously awaiting book 2.

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

[Booklvr89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting fantasy romance. I haven't read too many magic type romances lately but I couldn't pass this one up, it has an innocent heroine and mystical royal prince.... couldn't say no to that and I'm so glad I decided to read it.

I loved it!.

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

[michelle may · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF this book, not a fan of the writing at all (it was terrible) and I couldn’t get past the ridiculous nicknames the characters had for each other. There was almost no world building and this book just was not doing it for me. I did give it a fair shot,getting 40% of the way in before I decided I’m not wasting any more of my time on one.

[Brandy France · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over all I loved the plot and how the author had me so into the story I didn't realize it was 2am till I was done with it . I would had loved a little more background on certain things that were brought up in the book maybe book 2? I loved getting lost in a magical romance thank you

[El · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It had the perfect amount of spice with fantasy. I can’t wait to read the next book and get some answers to how everything began.

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

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would’ve liked more world building but I enjoyed the story and the characters! The steam was great but I’m not a fan of virgin fmc, but I knew going into the book that she was.

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

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book One of The Wielders is a mix of fantasy, romance, magic, and action. This book is a lot of foundational knowledge and world building and the romance of Erika and Roland. Enjoyable start to a new series. Dual POV. Looking forward to Book Two.

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is most definitely an addictive book. I hate the last page of this book because it is so good. I can’t wait for the next book to come. I most definitely put it on my favorite list.

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

[Brittany Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound By Shadows by Jess Peters is an amazing dark fantasy romance. Bound By Shadows is the first book in The Wielders series. The story is entertaining, dark, interesting, engaging, enjoyable and more.

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

[Grace Farnsworth PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️
Entertaining ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing style ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Darkness 🚫
Spice 🥵🥵

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun light read with intriguing characters, good world building, and just enough spice. The story line kept me intrigued with a few curve balls and suspense that has me ready for the next book.

[Melissa Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominant prince ✔️ darkness creeping in. New found magic and love. So lots of spiciness.

[Simona Adzgauskaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly would have been good book, I had to dnf because of mistakes, it also looked like parts have been skipped as it went from one thing in one sentence next to another thing in next sentence..

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading more as Rolo and Rika's lives grow together

[Stefanie McLain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Jess Peters did a wonderful job of creating a world that is so close to Earth, but just as different. We meet Erika as she is getting into trouble. Due to the magic that Erika used, she must go see the General, aka the crown Prince Roland. After meeting Erika and seeing for himself the type of magic she is using, Roland sends Erika to the training academy. Erika and Roland both felt drown to one another. Roland came to check on Erika's training one day and ends up helping her. But sadly Erika gets into a fight and is told she can no longer be trained at the academy as no one there used the same type of magic. This is where Roland steps in and takes Erika back to the palace so he can train her himself. Will they be able to stay professional while living together, or will they give in to their desire?