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Her Forsaken Mates #1
Bonds of the Forsaken
In a world of forbidden magic, fate plays a cruel game — binding five souls to the one mate who could destroy them.
This Fae prince is going to be the death of me.
He’s a spoiled party boy whose only skills are flirting and — well, you know. There's a reason his "special" piercings are famous ...
Not that I care.
I refuse to get involved with that arrogant bastard. Especially since the shadow monster he barely keeps contained will kill us both if given the chance.
But when he's assigned to the most important mission of my career, I can't afford to walk away,
Not when staying risks me being caught by the Empire's most deadly Mage Hunter. He insists our single toe-curling kiss bewitched him, and is obsessed with proving I'm hiding magic that could threaten the world.
I’ll do anything to keep him from discovering how close he is to the truth …
Can I outrun the growly Mage Hunter and outwit the seductive Prince of Shadows in time to complete my mission — life, sanity, and secrets intact?
Join Kaiya and the first of her mates on a dangerous mission to the Forsaken Isle — a place full of dragons, monsters, twisted magic, and a painful truth that could change everything.
This Fae prince is going to be the death of me.
He’s a spoiled party boy whose only skills are flirting and — well, you know. There's a reason his "special" piercings are famous ...
Not that I care.
I refuse to get involved with that arrogant bastard. Especially since the shadow monster he barely keeps contained will kill us both if given the chance.
But when he's assigned to the most important mission of my career, I can't afford to walk away,
Not when staying risks me being caught by the Empire's most deadly Mage Hunter. He insists our single toe-curling kiss bewitched him, and is obsessed with proving I'm hiding magic that could threaten the world.
I’ll do anything to keep him from discovering how close he is to the truth …
Can I outrun the growly Mage Hunter and outwit the seductive Prince of Shadows in time to complete my mission — life, sanity, and secrets intact?
Join Kaiya and the first of her mates on a dangerous mission to the Forsaken Isle — a place full of dragons, monsters, twisted magic, and a painful truth that could change everything.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
294 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Olivia K. Moto
7 books439 followersReal life is uncertain enough.
I want my books to be a safe place to explore – a refuge containing the sexiest book boyfriends and a world that can always be fixed.
I live with my amazing husband, our two mischievous kiddos, and our fluffy puppy, Rocco, in the mountainous and coldly beautiful Alaska. When not writing, reading, or being mom, I love playing board games and watching cheesy romance movies.
My favorite genres include reverse harem romance, romantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy, sci-fi, and … well, anything that ends happy, lol.
I want my books to be a safe place to explore – a refuge containing the sexiest book boyfriends and a world that can always be fixed.
I live with my amazing husband, our two mischievous kiddos, and our fluffy puppy, Rocco, in the mountainous and coldly beautiful Alaska. When not writing, reading, or being mom, I love playing board games and watching cheesy romance movies.
My favorite genres include reverse harem romance, romantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy, sci-fi, and … well, anything that ends happy, lol.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 12, 2024
The first 100 pages were really good and sucked me in, but the story really took a dive once Jaiel and Kaiya made it to the Isle only because the writing got a little sloppy at points. Even with the glossary at the front of the book, I didn't understand a lot, but it was OK because you certainly weren't supposed to understand some things. The world-building was just so complex, as in there were so many terms to remember (which weren't really explained well outside of the glossary), and they didn't always make sense. It wasn't until they met with the Guardian for the first time and Eli was introduced where things fell off the rails for me in this book though. The author kept forgetting what information Kaiya was supposed to know already and what she wasn't supposed to know. For example, she randomly suddenly knew Eli's name wasn't real and he was really Liam, but legit no one told her that. Every scene felt rushed and the emotions/dialogue/reactions would flip too quickly. Kaiya seemed dumb and like she was played like a fucking fiddle by everyone. I was constantly annoyed by her blind faith to her cause (which was working against HER own species) and her trust in Frexin (who was so clearly a villain from the very beginning). The way she would react to things, in addition to scene changes, would just completely change so quickly. I had a hard time following scenes sometimes, which was hard on top of the really dense world-building that wasn't fully explained.
In terms of the romance, I liked all of the guys who we've met so far, but it was really light in this book. I want more romance and less of Kaiya being annoying. We barely got anything of Rien and Liam. I liked the ending, but I was also a little confused as to what happened before the last chapter/what happened to Jaiel. Speaking of Jaiel, the flip from hating to loving Jaiel was too quick before they were first intimate, and then the non-stop ensuing whiplash of hate and love got a little old. Their flirty banter was also sometimes weird and borderline creepy.
But, there are no typos. It is an intriguing baseline of a story. I just felt like some things needed to be mapped out better and explained better. I also think sometimes scenes just needed to slow down what was happening or better progress a conversation in a more natural way.
That said, I will likely read book 2. I liked the men. I read this quickly. It's an interesting romantasy reverse harem, and it's very slow-burn. I'm a sucker for bonds and fated mates.
In terms of the romance, I liked all of the guys who we've met so far, but it was really light in this book. I want more romance and less of Kaiya being annoying. We barely got anything of Rien and Liam. I liked the ending, but I was also a little confused as to what happened before the last chapter/what happened to Jaiel. Speaking of Jaiel, the flip from hating to loving Jaiel was too quick before they were first intimate, and then the non-stop ensuing whiplash of hate and love got a little old. Their flirty banter was also sometimes weird and borderline creepy.
But, there are no typos. It is an intriguing baseline of a story. I just felt like some things needed to be mapped out better and explained better. I also think sometimes scenes just needed to slow down what was happening or better progress a conversation in a more natural way.
That said, I will likely read book 2. I liked the men. I read this quickly. It's an interesting romantasy reverse harem, and it's very slow-burn. I'm a sucker for bonds and fated mates.
April 1, 2025
ive had to give this 4.75 it was a little slow to start off but it got so good its action packed the characters are really well written the plot is excellent this book is obviously setting up the series but im so excited for book 2 because how this book ended i have so many questions it was a breath of fresh air im obviously not going to give spoilers but its a excellent fantasy romance i was lucky enough to get the arc from booksirens and it was free and im writing this review voluntarily i even reached out to the author nand she replied i just love the main character shes fierce there are wolf shifters and fae everything our fantasy romance girlies need cannot wait for book two that was my first review I've just done a reread as I've got the arc for book 2 I think I enjoyed it more second time round I'm loving the prince and I love the banter between him and kaiya I'm so happy I reread this as there was so much of it I'd forgotten but I'm excited to get straight into book 2 now that it's all fresh id highly recommend this series so far it's a great start to a series and there are two love interest in this which I'm loving we all want more right you might not admit it but we do us girlies get it this is slow burn and I'm itching for the spice because the tension is tensioning and I just need something to happen I'm playing book 2 gives me something like I said give this a go it's on kindle unlimited aswell so no excuse get reading id love to know what you think if anyone wants to chat about it anyways happy reading.
May 3, 2024
*Reverse Harem
*Fantasy
*Multiple-PoV
*Fae
*Shifters
*Mages
*Forbidden Magic
*Quest-based
*Mates
*Building Harem (5?)
*Slow Burn
*1/?
Fun Fantasy
A gripping and intriguing book in this series. You definitely want to read the prequel first otherwise it would certainly feel like you’d just walked into the middle of something without having that wider background and context, especially as this is so heavily focused/dependant on the world-building element. It is certainly a book that you have to pay attention to and engage with in terms of reading (i’s not one I think you could pick up/put down or have other things going on). But it is so worth it because it is an interesting and well thought out story. Our FMC Kaiya is seeking out these dangerous magical beings/objects that keep attacking people to stop any further deaths. However it soon becomes apparent that there is more to this mission than meets the eye 😲 There are several of Kaiyas men that make an appearance in this book - although not all are actually part of her harem at this point you definitely get an indication of who could be 🥰 There’s enemies to mates, the bantering friendship that’s denying it could be more, the ex whose heart she trampled over and then a new addition - there’s plenty of different relations to contend with and keep you interested! In terms of the story are there is a divide between those who want magic users collared and those who want them freed and it is not always clear who is who or who the true enemy to Kaiya is! Looking forward to the next on especially after that ending.
*Fantasy
*Multiple-PoV
*Fae
*Shifters
*Mages
*Forbidden Magic
*Quest-based
*Mates
*Building Harem (5?)
*Slow Burn
*1/?
Fun Fantasy
A gripping and intriguing book in this series. You definitely want to read the prequel first otherwise it would certainly feel like you’d just walked into the middle of something without having that wider background and context, especially as this is so heavily focused/dependant on the world-building element. It is certainly a book that you have to pay attention to and engage with in terms of reading (i’s not one I think you could pick up/put down or have other things going on). But it is so worth it because it is an interesting and well thought out story. Our FMC Kaiya is seeking out these dangerous magical beings/objects that keep attacking people to stop any further deaths. However it soon becomes apparent that there is more to this mission than meets the eye 😲 There are several of Kaiyas men that make an appearance in this book - although not all are actually part of her harem at this point you definitely get an indication of who could be 🥰 There’s enemies to mates, the bantering friendship that’s denying it could be more, the ex whose heart she trampled over and then a new addition - there’s plenty of different relations to contend with and keep you interested! In terms of the story are there is a divide between those who want magic users collared and those who want them freed and it is not always clear who is who or who the true enemy to Kaiya is! Looking forward to the next on especially after that ending.
Read
May 24, 2024not for me-stopped after sample. steampunk and bridgerton references and a bit too chaotic with writing that just wasn’t crisp enough for me. the right audience will enjoy. 😉
May 3, 2024
Instant 5 star read. I loved all the characters, the action, the drama, the conflicted emotions and the twists.
It has a little of everything in this wonderful fantasy world with shifters, magic, dragons, wraiths, Fae, and ancient creatures and relics.
Kaiya is a strong FMC, she's sassy, gold, brave, but we get to explore her vulnerability.
Jaiel is the arrogant and flirty Fae prince who holds lots of secrets, including his true feelings for Kaiya.
Tye is a mage hunter and stalker, who is convinced Kaiya has bewitched him and will stop at nothing to hunt her down and expose her witchcraft.
We also meet a dragon rider, and a forest God, who I can't wait to read more about.
This is a slow burn Romantasy with only a few steamy moments, but the depth and range of characters is fantastic, and I am hooked on this story. Can't wait for book 2!!
🌹"Stop calling me princess. It confuses everyone" "As you wish my Queen"
🌹"Of course. I'll even promise not to ravish you ..unless you ask me for it, very, very nicely"
🌹"I am the empire. I am your Master. And you're just a bird that never realized it was in a cage"
🌹"She was strange...and beautiful, in the way a brook kissed the first morning after a rainstorm"
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Fated mates
✨Forbidden magic
✨RH
✨Slow Burn
✨Mages
✨Relic Hunt / Quest
✨Flirty Banter
✨Shifters
✨One Bed
✨Touch her and die
✨Mine!
It has a little of everything in this wonderful fantasy world with shifters, magic, dragons, wraiths, Fae, and ancient creatures and relics.
Kaiya is a strong FMC, she's sassy, gold, brave, but we get to explore her vulnerability.
Jaiel is the arrogant and flirty Fae prince who holds lots of secrets, including his true feelings for Kaiya.
Tye is a mage hunter and stalker, who is convinced Kaiya has bewitched him and will stop at nothing to hunt her down and expose her witchcraft.
We also meet a dragon rider, and a forest God, who I can't wait to read more about.
This is a slow burn Romantasy with only a few steamy moments, but the depth and range of characters is fantastic, and I am hooked on this story. Can't wait for book 2!!
🌹"Stop calling me princess. It confuses everyone" "As you wish my Queen"
🌹"Of course. I'll even promise not to ravish you ..unless you ask me for it, very, very nicely"
🌹"I am the empire. I am your Master. And you're just a bird that never realized it was in a cage"
🌹"She was strange...and beautiful, in the way a brook kissed the first morning after a rainstorm"
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Fated mates
✨Forbidden magic
✨RH
✨Slow Burn
✨Mages
✨Relic Hunt / Quest
✨Flirty Banter
✨Shifters
✨One Bed
✨Touch her and die
✨Mine!
April 23, 2025
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Thank you so much to the lovely Olivia for providing me with a copy of this book! Now that being said I think I’ve found my new obsession, easily one of my favorite reads this year! I really enjoyed the plot of this book and all of the love interest in this story. Tye was a little questionable at first with how he acted but things started to click later on with why he acted that way in the beginning. I think Kaiya and Jaiel easily became my favorite characters and I loved the chemistry between them and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book! The ending has me so excited to start book two right away and see what’s gonna happen next and see more of Rien! If you love enemies to lovers, why choose, Magic, romantasy and found family then I genuinely think you would love this book! I’m so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to review this book! Thank you again to Olivia for giving me a copy of your book and for writing an amazing series!💕📚
Thank you so much to the lovely Olivia for providing me with a copy of this book! Now that being said I think I’ve found my new obsession, easily one of my favorite reads this year! I really enjoyed the plot of this book and all of the love interest in this story. Tye was a little questionable at first with how he acted but things started to click later on with why he acted that way in the beginning. I think Kaiya and Jaiel easily became my favorite characters and I loved the chemistry between them and can’t wait to read more about them in the next book! The ending has me so excited to start book two right away and see what’s gonna happen next and see more of Rien! If you love enemies to lovers, why choose, Magic, romantasy and found family then I genuinely think you would love this book! I’m so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to review this book! Thank you again to Olivia for giving me a copy of your book and for writing an amazing series!💕📚
May 5, 2024
So many fun types of characters here! Fae, dragons, shifters (body mages), to name a few. And the corrupted relics is something unique to this story. Kaiya has served the purpose of finding and destroying the relics with single-minded determinedness for a long time, and she's suffered for it. The fellas we meet in the first half fall into the enemy category, but even so, Kaiya has trouble resisting the pull between them, especially with Jaiel. I was excited to see how things evolved for Tye while Kaiya and Jaiel were on a mission together. I gotta say, though, my favorite and the most intriguing is Rien. That cliffie was mean lol, and I definitely need to see how Kaiya overcomes the situation she finds herself in!
May 1, 2024
This is the first book in the Her Forsaken Mates series, a why choose romantasy with fae, dragons, wolf shifters and monsters. Tropes include slow build why choose, shadow daddy, mate bonds, betrayal, one bed and forbidden magic. This book contains some open door spice scenes.
The Lovely: I loved so many individual pieces if this book and how they came together. Think Lara Croft but with forbidden magic, several unknown (to her) mates, and a life changing betrayal. I love the FMC - she’s badass yet sometimes vulnerable, but not in an annoying way. One of the MMCs purports to be a playboy but you can see that he’s definitely more than that. The other MMC is the epitome of enemies to ? - even friends would be a stretch.
Also Lovely: The why choose is fantastic. This is a slow build why choose where we know two of the mates and *I think* we’ve met two more. By slow build, book one doesn’t start out with all five guys in the story and in a relationship with the FMC. In this case, the bonds and the FMC are reluctant and there are no spicy scenes involving more than one guy at a time in this first book.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Like I said, all the pieces come together for an exciting, fun and budding romantic read. The lush world building provides a backdrop for an adventurous story and shifting character relationships. This book does end in a cliffhanger (which melt me yelp). There is a prequel, Forsaken Secrets, available now, and early serial access to book two will be available on Vella and Ream. Book two will release as a full length novel later in 2024.
The Lovely: I loved so many individual pieces if this book and how they came together. Think Lara Croft but with forbidden magic, several unknown (to her) mates, and a life changing betrayal. I love the FMC - she’s badass yet sometimes vulnerable, but not in an annoying way. One of the MMCs purports to be a playboy but you can see that he’s definitely more than that. The other MMC is the epitome of enemies to ? - even friends would be a stretch.
Also Lovely: The why choose is fantastic. This is a slow build why choose where we know two of the mates and *I think* we’ve met two more. By slow build, book one doesn’t start out with all five guys in the story and in a relationship with the FMC. In this case, the bonds and the FMC are reluctant and there are no spicy scenes involving more than one guy at a time in this first book.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Like I said, all the pieces come together for an exciting, fun and budding romantic read. The lush world building provides a backdrop for an adventurous story and shifting character relationships. This book does end in a cliffhanger (which melt me yelp). There is a prequel, Forsaken Secrets, available now, and early serial access to book two will be available on Vella and Ream. Book two will release as a full length novel later in 2024.
June 8, 2024
I was kindly sent this arc from the author to read and give an honest review what can I say wow......honestly this book is a 5 star read for me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it is absolutely amazing this story took me on a rollercoaster of I ride I just couldn't put it down the banter the slow burn romance and dragons yes dragons this book has everything, I loved it, I completely ate it up, this book is fantastic everyone needs too read this, well done !!!!! grab it quick you won't regret it
May 30, 2025
A confusing start rife with potential.
I'm not really going to summarize this one like I usually would because I'm still not sure what exactly is going on. I felt lost from the moment I started reading and I never really recovered. There is a prequel that may have helped with this, but it is listed as not being necessary. I think I would disagree. There is a glossary at the very beginning of the book but I'm not really a fan of reading a dictionary in order to be able to understand a story. I like my world building to happen in the world.
That being said, this was a decently entertaining read and the story has potential. There are some interesting concepts here and Moto has built a world rife with history just waiting to be explored. It seems that some sort of magical society once existed but everything began to become corrupted and twisted so now mages are feared and hunted in the kingdom where the main characters are from. If we had just gotten more of that explanation organically in the novel, I think this would have been more of a success.
The characters themselves weren't bad but they also suffered from the same thing as the lore of the world. They all clearly know each other from before the events of the book and as a reader we're left trying to play catch up and figure out how they all tie together. Dynamics that could have been set up more gradually over time felt forced or rushed because we're supposed to already understand them.
This did keep my interest though, and I will continue with the next book to see where this goes and if things start to make a little more sense. However, this is not one I would pick up again.
I'm not really going to summarize this one like I usually would because I'm still not sure what exactly is going on. I felt lost from the moment I started reading and I never really recovered. There is a prequel that may have helped with this, but it is listed as not being necessary. I think I would disagree. There is a glossary at the very beginning of the book but I'm not really a fan of reading a dictionary in order to be able to understand a story. I like my world building to happen in the world.
That being said, this was a decently entertaining read and the story has potential. There are some interesting concepts here and Moto has built a world rife with history just waiting to be explored. It seems that some sort of magical society once existed but everything began to become corrupted and twisted so now mages are feared and hunted in the kingdom where the main characters are from. If we had just gotten more of that explanation organically in the novel, I think this would have been more of a success.
The characters themselves weren't bad but they also suffered from the same thing as the lore of the world. They all clearly know each other from before the events of the book and as a reader we're left trying to play catch up and figure out how they all tie together. Dynamics that could have been set up more gradually over time felt forced or rushed because we're supposed to already understand them.
This did keep my interest though, and I will continue with the next book to see where this goes and if things start to make a little more sense. However, this is not one I would pick up again.
August 20, 2024
Aaahhhh! I need the next book ASAP!! Warning: this ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you with a book hangover! 🥹
That said, it’s so good! Definitely read the prequel first, makes the experience so much better. This is a SLOW burn, reverse harem romantasy. It follows the FMC as she goes on a dangerous mission to a foreign island with one of the MMCs as her partner for the mission. But everything is not as it seems and nothing seems to go right. This story is full of twists and turns, adventure, sweet moments, emotionally fraught moments, and lots of unresolved sexual tension! 😄
I love the FMC. She is a great mix of strengths and weaknesses. She feels very authentic and real. All the characters have their troublesome, complicated, or tortured pasts that get hinted at throughout this book. I can’t wait to learn more about all of them. There’s a TON of foreshadowing in this book. I can tell that there is SO MUCH more to come.
Some Favorite Quotes:
“Where. Is. My. Mate?”
“You’re just a bird that never realized it was in a cage.”
“MINE!”
Key Tropes:
❤️ Why Choose / Reverse Harem
🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Fated Mates
🛏️ Only One Bed
👫 Forced Proximity
☠️ Hurt Her and Die
🛟 Protective MMCs
Other Features:
🐉 Dragons
🧙 Magic
Key Trigger Warnings:
🩸 Blood / Gore
⚠️ Violence
☠️ Death (not MCs)
🥵 Explicit Sex Scenes
That said, it’s so good! Definitely read the prequel first, makes the experience so much better. This is a SLOW burn, reverse harem romantasy. It follows the FMC as she goes on a dangerous mission to a foreign island with one of the MMCs as her partner for the mission. But everything is not as it seems and nothing seems to go right. This story is full of twists and turns, adventure, sweet moments, emotionally fraught moments, and lots of unresolved sexual tension! 😄
I love the FMC. She is a great mix of strengths and weaknesses. She feels very authentic and real. All the characters have their troublesome, complicated, or tortured pasts that get hinted at throughout this book. I can’t wait to learn more about all of them. There’s a TON of foreshadowing in this book. I can tell that there is SO MUCH more to come.
Some Favorite Quotes:
“Where. Is. My. Mate?”
“You’re just a bird that never realized it was in a cage.”
“MINE!”
Key Tropes:
❤️ Why Choose / Reverse Harem
🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Fated Mates
🛏️ Only One Bed
👫 Forced Proximity
☠️ Hurt Her and Die
🛟 Protective MMCs
Other Features:
🐉 Dragons
🧙 Magic
Key Trigger Warnings:
🩸 Blood / Gore
⚠️ Violence
☠️ Death (not MCs)
🥵 Explicit Sex Scenes
May 28, 2024
*finishes book* Oh holy hells!
When I first saw the synopsis and tropes of this novel, I thought to myself this is either going to be a complex fantasy world or a fun/silly romantasy. Then I began to read.
The first impressions of the story was using a face paced model, that it has well developed lore ,class systems, race, archetypes, mythology, mythical beasts and ancient relic/artifact
and world building , commonly found in a high fantasy novel. However, without the dryness and lack of focus on spicy romance, that I would usually find if reading a standard high fantasy novels.
What I loved about this book, that it exposes the reader to a rich fusion/blend of classic fantasy elements and adds its own unique take on them. The amount of cursing and utter inconveniences that happened along the way are amusing, it definitely keeps the reader clinging for more and what’s next! That said, The chemistry between Kaiya and jaiel , alongside their ETL banter is fire.
This world/ book explores magical wielders who are outcasts. The distinctive variations of paranormal shifters, corrupted souls and 'spirit of the woods'.
Review of main Characters:
Jaiel has the reader both easily feel pity for him, as well as easily fall in love with him. His charm, playfulness, cheerful banter and subtle caring nature are what I adored the most about him. I did enjoy the character development and growth with Jaeil throughout the book, he truly does shine.
Tye brings the reader to a character that is battling between what he knew to be true and what fate had planned all along. I felt I could resonate to his struggle between mixed ideologies and acceptance of sudden unexpected change.
Kaiya takes the reader into the mind of a character that is faced with the trauma of her past, while still being a strong-willed, stubborn and lofty persona. She can be likeable and funny in certain scenes/chapters.
Liam is on the brink of political drama, he shows a man who is not yet equipped to handle the responsibilities that are placed upon him. I feel the audience does not know him, as much they would have potentially gotten to see in the prequel. He is seen to be putting on a front and can be quite unpleasant in my opinion.
I personally would have liked to see a stronger reveal of the villain in the twist and felt this part of the story lacked the potential it could have been. In saying that, I still did feel very drawn into the climactic scene, the chaos and the fast paced action that took place during these chapters.
This world specific life essence called korra and a bond system, the author chooses to use is interesting.It is written with a strong delivery of visual representation, as to how it functions and what it is.
As I wrote this review, I was alarmed by how passionate I was about this book(possibly the entire series once we get there) . Given there is always something revealing itself and many various characters and povs. Highly recommend to those that are fans of the Shannara chronicles or anyone wanting to dive into a comical why choose romantasy.
Thank you so much Olivia for the opportunity to envelop into this wondrous ARC!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I first saw the synopsis and tropes of this novel, I thought to myself this is either going to be a complex fantasy world or a fun/silly romantasy. Then I began to read.
The first impressions of the story was using a face paced model, that it has well developed lore ,class systems, race, archetypes, mythology, mythical beasts and ancient relic/artifact
and world building , commonly found in a high fantasy novel. However, without the dryness and lack of focus on spicy romance, that I would usually find if reading a standard high fantasy novels.
What I loved about this book, that it exposes the reader to a rich fusion/blend of classic fantasy elements and adds its own unique take on them. The amount of cursing and utter inconveniences that happened along the way are amusing, it definitely keeps the reader clinging for more and what’s next! That said, The chemistry between Kaiya and jaiel , alongside their ETL banter is fire.
This world/ book explores magical wielders who are outcasts. The distinctive variations of paranormal shifters, corrupted souls and 'spirit of the woods'.
Review of main Characters:
Jaiel has the reader both easily feel pity for him, as well as easily fall in love with him. His charm, playfulness, cheerful banter and subtle caring nature are what I adored the most about him. I did enjoy the character development and growth with Jaeil throughout the book, he truly does shine.
Tye brings the reader to a character that is battling between what he knew to be true and what fate had planned all along. I felt I could resonate to his struggle between mixed ideologies and acceptance of sudden unexpected change.
Kaiya takes the reader into the mind of a character that is faced with the trauma of her past, while still being a strong-willed, stubborn and lofty persona. She can be likeable and funny in certain scenes/chapters.
Liam is on the brink of political drama, he shows a man who is not yet equipped to handle the responsibilities that are placed upon him. I feel the audience does not know him, as much they would have potentially gotten to see in the prequel. He is seen to be putting on a front and can be quite unpleasant in my opinion.
I personally would have liked to see a stronger reveal of the villain in the twist and felt this part of the story lacked the potential it could have been. In saying that, I still did feel very drawn into the climactic scene, the chaos and the fast paced action that took place during these chapters.
This world specific life essence called korra and a bond system, the author chooses to use is interesting.It is written with a strong delivery of visual representation, as to how it functions and what it is.
As I wrote this review, I was alarmed by how passionate I was about this book(possibly the entire series once we get there) . Given there is always something revealing itself and many various characters and povs. Highly recommend to those that are fans of the Shannara chronicles or anyone wanting to dive into a comical why choose romantasy.
Thank you so much Olivia for the opportunity to envelop into this wondrous ARC!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
As someone who’s never read a why choose fantasy based book.. I get it now. This story was amazing! So many in depth characters and world building, I couldn’t put it down. You get to see fae, wraiths, shifters, sages, dragons, a crazy magic system with even more in depth world building.
Kaiya is a beautiful MC, she’s brave and resilient with a heart of gold. She fiercely believes in her convictions and focuses solely on her missions with one goal in mind, to eradicate the twisted relics so they can’t bring harm to anyone else. We get to discover why she follows her convictions relentlessly and fearlessly throughout the book.
We first get to meet Tye, the Mage hunter who believes that Kaiya has a forbidden magic and used it curse him with a kiss. He’s compelled to follow her convinced he’ll be able to find evidence of her supposed magic and prove it to the empire. Jaiel is your typical fae prince full of deception and relentless flirting, he hides what he truly is and how he truly feels about Kaiya. We can’t forget about Liam and Rein, I was left wanting more of their stories, lets just say we have dragons and some crazy forest magic to look forward to.
Read this book, you wont regret it.
Tropes & Quotes
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity
There’s only one bed..
Fated mates
She’s mine
“ You may wanna keep an open mind as you head to that place. My gut tells me things aren’t going to turn out how you’d like ”
“ Be careful up there, witch. The two of us still have unfinished business”
“ She was strange.. and beautiful, in the way a brook kissed the forest the morning after a rainstorm”
“ I am not your friend or lover or even your boss. I am The Empire. I am your Master. And you’re just a bird that never realized it was in a cage”
“ You feel guilty. I can feel it. You’re drowning in it, Witch”
Thank you so much for the ARC Olivia, I really enjoyed reading it!
Kaiya is a beautiful MC, she’s brave and resilient with a heart of gold. She fiercely believes in her convictions and focuses solely on her missions with one goal in mind, to eradicate the twisted relics so they can’t bring harm to anyone else. We get to discover why she follows her convictions relentlessly and fearlessly throughout the book.
We first get to meet Tye, the Mage hunter who believes that Kaiya has a forbidden magic and used it curse him with a kiss. He’s compelled to follow her convinced he’ll be able to find evidence of her supposed magic and prove it to the empire. Jaiel is your typical fae prince full of deception and relentless flirting, he hides what he truly is and how he truly feels about Kaiya. We can’t forget about Liam and Rein, I was left wanting more of their stories, lets just say we have dragons and some crazy forest magic to look forward to.
Read this book, you wont regret it.
Tropes & Quotes
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Forced proximity
There’s only one bed..
Fated mates
She’s mine
“ You may wanna keep an open mind as you head to that place. My gut tells me things aren’t going to turn out how you’d like ”
“ Be careful up there, witch. The two of us still have unfinished business”
“ She was strange.. and beautiful, in the way a brook kissed the forest the morning after a rainstorm”
“ I am not your friend or lover or even your boss. I am The Empire. I am your Master. And you’re just a bird that never realized it was in a cage”
“ You feel guilty. I can feel it. You’re drowning in it, Witch”
Thank you so much for the ARC Olivia, I really enjoyed reading it!
May 21, 2024
This review has been a long time in the making. I read the prequel to "Bonds of the Forsaken" when it was released in 2021 and had been waiting for the next chapter ever since.
Now, having read it, I can definitely say that it was worth the wait. Also, that I have no idea I'm going to get through the wait for the next book.
Just as in "Forsaken Secrets" we enter a world with an interesting take on a magic system. This time around, though, we get a much deeper dive into how it works. I particularly liked seeing more of Kaiya and Jaiel in action.
Speaking of those two, I think it was their relationship that really shone in this book, with Jaiel taking on the role Eli (I refuse to call him Liam) had in the prequel. They were undeniably frustrating, but I likewise can't deny that their exchanges had me cackling.
On, the less positive side of things, I would have liked to see more development in the relation between Tye and Kaiya. So far, we have yet to see them have a conversation that wasn't focused on a mission or completely hostile.
I also couldn't help but feel like many developments in the story happen off stage, so to speak. I would definitely recommend reading the prequel to know what is going on, but it still was a bit jarring to enter this new environment with new characters and feel like you missed something. That said, in most areas, we do get explanations to connect the dots. Still, I would've like to have a bit more, particularly in the case of Eli. Maybe, that's waiting in the next book, though.
I'm committed to finding out.
I received a free arc from the author and this is my honest review.
I
Now, having read it, I can definitely say that it was worth the wait. Also, that I have no idea I'm going to get through the wait for the next book.
Just as in "Forsaken Secrets" we enter a world with an interesting take on a magic system. This time around, though, we get a much deeper dive into how it works. I particularly liked seeing more of Kaiya and Jaiel in action.
Speaking of those two, I think it was their relationship that really shone in this book, with Jaiel taking on the role Eli (I refuse to call him Liam) had in the prequel. They were undeniably frustrating, but I likewise can't deny that their exchanges had me cackling.
On, the less positive side of things, I would have liked to see more development in the relation between Tye and Kaiya. So far, we have yet to see them have a conversation that wasn't focused on a mission or completely hostile.
I also couldn't help but feel like many developments in the story happen off stage, so to speak. I would definitely recommend reading the prequel to know what is going on, but it still was a bit jarring to enter this new environment with new characters and feel like you missed something. That said, in most areas, we do get explanations to connect the dots. Still, I would've like to have a bit more, particularly in the case of Eli. Maybe, that's waiting in the next book, though.
I'm committed to finding out.
I received a free arc from the author and this is my honest review.
I
May 3, 2024
OBSESSED!!
I devoured this book so freaking quickly, I could not put this one down.
I 1000% neeeeeeed the second book, like now because that ending!! I need to know what happens next!! So badly 😫
"You're just a bird that never realized it was in a cage."
This was such a fun world to be in and I loved every second of it. The FMC, Kaiya is such a badass but she can show her vulnerability when push comes to shove. The MMCs 😍😍🥵 yes please. Devour me whole because I definitely won't complain 😉
This had so many twists and turns and so much adventure and there was also tension and banter and spice but also sweet moments which I loved. I can't wait to read more from this world because I definitely forgot I was reading while devouring this and it was the best feeling ❤
I did not realise there is a prequel novel called Forsaken Secrets that you can read before this. I'm told is explains more about the FMC and why she is the way she is. It is something I'll be reading soon!
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion.
I devoured this book so freaking quickly, I could not put this one down.
I 1000% neeeeeeed the second book, like now because that ending!! I need to know what happens next!! So badly 😫
"You're just a bird that never realized it was in a cage."
This was such a fun world to be in and I loved every second of it. The FMC, Kaiya is such a badass but she can show her vulnerability when push comes to shove. The MMCs 😍😍🥵 yes please. Devour me whole because I definitely won't complain 😉
This had so many twists and turns and so much adventure and there was also tension and banter and spice but also sweet moments which I loved. I can't wait to read more from this world because I definitely forgot I was reading while devouring this and it was the best feeling ❤
I did not realise there is a prequel novel called Forsaken Secrets that you can read before this. I'm told is explains more about the FMC and why she is the way she is. It is something I'll be reading soon!
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion.
May 12, 2024
This book marks the beginning of a brilliant new saga! As with any fantasy series, the author had the herculean task of character and world building! And she does an amazing job! She has even added a glossary in the beginning to acquaint us -mere mortals- with the system of magic and its intricacies!
I was literally flipping back to the beginning every few pages to get the hang of the bond, the korra, the mages! Trust me when I say this unique magic system will HOOK you !
.
.
.
Our FMC Kaiya, is the ultimate survivor! Life has thrown so much her way, but she just keeps fighting back! We dont know her full story yet, but Im sure my love for her will keep growing!!
The men- yes MEN- all have a different perspective! One jilted lover, one foretold destiny, one flirtatious nemesis and even one ?hermit god!!
.
.
The book takes off in the middle of chaos, with a tonne of betrayals and secrets on their quest to save the world! The only problem is waiting for the next part!
Thank you to the beautiful OLIVIA K MOTO for the ARC! We absolutely adored it!!
I was literally flipping back to the beginning every few pages to get the hang of the bond, the korra, the mages! Trust me when I say this unique magic system will HOOK you !
.
.
.
Our FMC Kaiya, is the ultimate survivor! Life has thrown so much her way, but she just keeps fighting back! We dont know her full story yet, but Im sure my love for her will keep growing!!
The men- yes MEN- all have a different perspective! One jilted lover, one foretold destiny, one flirtatious nemesis and even one ?hermit god!!
.
.
The book takes off in the middle of chaos, with a tonne of betrayals and secrets on their quest to save the world! The only problem is waiting for the next part!
Thank you to the beautiful OLIVIA K MOTO for the ARC! We absolutely adored it!!
May 1, 2024
LOVED LOVED LOVED!! Did I mention I loved this book?? I absolutely binged my way through it and COULD NOT put it down.
If you’re a romantasy reader, this is for you! It has adventure, sass, dragons, wolves, nature, romance and so much more. The world building was amazing and easy to follow although there is a glossary. I love the characters, each and every one. The different povs were wonderful and the whole read had me on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to come next. I can usually guess but there was definitely some surprises I did not see coming.
Absolutely devastated that this ended as a cliffhanger (which I did know going in) but I neeeeed the next one with my whole being!!
Thank you so much Olivia for letting me ARC read this- it has been a phenomenal experience 😍😍
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
If you’re a romantasy reader, this is for you! It has adventure, sass, dragons, wolves, nature, romance and so much more. The world building was amazing and easy to follow although there is a glossary. I love the characters, each and every one. The different povs were wonderful and the whole read had me on the edge of my seat not knowing what was going to come next. I can usually guess but there was definitely some surprises I did not see coming.
Absolutely devastated that this ended as a cliffhanger (which I did know going in) but I neeeeed the next one with my whole being!!
Thank you so much Olivia for letting me ARC read this- it has been a phenomenal experience 😍😍
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
May 23, 2024
I enjoyed this book. There is so many of my favorite tropes and favorite mythological creatures wrapped up into a nice start to a series!
Tropes:
Dual POV (a few chapters of a 3rd)
Forbidden 🚫 Magic
Slow Burn
Mine
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Unique Magic System
Fated Mates
Why Choose
Witches, Dragons, Wolves
I loved the banter between Kaiya and Jaiel. She is fiesty, driven, a bad ass, and a witch.
Jaiel is a shadow daddy fae Prince with playful arrogance and a caring demeanor. Did I mention he's tall, hot, and pierced!? Yes please, say no more lol.
I like how you "hit the ground running" with the storyline. It was fast paced and kept me interested.
I enjoyed the world building and getting to know the different characters. I liked the pack politics aspect and the spicy banter was chef's kiss.
My favorite nickname: "Little Thief"
My favorite quote: "It's never to early to learn that sometimes the best family is the one choose." ❤️
I know it's still early but I'm team Jaiel 😉
I liked the plot twists and the cliffhanger was... well let's just say I need book 2 stat. Lol.
I recommend this book and am excited to see what's next!
Tropes:
Dual POV (a few chapters of a 3rd)
Forbidden 🚫 Magic
Slow Burn
Mine
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Unique Magic System
Fated Mates
Why Choose
Witches, Dragons, Wolves
I loved the banter between Kaiya and Jaiel. She is fiesty, driven, a bad ass, and a witch.
Jaiel is a shadow daddy fae Prince with playful arrogance and a caring demeanor. Did I mention he's tall, hot, and pierced!? Yes please, say no more lol.
I like how you "hit the ground running" with the storyline. It was fast paced and kept me interested.
I enjoyed the world building and getting to know the different characters. I liked the pack politics aspect and the spicy banter was chef's kiss.
My favorite nickname: "Little Thief"
My favorite quote: "It's never to early to learn that sometimes the best family is the one choose." ❤️
I know it's still early but I'm team Jaiel 😉
I liked the plot twists and the cliffhanger was... well let's just say I need book 2 stat. Lol.
I recommend this book and am excited to see what's next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
Outstanding!! Brilliant I'm actually speechless. Where do I start. The story was incredible it had everything I loved in a fantasy but it went to the next level. Shifters, Dragons, Curse, Fated Mates, plot twists and corruption all tied up in a nice little bow I felt like there is SO much more yet to come of Kaiya and her guys. I was on the edge of my seat each page and I think I would've read this in one sitting had I been able to. I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was original, captivating, heartbreaking and brilliant. I NEED more
April 26, 2024
Oh my goodness, this was an exciting adventure. Kaiya is strong independent and badass without being obnoxious.
Two mates are found in this book and a sneak peek at number three. The relationships between kaiya and her mates are central but definitely don’t overtake the overall plot.
The story takes place in a complex magical world (thank you for the glossary) Everything was beautifully described and I felt transported. Massive amount of secrets and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Not much heat yet but I can see where it’s headed and i can’t wait. Insane cliffhanger at the end…..be warned and enjoy.
Very excited for the next book.
Two mates are found in this book and a sneak peek at number three. The relationships between kaiya and her mates are central but definitely don’t overtake the overall plot.
The story takes place in a complex magical world (thank you for the glossary) Everything was beautifully described and I felt transported. Massive amount of secrets and twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Not much heat yet but I can see where it’s headed and i can’t wait. Insane cliffhanger at the end…..be warned and enjoy.
Very excited for the next book.
May 28, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! This is the kind of book that you stay up reading until 2 am because it’s just so good. Romantasy is my favorite genre, and this book nailed it.
The FMC, Kaiya, goes on a mission to hunt “relics” on an island with one of the MMCs. They don’t get along and their adventure is full of slow burn tension. More MMCs = more tension. In. The. Best. Way. After some exciting twists and turns, this book does end on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book!
There is a prequel, Forsaken Secrets, that sheds some light on the main characters’ history. You definitely don’t have to read it first to enjoy this book, but I think it helps explain some of the delicious tension.
Some of my fav tropes:
Sloooow burn 🔥
Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Why choose 💕
One bed 🛏️
Multiple POVs 😏
Fated mates 💗
Mate bonds 💓
Magical creatures 🐦🔥
DRAGONS 🐉
Fae 🧝♂️
Shifters 🐺
Fav quote:
“Where. Is. My. Mate?”
Thank you Olivia K. Moto for letting me be a part of your ARC team! I am happily leaving this review.
The FMC, Kaiya, goes on a mission to hunt “relics” on an island with one of the MMCs. They don’t get along and their adventure is full of slow burn tension. More MMCs = more tension. In. The. Best. Way. After some exciting twists and turns, this book does end on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next book!
There is a prequel, Forsaken Secrets, that sheds some light on the main characters’ history. You definitely don’t have to read it first to enjoy this book, but I think it helps explain some of the delicious tension.
Some of my fav tropes:
Sloooow burn 🔥
Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Why choose 💕
One bed 🛏️
Multiple POVs 😏
Fated mates 💗
Mate bonds 💓
Magical creatures 🐦🔥
DRAGONS 🐉
Fae 🧝♂️
Shifters 🐺
Fav quote:
“Where. Is. My. Mate?”
Thank you Olivia K. Moto for letting me be a part of your ARC team! I am happily leaving this review.
April 8, 2025
A slow burn why choose romantasy with danger and excitement on every page. I couldn't put this book down and immediately picked up my ARC for the 2nd book in the series, Shadow of the Foresaken (releasing on 4/10).
I will definitely recommend this book!
I've enjoyed other Rh books in the past, but this series is quickly becoming a favorite! The slowly building tension between Kaiya and possible mates is 🔥🔥 Kaiya, Tye, and Jaiel are all too busy dealing with current and former trauma to deal with their feelings, and it leads to glorious buildup. There's just a bit of spice, but I'm guessing we'll get more and more as the RH plot builds.
I will definitely recommend this book!
I've enjoyed other Rh books in the past, but this series is quickly becoming a favorite! The slowly building tension between Kaiya and possible mates is 🔥🔥 Kaiya, Tye, and Jaiel are all too busy dealing with current and former trauma to deal with their feelings, and it leads to glorious buildup. There's just a bit of spice, but I'm guessing we'll get more and more as the RH plot builds.
July 14, 2024
Six months ago, Kaiya came back from a mission badly wounded. Six months later, after continuous rehabilitation, she’s finally cleared for duty to work again.
Her first assignment back on the job, is not only that she has to work together with Jaiel also known as the Prince of Shadows and a shameless flirt who can’t keep it in his pants, but they have to go to the Isle of the Forsaken where a relic lies that may be even more dangerous than the one that almost killed Kaiya a few months ago, and they may have to face the Guardian, a beast that protects those on the Isle. And…Kaiya’s secret has been revealed by her boss to the others on this mission and now Kaiya wonders how safe she really is, especially when the land she lives in forsakes magic and puts magic users in collars.
So, I loved this world and the unique creatures and magic in this world. I loved the idea and concept of the story. I love that this is a slow burn romance and the story has more plot than just strictly romance and steamy scenes. And I loved the way it started, until we reach the island.
I enjoyed some of the characters. Jaiel was definitely my favorite. That mysterious sassy flirt who you know is hiding a heart and true feelings. I just adored him. And he deserves better.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and I thought I would, but once I reached a certain point, it just went down hill from there.
I did NOT like Kaiya. She was absolutely annoying and obnoxious and quite the hypocrite. Being a mage herself and not helping collared mages, yah, big red flag there. She ran on emotion. She always allowed emotion to dictate her actions and feelings. And when a female character doesn’t want to be involved with another character and makes it very obvious, and yet gets jealous or butt-hurt because they try to push her away and she gets mad and upset about it, no. Just no. You’re not allowed to feel that way when you literally tell them that you don’t want them. The worst is when Jaiel said she was so kind! Uhhh no she isn’t!!! 🤦🏽♀️ And I had no sympathy for Kaiya because it was always about herself and not about others.
The twists and the “surprise” villain in here were not that surprising. It was very obvious from the beginning who the true villain was.
I really enjoyed everything about this book except for Kaiya and how the romance was going. I love slow burns, but when they make sense. This one is aggravating because Kaiya hates everyone and it’s not enjoyable to read a romance when the one character just pushes back, claiming to hate or dislike them all, or want nothing to do with them and yet expects something in return. Or it’s okay if she flirts, but not okay if they do, if that makes sense. It just doesn’t work that way.
I sadly don’t think I can continue this series. That cliffhanger wasn’t enough of a cliffhanger for me personally to want to continue. I might continue it one day, but maybe when or if the mood strikes.
I needed to vent I guess. I think many will enjoy this book, it’s just not for me.
Her first assignment back on the job, is not only that she has to work together with Jaiel also known as the Prince of Shadows and a shameless flirt who can’t keep it in his pants, but they have to go to the Isle of the Forsaken where a relic lies that may be even more dangerous than the one that almost killed Kaiya a few months ago, and they may have to face the Guardian, a beast that protects those on the Isle. And…Kaiya’s secret has been revealed by her boss to the others on this mission and now Kaiya wonders how safe she really is, especially when the land she lives in forsakes magic and puts magic users in collars.
So, I loved this world and the unique creatures and magic in this world. I loved the idea and concept of the story. I love that this is a slow burn romance and the story has more plot than just strictly romance and steamy scenes. And I loved the way it started, until we reach the island.
I enjoyed some of the characters. Jaiel was definitely my favorite. That mysterious sassy flirt who you know is hiding a heart and true feelings. I just adored him. And he deserves better.
I really wanted to enjoy this book and I thought I would, but once I reached a certain point, it just went down hill from there.
I did NOT like Kaiya. She was absolutely annoying and obnoxious and quite the hypocrite. Being a mage herself and not helping collared mages, yah, big red flag there. She ran on emotion. She always allowed emotion to dictate her actions and feelings. And when a female character doesn’t want to be involved with another character and makes it very obvious, and yet gets jealous or butt-hurt because they try to push her away and she gets mad and upset about it, no. Just no. You’re not allowed to feel that way when you literally tell them that you don’t want them. The worst is when Jaiel said she was so kind! Uhhh no she isn’t!!! 🤦🏽♀️ And I had no sympathy for Kaiya because it was always about herself and not about others.
The twists and the “surprise” villain in here were not that surprising. It was very obvious from the beginning who the true villain was.
I really enjoyed everything about this book except for Kaiya and how the romance was going. I love slow burns, but when they make sense. This one is aggravating because Kaiya hates everyone and it’s not enjoyable to read a romance when the one character just pushes back, claiming to hate or dislike them all, or want nothing to do with them and yet expects something in return. Or it’s okay if she flirts, but not okay if they do, if that makes sense. It just doesn’t work that way.
I sadly don’t think I can continue this series. That cliffhanger wasn’t enough of a cliffhanger for me personally to want to continue. I might continue it one day, but maybe when or if the mood strikes.
I needed to vent I guess. I think many will enjoy this book, it’s just not for me.
July 16, 2024
Olivia Moto…? Ohhhhh you mean Olivia Queen of Edging. I barely know her!!
*Melty emoji face*
I read Bonds Of The Forsaken as part of my friend (Emily’s) monthly buddy read and I will be honest and say Romantasy as a genre has always alluded me. My people keep telling me I’ll love it (why wouldn’t I) but I just didn’t know if I could keep up with the names or the worlds or any of it. I was edging MYSELF. Bonds of the Forsaken
Anyway to say I fell face first into this world and never resurfaced would be… accurate.
I don’t even know where to begin; The incredibly detailed world, the mixture of intricate mystical beings, the comedic elements, for the sexxxual tension you could chop with one of those big old fantasy swords!
RIEN. (all) The boys. I love them all so much for all the right and wrong reasons but sweet Rien. You can water my garden any day of the week – not sorry!
1 star for you ma’am Olivia! To be left on the edge of so many seats!! But fear not there is a second book coming and I’ll just be waiting in the forest until then, acclimating and pretending I am a bush in need of some watering !
“Hurry up and change, you stubborn fool! Or are you finally admitting that she’s mine?”
“She’s M – not yours, asshole”
Tye rolled his eyes “Remember”, he growled. “If she dies, you die.”
TROPES:
Mate Bonds
“Good Girl” & “Mine”
She’s the only one who can resist his magic
MMMFMM
Baby dragons
Shadow daddy with piercings
Why choose romantasy
Badass FMC
*Melty emoji face*
I read Bonds Of The Forsaken as part of my friend (Emily’s) monthly buddy read and I will be honest and say Romantasy as a genre has always alluded me. My people keep telling me I’ll love it (why wouldn’t I) but I just didn’t know if I could keep up with the names or the worlds or any of it. I was edging MYSELF. Bonds of the Forsaken
Anyway to say I fell face first into this world and never resurfaced would be… accurate.
I don’t even know where to begin; The incredibly detailed world, the mixture of intricate mystical beings, the comedic elements, for the sexxxual tension you could chop with one of those big old fantasy swords!
RIEN. (all) The boys. I love them all so much for all the right and wrong reasons but sweet Rien. You can water my garden any day of the week – not sorry!
1 star for you ma’am Olivia! To be left on the edge of so many seats!! But fear not there is a second book coming and I’ll just be waiting in the forest until then, acclimating and pretending I am a bush in need of some watering !
“Hurry up and change, you stubborn fool! Or are you finally admitting that she’s mine?”
“She’s M – not yours, asshole”
Tye rolled his eyes “Remember”, he growled. “If she dies, you die.”
TROPES:
Mate Bonds
“Good Girl” & “Mine”
She’s the only one who can resist his magic
MMMFMM
Baby dragons
Shadow daddy with piercings
Why choose romantasy
Badass FMC
August 26, 2025
I wanted to be in love with this book, I truly did. I tried and gave it every hope and prayed while reading but I just couldn't shake certain things.
1. Feel as if I'm missing an entire book prior to this.
2. Missing context, character progression, character development, backstories.
3. Missing buildup - it's almost like the timeline went from 1 skip to 6 skip to 8 with no context on how.
4. world development-I started to understand certain world aspects and rules the author was trying to put into place, but far too late into the book.
5. truly feel like im Missing a huge chunk of information, like the author got lazy and just wrote love stories without context then tried to throw context into once she was done writing the love story and it just doesn't work well.
way too many things not explain or devolved. the entire world is a question still and not ones I think we'll get answers too since we should have already.
honestly I'd pass on this series - hundreds more just like it with just as creative of writing but with actual world and character build up and background development. storyline flows so much better
1. Feel as if I'm missing an entire book prior to this.
2. Missing context, character progression, character development, backstories.
3. Missing buildup - it's almost like the timeline went from 1 skip to 6 skip to 8 with no context on how.
4. world development-I started to understand certain world aspects and rules the author was trying to put into place, but far too late into the book.
5. truly feel like im Missing a huge chunk of information, like the author got lazy and just wrote love stories without context then tried to throw context into once she was done writing the love story and it just doesn't work well.
way too many things not explain or devolved. the entire world is a question still and not ones I think we'll get answers too since we should have already.
honestly I'd pass on this series - hundreds more just like it with just as creative of writing but with actual world and character build up and background development. storyline flows so much better
March 29, 2025
Rounded up from 4.5 ⭐
I've been in a RH reading slump lately and I haven't been able to get in to anything. I signed up for an ARC copy of this book as it sounded interesting.
Well, I read the whole thing in one sitting! Olivia has created a magical world (including a glossary at the beginning to explain what everything is). I really got into the story and can't wait to see where it goes and watch the relationships between the characters develop. It's a pretty interesting take on magic and mates.
I think there may be a prequel novel which I didn't realise but I don't think it's a must to read before this one, although more knowledge about the Eli/Liam situation would have been good.
Overall a great read and I can't wait for the next one!!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've been in a RH reading slump lately and I haven't been able to get in to anything. I signed up for an ARC copy of this book as it sounded interesting.
Well, I read the whole thing in one sitting! Olivia has created a magical world (including a glossary at the beginning to explain what everything is). I really got into the story and can't wait to see where it goes and watch the relationships between the characters develop. It's a pretty interesting take on magic and mates.
I think there may be a prequel novel which I didn't realise but I don't think it's a must to read before this one, although more knowledge about the Eli/Liam situation would have been good.
Overall a great read and I can't wait for the next one!!
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2024
First of all, Olivia - just drop book 2 in my inbox already.
I'm sick of y'all hitting me with these brutal cliffhangers 😭😂
Anyways. This was such a good read, full of twists and turns, adventure, and some sweet moments too. The tension, spice and banter were also GIVING!! I loved Jaiel's (one of the MMCs) humor, the one-liners were SENDING me. Although, I think Tye is going to be my favorite 🤭 the moments with Finn were so cute!! 🥹
I will definitely be reading the next book, can't wait to see what happens next with Kaiya and her mates!!
"𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙜𝙚"
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🗝️ why choose (slow-build)
🗝️ forced proximity
🗝️ slow burn
🗝️ forbidden magic
🗝️ mate bonds
🗝️ dual pov
Thank you so much to Olivia K. Moto for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I'm sick of y'all hitting me with these brutal cliffhangers 😭😂
Anyways. This was such a good read, full of twists and turns, adventure, and some sweet moments too. The tension, spice and banter were also GIVING!! I loved Jaiel's (one of the MMCs) humor, the one-liners were SENDING me. Although, I think Tye is going to be my favorite 🤭 the moments with Finn were so cute!! 🥹
I will definitely be reading the next book, can't wait to see what happens next with Kaiya and her mates!!
"𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙧𝙚 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙜𝙚"
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
🗝️ why choose (slow-build)
🗝️ forced proximity
🗝️ slow burn
🗝️ forbidden magic
🗝️ mate bonds
🗝️ dual pov
Thank you so much to Olivia K. Moto for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
March 3, 2025
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Tropes & themes: developing polyamory (this book was mostly MFM), fated mates, slow burn, forced proximity, reluctant allies, enemies to mates, wolf shifters, dragon riders,🔥 banter, pierced 🍆, only one room/bed, jealousy, unique magic system, intricate world building & more
Spoiler-free summary:
Kaiya has spent the last two years hunting relics, or corrupted magical creatures, but is now recovering from a mission gone bad. Despite her injuries, she’s been named a hero for her actions, and with that titles comes the once in a lifetime mission to an island known for its incredible danger. However, Kaiya has secrets, and being forced into partnering with the annoying Fae Prince, all while being chased by a mage hunter, and dealing with her guilt is leaving her distracted. And distracted means dead.
Thoughts:
TLDR: an intricate world full of danger and unique iterations of genre favorites such as dragon riders and wolf shifters; Her Forsaken Bonds has incredible potential as the romance builds book to book.
If you are a fan of the Beasts of the Briar series, I think you will enjoy this as well. It has a similar formula in the sense that the FMC has multiple love interests, but their relationships and mate bonds develop of the course of the series. That being said, Bonds of the Forsaken is unique in terms of atmosphere, lore, and world building.
Bonds of the Forsaken was incredibly interesting and I quickly fell in love with the world, magic system, and distinctive iterations on things like wolf shifters. The world itself is a mix between steampunk and traditional fantasy romance, while the plot is quest based. There were some portions that were a little difficult to follow, but they didn’t feel insurmountable.
As for the characters, this book mainly features the FMC, Kaiya, the Fae Prince, Jaiel, and the Hunter, Tye. I actually found all of them to be endearing and I especially liked the banter between them all. The romance is definitely a slow burn, but we still got a taste of spice, which left me very excited for future scenes & development!
In many ways I feel the same kind of excitement as I did when I read Beasts of the Briar and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing where the story and characters take us. I think this series is one to watch.
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
Tropes & themes: developing polyamory (this book was mostly MFM), fated mates, slow burn, forced proximity, reluctant allies, enemies to mates, wolf shifters, dragon riders,🔥 banter, pierced 🍆, only one room/bed, jealousy, unique magic system, intricate world building & more
Spoiler-free summary:
Kaiya has spent the last two years hunting relics, or corrupted magical creatures, but is now recovering from a mission gone bad. Despite her injuries, she’s been named a hero for her actions, and with that titles comes the once in a lifetime mission to an island known for its incredible danger. However, Kaiya has secrets, and being forced into partnering with the annoying Fae Prince, all while being chased by a mage hunter, and dealing with her guilt is leaving her distracted. And distracted means dead.
Thoughts:
TLDR: an intricate world full of danger and unique iterations of genre favorites such as dragon riders and wolf shifters; Her Forsaken Bonds has incredible potential as the romance builds book to book.
If you are a fan of the Beasts of the Briar series, I think you will enjoy this as well. It has a similar formula in the sense that the FMC has multiple love interests, but their relationships and mate bonds develop of the course of the series. That being said, Bonds of the Forsaken is unique in terms of atmosphere, lore, and world building.
Bonds of the Forsaken was incredibly interesting and I quickly fell in love with the world, magic system, and distinctive iterations on things like wolf shifters. The world itself is a mix between steampunk and traditional fantasy romance, while the plot is quest based. There were some portions that were a little difficult to follow, but they didn’t feel insurmountable.
As for the characters, this book mainly features the FMC, Kaiya, the Fae Prince, Jaiel, and the Hunter, Tye. I actually found all of them to be endearing and I especially liked the banter between them all. The romance is definitely a slow burn, but we still got a taste of spice, which left me very excited for future scenes & development!
In many ways I feel the same kind of excitement as I did when I read Beasts of the Briar and I am genuinely looking forward to seeing where the story and characters take us. I think this series is one to watch.
May 14, 2024
First of all, Bonds of the Forsaken [1.0] is preceded by its prequel Forsaken Secrets [0.5]. Karemi and Gleyma are mentioned multiple times throughout the first book of the series and their significance will go over your head without a readthrough of the prequel. You can proceed without the information, but there's a wealth of information left untouched and allows you to understand a lot of the main characters’ motivations.
In Bonds of the Forsaken, we find Kaiya is running from that past, pushing herself to her limits, and going it alone until finally danger catches up to her. She’s sidelined and suffering for the immobility. She’s chopping at the bit for a mission. An impossible mission has been tossed in front of her path, though the conditions are not to her liking; an insufferable partner, a forced social gathering, a medal that digs a thumb in her wound…and that’s just the beginning.
Her past is thrown her face time and time again, forcing her to confront it and them. There’s a lot of avoidance until she finds no recourse but to face several situations head on. All while navigating the landmines of her life; all of the dangers of her land, potential imprisonment for her very existence, and the dangers of twisted and corrupted relics.
Her mission takes them to the Forsaken Isle, a place where untamed dangers lie, secrets will be dug up, and onion layers of the world are peeled back and exposed. What a world to explore, to soak up, if it were peacetime, but danger is around every corner and betrayal is at every bend.
Don’t get me started on the cliffhanger, which is quite the wrench to the heart, yet definitely does its job of setting the heart’s hounds baying for a second book.
I’m really looking forward to what’s next for our heroes, to see who the nebulous entity is, what is behind all of the bonds, the nefarious plans, how they’ll get out of their predicament, and who are really the Forsaken, because it seems like they’re not who anyone was led to believe.
In Bonds of the Forsaken, we find Kaiya is running from that past, pushing herself to her limits, and going it alone until finally danger catches up to her. She’s sidelined and suffering for the immobility. She’s chopping at the bit for a mission. An impossible mission has been tossed in front of her path, though the conditions are not to her liking; an insufferable partner, a forced social gathering, a medal that digs a thumb in her wound…and that’s just the beginning.
Her past is thrown her face time and time again, forcing her to confront it and them. There’s a lot of avoidance until she finds no recourse but to face several situations head on. All while navigating the landmines of her life; all of the dangers of her land, potential imprisonment for her very existence, and the dangers of twisted and corrupted relics.
Her mission takes them to the Forsaken Isle, a place where untamed dangers lie, secrets will be dug up, and onion layers of the world are peeled back and exposed. What a world to explore, to soak up, if it were peacetime, but danger is around every corner and betrayal is at every bend.
Don’t get me started on the cliffhanger, which is quite the wrench to the heart, yet definitely does its job of setting the heart’s hounds baying for a second book.
I’m really looking forward to what’s next for our heroes, to see who the nebulous entity is, what is behind all of the bonds, the nefarious plans, how they’ll get out of their predicament, and who are really the Forsaken, because it seems like they’re not who anyone was led to believe.
May 31, 2024
When I stumbled across this book, I knew I had to read it even though I have way too many books on my TBR. The striking cover first caught my eye, then after I read the blurb and sample, I was invested.
We follow Kaiya, a mage who uses her powers to track down and find relics, which are living things with strong magic. There’s a particularly strong relic hidden on the Isle of the Forsaken, and Kaiya is tasked to find it. Along the way we meet many interesting side characters, and are introduced to those who will become Kaiya’s mates.
This was my first RH read, and I was expecting plenty of spice having heard a lot about RH stories. Though there is some, there’s not a lot - this book is focussed more on the plot with a little bit of spice to keep things interesting. Not that the plot isn’t interesting - it’s very fast paced, with a lot going on!
It was a little hard to follow in parts - there is a prequel which isn’t necessary to read before this book, but I think your understanding of the world and references to past events would enhance the experience when reading Bonds of the Forsaken. I had to keep flicking back to the glossary, or just pushing through my confusion, but in the end it all makes sense. Having some of these events, places, people and creatures explained a bit more during the story would be helpful.
In saying that, I absolutely flew through this book. There isn’t a boring page in the whole thing and I stayed up far past my bedtime enjoying the tension, excitement and adventure that the author has weaved into this story. The characters are great, the world building is excellent (though a little hard to wrap your head around at times), the banter between Kaiya and Jaiel is absolutely top-notch and I can’t wait to read more of their story. Just beware of the cliffhanger at the end … April 2025 can’t come fast enough!
We follow Kaiya, a mage who uses her powers to track down and find relics, which are living things with strong magic. There’s a particularly strong relic hidden on the Isle of the Forsaken, and Kaiya is tasked to find it. Along the way we meet many interesting side characters, and are introduced to those who will become Kaiya’s mates.
This was my first RH read, and I was expecting plenty of spice having heard a lot about RH stories. Though there is some, there’s not a lot - this book is focussed more on the plot with a little bit of spice to keep things interesting. Not that the plot isn’t interesting - it’s very fast paced, with a lot going on!
It was a little hard to follow in parts - there is a prequel which isn’t necessary to read before this book, but I think your understanding of the world and references to past events would enhance the experience when reading Bonds of the Forsaken. I had to keep flicking back to the glossary, or just pushing through my confusion, but in the end it all makes sense. Having some of these events, places, people and creatures explained a bit more during the story would be helpful.
In saying that, I absolutely flew through this book. There isn’t a boring page in the whole thing and I stayed up far past my bedtime enjoying the tension, excitement and adventure that the author has weaved into this story. The characters are great, the world building is excellent (though a little hard to wrap your head around at times), the banter between Kaiya and Jaiel is absolutely top-notch and I can’t wait to read more of their story. Just beware of the cliffhanger at the end … April 2025 can’t come fast enough!
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