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Dragon Bound #2
Dark Curse
Aster King II can handle anything. Murderous vampires? Check. Multidimensional party houses? Double check. That sexy dragon shifter she works for… okay, she’s working on that one. The point? She survived her first mission under Huxley Cayne. This next one should be a breeze. Right? This Urban Fantasy Romance series is perfect for fans of Linsey Hall, C.N. Crawford and Jaymin Eve!
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2023
303 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Annika West
6 books131 followersAnnika hails from the glorious suburbs of Long Beach, California, blundering through life alongside her husband, three bonus children, and four cats.
She's a sour-candy enthusiast. She's shit at decorating. It's unlikely that she'll remember her appointments, but she makes up for it by writing urban fantasy books full of romance, feel-good friendships, and probably a lot of absurd humor that will most likely make you laugh.
Come for the spice. Stay for the chaos!
She's a sour-candy enthusiast. She's shit at decorating. It's unlikely that she'll remember her appointments, but she makes up for it by writing urban fantasy books full of romance, feel-good friendships, and probably a lot of absurd humor that will most likely make you laugh.
Come for the spice. Stay for the chaos!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 13, 2022
Barely made a 4 for me.
Storyline is smooth and interesting. But the lack of naughty is making it borderline on aggravating. Aster is sassy as usual, I did find her more complacent in this book. I hope she gets back to her original self. Hux's attitude and determination to end their bond leads me to want her to be less willing in what few innocent encounters they have.
I do like the series but it definitely need more fire.
Happy reading,
DD
Storyline is smooth and interesting. But the lack of naughty is making it borderline on aggravating. Aster is sassy as usual, I did find her more complacent in this book. I hope she gets back to her original self. Hux's attitude and determination to end their bond leads me to want her to be less willing in what few innocent encounters they have.
I do like the series but it definitely need more fire.
Happy reading,
DD
October 9, 2022
3.5✨
It wasn’t as good as book 1, but it was still pretty good. I really thought the author would dive into that evil voice thing and ruin the series… but she did not. So I was super stoked about that because the best part about this entire series is the female mcs snarky personality. The storyline is fine, it’s not amazing but it’s fine. The romance is eh their connection doesn’t seem legit at all. The side characters were good in book one but now are just ehhhhh — but her personality though, that makes the whole series.
It wasn’t as good as book 1, but it was still pretty good. I really thought the author would dive into that evil voice thing and ruin the series… but she did not. So I was super stoked about that because the best part about this entire series is the female mcs snarky personality. The storyline is fine, it’s not amazing but it’s fine. The romance is eh their connection doesn’t seem legit at all. The side characters were good in book one but now are just ehhhhh — but her personality though, that makes the whole series.
January 18, 2025
Wow loved this one. A really good entertainer with a mix of romance, adventures, friendships and plot twists. With an immersive world and good storytelling, the story keeps us engaged throughout. Looking forward to the next installment!
March 11, 2023
This book is much better than the first. Aster is finally not quite as demented, but she is still very aggravating. I had an inkling that the barriers and blocks had something to do with her birth father, I just never suspected that he was fae although that WAS hinted at all along. Now I can't wait to see the showdown once they finally meet.
Hux needs to accept that their mating can only be broken by death, and I can't imagine that in 6 months, on Aster's birthday, that she won't become immortal.
HHMMM, Morgan Le Fae.....
Hux needs to accept that their mating can only be broken by death, and I can't imagine that in 6 months, on Aster's birthday, that she won't become immortal.
HHMMM, Morgan Le Fae.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2021
Overall: 3/5
Plot and themes: 3/5
Characters: 4/5
Writing style: 3/5
Attention-grabbing: 4/5
I'm way behind on writing reviews and I read this a couple of weeks ago so my take is a little out of date. This is the second book in the Dragon Bound series. Aster remains Huxley's "employee" despite her emerging magic and newly discovered powers. She's at odds with herself, she's always been a Cut and now people are trying to tell her she's more. While trying to figure our her heritage and who she really is, they're also dealing with an army of undead witches and warlocks. It's really a full time gig.
Not much super notable. I thought that the matching marks thing was cute but predictable and it's kind of weird that there are all different kinds of shifters and yet the dragons are the ones who will fit so easily into her new heritage. I thought the culmination of their relationship was fun but I also think it needs a lot more conversation than what went on in that brief scene. Looking forward to them actually dealing with their problems a bit in the next.
So yeah, I'm late to the review party but I appreciated it and I think I'll probably read the third at some point. It's a very classic PNR but it has all the elements that can keep you entertained.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
March 21, 2021
A little bit slower then the first book. But I love that all the twists and turns make me feel the author can go many different directions as well as put in a few more good books to follow the story.
I can’t wait to find out how their relationship develops and learn more about Asters father and her own growth.
Willows attitude is still my soul and asters comedy is amazing.
Can’t wait for book 3, definitely recommend this series.
I can’t wait to find out how their relationship develops and learn more about Asters father and her own growth.
Willows attitude is still my soul and asters comedy is amazing.
Can’t wait for book 3, definitely recommend this series.
March 6, 2021
So frigging funny and engaging! I loved every part of it! Eagerly waiting on book #3.
March 11, 2021
5 stars
I loved reading the continuation of Aster's crazy adventures. She has a strange way of thinking, yet it can be very relatable and make sense.
I loved reading the continuation of Aster's crazy adventures. She has a strange way of thinking, yet it can be very relatable and make sense.
June 29, 2021
I first rated this a 3 because I didn't connect to this one like I did the first book, but since finishing this book, I've read a couple of actual 3's and it made me appreciate this more:). Therefore, I know you all care, I'm raising my rating to a 4.
June 29, 2021
4.5 stars
I'm glad I got to dive back into this story with Aster and the gang as they round up dangerous artifacts.
We got an answer about Aster's origin (FINALLY!), introduced to some new characters, and learned about why Aster has always been feeling shady around Marigold (I knew those hints weren't for nothing!)
I lowered it half a star mostly due to Aster and Hux's relationship. They got some clarity at the VERY end, but for most of the book it was this boring tug of war. They were constantly at odds with each other for the same reason and it felt too drawn out. It would've been nice to have seen them trying to work things out in the beginning, fail, succeed...one step forward, two steps back sort of thing...or anything to add more complexity in the progress of their relationship throughout the book, not just thrown at the end.
"He wasn’t even interested in fighting with me. Ignoring everything I say or do seemed to be the route he was taking.
I kept telling myself I didn’t care.
But really, I was pissed as hell.
But life goes on, and the mission was calling our names."
Personally, I would've liked to have seen her try to date someone else. Hux is such a jealous creature the scenes of rage between her and him would've definitely been hilarious (and possibly deadly). Nothing like dating a new guy to make him stop ignoring you. Plus that seems to be more Aster's style: do something stupid that you know will get a reaction and watch it explode.
Hux keeps hinting ominous things and I have a feeling he's going to drop a big old secret in book 3. But that hinting process didn't take place until near the end of this book.
All in all a solid read! There were some grammatical errors, but I can forgive that for being a good story.
On to the third book for the conclusion!
I'm glad I got to dive back into this story with Aster and the gang as they round up dangerous artifacts.
We got an answer about Aster's origin (FINALLY!), introduced to some new characters, and learned about why Aster has always been feeling shady around Marigold (I knew those hints weren't for nothing!)
I lowered it half a star mostly due to Aster and Hux's relationship. They got some clarity at the VERY end, but for most of the book it was this boring tug of war. They were constantly at odds with each other for the same reason and it felt too drawn out. It would've been nice to have seen them trying to work things out in the beginning, fail, succeed...one step forward, two steps back sort of thing...or anything to add more complexity in the progress of their relationship throughout the book, not just thrown at the end.
"He wasn’t even interested in fighting with me. Ignoring everything I say or do seemed to be the route he was taking.
I kept telling myself I didn’t care.
But really, I was pissed as hell.
But life goes on, and the mission was calling our names."
Personally, I would've liked to have seen her try to date someone else. Hux is such a jealous creature the scenes of rage between her and him would've definitely been hilarious (and possibly deadly). Nothing like dating a new guy to make him stop ignoring you. Plus that seems to be more Aster's style: do something stupid that you know will get a reaction and watch it explode.
Hux keeps hinting ominous things and I have a feeling he's going to drop a big old secret in book 3. But that hinting process didn't take place until near the end of this book.
All in all a solid read! There were some grammatical errors, but I can forgive that for being a good story.
On to the third book for the conclusion!
April 6, 2021
I enjoyed this and will be following this series.
Summary for when book 3 comes out.
So this world is set up with different species and the heroine is a mixed witch and something else and is determined to be a "cut". Our heroine detective is set up by this awful man and enters a wyvern's hoard without permission. She is put on trial with a very unsympathetic council and determined to be guilty. Unknowingly she is rescued by the hero and sentenced to indentured employment. Along with the hero and 2 friends they capture these stolen artifacts (that previously belonged to the hero's mom) and stop the bad guys. Incidentally the heroine has this mysterious birth mark and attraction to the hero. They determine that they're mates. They try to get answers from the hero's aunt but she gets rid of them quick. Also turns out Marigold? has been blocking the heroine's powers. Also if her fae people find out she's alive they will enslave her. Kind of where it ends, with the heroine discovering her heritage. Wish the rest was out.
Summary for when book 3 comes out.
So this world is set up with different species and the heroine is a mixed witch and something else and is determined to be a "cut". Our heroine detective is set up by this awful man and enters a wyvern's hoard without permission. She is put on trial with a very unsympathetic council and determined to be guilty. Unknowingly she is rescued by the hero and sentenced to indentured employment. Along with the hero and 2 friends they capture these stolen artifacts (that previously belonged to the hero's mom) and stop the bad guys. Incidentally the heroine has this mysterious birth mark and attraction to the hero. They determine that they're mates. They try to get answers from the hero's aunt but she gets rid of them quick. Also turns out Marigold? has been blocking the heroine's powers. Also if her fae people find out she's alive they will enslave her. Kind of where it ends, with the heroine discovering her heritage. Wish the rest was out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
Good
When dead bodies start reanimating, Huxley Cayne decides his team needs to investigate.
Aster King knows that her ability to go unnoticed might come in useful, but it would be even more useful if her ability to read minds could be accessed, but that magic is remaining difficul
And then the are those runes…
This is the second book in the series, beginning where book one left off, and building on the story and world so far.
Filled with magical action, there is a story on two different fronts… the whole reanimated corpses issue, plus the mystery that is Aster.
And it means that some big events are happening, secrets will be revealed, and maybe a few magical artifacts might be reclaimed.
Action packed, magical fun for urban fantasy fans, with a lot of snark and babble to lighten things up.
When dead bodies start reanimating, Huxley Cayne decides his team needs to investigate.
Aster King knows that her ability to go unnoticed might come in useful, but it would be even more useful if her ability to read minds could be accessed, but that magic is remaining difficul
And then the are those runes…
This is the second book in the series, beginning where book one left off, and building on the story and world so far.
Filled with magical action, there is a story on two different fronts… the whole reanimated corpses issue, plus the mystery that is Aster.
And it means that some big events are happening, secrets will be revealed, and maybe a few magical artifacts might be reclaimed.
Action packed, magical fun for urban fantasy fans, with a lot of snark and babble to lighten things up.
July 17, 2021
This series has started to go down for me and I’m hesitant to even start the next book in the series. Asters snarky attitude and rudeness. She has a MAJOR chip on her should. Like ridiculously big. I get it she was picked on cause she’s a “cut” but man it starts to get old. She is also a huge contradiction. She supposed to be this strong kick a woman but she is constantly putting herself down and seeing herself as less. I’m Ben she talks about how honestly is so valued to her and she appreciates it. She is RARELY flat out honest about things. She doesn’t lie but she covers it with sarcasm, rudeness and other ridiculous habits. I just don’t really like her. She hasn’t grown she’s not showing any progress. Then the twist of who she really is. Insert eye roll. Really? This wasn’t completely obvious? Uggg I just really don’t care what happens to her so why even read the next book.
July 24, 2024
Aster King II can handle anything. Murderous vampires? Check. Multidimensional party houses? Double check. That sexy dragon shifter she works for… okay, she’s working on that one. The point? She survived her first mission under Huxley Cayne. This next one should be a breeze. Right?
Aster finds herself embroiled in the walking dead in this book. A necromancer has found an artefact that brings the dead to life and Aster and the team have to discover how this involves a coven of witches. The snarky banter continues between Aster and Huxley as does the sexual tension between them. The spice level rises in this (phew!) but Aster still doesn't know where she stands with him.
Action and intrigue abound as Aster finds out more about herself and her hidden powers. Loved it.
Aster finds herself embroiled in the walking dead in this book. A necromancer has found an artefact that brings the dead to life and Aster and the team have to discover how this involves a coven of witches. The snarky banter continues between Aster and Huxley as does the sexual tension between them. The spice level rises in this (phew!) but Aster still doesn't know where she stands with him.
Action and intrigue abound as Aster finds out more about herself and her hidden powers. Loved it.
July 31, 2024
Book 2 in this urban fantasy series takes a deep dive into its richly intricate lore and complicated character relationships. The action-packed plot lines balance out the more information-focused sections of the book; coming together to create a fast-paced, info-dense plot that gives as many answers as it poses. The complex relationship of the MCs is also expanded on in a way that feels true to the characterizations the author’s created so far. Its slow-burn adds yet another layer of tension and anticipation that helps to colour the tone of the book as a whole. The stakes rose yet again with the revelation of the ending, expertly pushing readers into continuing the series for an explosive finale.
July 25, 2023
Dark Curse
We get some answers and more questions. Enjoying the sass and sweets from the main character. This is told from her POV. Each book has a mystery that is solved, but a few overreaching arcs that are ongoing. Hoping the next book answers them. I love all Tue characters on Huxleys team. I'm glad Asters parents are so supportive. Marigolds is scary powerful.
Sort of cliffhanger, sort of foreshadowing. This book has a little steam. Told from h POV. Books probably need to be read in order.
We get some answers and more questions. Enjoying the sass and sweets from the main character. This is told from her POV. Each book has a mystery that is solved, but a few overreaching arcs that are ongoing. Hoping the next book answers them. I love all Tue characters on Huxleys team. I'm glad Asters parents are so supportive. Marigolds is scary powerful.
Sort of cliffhanger, sort of foreshadowing. This book has a little steam. Told from h POV. Books probably need to be read in order.
May 26, 2021
I haven’t laughed out loud do much in forever reading a book!!
This was such a great read! I lived learning more about Aster and her family, what a twist there at the end I did not even THINK to see coming! Can’t wait til the next book vines out and that’s saying something. Annika pulled me in on this book, truly still smiling at all the antics Aster & crew got up to! Lived every second of it.
This was such a great read! I lived learning more about Aster and her family, what a twist there at the end I did not even THINK to see coming! Can’t wait til the next book vines out and that’s saying something. Annika pulled me in on this book, truly still smiling at all the antics Aster & crew got up to! Lived every second of it.
July 3, 2021
Character Development is Happening
This .now Book 2 in the Dragon Bound series. I've noticed with other series that this is the book which typically either makes or breaks my interest, depending on if the author coasts on a cliffhanger, or commits to enriching the series with plot AND character development.
Pleasantly, this is one of the second type. I'm looking forward to reading the last book.
This .now Book 2 in the Dragon Bound series. I've noticed with other series that this is the book which typically either makes or breaks my interest, depending on if the author coasts on a cliffhanger, or commits to enriching the series with plot AND character development.
Pleasantly, this is one of the second type. I'm looking forward to reading the last book.
February 25, 2024
First of all, Amazon's cover is much better than this one ;)
Overall, I enjoyed this new storyline and it was exciting to find the culprit.
the relationship between the main characters was sometimes a pain.
Caine is hot and cold, his behavior was unpleasant at times.
But then I couldn't understand that no matter how hurtful he was, Aster would fall right back into it as if she had no pride at all and she knew it too and this back and forth was very tiring
Overall, I enjoyed this new storyline and it was exciting to find the culprit.
the relationship between the main characters was sometimes a pain.
Caine is hot and cold, his behavior was unpleasant at times.
But then I couldn't understand that no matter how hurtful he was, Aster would fall right back into it as if she had no pride at all and she knew it too and this back and forth was very tiring
May 17, 2021
Great Story
This series has a great story line.. I love the characters and the fact that there is an end to each story but makes to want to continue reading the next book to see what crazy antics Aster will get into next. How will the team handle the craziness. Can’t wait until The next book.
This series has a great story line.. I love the characters and the fact that there is an end to each story but makes to want to continue reading the next book to see what crazy antics Aster will get into next. How will the team handle the craziness. Can’t wait until The next book.
January 18, 2022
I am enjoying this series and I like Aster but my issue is that sometimes it seems like ALL she is, is snark. I like wit and snark but I need her to have a strong voice and sometimes it just reads .... like there is nothing to her but her snark. She’s so over the top at times- like when she stands on the couch in this book or tackles Willow....
November 4, 2022
I liked this installment better than the first book. It was definitely less tense for me.
Aster is kind of dumb, but she holds her own. There’s a little bit of romance. The enemy isn’t complicated, which helps streamline the adventure part of the plot.
There’s almost no smut in these books and I don’t think they should really be described as “romance.” But they are a little bit of fun.
Aster is kind of dumb, but she holds her own. There’s a little bit of romance. The enemy isn’t complicated, which helps streamline the adventure part of the plot.
There’s almost no smut in these books and I don’t think they should really be described as “romance.” But they are a little bit of fun.
April 27, 2021
Full fun n humour n sugar..
While sorry is rollercoaster of fun humour and emotions. An excellent series n Aster is amazing.... wonderful read. A perfect concotion of romance, heart break, friendship and comedy
While sorry is rollercoaster of fun humour and emotions. An excellent series n Aster is amazing.... wonderful read. A perfect concotion of romance, heart break, friendship and comedy
June 6, 2021
Outstanding book, I love the tension and chemistry on all the characters. I was hoping book 3 was going to be out early June but now I have to wait til the 24th :( Love this author, her writing is awesome!
February 24, 2022
Sigh. This book.
The MC was so good, badass and hilarious in the first book. In this one, she was so childish. Absolutely immature. The last 20% of the book kind of made up for it, but it looked like someone else wrote the middle. Just awful.
The MC was so good, badass and hilarious in the first book. In this one, she was so childish. Absolutely immature. The last 20% of the book kind of made up for it, but it looked like someone else wrote the middle. Just awful.
October 10, 2022
Another winner!
Really love this series! We fin make some progress in figuring out what Aster is and can do. But the dry humor and chuckles override most of that! Such a fun read!
Really love this series! We fin make some progress in figuring out what Aster is and can do. But the dry humor and chuckles override most of that! Such a fun read!
April 19, 2024
I like this one too. Similar to the first one but extremely entertaining. It fast-paced and the relationship between the love interests was amazing a bit basic but also entertaining, and there was mystery.
#mates overprotective detective work
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
#mates overprotective detective work
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
May 11, 2024
Great book!
The banter and the witty comments are incredible in this book and the world building is amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the steamy scene that had been building for two books, it definitely could have been better, but overall a really good book!
The banter and the witty comments are incredible in this book and the world building is amazing. I was a bit disappointed in the steamy scene that had been building for two books, it definitely could have been better, but overall a really good book!
March 26, 2021
Wonderful
Love this book Annika did a awesome job. I love the dynamic between Aster and Cayne the bantering and the love of her snacks check it out you will not be disappointed!
Love this book Annika did a awesome job. I love the dynamic between Aster and Cayne the bantering and the love of her snacks check it out you will not be disappointed!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews