Bound by Death

by Jes Drew

*See all the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection HERE.*

The Fae Princess of Night.
The Prince of the Underworld.
The marriage that could destroy them both.

Euthalia may have been born a princess, but she knows what she truly a puppet. Her magic is a dark curse to all who look in her eyes, but an opportunity for her power-hungry father, the Lord of the Night. When he arranges her marriage to the Prince of the Underworld, she’s frightened— for her husband-to-be.

Ahmed may be his father’s only son, but he’ll never be king. Instead, his birthright is bartered away for a bride, and he finds himself wed to a stranger. Worse still, a dark bargain requires that he creates a bond between himself and his veiled bride, or else his life is forfeit.

Shrouded by darkness and illuminated by the moon, the Court of Night watches and waits as the tale unfolds. The cursed prince, the veiled bride, and the decision she must make. Flee and sentence her new husband to his doom or remain by his side and bring death to all.

Bound by Death is the tenth book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones written by your favorite fantasy authors and are the perfect read for your summer vacation. Prepare to be swept away into magical worlds with tropes you obsess over and swoon-worthy romance.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Ebooks, Fae, Romantasy, Retellings

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2023

About the author

Jes Drew is the author of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor Series, the Sunset at Dawn trilogy, The Samurai's Student saga, the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga/The Man on the Run series, the Castaways trilogy, The Dystopian Takeover trilogy, Summers of Yesteryear series, The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novellas, the Legends of the Master Spy series, The New ESE Files series, Tales from Parallel Worlds, Genie and Serena, Accidentally on the Run, This Side of Heaven, and The Death of a Hero.


She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.


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Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

****Actual Rating 4.5 Stars****

My first book by this author and I really, really enjoyed it!

The worldbuilding is really in depth for such a short book and I loved the blending of Greek and Egyptian myths and culture alongside more fae and fantasy elements which gives it the feel of a much broader and richer world that lies beyond what is read in these pages. This is also a gender flipped retelling of the Greek myth Eros and Psyche which I picked up on though I didn’t know exactly which tale it was until I looked it up, nor am I an expert at Greek myths, so while I loved those elements and how they were retold others may not; personal taste and all that.

I loved Ahmed from the moment I started reading his POV and that never decreased even though I inwardly screamed at him to NOT do the obviously “giant red flag, bad idea!!!” thing (which he did because characters never listen to me, even my own, but don’t get me started on that train…). Euthalia (and DON’T ask me how to pronounce her name because I seriously have no idea) is just as much a victim to her father’s plots as Ahmed is, but her kindness despite everything and how she tries to fight her father’s schemes but can’t help but be drawn to and fall in love with Ahmed due to his kindness at the same time was achingly beautiful. And their banter and the draw they have to each other is so sweet and cute and makes total sense and works despite this being very much a kind of insta love.

This is an arranged marriage so there is talk and emphasis on the leads to, er, ya know, do marital stuff which does lead to a couple vague fade to blacks HOWEVER nothing is described either time, even the lead ups to “the thing”, and they never once made me uncomfortable which was nice as I’ve been reading, strangely enough, a lot of this trope lately and that’s not always the case! But, again, different tastes and sensitivity will apply so check out my content warnings and other reviews to make the best choice for you.

I really liked this book and these characters and I flew through the last half in excited dread and hope for a happily ever after for our poor, tortured couple (and for their jerk, abusive fathers to get their just rewards, though I only kinda got that for one of them, boo…). I highly recommend it and am excited to try more from this author!


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: verbal/emotional abusive fathers, one of which turns cruel and physically abusive in forcing a character to do things against their will to the point of dragging them bloody (not detailed)

Violence: a character is nearly shoved off a cliff; a character dreams of a corpse holding its own heart with a hole in its chest; injuries and blood (not detailed); a character is dragged and forced to go and do things against their will; in the past a character died from strangulation (not detailed)

Sexual: kissing (not detailed); two hinted at/vague fade to blacks between a married couple (not shown or detailed); a man kisses his wife’s waist; a husband notices his wife’s legs; a woman wears a skimpy outfit

Other: magic; magical abilities and objects; a man is king of the underworld; powerful people are called gods; a character has the power to steal magical abilities from others; verbal/emotional abusive fathers, one of which turns cruel and physically abusive in forcing a character to do things against their will to the point of dragging them bloody (not detailed); servants of the underworld are ghosts of dead people

[Ouafa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantasy novel, which blends Greek and Egyptian cultures in its world-building, is engrossing despite its short length. I found myself wanting to know more about Ahmed, the prince of the underworld, and Euthalia, the Fae princess of night.

They are to be married through an arranged marriage orchestrated by their fathers, who undoubtedly have hidden agendas. Both Ahmed and Euthalia possess inherited magic that can be dangerous and deadly. Their union itself is bound by magic that could lead to their demise, adding a layer of suspense that keeps you turning the pages.

I loved the innocence and self-doubt of Ahmed, a pure soul and quite different from most of the MMC I've read about before. The fast-paced writing style, combined with the action and romance, was amazing. I could have definitely read more pages about them and what their future held.

Thanks to BookSirens and Jes Drew for a chance to read this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

[Mari ೀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

…… welll, on the bright side I’ve discovered and established two things about me and my taste.

I absolutely HAAATE the word “Mayhap” and I am not a fan of the arranged marriage + insta love trope

[Katherine Bichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5 STARS

This is one of eleven novellas in The Starry Kingdoms of the Fae series written by different indie authors. They are all stand alones and can be read in any order.
You need to know that this is a novella. It is meant to be a short story where the pace is fast and there isn’t a lot of in depth description of characters and world building. Yes, there will be unanswered questions and plot holes to get you to read other books by the author. I personally love novellas because they give you a taste of the author’s writing style and you can read them in one to two sittings.

This is a reverse Psyche and Eros retelling that I flew through. I love anything set in the Underworld. This is a mild romance where the guy falls first. It is told from both the MC’s POV. There is going to be another book continuing their story and I will definitely be reading it!

Thank you to Jes Drew for the gifted copy and goodies! 🖤

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this Hades Underworld X Fae fantasy book within 24 hours!

If you're looking for a super easy read book that is a retelling of Eros and Psyche, then I'd highly recommend it!

There is great tension between the characters, but this is a fade to black book - so no spice! I love the arranged marriage and one bed trope! 😂

Both MCs had growth throughout the book, and I loved the spotlight shown on controlling family members. I love Ahmed and his kind, sweet spirit - a little refreshing from all the super macho men in books now a days. I mean, hey, I love a morally grey book guy, too, but Ahmed and his sweet spirit were so nice.

Also, the hardback book copy is UNBELIEVABLE beautiful - such a pretty book to have on your shelf!

[Natascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also erstmal bin ich erleichtert dass selbst die englischen Reviews stehen haben, dass viele unfamiliar Wörter dabei waren, weil ich kurz dachte wow ich kann echt kein Englisch anscheinend. Also ja ich hab viel übersetzen müssen 👀 aber ich fand das Buch echt ganz cute, die Charaktere haben mir gefallen und die Liebesgeschichte war meiner Meinung nach realistisch (so realistisch ein Fantasy Buch halt sein kann).

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death may have been my favorite book by Jes Drew so far! I loved how the relationship between Ahmed and Euthalia developed over the course of the four parts of the book. Drew cleverly titled each section after different terms for love, each section revealing the increasing intensity and intimacy between the protagonists. I was encouraged to see the arranged marriage grow from timid affection to sacrificial love. I appreciated how both characters had to learn how to use their powers in harmony to overcome the challenges placed on them by their parents.

I loved Ahmed’s personality and how he grew. He was kind and affectionate but timid and awkward, unable to express his feelings and lacking confidence. But as his affection for Euthalia grew, he overcame what he saw as his weaknesses and became the husband she needed him to be. I appreciate how hard he was willing to fight to get her back and enjoyed the hero’s journey he had to complete. My favorite part of this novel was how Euthalia and Ahmed discovered how to use their abilities in harmony, much as a husband and wife are meant to become one flesh in marriage. It was encouraging to see this principle come into play in a fantasy romance, and it gave the story a more profound impact.

It took me a while to get used to some of the terms and unfamiliar words throughout the book, but the author includes a helpful glossary in the opening. I would recommend reading it/becoming familiar with some of the terms before reading. But you can always refer back to it if you forget what something means. The epilogue made me smile, and I’m excited to read more about this sweet couple in future novels about them. Overall, a good blend of suspense/mystery and character development in a satisfying fantasy romance. I will continue to work through previously released novels by Jes (there are lots of them!) and look forward to reading her newest works too!.

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

[Bailey Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ahmed and Euthalia’s relationship! They went from strangers to friends to lovers! I love a good, well written arranged marriage trope and this has achieved that!

[Jenna Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this entire series and this one I enjoyed just as much as my favorite. The characters are great and the world building is awesome. Super unique in my opinion. The plot is really good and the little plot twist was very nicely done. Already added this to my bookshelf and will be reading again

[Tabitha Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story will make your heart hurt! I love that Ahmed fell first, and you could feel the pain that Euthalia steuggled with on whether to stay or go. For me, it was never a question! Wonderfully written and so thrilled to add it to my read list!

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahmed’s father arranged and bargained with the Far for Ahmed to marry the Princess of the Night Court, a Fae, and because she is sole heir to her court, Ahmed must abdicate his birthright as the next heir after his father to go to live at the Night Court and he would become Lord consort to his wife. Because his father bargained, one of Ahmed’s powers is that he must uphold bargains, which includes consummation. However, his new wife does not seem to want anything to do with him, even wearing a veil at all times and Ahmed must figure a way to woo his wife or die.

That’s a brief summary of this book. There’s so much more that happens in this book that you forget it’s a novella! It certainly did not seem like it! This one had so much detail! The world and character development was well done and the romance, although instalove, was believable and I loved it!

Ahmed to me seemed a bit of a pushover, until you really about him and the life he’s had. Living with family that just looks at him like he is beneath them, a father whom he is always trying to impress, but does not seem to care about his son no matter what his son does to the point of sending him off in a bargain that could kill his son, and always just belittling himself. He’s such a kind, sweet and caring cinnamon roll of a character and you cannot help but love Ahmed and how kind he is, and that he would do anything for Euthalia.

Euthalia I was unsure of at first. I thought she’d be one of those female characters that doesn’t care and would gladly end Ahmed’s life for her benefit, but there’s so much more to her story and situation that you learn that is so similar to Ahmed that you learn she’s just as kind and also willing to do anything to protect Ahmed.

I really enjoyed the story and romance in this book, and then mixing in Greek and Egyptian mythology and twists and betrayals, it’s a well written novella! My only issue is that the word “mayhap” is used waaaayyyy too many times 😅

I receive a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: fantasy romance, Greek mythology influences
Age: new adult
Series/Standalone: Part of a connected series by many authors, read as a standalone
Tropes: arranged marriage
Content: non-detailed fade-to-black between a married couple

The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. And then the illustrations scattered throughout the novel. Both are quite detailed and added to the story.
Next, I liked how the book was divided into sections based on the types of love: storge, philo, eros, and agape. During each part, the term of the section was a central focus of the theme. The clear progression also helped with the character development as the couple got to know each other.
For those of you who like more descriptive and flowery writing, this book is perfect for you.
I went into this one mostly blind and did not realize how much of an influence mythology would have on the story. (Yes, I know that it is a retelling of a Greek myth but that often doesn't mean much for most retellings.)
And now for my only complaint: the ending. I will admit that I am not great when it comes to more intricate fantasy worlds. I like to keep the worldbuilding light and the plot simple. As such, I was slightly lost at the climax. I do not believe that this will have any negative impact for most other readers though.
All that said, I am glad that I gave this book a try and will be sure to read more by Jes Drew in the future.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

*I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

[Ryann Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the arranged marriage, the cursed love and the one bed trope done right.

Also the 4 parts of the book have a beautiful illustration that goes with them and it really helped seeing the characters. Made it that much easier to love them.

This was fade to black spice which means just when I was getting excited for our MCs the fun was taken off page which I get that spice isn’t everything but I would have really loved some. The MMC goes through a huge character arc imo and I lived watching him evolve and change and watching these 2 come together. I live a veiled FMC and a cursed prince so this book was a delight to read!

And the epilogue! 🥹❤️

[Summer R Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Thank you for the ARC read and thank you to the publishers and writer.

This was something I was truly able to sink my teeth into. The egyptian lore and just the fact it dealt with Hades and his son! I don't read many books with themes like this. The bride to be a weapon of mass destruction? Or was the Don of Hades the real threat? That's the question. But have the two together and fall in love it's wonderful.

Add heartache, anger, and all sorts of emotions, and it was a wonderful read.

Thank you once again for the ARC!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that I mostly got this book because I had already gotten another book in this series via BookSirens too. I really like those series of sort of connected tales written by different authors. Firstly because those books are usually shorter reads I can squeeze in whenever I don't have much reading time. But secondly because it's an easy way to get to know new authors. So, I was very curious if this arc I got via BookSirens would scream for more.

What I absolutely loved about this book was the mix of all the different mythologies and lore. There are some Egyptian influences, there are very certainly some Greek mythology elements, there are Fae and their different courts and despite this clash of all those different elements I never had the impression it became chaotic or all over the place. It felt like the author really knew how to make this mixed up world work.

I also very much liked the hero of this story. For once the hero was not this dominant, dark and brooding hero. He was charming, he was galant, he was sweet and in ways even slightly naive. But he was most of all the kind of hero this story needed. He was a little bit of sunshine in a very dark world. And because of his love and goodness he was also the only one with the willpower to stop the dark plans the villains were trying to execute.

And that brings me to the romance. Since this is an arranged marriage and since the characters never get much time to get to know each other it's not a mind-blowing romance. And yet it's easy to understand why the characters does have a certain connection. It's easy to understand why he is willing to move the earth for her and why she is getting more and more determined to prevent him from doing so.

I was very positively surprised by this story and I might see if there are other books by this author speaking to me.

[Ana-Maria Derzsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦

⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
I've enjoyed almost all the characters, perhaps minus the parents of the MCs because I found them to be so damn strange and just couldn't understand them at all. I enjoyed Ahmed's sister and I so want a book just with her to learn more about her.

⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
I wanted more details about the underworld and Ahmed's world, I enjoyed the magic system and how different things were compared to the Fae world. But overall I think the world was interesting, hence why i wanted more of it.

⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I liked the mystery behind the veiled bride, it really got me because it wasn't explained from the get-go what's wrong with her. I wasn't really a fan of the whole "bound with her or you shall die" especially when kind of benefited him the most. Maybe I read a bit too much into it, but I just didn't really enjoy that type of trope. I did however love the ending and how from two different beings they became one (if you read it you'll understand), I felt that was such a beautiful reference to the whole loving someone when you share the good and bad and go through many things together.

⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The romance is a clean romance. There's a loving scene but is behind closed doors, with no details or anything just alluring to what may be going on. But the tension, the sweet words, and how both of them were not experienced definitely made the romance in the story very sweet and cozy.

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[Hepzibah Becca Jael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death
Jes Drew

Rating ♾️🌟

Highlight
💙“You deserve every good thing. Unfortunately, you only got me.”


💙“I could have grown to love you,”.....“If only we had an eternity like we were promised. But we were both bound to death.”

💙“I feel as though words not spent on you are wasted breaths.”
My heartbeat accelerates in response to the unexpected compliments

I'm convinced Ahmed is the only fictional bf I need 🫠 his words make me melt into a puddle of chocolatey goo

Review:

This book is the story of Euthalia and Ahmed who were bound in marriage to death itself, and not just metaphorically. Euthalia is not an ordinary princess, but one who wears a veil for whosoever gazes upon her will be dead, and her father has plans that involves her and the prince of the Duat. Ahmed didn't know what to expect when he married Euthalia but he didn't expect a death sentence for falling in love with his bride, can they overcome all that Euthalia's father has planned with them? Will he even survive? Will she survive when she eventually loses Ahmed?

Ahmed and Euthalia have tropes of arranged marriage, forced proximity, one bed, touch her and you die, he falls first with royalcore aesthetics.

The writing is pure brilliance because it's Jes Drew and I know I can't expect anything less from her, the plotting was set up perfectly, the cultural aesthetics were on point, the way she handles the elements of magic is beautiful, the romance is off the charts cause when they touch you'll definitely feel goosebumps trailing over you(it's a clean romance but doesn't mean it doesn't have sizzling reactions), the cover that Jes has chosen is gorgeousness itself! The book also offers art prints that you can get from @thesignedbookshop

[chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was given an arc but all thoughts are my own*
This book was really good! I especially loved all the world-building in this book. In such a short book, the amount of world-building we got was amazing, and it still never felt like it was overpowering (?) or taking space away from the story. All the details about the relations between kingdoms and how Euthalia and Ahmed interact and exist with each other and their own kingdoms?? Amazing. I'm not usually someone who notices worldbuilding all that much, but this book's was just actually amazing. I am also an absolute sucker for good curse and arranged marriage tropes so bonus points for that, too (and it's a gender-swapped eros and psyche retelling!!). I also really appreciated how the relationship progressed through the book as well. Sometimes short romances can kind of rush the relationships, but I feel like this book did a really good job at slowing it down and letting them get to know each other and have a few hiccups along the way in their relationship before the end. I got a little confused at the end, but overall, this was such a well-thought-out book, in my opinion, so I highly recommend you to check it out if any of what I said sounds interesting! (plus it's ancient fantasy, has the one-bed trope, he falls first, and they're both royalty)

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this novel was great. Retelling of Eros and Psyche, arranged marriage, woven in details from Ancient Greece and Egypt. But unfortunately it just seemed to fall flat. I normally devour books, especially in the fantasy romance genre, and I had to force myself to finish this. I think this was mainly due to the mixture of adding in ancient elements; Egyptian concept of the soul, Ancient Greek underworld, historical units of measurements, clothing from Greece and Egypt, and the author not knowing if she wanted the book to read modern or historical. Every time I read the word mayhap, I cringed. Mainly since she used maybe, possibly and other synonymous words. There were also numerous times I had to reread paragraphs because it was a word salad. Definitely needs line editing. The ending seemed abrupt. There was such a big progression to the main characters accepting their bond and going through what they could consider hell on earth by their fathers. I needed a better wrap up between the last scene to the epilogue. Overall I feel as though this book had great potential, but it absolutely seems like it was rushed to publication. I received a complimentary published copy via booksirens.

[Lana | Libraryofabibliotaph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reversed Eros and Psyche retelling with Greek and Egyptian elements.

I didn’t know what to expect from this novel since I was unfamiliar with this specific myth. Now that I’ve read it I can safely say that it’s an interesting story that will appeal to all mythology lovers. The Greek and Egyptian words can make this story a little bit harder to follow, but don’t fear, there is a glossary at the beginning of the book. The story itself is mysterious from the very beginning. You start with only a little bit of information and discover the rest on the go, piece by piece. It’s very fitting because the main characters don’t know everything from the start either. Both Ahmed and Euthalia are interesting and likeable characters. The internal battle each one of them has to fight is well executed. There is also a lot of pining involved 😉 The writing style feels archaic, which takes some getting used to, but is very fitting for the story. Some tropes you can expect: royalty, arranged marriage, only one bed, he falls first, touch her and you die, fae + primordial, ancient fantasy, …

I received an eARC of this book.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death is a retelling of "Eros and Psyche", with a fae twist , but it’s more than just that. I loved the emphasis of objectification and being under the influence of controlling behaviour, whether that’s family, friends or a partner. Euthalia is a fantastic character, showing such strength, growth, courage and development over the story. Ahmed is almost as fantastic a character (but I love my strong empowered female leads) they share a history of trauma that brings them together and forms a strong bond I love the fact he wants what is best for her, happiness and to have her own control. I love both their characters development, but can’t comment without spoilers, suffice to say if you enjoy Fantasy Romance you’ll want to read this.

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

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death by Jes Drew is the 10th book in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection. These books are all standalones and can be read as such. This is the first book I read by this author but I will definitely be checking out their other books. This book was written so well, I couldn’t put my kindle down. I really enjoy books that are set in the Underworld or have an underworld theme. This is a duel POV and a retelling of the Eres and Pysche myth. (I also love anything dealing with mythology) The world building was fabulous and I could clearly picture everything that was written by the descriptions. It’s a fast paced novella with amazingly written characters. I absolutely loved the couple pretty much from the beginning chapters. I can’t wait to read more from this author. Great romantasy!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Willow field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death (Starry Kingdoms of the Fae Collection: Book 10) is a enchanting Fae/Underworld romance.

I can not recommend this novel enough, it gives all the beauty and magic of a fae romance but the epic storyline feel from an greek mythology story. And if you like Hadestown and got mad at the ending, this one will make you happy!

The FML has a dark hidden secret behind that viel she wears, but a sweet righteous heart.

The ML has been put in a box by his father, but by his on choice so his secrets don't hurt others.

Together they are faced with the struggles of who they are and the things places upon them.

[Tifany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another unputdownable read in the Starry Kingdoms of the Fae collection, Bound by Death was a deliciously quick read for me. With two MCs who are bound by their fathers' political machinations, forced to marry, and harboring secrets, this story kept me glued to the page. The cinnamon roll that is Ahmed is so caring and sweet, while Euthalia is fearful to feel anything. I loved the relationship between these two characters, as well as the journey that transpired. Arranged marriage, one bed, and a cinnamon roll MMC made this book a win for me.

Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

[Mikayla Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so good. I loved the story line and the characters and I thought it was a good length. The author did a very good job at world building. There were quite a few quotes in this that I absolutely adored and that were funny too.
“Then Ahmed says, “Well, now, it’s a good thing we know each other so well now, or this truly would be uncomfortable.””
““If only” is the one thing that will never leave me alone.”
““I am not too good for you, Princess Euthalia— not in the slightest. You deserve kindness and respect from every soul. And those who would dare disobey this very law of nature deserve my wrath.””
Ahmed was probably my favorite ❤️.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. I loved the multi PoV how the characters developed throughout the book. With the way that the story unfolded throughout the book was very intriguing to a point I didn’t want to put the book down. The way in which it was written was very clever and the pacing of the novel very well done. I loved reading about these two characters and can’t wait to see what will happen with them in the next book especially after the ending of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Blanca O · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a short love story that starts with an arranged marriage, has fae, Greek, and Egyptian mythology undertones, look no farther. I absolutely loved this sweet love story between Euthalia and Ahmed. Ahmed is a sweet soft boy who must be protected at all costs. I did like that he grew into his powers and confidence by then end. I hope to see Euthalia becoming more confident in herself in Kiss of Unraveling. I'm excited to see where their story goes in Kiss of Unraveling.

Thank you for the ARC

[Caterina Novelliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Death is an enjoyable quick read. It combines Greek, Egyptian, and Celtic mythology in one story. You also have a touch of Middle Eastern mythology and Arabic mixed in with those worlds. As a fan of the Mediterranean world, I loved seeing this type of cultural intermingling. I am also a firm believer in learning even when reading for escapism which this book allows you to do if you aren’t familiar with any of these cultural aspects.

The story is filled with action and adventure in addition to being a sweet romance. If spice/steam is your thing, this is not your read as it’s definitely sweet heat with fade to black love scenes. If you like historical fantasy blended with romance, definitely give this one a read.

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

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “Bound by Death" by Jes Drew

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

Euthalia, Princess of Night, is forced into an arranged marriage by her father for mysterious, nefarious intentions. Ahmed, Prince of the Duat, is the one to marry Euthalia. If she doesn't fall in love with him by a certain time, he is cursed to perish! Pressured at the hands of their fathers and battling with internalized scars, will these two seemingly doomed heirs form a genuine love that gives them their true happiness, or are they destined to tip-toe around each other, waiting for one or the other to perish by this cursed arrangement?

Wow..this installment of "Starry Kingdoms of the Fae" really cranks the angst and tension to a ten! A retelling of "Eros and Psyche", this adaptation stands out for its unique genre, Ancient Fantasy Romance! The world-building combines Greek and Egyptian mythology to establish a fascinating, diverse take on Faerie lore! This book also gives important commentary on objectification and abuse as we see some of the characters suffer from being objectified, controlled, and abused by their spouses or parental figures throughout the narrative. 

Euthalia was an empowering character to follow as we witness her character do whatever was necessary to break free from her father's control, find her agency, and save Ahmed from his evil plans. Ahmed as a character was an evenly matched love interest. His love for Euthalia is formed through a shared trauma bond and, unlike his father and father-in-law, he wants her to truly be happy and be able to make her own decisions. We also see him progress throughout the book from someone suffering from the insecurities of not living up to family expectations to someone who finds his inner power and is not afraid to fight for what or who he loves.

If you’re looking for an Ancient Fantasy Romance book with a heart aching/heart wrenching spin on a mythological classic, don't miss this installment in the "Starry Kingdoms of the Fae" anthology series when it hits online shelves August 4th, 2023!

Spice Meter: 4/5🌶🌶🌶🌶
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


- Tropes to Expect: He Falls First, Arranged Marriage, Gender-Swapped Retelling, Fae × Primordial, Royalty, and Curses and Magic.

- Trigger Warnings: Objectification and Abuse.