A Soul Bound By Branches

by Ariella McCulloch

In a small town in the south-west of England, three souls come together once more.

Signy was raised in ignorance of the Hidden World. Her father told her a single tale, that of the Spirit-Walker and the Dark Prince. A story whispered at bedtime that became his final words. Searching for the reason why, she stumbles upon far, far, more. A legend that has shaped Hydan. A legacy spanning millennia. A curse locking her in darkness.

Cethin is intimately familiar with the tale. It haunts him. He cannot escape it and he doesn’t entirely want too. What he wants is her. Nameless, until he learns it; faceless, until he sees her. Centuries, he has spent trying to reclaim his lost love, and this time he is determined to let nothing get his way. Until someone does.

Hailia is a witch with no magic who has to watch as her best friend is initiated into the Court of the Spellbound without her. Her destiny lies elsewhere. And when she wakes up in the heart of a deadly vampire clan, she wonders if this is all she is. A pawn in a game she doesn’t understand. But perhaps this is exactly where she is meant to be.

All three are bound in a cycle of which history has forgotten the origin. Will they fall to its mercy, or will they break free?

443 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2023

About the author

Ariella’s writing journey began as a 14-year-old with an empty notebook on Halloween and a girl hunted and beloved by an ancient vampire. She became a Master of Physics at university whilst the world of Hydan grew to encompass a history and a future and many, many stories set within. A Soul Bound by Branches marks the point where her writing journey turns into what she intends to be a life long author career.

Reviews

[Faith Fawcett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the creativity that flowed throughout the book, from vampires and witches to spirit walkers and centuries long problems. You can really tell that Ariella has put a lot of work into the world-building. Also... that plot twist?!

[Sarah Edgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid crime and mystery reader, this was a completely different genre for me and I absolutely loved it. I got completely lost in the story & the way Ariella writes is so immersive, magical and creative. A real page turner that contained the suspense and shock factor that usually draws me to the crime genre - I can’t wait to read what the author releases next. Whether you typically read fantasy or not, I highly recommend this book as your next read, you won’t regret it!

[Ariella McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book so I am biased, but I hope you give this story a chance — it may just surprise you.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It was well written and impossible to put down. I strongly recommend everyone to read it, regardless of the genre they are used to reading.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute fantastic story with some amazing characters you'll just fall in love with ❤️

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Was easy to read and I blew through it! Can’t wait for the next one!!