What do you think?
Rate this book
Immortal Bound Series #1
The Immortal Secret
A contemporary romantasy full of supernatural thrills, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.
A secret so powerful, it can't be contained.
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. She begins to unravel the mystery of her past and discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. She debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. She must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice and who she can trust her heart with.
Packed with action, elemental magic, and swoon-worthy romance, this is the first in a YA series that will keep you turning the pages to the dramatic end.
A secret so powerful, it can't be contained.
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. She begins to unravel the mystery of her past and discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. She debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. She must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice and who she can trust her heart with.
Packed with action, elemental magic, and swoon-worthy romance, this is the first in a YA series that will keep you turning the pages to the dramatic end.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
98 people are currently reading
3017 people want to read
About the author
Christina Farley
19 books533 followersAfter teaching and living internationally for ten years in Seoul, South Korea, Christina started writing about her adventures, her school, and life. This inspired her to write the Gilded series. Since then, she hasn't stopped writing and continues to write fantasy and romance for adults, teens, and kids.
Besides writing, Christina loves traveling, running, and eating dark chocolate.
Learn more about her by visiting her at www.christinafarley.com or by chatting with her on Facebook @ChristinaFarley or Instagram @ChristinaLFarley.
Besides writing, Christina loves traveling, running, and eating dark chocolate.
Learn more about her by visiting her at www.christinafarley.com or by chatting with her on Facebook @ChristinaFarley or Instagram @ChristinaLFarley.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Read
September 8, 2025DNF @30%. Honestly, this was just sort of a mess. Strong start- (prequel) then the writing became super cheesy and way too juvenile for me. A lot of things just did not make sense, especially with it being an amnesia trope. I just don’t think it’s for me.
September 24, 2024
I really, really loved this! As a Channeler, it's Estrella's duty to channel magic to her people. After being successful, she's charged with treason, has her memories wiped, and is sent to live as a mortal in a home for other girls like her. Can she get her memories back? Can she save herself and her friends? Who does she trust in the mix of not being able to trust anyone? There's so many questions and not enough answers yet 🫠
I started out slow with this book because. I felt like there would be a lot to take in, and I'm glad I did. The author wrote such a vivid and unique world and characters that I absolutely LOVE! Everyone has their own role. There are sides characters, but you love them like they're the MC. And the high school drama? Love it. I was crying laughing reading about immortals who were forced to suffer through the high school system because they're on a mission 😂
All of the girls at the home quickly because best friends and they're relationship makes me so happy. Each girl has a different personality or quirk and it makes reading about them so much fun.
There's also this *maybe* love triangle? I have my hopes, but nothing concrete lol. I don't see what could away Estrella either way yet, so I'll keep which team I'm on up in the air until at LEAST the first chapter of The Immortal Heart 🤭
I can't wait for November for The Immortal Heart to dive back into this world of battling immortals.
Thank you so much to the author & RRBookTours for the gifted copy!
I started out slow with this book because. I felt like there would be a lot to take in, and I'm glad I did. The author wrote such a vivid and unique world and characters that I absolutely LOVE! Everyone has their own role. There are sides characters, but you love them like they're the MC. And the high school drama? Love it. I was crying laughing reading about immortals who were forced to suffer through the high school system because they're on a mission 😂
All of the girls at the home quickly because best friends and they're relationship makes me so happy. Each girl has a different personality or quirk and it makes reading about them so much fun.
There's also this *maybe* love triangle? I have my hopes, but nothing concrete lol. I don't see what could away Estrella either way yet, so I'll keep which team I'm on up in the air until at LEAST the first chapter of The Immortal Heart 🤭
I can't wait for November for The Immortal Heart to dive back into this world of battling immortals.
Thank you so much to the author & RRBookTours for the gifted copy!
August 1, 2024
This is a contemporary romantasy focusing on Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories and banished to live as a mortal at a mysterious home for orphaned girls in Florida. Estrella's life becomes even more complicated when she encounters two rivals for her heart. One offers her protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it.
This book feels wonderfully nostalgic, reminiscent of the late 2000s YA urban fantasy novels that many of us fell in love with in our youths. The premise and opening scenes are both fascinating, drawing the reader into a world with immortals, rival kingdoms, and magic. However, much of this book serves as a setup for the next in the series. It lays the groundwork for future adventures, making it feel like the beginning of a much larger story.
Despite this, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The novel could have benefitted from additional pages to advance the plot further, but the focus on character development was a nice touch. Most of the story is set in our world, but the glimpses we get of the other, more magical world are far more interesting. I hope that future books will explore this aspect more deeply.
I particularly enjoyed the amnesia trope, especially since the love interests know more than Estrella realizes. This adds a layer of mystery and tension to their relationships. Overall, this book is an excellent setup for the series, but I think it struggles to stand on its own.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the copy. This review is voluntary and honest and all opinions are my own.
This book feels wonderfully nostalgic, reminiscent of the late 2000s YA urban fantasy novels that many of us fell in love with in our youths. The premise and opening scenes are both fascinating, drawing the reader into a world with immortals, rival kingdoms, and magic. However, much of this book serves as a setup for the next in the series. It lays the groundwork for future adventures, making it feel like the beginning of a much larger story.
Despite this, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The novel could have benefitted from additional pages to advance the plot further, but the focus on character development was a nice touch. Most of the story is set in our world, but the glimpses we get of the other, more magical world are far more interesting. I hope that future books will explore this aspect more deeply.
I particularly enjoyed the amnesia trope, especially since the love interests know more than Estrella realizes. This adds a layer of mystery and tension to their relationships. Overall, this book is an excellent setup for the series, but I think it struggles to stand on its own.
Thanks to R&R Booktours for the copy. This review is voluntary and honest and all opinions are my own.
August 2, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ Not too bad! I enjoyed the plot but the writing was a little basic. I’m curious enough to read book 2!
September 19, 2025
I picked this up despite not really being one for fantasy yet the blurb called to me. The beginning was so explosive that I was hooked from the first page and dove right into a world like ours but not in so many different ways. I adored Estrella and loved how she kept her mind her own and made her own decisions. I loved the way the story twisted around the narrative so that, along with Estrella, you were never quite sure who to trust and who not to. An amazing start to a series and one I recommend!
January 1, 2026
Book 1 of the Immortal Bound series
Contemporary young adult romantasy
World building pulls you in.
Amnesia urban fantasy
magic, political intrigue
Contemporary young adult romantasy
World building pulls you in.
Amnesia urban fantasy
magic, political intrigue
October 19, 2025
"The Immortal Secret" is book one in the "Immortal Bound" series by Christina Farley. This Young Adult book was very well written and had me wanting more. I enjoyed reading about Estrella and her trying to figure out about her past that she somehow has no memory of. Estrella knows that something is up when she is at a girl's home and keeps seeing things. She goes the whole book, trying to figure things out and decide who she can really trust if anyone. I liked the scene towards the end when she was calling an object to her. Just seeing her solve things and know her strength was great. I will definitely be continuing on in this series.
May 8, 2025
*SPOILER ALERT*
Won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
Tl;dr: Overall, I’d say the story is decent/good! 2.75 but rounding up to 3. Could have used more editing, notably in terms of some corniness and adding in more worldbuilding details. Appreciated how readable it was!
PROS
Tristan & Katka
The dynamic between these two is great. They’re funny and likeable.
Scenery
When we do get scenery (see con below), it’s usually wonderful. I love the way the castle, throne room, snow and rose, etc., is described.
You’ll Keep Reading
This is probably my biggest compliment, especially considering the cons below. I definitely wanted to know what happened, but more than that the story was generally easy to read. The present day action at school and beyond flowed well and I usually would glance down at my Kindle to see that I had read quite a large percentage without even realizing I had. That’s the best thing for a reader!
CONS
Lack of Backstory/Worldbuilding
My biggest complaint is that there isn’t enough backstory. So often I’d be reading and a quick comment would end up distracting me so much that I’d be pulled out of the story, or something would happen in the blink of an eye without the scene really being set before the action took place.
I remember several instances of this: When they were talking about mortal food and that made me wonder how it compared to what they ate in their world. Or how Estrella knew about drop-in hours for the computer lab! I eventually found out they take mortal studies as a subject in school, but it was so confusing for the longest time, and even then we only got a quick paragraph for context.
I felt the same way in regards to Estrella getting a phone (a random detail about having to wait a month didn’t appear until quite a ways through the book) and a nurse appearing one morning; I had no idea anyone else was at the home, which made me realize we were never fully grounded in the place to begin with. And then there’s this quote: “What do I know about the Nazco other than that they’re rotten to the core?” I basically felt the same, which was unfortunate; I still don’t know enough about the immortal world, and definitely not enough to understand why their powers need to be kept in check (which they mention) beyond the obvious, but I see there’s a second book. Hopefully that will help solve some of the confusion?
Really, really wanted to know clearly what the immortals understood about the mortal world and to know that from the beginning, which could have clarified why they needed to keep secrets from them (which was never really discussed, just implied).
Dion
I didn’t love Dion; I actually liked Tristan better. Dion is kind of a flat character in some ways, which is surprising since we get quite a few chapters from his perspective. I wonder if this has to do with him being pretty serious for most of the time, and yet I think we’d need more info about his family, the pressure on him, etc., than just a few scenes showing him easing up to make him feel more dynamic.
Corny/Cringey
Parts of the story were a bit corny for me. Not too, too many, but some. I know this is a YA book, but even still—it could do with a bit less.
The fight scene, for instance, was definitely one. I also thought some of the chapters sounded so unlike a teen guy, particularly since they kept describing girls’ clothes in such detail and Dion kept saying how in love with Estrella he was. This, along with Estrella not being able to tell if she was dreaming or recalling a memory (“I must have done X,” etc.), got kinda old.
A super, super tiny detail I didn’t love was that Estrella had blonde hair and blue eyes since it’s so overdone, especially in fantasy (I actually have both, so it’s not a personal grudge or anything). The fact that the places are real in the mortal work (e.g., Slovakia) threw me a bit as well, but that’s more because I didn’t understand how their world within our world looked/functioned.
Lack of Agency
Estrella doesn’t seem to have a lot of agency in the story. This is partially due to the guys fighting over her (~”You don’t get to have her”) and her continuing to drop her books (several times in a row, I believe) and experiencing intense headaches, which she is only apparently mildly worried about. Some readers might not mind this, but I think balancing it with some agency would help. Again, maybe the second book will work on this.
Won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
Tl;dr: Overall, I’d say the story is decent/good! 2.75 but rounding up to 3. Could have used more editing, notably in terms of some corniness and adding in more worldbuilding details. Appreciated how readable it was!
PROS
Tristan & Katka
The dynamic between these two is great. They’re funny and likeable.
Scenery
When we do get scenery (see con below), it’s usually wonderful. I love the way the castle, throne room, snow and rose, etc., is described.
You’ll Keep Reading
This is probably my biggest compliment, especially considering the cons below. I definitely wanted to know what happened, but more than that the story was generally easy to read. The present day action at school and beyond flowed well and I usually would glance down at my Kindle to see that I had read quite a large percentage without even realizing I had. That’s the best thing for a reader!
CONS
Lack of Backstory/Worldbuilding
My biggest complaint is that there isn’t enough backstory. So often I’d be reading and a quick comment would end up distracting me so much that I’d be pulled out of the story, or something would happen in the blink of an eye without the scene really being set before the action took place.
I remember several instances of this: When they were talking about mortal food and that made me wonder how it compared to what they ate in their world. Or how Estrella knew about drop-in hours for the computer lab! I eventually found out they take mortal studies as a subject in school, but it was so confusing for the longest time, and even then we only got a quick paragraph for context.
I felt the same way in regards to Estrella getting a phone (a random detail about having to wait a month didn’t appear until quite a ways through the book) and a nurse appearing one morning; I had no idea anyone else was at the home, which made me realize we were never fully grounded in the place to begin with. And then there’s this quote: “What do I know about the Nazco other than that they’re rotten to the core?” I basically felt the same, which was unfortunate; I still don’t know enough about the immortal world, and definitely not enough to understand why their powers need to be kept in check (which they mention) beyond the obvious, but I see there’s a second book. Hopefully that will help solve some of the confusion?
Really, really wanted to know clearly what the immortals understood about the mortal world and to know that from the beginning, which could have clarified why they needed to keep secrets from them (which was never really discussed, just implied).
Dion
I didn’t love Dion; I actually liked Tristan better. Dion is kind of a flat character in some ways, which is surprising since we get quite a few chapters from his perspective. I wonder if this has to do with him being pretty serious for most of the time, and yet I think we’d need more info about his family, the pressure on him, etc., than just a few scenes showing him easing up to make him feel more dynamic.
Corny/Cringey
Parts of the story were a bit corny for me. Not too, too many, but some. I know this is a YA book, but even still—it could do with a bit less.
The fight scene, for instance, was definitely one. I also thought some of the chapters sounded so unlike a teen guy, particularly since they kept describing girls’ clothes in such detail and Dion kept saying how in love with Estrella he was. This, along with Estrella not being able to tell if she was dreaming or recalling a memory (“I must have done X,” etc.), got kinda old.
A super, super tiny detail I didn’t love was that Estrella had blonde hair and blue eyes since it’s so overdone, especially in fantasy (I actually have both, so it’s not a personal grudge or anything). The fact that the places are real in the mortal work (e.g., Slovakia) threw me a bit as well, but that’s more because I didn’t understand how their world within our world looked/functioned.
Lack of Agency
Estrella doesn’t seem to have a lot of agency in the story. This is partially due to the guys fighting over her (~”You don’t get to have her”) and her continuing to drop her books (several times in a row, I believe) and experiencing intense headaches, which she is only apparently mildly worried about. Some readers might not mind this, but I think balancing it with some agency would help. Again, maybe the second book will work on this.
July 30, 2024
Unlocking the Mysteries of "The Immortal Secret" by Christina Farley
Welcome to the thrilling world of "The Immortal Secret," the first book in the Immortal Bound Series by Christina Farley. If you’re a fan of YA romantic fantasy, prepare to be swept off your feet by this spellbinding tale of love, mystery, and adventure. Here’s why you absolutely need to add this book to your reading list!
Why You NEED to Read "The Immortal Secret" by Christina Farley! 📚✨
Estrella's journey from a memory-stripped immortal to discovering her true self is nothing short of exhilarating. Christina Farley has woven an intricate and mesmerizing story that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Synopsis:
Welcome to the ARC tour for The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley -- the start of a brand-new romantasy series!
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. As she begins to unravel the mystery of her past, she discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her own abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. Estrella debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. As powerful forces try to stop her, she must decide who she can trust her heart with.
Packed with action, elemental magic, and swoon-worthy romance, this is the first in a YA series that will keep you turning the pages to the dramatic end.
Expected Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy
Reasons to Pick Up "The Immortal Secret" Today:
Star-Crossed Lovers with an Epic Plot Twist: Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled as Estrella navigates her feelings amidst a tangled web of love and betrayal.
Fae in the Human World: Discover the fascinating dynamics of fae who are unaware of their true nature.
Epic Rebel Moments: Witness thrilling acts of rebellion that will have you cheering for the characters.
Intriguing Political System: The complex and gripping political landscape will keep you blazing through this book.
Top Reasons to Dive into "The Immortal Secret" by Christina Farley:
🌌 Supernatural Thrills: A blend of magic and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
❤️🔥 Forbidden Love: Swoon-worthy romance with a love triangle that will have you torn.
🌀 Mystery and Adventure: Multiple POVs that add depth and intrigue to the story.
🌍 International Settings: Travel through diverse and captivating settings.
🔥 Elemental Magic: Experience the power of elemental magic in an enthralling narrative.
Don’t miss out on this captivating start to the Immortal Bound Series! Grab your copy of "The Immortal Secret" today and get ready to embark on a magical adventure filled with love, danger, and unforgettable characters.
Tags: #ChristinaFarley #TheImmortalSecret #ImmortalBoundSeries #YARomanticFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookReview #BookRecommendation #MustRead #BookLovers #BookCommunity
Welcome to the thrilling world of "The Immortal Secret," the first book in the Immortal Bound Series by Christina Farley. If you’re a fan of YA romantic fantasy, prepare to be swept off your feet by this spellbinding tale of love, mystery, and adventure. Here’s why you absolutely need to add this book to your reading list!
Why You NEED to Read "The Immortal Secret" by Christina Farley! 📚✨
Estrella's journey from a memory-stripped immortal to discovering her true self is nothing short of exhilarating. Christina Farley has woven an intricate and mesmerizing story that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Synopsis:
Welcome to the ARC tour for The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley -- the start of a brand-new romantasy series!
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. As she begins to unravel the mystery of her past, she discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her own abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. Estrella debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. As powerful forces try to stop her, she must decide who she can trust her heart with.
Packed with action, elemental magic, and swoon-worthy romance, this is the first in a YA series that will keep you turning the pages to the dramatic end.
Expected Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy
Reasons to Pick Up "The Immortal Secret" Today:
Star-Crossed Lovers with an Epic Plot Twist: Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled as Estrella navigates her feelings amidst a tangled web of love and betrayal.
Fae in the Human World: Discover the fascinating dynamics of fae who are unaware of their true nature.
Epic Rebel Moments: Witness thrilling acts of rebellion that will have you cheering for the characters.
Intriguing Political System: The complex and gripping political landscape will keep you blazing through this book.
Top Reasons to Dive into "The Immortal Secret" by Christina Farley:
🌌 Supernatural Thrills: A blend of magic and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
❤️🔥 Forbidden Love: Swoon-worthy romance with a love triangle that will have you torn.
🌀 Mystery and Adventure: Multiple POVs that add depth and intrigue to the story.
🌍 International Settings: Travel through diverse and captivating settings.
🔥 Elemental Magic: Experience the power of elemental magic in an enthralling narrative.
Don’t miss out on this captivating start to the Immortal Bound Series! Grab your copy of "The Immortal Secret" today and get ready to embark on a magical adventure filled with love, danger, and unforgettable characters.
Tags: #ChristinaFarley #TheImmortalSecret #ImmortalBoundSeries #YARomanticFantasy #FantasyBooks #BookReview #BookRecommendation #MustRead #BookLovers #BookCommunity
August 1, 2024
A Spellbinding Start to a New ✨Romantasy Series✨
This debut novel kicks off an exciting young adult romantasy series that’s got me seriously hooked and counting down the days until the next book. 🔮 Right from the start, I was pulled into a fast-paced, thrilling adventure set in a world packed with magic, mystery, and forbidden love.
The author really knocked it out of the park with the world-building—it’s so detailed and vivid that it feels like you’re right there. ✨ And you can tell this is just the beginning, with the story laying down the foundation for what’s sure to be an epic series.
The characters are a big highlight for me. The way the author dives into their development, especially with the amnesia trope, adds so much depth. The main character, Estrella, is dealing with lost memories, while the love interests are holding onto secrets that keep you guessing. It reminds me of those classic YA urban fantasy books I used to devour, full of drama and emotional twists.
What really stood out to me is how the book blends the amnesia trope with urban fantasy vibes, making the plot feel both fresh and nostalgic. 🧙♀️The star-crossed lovers are on a collision course with a major plot twist that’s going to leave you reeling. 😱 And just when things are getting super intense, the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to find out what happens next.
All in all, this book is an awesome start to a series that’s sure to become a favourite for many YA romantasy fans. 🎉 It’s fast-paced, full of rich world-building, with great character development and plenty of drama. If you’re looking for your next adventure, this is it. 🔥 I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
This debut novel kicks off an exciting young adult romantasy series that’s got me seriously hooked and counting down the days until the next book. 🔮 Right from the start, I was pulled into a fast-paced, thrilling adventure set in a world packed with magic, mystery, and forbidden love.
The author really knocked it out of the park with the world-building—it’s so detailed and vivid that it feels like you’re right there. ✨ And you can tell this is just the beginning, with the story laying down the foundation for what’s sure to be an epic series.
The characters are a big highlight for me. The way the author dives into their development, especially with the amnesia trope, adds so much depth. The main character, Estrella, is dealing with lost memories, while the love interests are holding onto secrets that keep you guessing. It reminds me of those classic YA urban fantasy books I used to devour, full of drama and emotional twists.
What really stood out to me is how the book blends the amnesia trope with urban fantasy vibes, making the plot feel both fresh and nostalgic. 🧙♀️The star-crossed lovers are on a collision course with a major plot twist that’s going to leave you reeling. 😱 And just when things are getting super intense, the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you desperate to find out what happens next.
All in all, this book is an awesome start to a series that’s sure to become a favourite for many YA romantasy fans. 🎉 It’s fast-paced, full of rich world-building, with great character development and plenty of drama. If you’re looking for your next adventure, this is it. 🔥 I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here!
August 8, 2024
This was just so enjoyable to read. This is a YA urban fantasy novel with magic, political intrigue, forgotten pasts and oh the romance!
What would you do if you could no longer remember your past? Would you still have the same hobbies? Make the same choices? And most importantly, fall for the same guy?! After one of the most powerful immortals is exiled from their kingdom they are left at a disadvantage. Scrambling, they make drastic choices left and right. Meanwhile the love of her life is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if that means she will never remember him again.
I was super invested in Estrella’s outcome. The balance between her, Dion and Tristan was fantastic and I was here for it! The development between the characters was delicate and the pieces of the puzzle went together very slowly. Yet the pace of the book was fast and it just worked well.
The character development was natural. The side characters added a lot of depth to a past we know nothing about which was exquisitely done. We didn’t get near enough answers to her past as I was craving and can’t wait for the next installment.
Read for:
-Amnesia/forgotten pasts
-Elemental magic
-Political Intrigue
-Romance (YA appropriate)
-Exiled
-Secrets
-Forbidden love
-Assassins
-Dark Creatures
-Multiple POV
Character Development: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Writing Style: 5 stars
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Spoiler alerts:
.
.
.
.
.
.
Trigger warnings: Orphaned. Amnesia. Exiled. Chased by assassins. Dark creatures called wraiths. Fighting scenes resulting in death, minor descriptive words used. No swearing. Romance, just kissing, YA appropriate.
What would you do if you could no longer remember your past? Would you still have the same hobbies? Make the same choices? And most importantly, fall for the same guy?! After one of the most powerful immortals is exiled from their kingdom they are left at a disadvantage. Scrambling, they make drastic choices left and right. Meanwhile the love of her life is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Even if that means she will never remember him again.
I was super invested in Estrella’s outcome. The balance between her, Dion and Tristan was fantastic and I was here for it! The development between the characters was delicate and the pieces of the puzzle went together very slowly. Yet the pace of the book was fast and it just worked well.
The character development was natural. The side characters added a lot of depth to a past we know nothing about which was exquisitely done. We didn’t get near enough answers to her past as I was craving and can’t wait for the next installment.
Read for:
-Amnesia/forgotten pasts
-Elemental magic
-Political Intrigue
-Romance (YA appropriate)
-Exiled
-Secrets
-Forbidden love
-Assassins
-Dark Creatures
-Multiple POV
Character Development: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars
Writing Style: 5 stars
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Spoiler alerts:
.
.
.
.
.
.
Trigger warnings: Orphaned. Amnesia. Exiled. Chased by assassins. Dark creatures called wraiths. Fighting scenes resulting in death, minor descriptive words used. No swearing. Romance, just kissing, YA appropriate.
July 29, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Estrella.
Star light, star bright.
The Immortal Secret is the first book of a new spellbinding romantasy full of twists and secrets by Christina Farley.
Estrella enters into an ancient ritual to see if her lifelong training has made her strong enough to be the immortal realms next conduit. But the ring of eternity’s acceptance of her somehow went very sideways, and landed her the brand of traitor. Bargaining for her life, her lover deals away her memories and her immortality in hopes of the chance to once again be together once she becomes fully mortal.
She wakes up with her memory totally wiped, an orphan essentially starting life completely over, and is told to strictly take her medication lest her “headaches” get worse. Enter Nadia’s Home for Girls, where things only get more bizarre. But even without her memories, Estrella’s instincts are top notch, and with a little help from some new friends, she just might have the chance at unraveling the tangled web she’s found herself stuck in the middle of.
This was a supremely fast paced and enthralling young adult romantasy adventure that I binged in one sitting and am eagerly anticipating the sequel for.
Thank you so much to the author & R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Estrella.
Star light, star bright.
The Immortal Secret is the first book of a new spellbinding romantasy full of twists and secrets by Christina Farley.
Estrella enters into an ancient ritual to see if her lifelong training has made her strong enough to be the immortal realms next conduit. But the ring of eternity’s acceptance of her somehow went very sideways, and landed her the brand of traitor. Bargaining for her life, her lover deals away her memories and her immortality in hopes of the chance to once again be together once she becomes fully mortal.
She wakes up with her memory totally wiped, an orphan essentially starting life completely over, and is told to strictly take her medication lest her “headaches” get worse. Enter Nadia’s Home for Girls, where things only get more bizarre. But even without her memories, Estrella’s instincts are top notch, and with a little help from some new friends, she just might have the chance at unraveling the tangled web she’s found herself stuck in the middle of.
This was a supremely fast paced and enthralling young adult romantasy adventure that I binged in one sitting and am eagerly anticipating the sequel for.
Thank you so much to the author & R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
August 28, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SYNOPSIS: A secret so powerful, it can't be contained.
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. She begins to unravel the mystery of her past and discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. She debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. She must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice and who she can trust her heart with.
REVIEW: The book started out a little slow and it took me a few days to get through the first few chapters. Estrella goes through a test but is unexpectedly banished from her immortal realm with no memory of her life or self. Around Chapter 5 is when I couldn’t put the book down. The story becomes filled with so much mystery, suspense, and drama that it just pulls you in deeper. Estrella becomes determined to put the puzzle pieces of her memory back together all while struggling with who to trust. The closer she gets to answers, the harder everything becomes as her life is put even more in jeopardy. By the end of this book, I was left grasping for more. I am so excited for the second book the Immortal Bound series to be released.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SYNOPSIS: A secret so powerful, it can't be contained.
Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. She begins to unravel the mystery of her past and discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her abilities.
But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. She debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.
Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. She must decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice and who she can trust her heart with.
REVIEW: The book started out a little slow and it took me a few days to get through the first few chapters. Estrella goes through a test but is unexpectedly banished from her immortal realm with no memory of her life or self. Around Chapter 5 is when I couldn’t put the book down. The story becomes filled with so much mystery, suspense, and drama that it just pulls you in deeper. Estrella becomes determined to put the puzzle pieces of her memory back together all while struggling with who to trust. The closer she gets to answers, the harder everything becomes as her life is put even more in jeopardy. By the end of this book, I was left grasping for more. I am so excited for the second book the Immortal Bound series to be released.
August 2, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ This one surprised me! I’m always iffy when it comes to YA; worried that I won’t connect with younger characters or may find the plot somewhat juvenile. Not this time! Christina Farley had my attention from the first page.
Estrella is an immortal that is accused of treason against her kingdom. They have her memory wiped and she is sent to Florida to live in a Home for Girls that have also lost their memory. This read gave me Midnight Club vibes and is full of mystery and suspense. The author does a great job of weaving the story through the fog of Estrella’s lost memories and the blossoming of her new relationships, constantly driving the audience to keep reading.
This YA Fantasy is filled with hidden magic, swoon worthy MMCs, action, and mystery! The Immortal Secret is the first book in the Immortal Bounds series and I am now impatiently waiting to get my hands on the second book!
Read this YA Fantasy to enjoy..
✨Supernatural Thrills
✨Forbidden Love
✨Mystery
✨Love Triangle
✨Multiple POV
✨Elemental Magic
✨Swoony Romance
✨Action/Adventure
✨International Settings
Estrella is an immortal that is accused of treason against her kingdom. They have her memory wiped and she is sent to Florida to live in a Home for Girls that have also lost their memory. This read gave me Midnight Club vibes and is full of mystery and suspense. The author does a great job of weaving the story through the fog of Estrella’s lost memories and the blossoming of her new relationships, constantly driving the audience to keep reading.
This YA Fantasy is filled with hidden magic, swoon worthy MMCs, action, and mystery! The Immortal Secret is the first book in the Immortal Bounds series and I am now impatiently waiting to get my hands on the second book!
Read this YA Fantasy to enjoy..
✨Supernatural Thrills
✨Forbidden Love
✨Mystery
✨Love Triangle
✨Multiple POV
✨Elemental Magic
✨Swoony Romance
✨Action/Adventure
✨International Settings
August 8, 2024
Fantasy is my favorite genre and this story was a breath of fresh air. I absolutely loved that the setting of most of the book is Florida, because I live there! The immortal Estrella is a sweet but strong main character who is betrayed by the kingdom she serves and sent away after having her memories wiped. She ends up in a home for girls like her and quickly discovers that things aren’t as they seem. Two boys suddenly show up at her new high school - one who is very protective of her and one who promises to tell her the truth about who she is. Who can she trust? She keeps having dreams that don’t make sense but what if they’re buried memories? I thoroughly enjoyed joining these characters in their world. The multiple POV gave depth to each character and the short chapters kept me turning page after page to see what would happen next. I am looking forward to the sequel to this book to see what is in store for Estrella.
August 18, 2024
The Immortal Secret
Mysterious and thrilling! I loved how suspenseful this was. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I enjoyed the premise and can’t wait to uncover more about this world and all these secrets!!
Then we have the characters… man I don’t know where to start with that. Estrella was a down to earth character who I had no trouble rooting for. Then there’s Dion, who is definitely a sexy protective immortal who happens to be pretty powerful! And lastly, there’s Tristan, I honestly loved him the best! He was fun to read and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
This was only the start of what promises to be an epic story. I can’t wait to see where things go!
Some exciting tropes to find here are: forbidden romance vibes, love triangle vibes, who to trust, anemia, lots of mysteries, thrills, magic, enemies to ??, found family, and so much more yet to come! I’m really excited for the next book!!
Mysterious and thrilling! I loved how suspenseful this was. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
I enjoyed the premise and can’t wait to uncover more about this world and all these secrets!!
Then we have the characters… man I don’t know where to start with that. Estrella was a down to earth character who I had no trouble rooting for. Then there’s Dion, who is definitely a sexy protective immortal who happens to be pretty powerful! And lastly, there’s Tristan, I honestly loved him the best! He was fun to read and I can’t wait to learn more about him.
This was only the start of what promises to be an epic story. I can’t wait to see where things go!
Some exciting tropes to find here are: forbidden romance vibes, love triangle vibes, who to trust, anemia, lots of mysteries, thrills, magic, enemies to ??, found family, and so much more yet to come! I’m really excited for the next book!!
October 22, 2024
Immortal Bound Series
Possible spoilers in review:
Excellent fantasy adventure for the young adult readers. This story describes two opposing cultures of immortal, magical beings living on earth, hidden from mortal humans. Both cultures appear to depend on a magical source of powers that can only be accessed by rare, powerful channelers. Our heroine is a young channeler who is in love with another magical fellow. She successfully accesses the power source, but is immediately accused of betraying her people in the future. In this case it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy because their solution is to wipe her memories and send her to a boarding house with others like her. Her boyfriend can't resist going to be near her despite her memory loss. Additionally the young prince from the opposing realm finds her and becomes somewhat smitten as well. Well written and grammatically correct.
Possible spoilers in review:
Excellent fantasy adventure for the young adult readers. This story describes two opposing cultures of immortal, magical beings living on earth, hidden from mortal humans. Both cultures appear to depend on a magical source of powers that can only be accessed by rare, powerful channelers. Our heroine is a young channeler who is in love with another magical fellow. She successfully accesses the power source, but is immediately accused of betraying her people in the future. In this case it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy because their solution is to wipe her memories and send her to a boarding house with others like her. Her boyfriend can't resist going to be near her despite her memory loss. Additionally the young prince from the opposing realm finds her and becomes somewhat smitten as well. Well written and grammatically correct.
August 1, 2024
Once you start reading, you'll be so wrapped up in Estrella's story you won't want to stop. Farley has done an amazing job with the world building, really drawing you into it, the immortals, the magic, and the way it integrates with the world we know. I loved Estrella and the girls at the home she's basically banished too. They have unique personalities, and I'm sure you'll come to love them too! The story itself is engaging and moves along at a good pace. I appreciate the time taken to introduce the world and those who surround Estrella, without it becoming overwhelming. The worst part is you have to wait for book two, honestly. Overall, there are unforgettable characters, a bit of mystery, plenty of friendship, lots of magic, and more than a little drama in these pages. Don't miss it!
October 16, 2025
We follow Estrella, an immortal who’s lost her memories and ends up at this super mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. Things seem normal (well, as normal as they can be), but soon she’s seeing cracks in the façade, and let’s just say, nothing at that place is what it seems.
I loved the amnesia trope here. The tension of trying to piece together her identity while the world clearly knows more than she does. The writing gives that perfect mix of mystery and magic.
It’s definitely more of a series opener than a full story. Lots of setup, teasing what’s to come, and a cliffhanger that left me wanting just a bit more before it ended. But I’m curious enough to keep reading and see where Estrella’s story goes next.
I loved the amnesia trope here. The tension of trying to piece together her identity while the world clearly knows more than she does. The writing gives that perfect mix of mystery and magic.
It’s definitely more of a series opener than a full story. Lots of setup, teasing what’s to come, and a cliffhanger that left me wanting just a bit more before it ended. But I’m curious enough to keep reading and see where Estrella’s story goes next.
August 5, 2024
This is one of the most unique storylines I’ve read. I can’t think of another book where the main protagonist (and her new friends) is an ‘amnesiac’ and spends the book trying to figure out what’s going on with her and those around her.
This is a multi POV story, but it’s done well and each POV adds another layer to the story and doesn’t detract from it. Same goes for the love triangle. I’m not usually for it, as they get repetitive and boring, but this one works so well within the story.
This is a fantastic start to the series and has an ending that makes me want the next one. The chapters fly by and I was done before I knew it. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.
This is a multi POV story, but it’s done well and each POV adds another layer to the story and doesn’t detract from it. Same goes for the love triangle. I’m not usually for it, as they get repetitive and boring, but this one works so well within the story.
This is a fantastic start to the series and has an ending that makes me want the next one. The chapters fly by and I was done before I knew it. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two.
August 15, 2024
The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley: A Promising Concept, but Lacks Execution
The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley wasn’t boring, but it didn’t quite entice me either. It’s a quick, easy read, which is probably why I finished it. Unfortunately, the dialogue often left me cringing, and that really took away from the overall experience. The concept behind the book is cool, and I genuinely liked the plot, but the execution didn’t live up to its potential. I’m hopeful that with more practice, Farley will continue to improve in her storytelling and creativity. I might give her another shot down the line, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley wasn’t boring, but it didn’t quite entice me either. It’s a quick, easy read, which is probably why I finished it. Unfortunately, the dialogue often left me cringing, and that really took away from the overall experience. The concept behind the book is cool, and I genuinely liked the plot, but the execution didn’t live up to its potential. I’m hopeful that with more practice, Farley will continue to improve in her storytelling and creativity. I might give her another shot down the line, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
July 31, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy the story and the progression of unraveling the secrets from Estrella’s past. This book is filled with action elemental magic, a love triangle (swoon), and is a fast read. A wonderful and solid first book in the series, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next one. Christina Farley did a wonderful job creating such a wonderful, and easy-visualize- world in which the book took place.
✨𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤✨
🗡️Supernatural Thrills
🗡️Forbidden Love
🗡️Mystery
🗡️Love Triangle
🗡️Multiple POV
🗡️Elemental Magic
🗡️Swoony Romance
🗡️Action/Adventure
🗡️International Settings
Thank you @christinalfarley and @rrbooktours for the eARC!
✨𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤✨
🗡️Supernatural Thrills
🗡️Forbidden Love
🗡️Mystery
🗡️Love Triangle
🗡️Multiple POV
🗡️Elemental Magic
🗡️Swoony Romance
🗡️Action/Adventure
🗡️International Settings
Thank you @christinalfarley and @rrbooktours for the eARC!
July 31, 2024
This book grabbed and I couldn’t put it down. The world building was amazing and detailed I could feel the weather around me as I was reading. We meet Estrella and Dion just as she is about to be tested. When she thinks she succeeds she is suddenly cast out for treason and her memories wiped. She winds up in Florida with nothing to her name and her past lost. Estrella winds up in a group home for girls where things get crazy. She meets two guys and doesn’t know who to trust. This book ended just as it was getting good and on a cliff hanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next
August 1, 2024
An excellent Ya fantasy read. The world building and the authors writing style pulls you into the story and makes you feel everything as if you were there.
Estrella undergoes a test to see if she is her kingdom’s next conduit, but is branded as a traitor when something goes wrong. She has her memories wiped, and is banished to live as a mortal. She is placed in a home for girls in Florida where everything is not what it seems. She has two immortals looking for her and she has to determine who to trust. I can’t wait for the next in the series and highly recommend.
Estrella undergoes a test to see if she is her kingdom’s next conduit, but is branded as a traitor when something goes wrong. She has her memories wiped, and is banished to live as a mortal. She is placed in a home for girls in Florida where everything is not what it seems. She has two immortals looking for her and she has to determine who to trust. I can’t wait for the next in the series and highly recommend.
August 6, 2024
An immortal girl is exiled to Florida with her memory wiped but certain things keep coming back to her. You know it’s good when you start getting seriously worried that there are too many loose ends and not enough pages left in the book. Cannot wait for the sequel! If you’re looking for magical, mythical, and boarding school vibes, this is your book.
December 4, 2024
Solid 3.75 stars! The beginning was a little rushed but the rest of the book was great. We didn’t get a ton of info on how the magic system works this book but I suspect that will come more in the next one.
February 18, 2026
absolutely spellbinding
I loved this book. It has so many plot twists. The characters are so special and you just fall for every one of them. They all have their flaws but together with what’s happened to them they work amazingly as a team. Can’t wait to start the next book
I loved this book. It has so many plot twists. The characters are so special and you just fall for every one of them. They all have their flaws but together with what’s happened to them they work amazingly as a team. Can’t wait to start the next book
July 26, 2024
Amazing! What a story!!
October 15, 2024
AMAZING!!!
This is such a fast paced, edge of your seat read!! So many secrets! I didn’t read the prequel so I was surprised by all the revelations!!
I can’t wait to read book 2!!
This is such a fast paced, edge of your seat read!! So many secrets! I didn’t read the prequel so I was surprised by all the revelations!!
I can’t wait to read book 2!!
March 21, 2025
Such a good book! I really enjoyed the dynamic between the characters and how you get to learn about the world along with Estrella! Also the love triangle is super fun🤩🤩🤩 amazing writing!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews