Border of Bones

Kingdom of Chains #3

by Tanya Bird

No enemy can defeat a determined heart.

Lina is no stranger to conflict. When her clan arrives on the shores of Cardiganshire for the summer, she is prepared for trouble. Sea warriors are tolerated in the Irish Sea but never on land. Luckily, the Wolfvanir are not hunting for friends but for food. They will not survive the winter without it. But the territory is already occupied by the Carmarthen Militia, an army with a history as dark as their own. A violent welcome brings Lina face to face with the general himself, a man who wants her gone—but not dead. In fact, he seems intent on keeping her alive. The question is why? And the mystery has her staring down her arrow at him… unable to let it fly.

Tolly Blackmane is secure in his cycle of survival. It was a miracle he made it to Wales alive, and it has been his privilege to protect the people who survived alongside him. But now that security is under threat in more ways than one. The Wolfvanir clan has arrived on their shores, and so has the person he owes his life to. Lina is his savior. She is also his enemy. Fate has brought them back together, but to what end? Rules will be ignored and loyalties tested as they navigate love across enemy lines.

Border of Bones is a thrilling romance packed with drama and witty dialogue. If you enjoy strong female characters, heart-pounding action, and a love that defies all odds, then do not miss the epic conclusion to the Kingdom of Chains trilogy.

Genres: Historical Romance

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

About the author

Tanya Bird is a RUBY award-winning author who lives in Brisbane with her hubby, three lively boys, a quirky greyhound, and a lazy whippet. Amid the chaos, she writes across a range romance sub-genres including historical, contemporary, and speculative. She is best known for her dark worldbuilding and high-emotion storytelling. A lover of horses, pancakes, and satire, Tanya dreams of one day attacking her rather long bucket list.

You can find her on Facebook @TanyaBirdAuthor, Instagram @tanyabirdauthor, TikTok @tanyabirdauthor or hiding in the pantry with her stash of chocolate.

Exclusive free reads available at tanyabird.com

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Tanya Bird writes it I read it and love it. This book was no exception to that rule. She has a way of ripping your heart open along with the characters’ and then sewing it all back together again, but with enough scars to add to the beauty. Great job and an exceptional closing to the series.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars I needed a great viking-esque love story in my life, and Tanya Bird delivered! I love that Lina the FMC is the sea warrior with her adorable sea warrior goose. The animal companions are always my favorite 🪿! Lina and Tolly's love story develops at a great pace and really made me root for them to be together. I still love the comradery between the militia and the defenders. It always makes for a nice break in tension. Lina has her own fun-loving support that I loved as well. The fact that Tolly had the support of his brother and friends because they've experienced finding love made it that much better. I loved the ending too. Lina wasn't about making any impulsive decisions, and it really made the story that much more believable. Another great romance from Tanya Bird!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, I’m so happy! I didn’t love the 2nd book in this series and am so relieved that this book wonderful! I truly liked how everything came together and loved having some old characters from past series make a cameo appearance! I was a bit surprised that this series had a novella for Hadewaye & not for Alveye so I’m really hoping he gets one as well!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tanya Bird's Medieval dystopian books. She can write conflict like no other. The culture clash, forbidden romance and vivid battles here are compelling. It was hard to put this book down despite at times real life calling my name. Tolly and Lina have a thing I can't resist—predestination. As children they had an experience that bonded them for life, then their lives took them in opposing directions. But despite that when their paths came back together they still had a connection. They could sense each other's presence. They had a love that defied the odds and you can't help but root for them despite some of their reckless choices. This is an enthralling finale that will keep you riveted, and if you've read the whole series you'll feel a little sad that it's all over. (On my wish list would be a bonus novella featuring an atypical romance between beta MMC Simian and alpha FMC Trinka.)

[Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya has done it again! I always think her latest book is my favorite, but this time I really mean it. Tolly and Lina's journey from enemies to lovers captivates you right from the first page and keeps getting better with each chapter. The dynamic between the characters is so compelling that you find yourself unable to put the book down, repeatedly promising, "just one more chapter."

The pacing is perfect—never rushed, yet never dragging. The romance is beautifully balanced with action and tension, creating a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Every moment is crafted with precision, ensuring nothing feels forced or lacking.

I have no criticisms; it's a flawless read. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Tanya's talent shines through in every word, and I eagerly anticipate each of her new releases.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular! Tanya Bird has hit it out of the park yet again with Lina and Tolly's story. I was enraptured with their forbidden love. The trials these two endured while being enemies and wanting to be lovers pulled on my heartstrings. I have absolutely loved reading each defender story and I'm saddened that this is the last one. Each defender and his lady holds a piece of my heart, and Lina and Tolly are no different. I believe this book was aptly named: Border of Bones. Lina and Tolly court each other across a border literally made by bones. Who will cross first? Who will survive? And will they survive with their hearts intact? Absolutely amazing! Border of Bones is fade-to-black and doesn't lose any of it's intimacy, which is perfect for my level of spice.

[Lacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikings, war, and forbidden love...yes, please! The only way I can describe this story without spoiling the awesomeness of the book is by relating it to Pocahontas(Disney). It's what kept coming into my mind using the story. Not the cheesy love in the movie, but the situation/setting in reverse. A migrating tribe looking for food on someone else's land. This obviously leads to territory issues and misunderstandings of values and customs. It was such a wonderful story that I hated to pause when reading!

[Katie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Border of Bones" was such a great read and full of memorable moments. I have a long list of highlighted lines from this book.

I love Lina and Tolly’s story. It was nice to see some old returning characters and especially great to some new characters. Trinka is the friend in life that everyone should have.

The book had me laughing out loud multiple times, and I'm now seriously contemplating getting a goose as a pet (only half-joking).

Tanya Bird's writing never fails to impress, and "Border of Bones" is no exception!

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Border of Bones is one of those books that gets you excited to read again! From the start, the characters take you on board of their exciting, romantic and nervewrecking story. Tanya Bird always finds the perfect balance of strong, likeable, but still unique female leads, an exciting plot in a world thats both cruel, but you're jealous of it too, and other characters that even while reading this book you're getting excited about and hoping for a possible spinoff.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viking Romance.
Wolfvanir Clan, Scandinavian Sea Warriors Lina & Carmarthen Militia General Tilly Blackmane. I love that these two have a history that gets revisited later. The two opposing forces they fall in love. This story had my full attention and made my heart smile. The comedy of Olga the Goose and strong and fierce Trinka, Lina’s best friend, was what levity the story needed from the seriousness. Enjoyable book from a very efficient and talented author. Another successful love story.

[Sunny Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about Tanya Bird's writing that just speaks to me. I have read every single book that she has written and have loved them all. Border of Bones was yet another example of her expertise in weaving a tale with wonderfully developed characters and a captivating story line. Somehow her writing hooks you within the first few pages and doesn't let go until you are miserable that you finished the book and wanting more of her writing.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Tanya can write a dystopian that’s light hearted (not all doom & gloom) add in epic romances that give you ALL the feels without the spicy details & it be absolute perfection! What an amazing conclusion to an already awesome series! 10/10 recommend. Also would literally recommend ANYTHING she writes because it’s always the best!

[Alyssa Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star-crossed lovers destined to save one another time and time again. Enemy lines and a love that conquers all. Border of Bones will make your heart race! Tanya Bird intertwines adventure and romance with perfection. I never wanted Lina and Tolly's story to end! A dazzling end for The Kingdom of Chains trilogy.

[Jacqui Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Border of Bones is a fantastic book written by Tanya Bird. As with all her books you are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. Two strong characters who start out as enemies but end up as lovers.
Some wonderful witty dialogue to lighten the moments and bring a smile to your face.
It has battles, loss and heartache. It has enough great characters that you could continue this wonderful story in hopefully many more books in this world Tanya Bird has created.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good series!! Heartwarming, gut wrenching, humorous, and intense all at the same time. Tanya Bird has become one of my new favourite authors. And Timothy Campbell did such an amazing job as narrator of the audiobook. The way he did the different voices and accents really made the story come alive!

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series I knew what to expect. Easy going story. Good banter with funny moments. A heroine who doesn't stand around and just let life happen. An animal with a great personality.

And Tanya never disappoints. Despite taking me a while to read it, it is mostly my lack of time rather than the book which flows easily.

Definitely one of my favourite series.

[Marci · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS!!! I love this book so much! I am praying for a spin off because I’m in denial the series is over. I live for a great love story and Tanya delivered! Bonus was the incredible humor and witty characters that had me laughing out loud.

[Stephanie Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Tanya writes is gold in my opinion and this book is no different. I'm so sad to see the end of this series but cannot wait to see what comes next. A novella for Alveye and Simian would be Amazing!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - the premise of the story seems too simple to write an entire book. However, the reader cannot help but become attached to each of the characters, and their relationships with each other. Tanya Bird delivered a wonderful read.

[Mindy Kissinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Tanya Bird writes it and I read it. This book felt like Pocahontas but with Vikings. ❤️🪿🗡️

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

No one writes a love story like Tanya . Great addition to the series. Look forward to reading the next installment.

[Kim Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanya is my favorite author and never disappoints. This book was great! It actually got me out of a reading slump and made me get into it again. The pacing and banter are unmatched. Loved this!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite in the Kingdom of Chains series - the dynamic between the clans and defenders and the sort of sneaky romance had me hooked, especially towards the end. All the feels <3