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Wild Hearts #5
Bonds of Blood
Family matters.
With the help of his found family and his beloved Prince Sylvain, Lochlann Wilde has finally conquered the four oriels of the Wispwood. Now that the elemental gemstones are united in his amulet, Locke can earn Aphrodite’s favor.
Whatever that may be. But there’s plenty to do in the meantime, anyway. Catching up with his mom, for example, or exploring his true identity as a half-undine human. Sylvain’s hotness and histrionics keep him very busy, too.
But something strange is afoot at the academy. The arrival of a familiar face, a mythical mage, a living legend… except that no one even knew he was still alive.
Grand Summoner Baylor Wilde has returned to the Wispwood.
With the help of his found family and his beloved Prince Sylvain, Lochlann Wilde has finally conquered the four oriels of the Wispwood. Now that the elemental gemstones are united in his amulet, Locke can earn Aphrodite’s favor.
Whatever that may be. But there’s plenty to do in the meantime, anyway. Catching up with his mom, for example, or exploring his true identity as a half-undine human. Sylvain’s hotness and histrionics keep him very busy, too.
But something strange is afoot at the academy. The arrival of a familiar face, a mythical mage, a living legend… except that no one even knew he was still alive.
Grand Summoner Baylor Wilde has returned to the Wispwood.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2023
41 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Nazri Noor
52 books394 followersHi, I'm Nazri, a Filipino-Malaysian author based in California. I’m trilingual, but I really only write in English. I can also speak just enough Sindarin and Valyrian to impress absolutely no one. My urban fantasy novels focus on realistic heroes who use wits, style, and their wildly unpredictable magic to (try) and save the day. Think sass and class, while kicking ass.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
My influences come from horror and fantasy: HP Lovecraft, Anne Rice, George R.R. Martin, Chuck Palahniuk, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman. Growing up I was shaped by the Blood Sword, Fighting Fantasy, Lone Wolf, and Grey Star game book universes. I'm also inspired by video games, specifically the Castlevania, Final Fantasy, and Persona series.
TL;DR: I'm a huge nerd. And yes, that's my real hair. I try to donate it to the American Cancer Society as often as I can. Also, have you heard? You can get a free book at www.NazriNoor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 3, 2024
I've g8ven this an A for narration and a B for conteny at AudioGals
The finale to Nazri Noor’s Wild Hearts series, Bonds of Blood provides some long-awaited answers to the questions posed throughout the series and an HEA for Locke and his fae prince – but not before our heroes finally come face to face with the perpetrator of the Withering and the plot to destroy the Wispwood and everyone in it.
At the end of Sons of Sorrow, Locke learned that the mother he’d believed dead was not only alive, but that she was an undine, an elemental being associated with water – which explains his newly-discovered ability to breathe underwater. As he and his mother become reacquainted, news reaches the Wispwood about his other parent – Grand Summoner Baylor Wilde has returned and wants to reunite with his family.
But all is not as it seems, and, on top of shocking revelations, comes a terrible betrayal, one that could cost Locke everything he’s ever wanted, while Sylvain has to trust that there are some bonds even stronger than the bonds of blood.
Bonds of Blood is the shortest book in the series (the audio comes in at just over four hours) and the author doesn’t waste any time getting into the thick of the action. The pieces quickly fall into place, and with the stakes higher than ever, Locke, Sylvain and their friends are caught up in a battle for survival against their deadliest and most devious enemy yet. I enjoyed the story and the way Locke’s friends and everyone at the Wispwood rallied round to do whatever they had to to fight off the danger, and Locke and Sylvain’s HEA is well-deserved. I can’t deny, though, that this feels more like an extended epilogue than a complete novel; perhaps these events should have been incorporated into a longer book four rather than published separately. I was pleased with the uneasy truce reached by Locke and Evander Skink, but there’s no resolution to the mini-bombshell dropped in Sons of Sorrow over the question of Sylvain’s parentage.
It’s always a pleasure to listen to Greg Boudreaux, and he once again delivers an excellent performance comprising a wide variety of characterisations and perfectly realised emotions. I love the way he conveys Sylvain’s deadpan humour and Locke’s long-suffering but affectionate snark; his raspy interpretation of Headmaster Shivers is really creepy, and the smarmy arrogance that oozes from Baylor Wilde is spot on. The large secondary cast is superbly rendered, from goddesses to unicorns to tiny fire demons and pixies, and the action scenes are tense and exciting. Mr. Boudreaux’s work on this series has been superb throughout and I really hope he gets the opportunity to work with the author again someday. So it’s goodbye to Locke, Sylvain and everyone in the Wispwood, and a big thank you to Nazri Noor for sharing them and their stories with us. Bonds of Blood is a satisfying conclusion to the Wild Hearts series and I’m eagerly looking forward to Iron Hearts, due to follow later this year.
The finale to Nazri Noor’s Wild Hearts series, Bonds of Blood provides some long-awaited answers to the questions posed throughout the series and an HEA for Locke and his fae prince – but not before our heroes finally come face to face with the perpetrator of the Withering and the plot to destroy the Wispwood and everyone in it.
At the end of Sons of Sorrow, Locke learned that the mother he’d believed dead was not only alive, but that she was an undine, an elemental being associated with water – which explains his newly-discovered ability to breathe underwater. As he and his mother become reacquainted, news reaches the Wispwood about his other parent – Grand Summoner Baylor Wilde has returned and wants to reunite with his family.
But all is not as it seems, and, on top of shocking revelations, comes a terrible betrayal, one that could cost Locke everything he’s ever wanted, while Sylvain has to trust that there are some bonds even stronger than the bonds of blood.
Bonds of Blood is the shortest book in the series (the audio comes in at just over four hours) and the author doesn’t waste any time getting into the thick of the action. The pieces quickly fall into place, and with the stakes higher than ever, Locke, Sylvain and their friends are caught up in a battle for survival against their deadliest and most devious enemy yet. I enjoyed the story and the way Locke’s friends and everyone at the Wispwood rallied round to do whatever they had to to fight off the danger, and Locke and Sylvain’s HEA is well-deserved. I can’t deny, though, that this feels more like an extended epilogue than a complete novel; perhaps these events should have been incorporated into a longer book four rather than published separately. I was pleased with the uneasy truce reached by Locke and Evander Skink, but there’s no resolution to the mini-bombshell dropped in Sons of Sorrow over the question of Sylvain’s parentage.
It’s always a pleasure to listen to Greg Boudreaux, and he once again delivers an excellent performance comprising a wide variety of characterisations and perfectly realised emotions. I love the way he conveys Sylvain’s deadpan humour and Locke’s long-suffering but affectionate snark; his raspy interpretation of Headmaster Shivers is really creepy, and the smarmy arrogance that oozes from Baylor Wilde is spot on. The large secondary cast is superbly rendered, from goddesses to unicorns to tiny fire demons and pixies, and the action scenes are tense and exciting. Mr. Boudreaux’s work on this series has been superb throughout and I really hope he gets the opportunity to work with the author again someday. So it’s goodbye to Locke, Sylvain and everyone in the Wispwood, and a big thank you to Nazri Noor for sharing them and their stories with us. Bonds of Blood is a satisfying conclusion to the Wild Hearts series and I’m eagerly looking forward to Iron Hearts, due to follow later this year.
December 14, 2023
Goodbye sapling, starling, little darling…
..how is it already the end of this series? This was my first Nazri Noor series and it remains to this day my favourite.
I listened to all of these and Greg Boudreaux has done an amazing job of capturing the characters’ personalities, as well as capturing the humour and lightness of Nazri Noor’s writing.
This last installment was just as good as the previous ones. It could’ve been a bit longer (but I would say that.. I didn’t want it to end), but it did tie up some loose ends and as always, it was great to see Locke and Sylvain back in action (in all senses of the word).
..how is it already the end of this series? This was my first Nazri Noor series and it remains to this day my favourite.
I listened to all of these and Greg Boudreaux has done an amazing job of capturing the characters’ personalities, as well as capturing the humour and lightness of Nazri Noor’s writing.
This last installment was just as good as the previous ones. It could’ve been a bit longer (but I would say that.. I didn’t want it to end), but it did tie up some loose ends and as always, it was great to see Locke and Sylvain back in action (in all senses of the word).
November 11, 2023
This part was worth the wait.
I loved every page and was very happy with every turn the end of this series took.
I loved every page and was very happy with every turn the end of this series took.
December 12, 2023
Bonds of Blood by Nazri Noor was truly an excellent and enjoyable addition to the Wild Hearts series. I was anticipating everything and I was so engaged with this audiobook. Greg Boudreaux as always did a fantastic job narrating and embodying each character perfectly, especially Loch and Sylvain's relationship dynamic! Loch, Sylvain, and their friends rise to the call of battle, yet this time around they have everything to lose if they do not excel in their quest. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book I will not spoil anything, but it is well worth the listen. Ultimately every book in this series has been engaging and so much fun! I have fallen in love with this series; I believe this is the last book of the series, but if not I look forward to more adventures. I look forward to future books by Nazri Noor!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
November 12, 2023
Wow. This is book 5 in this series and should be read in order. Locke and Sylvain are still so hot together. As his mom is trying to regain her memories of being in the well, Satchell comes running saying his father has returned. What should have been a great reunion, ends up taking a more disastrous turn. God Locke’s father is a pain. With the help of his friends and elementals, Locke is in the fight for his life to save Wispwood. Love this world and here is hoping there is more in this series.
May 25, 2024
Bonds of Blood (Audible)
By Nazri Noor
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
Four stars
The final adventure of Lock Wilde and his beloved fae prince, Sylvain—charmingly narrated by Greg Boudreaux. Of course, Boudreaux’s narration is tops, because he can pull all these characters out of his voice, which is a kind of magic in itself.
As the title suggests, this book focuses, for the first time, on family—Lock’s long-lost family. He’s been alone for a long time at Wispwood, and has managed to not only accomplish a lot more than some people thought he ever would; but he’s also found love in the most unlikely place. Sylvain (who always calls him “little human”) has evolved into a real partner, and more than just the spoiled, muscle-bound princeling that Lock accidentally summoned back in the first book.
But it’s more than that. Lock has also become a mensch. He is compassionate, he cares about his friends—even the “little people” (literally and figuratively) at Wispwood, like his familiar pixie and the imps who help keep the school/castle running. Having been surly and a loner mostly at the start, he is an expansive, confident, and caring wizard.
It is that evolved Lock Wilde who must confront a really dark truth in this final chapter, and that will test not only his skills as a wizard, but his network of friends and supporters. There is all the humor and, honestly, silliness of the first books here; but here is a darkness that is not just physical danger, but emotional upheaval unlike anything Lock has ever encountered.
It has been a great series, and I recommend it highly to anyone who loves the paranormal fantasy genre.
By Nazri Noor
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
Four stars
The final adventure of Lock Wilde and his beloved fae prince, Sylvain—charmingly narrated by Greg Boudreaux. Of course, Boudreaux’s narration is tops, because he can pull all these characters out of his voice, which is a kind of magic in itself.
As the title suggests, this book focuses, for the first time, on family—Lock’s long-lost family. He’s been alone for a long time at Wispwood, and has managed to not only accomplish a lot more than some people thought he ever would; but he’s also found love in the most unlikely place. Sylvain (who always calls him “little human”) has evolved into a real partner, and more than just the spoiled, muscle-bound princeling that Lock accidentally summoned back in the first book.
But it’s more than that. Lock has also become a mensch. He is compassionate, he cares about his friends—even the “little people” (literally and figuratively) at Wispwood, like his familiar pixie and the imps who help keep the school/castle running. Having been surly and a loner mostly at the start, he is an expansive, confident, and caring wizard.
It is that evolved Lock Wilde who must confront a really dark truth in this final chapter, and that will test not only his skills as a wizard, but his network of friends and supporters. There is all the humor and, honestly, silliness of the first books here; but here is a darkness that is not just physical danger, but emotional upheaval unlike anything Lock has ever encountered.
It has been a great series, and I recommend it highly to anyone who loves the paranormal fantasy genre.
November 8, 2023
I have to say that this was a fantastic ending to this series. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. Loch and Sylvain and their friends once again must take up the call to battle but this time they have everything to lose if they don't succeed in their quest. Loch's heart is full when his mother's health starts to improve and his found family are joyful that Loch has his mother back. Then Loch's supposedly dead father shows up a changed man. Caring, loving and generous of heart, he convinces all, including Loch that he has changed. Leave anger out of the picture. Loch's heart has only fury in his mind and heart when he and the school are betrayed. Loch makes acquaintance with his other half. Will Loch and his friends have it in them to win the day or will a rogue, bullying, evil mage win the day? Fortunately our author has written a great story that will leave all of you also on the edges of your seats. A great ending to an excellent series. On to the next!!
November 10, 2023
Bonds of Blood by Nazri Noor is the 5th and final book in the Wild Hearts series and is great.
Lochlann’s long missing mother and father are back! It’s a family reunion taking place in the Wispwood. What could possibly go wrong? Lochlann’s father, Grand Summoner Baylor, just wants to get to know his son, right?
I really enjoyed watching all of the pieces fall in place, while Lochlann and his friends came to grips with the reality of the situation. You will love it too!
Lochlann’s long missing mother and father are back! It’s a family reunion taking place in the Wispwood. What could possibly go wrong? Lochlann’s father, Grand Summoner Baylor, just wants to get to know his son, right?
I really enjoyed watching all of the pieces fall in place, while Lochlann and his friends came to grips with the reality of the situation. You will love it too!
December 30, 2023
You just have to love the last book in a series where you finally get answers. I thought this wrapped up really well, and didn't try to shut down the characters having their own lives after the book's conclusion. I'm a little disappointed that the two female friends of the main character didn't get more attention throughout the series, so I guess I just need to hope that they get their own little spin-off books
October 17, 2025
Bonds of Blood delivers a satisfying capstone to the Wild Hearts saga, as Locke finally unites the oriels, confronts his lineage, and faces the Withering with every ally he’s made along the way. The found family moments shine brightest—friends stepping into power isn’t just comforting and earned. Many revelations feel packed into cramped space, with a few emotional beats racing too fast to fully land. Still, it’s a rewarding conclusion that wraps up arcs and identities with heart.
December 13, 2023
Loch and Sylvain and crew go out with a bang. Expect appearances from everyone for the final battle. A very satisfying series ending that's full of family drama and twisty roads to the end.
Nothing less than an excellent audio performance by Greg Boudreaux.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy
Nothing less than an excellent audio performance by Greg Boudreaux.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy
December 3, 2025
The Guardians have been collected, all the Oriels have been visited. Locke and friends can now sit back on their laurels and enjoy...no, they can't. An unexpected person arrives at WisperWood. Is he here for good reasons, or evil? It's Locke's long-lost famous father, who abandoned him years ago. Why is he here?
December 10, 2023
3,25-3,5/5
It was very enjoyable as per usual. I really liked it but a part of me felt like it wasn't really the end.
I enjoyed the book as another installment in the series but not really as an ending. This book as the end book for the series left me a bit wanting.
It was very enjoyable as per usual. I really liked it but a part of me felt like it wasn't really the end.
I enjoyed the book as another installment in the series but not really as an ending. This book as the end book for the series left me a bit wanting.
January 31, 2024
Moving
Its been a while since I've written a review but this deserves one. This story is full of betrayal and heartache. However, loves comes shining through. This is the most moving story in the series and the most emotionally charged.
Its been a while since I've written a review but this deserves one. This story is full of betrayal and heartache. However, loves comes shining through. This is the most moving story in the series and the most emotionally charged.
April 14, 2024
Wild Hearts Book 5
This was a surprising ending to the series! Everything ties up in this book and actually leaves me wanting more. I am so thrilled that I got to read these books. Highly Recommended
This was a surprising ending to the series! Everything ties up in this book and actually leaves me wanting more. I am so thrilled that I got to read these books. Highly Recommended
January 27, 2024
You know, well ended. I still have my complaints about the writing style and repetitiveness of this series but it was fun and it went out with a bang.
April 25, 2025
Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.
September 8, 2025
omg.... so great but i do with the last installment was longer, so we can see what happens with everyone after
July 30, 2024
I am so glad I am finally finished this series. It was lacklustre at best and if you read my previous reviews on each of the books, it suffers from pacing, lack of meaningful character development, formatting that truly reveals the book isn't as long as the page count alludes, and just overall dullness.
Overall - 3/5
Overall - 3/5
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews