Packbound

Rune Wolf #3

by Aimee Easterling

When it comes to complicated families, werewolves lead the pack.

After toeing the line around humans for most of my life, I thought mate-bonding with an alpha werewolf meant I'd finally found my place. But when a friend falls gravely ill and a magical bracelet latches onto my wrist, I'm thrust into a deadly game I never agreed to play.

The bracelet holds the power to heal, but unlocking that magic means surviving a series of grueling tests laid out by two father figures. One is the adopted parent who taught me that all werewolves are evil. The other is my estranged grandfather, who serves a ruthless alpha from a rival pack.

Both want something from me. Neither can be trusted. With my friend’s life hanging in the balance and my fragile position in my mate’s pack at risk, can I confront the shadows of my past in time to protect the future I’ve fought so hard to create?

Packbound is the third book in the slow-burn urban fantasy Rune Wolf series, brimming with fated mates, found family, and ancient desert magic.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Aimee Easterling is a USA Today Bestselling author writing on the boundary between urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She specializes in spunky shifters and invites you to dive into her werewolf world in the Wolf Rampant trilogy, the spinoff Bloodling serial, and her new Alpha Underground series.

Studying biology and working as a naturalist have both informed Aimee's writing, but she's quite willing to let reality slide in favor of a good story. When not writing, she loves to read and always keeps books by Robin McKinley, Patricia Briggs, and Elizabeth Peters on her shelf. You can learn more at www.aimeeeasterling.com.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has been my favorite of this author’s so far, and this book is no exception. I adore Orion and Elspeth, and I feel so much for poor Elspeth at the end of this one. I love how much Orion is there for Elspeth, but he doesn’t try to jump in the way and protect her; he lets her make her own decisions and just supports her. This is an interesting twist to the story, and I’m curious to see how Elspeth is going to get out of the bind she finds herself in now. A wonderfully written, captivating, and engaging installment to this fun series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged!

This is a really good book, but don't take my word for it. Read it for yourself. Start with the first book, though. The characters are full of spirit and emotion, even the antagonists like Julian. He believes he is right in doing what he does. The plot is straightforward and the premise is surviving the moon ring and making the right choices. I just despise people who force others to promise to doing things they don't really want in order to move their own agenda forward but it occurs in real life as well. I highly recommend this book as well as the first book.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third novel in Aimee Easterling’s Rune Wolf series of contemporary paranormal romantic fantasy. I recommend reading the entire series in order, preferably starting with the adorable prequel short story, “Paws & Claus.”

Elspeth ends up in one difficult situation after another, trying to understand new types of magic and complicated pack arrangements. Of course nothing goes according to plan, and once again, poor Elspeth isn’t sure what to believe or who to trust. Things change so quickly in this story that I felt like I had whiplash, and I was just as confused as Elspeth trying to make sense of those changes.

This is a suspenseful story filled with unexpected twists and turns and plenty of action, intrigue, and magic. I like Elspeth and Orion, as well as many of their pack members. I wish they had more moments of joy, but this part of their story is pretty intense. I have to have faith that they will eventually win their happy ending.

The audiobook is a fun way to experience this story. The production is good, and I enjoyed Heather Daniel’s narration. Her pacing is good, her pronunciation is clear, she creates voices that suit the characters, and she expresses appropriate moods and emotions.

I recommend this series for those who enjoy shifter stories and contemporary romantic fantasies with interesting magic systems.

I received an ARC of this ebook and an advanced listening copy of the audiobook from the author. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packbound is the third book in the Rune Wolf series and there are so many twists and turns! When a member of Orion's pack Is trapped and seriously injured, Orion and Elspeth race to find her.  The packmate is found clinging to life and Elspeth ends up shackled to a mysterious moonring. It could contain the power necessary to save their packmate, but at what cost? There's a lot of outsiders who seem to think they know what's best for Elspeth, but do any of them really have her best interest at heart or they just trying to use her for their own gains?


I really like Elspeth and I felt bad for her for the situation she found herself in. It really felt like she only had bad options to save her friend and her pack. Orion is awesome as always, he's most definitely an alpha, but also clearly a loving and supporting mate. I liked all the twists and turns in the book, and will admit that after some really promising events, I was surprised with how things turned out. Given the events at the end of this book, it will be very interesting to see what happens in the next. I definitely want Elspeth and Orion to get their HEA, and I have faith of the author will figure out a way for things to work out. I can't wait to see what happens next! 

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Star Review – Packbound by Aimee Easterling

Packbound, the third installment in Aimee Easterling’s Rune Wolf series, continues to blend fated mates, family drama, and desert magic in a story that’s both emotionally charged and full of tension. This time, our heroine is caught between two complicated father figures, a cursed bracelet, and a deadly magical challenge—all while trying to hold onto her place in a pack that doesn’t fully trust her.

While the emotional stakes were high and the lore continues to deepen in interesting ways, this book didn’t hit quite as hard for me as the earlier entries in the series. The pacing felt a bit uneven in places, and I found myself less connected to the central conflict despite the personal risks involved for the protagonist. Still, the themes of found family and healing—both emotional and magical—were compelling, and I appreciated the further development of the protagonist’s relationship with her mate and pack.

Fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy, especially if they’re invested in the heroine’s journey of identity and belonging. It’s a solid addition, even if it wasn’t my personal favorite of the three so far.

[Deb Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packbound, by Aimee Easterling, is the 3rd installment in her exciting Rune Wolf collection. This series is amazing; so full of action, adventure and twists and turns that your head will spin! Just when I think Elspeth and Orion are finally going to get their HEA, something happens to turn their dream upside down and they find themselves back at square one again. I like that both Elspeth and Orion are strong characters, able to face adversity on their own although they are stronger together. I enjoyed the multitude of twists and turns in this episode. It really added depth to the series. Some new characters were introduced in this round, and I found them to have an enrichning effect. Overall, Packbound is an excellent addition to the Rune Wolf collection. I can't wait to see what new adventures await us in book four!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by book three as the first two books in the series. I'm still reeling from all the twists in this story. I sympathized with the anguish which Elspeth underwent as she was torn between the machinations of her adopted father and her estranged grandfather who both had their own agendas. I was intrigued by the magical properties of the bracelet, and I wondered how the bracelet would affect Elspeth and her relationship with her pack. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I enjoyed Heather Daniel's narration, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Aimee Easterling delivers an action-packed story. As Elspeth & Orion fought other battles, both separately and united with Orion's pack, their own relationship experienced transformation. Now, with an entirely different landscape, Elspeth must determine which course of action is wisest. The characters are so well-constructed that they feel more like friends. The plot is loaded to the gills with action, and all sorts of twisty-turns. This is Easterling at her finest. Highly recommended.

[Ingeborg Geib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Geschichte ist spannend und hat mich sofort gefesselt. Elspeth muss wieder jede Menge Entscheidungen treffen ohne wirklich zu wissen was auf sie und das Rudel zu kommen könnte. Doch kaum ist sie wieder mit Orion zusammen schon trennt das Schicksal sie wieder .Sie weiss nicht immer wer es gut mit ihr meint und wer nicht. Ihre rechtmäßige Familie ist auch nicht immer das wahre ,doch manchmal muss man sich mit Menschen zusammen tun ,die man eigentlich nicht mag und denen man nicht wirklich traut.Ob es Elspeth gelingen wird das Rudel und ihre große Liebe zu retten ?

Wir werden uns wohl noch ein wenig gedulden müssen.

Gut fand ich ,das in diesem Buch ein andere Übersetzer das Ruder in der Hand hatte und man nicht von jeder Menge Fehler abgelenkt wurde

[Rachel Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 4.25/5
Narrator 4.25/5

While I wish the FMC would learn quicker, I do appreciate the story telling. Her grandfather sucked and people not telling her the whole truth is annoying. But I love how she gets suckered into doing what she doesn't want and another character goes here now you're on even footing. I cannot wait to listen to the last book.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elspeth and Orion are having a difficult relationship. The Council has found a new way to try to control her - and the other werewolves - and this causes difficulties when it comes to their matebond. I'm sure it will work out one day.

ARC from author.

[Rachel Gabriel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just awful. No context, no back story. Just a book full of words that make no sense.

[Lorna Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need the next book pronto! Gotta wait till mid 2025.
Orion is so swoon worthy, a real alpha and mate. I really hope Elsbeth gets her happily ever after, goodness knows she deserves it!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh. Another cliffhanger. But, I just know that true love is going to prevail in the end. I think. Elspeth and Orion may be fated mates, they may have the magical matebrands, but everything is not coming up chocolate and roses in their relationship. Never fear...this is not going to change in this book. When the pack gets together to welcome the children they rescued into the pack, Elspeth can't bring herself to join them and accept the pack bond, yet. When a call comes in that a sentry is in trouble and needs rescuing, the whole pack responds. Unfortunately, things pretty much go downhill from there. Elspeth will find herself with an unwanted ancient artifact and difficult decisions to make, at least one of these will be a lose-lose situation. Go figure.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading the story

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING-OR THAT-OR...!!!
Wow, what a page turner! What a unique story line. Book 3 is great, but now that I have devoured this one, I have to wait for book 4. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll Just say that while I received an ARC from the publisher, I would have gladly bought it anyway, and this is an honest review. I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy audio additions, I think you will enjoy Heather Daniel's narration.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible choices! With the mate bond seemingly healed, Elspeth believes she has finally found her place in the world. But when a packmate and friend suddenly falls ill she hopes a trip into the outpack will give her the answers she needs to save her friends life. The trip into the desert does not go as planned and Elspeth ends up with a magical bracelet that apparently has a mind of its own. Of course, the magic in the bracelet could heal the members of the pack, but in order to use that magic she will have to survive whatever tests she is given by two men; one is her adoptive father, the other, a grandfather she never met and member of a pack who wants her new packs territory. Unfortunately, the bracelet accepts them as her male relatives, and not surprisingly Elspeth quickly realizes that the two men have their own agendas that would not necessarily benefit her pack.
I loved this book and think that it is a must-read, so I highly recommend it and this series to other readers. I adore Elspeth. She is strong and capable, and always determined to do the right thing even though she has to sometimes make some very difficult decisions. All of the characters in this book are unique, and their individual personalities are always fascinating and engaging. Some exciting action, magic, shifters, and surprising twists in the plot kept me engrossed in this book from the first page to the last.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[CTVanDyne · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm so frustrated with the supposed female lead character. She's so pathetic and keeps me in frustration...so unlike Easterling's other series and books. I can honestly say Ive never hated a character so much - ever. I struggled thru all the books in this series. I liked the authors twists but the pathetic mistakes over and over and over of a supposed lead character just lent to more and more hatred of this book series... but I'll persist although it took me 3x the amount of reading time. Looking forward to try other series.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ich durfte vorab "Rudelbund" von Aimee Easterling in der deutschen Übersetzung lesen und bedanke mich für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Wie immer zieht Aimee Easterling die Lesenden in den Bann ihrer Geschichte. Aufwühlend und mit Spannung schildert sie den Fortgang der Bindung zwischen Orion und Elspeth, den Zwiespalt zwischen übersinnlicher Macht und Wohlergehen der Leute die den beiden wichtig sind.
Kann Elspeth die für sich richtigen Entscheidungen treffen oder wird sie zum Spielball anderer werden?
Viel Spaß und Spannung bei der Fortsetzung von Gefährtenbranding und Schattenverpaart.