Blood Bonded: The Portal and Key Chronicles, Volume I

by Jonathan T. Salisbury

BLOOD BONDED (269 pages) is the first book in The Portal and Key Chronicles. It is a modern fantasy novel set in both modern-day Earth and the fantasy Realm of Faetir. Eva Higgins is no stranger to violence, but magic is another story. After being blacklisted by Mr. Roper years ago, Eva stays to the shadows in the mercenary world with the help of Derek, her money-man. But her covert skill craft is no match for Calder, the fae general of Ceann Olc's army. He has traveled across the realms to find her—and kill her. The chase is on as Eva meets Brynjar and Abigail and her power awakens. With her world turned upside down. Her training, intuition and keen senses are put to the test as she discovers who is a friend and who is a foe.

Genres: Fantasy

296 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Jonathan is avid reader and writer of the fantasy and sci-fi genres. He has been writing and drawing since he was a teenager, and finally turned his dream into a reality. His first novel "Blood Bonded" was published in 2021, and is the first book in the Portal and Key Chronicles Trilogy. The novels take place in the magical Realm of Faetir, a world of his own making and rich with detail--and sarcasm.

In real life, Jonathan plays a much more serious role as a law enforcement officer, which was a natural progression after his military service. He is a father and husband and enjoys the solitude of quiet mornings and vacationing with family.

You can find more information on his books at www.jonathantsalisbury.com

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Bonded penned by the author Jonathan T. Salisbury is the first book in The Portal and Key Chronicles series. After murdering Ra’Day who was Maghentum, Eva and her friends escaped from the apartment and left in a car. Just a day before Eva learnt a little about the new other-worldly race when she met Abigail and Brynjar.

Coming to earth is a death sentence for Fae. It's a one-way ticket for them. But Ceann Olc who is not an average foe shouldn't be taken lightly. He is after Eva and he must have sent his generals on Earth. Calder has traveled across the realm and is after Eva with his powerful army that includes Muzalim. Eva lost Abigail and now they are on the run. Grab a copy of this book and get to know what Eva will discover in her journey?

Story plot is interesting. Characters are well written and there is much action in the story which hooked my attention from the first page. Cover photo of the book is nice with a suitable title. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. I am looking forward to read next book in the series.

[Bindu Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Bonded is written by  Jonathan T Salisbury under the fantasy genre which is less than 200 and it is also the first book from the series pages, I was skeptical about the content. However, when I had looked upon the blurb of the book I was hooked till the end. The book had been weaved around the strong female protagonist Eva aka Evangeline was sent on the Earth to protect as a Guardian angel. The story also oscillates between the past events of our protagonist Eva which she was not able to comprehend however she could understand now. Gradually, the story progresses along with the beautiful & strong characters developments in the book. Despite the book belongs to the fantasy but not so thick which I had really liked (as I am not a fan of thick books). The book has many events which made us realize that our antagonistic is also equally powerful and strong in the book, which I had really appreciated in the book. The beginning of the book is so grabbing wherein the assassin scene has been plotted between Eva and the Ceann’s has been caught up. Despite, the limited characters in the book author has embedded the elements with utmost eloquence. Despite the first book of the author the writing skills had made a huge impression and I cannot praise enough the way the narration of the story has been enchanted.  Moreover, let's not forget the action, adventure, and other elements in the book which really made the page-turner for the reader. If you are someone who lures by action-packed the scene with a splash of graphics, then indeed this will be one of the best reads for you. This is the commencement of the series and left us in admiration of the upcoming series from the Author.  

[Bindu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a series!

Blood Bonded is written by  Jonathan T Salisbury under the fantasy genre and which is less than 200 and it is also the first book from the series pages, I was skeptical about the content. However, when I had looked upon the blurb of thebook I was hooked till the end. The book had been weaved around the strong female protagonist Eva aka Evangeline was sent on the Earth to protect as a Guardian angel. The story also oscillates between the past events of our protagonist Eva which she was not able to comprehend however she could understand now. Gradually,the story progresses along with the beautiful & strong characters developments in the book. Despite the book belongs to the fantasy but not so thick which I hadreally liked (as I am not a fan of thick books).The book has many events which made us realize that our antagonistis also equally powerful and strong in the book, which I had really appreciated in the book. The beginning of the book is so grabbing wherein the assassin scene has been plotted between Eva and the Ceann’s has been caught up. Despite, the limited characters in the book author has embedded the elements with utmost eloquence. Despite the first book of the author the writing skills hadmade a huge impression and I cannot praise enough the way the narration of thestory has been enchanted.  Moreover, let's not forget the action, adventure, and other elements in the book which reallymade the page-turner for the reader. If you are someone who lures by action-packed the scene with a splash of graphics, then indeed this will be one of the bestreads for you. This is the commencement of the series and left us in admiration of the upcoming books from the Author.

[Empyrean Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy to have gotten a signed copy of Volume I and Volume II for Blood Bonded: The Portal and Key Chronicles trilogy at a local bookstore! Hands down a five star book. If you’re familiar with the isekai trope, or transferring to an alternate plane of existence, this book is a great fit for you! While this is a fantasy book, Jonathan skillfully touches on a common experience of grief, loss, and adaptation. He humanizes what is weaponized. The main character is Eva, a sassy, sarcastic woman paired with several male leads from either Earth or Faetir – the world you’ll learn about filled with fae, magic weavers, and settings similar to a time with comfort food, leather attire, axes, gladius swords, and strong-willed characters. It’s apparent that the author is well-versed in combat and has done plenty of research on every portal relevant to continents on Earth. He is calculated in how much plot should be revealed, leaving the reader with more questions than answers; however, he does this strategically so that you’re hooked and cannot put the book down. There’s a variety of characters where the perspective shifts from each one, so you aren’t left in the dark with what their true feelings are. I’d like to mention that there’s a helpful glossary which I wish other fantasy books had, since there’s a lot of information to learn about when accessing a new realm. I highly recommend this book if you’re a lover of fantasy, enjoy comic relief, and want a book that intrigues you with every page turn.

[Faten (Onceuponabooksta) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished 'Blood Bonded' two weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised with how quickly it pulled me in.

The story starts off with seeing Evangeline, a fierce assassin being caught up in a battle with Ceann's men, the most powerful villain who probably wants her dead. After being cast out to live on Eu'sifr aka Earth for her whole life to be protected, Eva recently learned some life-changing secrets about her past. Later on she finds herself following a trail that leads down into her past once again and starts revealing the mystery behinds it.

The author has such a good writing and narrating skills that made the story flow smoothly. The vibrant descriptions of the world-building and realm politics help immerse you in the Faetir world greatly. Not to forget the plot twist towards the end of the book which was something I had not expected at all.

I loved the description behind the title and the ideal cover art too (You will understand what i mean once your read the book).

The story also has quite a feminist vein running through it. You can definitely feel it in Eva's fierce character and how she is unwilling to let anyone underestimate her.

All told 'Blood Bonded' was truly a fast-paced entertaining read which sets a promising start to 'The Portal And Key' Trilogy. If you enjoy arranged marrige tropes, short-lengthened books with a good bundle of action-packed scenes and a strong female lead, then this book is definitely for you.

Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy.

[Bill French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down, great story and can't wait for the next one!

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big reader, but this book was worth making an exception to my laziness. Great read.

[Diana Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and look forward the the next one. I recommend giving this book a read!

[Tracie Ide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fast-paced. The action scenes read so well you almost feel like you are in them. I wanted to be Eva, or at least be like Eva! Happy to have discovered this new fantasy author and series.

[Rachael C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Fast paced and action packed, with great world building and lovable characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series!