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The Blade That Binds Us
From beloved authors Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace comes a sweeping dark queer YA romantasy, inspired by Icelandic folklore, about a witch and shepherd boy who find love in the darkest of places.
Hrafn has seen too much.
He welcomes death as the flames lick at the staves carved into his skin.
Until a stranger pulls him out.
Siggi has never left his village.
He longs to go in search of his missing brother.
Perhaps that's why he pulls the witch boy from the fire.
Bound by a blade of bone and indebted to the village boy, Hrafn agrees to use his powerful magic to help the oaf who saved him from the pyre. Across (and sometimes under) a rugged and unforgiving landscape, the unlikely pair will travel in search of answers, crossing paths with druids, darkwolves, and the dreaded Huldu.
But when the deceptions of the past are peeled away, Siggi and Hrafn will come face to face with their true natures.
When the cost of magic is pain and family ties run bone deep, can an unlikely love blossom in a dark and dangerous world?
Hrafn has seen too much.
He welcomes death as the flames lick at the staves carved into his skin.
Until a stranger pulls him out.
Siggi has never left his village.
He longs to go in search of his missing brother.
Perhaps that's why he pulls the witch boy from the fire.
Bound by a blade of bone and indebted to the village boy, Hrafn agrees to use his powerful magic to help the oaf who saved him from the pyre. Across (and sometimes under) a rugged and unforgiving landscape, the unlikely pair will travel in search of answers, crossing paths with druids, darkwolves, and the dreaded Huldu.
But when the deceptions of the past are peeled away, Siggi and Hrafn will come face to face with their true natures.
When the cost of magic is pain and family ties run bone deep, can an unlikely love blossom in a dark and dangerous world?
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Leah Thomas
38 books593 followersLeah Thomas once wrote from a house in the woods, and now an apartment more or less by the sea (well, less). Her debut novel BECAUSE YOU'LL NEVER MEET ME was a 2016 Morris Award finalist, and its sequel, NOWHERE NEAR YOU, is out now from Bloomsbury. Her third YA science fiction novel, WHEN LIGHT LEFT US, hit shelves this February.
A graduate of Clarion 2010, her short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Black Static, Ideomancer, and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. She's mostly a dork and always feels uncomfortable about author bios. If she's not writing, she's likely teaching or cosplaying. Follow her on instagram (@fellowhermit), or on tumblr (cuttoothom).
A graduate of Clarion 2010, her short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, Black Static, Ideomancer, and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. She's mostly a dork and always feels uncomfortable about author bios. If she's not writing, she's likely teaching or cosplaying. Follow her on instagram (@fellowhermit), or on tumblr (cuttoothom).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 17, 2025
Pros:
- the magic in this is GRUESOME in the best way. Absolutely can be read as a metaphor for self sacrifice and mmmm I’m eating it up
- call me a simple man, but I have been weak for A Simple Farm Boy since The Princess Bride
- you KNOW I love me some hurt/comfort. You KNOW I love me some “I’m monstrous and I can’t be loved”/“he’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”
- this feels like it could’ve gone so grimdark so fast and yet it avoided it with admirable skill
- listen. I received this as an ARC, and as like most ARCs, it was digital. I can’t read for very long on screens before my eyes start burning. I read this almost entirely in one go. The suffering was worth it.
- Hrafn, my spiky boy. Let yourself be chosen.
- Siggi, when I said you were too pure for this world, That is Not What I Meant
- just a huge shoutout to Ylfa’s house. Sick as hell
- chewing on both our main boys like chew toys
- this is an admirably well done example of the Quest book type
- ANNA??? I do love me a little freak
- I feel like I’m super biased because the “unflappable kind one” and “means so well but lashes out constantly one” pairing is one of my favorite things so I’m just holding them in my hands
- soul bond… mmmmm yes good
- homosexual supporting cast
Cons:
- if you can’t deal with blood/gore/skin cloaks??? this book will be Rough. And when I say blood, I do mean that in a self harm way. The magic system involving blood to activate sigils on the skin, basically, and we do get some detail. I think it is done tactfully and well, but if you’re squeamish, be warned.
- if this isn’t a series, I SWEAR—
- if this isn’t a series I will be writing my first ever fanfic
Overall:
Thank you so much to the publisher for this ARC!! It was an absolute delight and so easy to get sucked into. Siggi and Hrafn are my squishy little guys and they do be getting into Situations. Seriously though. You can’t just END IT THERE, GIVE ME MORE. I’m okay. It’s okay. I’m going to go sit in a dark room.
4.5/5
- the magic in this is GRUESOME in the best way. Absolutely can be read as a metaphor for self sacrifice and mmmm I’m eating it up
- call me a simple man, but I have been weak for A Simple Farm Boy since The Princess Bride
- you KNOW I love me some hurt/comfort. You KNOW I love me some “I’m monstrous and I can’t be loved”/“he’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”
- this feels like it could’ve gone so grimdark so fast and yet it avoided it with admirable skill
- listen. I received this as an ARC, and as like most ARCs, it was digital. I can’t read for very long on screens before my eyes start burning. I read this almost entirely in one go. The suffering was worth it.
- Hrafn, my spiky boy. Let yourself be chosen.
- Siggi, when I said you were too pure for this world, That is Not What I Meant
- just a huge shoutout to Ylfa’s house. Sick as hell
- chewing on both our main boys like chew toys
- this is an admirably well done example of the Quest book type
- ANNA??? I do love me a little freak
- I feel like I’m super biased because the “unflappable kind one” and “means so well but lashes out constantly one” pairing is one of my favorite things so I’m just holding them in my hands
- soul bond… mmmmm yes good
- homosexual supporting cast
Cons:
- if you can’t deal with blood/gore/skin cloaks??? this book will be Rough. And when I say blood, I do mean that in a self harm way. The magic system involving blood to activate sigils on the skin, basically, and we do get some detail. I think it is done tactfully and well, but if you’re squeamish, be warned.
- if this isn’t a series, I SWEAR—
- if this isn’t a series I will be writing my first ever fanfic
Overall:
Thank you so much to the publisher for this ARC!! It was an absolute delight and so easy to get sucked into. Siggi and Hrafn are my squishy little guys and they do be getting into Situations. Seriously though. You can’t just END IT THERE, GIVE ME MORE. I’m okay. It’s okay. I’m going to go sit in a dark room.
4.5/5
August 21, 2025
Thomas and Wallace wrote the kind of queer fantasy I wish I had growing up. I connected with Siggi and Hrafn from the start, in no small part due to the pain they carry. While this book does not shy away from their dark pasts, it's ultimately about their love and survival.
I really like the Icelandic influences, especially where folklore becomes fact. All the witchery and curses played right into my fascination with the macabre.
Thanks so much to Tiny Ghost Press for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I really like the Icelandic influences, especially where folklore becomes fact. All the witchery and curses played right into my fascination with the macabre.
Thanks so much to Tiny Ghost Press for sending an ARC my way. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
April 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*Gonna keep it short and spoiler free since not much info has been made available to the public yet.
If you take Icelandic folklore, add whimsy of Howl’s moving castle with a good helping of Blair Witch horror, make everyone gay and throw it all in a cauldron, this book will come out 😁
…Not sure if this analogy will make sense to anyone but me, but this story was wonderful and the right kind of dark, and I enjoyed it very much! Highly recommend! 🖤
With thanks to the authors and Tiny Ghost Press for the early copy.
*Gonna keep it short and spoiler free since not much info has been made available to the public yet.
If you take Icelandic folklore, add whimsy of Howl’s moving castle with a good helping of Blair Witch horror, make everyone gay and throw it all in a cauldron, this book will come out 😁
…Not sure if this analogy will make sense to anyone but me, but this story was wonderful and the right kind of dark, and I enjoyed it very much! Highly recommend! 🖤
With thanks to the authors and Tiny Ghost Press for the early copy.
September 26, 2025
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press and the authors for providing a copy of this book!
This was such a great read! It took me a while to get through it, but that had more to do with me not wanting to read than the book itself.
I liked all the characters and thought they played well off one another. I do wish we could have had more development on some of the side characters though. There were a lot of them and many played pretty important roles, so it would have been nice to know more about them.
I loved the magic system! It was just so dark and gritty without feeling like it was trying too hard. It fit well in the world and worked well with the characters.
I do hope this book gets a sequel. While I would say this book could work as a stand alone, there were also a lot of concepts and questions set up that weren't answered or addressed.
This was such a great read! It took me a while to get through it, but that had more to do with me not wanting to read than the book itself.
I liked all the characters and thought they played well off one another. I do wish we could have had more development on some of the side characters though. There were a lot of them and many played pretty important roles, so it would have been nice to know more about them.
I loved the magic system! It was just so dark and gritty without feeling like it was trying too hard. It fit well in the world and worked well with the characters.
I do hope this book gets a sequel. While I would say this book could work as a stand alone, there were also a lot of concepts and questions set up that weren't answered or addressed.
August 17, 2025
3.25*
After his brother disappears, Siggi is left alone with his father, who often beats him. While they’re burning bodies of robbers, Siggi accidentally binds himself to a witch boy called Hrafn.
Together they search for answers and for Siggi’s brother, who is still alive.
I really like that this book is inspired by Icelandic folklore, which you don’t see much, so I really appreciate that the authors’ used something new.
There are some really good things about this book - the setting, darker tone, morally gray characters.
I’m actually not a big fan of the romance here, I would probably like it more, if it happened later, it kind of felt like it came out of nowhere. Also Hrafn’s actions sometimes didn’t make sense to me (like why he was so angry, when it was revealed what Siggi is, when it was obvious that Siggi himself didn’t know it).
I’m a bit unsatisfied by the ending, I don’t know if there are any plans for a sequel or not, but I have questions, and I need answers.
I’m rating this 3.25*, overall it’s a really interesting book, with an unusual setting, there were just few things that I didn’t like, so if you’re bored of mainstream ya fantasy books, definitely try this one.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc from Tiny Ghost Press in exchange for my honest review.
After his brother disappears, Siggi is left alone with his father, who often beats him. While they’re burning bodies of robbers, Siggi accidentally binds himself to a witch boy called Hrafn.
Together they search for answers and for Siggi’s brother, who is still alive.
I really like that this book is inspired by Icelandic folklore, which you don’t see much, so I really appreciate that the authors’ used something new.
There are some really good things about this book - the setting, darker tone, morally gray characters.
I’m actually not a big fan of the romance here, I would probably like it more, if it happened later, it kind of felt like it came out of nowhere. Also Hrafn’s actions sometimes didn’t make sense to me (like why he was so angry, when it was revealed what Siggi is, when it was obvious that Siggi himself didn’t know it).
I’m a bit unsatisfied by the ending, I don’t know if there are any plans for a sequel or not, but I have questions, and I need answers.
I’m rating this 3.25*, overall it’s a really interesting book, with an unusual setting, there were just few things that I didn’t like, so if you’re bored of mainstream ya fantasy books, definitely try this one.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-arc from Tiny Ghost Press in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2025
The premise was cute. The writing wasn't for me. This might have solidified the fact that I don't like books written by multiple authors. I could just read the different styles, and it really took me out of the story. It made it much more difficult for me to read and enjoy. I think if only one author would have written this, I could have enjoyed it much more. There were also many parts that I felt could have been cut. This book could have easily been 100 pages less IMO. It was an okay read though. I hope others can enjoy it!
Thank you, Tiny Ghost Press and the authors, Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Blade that Binds Us by Leah Thoms and Kali Wallace releases August 19, 2025!
Thank you, Tiny Ghost Press and the authors, Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace, for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Blade that Binds Us by Leah Thoms and Kali Wallace releases August 19, 2025!
July 26, 2025
This book was OK.
Not great but not bad either.
Despite the title, I felt like there could have been a stronger bond between the characters.
I also felt the book lacked in romance/intimacy between the characters.
For this reason, I have had to knock a star off my review.
Other than that though, this book is pretty decent all in all for a fantasy book.
Story/plot: 7/10
Character rep: 6/10
Spice: 0/10
If fantasy is your thing, check this book out today.
I’d like to thank Leah Thomas, Kali Wallace and Tiny ghost press for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Not great but not bad either.
Despite the title, I felt like there could have been a stronger bond between the characters.
I also felt the book lacked in romance/intimacy between the characters.
For this reason, I have had to knock a star off my review.
Other than that though, this book is pretty decent all in all for a fantasy book.
Story/plot: 7/10
Character rep: 6/10
Spice: 0/10
If fantasy is your thing, check this book out today.
I’d like to thank Leah Thomas, Kali Wallace and Tiny ghost press for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
August 18, 2025
The Blade That Binds Us
Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Blade That Binds Us is a story blending in magic, revenge and self discovery.
Siggi is consumed by the loss of his brother and the need to bring him back. It’s this consummation that leads him to bind himself to Hrafn a witch whose magic could bring his brother home again.
Along their journey they face creatures and being inspired by Norse Mythology. During their journey they discover more about each other and themselves.
Siggi was sweet, but kind of annoying. On the other hand I flipping loved Hrafn. He was a snarky, know it all and I was here for it! He had me giggling a few times.
Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Blade That Binds Us is a story blending in magic, revenge and self discovery.
Siggi is consumed by the loss of his brother and the need to bring him back. It’s this consummation that leads him to bind himself to Hrafn a witch whose magic could bring his brother home again.
Along their journey they face creatures and being inspired by Norse Mythology. During their journey they discover more about each other and themselves.
Siggi was sweet, but kind of annoying. On the other hand I flipping loved Hrafn. He was a snarky, know it all and I was here for it! He had me giggling a few times.
August 2, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I feel like this book is definitely going to find people who adore it, but I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters, and the romance popped up out of nowhere with no buildup. The story was very cool, though, don’t get me wrong! I think I’m just very picky when it comes to fantasy anymore.
I feel like this book is definitely going to find people who adore it, but I had a really hard time connecting with any of the characters, and the romance popped up out of nowhere with no buildup. The story was very cool, though, don’t get me wrong! I think I’m just very picky when it comes to fantasy anymore.
August 15, 2025
First of all, thank you Tiny Ghost Press for the early copy. When I tell you I DEVOURED this, it was so good! I'm not familiar with Icelandic folklore so this was such a wonderful new world to step into. The author did a fantastic job bringing to life a world steeped in darkness and magic. Could not put it down, and highly recommend!
Want to read
December 15, 2023From the rights report: “a dark romantic queer YA fantasy... When village boy Siggi inadvertently saves the life of stoic witch Hrafn, their lives become entwined, and they traverse an eerie country inspired by Iceland and its magical folklore, searching for Siggi's missing brother.”
September 1, 2025
3.5/5 stars
The Blade that Binds Us is a dark queer YA romantasy inspired by Icelandic folklore. Witch-boy Hrafn is dead after leading a tortuous cruel 15 years, that is until shepherd boy Siggi unknowingly resurrects him by picking up a blade of bone, binding the two together with unknown magic. They strike a bargain: Hrafn will use his magic to help Siggi search for his missing older brother in exchange for his freedom.
The premise is strong, and the story itself unfolds along all the right beats. I loved the infusion of Icelandic folklore, which was new and fascinating to me, and I appreciated the book’s willingness to embrace its darker tones. But something never fully clicked. The disconnect lay less in the plot and more in the execution of the characters. While the story moved in the right direction, the emotional depth wasn’t there. The relationships felt underdeveloped, which left the book less affecting than it could have been.
Siggi, in particular, came across as dense and frustratingly single-minded. His motivations made sense in theory, but in practice his actions often lacked convincing weight. Hrafn was more engaging, though he sometimes felt like he was being dragged along by the story rather than driving it.
The romance mostly worked but still felt undercooked. Their relationship never had the space to develop organically, and their interactions swung wildly between attraction and hostility. The teasing/ribbing banter, instead of reading as playful or affectionate, often came across as sharp and mean-spirited, undercutting the bond that was supposed to form between them.
Over halfway through, two girls abruptly join the journey. Their presence felt random, with little binding them to Siggi and Hrafn, and the same biting, unfriendly tone seeped into this new dynamic as well. The book seemed to be gesturing toward a found-family arc, but it never quite landed.
The Blade That Binds Us had the makings for a compelling dark YA romantasy, but it needed stronger character work and more space to cook.
*Thank you Tiny Ghost Press for the eARC
The Blade that Binds Us is a dark queer YA romantasy inspired by Icelandic folklore. Witch-boy Hrafn is dead after leading a tortuous cruel 15 years, that is until shepherd boy Siggi unknowingly resurrects him by picking up a blade of bone, binding the two together with unknown magic. They strike a bargain: Hrafn will use his magic to help Siggi search for his missing older brother in exchange for his freedom.
The premise is strong, and the story itself unfolds along all the right beats. I loved the infusion of Icelandic folklore, which was new and fascinating to me, and I appreciated the book’s willingness to embrace its darker tones. But something never fully clicked. The disconnect lay less in the plot and more in the execution of the characters. While the story moved in the right direction, the emotional depth wasn’t there. The relationships felt underdeveloped, which left the book less affecting than it could have been.
Siggi, in particular, came across as dense and frustratingly single-minded. His motivations made sense in theory, but in practice his actions often lacked convincing weight. Hrafn was more engaging, though he sometimes felt like he was being dragged along by the story rather than driving it.
The romance mostly worked but still felt undercooked. Their relationship never had the space to develop organically, and their interactions swung wildly between attraction and hostility. The teasing/ribbing banter, instead of reading as playful or affectionate, often came across as sharp and mean-spirited, undercutting the bond that was supposed to form between them.
Over halfway through, two girls abruptly join the journey. Their presence felt random, with little binding them to Siggi and Hrafn, and the same biting, unfriendly tone seeped into this new dynamic as well. The book seemed to be gesturing toward a found-family arc, but it never quite landed.
The Blade That Binds Us had the makings for a compelling dark YA romantasy, but it needed stronger character work and more space to cook.
*Thank you Tiny Ghost Press for the eARC
August 25, 2025
I've been on a reading slump with the books I've been trying lately but I absolutely devoured this book!
Thoroughly enjoyed the wrtiting style, magic system and characters. Loved Siggi and Hrafn, Holta and Fidelma too and all the other characters. The wait for the next book is going to be hell.
Thoroughly enjoyed the wrtiting style, magic system and characters. Loved Siggi and Hrafn, Holta and Fidelma too and all the other characters. The wait for the next book is going to be hell.
Want to read
July 30, 2025"A sweeping dark queer YA romantasy inspired by Icelandic folklore, about a witch and shepherd boy who find love in the darkest of places."
October 26, 2025
I was completely taken by surprise by “The Blade That Binds Us” by Leah Thomas and Kali Wallace. This queer YA dark romantasy, inspired by Icelandic folklore, follows Hrafn, a witch boy rescued from the flames by Siggi, a shepherd searching for his missing brother. Bound together by blood and bone, the two embark on a perilous journey across a brutal, mystical landscape filled with druids, darkwolves, and ancient beings known as the Huldu. The deeper they go, the more they uncover about themselves, their pasts, and the cruel truths behind their world’s magic. It’s a story about survival, love, and sacrifice in a world where even hope comes at a bloody cost.
Even though this is a YA book, it does not shy away from darkness. The magic system is absolutely gruesome, with blood, scarring, carving, and so much pain tied to power that I actually got a little woozy at times, lol! The Icelandic folklore was fascinating (I’ll admit, I had to Google a few things), and while the world building can be dense and occasionally confusing, it adds to the sense of mystery and danger. Hrafn and Siggi completely stole my heart. Hrafn is the tough, sassy survivor who’s been through hell, while Siggi is the sweet, sunshine boy determined to save him, total black cat and golden retriever energy. Their relationship was funny, tender, and beautifully written. The reveals had me hooked, and the ending was both poetic and heartbreaking. My bestie Dylan and I buddy-read this one, and we were not ready for the emotional damage, but wow, it was worth every page.
Even though this is a YA book, it does not shy away from darkness. The magic system is absolutely gruesome, with blood, scarring, carving, and so much pain tied to power that I actually got a little woozy at times, lol! The Icelandic folklore was fascinating (I’ll admit, I had to Google a few things), and while the world building can be dense and occasionally confusing, it adds to the sense of mystery and danger. Hrafn and Siggi completely stole my heart. Hrafn is the tough, sassy survivor who’s been through hell, while Siggi is the sweet, sunshine boy determined to save him, total black cat and golden retriever energy. Their relationship was funny, tender, and beautifully written. The reveals had me hooked, and the ending was both poetic and heartbreaking. My bestie Dylan and I buddy-read this one, and we were not ready for the emotional damage, but wow, it was worth every page.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews