What do you think?
Rate this book
Honorbound: A Dark Cozy Academia Fantasy
Tear it down. Start again.
Gwynhafahr val Dieth knew she was destined to be a Hero from the moment she could walk. Between long days studying to be a healer, and long nights pretending a stick was a sword, she knew it was only a matter of time before the Academy came for her. Never mind that her Companion is a stubborn old horse whose best days are behind him, or that she was fast-tracked into the class best described as "average." She is a Hero. No one can take that away.
But all that is about to change. A secret is about to tear down Gwyn's entire world, and the Academy along with it.
And her first love is the one to do it.
The highly anticipated sequel to Spellbound awaits!
Gwynhafahr val Dieth knew she was destined to be a Hero from the moment she could walk. Between long days studying to be a healer, and long nights pretending a stick was a sword, she knew it was only a matter of time before the Academy came for her. Never mind that her Companion is a stubborn old horse whose best days are behind him, or that she was fast-tracked into the class best described as "average." She is a Hero. No one can take that away.
But all that is about to change. A secret is about to tear down Gwyn's entire world, and the Academy along with it.
And her first love is the one to do it.
The highly anticipated sequel to Spellbound awaits!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
26 people want to read
About the author
Avery Carter
12 books26 followersAvery Carter is an English teacher and walking art museum, covered in tattoos, ocean blue hair tied out of their face, and square, purple glasses. They proudly proclaim that they are the "coolest person you know" to their students, and spend each day trying to live up to that title. They are a nonbinary queer author living in South Korea with their wife and two dogs. They spend their days writing new stories, and teaching their students to love words as much as they do.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 1, 2024
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Avery’s Honorbound is a must-read for any YA fantasy fan! The book beautifully captures the essence of cozy fantasy without being overly complicated. Avery has a remarkable talent for writing in a poetic and visual way that remains accessible to readers. As much as I love fantasy, I often struggle with overly complicated words and systems that sometimes make me give up on a book. In Honorbound, that’s not the case; author encapsulates all the fantasy elements while making it a chill read. Without diving into spoilers, the story follows Gwyn, a young trainee, as she embarks on her journey to become a hero. Along the way, they reconnect with their childhood friend, and the story evolves into something truly special.
The pacing of the narrative is fantastic, keeping you engaged without ever feeling rushed. It’s also refreshing to see a queer norm setting in a fantasy novel!
P.S. Be prepared for mouth-watering descriptions of food that may leave you hungry—definitely don’t read on an empty stomach!
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gwyn is a wonderfully relatable main character: insecure, flawed, yet lovable and dynamic. It's easy to become invested in her journey. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with distinct traits. Izzy, Gwyn's childhood friend, undergoes significant growth throughout the story, adding depth to the narrative.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book explores themes of belonging, and the significance of friendship and love. Avery manages to make the story both familiar and fresh. For fans of LGBTQ+ narratives and cozy fantasy, this book offers a delightful short adventure perfect for a chilly evening. Without giving anything away, it’s also a great read for She-Ra fans! 😉
Avery’s Honorbound is a must-read for any YA fantasy fan! The book beautifully captures the essence of cozy fantasy without being overly complicated. Avery has a remarkable talent for writing in a poetic and visual way that remains accessible to readers. As much as I love fantasy, I often struggle with overly complicated words and systems that sometimes make me give up on a book. In Honorbound, that’s not the case; author encapsulates all the fantasy elements while making it a chill read. Without diving into spoilers, the story follows Gwyn, a young trainee, as she embarks on her journey to become a hero. Along the way, they reconnect with their childhood friend, and the story evolves into something truly special.
The pacing of the narrative is fantastic, keeping you engaged without ever feeling rushed. It’s also refreshing to see a queer norm setting in a fantasy novel!
P.S. Be prepared for mouth-watering descriptions of food that may leave you hungry—definitely don’t read on an empty stomach!
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gwyn is a wonderfully relatable main character: insecure, flawed, yet lovable and dynamic. It's easy to become invested in her journey. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each with distinct traits. Izzy, Gwyn's childhood friend, undergoes significant growth throughout the story, adding depth to the narrative.
Themes: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The book explores themes of belonging, and the significance of friendship and love. Avery manages to make the story both familiar and fresh. For fans of LGBTQ+ narratives and cozy fantasy, this book offers a delightful short adventure perfect for a chilly evening. Without giving anything away, it’s also a great read for She-Ra fans! 😉
December 19, 2024
Gwynhafahr val Dieth was always destined to be a Hero, that much she knows. And yet, life at the Academy is not exactly how she envisioned it: she struggles to fit in with the other Heroes-in-training, her rankings are consistently low, and above all she is desperately homesick. To make matters worse, her best friend from back home never replied to any of her letters, with no explanation whatsoever.
So Gwyn is incredibly surprised when a delegation from her home comes to visit the Academy with Izzy accompanying them. Could this be their chance to mend their relationship, or will a dark secret tear everything apart?
Set in the same world as Carter's previous book, Spellbound, Honorbound is the perfect follow-up, even though it works truly well also as a standalone. The Academy is a fascinating setting without being so overly complicated that readers risk getting lost in it, making this a great book for readers approaching fantasy novels. The characters are charming and well-developed, especially the main character Gwyn. Her efforts to fit in delicately convey a meaningful reflection on belonging, and her struggles with insecurity, loneliness, friendship and love are very relatable, especially for a younger audience.
The book is described as a dark cozy academia fantasy and, while that may sound somewhat confusing at first, it is an accurate description. The stakes are moderately high, yet there is a pervasive coziness throughout the narrative and it is impossible not to become invested in the characters' struggles. For fans of the previous book, there are some very welcome returns but having read it is not a prerequisite in order to enjoy Honorbound.
Despite some small issues with pacing, with the last third or so of the book feeling slightly too rushed, this is a truly pleasant reading experience. Readers looking for an adventure that does not require excessive commitment on a cold winter evening (but that is nonetheless highly rewarding) will certainly find it here.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.
I received an e-arc of this book for free via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
So Gwyn is incredibly surprised when a delegation from her home comes to visit the Academy with Izzy accompanying them. Could this be their chance to mend their relationship, or will a dark secret tear everything apart?
Set in the same world as Carter's previous book, Spellbound, Honorbound is the perfect follow-up, even though it works truly well also as a standalone. The Academy is a fascinating setting without being so overly complicated that readers risk getting lost in it, making this a great book for readers approaching fantasy novels. The characters are charming and well-developed, especially the main character Gwyn. Her efforts to fit in delicately convey a meaningful reflection on belonging, and her struggles with insecurity, loneliness, friendship and love are very relatable, especially for a younger audience.
The book is described as a dark cozy academia fantasy and, while that may sound somewhat confusing at first, it is an accurate description. The stakes are moderately high, yet there is a pervasive coziness throughout the narrative and it is impossible not to become invested in the characters' struggles. For fans of the previous book, there are some very welcome returns but having read it is not a prerequisite in order to enjoy Honorbound.
Despite some small issues with pacing, with the last third or so of the book feeling slightly too rushed, this is a truly pleasant reading experience. Readers looking for an adventure that does not require excessive commitment on a cold winter evening (but that is nonetheless highly rewarding) will certainly find it here.
This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery.
I received an e-arc of this book for free via Reedsy Discovery. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.
For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.
December 7, 2024
Gwyn is not the typical FMC leader. At a school for heroes, Gwyn does not have a drop of magic. This impedes her from being able to be at the higher ranks of her class but is unable to crest the higher ranking to succeed.
When the Academy is attacked by her friend Izzy, Gwyn is forced to become the leader to try to stop the downfall of the Academy and the powers it holds.
This book was a fast read as it is a shorter novel. We get to follow up with some of the characters we saw in Spellbound and see how their training leads to aiding Gwyn in her attempts to become a Hero. Gwyn leads two other younger students with different Hero class and abilities to try to reason with Izzy to stop this take over.
This book has romance, action, and lots of good food descriptions.
When the Academy is attacked by her friend Izzy, Gwyn is forced to become the leader to try to stop the downfall of the Academy and the powers it holds.
This book was a fast read as it is a shorter novel. We get to follow up with some of the characters we saw in Spellbound and see how their training leads to aiding Gwyn in her attempts to become a Hero. Gwyn leads two other younger students with different Hero class and abilities to try to reason with Izzy to stop this take over.
This book has romance, action, and lots of good food descriptions.
December 3, 2024
✨ ARC Review ✨
🗡️ Honorbound is a beautifully woven tapestry of magic, heart, and growth. 💫 Gwyn’s journey is both relatable and inspiring, and the bond they share with Izzy is simply everything. The world is rich with charm, and the story gently pulls you in, making it impossible to put down.
🔥 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Academia vibes
🔥 Lesbian Shadow Daddy
🔥 Coming of Age/YA
🔥 Dark Cozy Fantasy
🔥 Queer-Norm World
🔥 Ballroom Dancing With the Enemy
🔥 Grumpy Old Horse
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this lovely adventure. The perfect read for anyone seeking a cozy, heartfelt fantasy. 🌿
🗡️ Honorbound is a beautifully woven tapestry of magic, heart, and growth. 💫 Gwyn’s journey is both relatable and inspiring, and the bond they share with Izzy is simply everything. The world is rich with charm, and the story gently pulls you in, making it impossible to put down.
🔥 Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Academia vibes
🔥 Lesbian Shadow Daddy
🔥 Coming of Age/YA
🔥 Dark Cozy Fantasy
🔥 Queer-Norm World
🔥 Ballroom Dancing With the Enemy
🔥 Grumpy Old Horse
Thank you so much to the author for allowing me to experience this lovely adventure. The perfect read for anyone seeking a cozy, heartfelt fantasy. 🌿
November 3, 2024
This was an excellent follow-up to Spellbound! It introduces compelling new characters, and brings back some favorites from book one. Cozy, but thrilling with true stakes, this is one that builds up to a truly satisfying ending for all of the characters.
November 23, 2024
This is a charming continuation to this series of standalone novels. I enjoyed watching Avery expand on the world and bring in a new cast of characters. It’s definitely dark cozy. It has those cozy vibes, but the stakes are high and the book is violent.
December 10, 2024
Rating 3.75/5
I received an ARC from the author, and though my review is honest and true, I wish them the best of luck.
Honestly, this was a good short read. I'm really only sad because I wanted it to be longer. The world building was good. Could it have been better? Probably, but it's definitely a LOT better world build-up than some even popular fantasy books (cough cough Broken Bonds by J. Bree). Also, the details to feed. I was mad because I wanted some! And being sick doesn't help, haha.
I felt the high stakes were there, but it wasn't adrenaline pumping, I had to read what happened next kind of thing.
Personally, I felt the story was a bit rushed. I think it could have expanded outside the academy of tiny bit to foreshadow to go back into the academy. Get that heated desire tension between the characters.
Also, does Gwyn go by she/her and / or they/them pronouns? Because in the ARC copy, it was used a she/them. Which is fine, I just needed to know for my sanity.
Also, plus two, I'm a Spice girly, i wouldn't mind some Sapphic romance sprinkle sprinkle
I received an ARC from the author, and though my review is honest and true, I wish them the best of luck.
Honestly, this was a good short read. I'm really only sad because I wanted it to be longer. The world building was good. Could it have been better? Probably, but it's definitely a LOT better world build-up than some even popular fantasy books (cough cough Broken Bonds by J. Bree). Also, the details to feed. I was mad because I wanted some! And being sick doesn't help, haha.
I felt the high stakes were there, but it wasn't adrenaline pumping, I had to read what happened next kind of thing.
Personally, I felt the story was a bit rushed. I think it could have expanded outside the academy of tiny bit to foreshadow to go back into the academy. Get that heated desire tension between the characters.
Also, does Gwyn go by she/her and / or they/them pronouns? Because in the ARC copy, it was used a she/them. Which is fine, I just needed to know for my sanity.
Also, plus two, I'm a Spice girly, i wouldn't mind some Sapphic romance sprinkle sprinkle
November 10, 2024
Honorbound is exactly what I needed after reading Spellbound by Avery Carter. Carter does an amazing job of writing cozy fantasy that is still exciting and impactful. This book was like being covered with a cozy blanket while watching an action-packed show. I absolutely love their writing style and the way they create this magical world.
July 13, 2025
My goodness I loved this so much!! I don’t have the words right now but I will. Review to come!
January 17, 2025
What a fun and cozy sequel to Spellbound!
Honorbound takes place several years after Spellbound, and is this time centred at the Hero Academy. Gwyn is a third year Hero-in-training, focused on Healing, as she has zero magic - unlike virtually all other Heroes. She is remarkably average, and that's rather appealing for a fantasy MMC!
Despite wanting to be a Hero for her whole life, she is also quite homesick, and is thrilled when a delegation is announced from her home - including Ozioma, whom we meet in book 1, Spellbound. She has spent years wondering why her best friend Izzy ghosted her after she left for the Academy, and is surprised to see Izzy amongst the delegates. But, all is not as it seems..
The adventure that Gwyn embarks on is challenging and draining, especially for one without magic, but the companions she picks up along the way are a great addition to the story.
With this enemies to lovers story, Avery has a descriptive voice that will draw you in!
I received an eARC from Avery. My opinions are my own.
Honorbound takes place several years after Spellbound, and is this time centred at the Hero Academy. Gwyn is a third year Hero-in-training, focused on Healing, as she has zero magic - unlike virtually all other Heroes. She is remarkably average, and that's rather appealing for a fantasy MMC!
Despite wanting to be a Hero for her whole life, she is also quite homesick, and is thrilled when a delegation is announced from her home - including Ozioma, whom we meet in book 1, Spellbound. She has spent years wondering why her best friend Izzy ghosted her after she left for the Academy, and is surprised to see Izzy amongst the delegates. But, all is not as it seems..
The adventure that Gwyn embarks on is challenging and draining, especially for one without magic, but the companions she picks up along the way are a great addition to the story.
With this enemies to lovers story, Avery has a descriptive voice that will draw you in!
I received an eARC from Avery. My opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews