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Le Sombre #2
To Shatter Bonds
They say guardians and vampires once lived together in harmony.
But history is written by the victors…
When Aurelia is taken by the head vampire Alain, her life is bound to the whims of a cruel master, and the guardians, living in indentured servitude, can't protect her. She alone possesses a power the vampires covet, and Alain is determined to keep it for himself.
Assigned to guard her, Theo is caught between his duty to his kind and his growing feelings for her. The first true feelings he's had since being cursed.
As Aurelia begins to challenge Alain’s rule from the shadows, Theo discovers her true intentions and Aurelia gives him an impossible help her spearhead the guardian exodus and betray his own, or maintain his loyalty to the darkness and lose her forever.
But for Theo there is only one objective. Keep Aurelia safe. Make Aurelia his.
Aurelia can’t give Alain her power and lose her chance to free the guardians. But as she and Theo draw closer, the lines between friend and foe begin to blur.
Aurelia has to trust someone.
But that someone is wrong.
But history is written by the victors…
When Aurelia is taken by the head vampire Alain, her life is bound to the whims of a cruel master, and the guardians, living in indentured servitude, can't protect her. She alone possesses a power the vampires covet, and Alain is determined to keep it for himself.
Assigned to guard her, Theo is caught between his duty to his kind and his growing feelings for her. The first true feelings he's had since being cursed.
As Aurelia begins to challenge Alain’s rule from the shadows, Theo discovers her true intentions and Aurelia gives him an impossible help her spearhead the guardian exodus and betray his own, or maintain his loyalty to the darkness and lose her forever.
But for Theo there is only one objective. Keep Aurelia safe. Make Aurelia his.
Aurelia can’t give Alain her power and lose her chance to free the guardians. But as she and Theo draw closer, the lines between friend and foe begin to blur.
Aurelia has to trust someone.
But that someone is wrong.
- GenresFantasy
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 25, 2025
a very honest 3.5 stars, the story felt rushed, and i was disappointed to not jump back into the first book
May 22, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and Cindy Gunderson for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.75/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
-This sequel was exactly what I wanted it to be. It wasn’t perfect my oh my was it great. Diving into the past to see Theo and Aurelia’s first meeting and how they came to be bound for eternity. Like the first book, the story and characters don’t seem to fit the time period. It was a little harder to overlook it this time because it was a bit more extreme but I was able to. The plot line going back in time to when Vampires and Guardian had their sort of agreement was interesting to say the least, seeing how everything started out, it was great.
-Seeing Theo back in time was so interesting to me. He still had a lot of his future personality traits in himself. But what changed was his behavior towards other vampires. Alain was such an awful character in the best way possible. Him controlling everything and everyone is so infuriating but, it does make sense in the contexte and time period, I guess. Theo’s relationship with him is so complex that it was difficult to grasp at times. Now, Aurelia, she was so sweet. Similar to Amalie but a softer version, a more discreet and recluse version. Her involvement in all of this is so incredible to see unfold because we know what happens in the future, but the characters don’t. Her relationship with Theo, similar tot he first book, felt a little sudden at times but I still really enjoyed seeing them together in a past life. They can never catch a break.
-I loved seeing the balance between keeping us in the dark and us knowing is delicate but it was very well done. And on the end, I was hooked to see how the book would end. Aurelia was bound to die by the end of the book and Theo was bound to live hundreds of years without her after that but I still wanted to know exactly what happens to them for that to happen. And I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed very minute of it and the epilogue leaving a lot to be desired. I do actually hope there is a sequel, for us to be able to see the third life and then perhaps the consequences and aftermath of it all.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.5/5
Ending 4.75/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
-This sequel was exactly what I wanted it to be. It wasn’t perfect my oh my was it great. Diving into the past to see Theo and Aurelia’s first meeting and how they came to be bound for eternity. Like the first book, the story and characters don’t seem to fit the time period. It was a little harder to overlook it this time because it was a bit more extreme but I was able to. The plot line going back in time to when Vampires and Guardian had their sort of agreement was interesting to say the least, seeing how everything started out, it was great.
-Seeing Theo back in time was so interesting to me. He still had a lot of his future personality traits in himself. But what changed was his behavior towards other vampires. Alain was such an awful character in the best way possible. Him controlling everything and everyone is so infuriating but, it does make sense in the contexte and time period, I guess. Theo’s relationship with him is so complex that it was difficult to grasp at times. Now, Aurelia, she was so sweet. Similar to Amalie but a softer version, a more discreet and recluse version. Her involvement in all of this is so incredible to see unfold because we know what happens in the future, but the characters don’t. Her relationship with Theo, similar tot he first book, felt a little sudden at times but I still really enjoyed seeing them together in a past life. They can never catch a break.
-I loved seeing the balance between keeping us in the dark and us knowing is delicate but it was very well done. And on the end, I was hooked to see how the book would end. Aurelia was bound to die by the end of the book and Theo was bound to live hundreds of years without her after that but I still wanted to know exactly what happens to them for that to happen. And I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed very minute of it and the epilogue leaving a lot to be desired. I do actually hope there is a sequel, for us to be able to see the third life and then perhaps the consequences and aftermath of it all.
July 5, 2025
To Shatter Bonds far exceeded my expectations, vampires and guardians, a prophecy, unrest, and a thirst for power are intertwined with the story of a bond not quite understood.
Theo is a vampire unlike Alain who seeks power above all else. Theo is a captive who longs to be free, yet even in his circumstances he is drawn to Aurelia the guardian who is also a captive in the vampire stronghold, and has become her self appointed protector. You can’t help but fall for a man willing to risk himself for a woman he barely knows.
Aurelia is written in a way that even when vulnerable she has subtle strength and an unbreakable will. She can stand up to Alain with disdain as well as subterfuge, yet has an unexplained weakness for Theo that she doesn’t quite understand. This makes her character more interesting as we search out the truth along with her.
The imagery is outstanding, painting a clear picture of the environment in which the story is set. It evokes emotion, curiosity, and a bit of awe at the differences in how the vampires live in comparison to the guardians.
This is a well plotted and well written novel that takes you on an unforgettable journey. The best of fantasy fiction, I recommend it.
I received a copy courtesy of the author through BookSirens. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Theo is a vampire unlike Alain who seeks power above all else. Theo is a captive who longs to be free, yet even in his circumstances he is drawn to Aurelia the guardian who is also a captive in the vampire stronghold, and has become her self appointed protector. You can’t help but fall for a man willing to risk himself for a woman he barely knows.
Aurelia is written in a way that even when vulnerable she has subtle strength and an unbreakable will. She can stand up to Alain with disdain as well as subterfuge, yet has an unexplained weakness for Theo that she doesn’t quite understand. This makes her character more interesting as we search out the truth along with her.
The imagery is outstanding, painting a clear picture of the environment in which the story is set. It evokes emotion, curiosity, and a bit of awe at the differences in how the vampires live in comparison to the guardians.
This is a well plotted and well written novel that takes you on an unforgettable journey. The best of fantasy fiction, I recommend it.
I received a copy courtesy of the author through BookSirens. This is my honest opinion of the book.
January 29, 2026
To Shatter Bonds by Cindy Gunderson was such a fascinating reading experience, especially after reading the first book. A story set in the past can sometimes feel like a pause in the main plot, but this one did the opposite. It added so much depth and emotional weight to everything.
Getting to truly see Theo in this earlier time and understand what shaped him was incredibly powerful. Instead of just being told about the past, we lived in it, and that made all the difference. The history, the relationships, and the emotional layers behind what is being carried into the present story suddenly feel so much more meaningful. It gave context to motivations and tensions in a way that made the overall story richer and more complex.
Cindy Gunderson handled the shift in timeline beautifully. The story was captivating from start to finish, and it never felt like a side story. It felt essential. There is something really compelling about watching everything unfold when you already know echoes of what is to come.
Now I am honestly just craving the next book. This one did not just expand the world. It made me more emotionally invested in it.
Getting to truly see Theo in this earlier time and understand what shaped him was incredibly powerful. Instead of just being told about the past, we lived in it, and that made all the difference. The history, the relationships, and the emotional layers behind what is being carried into the present story suddenly feel so much more meaningful. It gave context to motivations and tensions in a way that made the overall story richer and more complex.
Cindy Gunderson handled the shift in timeline beautifully. The story was captivating from start to finish, and it never felt like a side story. It felt essential. There is something really compelling about watching everything unfold when you already know echoes of what is to come.
Now I am honestly just craving the next book. This one did not just expand the world. It made me more emotionally invested in it.
June 21, 2025
I'm confused. In the first book we were given very jumpy plotline that didn't like to stay in one time period while in this book we actually got a normal chronological narrative? Without even the slightest mention of "the now" timeline that we got introduced to in the first book? Suspicious.
This book explained the whole situation in which Theo and Aurelia met for the very first time and uncovered some answers to questions screaming at you in the first book. But not all of them, don't worry. It looks like it has an ambition to be a series. Which might not be the best idea. Even though this book seemed more eventful than the first one, it somehow comes short in engaging the reader. I think the author is trying to find her voice and experiments which might deter the readers who like coherent series.
But the vampire/guardian lore is very unique and interesting so I'm holding on for it's sake alone.
This book explained the whole situation in which Theo and Aurelia met for the very first time and uncovered some answers to questions screaming at you in the first book. But not all of them, don't worry. It looks like it has an ambition to be a series. Which might not be the best idea. Even though this book seemed more eventful than the first one, it somehow comes short in engaging the reader. I think the author is trying to find her voice and experiments which might deter the readers who like coherent series.
But the vampire/guardian lore is very unique and interesting so I'm holding on for it's sake alone.
July 26, 2025
This is what I needed. Exactly what I craved in a book 2 to this series. Magnificent. I wish we got a bit more of Theo and Aurelia tension, but I truly enjoyed every bit we were given.
The writing was lovely and well paced, and the plot and world building filled in so much that I had been looking for in book 1. It left me immediately looking for what the plans for book 3 in Le Sombre would be, and I can not wait to devour it once available!
I received an arc of this book from book sirens and am so grateful to have had the chance to discover this series and author!
The writing was lovely and well paced, and the plot and world building filled in so much that I had been looking for in book 1. It left me immediately looking for what the plans for book 3 in Le Sombre would be, and I can not wait to devour it once available!
I received an arc of this book from book sirens and am so grateful to have had the chance to discover this series and author!
October 9, 2026
To Shatter Bonds by Cindy Gunderson is a brilliant continuation that enriches the entire series. Rather than hitting pause on the narrative momentum, this step into the past provides essential emotional weight and depth. Living through Theo’s history made his complex motivations feel vivid and real. Cindy Gunderson handled the timeline shift effortlessly, crafting a backstory that feels integral, deeply moving, and thoroughly captivating. It expanded the world in the best way possible, and I cannot wait to jump into the next book!
May 25, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.This is an amazing book. I have loved this series. An awesome vampire romance book. Must read!
October 27, 2025
It was annoying at first but then I really got into the lore and I’m super excited for the 3rd book.
November 11, 2025
Really good prequel to the story! Love the different take on Vampires.
November 26, 2025
this book was amazing and had me on a choke hold.
July 9, 2026
I listened on Bright Haven
August 19, 2026
Like others, I was hoping the second book would continue off where the first did. However, I enjoyed looking for the small eggs that tied the two books together.
August 31, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2/5 Peppers
To Shatter Bonds is a strong sequel that made me appreciate what Cindy Gunderson was building in the first book even more. It gives us history, context, and a deeper understanding of the mythology surrounding the guardians, vampires, bonds, and prophecy.
Aurelia was one of my favorite parts. She questions the people and traditions she was raised to believe, and slowly realizes that fulfilling a purpose and blindly obeying those who claim to speak for it are two different things. I also loved the themes of control versus choice, possession versus connection, and what true balance means.
And Alain? That man made my skin crawl. Some of his most disturbing moments came when he was calm, persuasive, or convinced his behavior was justified. His possessiveness is disguised as protection, destiny, or devotion, and the book never confuses his obsession with romance.
Theo’s history gave me more reason to care about him, and I loved the quieter moments between him and Aurelia. I believed their growing attachment, but wanted a few more scenes where they could learn about each other outside of the prophecy and danger. The middle also slowed down as Aurelia searched for answers, and I would have liked a little more breathing room between the emotional moments near the end.
Once the final portion gets moving, pieces begin locking together, and the larger ideas surrounding bonds, power, balance, darkness, and light make considerably more sense. The epilogue connected this story to the larger series and left me with a new collection of questions.
Overall, To Shatter Bonds expanded the world, deepened the mythology, and left me more invested in the Le Sombre series. A tighter middle and more time developing Aurelia and Theo’s connection would have pushed it to five stars, but I’m ready to see what comes next.
Notice: I received an ARC directly from the author. Reading and reviewing it was completely voluntary, and all thoughts or opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review By: SASSY
Queen of the Nookish Chaos
SassyReviews • SassysNook
To Shatter Bonds is a strong sequel that made me appreciate what Cindy Gunderson was building in the first book even more. It gives us history, context, and a deeper understanding of the mythology surrounding the guardians, vampires, bonds, and prophecy.
Aurelia was one of my favorite parts. She questions the people and traditions she was raised to believe, and slowly realizes that fulfilling a purpose and blindly obeying those who claim to speak for it are two different things. I also loved the themes of control versus choice, possession versus connection, and what true balance means.
And Alain? That man made my skin crawl. Some of his most disturbing moments came when he was calm, persuasive, or convinced his behavior was justified. His possessiveness is disguised as protection, destiny, or devotion, and the book never confuses his obsession with romance.
Theo’s history gave me more reason to care about him, and I loved the quieter moments between him and Aurelia. I believed their growing attachment, but wanted a few more scenes where they could learn about each other outside of the prophecy and danger. The middle also slowed down as Aurelia searched for answers, and I would have liked a little more breathing room between the emotional moments near the end.
Once the final portion gets moving, pieces begin locking together, and the larger ideas surrounding bonds, power, balance, darkness, and light make considerably more sense. The epilogue connected this story to the larger series and left me with a new collection of questions.
Overall, To Shatter Bonds expanded the world, deepened the mythology, and left me more invested in the Le Sombre series. A tighter middle and more time developing Aurelia and Theo’s connection would have pushed it to five stars, but I’m ready to see what comes next.
Notice: I received an ARC directly from the author. Reading and reviewing it was completely voluntary, and all thoughts or opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review By: SASSY
Queen of the Nookish Chaos
SassyReviews • SassysNook
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